Dosing head for a dosing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing installation (1) comprising at least one dosing device (2), which dosing device (2) has at least one dosing system (3) comprising: at least one dosing head (5) for dispensing a dosing material; and at least one change system (6, 6') assigned to the dosing device (2). The dosing device (2) and / or the change system (6, 6') and / or the dosing system (3) are designed and can be controlled by a control device (7) in such a way that, in order to form a dosing head (5), at least one first dosing head component (A) can be detachably coupled to at least one second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via the change system (6, 6'). The invention also relates to a change system (6, 6') and a dosing device (2) for such a dosing installation (1) as well as to a dosing system (3) and a dosing head (5) for a dosing system (3). The invention also relates to a method for coupling at least one first dosing head component (A) to a second dosing head component (B) in an automated manner in order to form a dosing head (5).

Description

[0001] Dosing head for a dosing system

[0002] The invention relates to a dosing system with at least one dosing device, which dosing device comprises at least one dosing system for a dosing substance with at least one dosing head for dispensing the dosing substance. The invention further relates to a change system and a dosing device for such a dosing system, as well as to a dosing system and a dosing head for a dosing system. The invention further relates to a method for the automated coupling of at least one first dosing head component to a second dosing head component to form a dosing head.

[0003] Dosing systems of the type mentioned above are typically used to apply a medium to be dosed to a target surface in a targeted manner, i.e. at the right time, in the right place and in a precisely dosed amount. In addition to a dosing head, which is used to actually dispense the dosing substance, a dosing system usually comprises other elements, such as a control system for operating the dosing head. The dosing substance can be dispensed by releasing a dosing medium or dosing substance drop by drop via a nozzle on the dosing head. As a rule, a dosing head comprises a corresponding dosing valve or is designed as a dosing valve, which is why the terms “dosing head” and “dosing valve” are used synonymously in the description of the invention.

[0004] In the context of so-called "micro-dispensing technology," it is often necessary to precisely place very small amounts of a dispensing substance onto the target surface without contact, i.e., without direct contact between the dispensing system and the target surface. A typical example of this is the dispensing of adhesive dots, solder pastes, etc., when assembling printed circuit boards or other electronic components, or the application of converter materials for LEDs.

[0005] Such a contactless process is often referred to as a "jet process," with a dosing valve operating according to the jet process being referred to as a "jet valve." The dispensing of (dosing) medium from the jet valve is typically achieved by moving a movable ejection element located inside a nozzle of the jet valve at a relatively high speed in an ejection direction toward a nozzle opening, thereby ejecting a single drop of medium from the nozzle. After such an ejection process has ended, the ejection element is retracted in an opposite retraction direction to eject a subsequent drop.

[0006] Alternatively or in addition to a movable ejection element, a nozzle of a jet valve itself can be moved in an ejection or retraction direction to dispense the dosing substance. To dispense the dosing substance, the nozzle and an ejection element arranged inside the nozzle can be moved toward or away from each other in a relative movement, whereby the relative movement can occur either solely through a movement of the nozzle or at least partially also through a corresponding movement of the ejection element.

[0007] Instead of a jet valve, a dosing system for dispensing the dosing substance mentioned above can also comprise a contact dosing valve. Furthermore, a dosing valve can also be implemented as a needle dosing valve. Accordingly, the 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 type mentioned above, even if a jet valve as described above is preferred.

[0008] During operation of a dosing system, it is often necessary to replace certain components after a certain period of operation. The reasons for replacing components are varied and sometimes depend on the type of dosing valve. For example, before changing the dosing substance, it may be necessary to replace the fluid-carrying elements of the dosing valve that come into contact with the dosing substance. Depending on the nature of the dosing substance, it may be necessary to replace the fluid-carrying elements for cleaning at regular intervals or after a corresponding message from a dosing valve control system in order to ensure consistent dosing results during operation. For dosing systems equipped with their own dosing substance supply, regular replacement of a dosing substance cartridge may be necessary during operation.

[0009] A change of components during operation can also be due to a change in the configuration of a dosing system. For example, a dosing system configuration can be adjusted via the design of a nozzle and / or an ejection element and / or the properties of a dosing material in order to achieve a specific dosing pattern. A configuration change may be necessary, for example, if a different (manufactured) product with a specific dosing material pattern is to be manufactured on a system, or if different dosing materials or different sized dosing material points are required for one and the same product.

[0010] Especially with the jet valves mentioned above, it is necessary for certain components to be replaced or replaced with new ones for maintenance purposes. Especially for components that are subject to high wear during operation, regular replacement or replacement following a wear warning is important for consistent dosing results.

[0011] While it is generally possible to change or replace certain components or elements in today's available dosing systems, such a change usually requires that the dosing system be taken out of operation for the duration of the component change and may even require removal from a higher-level system. A change is typically performed by an operator removing the component to be replaced from the dosing system, inserting a new component, and then reassembling the dosing system, possibly manually adjusting it. Depending on the design and modularity of the dosing system, changing components can be time-consuming, resulting in an unnecessarily long downtime of the dosing system, thus reducing its efficiency and incurring unnecessary costs.

[0012] Particularly in large production plants where a large number of dosing systems are integrated into a higher-level system and operated jointly by this system, changing a component of just one of the dosing systems can lead to a temporary standstill of the entire system, which has a detrimental effect on the efficiency of the system.

[0013] On the other hand, as already mentioned, a regular replacement or a situation-dependent replacement of certain, e.g. worn, components of a dosing system during operation is essential with regard to a consistent dosing result.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a dosing system and the assemblies or dosing system components required for operation of the dosing system, with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided or at least reduced and with which the most efficient operation of a dosing system is possible. This object is achieved by a dosing system according to claim 1, a change system according to claim 5, a dosing device according to claim 6, a dosing head according to claim 7 and a dosing system according to claim 20, as well as by a method according to claim 21.

[0015] A dosing system according to the invention has at least one dosing device, which dosing device has at least one dosing system for a dosing substance or a dosing medium, preferably two or more dosing systems.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, a dosing device is to be understood as a higher-level unit or system that comprises at least (provision) means so that a proper dosing substance dispensing can take place through at least one dosing valve coupled to the dosing device, preferably a dosing system. During operation, i.e., for dosing substance dispensing, the respective dosing systems are preferably detachably coupled to the dosing device, in particular detachably arranged thereon, and are preferably separately controllable. The dosing device can preferably comprise at least one supply device for proper dosing operation of the coupled dosing systems and / or a control device.

[0017] A dosing system according to the invention comprises at least one dosing head or dosing valve for dispensing a dosing substance onto a substrate in a controlled manner. The dosing valve can be designed according to one of the types mentioned above, i.e., in particular, as a jet valve, and has at least one actuator unit and a fluidic unit coupled thereto during operation and functionally interacting with it. A dosing head or dosing valve comprises at least the components involved in the actual dosing substance dispensing.

[0018] In addition to a dosing head, a dosing system has at least one dosing substance reservoir or dosing substance supply and a control device for controlling the operation of the dosing head. The dosing substance reservoir and / or the control device can be designed as part of a respective dosing system, e.g., as a carried dosing substance cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, a dosing head can be coupled during operation to an external dosing substance supply and / or to a higher-level control device to form a dosing system. Details of the dosing system will be provided later. According to the invention, a respective dosing system comprises at least one dosing head for dispensing a dosing substance from the dosing system. The dosing head or the dosing valve can, in particular, be designed as a subunit of a respective dosing system.Within the scope of the invention, a (properly mounted) dosing head comprises, during operation, at least one actuator unit and a fluidic unit coupled to and interacting with the actuator unit. A dosing head can comprise further elements of a dosing system, as described later. Preferably, a dosing head comprises at least those components of a dosing system that are (mechanically) involved in the dispensing of dosing substance from the dosing system.

[0019] The dosing system according to the invention comprises at least one changeover system that is at least temporarily assigned to a dosing device during operation. In particular, the changeover system can be at least temporarily assigned to a specific dosing system during operation of the dosing system.

[0020] The exchange system and / or the dosing device and / or the dosing system are designed and are designed to be controllable by a control device such that, in order to form or create a respective dosing head, at least one first dosing head component can be detachably coupled, in particular reversibly coupled, to at least one second dosing head component in an automated process by means of the exchange system.

[0021] An automated process is understood to mean that a coupling process for forming a dosing head can be carried out as intended without direct manual human intervention. The individual process steps underlying the automated coupling process and / or the means integrated into the coupling process can be controlled by a control device, in particular by a higher-level control device of the dosing system, so that a coupling process and / or a decoupling process is fully automated. Details on this will be provided later.

[0022] For coupling the first and second dosing head components to form the dosing head, the exchange system can temporarily interact functionally with the dosing device and / or with at least parts of a dosing system of the dosing device. In particular, the exchange system provides means designed to form a dosing head by coupling two dosing head components, in particular through interaction with the dosing device and / or the dosing system, and / or to decouple two dosing head components.

[0023] A first dosing head component preferably comprises at least one nozzle element of a nozzle. A second dosing head component can be arranged on an associated dosing device and / or on an actuator unit and / or on a fluidic unit. Accordingly, the second dosing head component can be arranged, preferably directly or at least indirectly, on a dosing device for coupling and / or decoupling two dosing head components. This means that in the automated process, only one part of a dosing system is changed, while another part of the same dosing system is not changed, in particular, it remains on a dosing device.

[0024] The first dosing head component can also be a complete fluidic unit, i.e., including a nozzle and a dosing system, while the second dosing head component can be an actuator unit. It is also possible, for example, for a first dosing head component to be designed as a first part of the fluidic unit, e.g., a nozzle, while a second dosing head component is designed as a second, different part of the same fluidic unit, e.g., as a fluidic base body. This will be described in more detail later.

[0025] The first and second dosing head components can be coupled or are coupled to one another in the automated process in such a way that a functional dosing head can be formed or is formed. A functional dosing head is understood to mean that the dosing head, e.g., as a subunit of a dosing system, in particular as a component of a higher-level dosing device, is designed in such a way that, during operation of the dosing system, the dosing substance is dispensed as intended via the dosing head, in particular by controlling the dosing head via an associated control device.

[0026] According to the invention, the first and second dosing head components are designed for a detachable, i.e. reversible, coupling. The feature of a “detachable coupling” or “detachable coupling” means that the first dosing head component and / or the second dosing head component are designed such that they can be coupled to one another and later decoupled from one another again. This means that two dosing head components can be decoupled from one another again, in particular while maintaining their respective technical specifications. Such a decoupling process can take place in an automated process via a changing system according to the invention. In particular, a decoupling of two dosing head components and a subsequent coupling of other dosing head components, i.e. a component change, can be realized in a common method sequence, e.g. as a change process. This will be described later.

[0027] Advantageously, the efficiency of a dosing system according to the invention having a dosing device with a correspondingly constructed dosing system can be increased compared to conventional systems. Due to the modularity of the preferably multiple dosing heads in the dosing system in interaction with the exchange system, both the coupling of dosing head components to form a dosing head and the decoupling of the dosing head components of the same dosing head, i.e. the at least partial disassembly of the dosing head, can be automated. For example, a (decoupled) component can be replaced by a (new) component with the same function in a fully automated process, whereby comparatively little direct manual intervention is required during operation of the dosing system. For example, control software can be used to control the coupling orDecoupling process can be created manually, whereby the actual changeover process in the dosing system can then take place without direct involvement of an operator.

[0028] Advantageously, the combination of the modularity of a dispensing head, the special coupling mechanism, and the changeover system allows for faster replacement of dispensing head components compared to manual replacement, thus reducing downtimes of the dispensing system. This can improve the efficiency of the dispensing system, particularly in large production facilities with numerous dispensing systems. Furthermore, the automated changeover process can reduce human error sources when changing dispensing system components, thus increasing production quality.

[0029] The invention further relates to a changeover system for a dosing system, in particular for a dosing system according to the invention, wherein the dosing system has at least one dosing device with at least one dosing system, which dosing system has at least one dosing head, preferably a previously described dosing head. According to the invention, the changeover system is designed and controllable by a control device such that, to form a dosing head, at least one first dosing head component can be detachably coupled, in particular reversibly coupled, to at least one second dosing head component via the changeover system in an automated process.

[0030] The exchange system is preferably designed and controllable by a control device such that at least a first dosing head component of a dosing head can be decoupled from at least a second dosing head component in an automated process via the exchange system.

[0031] The invention further relates to a dosing device for a dosing system, in particular for a dosing system according to the invention, wherein the dosing device has at least one dosing system with at least one dosing head, preferably a dosing head as described above, and wherein the dosing device is designed and controllable by a control device such that, in order to form the dosing head, at least one first dosing head component can be detachably coupled, in particular reversibly coupled, to at least one second dosing head component in an automated process via a change system of the dosing system.

[0032] The dosing device is preferably designed and controllable by a control device such that at least a first dosing head component of a dosing head can be decoupled from at least a second dosing head component in an automated process via a change system.

[0033] The invention further relates to a dosing head for a dosing system, in particular for a dosing system according to the invention, wherein the dosing head has at least one actuator unit and a fluidic unit detachably coupled thereto. In principle, a dosing head according to the invention can also be used in a dosing system independently of a dosing system and / or independently of a dosing device. However, it is preferred that the dosing head be used as part of a dosing system, as this offers particular advantages.

[0034] The actuator unit preferably has at least one actuator for moving a, in particular movable, ejection element of the dosing head for dispensing a dosing substance. The actuator can preferably be a piezo actuator. Particularly preferably, the actuator can be a pneumatic actuator. A pneumatic actuator can preferably comprise a membrane that can be acted upon and / or deflected by a pressure medium in order to move an ejection element in an ejection direction thereover. The fluidic unit comprises at least one supply channel for dosing substance and a nozzle for dispensing dosing substance from the dosing head. Details on the actuator unit and the fluidic unit will be provided later.

[0035] According to the invention, a (mounted) dosing head has at least one first dosing head component, to which dosing head component a first interface part of an interface is assigned, in particular for forming an interface. Furthermore, the (mounted) dosing head has at least one second dosing head component formed separately from the first dosing head component. A second interface part of the same interface is assigned to the second dosing head component, in particular for forming the same interface. The first interface part can be formed as part of the first dosing head component, wherein the second interface part can be formed as part of the second dosing head component.Alternatively or additionally, the first interface part can be arranged, at least in sections, on the first dosing head component, wherein the second interface part can be arranged, at least in sections, on the second dosing head component.

[0036] According to the invention, the first interface part and / or the second interface part, in particular both interface parts, are designed to detachably couple the first dosing head component to the second dosing head component in an automated process, forming the interface, to form the dosing head. The interface between the first and second dosing head components is designed in particular such that the dosing head is properly formed and functional after coupling the two dosing head components, with the dosing substance being dispensed as intended via the dosing head during operation.

[0037] For coupling the two dosing head components, the first dosing head component has a coupling area or an "access area" which is designed to interact with a change system that is at least temporarily assigned to the dosing head (to be formed) for coupling the first with the second dosing head component in the automated process. The change system is preferably a change system according to the invention of a dosing system as described above. The change system is assigned to a specific dosing head at least for the period of a change of a dosing head component. The change system can be alternately assigned to different dosing heads and / or different dosing devices.The access area on the first dosing head component is designed such that the interchangeable system can interact with the first dosing head component via the access area, in particular, can act on it in such a way that the first and second dosing head components are brought into operative contact for coupling. The access area is preferably designed such that the interchangeable system can interact with a first dosing head component via the access area in such a way that decoupling of a first dosing head component from a second dosing head component is also possible.

[0038] The invention further relates to a dosing system for a dosing device of a dosing system, in particular for a dosing system according to the invention. The dosing system has at least one dosing head, in particular a dosing head according to the invention. The dosing system is designed and can be controlled by a control device such that, to form the dosing head of the dosing system, at least a first dosing head component can be releasably coupled to at least one second dosing head component in an automated process via a change system of a dosing system, in particular via a change system according to the invention.

[0039] The dosing system is preferably designed to be controllable by a control device such that at least a first dosing head component of a dosing head of the dosing system can be decoupled from at least a second dosing head component in an automated process via a change system.

[0040] Advantageously, all of the previously described assemblies of a dosing system or dosing system components are based on the same inventive concept, namely the ability to replace a specific component of a dosing head of a dosing system in an automated process. Consequently, the same advantageous effects described for the dosing system according to the invention also result in a corresponding manner for a dosing device, a replacement system, a dosing system, and a dosing head.

[0041] In a method according to the invention for the automated coupling of at least one first dosing head component to a second dosing head component to form a dosing head of a dosing system, preferably a dosing system according to the invention and / or a dosing system for a dosing system according to the invention, the automated coupling preferably comprises at least one change of at least one dosing head component. The automated coupling can preferably take place during operation of a dosing system, in particular while at least one other dosing system of the same dosing system continues dosing operation.

[0042] The method may comprise at least the following steps:

[0043] In an optional step, at least one interface of a (mounted) dosing head, which interface has a first interface part and a second interface part, can be transferred into a transfer state of the interface in order to enable an automated change of a first dosing head component that has the first interface part. Preferably, the transfer state can be brought about by de-energizing and / or de-pressurizing at least some interface elements of at least one interface part. Preferably, a supply coupling can be de-energized and / or de-pressurized. In particular, the transfer state of the interface can be established by controlling a control device assigned to the dosing system, preferably a higher-level control device.

[0044] In an optional step, the first dosing head component can be transferred into a change system, preferably using a coupling area of ​​the first dosing head component assigned to the change system. Preferably, the first dosing head component can be transferred into a movable change manipulator.

[0045] In an optional step, the interface can be transferred to a decoupling state, preferably by means of a control device assigned to the dosing system, preferably a higher-level control device. To transfer to the decoupling state, a preferably mechanical coupling between the first interface part and the second interface part can be released.

[0046] In an optional step, the first (detached) dosing head component with the first interface part can be transferred into a magazine, preferably into a magazine of the exchange system. The transfer can preferably be carried out by means of a movable component of the exchange system, in particular via a movable exchange manipulator. The optional method steps described above are preferably carried out if a dosing head component is to be exchanged, i.e. a dosing head component is replaced directly or in the same method sequence by another dosing head component with the same function, for example. In this respect, the method can then be referred to as a combined decoupling / coupling method or, for short, as a "exchange method".The steps described above do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order mentioned, although several steps can be carried out essentially simultaneously or individual steps can be omitted.

[0047] In any case, the method according to the invention comprises the method steps described below. If the method is carried out as an "alternating method," these method steps can essentially follow directly on from the previously described decoupling steps.

[0048] Alternatively, the following steps can also be carried out independently of the previous optional steps, e.g. when a dosing head (in a certain shape) is formed for the first time or after a dosing system has not been in operation for a longer period of time or has been without a functioning dosing head.

[0049] First, a first dosing head component, to which a first interface part is assigned, is provided. Preferably, provision is effected by means of a changeover system. Provision means at least that the changeover system has access to a first dosing head component and, in particular, can interact with a first dosing head component.

[0050] Thereafter, using the exchange system, the first interface part, which is assigned to the first dosing head component, is brought together with a complementary second interface part, which is assigned to a second dosing head component, which dosing head component is preferably arranged on a dosing device, to form an interface.

[0051] At least one interface element of the interface is latched in order to detachably or reversibly couple the first dosing head component to the second interface part, which is assigned to the second dosing head component, via the first interface part to form the dosing head. Preferably, the latching of the interface element can be controlled by a control device assigned to the dosing system, preferably a higher-level control device.

[0052] In an optional step, an actuator of an actuator unit can be adjusted. Adjustment is particularly advantageous for a jet valve with a movable ejection element with regard to dosing accuracy. Preferably, the adjustment can be carried out such that, in a defined operating state of the actuator, in particular in a deflected operating state of the actuator, a specific contact force of an ejection element in a nozzle of a fluidic unit is generated by the actuator. The adjustment process can be controlled via a higher-level control device assigned to the dosing system. Preferably, the adjustment process can be controlled via a dosing system-specific (local) control unit. It is also possible for an adjustment process to be initiated by a higher-level control device, with the actual adjustment then being controlled by a dosing system-specific (local) control unit.

[0053] Preferably, in a method for controlling at least one dosing system with at least one dosing head, preferably a dosing system according to the invention and / or a dosing system for a dosing system according to the invention, for controlling a dosing substance dispensing from the dosing head, a first dosing head component can be releasably coupled at least once via a first interface part assigned to the first dosing head component in an automated process to form a dosing head to a second interface part assigned to a second dosing head component. The automated coupling preferably takes place according to the previously described method for automated coupling.

[0054] Preferably, the control method can also provide for a first dosing head component of a dosing head to be changed at least once in an automated process, i.e., for example, replaced with a functionally equivalent component, in particular according to the previously described method for automated coupling. This means that an automated changeover process can be integrated into the control method.

[0055] Advantageously, the automated changeover method or process is also based on the same inventive concept as described with reference to the dosing system. Accordingly, the same advantageous effects described above also result for this method. Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description, wherein the independent claims of one claim category can also be developed analogously to the dependent claims and exemplary embodiments of another claim category, and in particular, individual features of different exemplary embodiments or variants can be combined to form new exemplary embodiments or variants.

[0056] A dosing system as described above comprises at least one, preferably a number of, i.e., two or more, separate dosing devices. A dosing system can, for example, be an entire production facility and can comprise at least the assemblies required to implement the invention. This means that a dosing system preferably comprises at least one dosing device, one exchange system, one dosing system, one dosing head, and one control device.

[0057] If a dosing system has two or more dosing devices, different products can be manufactured on each of them. Accordingly, the respective dosing devices can be operated separately. In particular, the respective dosing devices can be controlled separately by a control device.

[0058] A dosing system can preferably have a control device that can control all components of the dosing system separately. This control device can have all hardware components, such as interfaces to the individual components of a dosing system, and can be programmed accordingly to supply the respective components with control signals for an automated coupling and / or decoupling process and / or to control a dosing process of the individual dosing valves. Such a control device is referred to as a "superordinate" control device and can be implemented centrally. However, a superordinate control device is preferably designed decentrally.

[0059] For example, a preferably decentralized control device can comprise a system of a plurality of cooperating sub-control units, which can also be arranged at different positions in a dosing system. It would also be possible for a respective dosing system to be assigned its own sub-control unit, which can also be arranged, for example, in the dosing system itself. The respective sub-control units can preferably communicate with each other, in particular to exchange control signals and / or measurement signals.

[0060] Preferably, a higher-level control device can comprise at least two interacting sub-control units. Preferably, a (first) sub-control unit can then be designed to control certain system functions of a dosing system, in particular system functions that do not relate to the dosing process itself. Preferably, such a "system control unit" can control at least the positioning of a dosing valve in the dosing system and / or the handling of manufactured products, in particular the transport of manufactured products to or from a dosing point, and / or perform a monitoring function, in particular with regard to the dosing precision of a respective dosing valve, e.g., via a camera. This system control unit can be implemented, for example, by means of a standard programmable logic controller (PLC).Preferably, a specific design of a dosing system, in particular a position of components in the dosing system, can be stored in the system control unit.

[0061] Preferably, the system control unit can interact with a (second) sub-control unit that controls the actual dosing process of the respective dosing valves in a dosing system and / or an automated coupling and / or decoupling process at a specific dosing valve (hereinafter "operational control unit"). Preferably, the system control unit and the operational control unit can communicate with each other, in particular to exchange control signals. The operational control unit can preferably control at least the following elements of a dosing system separately: a change system, in particular a magazine for dosing head components, and the respective dosing heads of a dosing system, in particular the interfaces of the respective dosing heads.

[0062] It is fundamentally possible for an entire coupling and / or decoupling process to be controlled solely by the operating control unit.

[0063] However, it is preferred that two or more sub-control units interact for automated coupling or decoupling of a dosing head component. Preferably, the system control unit can control the participating assemblies of a dosing system such that a specific (partially exchanged) dosing head is moved into a change position. To carry out the actual change process, the operating control unit can control the assemblies involved in the change process, i.e. in particular a change system and the interface components of a specific dosing head, preferably as a function of control signals from the system control unit. After completion of the change process, in particular as a function of control signals from the operating control unit, the dosing head can be moved back into a working position via a control by the system control unit.

[0064] Preferably, the operating control unit can also generate control signals and / or transmit them to the system control unit to arrange a specific (partially replaceable) dosing head in a change position, in particular depending on status values ​​detected by the operating control unit. This will be described later.

[0065] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that, in principle, a single, possibly central, higher-level control device could also perform both the process steps for automated coupling and decoupling and control the dosing process of the dosing valves, i.e., to control a dosing system according to the invention as a whole. For example, a system control unit could also be designed to carry out the described switching process.

[0066] The description assumes, without limitation, a higher-level control device with at least two interacting sub-control units, as this can result in particular advantages. For example, when implementing the invention in an existing dosing system, an existing control device could be used, so that, for example, only the special operating control unit for controlling the automated changeover process needs to be retrofitted.

[0067] A higher-level control device can preferably also have a control function. For example, operating parameters of the respective dosing systems or their subcomponents can be fed into the control device and processed there. Preferably, the higher-level control device can intervene in a control manner in the dosing operation of a specific dosing system or dosing head and / or a specific dosing device, taking into account at least one operating parameter, so that a target value of the operating parameter is reached. Such a parameter could, for example, be an actuator deflection or a ram stroke during operation. Preferably, the higher-level control device can be designed to continuously and actively monitor at least one status value, preferably of at least one component, of a dosing system, in particular a dosing head, during operation of the dosing system. Such a status value can, for example,a wear parameter, a temperature or a degree of wear of an individual component of a dosing system, e.g. a degree of wear of an ejection element.

[0068] Further status values ​​can include a defined (specifiable) number of shot cycles, (sensor) signals from drop detection, in particular a lack of drop break-off, signals from flow sensors in the feed channel, in particular a flow rate deviating from a target value, signals from fill level sensors of a dosing agent cartridge, the expiration of a defined time interval, in particular regarding the processing time of a dosing agent, or the reaching of a regular maintenance interval for a component. Preferably, a changeover process can be triggered by the operating control unit depending on these status values.

[0069] A status value can also be a dosing performance or dosing precision of a specific dosing valve that deviates from a target value. A status value can then preferably be a dosing material quantity dispensed from a dosing head during a respective ejection process and / or a shape of a dispensed dosing material droplet. Corresponding measured values ​​can preferably be fed to the higher-level control device, e.g., the system control unit, whereby a switching process can be triggered depending on these measured values ​​or status values. The corresponding measured values ​​can be generated, for example, using a scale or a camera system as part of the dosing system.Preferably, the control device, in particular the higher-level control device, can compare the respective state value during operation, in particular in real time, with an associated predetermined target value, whereby a remaining service life of a component can be determined and / or a time for a change (change time) of a dosing head component can be (pre-)determined.

[0070] For example, the control device can perform an automated replacement of a component as soon as a specific status value, e.g., a wear parameter, reaches and / or exceeds a maximum permissible value and / or deviates by a specific value from an assigned target value. Optionally, the control device could generate a replacement or wear message beforehand, which may require confirmation by a user. Preferably, the control device can decide which type of dosing head component should be replaced based on a status value of a dosing system, in particular based on a status value of a specific component of a dosing system or a dosing head.

[0071] Preferably, for example, a higher-level control device can be designed to create a sequence plan for the automated changeover process, for example a system control unit, in particular if the dosing system comprises a number of dosing systems and / or dosing devices. The control device can preferably plan the component change in the dosing system, taking into account status values ​​of different dosing systems or dosing heads, in such a way that the operation of the system can be carried out with as little interruption as possible. The remaining service life of a component, the type of dosing head component to be replaced, a precise change time, and a change location, i.e. the spatial position of the dosing system or the dosing head and / or the dosing device in the system, can preferably be taken into account in the sequence plan.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can also be programmed so that a specific component and / or a specific dispensing head component is changed routinely, e.g. at a specific interval. Accordingly, the control device could carry out an automated change when the predeterminable value (status value) is reached or take the planned change into account in the process planning. Such a parameter can be, for example, a maximum operating time of an ejection element or a maximum permissible number of expansion cycles of a piezo actuator or a specific number of shot cycles. It is also fundamentally possible to intervene manually in the automated change process, e.g. if (exceptionally) a specific dispensing head component is to be changed regardless of whether a status value is reached or for other reasons, i.e. the change process can also be carried out by manual (user) input.

[0073] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that in a dosing system designed for an automated changeover process, it is also possible for a dosing head component to be coupled and / or uncoupled (purely) manually by a user. Preferably, the higher-level control device, e.g., a system control unit and a cooperating operating control unit, is designed to independently carry out all process steps of the process for automated coupling and / or uncoupling (changeover process), preferably also of the control process, and / or to supply the components involved with appropriate control signals for carrying out the respective process, particularly taking into account the previously generated sequence planning.

[0074] As mentioned, it is also fundamentally possible for the individual dosing systems and / or the individual dosing devices to each have their own separate (local) control unit, particularly in the form of sub-control units. Preferably, the sub-control units of the dosing systems are at least designed to locally control the dosing operation of a respective dosing system, e.g., by controlling the cooling and / or heating devices of the dosing system, setting a specific temperature in a dosing substance, or by setting a clock frequency for the dosing substance dispensing.

[0075] Preferably, the respective sub-control units of the dosing systems can communicate with other sub-control units of a dosing system, in particular also with an operating control unit and / or a system control unit. In particular, the sub-control units of the dosing systems can also be designed to form an operating control unit. This means that the sub-control units of the dosing systems themselves can form an operating control unit as part of a higher-level control device.

[0076] A local control unit of a dosing system, in particular a sub-control unit, can be arranged, for example, in an actuator housing of a respective dosing system. In this case, a dosing head with a portable dosing substance supply could itself form a complete dosing system. It would be possible in principle, particularly if a dosing system has only a single dosing system, for a control device of the dosing system to be implemented as part of a specific dosing system. For example, the (local) control unit of a dosing system could also be designed to control both the dosing operation of the dosing system and the process for an automated changeover.However, it is preferred that a respective dosing head, in addition to its own, preferably integrated, sub-control unit, also be controllable by a (complete) higher-level control device, in particular by an operating and / or system control unit. Preferably, as mentioned, a higher-level control device can then control at least those functions of a dosing head that are integrated into a coupling and / or decoupling process of a dosing head component.

[0077] This means that a dosing system is preferably designed such that a respective dosing valve or dosing head is assigned a respective, preferably identical, e.g., external, higher-level control device during operation, whereby the higher-level control device can control the individual dosing valves or dosing systems separately. As mentioned, this does not preclude a dosing head from additionally having an (internal) sub-control unit, in particular for controlling the dosing operation.

[0078] In the following, it is assumed - without limitation - that the dosing system comprises a previously described higher-level control device, which is also designed to separately control and / or regulate the dosing operation of the respective dosing valves or dosing systems. In the configuration described below, a respective dosing head forms a dosing valve and is designed as a subunit of a respective dosing system, wherein the dosing operation can be controlled, at least partially, by a (possibly external) higher-level control device. Accordingly, a respective dosing head, in combination with the associated higher-level control device and preferably a (local) sub-control unit and an associated dosing substance reservoir, can then form a complete dosing system.The higher-level control device can preferably be implemented at least partially as part of a dosing device or can be designed independently thereof and / or decentrally at several locations, in particular if a dosing system has a plurality of dosing devices.

[0079] As described above, a dosing system can comprise two or more dosing devices. For the sake of clarity, the invention will be described below – unless otherwise stated and without limitation – using a single dosing device, wherein the dosing device comprises a supply device and a higher-level control device. By way of example, the dosing device has only one dosing system or one dosing head. However, it should be noted that a dosing device according to the invention can usually have a plurality of dosing systems or dosing heads, which can also be operated independently of one another. It is possible for a dosing device to have different dosing systems, which can, for example, have a different configuration.Accordingly, the advantageous developments of the invention, even if they are described with reference to a single dosing head, are equally applicable to a plurality or a multiplicity of dosing heads or dosing systems.

[0080] A particular advantage of the invention is that, during operation of a dosing system, a specific dosing head component can be specifically replaced. Depending on the design of a dosing system and / or depending on a dosing head component to be replaced, the first or the second dosing head component can be formed by different components or elements of a dosing system. Preferably, a specific (matching) second dosing head component can be assigned to a first dosing head component, in particular depending on the design of a component to be replaced, wherein different components of a dosing system (as first or second dosing head components) can be combined with one another, i.e., coupled.

[0081] Preferably, a first dosing head component can comprise at least one of the following elements, in particular can be selected from the following components: a fluidic unit, a fluidic base body, a nozzle, a nozzle base body, a nozzle element or a dosing substance supply.

[0082] Preferably, a second dosing head component can comprise at least one of the following elements, in particular be selected from the following components: an actuator unit, a fluidic unit, a fluidic base body or a nozzle base body.

[0083] For example, a first dosing head component can comprise or be formed by a (complete) fluidic unit. Then, a second dosing head component can preferably comprise or be formed by an actuator unit.

[0084] In another combination, the first dosing head component can be a fluidic base body, while the second dosing head component can be an actuator unit. A fluidic base body is a part of a (complete) fluidic unit, which part then preferably has at least one frame, one supply channel, and one functional coupling element for forming a functional coupling, as well as optionally other elements. Preferably, a fluidic base body and an associated (complete) nozzle, which can preferably be coupled to the fluidic base body, can form a fluidic unit.

[0085] The previously described combination of a fluidic base body as the first dosing head component with an actuator unit as the second dosing head component can preferably be an intermediate step in an interchangeable process. Accordingly, in a subsequent process step, the (same) fluidic base body can then form a second dosing head component, in which case, for example, a nozzle can be coupled as the first dosing head component. It is therefore possible, at least as an intermediate step in an interchangeable process, for the same dosing head component to be a first dosing head component in one combination and a second dosing head component in another combination.

[0086] It would also be possible for a fluidic base body to form a second dosing head component from the outset in an exchange process, whereby a (complete) nozzle or a nozzle base body or a specific nozzle element can be coupled as the first dosing head component. A nozzle base body is part of a (complete) nozzle and could be coupled to a fluidic base body as the first dosing head component, for example, in an intermediate step of an exchange process. In a further step, a nozzle element (as the first dosing head component) can be coupled to it to form a nozzle or a dosing head, whereby the same nozzle base body then serves as a second dosing head component.

[0087] Furthermore, in an exchange process, a nozzle base body can also form a second dosing head component from the beginning, whereby a specific nozzle element can then form a first dosing head component that can be coupled thereto.

[0088] In another combination, a portable dosing substance reservoir can be coupled as the first dosing head component to a fluidic unit as the second dosing head component. The preferred coupling variants are described in more detail later.

[0089] A preferred dosing system comprises a change system with at least one magazine or (intermediate) storage for storing at least one first dosing head component. The magazine can preferably be designed so that two or more separate dosing head components can be stored therein simultaneously. The terms "dosing head component" and "component" are used synonymously to describe the invention.

[0090] In its simplest form, a magazine or interchangeable magazine can be a static, e.g., linear, magazine with at least one storage location, preferably two or more separate storage locations, each for a single dosing head component. Such a static magazine has the advantage of being comparatively inexpensive and is suitable if only a few dosing head components need to be stored simultaneously.

[0091] Preferably, however, a magazine can be designed such that at least one dosing head component is movably mounted in the magazine. For example, a magazine can be implemented using a carousel (carousel magazine), wherein, for example, a horizontally rotating wheel has a number of storage locations. Furthermore, a magazine can be designed in the form of a "free track" with at least one movable chain, wherein the movable chain has a plurality of storage locations, each for a dosing head component. Movable storage in the magazine could also be implemented, for example, using a controllable conveyor belt in the magazine.

[0092] Advantageously, a comparatively large number of dosing head components can be stored temporarily at the same time in a magazine for movable storage, which is particularly advantageous for large dosing systems in order to avoid having to keep an unnecessarily large number of magazines on hand.

[0093] Regardless of the specific design, a magazine of the exchange system is preferably designed to store different configurations of dosing head components, in particular simultaneously, particularly preferably the previously described elements as possible first dosing head components. Accordingly, at least two storage locations or receiving points in a magazine can be designed differently so that different embodiments of dosing head components can be stored therein.

[0094] To store a dosing head component in the magazine, the magazine can comprise a preferably controllable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is preferably designed to hold the components stored in the magazine during a designated movement of the magazine, e.g. when the magazine is moved in the dosing system. Preferably, each storage location in the magazine can be assigned a separately operated partial locking mechanism. For example, a respective dosing head component can be locked in the magazine by means of a separate snap mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the locking can also be achieved by means of a positive connection. For example, a specific dosing head component could be plugged onto a complementarily designed counterpart in a storage location.In principle, it would also be possible to hang a dosing head component in a storage location, whereby the dosing head component is then held by its own weight.

[0095] Regardless of the specific design, a magazine can be arranged in a fixed location within the dosing system. For example, a stationary magazine can be arranged in a maintenance area of ​​the dosing system, in particular spatially separated from a dosing system or dosing head and / or a dosing device. In this case, it is preferred that the dosing device is at least partially movable in order to move a second dosing head component on the dosing device into a specific change position, e.g., at the location of a magazine, in particular via control by a system control unit.

[0096] Preferably, the dosing device can be at least partially movable, in particular with respect to the magazine, and can be designed and controlled such that a second dosing head component on the dosing device is brought into operative contact with a first dosing head component in the magazine in an automated process to couple the dosing head components. In particular, the first and second dosing head components can be coupled as a result of the operative contact.

[0097] If a dosing device comprises a number of dosing systems, it is preferably designed to be controllable in such a way that, in the automated process, a specific second dosing head component on the dosing device can be brought into operative contact with a specific first dosing head component in the magazine. 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 second dosing head component is moved towards the magazine to couple the two dosing head components. For this purpose, the dosing device can comprise, for example, a movable robot system or another positioning system, e.g. a three-axis positioning system. Preferably, at least one movable part of the dosing device can be designed to be able to move to or control a specific position in a magazine. The movable part of the dosing device orThe movable dosing device as a whole can be described as a “working manipulator”.

[0098] Preferably, the dosing device can comprise at least one, preferably several separately controllable robot arms as a working manipulator, e.g., multi-axis articulated-arm robots, wherein a dosing system can be assigned to each robot arm. Preferably, a part of each robot arm can be arranged stationary in the dosing system and / or can be in operative contact with the supply device or the control device. A second part of the same robot arm can be movable in the dosing system, in particular with respect to a magazine and / or a change position and / or a dosing point. The dosing system, in particular a second dosing head component, can be detachably arranged on the movable part of the working manipulator.In this embodiment, the respective first dosing head component can be provided via the coupling area in the magazine, which is part of the changing system, in such a way that the working manipulator with the second component can access the first component in the magazine to form the dosing head.

[0099] Preferably, an at least partially movable dosing device, e.g. a respective work manipulator, is controllable, in particular by a higher-level control device, such that a first dosing head component of a (mounted) dosing head is deposited in the magazine in an automated process (decoupling process), preferably at a specific position.

[0100] A stationary magazine can also be arranged stationary on, i.e., stationary relative to, an actuator unit and / or stationary on a fluidic unit and / or stationary on a nozzle of a dispensing system. Details will be provided later.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, a magazine can be designed to be movable with respect to the dosing device and can be controlled by a, preferably higher-level, control device such that a first dosing head component in the magazine is brought into operative contact with a second dosing head component on the dosing device in an automated process to couple the dosing head components, which in particular leads to coupling. Furthermore, the magazine can be designed to be movable and can be controlled such that a first dosing head component of a (mounted) dosing head is deposited in the magazine in an automated process, preferably at a specific position. In this case, the magazine is spatially moved towards or away from the dosing device and / or the dosing system. A movable magazine could, for example, comprise a controllable robot system.A movable magazine can be used particularly advantageously in combination with a static (stationary in the dosing system) dosing system or a "static manipulator." This is the case, for example, with dosing systems for dosing devices that dispense onto a conveyor belt. A combination of the previously described embodiments would also be possible in principle. For example, a dosing head component could be moved into a specific change position by means of an at least partially movable dosing device, e.g., a work manipulator, with a movable magazine (as part of the change system) being moved into the same change position for coupling or uncoupling.

[0102] Particularly preferably, the exchange system can comprise a movable exchange device, referred to as a "change manipulator." The exchange manipulator is preferably designed and controllable by a, preferably higher-level, control device such that, by means of the exchange manipulator, a transfer of at least a first dosing head component between a magazine and a dosing device and / or a dosing system or dosing head can be carried out in an automated process.

[0103] In particular, the changing device can be designed to be controllable in such a way that, in an automated process, a first dosing head component from a magazine is brought into operative contact with a second dosing head component on a dosing device via the changing device for coupling purposes, and / or in such a way that a first decoupled dosing head component is transferred from a dosing device to a magazine. In this case, a changing position of a dosing head component can be directly on site, i.e., directly at a dosing device. In particular, a changing position can be an operating position of the dosing device and / or of a specific dosing head.

[0104] The exchange manipulator preferably represents a separate intermediate system and can transport at least one dosing head component from a magazine to a dosing device and vice versa. For this purpose, the exchange manipulator receives appropriate signals from the, preferably higher-level, control device. The exchange manipulator can have two or more receiving positions, each for a dosing head component, optionally with an associated controllable locking mechanism.

[0105] Particularly preferably, the exchange manipulator can have at least one controllable "access element" designed to functionally interact with a coupling region of a first dosing head component for coupling and / or decoupling the component. In particular, the access element can be designed to interact with a coupling region of a dosing head component in such a way that, as a result of the interaction, a coupling and / or decoupling of two components can be performed.

[0106] Preferably, the access element can be implemented by means of a controllable gripping element. For example, the access element could comprise a controllable pneumatic and / or electric gripper or be implemented by means of such a gripper. It would also be possible for an access element to have a recess complementary to the respective coupling area of ​​a dispensing head component, so that when the recess and the coupling area are brought together, a positive connection is created, whereby coupling and / or decoupling takes place.

[0107] Preferably, a separate access element can be assigned to each receiving position in the exchange manipulator. It is preferred that each access element itself forms a receiving area for a dosing head component.

[0108] The change manipulator can preferably comprise a controllable robot arm. It would also be possible to design a change manipulator in the form of a movable, e.g., transversal, base unit within the dosing system, wherein the base unit could have at least one controllable robot arm. In particular, the base unit can be designed to be freely movable within a dosing system, wherein a direction of movement can preferably be determined by a (higher-level) control device.

[0109] Alternatively or additionally, a change manipulator can also be implemented by means of a transport device, which can preferably be permanently installed in a dispensing system. For example, the transport device can have a guide system, wherein at least one access element and / or a receiving position for a dispensing head component is designed to be movable along at least one guide plane of the guide system, in particular with a linear movement. Preferably, the guide system can also have two or more guide planes or guide axes, wherein the guide system can in particular be designed as a two-axis or three-axis robot (XYZ system). In principle, a dispensing system can also have different change manipulators as part of a change system.

[0110] Advantageously, a spatial distance between a magazine and a dosing device can be overcome by means of a (movable) change manipulator. This has the advantage that the magazine and / or the dosing device can be stationary in relation to one another or stationary within a dosing system (static), which makes the assemblies more cost-effective. Another advantage is that after a dosing head component has been replaced, the change manipulator can be completely removed from the working area of ​​a dosing device so that the working area is not permanently restricted. Another advantage is that in a stationary dosing device with multiple dosing systems, a component change can also take place while the dosing device is in operation, i.e. while the other dosing systems are active.In contrast to a manual component change, with a controllable change manipulator it is not necessary to switch off the dosing device for safety reasons.

[0111] It should be noted that a movable changeover device can also be used in combination with a movable magazine and / or with an at least partially movable dosing device, in particular with a work manipulator. For example, a dosing head to be (partially) replaced can be transferred to a specific changeover position by means of a work manipulator, with the movable changeover device being controlled such that it is arranged in the same changeover position in order to perform a component changeover.

[0112] Preferably, a change system can be designed and controlled by a control device in such a way that a specific first dosing head component from a magazine is brought into operative contact with a specific second dosing head component on the dosing device, e.g. on the work manipulator, in order to couple the dosing head components. A "specific" first dosing head component can, for example, be a component that is intended as a replacement for an identical component that is to be replaced. A specific component could also be characterized in that a specific dosing pattern can be achieved by means of the component. For example, a specific dosing head component can have a special nozzle shape and / or a special ejection element in order to achieve a required configuration of a dosing system during operation, in particular taking into account the nature of the actuator unit.

[0113] In order to selectively couple a first dosing head component from the magazine to a second dosing head component, a movable magazine (as part of the exchange system) can be spatially positioned in a corresponding manner with respect to the second dosing head component on a dosing device.

[0114] The magazine can preferably comprise an internal (magazine) movement mechanism for moving a specific dosing head component and / or a specific (free) storage location into a defined position, in particular to a "transfer point." A transfer point or transfer position of a magazine part can preferably be characterized by a spatial arrangement relative to a dosing device, wherein, for example, a coupling and / or decoupling of a first component can take place in the transfer position. For example, a work manipulator for an automated change could be controlled such that a dosing head component to be uncoupled is moved into the same transfer position. Preferably, for coupling and / or decoupling, in particular during the coupling and / or decoupling, a transfer position of the magazine can essentially coincide with a change position of a dosing head component.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, a change manipulator (as part of the change system) can be designed to be controllable in order to selectively pick out a specific dosing head component from a magazine. The change manipulator can preferably have a recognition means for the contactless recognition and / or assignment of a specific dosing head component. Identification can preferably be carried out via an RFID system (radio frequency identification). Alternatively or additionally, the respective dosing head components can be identified, for example, by a machine-readable code such as a barcode, which can be detected by the change manipulator. It would also be possible for the change manipulator to have a position determination system and to be able to control a predeterminable position in the dosing system, in particular a specific position in a magazine, preferably by means of control by the preferably higher-level control device.

[0116] Advantageously, such a controllable changing system can ensure that a magazine can store a large number of, for example, different dosing head components at the same time, so that fewer magazines are required in a system, while still ensuring that two defined dosing head components are coupled. A magazine with an internal movement mechanism has the additional advantage that, for example, a (spatially) movable magazine can be brought close to a first component of a dosing head that is to be uncoupled in such a way that a free storage location in the magazine is already arranged in a transfer position. After the component has been uncoupled and picked up in the magazine, a specific "new" dosing head component, i.e. the one to be coupled, can be made available in the transfer position for coupling via the internal movement mechanism, e.g. by moving the carousel wheel by one position.Advantageously, the magazine and / or the dispensing head and / or the dispensing device hardly need to be moved relative to each other during the actual changeover. The particularly short changeover distances allow for additional time savings during the changeover. The same advantage can be achieved with a dispensing device with work manipulators.

[0117] Further advantages arise from a combination of a movable change manipulator with a magazine with an internal movement mechanism. The magazine can, for example, be controlled so that a free storage location is arranged in a transfer position and can then interact with the change manipulator so that an "old", i.e., uncoupled, component is picked up. After the old component has been transferred, a "new", i.e., the component to be coupled, can be made available in the same transfer position via the internal movement mechanism and picked up by the change manipulator without the change manipulator itself having to be moved. This can reduce the transfer time of components between the magazine and the change manipulator or the dispensing device.

[0118] In principle, it would also be possible to combine the previously described embodiments. This means that a dosing system can comprise at least one stationary magazine and / or at least one movable magazine, each with or without an internal movement mechanism, and / or at least one at least partially movable dosing device, e.g., one or more working manipulators, and / or at least one static dosing device and / or at least one movable interchangeable manipulator, which can interact with each other for coupling or decoupling. Depending on the embodiment, a dosing device, preferably a respective working manipulator, can have a previously described detection means for contactless detection and / or assignment of a specific (first) dosing head component.A magazine of the exchange system can, regardless of the specific design, have at least one maintenance coupling element designed to interact with a coupling element, in particular a supply coupling element described later, of a first dosing head component to form a maintenance coupling. Preferably, a mechanical interface and / or an electrical interface and / or a fluid interface can be formed via the maintenance coupling element. Preferably, each storage location for a component in the magazine can be assigned a separately controllable maintenance coupling element to form a respective maintenance coupling.

[0119] The maintenance coupling is preferably designed to connect at least one supply line of a first dosing head component to an external maintenance device, particularly during storage of the component in the magazine. A supply line can be, for example, a supply line for controlling a heating device of the fluidic unit and / or a supply line for a dosing substance and / or a supply line for a dosing substance pressure.

[0120] The maintenance coupling is preferably designed to introduce a cleaner into the component via the maintenance coupling for cleaning the dosing head component, particularly during storage in the magazine. Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance coupling can be designed such that a heating device of the dosing head component can be controlled and / or a memory associated with the dosing head component can be read. To form the maintenance coupling, a fluidic unit (as the first dosing head component) can have a supply coupling element, as described later.

[0121] Advantageously, the operation of a respective maintenance coupling can be controlled by means of a preferably higher-level control device, wherein the control device can, for example, read data from an EEPROM assigned to the heating device of the fluidic unit. Further advantageously, a (pre-)cleaning of a dosing head component, in particular a fluidic unit, can be carried out via the maintenance coupling during storage in the magazine, so that hardening of material in the fluidic unit is prevented and possible later maintenance or possible further cleaning is facilitated. Further advantageously, by controlling the heating device in the magazine, for example, a nozzle and / or the entire fluidic unit and / or a dosing substance in the fluidic unit can be preheated to a specific (operating) temperature, in particular before an upcoming change of a corresponding dosing head component.Advantageously, a dosing process can be continued directly after a dosing head component has been changed, thus avoiding any waiting or heating-up time.

[0122] To form the maintenance coupling, a respective maintenance coupling element in the magazine is preferably designed to complement a specific sub-region of a first interface part of a first dosing head component. Accordingly, it is preferred that the first interface part, which is assigned to the first dosing head component, be designed in multiple parts. Particularly preferably, a sub-region of the first interface part forms a supply coupling element complementary to the maintenance coupling element.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, the second interface part, which is assigned to the second dosing head component, can be designed in multiple parts. This means that such an interface part for forming an interface, in particular for coupling the first and second components to form a dosing head, can consist of several separate, preferably spatially separated, elements.

[0124] In one embodiment of the invention, the first interface part can preferably be assigned to a fluidic unit, wherein the fluidic unit then serves as the first dosing head component. The first interface part can be formed as part of the fluidic unit itself. Alternatively or additionally, the first interface part can be arranged, at least in sections, on the fluidic unit. In the description, it is assumed, without limitation, that the first interface part is arranged on the first dosing head component.

[0125] Accordingly, in this case, a unit to be replaced consists of the entire fluidic unit and the first interface part. In the context of the invention, the media-carrying part of a dosing system is referred to as the fluidic unit or fluidics. The fluidic unit comprises as main components at least one nozzle for dispensing dosing substance and at least one fluidic base body with a feed channel for the dosing substance to the nozzle. Depending on the design, the fluidic unit can have a connection for an external dosing substance supply and / or a coupling point for a portable dosing substance supply, e.g. for a cartridge. The fluidic unit can preferably have a controllable heating device and / or a cooling device for the dosing substance. In the case of a jet valve, the fluidic unit can have, among other things, a movable ejection element, a guide for the ejection element and a seal between the media-carrying part and the drive of the jet valve.Preferably, the described parts - with the exception of the nozzle - form a fluidic base body which can be coupled to a nozzle to form a fluidic system.

[0126] The first interface part on the fluidics unit is preferably designed in several parts, wherein a first interface element has a supply coupling element for forming a supply coupling. The supply coupling element is preferably designed to couple at least one supply line of the fluidics to or on an (external) supply device during operation of the dosing head or the dosing system. The supply coupling element can preferably be designed to functionally couple two or more separate supply lines, each with an associated line in the second interface part. The supply coupling is preferably designed to establish at least one, preferably several, electrical and / or mechanical and / or signaling and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic, in particular media-conducting, connections between the first and the second interface part during operation of a dosing head.The supply coupling element can be arranged directly or indirectly on the fluid system.

[0127] A supply line can, for example, be a line for media pressure supply, e.g., to pressurize a dosing agent in a cartridge or dosing agent cartridge carried on the fluidic unit as a dosing agent supply. A supply line can also be designed to supply a dosing agent directly to the fluidic unit (if no cartridge is provided). Furthermore, a supply line can also be designed to control a heating device and / or a cooling device in the fluidic unit. Preferably, the temperature, the pressurization of the cartridge, or the media feed into the fluidic unit can be controlled via the control device and, if necessary, forwarded to the fluidic unit via the supply coupling.

[0128] To form a supply coupling, the second interface part is preferably designed in multiple parts, with at least a first interface element of the second interface part being designed to complement the supply coupling element of the first interface part of the fluidic unit. Preferably, the first interface element of the second interface part can be designed separately from the second dosing head component, in particular spatially separated from the second dosing head component. Preferably, the first interface element of the second interface part can be assigned to a dosing device, in particular arranged thereon, and / or be in operative contact with a supply device and / or a control device.If a dosing head is arranged on a work manipulator, the work manipulator can provide a second interface part with a first interface element that is designed separately from the second dosing head component. The supply device can preferably be designed as part of a dosing device and is preferably controllable such that, during operation, several dosing systems can be controlled separately via the respective supply lines.

[0129] The supply coupling is preferably designed as a coupling system for an automatic changeover function. For example, the supply coupling can be implemented as a multi-coupling or multiple-coupling system, preferably in the form of a quick-change coupling. Such coupling systems are known, for example, from tool-changing systems or robotic tool changers and can be based on an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connection of the coupling parts to form the coupling. A mechanical connection of the coupling parts is also possible in principle.

[0130] The supply coupling is preferably designed such that the formation and / or disengagement of the supply coupling is controlled by a control device. For example, before the mechanical or physical separation of the supply coupling, the media-carrying lines can be depressurized and / or the electrical lines can be de-energized.

[0131] The supply coupling element in the first interface part can have at least one closing mechanism designed to seal at least one supply line leading to the fluidic unit in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner when decoupled. In particular, a respective fluid-carrying line can be designed to be self-closing, preventing media from escaping from the line when the interface is open. Similarly, the interface element of the second interface part could also have at least one closing mechanism. For example, a supply coupling element on the first and / or second interface part can be designed as a "self-closing coupling" (closing coupling).

[0132] To form a functional dosing head, the first interface part on the fluidic unit can have a first, preferably separate, functional coupling element in addition to the supply coupling element. Accordingly, a second interface part can have a complementary second functional coupling element to form a functional coupling. Preferably, the functional coupling and the supply coupling can be spatially separated from one another.

[0133] Preferably, the second functional coupling element is assigned to an actuator unit (as a second dosing head component). In particular, the second functional coupling element can be arranged on an actuator unit. The actuator unit can preferably be arranged on a dosing device, e.g., on a work manipulator, for coupling.

[0134] Preferably, the first interface part and / or the second interface part, in particular both interface parts, are designed to releasably couple the fluidic unit to the actuator unit via an interaction between the first and second functional coupling elements, in particular in an automated process. The coupling area for the exchange system can be provided, for example, by a fluidic frame.

[0135] The functional coupling is preferably designed to establish a mechanical, reversible connection, in particular essentially free of play, between a fluidic unit and an associated actuator unit. Preferably, the functional coupling establishes a connection between the fluidic unit and the actuator unit such that a (mounted) dosing head can withstand acceleration forces of up to 10 g during operation of a dosing system.

[0136] The supply coupling and / or the functional coupling are designed, in particular, to be controllable by a preferably higher-level control device such that a first and a second dosing head component are coupled via the respective coupling systems to form a functional dosing head. Advantageously, all media-carrying components of a dosing valve can be replaced together in a single operation in an automated process via an interface consisting of several separate sub-interfaces. Applications include, for example, the upcoming cleaning of parts of the fluidic unit to ensure a consistent dosing result. In a dosing system with a dosing substance supply carried on the fluidic unit, the fluidic unit can be replaced to refill the dosing medium.In both cases, the entire fluidic unit can be removed from a dispensing head quickly and without manual intervention and can be serviced outside the dispensing system's operating area, thus avoiding any delays in operation. When changing the configuration of a dispensing system (e.g., regarding nozzle, ejection element, medium), the setup time of the dispensing system or dispensing device can be reduced.

[0137] Advantageously, such an interface can be used to couple both dosing systems with an onboard (self-sufficient) dosing material supply and dosing systems that are continuously supplied with dosing medium via a supply device. For example, the supply coupling element in the first interface part and the complementary counterpart, e.g., on the dosing device, can be specially adapted to the design of the fluidic unit or its operating mode in terms of coupling technology. However, it is preferred that the respective supply coupling elements are designed to provide both a media pressure supply (via which the medium stored in a cartridge on the fluidic unit is pressurized) and a (continuous) media supply in a single supply coupling, wherein the media pressure supply and the media supply can then preferably be controlled separately, e.g.,taking into account the operating mode of the respective fluidic unit currently connected. The second interface part would then advantageously be compatible with differently operating dosing valves, for example, on a dosing device.

[0138] Another advantage of such an interface is that it allows the replacement of those components of a dosing system that require particularly frequent maintenance or replacement. These include, in particular, ejection elements and their seals, as well as nozzle inserts. Such wear items can be removed from a dosing head particularly quickly by replacing the fluidic unit and replaced with functionally equivalent components, with dosing operation interrupted for as short a time as possible. As mentioned, replacing the fluidic unit may be necessary due to a standard maintenance interval or in the event of a damage report, i.e., when the dosing process is actively monitored by a control device.

[0139] The advantageous effects described above arise, regardless of the precise operating mode of a dosing system, through the possibility of reversibly coupling a fluidic unit with an actuator unit. In the context of the invention, an actuator unit is generally understood to mean the drive of a dosing system. The drive type can be, for example, a piezo drive, a pneumatic drive, an electromagnetic drive, or a combination thereof. An actuator unit typically has a housing that accommodates the drive and other components. The actuator unit can have a number of sensors, e.g. temperature sensors, and at least one controllable heating and / or cooling device. Furthermore, an actuator unit can also comprise a local control unit as already mentioned, in particular a partial control unit.

[0140] In the description of the invention, it is assumed, without limitation, that the dosing system for dispensing the dosing substance has a jet valve, as this functional principle offers particular advantages. In this case, the actuator unit preferably has at least one controllable piezo actuator and / or a pneumatic actuator, as well as an ejection element that interacts with it to dispense the dosing substance. For particularly high dosing precision during operation, the piezo actuator or the pneumatic actuator is preferably designed to be adjustable. Details will be provided later.

[0141] To couple the first and second dosing head components, the functional coupling element can have a first plug-in coupling part on the first interface part. Accordingly, the functional coupling element can have a complementary second plug-in coupling part on the second interface part, in particular to form a plug-in coupling. A plug-in coupling can be implemented in various ways, with some possible examples being described below using embodiments of the invention.

[0142] Preferably, the first plug-in coupling part and the second plug-in coupling part can be plugged into one another along a plug-in axis and coupled to one another for coupling the fluidic unit to the actuator unit, i.e., for forming the functional coupling. For coupling, at least one first locking element can be arranged on, preferably in, the first plug-in coupling part and / or at least one second locking element cooperating therewith can be arranged on, preferably in, the second plug-in coupling part.

[0143] In a (first) embodiment, the fluidic unit can be coupled to the actuator unit via the coupling area for the change system in at least two rotational positions about the plug-in axis. Accordingly, the change system, in particular the change manipulator, can preferably be designed to rotate the fluidic unit around or between at least two rotational positions in the automated process. Alternatively or additionally, the rotational movement could also be performed via the second dosing head component or a dosing system.

[0144] The first and second locking elements can be configured, for example, such that the first plug-in coupling part and the second plug-in coupling part each have one or more protrusions that interact like a bayonet lock. The protrusions on the first plug-in coupling part and the second plug-in coupling part can initially be pushed past each other like "teeth" in a first rotational position relative to the plug-in axis. Then (as soon as the two plug-in coupling parts are arranged relative to each other as intended for coupling), the two plug-in coupling parts are rotated relative to each other about the plug-in axis such that the teeth engage one behind the other.

[0145] However, it is also possible for one plug-in coupling part to have corresponding projections and the other plug-in coupling part to have recesses that match these, for example at least one first channel on one plug-in coupling part that runs in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in axis and at least one matching elevation (or tooth) on the other plug-in coupling part that runs in the channel when the plug-in coupling parts are plugged into one another, and a channel section that adjoins the first channel and runs azimuthally around the plug-in axis in order to anchor the elevation therein by rotating the plug-in coupling parts relative to one another.

[0146] The basic principle of such a coupling mechanism in the form of a bayonet closure for a metering valve is known from DE 10 2017 122 034 A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated into this application.

[0147] In a (second) embodiment, the first plug-in coupling part and / or the second plug-in coupling part, preferably at least the second plug-in coupling part, can alternatively or additionally have an automatically movable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is designed to move at least one locking element in one plug-in coupling part relative to an associated locking element in the respective other plug-in coupling part by a specific distance, in particular actively, for coupling the fluidic unit to or to the actuator unit.

[0148] The first plug-in coupling part can preferably have a number of projections as a locking element. The second plug-in coupling part, which is particularly designed as part of an actuator unit, can have, for example, a movable rotary plate as a second locking element. The rotary plate preferably has recesses complementary to the projections. The rotary plate is preferably designed to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the plug-in axis.

[0149] For coupling, the first plug-in coupling part can be inserted into the second plug-in coupling part in the automated process via the coupling area for the interchangeable system along the plug-in axis so that the projections and recesses interlock or are arranged to match one another. Once the first plug-in coupling part is positioned as intended relative to the second plug-in coupling part, the rotating plate (as a locking element) can be moved or rotated relative to the projections (as a locking element) in the first plug-in coupling part via the controllable locking mechanism, so that the projections and recesses are displaced relative to one another or engage one behind the other for locking.

[0150] In a (third) embodiment, the first locking element can be realized on or in the first plug-in coupling part by means of a number of spherical caps and / or at least one groove extending radially around a base body of the plug-in coupling part.

[0151] The second locking element on or in the second plug-in coupling part can have a number of balls corresponding to the number of spherical caps. The second locking element can preferably have a movable rotating plate with a number of intermittent projections and recesses corresponding to the number of balls. The balls are preferably movably mounted.

[0152] To couple the plug-in coupling parts, the recesses in the rotating plate and the balls can be arranged to match one another, i.e. a ball is arranged in each recess in the rotating plate so that the first plug-in coupling part can be inserted into the second plug-in coupling part, in particular by means of the interchangeable system. Via a locking mechanism in the second plug-in coupling part, the rotating plate (as a locking element) can be rotated relative to the first plug-in coupling part such that a projection on the rotating plate is assigned to a ball, with one ball being pressed into a spherical cap in the first plug-in coupling part. The balls are preferably spring-mounted and can be positioned by the locking mechanism so that the balls engage with a defined force in each recess or spherical cap of the first locking element.

[0153] The locking mechanism can preferably be designed to move, preferably rotate, a first locking element and / or a second locking element at least partially along a circular path. Accordingly, the locking mechanism can also be referred to as a movement mechanism. In particular, the first and / or second locking elements can be rotated relative to each other by a specific angle via the movement mechanism.

[0154] To move the locking element, the locking mechanism can have at least one actuator controllable by the control device, in particular a controllable drive such as a magnetic drive or an electromagnetic servo motor.

[0155] Advantageously, by designing a plug-in coupling based on the basic principle of a bayonet lock, a quick and reliable coupling or decoupling of two dosing head components can be achieved during operation. Since such a coupling only requires two components to be brought into operative contact and, if necessary, rotated, this type of coupling is particularly suitable for an automated coupling process according to the invention due to the time savings, with the advantageous effects already described.

[0156] Advantageously, in embodiments (second and third) with at least one actively rotatable locking element, a rotational movement of the fluidic unit can be dispensed with, whereby the changing system, e.g. the changing manipulator, can be designed with a simpler structure. As a further advantage, the fluidic unit can be introduced into the actuator unit already in a certain position and then locked in this position, e.g. by the fluidic unit being rotated by a certain angle with respect to the plug-in axis compared to the actuator unit during operation. Preferably, in the described embodiments (one to three), the plug-in axis runs essentially parallel to an ejection direction of dosing substance from a nozzle, in particular parallel to a direction of movement of an ejection element for dispensing the dosing substance.

[0157] Preferably, at least one plug-in coupling part, preferably at least the second plug-in coupling part, can have a controllable eccentric mechanism for locking the two plug-in coupling parts. The eccentric mechanism can preferably have at least one movable pressure element, wherein, to lock the two plug-in coupling parts, particularly in the intended coupled state, a controllable drive can press the pressure element with a defined force into an associated recess in the second plug-in coupling part. The drive can be, for example, an electromagnetic servomotor or a pneumatic actuator.

[0158] In a (fourth) embodiment of a plug-in coupling, the fluidic unit, in particular a first plug-in coupling part, can have at least one recess in a base body of the plug-in coupling part as a first locking element, in particular an annular groove, which preferably runs orthogonal to the plug-in axis. The plug-in axis here runs essentially parallel to an ejection direction of dosing substance. The second plug-in coupling part on or in the actuator unit can have, as a second locking element, a preferably linearly movable bearing element with a recess for the first plug-in coupling part. The bearing element is preferably designed such that it encloses the first plug-in coupling part at least in part for the coupling, in particular essentially in a form-fitting manner. The bearing element preferably engages in the annular groove in the first plug-in coupling part for the coupling.

[0159] Preferably, the bearing element (as a latching element) can interact with a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is preferably designed to actively move the first latching element and / or the second latching element, preferably the second latching element, substantially linearly in at least one direction. Preferably, the second latching element, e.g. the bearing element, is movable in two opposite directions. For example, the bearing element could be implemented as a movable slide with a recess which, for coupling, can be moved linearly towards the first plug-in coupling part in a direction predominantly orthogonal to the ejection direction. To decouple the fluidic unit, the slide could be moved away from the first plug-in coupling part in an opposite direction, such that the annular groove in the first plug-in coupling part is released.

[0160] In a (fifth) embodiment of a plug-in coupling, the plug-in axis can extend substantially orthogonally to the ejection direction of dosing material from the nozzle, in particular orthogonally to the direction of movement of an ejection element. Preferably, the first plug-in coupling part on the fluidic unit can have at least one, preferably two, projections as a locking element, in particular two elongated retaining elements in the manner of a "tongue" of a "tongue-and-groove system," which are arranged on opposite sides of the plug-in coupling part.

[0161] The second plug-in coupling part can have at least one, preferably two, grooves as a locking element, into which a spring in the first plug-in coupling part engages, in particular in a form-fitting manner, to form the plug-in coupling. The plug-in coupling can then be designed in the manner of a, preferably double, "tongue and groove system." Preferably, the first plug-in coupling part can be inserted into the actuator unit, in particular into the second plug-in coupling part, via the coupling area on the first dispensing head component, using the exchange system, or can be inserted laterally in a linear direction.

[0162] To lock the fluidic unit during operation, a spring-loaded bolt can be provided as a further locking element in one of the plug-in coupling parts, which bolt is preferably in operative contact with the other, preferably the first, plug-in coupling part in a direction predominantly orthogonal to the plug-in axis, ie predominantly parallel to the ejection direction.

[0163] It is also possible for the second plug-in coupling part to have a locking mechanism that can move a fastener as a (further) locking element in a linear direction, e.g., a bolt movable in two opposite directions. To lock the two plug-in coupling parts, the bolt can be moved linearly toward the first plug-in coupling part via a controllable drive of the locking mechanism, e.g., a magnetic drive, an electromagnetic servomotor, or a pneumatic actuator, and could, for example, engage in a provided recess.

[0164] In a (sixth) embodiment, the first and second plug-in coupling parts can be designed in the manner of a pneumatic quick-change coupling. The plug-in axis can preferably be substantially parallel to the ejection direction or the direction of movement of an ejection element. The first plug-in coupling part preferably has a number of recesses and / or openings in the base body as locking elements. The second plug-in coupling part has a matching number of locking elements, in particular linearly movable (safety) balls, wherein in the coupled state, a locking element, in particular a ball, engages in an associated recess. The balls can preferably be spring-mounted.In particular, the second plug-in coupling part can comprise a (ball) locking mechanism which is acted upon by at least one spring in order to press the locking elements, in particular the balls, (by means of spring force) into a respectively associated recess, in particular into an end position.

[0165] The second plug-in coupling part and / or the actuator unit can have, as part of the locking mechanism, at least one controllable pneumatic actuator which is designed to apply pressure medium to the (ball) locking mechanism in order to decouple the first plug-in coupling part, in particular to move the (ball) locking mechanism in a direction counter to a spring force, so that the recesses in the second plug-in coupling part are released.

[0166] As soon as the first plug-in coupling part is positioned as intended in the actuator unit, preferably via the change system, the pressure application can be stopped, wherein the second locking elements, preferably the safety balls, are pressed into the recesses for coupling, in particular by means of spring force of a spring acting on the associated (ball) locking mechanism.

[0167] Alternatively or additionally, the first plug-in coupling part can have at least one, preferably two or more, in particular linearly movable, locking pins as a locking element. The respective locking pins are preferably spring-mounted, in particular by means of a spring acting on the respective locking element. The locking pins are preferably arranged and / or movable substantially orthogonally to the ejection direction of the dosing substance. For coupling, the preferably spring-mounted locking pins can be supported against the second plug-in coupling part and / or can each engage in an associated recess in the second plug-in coupling part.

[0168] Advantageously, the previously described examples of plug-in couplings (embodiments 4 to 6) also allow for particularly simple and rapid coupling and decoupling of dosing head components during operation, with the advantages already described. Due to the comparatively simple coupling mechanisms, the design requirements for the changeover system can be kept as low as possible. Furthermore, with plug-in couplings featuring a linearly movable locking element, particularly with spring-loaded locking elements, the design requirements for the plug-in coupling components themselves can also be kept comparatively low, which makes the dosing head components more cost-effective overall.

[0169] Furthermore, the arrangement of the locking mechanism in the second plug-in coupling part allows the functional coupling to be provided more cost-effectively overall, regardless of the exact design, since, for example, the locking mechanism is only required once per actuator unit and does not have to be designed separately for each fluidic unit, which is advantageous since the fluidic system typically has to be changed more frequently.

[0170] The fluidic system can preferably be designed such that, after the fluidic system is decoupled from an actuator unit, an ejection element, typically a plunger, of the fluidic unit is automatically pressed into a sealing seat of a nozzle, thereby closing it ("normally closed"). For this purpose, the ejection element can be spring-mounted, for example.

[0171] Alternatively or additionally, the ejection element, particularly in the case of a “normally open” fluidic system, can be pressed, after decoupling the fluidic system from an actuator unit, by a (closing) mechanism in the changing system, particularly also in the magazine, preferably actively into a sealing seat of the nozzle in order to prevent the dosing medium from escaping.

[0172] Alternatively or additionally, particularly in the case of metering valves with "normally open" fluidics, a nozzle opening of the fluidics unit can be actively closed during a change and / or in the magazine, preferably by a closure element, preferably from the outside. For example, a sealant can be actively pressed against a nozzle opening by means of the change manipulator or the magazine. For this purpose, the change system can be subjected to appropriate control signals via the control device in the automated coupling process. Alternatively, the seal could also be achieved by spring force.

[0173] As described above, a closure coupling for a media line and / or a media pressure line (for a dosing agent cartridge) can be provided alternatively or additionally, so that the media-carrying area of ​​the fluid system is sealed off from the outside even when decoupled. The closure coupling is preferably formed as part of the supply coupling element in the first interface part.

[0174] Furthermore, it would also be possible to essentially completely remove the dosing material from the fluid system before changing the fluid system and / or to actively return the dosing material from the fluid system to an external media storage device, e.g., by means of a vacuum. Emptying the fluid system or returning the dosing material to a storage device can be integrated as a process step into the automated coupling process.

[0175] Advantageously, this allows for a particularly clean change of fluids, with as little dosing material as possible being lost unused.

[0176] In some cases, it is desirable to replace only a specific part of the fluidic unit, rather than the entire unit. To achieve this, a first interface part with a first functional coupling element can be assigned to a nozzle of a dosing head or dosing system, in particular arranged on a nozzle. Preferably, a second interface part with a complementary second functional coupling element can be assigned to a fluidic base body of the same dosing head or dosing system and / or the same nozzle, in particular arranged thereon.

[0177] Preferably, the first interface part and / or the second interface part, in particular both parts, are designed to detachably, at least indirectly, couple at least one nozzle element or a nozzle part as the first dosing head component to or on the actuator unit and / or to or on the fluidic base body, in particular to form the fluidic unit, and / or to or on the nozzle via an interaction between the first and the second functional coupling element.

[0178] This means that only a specific sub-element of a nozzle or an entire nozzle can be replaced. Accordingly, at least part of a fluidic unit, in particular the fluidic base body, is then not replaced. In particular, during the coupling and / or decoupling of at least one nozzle part, at least part of the same fluidic unit, i.e. the fluidic base body, can be coupled to an associated actuator unit, which is preferably arranged on a dosing device. Accordingly, in these embodiments, i.e. when at least one nozzle element is replaced as the first dosing head component, a supply coupling can preferably be dispensed with, since the remaining media-carrying part of the fluidic unit, i.e. the fluidic base body, is arranged on the actuator unit or remains there during the component change. Accordingly, the first and second interface parts can then each be formed as a single piece.

[0179] In a (seventh) embodiment, an (entire) nozzle can be replaced as the first dosing head component. A "nozzle" is understood to be a part of the fluid system that is designed to discharge dosing material from a dosing valve. A nozzle has at least one nozzle opening as an outlet opening for dosing material and, adjoining it inwardly, a hollow nozzle chamber for dosing material. In jet valves, a movable ejection element (not part of the nozzle) can be arranged in the nozzle chamber. This movable ejection element is pushed forward at high speed towards the nozzle opening to dispense dosing material. For ejection from the nozzle, the ejection element or plunger comes into contact with the dosing material to be dispensed and, due to a movement of the ejection element and / or the nozzle, "pushes" or "forces" the dosing material out of the nozzle of the dosing system. The ejection element essentially "actively" ejects the dosing material from the nozzle.Particularly in jet valves, the nozzle often has a sealing seat in the area of ​​the nozzle opening, into which the ejection element for dispensing the dosing agent is pressed with a certain force, temporarily closing the nozzle opening. A nozzle can also include other elements, such as elements for cooling and / or heating the dosing agent in the nozzle chamber.

[0180] Preferably, the functional coupling element of the first interface part can have a first plug-in coupling part, and the functional coupling element of the second interface part can have a second complementary plug-in coupling part. Preferably, the first plug-in coupling part and the second plug-in coupling part can be plugged into one another and coupled to one another along a plug-in axis for coupling at least one nozzle element to or to the fluidic base body or to the fluidic unit. For coupling, at least one first locking element can be arranged on, preferably in, the first plug-in coupling part and / or at least one second locking element cooperating therewith can be arranged on, preferably in, the second plug-in coupling part.

[0181] For example, a (complete) nozzle itself can form the first plug-in coupling part, with the second plug-in coupling part being formed as part of the (remaining) fluidics unit, in particular as part of the fluidics main body. Preferably, the first and second plug-in coupling parts can cooperate in a bayonet-like manner to couple a nozzle to the fluidics unit.

[0182] The formation of a plug-in coupling for coupling an (entire) nozzle to the fluidic unit, in particular to the fluidic base body, to form a dosing head can be carried out according to the same mechanisms as previously described with reference to the fluidic unit as the first dosing head component. The only adjustment is that the first plug-in coupling part is preferably formed as part of the nozzle, with the second plug-in coupling part and any locking mechanisms preferably being formed as part of the remaining fluidic unit, in particular the fluidic base body. Furthermore, the mechanisms for plug-in couplings described in embodiments one to six are also transferable for the reversible coupling of a nozzle (as the first dosing head component) to a fluidic unit, in particular to a fluidic base body (as the second dosing head component). Since at least parts of the fluidic unit, i.e.the fluidic base body is preferably coupled to an actuator unit during a change of at least one nozzle part, a nozzle element can also be coupled (at least indirectly) to an actuator unit via the interface.

[0183] For example, a nozzle as the first plug-in coupling part can be coupled to the second plug-in coupling part in at least two rotational positions about a plug-in axis via a coupling area for the changeover system. The changeover system can preferably be designed, e.g., via a suitable access element, to rotate the nozzle about the plug-in axis by at least two rotational positions. The changeover system can, for example, have differently designed access elements to interact specifically either with a nozzle or with a fluidic unit for coupling.

[0184] However, it is preferred that the change system, in particular the change manipulator, has one or more "universal" access elements. The change system is preferably adaptable to differently designed coupling areas of various dispensing head components. In particular, adaptation can be achieved via control by the control device in the automated change process. For example, the change system can have one or more pneumatic grippers. Alternatively or additionally, the first interface part and / or the second interface part can have an automatically (actively) movable internal locking mechanism, e.g., a controllable actuator. The locking mechanism can preferably be designed to couple or uncouple a nozzle that is intended to be arranged opposite the fluidic unit.The locking mechanism could be implemented in one of the ways described above or could generate a rotating or screwing movement of the nozzle for switching.

[0185] It is also possible for the nozzle to be designed to be pluggable onto the fluidic unit, in particular the fluidic base body, and then mounted to the fluidic unit or the fluidic base body by means of a nozzle fixing nut, in particular by means of a screw connection. In this case, the first and / or second functional coupling element could be designed in several parts.

[0186] It is also possible for the first dosing head component to be implemented in the form of a nozzle jacket (as a nozzle element) that has an internal thread as the first interface part, in particular as the first functional coupling element. In this embodiment, only part of the nozzle is replaced, with the fluidic base body, in particular the remaining nozzle parts such as a nozzle base body, forming the second dosing head component. Preferably, a nozzle base body arranged on the fluidic base body can have a complementary external thread as the second functional coupling element, in order to mount the nozzle jacket as intended. In this case, the respective functional coupling element can correspond to the respective interface part.

[0187] For example, the changing system could be designed and access the coupling area in such a way that the changing system, preferably a changing manipulator, carries out a screwing or rotating movement of the nozzle jacket and / or a nozzle fixing nut in relation to the (remaining) fluidics unit or the fluidics base body and / or the actuator unit for the change (“external changer”). For example, the nozzle jacket as the coupling area for the changing system can have a specific, e.g. hexagonal, external shape, wherein the changing manipulator (as access element) has a corresponding recess for a positive connection and wherein the changing manipulator carries out a rotating movement of the nozzle jacket for coupling and / or uncoupling. Advantageously, with such a dispensing head, a quick, automated change of nozzle parts orof an entire nozzle, which is desirable in operation, since a nozzle typically needs to be cleaned more frequently than other components of a fluidics unit. This is due, for example, to the fact that a nozzle, due to its geometry, clogs more quickly than other parts of the fluidics system, which can lead to undesirable changes in dosing precision. Changing the nozzle may also be necessary if a different dosing pattern is required, e.g., with regard to nozzle geometry or diameter. Automated changeover can significantly reduce the setup time of the dosing system.

[0188] Automated nozzle changing can also be used to advantage when determining parameters for a dispensing process, for example, when testing several different nozzles to achieve optimal dispensing results. Since manual changing is time-consuming, automated nozzle changing can save time. Automated nozzle changing can also be advantageously integrated into automatic measurement series for parameter determination, if the respective dispensing pattern is evaluated, for example, by a camera system.

[0189] With jet valves, automated nozzle changing can also be profitably used when processing abrasive media with high wear in the impact area of ​​an ejection element. For example, the nozzle, especially a sealing seat, can be made of a relatively soft material, which is inexpensive to manufacture, and the ejection element of a harder material, so that most of the abrasion occurs in the nozzle area and the ejection element is protected. The nozzle or a nozzle jacket can be replaced quickly via the appropriate interfaces. With jet valves, the interaction of the two interface parts and the interaction with the changing system also ensures in the automated changing process that a new nozzle is positioned concentrically with an ejection element after coupling.

[0190] In an (eighth) embodiment, the nozzle element to be replaced, i.e. the first dosing head component, can comprise a nozzle orifice; in particular, the first dosing head component can be designed as a nozzle orifice. The nozzle orifice preferably comprises a first interface part with a first functional coupling element, wherein a second interface part with a complementary second functional coupling element is arranged on the same nozzle, in particular on a nozzle base body. In this embodiment, a partial compartment of a nozzle can therefore be changed, wherein another part of the nozzle is arranged on a fluidic unit, in particular on the fluidic base body, for or during the coupling and / or decoupling. The fluidic base body can preferably be coupled to an actuator unit and / or arranged on a dosing device during the change.

[0191] A nozzle orifice is understood, in particular, to be a part of a nozzle that includes a nozzle opening. The nozzle orifice can preferably form the nozzle opening. A nozzle orifice preferably includes at least one nozzle orifice opening for the discharge of dosing substance from the nozzle of a dosing head (in the coupled state) and / or a sealing seat of the nozzle. A nozzle orifice can preferably be designed as a nozzle insert.

[0192] Preferably, the nozzle orifice itself can form the first interface part. Depending on the embodiment, a bearing part for holding a nozzle orifice can also form at least part of the first interface part. The second interface part on the nozzle, in particular on the nozzle base body, can preferably be designed as a receiving area or insertion area for the nozzle orifice. For example, the second interface part can be designed with a slot so that the nozzle orifice can be at least partially inserted into the nozzle or the nozzle base body via the inlet slot.

[0193] In order to couple the nozzle orifice as the first dosing head component via the interface to the other part of the nozzle, in particular the nozzle base body as the second dosing head component, to form a functional nozzle, the first interface part, in particular a first functional coupling element and / or the second interface part, in particular a second functional coupling element, can each have a sliding seal as a component of the interface.

[0194] Preferably, the nozzle orifice can be introduced into a nozzle in an automated process by means of a controllable orifice changing system, which is designed as a subcomponent of a changing system. Preferably, the direction of introduction of the nozzle orifice into the nozzle (nozzle base body), in particular for forming the nozzle, via the orifice changing system can be transverse, i.e., substantially orthogonal, to an ejection direction of dosing material from the nozzle. In particular, the direction of introduction can be substantially orthogonal to an ejection movement direction of the ejection element in the nozzle.

[0195] The aperture changing system can be connected, preferably detachably, to a fluidic unit assigned to the nozzle, in particular a fluidic base body, and / or to an actuator unit and / or to a dosing device.

[0196] The orifice changing system preferably has a controllable, automatically movable locking mechanism designed to insert at least one nozzle orifice into the nozzle, preferably by means of a linear movement and / or along a circular path. "Insertion into the nozzle" is generally understood to mean that the nozzle orifice is positioned relative to the nozzle, in particular a nozzle base body, for coupling in such a way that a functional nozzle is formed. For example, the nozzle orifice could also be "inserted" into the nozzle in such a way that the nozzle orifice forms a type of attachment for the nozzle base body or rests sealingly on the outside of the base body to thereby close off a nozzle chamber.

[0197] To move the nozzle orifice, the locking mechanism has at least one controllable actuator, e.g. a pneumatic actuator, a magnetic drive or an electromagnetic servo motor.

[0198] In one embodiment, a nozzle orifice can preferably be held in a separate bearing part for coupling and / or during operation of a dosing head. Preferably, a nozzle orifice, in particular a nozzle insert, engages positively in an associated recess in the bearing part. Preferably, an outer shape of a nozzle orifice can form a coupling region designed to interact with the orifice changing system, in particular via the bearing part as an intermediate member.

[0199] The bearing part can preferably be formed as part of the orifice changing system and / or as part of the first interface part. For coupling and / or decoupling the nozzle orifice, the bearing part and the actuator can preferably engage with each other in a form-fitting manner to achieve particularly precise positioning of the nozzle orifice. A nozzle orifice can preferably be positioned in a nozzle base body via the locking mechanism for coupling such that a nozzle orifice opening is arranged concentrically with respect to a tip of an ejection element during operation. Depending on the design, the locking mechanism itself can form the orifice changing system.

[0200] The aperture changing system can further comprise a nozzle aperture magazine for, in particular, at least one, preferably for, in particular, two or more separate nozzle apertures. The aperture changing system with the locking mechanism and the nozzle aperture magazine can preferably be arranged on the fluidics unit or on the fluidics base body, respectively, and are preferably designed as a single unit. Accordingly, the terms "internal aperture changing system" and "internal magazine" could also be used.

[0201] Preferably, at least two nozzle orifices of the same nozzle orifice magazine can have a different design, e.g., with regard to the nozzle geometry and / or the material. The orifice changing system is preferably controllable and configured to insert a specific nozzle orifice, preferably one corresponding to the respective dosing requirements, into the nozzle or nozzle base body.

[0202] In one embodiment, the nozzle aperture magazine can be formed by means of a preferably one-piece nozzle aperture device, which is also referred to as a "nozzle aperture assembly." Such a nozzle aperture assembly can preferably have two or more separate nozzle aperture openings, wherein the respective nozzle aperture openings can be designed differently. For example, the nozzle aperture assembly could be an elongated, e.g., flat or plate-like sheet with a plurality of linearly arranged nozzle aperture openings, or a disk with a plurality of circularly arranged nozzle aperture openings (in the manner of a perforated disk). Accordingly, the individual nozzle apertures can then be realized by means of the respective nozzle aperture openings of the nozzle aperture assembly.

[0203] However, it is preferred that a nozzle orifice, e.g. a nozzle insert, is held on and / or in a nozzle base body for coupling and / or in the coupled state by means of a bearing part. In this embodiment, a nozzle insert (as the first component) which is designed separately from the bearing part can be introduced into an associated nozzle orifice receptacle or holder in the bearing part by means of the orifice changing system and / or by means of a changing manipulator. The bearing part can then be introduced into the nozzle base body by means of the locking mechanism, forming an interface for coupling the nozzle orifice. In particular, the nozzle orifice can be attached to the nozzle base body from the outside via the bearing part for coupling. For this purpose, the nozzle orifice can preferably be moved towards or away from the nozzle base body in a linear direction.

[0204] For decoupling, an "old" nozzle orifice can be pushed out of the nozzle base body via the bearing part, preferably laterally. Preferably, after decoupling, a nozzle orifice can be deposited in a defined storage area in the automated process. Preferably, the nozzle orifice can be taken over in the decoupled state, in particular from the bearing part, by a change manipulator and transferred to a storage area. It would also be possible in principle for this transfer to the storage area to take place using the orifice changing system. The storage area can, for example, comprise a cleaning bath, thus advantageously facilitating subsequent cleaning of the nozzle orifice.

[0205] Particularly preferably, the change manipulator and / or the orifice changing system can equip a free, in particular a just-free, nozzle orifice receptacle in the bearing part with a “new” nozzle orifice, wherein the bearing part and above it, in particular the nozzle orifice, can be reinserted into the nozzle base body for coupling by means of the orifice changing system.

[0206] Particularly preferably, a nozzle aperture magazine can comprise a bearing part that can be equipped with, in particular is already equipped with, a plurality of one-piece, separately formed nozzle apertures or nozzle inserts. During operation of a dispensing head, a nozzle aperture can preferably be arranged in a nozzle aperture receptacle in the bearing part (unless a nozzle aperture is currently being replaced). Preferably, the nozzle apertures in a bearing part (as part of the nozzle aperture magazine) can have a different design. For example, the bearing part can be an elongated, flat sheet metal or a disk with a number of nozzle aperture holders for nozzle apertures.

[0207] The orifice changing system is preferably designed to insert a specific nozzle orifice from the internal magazine into the nozzle base body via the locking mechanism and the interface to form a nozzle or to arrange it on the nozzle base body. For example, a specific nozzle orifice can be arranged on the nozzle base body by means of a linear, e.g. lateral (sliding) movement and / or a rotary movement, preferably from the outside. In a nozzle orifice magazine with a storage part, it is also possible for a first nozzle orifice to be coupled to the nozzle base body as intended (via the storage part), wherein a second nozzle orifice is (simultaneously) removed from the storage part, e.g. by means of a changing manipulator, and / or replaced by another nozzle orifice in an automated process.

[0208] Preferably, the locking mechanism - regardless of the specific design - is designed to be controllable by a control device in such a way that a specific nozzle orifice, in particular a nozzle orifice with a specific nozzle orifice opening, can be introduced into the nozzle from a nozzle orifice magazine by means of a linear movement and / or along a circular path, in particular can be coupled thereto.

[0209] The beneficial effects of a dispensing head for automated nozzle orifice replacement largely coincide with the previously described advantages that also arise from replacing the entire nozzle. An additional advantage arises when the nozzle orifice and / or the nozzle orifice assembly are made of a material that is softer than the material of an ejection element. Accordingly, only a comparatively small part of a nozzle needs to be replaced, allowing the nozzle body, for example, to remain in operation for longer.

[0210] Particular advantages of a dispensing head designed for automated nozzle orifice replacement arise in dispensing processes where, for example, a nozzle orifice change occurs particularly frequently due to the dispensing configuration. Since the orifice changing system with the orifice magazine can preferably be carried directly on the fluidic unit, a nozzle orifice change can take place in any position of a dispensing head or manipulator, thus saving process time. A particular time saving also results from the fact that a nozzle orifice, e.g. a nozzle orifice assembly or a bearing part, only needs to be moved by a few millimeters for the change. Another advantage could be the use of an additional changing system, e.g.A movable change manipulator to bridge the distance between the dosing head and an external magazine is not necessary, since the change process can be carried out exclusively via the accompanying aperture change system.

[0211] To ensure that no dosing medium escapes from the fluidic body when a nozzle orifice or an (entire) nozzle is changed during the changeover process, as mentioned, at least one functional coupling element can have a sliding seal. Alternatively or additionally, steps can be implemented in the changeover process which can further prevent undesired escape of dosing medium. For example, before decoupling a first dosing head component, the dosing medium can be depressurized, at least in the dosing head. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing medium can be moved away from at least the nozzle, in particular from the nozzle insert, preferably actively, e.g. by applying a vacuum. Furthermore, a media supply can be interrupted, whereby the residual material (in the nozzle) escapes from the nozzle by gravity and / or whereby at least the nozzle is rinsed, preferably before decoupling.It should be noted that the steps described can be integrated into the replacement process regardless of the specific dosing head component to be replaced, e.g. even if a fluidic component is the first component.

[0212] In order to achieve a certain dosing precision after replacing at least one nozzle part and / or the entire fluid system during operation, it may be necessary, particularly with jet valves, to (re)adjust the actuator unit or the dosing head. Accordingly, in a jet valve, a (working) actuator can be designed such that it can be adjusted in an automated process such that, in a defined operating state of the actuator, in particular in a deflected operating state, a specific contact force of an ejection element into a nozzle is generated via the actuator during operation of the dosing head.

[0213] In a jet valve with a piezo actuator as the (working) actuator, the actuator unit can preferably have a controllable adjustment actuator for adjusting the pressing force of an ejection element into the nozzle. The adjustment actuator is preferably designed to set a specific position of the (working) actuator relative to an actuator housing and / or to the ejection element. The adjustment actuator can preferably be designed to be controllable in such a way that it can adjust an arrangement comprising the (working) actuator, the ejection element, and the nozzle in the desired manner so that a specific pressing force of a tip of the ejection element into a sealing seat of the nozzle is achieved.

[0214] In the case of a jet valve with a different actuator type, e.g. a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic drive, the respective actuator can preferably be designed to be controllable, in particular by a higher-level control device, such that in a defined operating state of the actuator, a specific contact force of an ejection element in a nozzle is generated via the actuator. Advantageously, manufacturing tolerances in the fluidic unit can be compensated for using automatically adjustable actuators, so that a high level of dosing precision can be achieved after a fluidic change. Since an adjustment process can run fully automatically via the control device, no manual adjustment is required, so that the time between coupling a "new" component and resuming dosing operation is as short as possible. Adjustable actuators and corresponding adjustment methods for dosing valves are, for example,This is known from DE 10 2019 121 679 A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated into this application. The adjustment of at least one actuator can preferably be a method step in the method for automated coupling.

[0215] In a (ninth) embodiment of the invention, a first interface part with at least one first functional coupling element can be assigned to, in particular arranged on, a dosing substance supply that can be carried along during operation. A second interface part with a complementary second functional coupling element can be assigned to, in particular arranged on, the fluidic unit. Preferably, the first interface part and / or the second interface part, in particular both, are designed to releasably couple at least the dosing substance supply to or on the fluidic unit via an interaction between the first and second functional coupling elements.

[0216] The dosing substance supply can preferably be a cartridge with dosing substance or dosing medium, which is carried along by the dosing system during operation. The interface can preferably be formed by a rotary or screw connection. The first interface part could, for example, be realized by means of an internal thread in the region of the cartridge, and the complementary second interface part could be realized with a matching external thread on the fluidic system. In order to replace the cartridge in the automated process, the cartridge preferably has a coupling region that is designed to functionally interact with the changing system of the dosing system. The cartridge can preferably be changed by means of the movable changing manipulator, which is designed in particular for a rotary movement of the cartridge in different directions.Preferably, the access element of the exchange manipulator for changing a cartridge is adaptable to a coupling area of ​​a cartridge. Alternatively, the cartridge could also be plugged onto the fluidic system for coupling. In this embodiment, the first and second interface parts are preferably each formed in several parts and (additionally) preferably comprise at least one further interface element, each with a supply coupling element for forming a supply coupling. A supply coupling can be designed as described above. Preferably, at least one supply line of the cartridge can be functionally coupled to an associated line in the second interface part via the supply coupling, wherein a dosing medium in the cartridge can be pressurized (supply pressure) via the supply coupling.

[0217] Preferably, the (same) access element of the exchange manipulator can be designed such that it is configured, preferably under appropriate control by a control device, for exchanging a fluidic unit and / or a fluidic base body and / or at least one nozzle part and / or a transportable dosing substance supply. Preferably, a gripper of the access element can have differently configured (coupling) regions in order to functionally interact with the respective dosing head components. Furthermore, the gripper can have one or more gripping tongs that are adapted to differently configured coupling regions and / or wherein a configuration of a gripping tong is adjustable during operation, in particular complementary to a specific coupling region, preferably by means of control by the control device.

[0218] It should be noted that, within the scope of the invention, the terms “first” and “second” dosing head component can be used interchangeably depending on the situation. In particular, the terms are not restricted to the previously described concrete combinations of two dosing head components, but can have a different meaning depending on the specific installation situation. For example, in the automated process, a complete fluidic unit can be coupled as the first component with an actuator unit as the second component. On the other hand, an entire nozzle can be replaced as the first dosing head component, possibly even without resuming dosing operation, with the same fluidic unit then being the second dosing head component in this combination. Furthermore, a nozzle orifice can be replaced as the first component, with the same nozzle or actuator unit then being the second dosing head component.The same base body is the second component in this combination. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using exemplary embodiments. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. The figures are generally not to scale. They show:

[0219] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a dosing system according to the invention,

[0220] Figures 2 to 5 are schematic representations of different dosing systems according to the invention,

[0221] Figure 6 is a sectional view through parts of a dosing system according to the invention,

[0222] Figure 7 shows part of a first plug-in coupling part,

[0223] Figure 8 shows a schematically illustrated decoupling process according to the invention,

[0224] Figure 9 sectional views of parts of a dosing system with a plug-in coupling according to the invention,

[0225] Figure 10 is a sectional view of parts of a dosing system and an enlarged view of parts of a plug-in coupling according to the invention,

[0226] Figure 11 shows sectional and perspective views of parts of a dosing system with a plug-in coupling according to the invention,

[0227] Figure 12 sectional views of parts of a dosing system with a plug-in coupling according to the invention,

[0228] Figure 13 shows a schematic section through a plug-in coupling according to the invention,

[0229] Figure 14 shows sectional views and a perspective view of parts of a dosing system according to the invention,

[0230] Figure 15 shows a schematic section through parts of a fluidic unit according to the invention, Figure 16 shows sectional views through parts of a dosing system and schematic views of nozzle orifices according to the invention.

[0231] A preferred embodiment of a dosing system 1 according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 1. The dosing system 1 comprises, as essential components, a dosing device 2 with a plurality of dosing systems 3, as well as a changeover system 6 and a maintenance device 9. Unlike the purely schematic representation shown in Figure 1, a dosing system 1 can be an entire production facility and can then have two or more dosing devices 2. However, it would also be possible in principle for a dosing system 1 to have only one dosing device 2 with only a single dosing system 3.

[0232] In Figure 1, the dosing device 2 comprises five individual dosing systems 3, which are arranged on the dosing device 2 during dosing operation and, in particular, are detachably connected thereto. The individual dosing systems 3 each comprise a fluidic unit 70 and an actuator unit 20 functionally coupled thereto. When coupled, the two components 20, 70 each form a dosing head 5. The dosing head 5 comprises all components that are actively involved, in particular mechanically, in the dispensing of the dosing substance and accordingly forms a dosing valve 5, whereby the terms dosing head 5 and dosing valve 5 are used synonymously.

[0233] The individual dosing heads 5 are each coupled here, for example, in terms of switching or control technology, to a higher-level, decentralized control device 7. Since the control device 7 also has a control function here, whereby corresponding electrical signals can be transmitted in both directions between the control device 7 and the dosing heads 5, a flow of data D or control data D is symbolically shown by double arrows.

[0234] During operation, the higher-level control device 7 is assigned to several dosing heads 5 simultaneously and can control their dosing operation separately. A respective dosing head 5 and the assigned control device 7, as well as a dosing substance supply (not shown in detail), each form a dosing system 3. Unlike what is shown here, each dosing valve 5 could also be additionally assigned its own control unit, which can be arranged, for example, in a housing of a dosing valve 5 and which controls at least the respective dosing operation. The control units of the respective dosing valves 5 or the dosing systems 3 could then be implemented as partial control units that can communicate with one another and / or with a higher-level control device 7 or can also at least partially form one.

[0235] In Figure 1, the control device 7 is designed as a higher-level, external control device 7. For the sake of clarity, the individual dosing systems 3 do not have their own (internal or local) control unit, although this is usually the case in reality. The control device 7 is schematically illustrated here with two sub-control units. The control device 7 can also be designed, for example, such that several sub-control units are arranged at different positions within the dosing system 1 and interact to form an (overall) control device 7.

[0236] In the lower right-hand area of ​​the dosing device 2, Figure 1 schematically shows a decoupled or partial dosing system, with only the actuator unit 20 still arranged on the dosing device 2. On this dosing system, or on the remaining part thereof, an automated change of a dosing head component according to the invention could, for example, be carried out. In this example, a fluidic unit 70 as the first dosing head component A (not shown) has been decoupled from the actuator unit 20 as the second dosing head component B.

[0237] In Figure 1, a changing system 6 with a magazine 60 and a changing device 61 is shown on the left, e.g. a movable changing manipulator 61. The changing system 6, in particular the magazine 60 and the changing manipulator 61, are connected to the control device 7 by means of signals and can be controlled via corresponding data D or can also send data D to the control device 7.

[0238] The magazine 60 here comprises, for example, two receiving positions, each for a dosing head component A, 70. A maintenance coupling element 62 is assigned to each receiving position in the magazine 60. The dosing head components A, 70 can be positioned in the magazine 60 such that a supply coupling element 15 of a respective dosing head component A, 70 interacts with a respective maintenance coupling element 62 to form a respective maintenance coupling 8 thereabove.

[0239] During storage in the magazine 60, heating data, for example, can be read out from an EEPROM of the fluidic unit 70 via the maintenance coupling 8, wherein a signal connection to the control device 7 is realized via the maintenance coupling 8. Furthermore, a cleaning fluid can be supplied to a specific dosing head component A, 70 in the magazine 60 via a maintenance coupling 8, which is shown schematically here via a fluid flow FS to a maintenance device 9 arranged here as an example on the magazine 60. For this purpose, a cleaning mechanism is realized in the maintenance device 9, wherein the maintenance device 9 is also connected to the control device 7 by means of signals and can exchange data D with it, e.g. in order to rinse a specific dosing head component A, 70 in the magazine 60 according to a cleaning program.

[0240] Figures 2 to 5 show purely schematically parts of different dosing systems 3 with differently designed dosing heads 5.

[0241] In Figure 2, the dosing system 3, as in Figure 1, consists of a dosing head 5 and an associated control device (not shown) as well as a dosing substance supply 130. The dosing head 5 has, as its first central component, an actuator unit 20 which is mounted on a higher-level dosing device 2. The actuator unit 20 is connected for signaling purposes via control cables 21 in the region of a connection point 17 to the dosing device 2, in particular to the control device (not shown in detail) as part of the dosing device 2. Via connection points 17'", which are connected to a cooling medium supply 22' of the dosing system 3, a pre-cooled cooling medium, for example, can be supplied to the actuator unit 20 in a controlled and / or regulated manner during operation, in particular by means of a supply device.

[0242] A second component of the dosing head 5 is a fluidic system 70, which in Figure 2 is coupled to the actuator unit 20 as intended to form a functional dosing head 5. The fluidic system 70 comprises the media-carrying areas of the dosing head 5 and includes, among other things, a nozzle 72 for dispensing dosing material in an ejection direction SR. This will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 6.

[0243] In Figure 2, the fluidic system 70 is equipped with a dosing agent cartridge 130 that can be carried along during operation as a dosing agent supply 130. During dosing operation, the dosing agent cartridge 130 is coupled, on the one hand, to the fluidic system 70 and, on the other hand, connected to a first interface part 13 via a supply line 82, here a media pressure line 82, in the region of a connection point 17'. The first interface part 13 is designed in several parts in Figure 2 and comprises two separate and spatially separated interface elements 15, 16, with a supply coupling element 15 being shown at the top in Figure 2 and a functional coupling element 16 being shown in Figure 2 in the region of the fluidic system 70.

[0244] In Figure 2, the media pressure line 82 is connected to the supply coupling element 15 as the first interface element 15 of the first interface part 13. The supply coupling element 15 is further connected in the region of a connection point 17" to a heating control connection 84, which is in contact with the fluid system 70 via a heating connection cable 83. The heating control connection 84 here comprises a readable EEPROM 85.

[0245] The supply coupling element 15 is functionally coupled in the upper region of the dosing system 3 to a complementary coupling element 18, wherein the coupling element 18 is designed here as the first element of the second interface part 14 and is arranged on the dosing device 2.

[0246] The supply coupling element 15 of the first interface part 13 and the supply coupling element 18 of the second interface part 14 form a first part of an interface 12, via which a supply coupling 10 is realized. The supply coupling 10 is designed to connect the two supply lines 82, 83 to an external supply device (not shown) during operation of the dosing system 3, wherein the supply device can be realized, for example, as part of the dosing device 2.

[0247] For functional coupling, in the lower area of ​​Figure 2, the fluidic unit 70 is coupled to the actuator unit 20 via a second part of the same interface 12, wherein a functional coupling 11 is formed via the second partial interface 12. In the case shown here, the fluidic unit 70 is the first dosing head component A and the actuator unit 20 is the second dosing head component B, which are coupled via the functional coupling 11.

[0248] To form the functional coupling 11, a functional coupling element 16 is arranged on the fluidic system 70 as a second interface element 16 (of the first interface part 13), which functionally interacts with a complementary functional coupling element 19 of the second interface part 14 on the actuator unit 20. Figure 3 shows a slightly different embodiment of a dosing head 5, the key difference from Figure 2 being that the dosing head 5 here does not have a dosing substance cartridge, but rather has an external media supply.

[0249] The interface 12 in Figure 3 is again designed in two parts, with a supply coupling 10 being formed in the upper region of the dosing system 3 over a first part of the interface 12. The first interface element 15 of the first interface part 13 is again designed as a supply coupling element 15 and is assigned to the fluidic unit 70. The supply coupling element 15 is connected to a heating control connection 84 and is further connected to a supply line 82, here a media line 82 for a continuous media supply, with the dosing substance line 82 being designed here as an integral component of the supply coupling element 15.

[0250] The supply coupling element 15 comprises a closure coupling (not shown) acting relative to the dosing material line 82, so that the media-carrying area of ​​the fluidic system 70 is sealed off from the outside even when the fluidic system 70 is decoupled. In the interface 12 shown here, an electrical and a fluid-carrying connection is established between the fluidic system 70 and the dosing device 2 or a supply device (not shown in detail) via the two supply coupling elements 15, 18.

[0251] The functional coupling between the fluidic unit 70 (as the first dosing head component A) and the actuator unit 20 (as the second dosing head component B) via a second part of the same interface 12 corresponds to that of Figure 2 and is described in detail below using examples, wherein the respective functional couplings 11 can be realized both in combination with a portable dosing substance supply (Figure 2) and in combination with a continuous dosing substance supply (Figure 3).

[0252] Figure 6 shows part of a dosing system 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The dosing system 3 has a dosing head 5, which has a fluidic unit 70 as the first dosing head component A and an actuator unit 20 as the second dosing head component B. The dosing system 3 shown here is a jet valve with a movably mounted ejection element 40. Since the basic structure of such jet valves is known, the components relevant to the invention are described below. The actuator unit 20 comprises an actuator housing 22 with a controllable piezo actuator 24 as the working actuator 24. The piezo actuator 24, here a piezo stack, is arranged in an actuator chamber 23 in the housing 22 and borders (here at the top) on a spherical cap 26.On an opposite side, the piezo actuator 24 is mounted on a lever 27 of a movement mechanism 32 via a pressure piece tapering at an acute angle at the bottom and is clamped between the two components 26, 27. The lever 27, in turn, rests on a lever bearing 28 at the lower end of the actuator chamber 23. Via this lever bearing 28, the lever 27 can be tilted about a tilt axis K, so that a lever arm of the lever 27 projects through an opening 29 into an action chamber 25 and there into an engagement section of a second plug-in coupling part 92, which will be described later.

[0253] At the end of the lever arm, it has a contact surface 30 which points in the direction of an ejection element 40 or plunger 40 of a fluidic unit 70 which can be coupled to the actuator unit 20 and, in the coupled state, rests on a contact surface 45 of a plunger head 44.

[0254] The lever 27 is pressed upwards towards the piezo actuator 24 by an actuator spring 31 at the end where it comes into contact with the plunger 40 in order to enable a nearly constant preload of the lever-piezo drive system of the actuator unit 20.

[0255] The fluidic unit 70 is shown in Figure 6 in the decoupled state, e.g., during an automated changeover process according to the invention. The fluidic unit 70 here comprises a frame part 81 with a heating device 79 comprising a heating block 80 for controlling the temperature of the dosing material in a feed channel 86 and / or in a nozzle 72 of the fluidic unit 70. The heating device 79 has heating connection cables 83, which are connected at their ends to a heating control connection 84, which in turn is in contact with the supply coupling element of the first interface part (Figure 2).

[0256] The fluidic system 70 here has a reservoir connection 78 as part of a reservoir interface 77, in particular for coupling a dosing agent cartridge (Figure 2). The reservoir connection 78 can, for example, have a screw mechanism (only indicated in Figure 6) as a second interface part, which interacts with an internal thread of a dosing agent cartridge as the first interface part for coupling in an automated exchange process. In this case, only the cartridge could be specifically exchanged, whereby, unlike what is shown in Figure 6, the dosing agent cartridge would be the first dosing head component and the fluidic system 70 would be the second dosing head component.

[0257] Alternatively, the reservoir connection 78, as shown in Figure 2, can also be designed to change a dosing agent cartridge via a supply coupling 10, ie together with the entire fluid system 70, wherein the dosing agent cartridge can then be changed manually after the fluid system 70 has been disconnected.

[0258] In Figure 6, a feed channel 86 for dosing substance extends from the reservoir interface 77 through the fluid system 70 and opens into a nozzle chamber 75 inside the nozzle 72.

[0259] The nozzle 72 here comprises a nozzle jacket 76 surrounding the nozzle chamber 75 and a nozzle opening 73. The nozzle opening 73 has a nozzle insert 74 with an internal, conical sealing seat (not shown) tapering toward the nozzle opening 73, into which a tip 41 of the ejection element 40, e.g., a plunger tip 41, can be pressed in a sealing manner when the piezo actuator 24 is expanded. The nozzle chamber 75 is sealed upwards (toward the plunger head 44) ​​from the action chamber 25 by a plunger seal 42 in the coupled state. Adjoining the tappet seal 42 at the top is a tappet bearing 43 with a pushed-on tappet spring 46, which presses the tappet head 44 from the tappet bearing part 43 in the axial direction upwards away from the nozzle 72 and thus also presses the tappet tip 41 away from the sealing seat. That is,Without external pressure from above on the contact surface 45 of the tappet head 44, in the rest position of the spring 46, the tappet tip 41 is in the coupled state at a distance from the sealing seat of the nozzle insert 74 (“normally open” valve).

[0260] Characteristically - as in the present invention and regardless of the specific design of the dispensing head - in jet valves the dosing substance is "actively" ejected from the nozzle 72 by an (ejection) movement of the ejection element 40 relative to the nozzle 72, in particular in an ejection movement direction SR of the ejection element 40. During the ejection process, in particular an ejection tip 41 of the ejection element 40 comes into contact with the dosing substance to be dispensed and "presses" or "pushes" the dosing substance out of the nozzle 72 of the dispensing system due to the (ejection) movement of the ejection element 40 and / or the nozzle 72 (not in Figure 6). This distinguishes a jetting dispensing system from other dispensing systems in which a movement of a closure element merely leads to an opening of the nozzle, with a pressurized dosing substance then emerging from the nozzle of its own accord. This is the case, for example, with This is the case, for example, with injection valves in combustion engines.

[0261] The intended coupling of the first and second dosing head components A, B is shown in Figure 6 via a plug-in coupling 90 having a first plug-in coupling part 91 and a second plug-in coupling part 92 cooperating therewith. The first plug-in coupling part 91 is formed as part of the fluidic unit 70, with the second plug-in coupling part 92 being part of the actuator unit 20. To couple the fluidic unit 70 to the actuator unit 20, the fluidic unit 70 can be inserted into the actuator unit 20 in the axial direction along a plug-in axis S with the first plug-in coupling part 91 via a receiving section 104 in the second plug-in coupling part 92, for example by means of a movable exchange manipulator (not shown). This is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 7, which shows the first plug-in coupling part 91 on the fluidic unit 70 enlarged and in isolation.

[0262] In the example in Figures 6 and 7, the first plug-in coupling part 91 has a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections or teeth 100 at its end as a first locking element. Similarly, the second plug-in coupling part 92 or counter-plug-in coupling part 92 has matching teeth 101 (as a second locking element) (Figure 6) in its interior, which interact with the teeth 100 of the first plug-in coupling part 91 so that the plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 can be coupled together. The design and arrangement of the teeth 100, 101 is selected such that in at least a first rotational position (relative to a rotation about the plug-in axis S) of the first plug-in coupling part 91 and the counter plug-in coupling part 92 relative to one another, the teeth 100, 101 pass one another when the plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 are plugged into one another.The two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 can be rotated relative to each other about the plug-in axis S (second rotational position), so that the teeth 100 of the first plug-in coupling part 91 engage behind the teeth 101 extending inward in the mating plug-in coupling part 92 and couple the two components 70, 20 together. Such a rotation can be achieved, for example, by means of a change manipulator in the automated change process.

[0263] In Figure 6, the plug-in coupling 90 has an optional eccentric mechanism 120 with an eccentric shaft 122, wherein an eccentric spring 121 is arranged on the shaft 122 in an (here) upper section, by means of which the eccentric shaft 122 is pushed away from the piezo actuator 24 in the coupled state. When the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 are in a desired coupling position in which the teeth 100, 101 of the bayonet-like coupling mechanism are interlocked, the eccentric shaft 122 can be rotated about its own axis via an eccentric lever 123, so that a pressure ball 124 is pressed with relatively high pressure through a through-bore against an outer wall of the first plug-in coupling part 91. This allows a particularly secure fixation of the two dispensing head components A, B to one another. The eccentric mechanism 120 is shown here only as an example, for exampleInstead of the lever 123, an automatically controllable actuator can be provided to move the eccentric mechanism 120. For example, the eccentric or the eccentric shaft 122 could be driven by an electric or pneumatic actuator. The basic structure of such a bayonet-type plug-in coupling and a jet valve in general is known, for example, from DE 10 2017 122 034 A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated into this application.

[0264] Some details of the first plug-in coupling part 91 from Figure 6 are described with reference to Figure 7. The plug-in coupling part 91 has a nozzle section 103 in its (here) lower region, which forms a substantial part of a nozzle 72. The plug-in coupling part 91 has an external thread 102 over which a nozzle jacket section 76 can be screwed on in the manner of a cap nut.

[0265] In the area adjoining the nozzle section 103 at the top, the plug-in coupling part 91 has a section that can be inserted into the mating plug-in coupling part 92 of the actuator unit 20, with an optional clamping section 98 initially adjoining the nozzle section 103. The clamping section 98 here has a plurality of spherical caps 95 into which a press ball 124 of an optional eccentric mechanism can be pressed, as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0266] Above the clamping section 98 is a circumferential annular groove 96 for a seal 97, for example a typical O-ring 97 (see Figure 6). The seal 97 ensures that the first plug-in coupling part 91 and the second plug-in coupling part 92 are annularly sealed against one another when coupled. Above this annular groove 96 is a bayonet coupling section 99 or toothed section 99, on each of which a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections 100 or teeth 100 are arranged. Figure 8 shows, by way of example and purely schematically, a decoupling of a fluidic unit 70 (as the first dosing head component A) from an actuator unit 20 (as the second dosing head component B), as could be carried out in the automated process.Figure 8A shows a side view of a (still) complete dispensing head 5, wherein a movable change manipulator 61 is shown below the fluidic system 70 as part of a change system, which positively engages a coupling region 50 of the fluidic system 70 via an access element 57. The coupling region 50 is formed predominantly on an underside of the fluidic system 70 facing away from the actuator unit 20.

[0267] Figure 8B shows the same state of the dosing head 5 from Figure 8A, but this time as a top view of the actuator unit B, 20. The fluidic system A, 70 is rotated by a certain angle by means of the change manipulator 61 from a first rotational position corresponding to a rotational direction BR to a second rotational position for decoupling. The actuator unit B, 20 is arranged on a dosing device (not shown) to enable rotation of the components 20, 70 relative to one another.

[0268] Figure 8C shows the components A, B of the dispensing head from Figure 8A in the decoupled state from the side, with Figure 8D showing a top view of the (twisted) decoupled fluidics A, 70. The side view shows that the exchange manipulator 61 here has a controllable closure mechanism 63 for sealing a nozzle opening of a nozzle 72 from the outside during transport.

[0269] Figure 9 shows two sectional views of parts of a dosing system with a plug-in coupling and an enlarged top view of a locking element. For the sake of clarity, Figure 9—as well as Figures 10 to 12—shows schematically only those parts of the actuator unit 20 and the fluidic system 70 that are involved in forming the plug-in coupling.

[0270] Figures 9A and 9B show the same dosing system 3 in different (coupling) states, wherein in Figure 9A a first plug-in coupling part 91 of the fluidic system 70 is inserted in a coupling direction KR from below into a mating plug-in coupling part 92 in the actuator unit 20, e.g. by means of an exchange manipulator (not shown). The coupling direction KR or an opposite decoupling direction runs in Figures 9 to 12 and 15 parallel to a plug-in axis (S) of the respective plug-in coupling. The first plug-in coupling part 91 here has, as the first locking element 93, an annular groove 93 running around the base body of the plug-in coupling part 91, wherein a collar adjoins it upwards in the direction of the plunger head 44.

[0271] The second plug-in coupling part 92 has a linearly movable bearing element 94 as a second locking element 94. The plate-like bearing element 94 has a semicircular recess (Figure 9C), which at least partially encloses the base body of the first plug-in coupling part 91 for coupling. For coupling, the bearing element 94 can at least partially and positively engage the annular groove 93 in the first plug-in coupling part 91, so that the protruding collar rests on top of the bearing element 94 in the coupled state (Figure 9B).

[0272] The bearing element 94 can be moved linearly in a direction BR by means of a controllable actuator 109, which is part of a locking mechanism 107. The actuator 109 here comprises a pneumatic actuator with an actuator chamber 105 and a spring-loaded piston therein, as well as a controllable pressure medium supply 106 for supplying the pneumatic actuator chamber 105 with compressed air, for example, via a compressed air channel.

[0273] To decouple the two dosing head components A, B, the pneumatic actuator chamber 105 can be pressurized with compressed air so that the bearing element 94 is moved away from the first plug-in coupling part 91, in Figure 9A according to the direction of movement BR to the right.

[0274] For coupling, the pneumatic actuator can be depressurized, whereby the bearing element 94 is moved by spring force in the direction BR toward the annular groove 93 in the first plug-in coupling part 91 and at least partially encloses it (Figure 9B). The bearing element 94 and other parts of the locking mechanism 107 (not shown) form a type of sliding mechanism.

[0275] Figure 10 shows another example of a plug-in coupling. The plug-in coupling shown here is similar in its functional principle to the plug-in coupling from Figure 6, although the locking of the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 to form a dosing head is implemented differently. Figure 10A shows a sectional view through parts of a dosing system 3, while Figure 10B shows an enlarged view of parts of a fluidic system 70 with a first plug-in coupling part 91 and parts of a second plug-in coupling part 92. To couple the two dosing head components A, B, the first plug-in coupling part

[0276] 91 similar to Figure 9 from (here) below according to a coupling direction KR into the second plug-in coupling part 92 in the actuator unit 20 until the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 and thus also the two dosing head components A, B are positioned relative to each other as intended in order to carry out a coupling.

[0277] To lock the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92, the second plug-in coupling part

[0278] 92 a rotating plate 94' as a second locking element 94', with a number of intermittent projections 101' and notches 101*. This is particularly evident in Figure 10B and shows the different design principle compared to the sliding mechanism of Figure 9.

[0279] The first plug-in coupling part 91 has, as the first locking element 93', a number of teeth 100', wherein for guiding the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 into one another, a tooth 100' is assigned to a recess 101* in the rotary plate 94' in order to guide the teeth 100' in the axial direction in a coupling direction KR (Figure 10A) from below in the direction of the actuator unit 20 past the rotary plate 94'.

[0280] Once the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 are properly positioned for coupling, the rotating plate 94' is rotated by a locking mechanism 107' along a circular path by a certain angle in a direction of rotation BR, so that the teeth 100' in the first plug-in coupling part 91 and the projections 101' in the rotating plate 94' engage one behind the other. As can be seen in Figure 10B, the teeth 100' rest "on top" of the projections 101' of the rotating plate 94' in the coupled state.

[0281] For movement, the second plug-in coupling part 92 comprises a controllable locking mechanism 107' with an actuator 109', which here comprises an electric motor 105' and a gear 105", wherein the gear 105" is in operative contact with an external gear ring 106' (as part of the locking mechanism 107') on the rotary plate 94' (Figure 10B). Since the rotary plate 94' is involved here both in the locking of the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 and is, at least indirectly, in operative contact with the actuator 109', the same element 94' can, on the one hand, form a locking element 94' and, on the other hand, preferably in a different area, be part of a locking mechanism 107'. Figure 11 shows a further example of a plug-in coupling, wherein here, unlike in Figures 6 to 10, the plug-in axis runs essentially orthogonal to an ejection direction SR of dosing material from the nozzle 72 corresponding to a coupling direction KR.Figure 11A shows a perspective view of an actuator unit B, 20 and a fluidic system A, 70 decoupled therefrom. The fluidic system 70 has a first plug-in coupling part 91, wherein the first locking element 93" has two elongated retaining elements 51 or two "springs" 51 that protrude laterally beyond the base body of the plug-in coupling part 91 and are arranged on two opposite sides of the plug-in coupling part 91. This is particularly visible in the longitudinal section through the (here) coupled fluidic system 70 in Figure 11C.

[0282] The second plug-in coupling part 92 has, as a second locking element 94", two elongated recesses 52 or grooves 52 in the actuator unit 20, into which a spring 51 engages in a form-fitting manner to form the plug-in coupling when the first plug-in coupling part 91 is inserted laterally into the actuator unit 20 in a coupling direction KR in Figure 11 B. Since two springs 51 are provided here for coupling, the two springs 51 could also be referred to as two (first) locking elements 93", wherein the grooves 52 in the actuator unit 20 would accordingly form two (second) locking elements 94".

[0283] To lock the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92 in a designated position, the second plug-in coupling part 92 comprises a locking mechanism with a spring-mounted locking pin 108 as a locking element. Unlike what is shown in Figure 11, the locking mechanism could alternatively or additionally have a controllable actuator, e.g., a pneumatic actuator, via which a securing bolt can be actively moved as a further locking element essentially orthogonal to the coupling direction KR, preferably with a linear movement.

[0284] Figure 12 shows sectional views of parts of a dosing system 3 with a differently designed plug-in coupling in the uncoupled state (Figure 12A) or in the properly coupled state (Figure 12B) of the two dosing head components A, B.

[0285] The first plug-in coupling part 91 has a number of spherical caps 95' as a locking element 93'" in the upper part of the plug-in coupling part 91. Alternatively, the spherical caps 95' could also be designed in the form of a circumferential annular groove. The spherical caps 95' could also each form a locking element 93'". The second plug-in coupling part 92 has several locking balls 54 as locking elements 94'" (only two visible here), with each locking ball 54 being assigned a through-opening 53 in the receiving area of ​​the second plug-in coupling part 92. The second plug-in coupling part 92 comprises a controllable actuator 109" with a pneumatic actuator chamber 105 and a compressed air supply 106.The pneumatic actuator chamber 105 is realized here by means of an annular channel, wherein, under pressure, a locking ring 106'", which is mounted on the balls 54 via springs 106", is pushed upwards (here) so that the balls 54 are no longer pressed into the through-openings 53. In this state, shown in Figure 12A, the plug-in coupling is "opened", since the balls 54 have sufficient free space to be pressed into an annular channel 106"", wherein the first plug-in coupling part 91 can be inserted along a plug-in axis (corresponding to the coupling direction KR) into a designated position in the actuator unit 20 such that one spherical cap 95' and one through-opening 53 are at the same height.

[0286] To lock the two dosing head components A, B, the pneumatic actuator is depressurized, whereby the locking ring 106'", which is wedge-shaped in radial cross-section, presses the safety balls 54 via the through openings 53 into the respectively assigned spherical caps 95' via the springs 106' (Figure 12B).

[0287] Figure 13 shows a purely schematic section of another example of a plug-in coupling, wherein the first locking element 93"" is realized by means of a number of spherical caps 56.

[0288] The second locking element 94"" comprises a number of through openings corresponding to the number of spherical caps 56, which can be similar to Figure 12, for example, wherein in the sectional view only the webs between the respective through openings or between the securing balls 54 are visible. The second locking element 94"" has a number of balls 54 corresponding to the number of through openings and a rotating plate 55' with intermittent projections 55 and recesses 55". As shown here, the number of balls 54 corresponds to the number of recesses 55" in the rotating plate 55'. The second plug-in coupling part 92 has a controllable actuator 109 (as part of a locking mechanism) to actively move the second locking element 94"", in particular the rotating plate 55', in sections along a circular path according to a direction of rotation BR.To couple the two plug-in coupling parts 91, 92, the recesses 55" in the rotating plate 55' and the through-openings can be arranged to match one another, as shown here, so that a ball 54 is arranged in each respective recess 55", wherein the rotating plate 55' is rotated via the actuator 109 and the resulting rotational movement such that a ball 54 is pressed radially inward into a spherical cap 56 via a projection 55 of the rotating plate 55'. Although the balls 54 are movably mounted, they are held by the stationary through-openings in the second plug-in coupling part 92 and essentially do not perform any rotational movement.

[0289] In Figures 14 to 16, further dosing heads or parts thereof according to the invention are shown schematically, wherein here - in contrast to Figures 6 to 13 - a specific nozzle element as the first dosing head component is detachably coupled to a fluidic base body or to the (same) nozzle via an interface, ie at least some parts of the fluidic system, in particular the fluidic base body, are coupled to the actuator unit during the exchange process.

[0290] In Figure 14, the component A to be replaced is a nozzle jacket 76, which has an internal thread as its first interface part, as shown, for example, in Figure 14B. A complementary second interface part is arranged on (the same) nozzle, here by means of an external thread on the nozzle base body 71 that is not to be replaced as the second dosing head component B (Figure 14B). In this case, a dosing head is therefore formed by coupling a first nozzle part A, 76 to another nozzle part B, 71 via an interface to form a nozzle 72. While in Figure 14A the nozzle jacket 76 is still coupled to the fluidic base body, over which a fluidic system 70 is formed, Figure 14B shows a decoupled nozzle jacket A, 76, wherein a fluidic base body 70' with a nozzle base body B, 71 remains on the actuator unit 20.

[0291] For replacement, the first dosing head component A has a coupling area 50, which is realized here by means of a special outer shape of the nozzle casing 76, e.g., a basic shape with a hexagonal cross-section. This is visible, for example, in Figure 14C, where a replacement system 6 has a nozzle receptacle 58 complementary to the coupling area 50, ie, the outer shape of the nozzle casing 76, into which the coupling area 50 can engage in a form-fitting manner.

[0292] The change system 6 comprises a locking mechanism 107'" with a controllable actuator 109'", e.g., an electric motor, for actively rotating the hexagonal nozzle receptacle 58 relative to the nozzle base body B, 71 in different directions for coupling or decoupling (Figure 14A). The nozzle receptacle 58 is connected to the actuator 109'" via a rotation mechanism 64 (as part of the locking mechanism 107'"). The respective nozzle receptacles 58 remain in the change system 6 even after a change.

[0293] In the example in Figure 14, the locking mechanism 107'" is designed as a component of a magazine 60 of the changing system 6. Figure 14C shows, by way of example, a magazine 60 with five subunits 60', each with a receiving position for a nozzle casing 76, wherein each subunit 60' has a separate locking mechanism. In this example, for changing components, either the dosing system 3 can be moved to the magazine 60 or vice versa, although a combination is also conceivable.

[0294] Unlike what is shown here, it would also be possible for the nozzle jacket 76 to be exchanged via a movable exchange manipulator, e.g. by the exchange manipulator actively moving two or more subunits 60' to the dosing system 3 in order to position a specific nozzle jacket A, 76 for coupling relative to the nozzle base body B, 71.

[0295] Figure 15 shows a further example of a dosing system according to the invention in detail and schematically, wherein here an entire nozzle 72 as the first dosing head component A is coupled to a (remaining) fluidic unit, ie to a fluidic base body 70', as the second dosing head component B, in order to form a dosing head thereover.

[0296] In Figure 15, the fluidic system is designed in two parts in the manner of a plug-in coupling and comprises a first plug-in coupling part 9T, which here is formed by a nozzle base body 71, and a fluidic base body 70', which is only partially shown. The plug-in coupling can have a similar function, as explained with reference to Figure 6. Accordingly, the first plug-in coupling part 9T has a first locking element 93* with a number of teeth 100" at the (here) upper end of the nozzle base body 71.

[0297] The second plug-in coupling part 92' is designed here as part of the (remaining) fluidics, i.e. as the fluidics base body 70', and has a second locking element 94* with a number of teeth 101". For coupling, the first plug-in coupling part 9T can be inserted into the second plug-in coupling part 92' in a direction KR, wherein the first locking element 93* and the second locking element 94* can then be rotated relative to one another about the plug-in axis S, as described with reference to Figure 6, e.g. by means of an interchangeable manipulator. The coupling region 50 for the interchangeable manipulator (not shown) here corresponds, for example, to an underside comprising the nozzle opening 73 and a lateral partial region of the nozzle base body 71. A sliding seal 114 is arranged between the first and the second plug-in coupling part 9T, 92'.

[0298] A dosing system 3, previously partially described with reference to Figure 15, is shown purely schematically in Figure 4 with an associated dosing device 2. In the example shown, an interface 12 is formed via a first interface part 13' with a first functional coupling element 16' and a second interface part 14' with a second functional coupling element 19'. The first functional coupling element 16' is the first plug-in coupling part 9T described with reference to Figure 15, wherein the second functional coupling element 19' corresponds to the mating plug-in coupling part 92' on the fluidic base body 70'. As shown in Figure 4, the fluidic base body 70' and a nozzle 72 coupled thereto as intended form the fluidic system 70. In the example in Figure 4, the interface 12 is formed in one piece - unlike, for example, in Figure 2. In this case, there is no separate supply coupling element on the first orsecond interface part is required to form the dosing head 5.

[0299] Figure 16 schematically shows a further example of a dosing system according to the invention, wherein a first dosing head component A is designed in the form of a nozzle orifice 111 and a second dosing head component B is designed as part of a nozzle base body 71.

[0300] Figures 16A and 16B show sections through parts of a fluidic system 70 and a fluidic base body 70', respectively, wherein the fluidic system 70 and the fluidic base body 70' comprise a locking mechanism 107"" with a controllable actuator 109"" and a slide 115, here a bearing part 115, which form an integrated linear drive. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 107"" with the subcomponents 109"" 115 forms the change system, in this case an orifice change system 6'. The slide 115 (as part of the change system) has a nozzle orifice receptacle 116 for a nozzle orifice A, 111 (as the first dosing head component A) and is here firmly connected to the actuator 109"" , for example. The slide 115, and above it also the nozzle orifice 111, can be moved horizontally in a direction BR to couple or uncouple the nozzle orifice 111.In the embodiment shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the nozzle aperture 111 is realized as a nozzle insert 74, which is held in a separately formed bearing part 115 for coupling and / or decoupling and during operation of the dosing system 3, which bearing part 115 simultaneously functions as a slide 115. The nozzle insert 74, ie the nozzle aperture 111, forms the outer lower end of the nozzle 72 in the coupled state and delimits a nozzle chamber at the bottom.

[0301] The bearing part 115 has a nozzle orifice receptacle 116, into which a specific nozzle orifice 111 positively engages (Figure 16C). In the case shown here, an outer contour of the nozzle orifice 111, via which the nozzle orifice 111 makes contact with the bearing part 115, is a coupling area of ​​the nozzle orifice 111 for automated changing, with the change being carried out via the orifice changing system 6'.

[0302] In Figure 16A, the nozzle orifice A, 111 is coupled to the nozzle base body B, 71 as intended to form a dosing head, with a nozzle orifice opening 112, which forms the nozzle opening 73 of the dosing system 3, being arranged centered relative to a plunger tip. In this example, the nozzle orifice 111 is arranged on the nozzle 72 such that the nozzle orifice 111 forms an attachment of the nozzle 72 and is in fluid-tight contact with the nozzle 72, in particular the nozzle base body B, 71, from below on the outside.

[0303] For decoupling, the slide 115 can be moved to the right here by means of the locking mechanism 107", so that the nozzle orifice 111, in particular the nozzle orifice opening 112, is pushed laterally away from the nozzle 72. To do this, the tappet must first be moved away from the nozzle orifice opening 112 and preferably a dosing agent cartridge must be depressurized or the dosing agent supply interrupted. A sliding seal 114 (here as a component of the second interface part) lies sealingly against the bearing part 115 to enable the changing process and prevent dosing agent from escaping during the change. In the example shown here, the bearing part 115 is, on the one hand, part of the orifice changing system 6' and, on the other hand, forms part of a first interface part, for example through interaction with the sliding seal 114.

[0304] In Figure 16B, the nozzle orifice A, 111 is decoupled and has been pushed laterally away from the nozzle 72 or is located outside the metering valve 3, whereby the fluidic base body 70' remains on the actuator unit 20. In this decoupled state, the nozzle orifice A, 111 can be removed upwards from the bearing part 115, in particular from the nozzle orifice receptacle 116, for example by means of a changing manipulator (not shown here), and transferred, for example, into a cleaning bath. Subsequently, a "new" nozzle orifice A, 111 can be inserted from above into the then free nozzle orifice receptacle 116, for example by means of the same changing manipulator. Subsequently, the slider 115 can be moved in a direction BR, here to the left, to couple the nozzle orifice A, 111 back to the nozzle base body B, 71 or can be arranged on it from below. The slide 115 itself remains on the dosing system 3 during the changeover process.

[0305] Unlike what is shown in Figures 16A and 16B, an orifice changing system 6' can have a nozzle orifice magazine 113, 113', as shown schematically in Figure 5. The orifice changing system 6' with the nozzle orifice magazine 113, 113' is arranged here, for example, on the actuator unit 20 and could also be arranged on the fluidic system 70. Figure 5 clearly shows that in this example, both a first interface part 13" with a first functional coupling element 16" and a second interface part 14" with a second functional coupling element 19" are arranged on the same nozzle 72 to form an interface 12.

[0306] In the example from Figure 5 or Figure 16, the first interface part or the first functional coupling element is realized by means of the nozzle orifice 111 itself, e.g., via the nature of the outer surface and, if applicable, a sliding seal. As previously described, a bearing part 115 can be involved in the formation of the first interface part. The second interface part or the second functional coupling element is realized via the design of a receiving area in the nozzle base body 71, e.g., by the nozzle orifice 111 being able to be inserted precisely into a slot in the base body 71 and / or being held thereon as intended during operation by the base body 71 and / or a locking mechanism 107", e.g., via the bearing part 115, and by a sliding seal 114.

[0307] The nozzle aperture magazine 113 of Figure 5 can be designed to store a plurality of separate nozzle apertures 111. However, it is also possible for the nozzle aperture magazine 113' to be implemented in the form of a nozzle aperture assembly 113' with a plurality of nozzle apertures 111'. This is shown at the top of Figure 16D, where a strip-like nozzle aperture assembly 113' with a plurality of nozzle apertures 111' is shown, each nozzle aperture 111' having one nozzle aperture opening 112.

[0308] Depending on the design, a specific nozzle aperture 111' can be inserted from the magazine 113' via a locking mechanism 107"", e.g. similar to Figure 16A, into the nozzle 72 or the nozzle base body B, 71, for example by displacing the nozzle aperture strip 113' more linearly in an (insertion) direction ER.

[0309] Figure 16D shows another nozzle aperture magazine 113 at the bottom, which is implemented by means of a storage part 115' and a number of nozzle aperture receptacles 116 (Figure 16B), wherein a nozzle aperture 111 is arranged in each nozzle aperture receptacle 116. The nozzle apertures 111 can be removed from the storage part 115', for example, in the automated process. As shown in Figure 16D (below), the nozzle aperture openings 112, 112' of the nozzle apertures 111 in the same magazine 113 or even in the same nozzle aperture assembly 113' can have different configurations. Accordingly, the bearing part 115' can be positioned relative to the nozzle base body B, 71 via the controllable locking mechanism 107"" and a corresponding rotation of the bearing part 115', e.g. along a circular path or in an insertion direction ER, in such a way that a specific nozzle aperture 111 or a specific nozzle aperture opening 112, 112' can be inserted or removed for coupling into the nozzle base body B, 71.is arranged thereon, in particular such that a tip of the plunger 40 and a specific nozzle aperture 112, 112' are concentric with one another during operation. This allows a desired dosing pattern to be set during operation in the automated changing process, whereby in this embodiment, a nozzle aperture 111 can also be changed without an external changing manipulator, since the magazine 113 or the bearing part 115' comprises a plurality of different nozzle apertures 111.

[0310] Finally, it should be noted once again that the dosing heads and dosing systems described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments which can be modified in a variety of ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a first or second locking element can each comprise two or more separately formed locking elements or partial locking elements. Furthermore, a locking element, e.g. a rotary plate, can also be designed, at least in sections, as part of a locking mechanism, in particular if the rotary plate is in operative contact with an actuator. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles “a” or “an” does not exclude the possibility that the features in question can also be present multiple times.

[0311] List of reference symbols

[0312] 1 dosing system

[0313] 2 Dosing device

[0314] 3 Dosing system

[0315] 5 Dosing head / dosing valve

[0316] 6 Exchange system

[0317] 6' aperture change system

[0318] 7 Control device

[0319] 8 Maintenance coupling

[0320] 9 Maintenance facility

[0321] 10 Supply coupling

[0322] 11 Functional coupling

[0323] 12 Interface

[0324] 13, 13', 13“ First interface part

[0325] 14, 14', 14“ Second interface part

[0326] 15 Supply coupling element (first interface part)

[0327] 16, 16', 16" functional coupling element (first interface part)

[0328] 17, 17', 17", 17'" Junction

[0329] 18 Supply coupling element (second interface part)

[0330] 19, 19', 19“ functional coupling element (second interface part)

[0331] 20 Actuator unit

[0332] 21 control cables

[0333] 22 actuator housings

[0334] 22' cooling medium supply

[0335] 23 Actuator chamber

[0336] 24 Actuator / Piezo actuator

[0337] 25 Action Chamber

[0338] 26 ball cap

[0339] 27 levers

[0340] 28 lever bearings

[0341] 29 Breakthrough

[0342] 30 Contact surface (lever)

[0343] 31 Actuator spring

[0344] 32 Movement mechanism

[0345] 40 Ejection element / plunger

[0346] 41 Tappet tip 42 Tappet seal

[0347] 43 tappet bearings

[0348] 44 Ram head

[0349] 45 Contact surface (plunger)

[0350] 46 Tappet spring

[0351] 50 coupling range

[0352] 51 spring

[0353] 52 grooves

[0354] 53 passage opening

[0355] 54 safety ball

[0356] 55 lead

[0357] 55' turntable

[0358] 55" recess

[0359] 56 spherical cap

[0360] 57 Access element

[0361] 58 nozzle holder

[0362] 60 Magazine

[0363] 60' subunits

[0364] 61 Changing device / changing manipulator

[0365] 62 Maintenance coupling element

[0366] 63 Locking mechanism

[0367] 64 rotating mechanism

[0368] 70 Fluidics unit

[0369] 70' Fluidics body 71 Nozzle body

[0370] 72 nozzle

[0371] 73 Nozzle opening

[0372] 74 nozzle insert

[0373] 75 Nozzle chamber

[0374] 76 Nozzle casing

[0375] 77 Reservoir interface

[0376] 78 Reservoir connection

[0377] 79 Heating device

[0378] 80 heating block

[0379] 81 frame part

[0380] 82 Media pressure line / media line

[0381] 83 Heating connection cable 84 Heating control connection

[0382] 85 EEPROM

[0383] 86 feed channel

[0384] 90 plug-in coupling

[0385] 91, 91 ' First plug-in coupling part

[0386] 92, 92' Second plug-in coupling part

[0387] 93, 93', 93", 93'", 93"", 93* First locking element

[0388] 94, 94', 94", 94'", 94"", 94* Second locking element

[0389] 95, 95' spherical cap

[0390] 96 ring groove

[0391] 97 Seal (O-ring)

[0392] 98 clamping section

[0393] 99 Gear section

[0394] 100, 100', 100" teeth (first plug-in coupling part)

[0395] 101, 101', 101“ teeth (second plug-in coupling part)

[0396] 101* Notch (Second plug-in coupling part)

[0397] 102 external threads

[0398] 103 Nozzle section

[0399] 104 Recording section

[0400] 105 Pneumatic actuator room

[0401] 105' electric motor

[0402] 105" gear

[0403] 106 Pressure medium supply

[0404] 106' sprocket

[0405] 106" springs

[0406] 106'“ locking ring

[0407] 106" ring channel

[0408] 107, 107', 107", 107'", 107"" locking mechanism

[0409] 108 locking pins

[0410] 109, 109', 109", 109'", 109"" Actuator

[0411] 111 , 11 T nozzle cover

[0412] 112, 112' nozzle aperture

[0413] 113, 113' nozzle aperture magazine / nozzle aperture assembly

[0414] 114 sliding seal

[0415] 115, 115' bearing part / slide

[0416] 116 Nozzle aperture holder 120 Eccentric mechanism

[0417] 121 Eccentric spring

[0418] 122 Eccentric shaft

[0419] 123 Eccentric lever 124 Press ball

[0420] 130 Dosing agent supply / Dosing agent cartridge

[0421] A First dosing head component

[0422] B Second dosing head component

[0423] D Data / Control data BR Direction of movement / Direction of rotation

[0424] KR coupling direction

[0425] ER insertion direction

[0426] FS fluid flow

[0427] K Tilting axle S Quick-release axle

[0428] SR Discharge direction of dosing material / Discharge movement direction of discharge element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Dosing system (1) with at least one dosing device (2), which dosing device (2) has at least one dosing system (3) with at least one dosing head (5) for dispensing a dosing substance and with at least one exchange system (6, 6') assigned to the dosing device (2), wherein the dosing device (2) and / or the exchange system (6, 6') and / or the dosing system (3) are designed and controllable by a control device (7) such that, to form a dosing head (5), at least one first dosing head component (A) can be detachably coupled to at least one second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via the exchange system (6, 6').

2. Dosing system according to claim 1, wherein the exchange system (6, 6') has at least one magazine (60, 60', 113, 113') for at least one first dosing head component (A) and wherein preferably - the magazine (60, 60') is fixedly arranged in the dosing system (1) and wherein the dosing device (2) is movably designed and controllable by a control unit (7) such that a second dosing head component (B) on the dosing device (2) is brought into operative contact with a first dosing head component (A) in the magazine (60, 60') in an automated process for coupling the dosing head components (A, B) and / or such that a first dosing head component (A) of a dosing head (5) is deposited in the magazine (60, 60') in an automated process and / or - the magazine (60, 60') is movably designed with respect to the dosing device (2) and is controllable by a control device (7) such that a first dosing head component (A) in the magazine (60, 60') is brought into operative contact with a second dosing head component (B) on the dosing device (2) in an automated process for coupling the dosing head components (A, B) and / or such that a first dosing head component (A) of a dosing head (5) is deposited in the magazine (60, 60') in an automated process and / or - the exchange system (6) has a movable exchange device (61) which is designed and controllable by a control device (7) such that the exchange device (61) performs an automated transfer of at least one first dosing head component (A) between the magazine (60, 60') and a dosing device (2), in particular such that a first dosing head component (A) from the magazine (60, 60') is brought into operative contact with a second dosing head component (B) on a dosing device (2) for coupling and / or such that a first dosing head component (A) is transferred from a dosing device (2) into the magazine (60, 60').

3. Dosing system according to claim 2, wherein the magazine (60) of the exchange system (6) has at least one maintenance coupling element (62) which interacts with a coupling element (15), preferably a supply coupling element (15), of a first dosing head component (A) to form a maintenance coupling (8), wherein the maintenance coupling (8) is designed to connect at least one supply line (82, 83) of a dosing head component (A) to a maintenance device (9), wherein preferably a cleaner can be introduced into the dosing head component (A) via the maintenance coupling (8) and / or a heating device (79) of the dosing head component (A) can be controlled and / or a memory (85) associated with the dosing head component (A) can be read out.

4. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein the magazine (60, 60', 113, 113') of the exchange system (6, 6') is designed to store different configurations of dosing head components (A), in particular simultaneously, and / or wherein the exchange system (6, 6') is designed and controllable by a control unit (7) such that a specific dosing head component (A) from the magazine (60, 60', 113, 113') is brought into operative contact with a second dosing head component (B) on the dosing device (2) for coupling the dosing head components (A, B).

5. Interchangeable system (6, 6') for a dosing system (1), in particular for a dosing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing system (1) has at least one dosing device (2) with at least one dosing system (3), which dosing system (3) has at least one dosing head (5), wherein the interchangeable system (6, 6') is designed and can be controlled by a control device (7) such that, in order to form a dosing head (5), at least one first dosing head component (A) can be detachably coupled to at least one second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via the interchangeable system (6, 6').

6. Dosing device (2) for a dosing system (1), in particular for a dosing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing device (2) has at least one dosing system (3) with at least one dosing head (5) and wherein the dosing device (2) is designed and can be controlled by a control device (7), that to form a dosing head (5) at least a first dosing head component (A) can be detachably coupled to at least a second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via an exchange system (6, 6') of the dosing system (1).

7. Metering head (5) for a metering system (3), in particular for a metering system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, which metering head (5) has at least one actuator unit (20) and a fluidic unit (70) detachably coupled thereto, and - wherein at least one first dosing head component (A) is assigned a first interface part (13, 13', 13") of an interface (12), - wherein at least one second dosing head component (B) is assigned a second interface part (14, 14', 14") of the interface (12), - wherein the first interface part (13, 13', 13") and / or the second interface part (14, 14', 14") are designed to detachably couple the first dosing head component (A) with the second dosing head component (B) in an automated process to form the dosing head (5) - wherein the first dosing head component (A) has a coupling area (50) which is designed to interact for coupling the dosing head components (A, B) in the automated process with an exchange system (6, 6') assigned at least temporarily to the dosing head (5).

8. Dispensing head according to claim 7, wherein a first dispensing head component (A) comprises at least one of the following elements: - one fluidic unit (70), - a fluidic basic body (70'), - a nozzle (72), - a nozzle body (71), - a nozzle element (76, 111 , 11 T), - a dosing agent supply (130), and / or wherein a second dosing head component (B) comprises at least one of the following elements: - one actuator unit (20), - one fluidic unit (70), - a fluidic basic body (70'), - a nozzle body (71).

9. Dispensing head according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first interface part (13) associated with the first dispensing head component (A) and / or the second interface part (14) associated with the second dispensing head component (B) is formed in multiple parts.

10. Metering head according to one of claims 7 to 9, - wherein the first interface part (13) is assigned to the fluidic unit (70) and / or - wherein the first interface part (13) has a supply coupling element (15) for forming a supply coupling (10), wherein the supply coupling element (15) is configured to couple at least one supply line (82, 83) of the fluidic unit (70) to a supply device (2) during operation of the metering head (5) and / or wherein the supply coupling element (15) comprises a closing mechanism configured to seal at least one supply line (82) leading to the fluidic unit (70) in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner and / or - wherein the first interface part (13) has a first functional coupling element (16) and wherein a second interface part (14) is associated with a second functional coupling element (19) to form a functional coupling (11) of the actuator unit (20), and wherein the first interface part (13) and / or the second interface part (14) are configured to detachably couple the fluidic unit (70) to the actuator unit (20) via an interaction between the first and the second functional coupling element (16, 19).

11. Metering head according to claim 10, wherein the functional coupling element (16) of the first interface part (13) has a first plug-in coupling part (91) and the functional coupling element (19) of the second interface part (14) has a second plug-in coupling part (92), wherein the first plug-in coupling part (91) and the second plug-in coupling part (92) are pluggable into one another and can be coupled to each other along a plug-in axis (S) for coupling the fluidic unit (70) to the actuator unit (20), and wherein at least one first locking element (93, 93', 93", 93', 93"") is arranged on the first plug-in coupling part (91) and / or at least one second locking element (94, 94', 94", 94'", 94"") is arranged on the second plug-in coupling part (92), wherein preferably the fluidic unit (70) can be rotated about the plug-in axis in at least two positions. (S) can be coupled to the actuator unit (20) via a coupling area (50) for the interchangeable system (6).

12. Metering head according to claim 11, wherein the first plug-in coupling part (91) and / or the second plug-in coupling part (92), preferably at least the second plug-in coupling part (92), has an automatically movable locking mechanism (107, 107', 107") and wherein the locking mechanism (107, 107', 107") is configured to move at least one locking element (94, 94', 94'"," 94"") in a plug-in coupling part (92) relative to an associated locking element (93, 93', 93'"," 93"") in the respective other plug-in coupling part (91) for coupling the fluidic unit (70) with the actuator unit (20).

13. Dispensing head according to claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism (107) is configured to move a first locking element and / or a second locking element (94) substantially linearly in at least one direction and / or wherein the locking mechanism (107') is configured to move a first locking element and / or a second locking element (94') at least sectionally along a circular path and / or wherein the locking mechanism (107, 107', 107") comprises at least one controllable actuator (109, 109', 109") for moving at least one locking element (94, 94', 94', 94").

14. Metering head according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 13, wherein a first interface part (13') is associated with a first functional coupling element (16') of the nozzle (72) of the metering head (5) and wherein a second interface part (14') is associated with a second functional coupling element (19') of the fluidic base body (70') and / or the nozzle (72), and wherein the first interface part (13') and / or the second interface part (14') are configured to detachably couple at least one nozzle element (72, 76, 111, 111') to the actuator unit (20) and / or to the fluidic base body (70') and / or to the nozzle (72) via an interaction between the first and the second functional coupling element (16', 19').

15. Metering head according to claim 14, wherein the functional coupling element (16') of the first interface part (13') has a first plug-in coupling part (91') and the functional coupling element (19') of the second interface part (14') has a second plug-in coupling part (92'), wherein the first plug-in coupling part (91') and the second plug-in coupling part (92') are pluggable into one another and can be coupled to each other for coupling at least one nozzle element (72) to the fluidic base body (70') along a plug-in axis (S), and wherein at least one first locking element (93*) on the first plug-in coupling part is provided for coupling. (9T) and / or at least a second locking element (94*) is arranged on the second plug-in coupling part (92'), wherein preferably the first plug-in coupling part (91 ') can be coupled to the second plug-in coupling part (92') under at least two rotational positions about the plug-in axis (S) via a coupling area (50) for the interchangeable system (6).

16. Metering head according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the nozzle element (111 , 111 ') comprises a nozzle orifice (111 , 111 ') and wherein the nozzle orifice (111 , 111 ') can be inserted into the nozzle (72) in an automated process by means of an orifice changing system (6') which is designed as a component of a changing system (6), wherein an insertion direction (ER) of the nozzle orifice (111 , 111') into the nozzle (72) via the orifice changing system (6') is transverse to an ejection direction (SR) of metering material, in particular transverse to an ejection movement direction (SR) of an ejection element (40).

17. Metering head according to claim 16, wherein the aperture changing system (6') is preferably detachably connected to the fluidic unit (70) and / or to the actuator unit (20) and / or to a metering device (2), and / or wherein the aperture changing system (6') has an automatically movable locking mechanism (107") configured to introduce a nozzle aperture (111, 111') into the nozzle (72), preferably by means of a linear movement and / or along a circular path, wherein at least a first functional coupling element and / or a second functional coupling element has a sliding seal (114).

18. Metering head according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the aperture changing system (6') has a nozzle aperture magazine (113, 113') for at least one nozzle aperture (111 , 111'), preferably for a plurality of nozzle apertures (111 , 111'), wherein preferably at least two nozzle apertures (111 , 111 ') have different configurations, and wherein the aperture changing system (6') can be controlled and is configured to introduce a specific nozzle aperture (111 , 111'), in particular with a specific nozzle aperture opening (112, 112'), into the nozzle (72).

19. Metering head according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 18, wherein a first interface part with at least one first functional coupling element is associated with a metering substance reservoir (130) and wherein a second interface part with a second functional coupling element is associated with the fluidic unit (70), and wherein the first interface part and / or the second interface part are configured to at least- dest the metering agent supply (130) is detachably coupled to the fluidic unit (70) via an interaction between the first and the second functional coupling element.

20. Dosing system (3) for a dosing device (2) of a dosing system (1), in particular for a dosing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing system (3) has at least one dosing head (5), in particular a dosing head (5) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 19, wherein the dosing system (3) is designed and can be controlled by a control device (7) such that, for the formation of the dosing head (5) of the dosing system (3), at least one first dosing head component (A) can be detachably coupled to at least one second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via an exchange system (6, 6') of the dosing system (1).

21. Method for the automated coupling of at least one first dosing head component (A) with a second dosing head component (B) to form a dosing head (5) of a dosing system (3), preferably a dosing system (3) for a dosing plant (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the automated coupling preferably comprises at least one change of a dosing head component (A) and / or takes place during the operation of a dosing plant (1), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: - Providing at least one first dosing head component (A) to which a first interface part (13, 13', 13") is assigned, preferably by means of an interchangeable system (6, 6'), - Connecting, using the interchangeable system (6, 6'), the first interface part (13, 13', 13"), which is assigned to the first dosing head component (A), with a second interface part (14, 14', 14"), which is assigned to a second dosing head component (B), to form an interface (12), - Locking at least one interface element (10, 11) of the interface (12), preferably by means of a control device (7), in order to detachably couple the first dosing head component (A) via the first interface part (13, 13', 13") to form the dosing head (5) with the second interface part (14, 14', 14") of the second dosing head component (B), - optional adjustment of an actuator (24) of an actuator unit (20) such that in a defined operating state of the actuator (24), in particular in a deflected operating state, a certain contact force of an ejection element (40) into a nozzle (72) is generated by the actuator (24), wherein the adjustment process is preferably controlled by means of a control device (7).

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