Dosing valve for a dosing device

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) having: at least one dosing valve (4) for dispensing a dosing material; and at least one change system (5) assigned to the dosing device (2). The dosing installation (1) is designed and can be actuated by a control device (6) in such a way that at least the dosing valve (4) can be releasably coupled to the dosing device (2) in an automated process via the change system (5) in order to dispense dosing material and / or in such a way that at least the dosing valve (4) can be releasably coupled to a supply device (7) in an automated process via the change system (5). The invention also relates to: a change system (5) for a dosing installation (1); a dosing device (2) for a dosing installation (1); a dosing system (3) comprising a dosing valve (4); and a dosing valve (4) for a dosing system (3). The invention also relates to a method for coupling at least one dosing valve (4) to a dosing device (2) and / or to a supply device (7) in an automated manner.

Description

[0001] Dosing valve for a dosing device

[0002] The invention relates to a dosing system with at least one dosing device, which dosing device comprises at least one dosing system with at least one dosing valve for dispensing a dosing substance, and with at least one changeover system associated with the dosing device. The invention relates to a changeover system and a dosing device for a dosing system, as well as to a dosing system and a dosing valve for a dosing system. The invention further relates to a method for the automated coupling of at least one dosing valve to a dosing device and / or to a supply device.

[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. A dosing system usually comprises at least one dosing valve, which serves to actually dispense the dosing substance, and, depending on the design, additional elements, e.g., a control system for operating the dosing valve and a dosing substance reservoir. The dosing substance can be dispensed by releasing a dosing medium or dosing substance drop by drop via a nozzle of the dosing valve. Depending on the design, a dosing valve can also be referred to as the dosing head of a dosing system.

[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 dots of adhesive, solder paste, paint, 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 dispensing valve operating according to the jet process being referred to as a "jet valve." Dosing medium is typically dispensed from the jet valve 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 for certain components of the dosing system, especially the dosing valve, to be cleaned and / or replaced at regular intervals or when a fault message occurs. For example, depending on the nature of the dosing material, regular cleaning of the fluid-carrying parts of the dosing valve may be necessary to ensure consistent dosing results during operation. Replacing the fluid-carrying elements of the dosing valve may also be necessary before changing the dosing material. For dosing valves equipped with their own dosing material supply, regular replacement of a dosing material cartridge may be necessary during operation.

[0009] To achieve a specific dosing pattern, particularly for manufacturing a product with a specific dosing material pattern, a configuration change of a dosing system, particularly a dosing valve, may be necessary during operation. A configuration of a dosing valve may, for example, relate to the design of a nozzle and / or an ejection element and / or an actuator and / or the nature of the dosing material.

[0010] Particularly with the jet valves mentioned above, it is necessary during operation that certain components, e.g. components that are subject to high wear during operation, are replaced or exchanged for maintenance reasons in order to achieve a consistent dosing result.

[0011] Replacing a specific component in conventional dosing systems typically requires the removal of an entire dosing system, or at least an entire dosing valve within the dosing system, from a higher-level system. To do this, the dosing valve is manually removed from the higher-level system by an operator, for example, and replaced with another dosing valve. Manual adjustment of the dosing valve is often also required. Depending on the design of the dosing valve, replacing a dosing valve can be time-consuming, and a production process may also be interrupted.

[0012] Particularly in large production plants where a large number of dosing valves are integrated into and operated by a higher-level system, replacing just one of the dosing valves can lead to a temporary standstill of the entire production plant.

[0013] However, a regular replacement and / or a situation-dependent replacement of certain, e.g. worn, components of a dosing valve during operation is necessary in order to ensure a consistent dosing result.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention 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 or a dosing valve is possible.

[0015] 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 valve according to claim 7 and a dosing system according to claim 14 as well as by a method according to claim 15.

[0016] 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 during operation. In the context of the invention, a dosing device is to be understood as a higher-level unit or system which 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. The dosing device can preferably comprise at least one supply device and / or a control device. At least one single, preferably two or more, dosing valves can be coupled to the dosing device during operation, i.e. for the proper dosing substance dispensing. The respective dosing valves or dosing systems are preferably designed to be separately controllable.Preferably, a dosing valve which is in operative contact with a dosing device for dispensing the dosing substance by means of coupling can form a dosing unit to be operated separately.

[0017] Regardless of the specific embodiment, a dosing device can comprise at least one, preferably a plurality, of coupling points for releasably coupling a respective dosing valve, preferably a dosing system. Preferably, each coupling point can be assigned a counter-interface part to form an interface between the dosing device and a respective dosing valve. This will be described in detail later.

[0018] A dosing system according to the invention comprises at least one dosing valve designed to dispense a dosing substance onto a substrate in a controlled manner during operation. The dosing valve can be designed according to one of the types mentioned above. In particular, the dosing valve can be a jet valve. The dosing valve has, as subcomponents, at least one actuator unit and a fluidic unit coupled thereto and functionally interacting therewith during operation. The dosing valve comprises at least those components of a dosing system that are involved in the actual dosing substance dispensing during operation. In particular, the dosing valve can be designed as a subunit of a dosing system.

[0019] In addition to a dosing valve, a respective dosing system comprises at least one dosing substance reservoir and an associated control device for controlling the operation of the dosing valve. The dosing substance reservoir and / or the control device can be associated with a specific dosing valve, in particular formed on and / or within it, e.g., as a carried dosing substance cartridge or as a local control unit. Alternatively or additionally, a dosing valve can be coupled during operation to an external, in particular stationary, dosing substance reservoir and / or to a higher-level, in particular external, control device to form a dosing system. Details of the dosing system will be provided later.

[0020] According to the invention, the dosing system comprises at least one changeover system that is at least temporarily assigned to the dosing device during operation. In particular, the changeover system can be at least temporarily assigned to a specific dosing system and / or a specific dosing valve during operation of the dosing system. Depending on the embodiment, at least parts of the changeover system can be permanently assigned to a specific dosing valve for dosing substance delivery.

[0021] According to the invention, the dosing system, in particular the change system and / or the dosing device and / or the dosing valve, is designed and can be controlled by a control device in such a way that at least the dosing valve can be detachably coupled, in particular reversibly coupled, to the dosing device in an automated process via the change system, in particular via a movable change device of the change system, for dosing substance dispensing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a (respective) dosing valve for coupling can be arranged directly or immediately on the dosing device itself, wherein in the coupled state a dosage substance can be dispensed as intended via the dosing valve.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a metering valve can be indirectly connected to the metering device for coupling purposes, alternatively or additionally. Such an (indirect) coupling can preferably be realized by a movable changeover device of the changeover system. For example, a movable changeover device can be permanently assigned to a specific metering valve during metering operation, with the changeover device being releasably coupled to the metering valve on the one hand and in operative contact with the metering device on the other. Accordingly, the metering valve can also be coupled to the metering device via the coupling to the movable changeover device. A combination of the two embodiments is also possible.For example, a dosing system may have at least one dosing valve which is arranged directly on a dosing device for dispensing the dosing substance, wherein at least one other dosing valve for dispensing the dosing substance is detachably coupled to a movable changing device.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the dosing system, in particular the exchange system and / or the dosing device and / or the dosing valve, is designed and can be controlled by a control device in such a way that at least the dosing valve can be detachably coupled, in particular reversibly coupled, to a supply device via the exchange system in an automated process.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one metering valve can be arranged directly or immediately on the supply device itself for coupling. Alternatively or additionally, at least one metering valve can be (indirectly) coupled to the supply device via a movable changeover device, wherein the metering valve is coupled to the changeover device and wherein the changeover device is in operative contact with the supply device. A combination of these is also possible.

[0026] A supply device can be designed as part of the dosing device, wherein the dosing valve can then be detachably coupled to the supply device via the dosing device.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, a supply device, preferably designed separately, can be connected to a magazine that is part of the changing system, wherein the dosing valve can then be detachably coupled to the supply device via the magazine. Alternatively or additionally, a supply device can preferably be designed separately from the dosing device, wherein the dosing valve can be coupled to the supply device (only) via the changing system, e.g., during transport of the dosing valve in the dosing system. Regardless of the specific embodiment of the supply device, the (respective) dosing valve can be coupled to the supply device directly or indirectly, e.g., via a movable changing device, in particular in an automated process.

[0028] An automated process is understood to mean that a coupling process of the dosing valve can be carried out or is carried out as intended, preferably without direct manual human intervention. The individual method 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 for coupling the dosing valve and / or a decoupling process for decoupling the dosing valve takes place fully automatically. For coupling at least the dosing valve with the dosing device and / or with the supply device, the changing system, in particular a movable changing device, can interact functionally with the dosing device and / or with at least parts of the dosing valve, at least temporarily.In particular, the exchange system provides means designed to couple at least one metering valve to the metering device and / or to the supply device, in particular through interaction with the metering device and / or with the metering valve. Accordingly, the exchange system preferably also provides means for decoupling at least the metering valve from the metering device and / or from the supply device.

[0029] According to the invention, the changeover system is designed to releasably couple at least one metering valve to an associated coupling partner in the automated process. Accordingly, a (complete) metering system can be formed in the automated process via the changeover system, in particular by coupling a metering valve to a metering device comprising an associated control device and an associated metering substance reservoir. Furthermore, the changeover system is also designed to releasably couple a (complete) metering system to the metering device and / or to the supply device in the automated process, in particular if the metering valve has a local control unit and a metering substance supply.

[0030] Advantageously, a dosing system according to the invention with a dosing device and a correspondingly designed dosing valve, in conjunction with the changeover system, can be used to both couple a dosing valve to a dosing device and uncouple it in a fully automated process. For example, control software for controlling the coupling or uncoupling process can be created manually, whereby the actual changeover process in the dosing system can then be carried out via a control device without direct operator involvement.

[0031] Advantageously, the dosing system according to the invention and the additional dosing system components allow a dosing valve to be replaced more quickly than with a manual replacement, thus minimizing interruptions to dosing operations. Particularly in large production facilities with a large number of dosing valves, downtimes of the dosing system can be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the dosing system. Furthermore, the automated replacement process can reduce human error sources when changing dosing valves, thus increasing production quality.

[0032] A further advantage can arise from the fact that a dosing valve that is decoupled from the dosing device can be brought into operative contact with a supply device via the changeover system. Advantageously, cleaning and / or temperature control can be performed via the supply device for a dosing valve that is not in dosing mode, and / or the dosing valve can be controlled by a control device, particularly for calibration and teaching processes of the dosing valve. This will be described in more detail later.

[0033] 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, during operation, at least one dosing system, which dosing system has at least one dosing valve, preferably a previously described dosing valve. According to the invention, the changeover system is designed and controllable by a control device such that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be releasably coupled to the dosing device via the changeover system for dosing substance delivery in an automated process and / or such that at least the dosing valve can be releasably coupled to a supply device via the changeover system in an automated process, in particular is reversibly coupled thereto in each case.

[0034] The change system is preferably designed and controllable by the control device in such a way that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be decoupled from the dosing device and / or from the supply device in an automated process via the change system.

[0035] Preferably, the exchange system has at least one counter-interface part which is designed to detachably couple the dosing valve to the exchange system in an automated process by interacting with an associated valve interface part of the dosing valve to form an interface.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the changeover system can have at least one, preferably two or more, separately controllable movable changeover devices. Each changeover device preferably has a mating interface part that is complementary to the valve interface part. Further preferably, each movable changeover device can be in operative contact with the metering device and / or the supply device, wherein a metering valve can be releasably coupled to the movable changeover device via the respective mating interface part in the automated process. Accordingly, a metering valve can also be (indirectly) coupled to the metering device and / or the supply device via the coupling to a movable changeover device.In other words, for coupling the metering valve to the metering device and / or to the supply device, an operative connection can be formed between the metering valve and the metering device and / or the supply device by means of the movable changeover device. This means that the (respective) movable changeover device can provide a counter-interface part, which counter-interface part is assigned to the metering device and / or the supply device.

[0037] Preferably, a respective movable exchange device according to this embodiment can form an intermediate element or a connecting element between a dosing valve and a dosing or supply device and is therefore also referred to as a movable intermediate member. Preferably, a movable intermediate member can be realized by means of a controllable robot arm with a counter-interface part. Preferably, a part of the robot arm can be arranged stationary in the dosing system, e.g., via a fixed connection to a dosing device or a supply device, wherein a second part of the same robot arm is movable, in particular with respect to a magazine and / or the dosing device and / or a dosing point. Such a movable intermediate member according to this embodiment is referred to as a "working manipulator."Preferably, two or more separately operated work manipulators (as part of the exchange system) can be assigned to a dosing device.

[0038] 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 valve during operation, preferably a dosing valve as described above, and wherein the dosing device is designed and controllable by a control device in such a way that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be detachably coupled to the dosing device in an automated process via a change system of the dosing system for dosing substance dispensing and / or in such a way that at least the dosing valve can be detachably coupled to a supply device in an automated process via the change system of the dosing system, in particular is reversibly coupled thereto in each case.

[0039] The dosing device is preferably designed and controllable by the control device such that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be decoupled from the dosing device and / or the supply device in an automated process via the dosing system's changeover system. The coupling and / or decoupling of a dosing valve can preferably be effected via a movable changeover device of the changeover system, preferably a work manipulator.

[0040] The invention further relates to a metering valve for a metering system, in particular for a metering system according to the invention. The metering valve preferably comprises at least one actuator unit and a fluidic unit, in particular one that is detachably coupled thereto. Such a metering valve, which is constructed from an actuator unit and a fluidic unit, can also be synonymously referred to as a metering head of a metering system.

[0041] The actuator unit preferably has at least one actuator for moving an ejection element of the metering valve for dispensing a metered substance. The actuator can preferably 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. The actuator can preferably be a piezo actuator. Alternatively, an electromagnetic drive or a combination of different actuator types can be provided as the drive. The fluidic unit comprises at least one supply channel for metered substance and a nozzle for dispensing metered substance from the metering valve. The fluidic unit and / or the actuator unit can preferably have at least one heating device for controlling the temperature of the metered substance in the metering valve. Details on the actuator unit and the fluidic unit will be provided later.

[0042] According to the invention, the metering valve has at least one valve interface part which is designed to detachably couple the metering valve, in particular by forming an interface, to the metering device and / or to the supply device in an automated process for metered substance dispensing, by interacting with an associated counter-interface part which is associated with a metering device and / or by interacting with an associated counter-interface part which is associated with a supply device. The valve interface part and the counter-interface part are designed in particular such that, by forming an interface, the metering valve can be detachably connected to the metering device, e.g., detachably arranged thereon, in the automated process for the intended metered substance dispensing.

[0043] The valve interface part can be formed, at least partially, as part of the metering valve itself, in particular as an integral component. Alternatively or additionally, the valve interface part can be arranged, at least partially, on the metering valve. Alternatively or additionally, the valve interface part can be formed, at least partially, on a housing and / or as part of a housing, which housing partially or completely surrounds the metering valve. The valve interface part can preferably be designed in the form of an interface module.

[0044] The valve interface part is preferably formed in multiple parts. In particular, the valve interface part can comprise two or more elements (referred to as valve interface elements). The respective valve interface elements, in particular the coupling elements formed above them, can be formed separately, e.g., spatially separated from one another.

[0045] The counter-interface part is preferably formed in multiple parts. In particular, the counter-interface part can comprise two or more elements (referred to as counter-interface elements). The respective counter-interface elements or regions can be formed separately, e.g., spatially separated from one another.

[0046] According to one embodiment, at least one counter-interface element of the counter-interface part, which is assigned to a dosing device and / or a supply device, can be formed at least in sections as part of the dosing device itself and / or can be arranged, at least in sections, on the dosing device.

[0047] According to one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, at least one counter-interface element of the counter-interface part, which is assigned to a dosing device and / or a supply device, can be provided by the changing system, in particular a movable changing device.

[0048] Furthermore, at least one counter-interface element of the counter-interface part assigned to a supply device can be formed, at least in part, as part of the supply device itself and / or can be arranged, at least in part, on the supply device. Alternatively or additionally, a counter-interface element can also be provided by a magazine of a change system. Details on this will be provided later.

[0049] According to the invention, the metering valve has at least one coupling region designed to interact with a changeover system at least temporarily assigned to the metering valve for coupling the metering valve to the metering device and / or for coupling the metering valve to the supply device in an automated process. The changeover system is preferably a previously described changeover system according to the invention of a metering system. The changeover system is assigned to a specific metering valve at least for the period of the changeover of the respective metering valve. The changeover system can be alternately assigned to different metering valves and / or different metering devices.

[0050] The coupling area on the metering valve is preferably designed such that the changeover system can interact with the metering valve via this coupling area, in particular, can act on it in such a way that the metering valve and the metering device and / or the metering valve and the supply device are brought into operative contact. The coupling area is further preferably designed such that the changeover system can interact with the metering valve via this coupling area in such a way that decoupling of the metering valve from the metering device and / or decoupling of the metering valve from the supply device can also be carried out in the automated process.

[0051] Preferably, the coupling region of the metering valve can be formed as part of the valve interface part. In principle, a metering valve can have two or more, even different, coupling regions.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the coupling region can be designed in the form of a transport coupling element of the valve interface part. The valve interface part is then preferably designed to detachably couple the metering valve, in particular by forming an interface, to the exchange system by interacting with an associated counter-interface part of a change system in an automated process, in particular for transporting the metering valve in the metering system. In this embodiment, the valve interface part can be designed in at least three parts. The valve interface part then preferably comprises three valve interface elements, wherein one valve interface element forms a supply coupling element and wherein another valve interface element forms a functional coupling element and another valve interface element forms a transport coupling element.The valve interface part is preferably designed such that the metering valve simultaneously forms a (single) interface via two or more valve interface elements. Accordingly, an interface, particularly depending on the valve interface elements involved, can have different configurations and / or can comprise two or more interface segments. Details will be provided later.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the valve interface part can have two valve interface elements, wherein one valve interface element forms a supply coupling element and wherein another valve interface element forms a functional coupling element. Preferably, the coupling region of the metering valve can then be realized by the functional coupling element of the valve interface part. Preferably, the metering valve can then also interact with the changeover system during metering operation via the coupling region, in particular, be detachably arranged on a movable changeover device, wherein the metering valve can be coupled to the metering device and / or to the supply device via the movable changeover device.

[0054] 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 valve, in particular a dosing valve according to the invention, and an associated control device for controlling the dosing valve. The control device can be a control device of the dosing system and / or a dosing system-specific, e.g. (local) control unit. The dosing system is designed and can be controlled by the control device in such a way that at least the dosing valve can be detachably coupled to the dosing device in an automated process via a changeover system of the dosing system, in particular via a changeover system according to the invention, for dispensing dosing substance and / or in such a way that at least the dosing valve can be detachably coupled to a supply device in an automated process via the changeover system.Furthermore, the dosing system is preferably designed to be controllable by the associated control device in such a way that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be decoupled from the dosing device and / or from the supply device in an automated process via the change system of the dosing system.

[0055] 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 change a dosing valve 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 change system, a dosing system, and a dosing valve.

[0056] In a method according to the invention for the automated coupling of at least one metering valve to a metering device and / or to a supply device, preferably a metering valve according to the invention and / or a metering valve for a metering system according to the invention, the automated coupling preferably comprises at least one change of a metering valve. The automated coupling can preferably take place during operation of a metering system, in particular while at least one other metering system of the same metering system continues its metering operation.

[0057] The method may comprise at least the following steps:

[0058] In an optional step, at least one interface of an installed metering valve, which interface has a valve interface part and a counter-interface part, can be brought into a transfer state of the interface to enable an automated change of the metering valve, which has the valve interface part. Preferably, the transfer state can be brought about by de-energizing and / or de-pressurizing at least one (interface) element 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 metering valve, preferably a higher-level control device.

[0059] In an optional step, the dosing valve can be transferred into a change system, preferably using a coupling area of ​​the dosing valve assigned to the change system. Preferably, the dosing valve can be transferred into a movable change manipulator of the change system.

[0060] In an optional step, the interface can be transferred to a decoupling state, preferably by means of the control device associated with the metering valve. To transfer to the decoupling state, a preferably mechanical coupling between the valve interface part and the counter-interface part can be released; in particular, a functional coupling can be opened.

[0061] In an optional step, the detached or decoupled metering valve can be transferred into a magazine, preferably into a magazine of the change system. Preferably, the transfer can be carried out by means of a movable component of the change system, in particular via a movable change manipulator. The method steps described above can preferably be carried out with a metering valve that is (directly) coupled to a metering device and / or a supply device.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, according to one embodiment, an interface of a mounted metering valve can first be brought into a transfer state, as described above, wherein the metering valve is coupled to a working manipulator as a movable changeover device. Preferably, the metering valve can be transferred by the working manipulator into a magazine of the changeover system. Subsequently, the interface can be brought into a decoupling state in order to deposit the decoupled metering valve in the magazine. It would also be possible to first transfer the metering valve into a magazine via the working manipulator, only then establishing the transfer state and the decoupling state of the interface.

[0063] The optional method steps described above are preferably carried out if a metering valve is to be replaced, i.e. a metering valve is replaced in the same method sequence by another metering valve, e.g. one with the same function. In this respect, the method can then be referred to as a combined decoupling / coupling method or, for short, as a “changeover method”. The steps described above do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order stated, although several steps can also be carried out essentially simultaneously or individual steps can be omitted. In any case, the method according to the invention comprises the method steps described below. If the method is carried out as an exchange method, these method steps can essentially follow directly on from the decoupling steps described above.

[0064] Alternatively, the following steps can also be carried out independently of the previous optional steps, e.g. when a dosing device is equipped with a dosing valve after a longer interruption.

[0065] First, a dosing valve with a valve interface part is provided, preferably by means of a changeover system. This provision means at least that the changeover system has access to the dosing valve and, in particular, can interact with the dosing valve.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a counter-interface part of the exchange system can interact with the valve interface part, in particular with a transport coupling element, to form an interface, preferably to form a first interface segment of the interface. Then, using the exchange system, the valve interface part of the metering valve, in particular a functional coupling element and a supply coupling element, is brought together with a complementary counter-interface part, which is assigned to a metering device and / or a supply device, in particular to form a second interface segment. In this embodiment, the metering valve can preferably be coupled directly to the metering device and / or the supply device.

[0067] According to one embodiment, a counter-interface part of a work manipulator can interact with the valve interface part to form an interface. In this case, the valve interface part can be brought together with a complementary counter-interface part of the work manipulator, i.e., using the exchange system, wherein the counter-interface part of the work manipulator is assigned to the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0068] Regardless of the specific embodiment, at least one interface element of the valve interface part and / or the counter-interface part associated with the metering device and / or the supply device is locked, preferably by means of actuation by a control device associated with the metering valve, in order to releasably or reversibly couple the metering valve via the valve interface part for coupling the metering valve to the counter-interface part associated with the metering device and / or to the counter-interface part associated with the supply device. The coupling can be effected indirectly, whereby the metering valve can then be reversibly coupled to the metering device and / or the supply device by forming an interface via a working manipulator.

[0069] In an optional step, depending on the embodiment, a connection between the counter interface part of the exchange system and the valve interface part, in particular the transport coupling element, can be released.

[0070] If the dosing valve is coupled to a movable work manipulator, the previously formed interface can remain closed even during dosing operation of the dosing valve.

[0071] 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 performed 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 into a nozzle of a fluidic unit is generated by the actuator. The adjustment process can preferably be controlled via a control device assigned to the dosing valve, preferably a higher-level control device.

[0072] Advantageously, the automated changeover method or process is also based on the same inventive concept as described for the dosing system. Accordingly, the same advantageous effects also result for this method.

[0073] The previously described switching method can advantageously also be integrated into a method for controlling at least one, preferably several, dosing systems, each with a dosing valve, preferably for controlling dosing systems according to the invention. The control method can preferably be carried out such that, during operation of the at least one dosing system, a metered substance is dispensed from the dosing valve as intended. Preferably, in the control method, a dosing valve can be coupled at least once via a valve interface part in an automated process to a counter-interface part assigned to a dosing device and / or a supply device in order to detachably couple the dosing valve to the dosing device and / or to the supply device.Preferably, the control method can be carried out in such a way that a dosing valve is decoupled from the dosing device and / or from the supply device at least once in an automated process, in particular a dosing valve can be replaced by another dosing valve at least once.

[0074] In the context of the invention, the feature of a "detachable coupling" or "detachable coupling capability" means that the metering valve and / or an associated coupling partner, in particular the valve interface part and the counter-interface part, are designed such that they can be coupled to one another and later separated again. This means that the metering valve can be detached from its coupling partner, in particular while maintaining its technical specifications. In particular, a decoupling of a metering valve and a subsequent coupling of another metering valve, i.e., a metering valve change, can be implemented in a common process sequence.

[0075] 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 embodiments of another claim category and, in particular, individual features of different embodiments or variants can be combined to form new embodiments or variants.

[0076] A dosing system as described above comprises at least one, preferably two or more separate dosing devices. A dosing system can, for example, be an entire production facility and can comprise at least the assemblies or dosing system components 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 valve, and one control device.

[0077] If a dosing system has two or more dosing devices, different products can be manufactured on the individual dosing devices, for example. Accordingly, the respective dosing devices can be operated separately from one another and / or controlled separately by a control device. The dosing devices can be designed differently. For example, one dosing device can be designed such that at least one dosing valve for dispensing the dosing substance is arranged directly on the dosing device, with another dosing device being coupled to at least one dosing valve via a movable intermediate member for dispensing the dosing substance.

[0078] A dosing system can preferably have a control device that can separately control all components of the dosing system, in particular the respective dosing valves. This control device can have all hardware components, e.g., 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 can also be referred to as a "higher-level" control device and can be implemented centrally. However, it is preferred that a higher-level control device be designed decentrally.

[0079] For example, a higher-level control device can comprise a system of a plurality of cooperating sub-control devices, which can also be arranged at different positions in a dosing system. Preferably, the respective sub-control devices can communicate with each other, in particular to exchange control signals and / or measurement signals.

[0080] Preferably, a higher-level control device can comprise at least two interacting sub-control devices. Preferably, a (first) sub-control device can then be designed to control specific system functions of the 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 specific 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. 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 assemblies or dosing system components in the dosing system, can be stored in the system control unit.

[0081] Preferably, the system control unit can interact with a (second) sub-control device that controls the actual dosing process of the respective dosing valves of the dosing system and / or an automated changeover process of 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 changeover system, in particular a magazine for dosing valves and a movable changeover device or a (respective) work manipulator, as well as the respective dosing valves of a dosing system, in particular a valve interface part of the respective dosing valves and a respective associated counter-interface part.

[0082] It is fundamentally possible for a dosing valve changeover process to be controlled solely by the operating control unit.

[0083] However, it is preferred that two or more sub-control devices interact for the automated replacement of a metering valve. Preferably, the system control unit can control the relevant components of a metering system such that a specific metering valve (to be replaced) is moved into a replacement position. To carry out the actual replacement process, the operating control unit can control the components involved in the replacement process, i.e., in particular, a replacement system and a specific metering valve, as well as the relevant interface components, preferably in accordance with control signals from the system control unit. After completion of the replacement process, in particular in accordance with control signals from the operating control unit, the replaced metering valve can be moved from the replacement position back into a working position by means of the system control unit.

[0084] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that, in principle, a single, possibly central, higher-level control device could also carry out the method steps for the automated changeover process and also control the dosing process of the dosing valves, i.e., to control a dosing system according to the invention as a whole. The description assumes, without limitation, a higher-level control device with at least two interacting sub-control devices, since 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 is retrofitted.

[0085] A higher-level control device can preferably also have a control function. For example, operating parameters of the respective metering valves or their subcomponents can be fed into the control device and processed there. The higher-level control device can preferably intervene in the metering operation of a specific metering valve and / or a specific metering device, taking into account at least one operating parameter, so that a target value of the operating parameter is achieved. Such an operating parameter could be, for example, an actuator deflection or a ram stroke during operation.

[0086] 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 valve, during operation of the dosing system. Such a status value can be, for example, a wear parameter, a temperature, or a degree of wear of an individual component of a dosing valve, e.g., a degree of wear of an ejection element.

[0087] Further status values ​​can be a number of shot cycles, (sensor) signals of a 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, expiration of a defined time interval, in particular with regard to a processing time of a dosing agent or reaching a regular maintenance interval of a component.

[0088] A state value can also be determined in such a way that the dosing precision of a specific dosing valve can be determined. A state value can preferably be a dosing substance quantity dispensed from a dosing valve during a respective ejection process and / or a shape of a dispensed dosing substance droplet. Measured values ​​representing the respective state value can preferably be fed to the control device. Preferably, a changeover process can be triggered by the control device depending on at least one state value, in particular a measured value. For example, the operating control unit can generate a control signal depending on at least one state value and / or forward it to the system control unit in order to arrange a specific dosing valve in a changeover position.

[0089] The measured values ​​can be generated via sensors of the dosing valve and / or by means of a scale or a camera system as part of the dosing system. Preferably, the control device can compare the respective status value during operation, preferably in real time, with an associated predetermined target value, whereby the remaining service life of a component can be determined and / or a time for a replacement (change time) of a dosing valve can be (pre-)determined.

[0090] For example, the control device can perform an automated replacement of a dosing valve as soon as a certain status value of the dosing valve reaches and / or exceeds a maximum permissible value and / or deviates from an assigned target value by a certain amount. Optionally, the control device could generate a replacement or wear notification beforehand, which may require user confirmation.

[0091] Preferably, the control device can be designed, particularly if the dosing system comprises a number of dosing valves and / or dosing devices, to create a schedule for the automated changeover process. The control device can preferably plan the changeover process in the dosing system, taking into account status values ​​of different dosing valves, so that the system can be operated with as little interruption as possible. Preferably, the remaining service life of a component, the type of component to be replaced, a precise time of replacement, and a location of a replacement, i.e., the spatial position of a dosing valve and / or a dosing device in the system, can be taken into account in the schedule.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can also be programmed so that a specific dosing valve is changed routinely or at intervals. A corresponding status value can be, for example, a maximum operating time of an ejection element, a maximum permissible number of expansion cycles of a piezo actuator, or a specific number of shot cycles. It is also generally possible to intervene manually in the automated changeover process, e.g., if (exceptionally) a specific dosing valve is to be changed regardless of whether a status value is reached. This means that the changeover process can also be initiated by a manual (user) input.

[0093] 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 valve to be coupled and / or uncoupled (purely) manually by a user, in particular by forming an interface between the dosing valve and a dosing device and / or a supply device.

[0094] Preferably, the higher-level control device is designed to independently carry out all method steps of the method according to the invention for automated coupling and / or decoupling and / or to supply the modules involved with corresponding control signals for carrying out the method, in particular taking into account the previously generated sequence planning.

[0095] It is preferred that the individual dosing systems and / or the individual dosing devices each have their own separate (local) control unit, in particular in the form of sub-control units. In particular, a respective dosing valve can be assigned its own sub-control unit in order to form a dosing system. For example, a (local) sub-control unit can be arranged in a respective actuator unit of a dosing valve. The sub-control units are preferably designed at least to locally control the dosing operation of a respective dosing valve. For example, cooling and / or heating devices of the dosing valve can be controlled by means of a sub-control unit, e.g. in order to set a specific temperature in the dosing substance and / or a clock frequency of the dosing substance dispensing can be controlled.

[0096] Preferably, the respective sub-control units of the dosing valves or 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 valves can form part of a higher-level control device. In other words, the respective sub-control units can be designed as subcomponents of the higher-level control device. In principle, it would be possible, 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, a (local) control unit of a dosing system could in principle also be designed to control both the dosing operation of the dosing system and the method for an automated changeover.Furthermore, it is fundamentally possible that at least some dosing valves of a dosing system do not have their own, separately designed sub-control unit, but are only controlled by a higher-level control device.

[0097] Within the scope of the invention, however, it is preferred that a respective metering valve is assigned its own sub-control unit, wherein the metering valve can also be controlled by a higher-level control device. Preferably, the higher-level control device can then control at least those functions of the metering valve that are integrated into a coupling and / or decoupling process of the metering valve. This means that a metering system is preferably designed such that a higher-level control device of the metering system, e.g. an external one, is assigned to a respective metering valve during operation, wherein the metering valve additionally has a separate (internal) sub-control unit, in particular for controlling the metering operation, and wherein a metering substance reservoir is assigned to the metering valve.The invention is described - without being limited thereto - with reference to such a metering valve with a local partial control unit which is implemented as part of the higher-level control device, wherein the higher-level control device is also designed, at least via the partial control unit, to separately control and / or regulate the metering operation of the respective metering valve.

[0098] Within the scope of the invention, a dosing system can comprise two or more dosing devices. For the sake of clarity, the invention is described below – unless otherwise stated and without limitation – purely by way of example using a single dosing device with only one dosing system or dosing valve. The advantageous developments of the invention are equally applicable to a plurality of dosing devices and / or dosing valves. Accordingly, the components of the interchangeable system can also be present in multiples.

[0099] A dosing system can preferably have at least one exchange system with at least one magazine or an (intermediate) storage area for storing at least one dosing valve. Preferably, each magazine can be designed so that two or more dosing valves can be stored therein simultaneously. Such a magazine can be implemented, for example, in the form of a storage station.

[0100] In its simplest form, a magazine or interchangeable magazine can be a static, e.g., linear, magazine with at least one storage location, preferably with two or more separate storage locations, each for a metering valve. Such a static magazine has the advantage of being comparatively inexpensive and is suitable if only a few metering valves need to be stored simultaneously.

[0101] Preferably, however, a magazine can be designed such that at least one metering valve 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 during operation. Alternatively or additionally, 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 metering valve. Movable storage in the magazine could also be implemented, for example, by means of a controllable conveyor belt in the magazine.

[0102] Regardless of the specific design, the magazine of the exchange system is preferably designed to store at least two different designs and / or configurations of metering valves, in particular simultaneously. Accordingly, at least two storage locations or receiving points in the magazine can be designed differently so that different embodiments of metering valves can be stored therein. For example, the magazine can be designed to accommodate at least one jet valve, a contact metering valve, and / or a needle metering valve.

[0103] In principle, a magazine of a dispensing system can be designed to accommodate at least one dispensing valve and at least one other tool, preferably simultaneously. Such a tool can be, for example, a UV lamp for curing adhesives or a gripper for moving / placing components.

[0104] To store a metering valve in the magazine, the magazine can comprise a latching element and / or a preferably controllable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is preferably designed to hold the metering valves stored in the magazine in the magazine during a designated movement of the magazine, e.g. when the magazine is moved in the metering system. Preferably, each storage location in the magazine can be assigned a separately operated partial locking mechanism. For example, a respective metering valve can be locked in the magazine using a separate snap mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the locking can also be achieved using a positive connection. For example, a specific metering valve could be plugged onto a complementarily designed counterpart in a storage location.Furthermore, it is also possible to hang a dosing valve in a storage location, whereby the dosing valve is then held by its own weight.

[0105] Regardless of the specific design, a magazine can be arranged in a fixed location within the dosing system. For example, a fixed magazine can be arranged in a maintenance area of ​​the dosing system, in particular spatially separated from a dosing valve and / or a dosing device. In this case, it is preferred that the dosing device be at least partially movable in order to move a dosing valve on the dosing device into a specific change position, in particular via control by the higher-level control device.

[0106] Preferably, the dosing device can be designed to be at least partially movable, in particular with respect to the magazine, and can be controlled such that a dosing valve in the magazine is brought into operative contact with the dosing device during the automated process for coupling it to the dosing device. In particular, the dosing valve can be coupled as a result of the operative contact. Preferably, the dosing device can be moved such that a mating interface part of the dosing device comes into operative contact with the valve interface part of the dosing valve to be coupled.

[0107] Preferably, the dosing device can be controlled by the control device and configured such that, in the automated process, a specific dosing valve from the magazine is brought into operative contact with the dosing device for coupling the dosing valve and / or such that a specific dosing valve coupled to the dosing device is deposited in the magazine, preferably at a specific position, in the automated process. In particular, a specific (free) counter-interface part of the dosing device can be brought into operative contact with a specific dosing valve in the magazine. This means that at least one element of the dosing device, preferably the entire dosing device, can be controlled such that a specific coupling point (as the counter-interface part) is moved toward the magazine for coupling the dosing valve.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Alternatively or additionally, the magazine can be designed to be movable relative to the dosing device and can be controlled by the control device in such a way that, preferably, a specific dosing valve in the magazine is brought into operative contact with the dosing device during the automated process for coupling the dosing valve, which in particular leads to the coupling. Preferably, the magazine can be designed to be movable in such a way that a valve interface part of a specific dosing valve in the magazine is brought into operative contact with a specific counter-interface part of the dosing device.

[0110] Furthermore, the magazine can be designed to be movable and can be controlled in such a way that a specific dosing valve coupled to the dosing device is deposited in the magazine, preferably at a specific position, in the automated process.

[0111] In this case, the magazine is moved spatially with respect to the dosing device. A movable magazine can preferably comprise a controllable robot system that can be moved within the dosing system. A movable magazine can be used particularly advantageously in combination with a statically arranged (stationary in the dosing system) dosing valve or a "static manipulator". This is the case, for example, with dosing valves of dosing devices that dose onto a conveyor belt. In principle, a combination of the previously described embodiments would also be possible. For example, a dosing valve could be moved into a specific change position by means of an at least partially movable dosing device, with a movable magazine being moved into the same change position for the change process.

[0112] Particularly preferably, the changing system can have at least one, preferably two or more, movable changing devices, each of which is designed and controllable by the higher-level control device in such a way that, by means of a respective changing device, a transfer of at least one metering valve between the magazine and the metering device can be carried out in the automated process. In particular, the respective movable changing device can be controllably designed such that, in the automated process, a metering valve from the magazine is brought into operative contact with the metering device via the changing device for coupling and / or such that a metering valve from the metering device, preferably a metering valve to be decoupled, is transferred into the magazine.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the movable changeover device preferably represents a separate intermediate system, in particular one that is freely movable within the dosing system, and can transport at least one dosing valve from the magazine to the dosing device and vice versa. Such a movable changeover device is referred to as a "changeover manipulator."

[0114] Preferably, the change manipulator (as part of the change system) can be assigned a counter-interface part with a transport coupling element to form a transport coupling, wherein the valve interface part can have a complementary transport coupling element. Preferably, the valve interface part and / or the counter-interface part are designed to releasably couple the metering valve to the change system, preferably to the change manipulator, via an interaction between the valve interface part and the counter-interface part in the automated process, for transporting the metering valve in the metering system.

[0115] The exchange manipulator can be designed to form a transport coupling with two or more metering valves. Accordingly, the exchange manipulator can have two or more separately controllable transport coupling elements.

[0116] A transport coupling can be based on an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connection of the coupling parts or the transport coupling elements. A mechanical connection of the coupling parts is also possible in principle. Preferably, the transport coupling, in particular the opening and closing of the coupling, can be controlled by the higher-level control device.

[0117] The respective transport coupling elements are preferably designed to establish at least one, preferably several, electrical and / or mechanical and / or signaling and / or pneumatic and / or fluid-conducting connections via the transport coupling between the interchangeable manipulator and the dosing valve, in particular between the dosing valve and a supply device interacting with the interchangeable manipulator. Accordingly, the transport coupling can be designed to detachably couple the dosing valve to an associated supply device, in particular during transport of the dosing valve within the dosing system. Advantageously, the dosing valve can also be supplied with electricity or compressed air, for example, during transport within the dosing system, with the dosing valve being kept in standby mode, for example. Accordingly, the dosing valve can be put into operation after coupling to the dosing device without any preparatory measures.Another advantage is that the transport coupling can prevent the dosing material from escaping during transport.

[0118] The respective change manipulator can comprise at least one controllable robot, in particular an industrial robot. The change manipulator can preferably comprise a controllable robot arm that can move freely within the dispensing system, with at least one mating interface part arranged thereon, preferably in combination with a base that can move freely within the dispensing system, e.g., a movable base. This advantageously allows the range of motion within the dispensing system to be increased and customized.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, a change manipulator can also be implemented by means of a transport device, which can be permanently installed in the dispensing system. For example, the transport device can have a guide system, wherein at least one counter-interface part of the change system 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 be designed in particular as a two-axis or three-axis robot (XYZ system). In principle, the dispensing system can have two or more, even different, change manipulators.

[0120] According to one embodiment, a movable changeover device of the changeover system can be designed and controlled by the control device such that at least one metering valve for dispensing a dosing substance is detachably coupled to the changeover device. Preferably, the movable changeover device, in particular a working manipulator, can be designed such that a metering valve is also coupled to the movable changeover device for or during a dosing substance dispensing. Preferably, the respective working manipulator, unlike a changeover manipulator, can be designed such that an operative connection can be established between a coupled metering valve and a metering device and / or a supply device for the intended dosing substance dispensing.Advantageously, during operation, the dosing valve can be brought to a specific dosing point by means of the robot arm and / or held there and / or can be moved between different dosing points.

[0121] Preferably, the work manipulator is designed to be controllable such that, in the automated process, the work manipulator brings a dosing valve from the magazine into operative contact with the dosing device for coupling, wherein the operative contact is realized by the work manipulator itself. Accordingly, the work manipulator can be designed and controllable such that a dosing valve to be decoupled from the dosing device is transferred into the magazine or deposited therein by the work manipulator.

[0122] According to this embodiment, the working manipulator, in particular the counter-interface part, can itself perform a movement for coupling and / or decoupling a dosing valve. Preferably, a coupled dosing valve can be moved by the working manipulator between a working position or a dosing point and a change position and / or a magazine.

[0123] Advantageously, a spatial distance between the magazine or a change position and a specific working position of a dosing valve can be overcome by means of a movable changing device. This has the advantage that the magazine and / or the dosing device can be stationary in relation to one another or stationary within the dosing system (static), which makes the assemblies more cost-effective. Another advantage of a stationary dosing device with multiple dosing valves is that a change can also take place while the dosing device is in operation, i.e. while the other dosing valves are active. In contrast to a manual component change, with the controllable changing manipulator it is not necessary to switch off the dosing device for safety reasons.Another advantage is that a change manipulator can be completely removed from the working area of ​​the dosing device after changing a dosing valve, so that the working area is not permanently restricted.

[0124] It should be noted that a changeover system can also comprise a combination of at least one working manipulator and at least one changeover manipulator. For example, for a changeover process of a metering valve, the changeover manipulator could be moved to a changeover position, wherein the working manipulator moves a metering valve to be replaced from a working position into the same changeover position, and wherein the working manipulator transfers the metering valve to the changeover manipulator. Furthermore, a movable changeover device can in principle also be used in combination with a movable magazine and / or with an at least partially movable metering device, wherein the respective components can preferably control the same changeover position for a changeover process.

[0125] Advantageously, regardless of the specific embodiment, the changeover system and / or the dosing device can be designed and controlled by the control device in such a way that a specific dosing valve from a magazine is brought into operative contact with the dosing device, in particular with a specific coupling point as a counter-interface part on the dosing device or with a counter-interface part of a work manipulator for coupling the dosing valve. A "specific" dosing valve can be characterized in that a specific dosing pattern can be achieved by means of this dosing valve. For example, a specific dosing valve 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.Furthermore, the changing system and / or the dosing device, in particular the changing manipulator and / or a working manipulator, can be designed to be controllable in such a way that a decoupled dosing valve is deposited at a specific, ie defined, position in the magazine.

[0126] In order to selectively couple a metering valve from the magazine to the metering device directly or indirectly, the magazine can preferably comprise an internal (magazine) movement mechanism for moving a specific metering valve and / or a specific (free) storage location into a defined position, in particular into a transfer position. Preferably, the metering valve can be coupled and / or uncoupled in the transfer position, particularly in the case of a spatially movable magazine.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, the change manipulator and / or the work manipulator can be designed to be controllable in order to selectively pick out a specific dosing valve from the magazine. The change manipulator and / or the work manipulator can preferably have, e.g. as part of the counter interface part, an integrated tool recognition system for identifying different dosing valves. The change manipulator and / or the work manipulator can preferably have a recognition means for the contactless recognition and / or assignment of a specific dosing valve. Identification can preferably be carried out via an RFID system (Radio Frequency Identification). The change manipulator and / or the work manipulator, in particular the counter interface part, can preferably comprise at least one RFID reader in order to recognize an identifying code of a specific dosing valve. Accordingly, an RFID transponder can be assigned to a respective dosing valve.It may have one. Advantageously, a dosing valve with a specific configuration can be recognized and / or selected by the change manipulator or the work manipulator via the integrated tool recognition.

[0128] Alternatively or additionally, the respective dosing valves can be identified, for example, by a machine-readable code such as a barcode, which can be read by the change manipulator and / or the work manipulator. It would also be possible for the change manipulator and / or the work manipulator to have a position-determining system and, preferably by means of control by the control device, to control a predeterminable position in the dosing system, in particular a specific position in the magazine.

[0129] Advantageously, such a controllable changing system can ensure that a respective magazine can store a large number of metering valves simultaneously, so that fewer magazines are required in the dosing system, while still ensuring selective coupling of a specific metering valve. Furthermore, the changing system, in particular the magazine, can advantageously have at least one closure element for closing a nozzle opening of a metering valve from the outside, in particular during a changing process and / or when stored in the magazine. Preferably, the changing system, in particular the magazine, can have a plurality of separately controllable closure elements, each for closing an associated nozzle opening while being held in the changing system. This advantageously prevents the leakage of metering substance even with metering valves having a "normally open" position.

[0130] Particular advantages arise from a combination of a movable change manipulator and / or a work manipulator with a magazine with an internal movement mechanism. The magazine can be controlled in such a way that a free storage location is arranged in a transfer position and can then interact with the change manipulator or the work manipulator in such a way that an "old", i.e. decoupled, or one to be decoupled, is picked up. After the transfer has been completed, a "new", i.e. the dosing valve to be coupled, can be made available in the same transfer position via the internal movement mechanism and picked up by the change manipulator or the work manipulator without the change manipulator or the work manipulator itself having to be moved. This can accelerate the change process. The components involved in the change process can preferably be brought into the same change position.

[0131] 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 spatially movable magazine, each with or without an internal movement mechanism, and / or at least one dosing device that is at least partially movable, and / or at least one static dosing device, and / or at least one movable change manipulator, and / or at least one working manipulator, which can interact with each other for an automated dosing valve change.

[0132] Regardless of the specific design, the magazine of the exchange system can have at least one maintenance coupling element designed to interact with an associated coupling element of the metering valve, preferably at least one supply coupling element of the valve interface part, to form a maintenance coupling. The maintenance coupling element is preferably formed by a counter-interface element of the counter-interface part.

[0133] The maintenance coupling is preferably designed to releasably connect at least one supply line of the metering valve to the supply device, in particular to a maintenance device, in particular during storage in the magazine. The maintenance device can be part of the supply device and is preferably separately controllable. In this embodiment, the counter interface element is assigned to the supply device, wherein the counter interface element is provided by the magazine. In this embodiment, the metering valve can be releasably coupled (only) to the supply device in the automated process by the changing system via the maintenance coupling element in the magazine. Accordingly, the metering valve is then not coupled to the metering device. The supply device of the metering system can preferably comprise a separately designed and controllable maintenance device which supplies the maintenance coupling.

[0134] The maintenance coupling element 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 maintenance coupling element and the valve interface part via the maintenance coupling during storage of the metering valve in the magazine. Preferably, each storage location for a metering valve in the magazine can be assigned a separately controllable maintenance coupling element.

[0135] Preferably, the respective maintenance coupling is designed to introduce a cleaning agent into the metering valve for cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance coupling can be designed such that a heating device of the metering valve can be controlled via it and / or a memory of the metering valve can be read. Preferably, the metering valve can be controlled by the control device via the maintenance coupling. According to one embodiment, a maintenance coupling can also comprise a functional coupling, e.g., for holding the metering valve in the magazine.

[0136] Advantageously, data can be read out from an internal EEPROM via the maintenance coupling and fed to the control device, e.g. the following parameters: serial number, shot counter, configuration of the dosing valve, dosing medium or dosing substance and other data. In this way, the configuration and / or status of a particular dosing valve can be visually displayed to an operator of the dosing system, e.g. whether a dosing valve is functional, when or if maintenance is necessary, the fill level of a dosing substance cartridge, etc. Furthermore, the read-out information can be processed by the control device in such a way that a specific "suitable" dosing valve is selected for automated change when a change is due. Another advantageous feature is that the maintenance coupling can be used during storage in the magazine orIn the deposition station, a (pre-)cleaning of the dosing valve, in particular of the fluidic unit, must be carried out so that hardening of material in the fluidic unit is prevented and possible later maintenance or further cleaning is facilitated.

[0137] Furthermore, by controlling the heating device in the magazine, a nozzle and / or the entire fluidic unit and / or the dosing material in the fluidic unit can be preheated to a specific (operating) temperature, particularly before an upcoming dosing valve change. Advantageously, a pre-set temperature can be set in the dosing valve so that a dosing process can be continued directly after a change, e.g., by keeping the dosing valve in the magazine in standby mode.

[0138] Particularly advantageously, the dosing valve can be calibrated and / or adjusted via the maintenance coupling, particularly by means of the control device. Preferably, an actuator can be adjusted via the maintenance coupling. Furthermore, the dosing valve in the magazine can be supplied with electricity and / or compressed air via the maintenance coupling.

[0139] To form the maintenance coupling, a respective maintenance coupling element in the magazine is preferably designed to be complementary to the valve interface part, preferably to a supply coupling element and / or to a functional coupling element, in particular to form a maintenance coupling in the automated process.

[0140] The supply coupling element of the metering valve can preferably be formed by a valve interface element and is (also) designed to form a supply coupling with a counter-interface part in the metering operation, which counter-interface part is preferably assigned to the metering device, in particular comprising a supply device.

[0141] Preferably, the counter-interface part associated with the metering device can have a counter-interface element, wherein at least one supply coupling element complementary to the supply coupling element of the metering valve is formed above it. Preferably, the supply coupling element of the valve interface part can be brought into operative contact with the supply coupling element associated with the metering device in the automated process, forming an interface, wherein the supply coupling is formed above it. The supply coupling element can be arranged on the metering device itself and / or can be provided by a work manipulator.

[0142] The supply coupling is preferably designed to couple at least one, preferably several, supply lines of the metering valve to the supply device, preferably to the metering device, during operation of the metering valve. A supply line of the metering valve can be one of the following (operating) lines: a line for the metering substance pressure supply, a line for supplying (pressurized) metering substance, a line for controlling a heating device and / or a cooling device of the metering valve, a line for supplying cooling medium to the metering valve, a line for controlling the actuator, e.g., for supplying compressed air, a line for data transfer, in particular for control signals for controlling an actuator and / or for measured values ​​from sensors of the metering valve.

[0143] The supply device can preferably be designed as part of the dosing device and is preferably controllable such that, during operation, several dosing valves can be controlled separately via the respective supply couplings. In this embodiment, the dosing valve can be coupled simultaneously to the dosing device and to the supply device via the mating interface part assigned to the dosing device. Regardless of the specific embodiment, the supply device can at least be designed to supply a pressure medium for an actuator and / or a pressure medium for a dosing substance and / or a pressurized dosing substance and / or a, in particular pre-cooled, cooling medium to a coupled dosing valve in a controlled and / or regulated manner, wherein the dosing valve is also supplied with electrical energy by the supply device.

[0144] Preferably, a respective supply coupling element of a metering valve can be designed to functionally couple two or more separate supply lines of the metering valve to an associated line in the mating interface part. The supply coupling element of the metering valve 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 valve interface part and the mating interface part via the supply coupling during operation of the metering valve.

[0145] The supply coupling element in the valve interface part can comprise at least one closing mechanism designed to seal at least one supply line leading to the metering valve, preferably to the fluidic unit, in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner, particularly in the decoupled state. Preferably, a respective fluid-carrying line in the valve interface part can be designed to be self-sealing, preventing media from escaping from the line when the interface is open. Similarly, the interface element of the counter-interface part could also have a closing mechanism. For example, a supply coupling element of the valve interface part and / or the counter-interface part can be designed as a "self-sealing coupling" or as a locking coupling.

[0146] Preferably, a signaling connection between the metering valve and the higher-level control device can also be formed via the supply coupling. Control and / or regulating signals from the control device can preferably be supplied to the metering valve via the supply coupling, wherein sensor signals or measured values ​​from the metering valve can be supplied to the control device. Preferably, the higher-level control device can be formed as part of the metering device, wherein the metering valve can then be coupled to the supply device and to the control device (each as part of the metering device) via the counter-interface part assigned to the metering device, in particular via the supply coupling element.

[0147] The valve interface part of the metering valve preferably has a further valve interface element, over which a (first) functional coupling element is formed. Accordingly, the counter-interface part interacting with the valve interface part, which is preferably assigned to the metering device, can have a further counter-interface element, with a (second) complementary functional coupling element being realized above it to form the functional coupling. Depending on the embodiment, the second functional coupling element can be arranged on the metering device itself or can be provided by a working manipulator.

[0148] Preferably, the valve interface part and / or the counter-interface part, in particular the respective functional coupling elements, are designed to releasably couple the metering valve to an associated coupling partner via an interaction between the valve interface part and the counter-interface part, in particular in the automated process. For example, the metering valve can be arranged and / or held on the metering device with the formation of the functional coupling for intended metering operation. Alternatively, the metering valve can be held on a work manipulator by the functional coupling for metered substance dispensing and / or during transport. The functional coupling is preferably designed to establish a reversible connection, in particular substantially free of play, between the metering valve and the metering device or the work manipulator.Preferably, a respective connection is established via the functional coupling in such a way that a (mounted) dosing valve can withstand acceleration forces of up to 10 g during operation.

[0149] The supply coupling and / or the functional coupling are designed, in particular, to be controllable by a higher-level control device, such that the dosing valve is coupled to the supply device and / or to the dosing device in the automated process via the respective coupling systems. The coupling can, as described, be effected directly or indirectly via a movable changeover device.

[0150] In principle, the functional coupling and the supply coupling, in particular the respective interface elements, can be designed spatially separate from one another.

[0151] However, it is preferred that the functional coupling element and / or the supply coupling element of the metering valve merge into one another and / or form a combined or multifunctional coupling region. Accordingly, the mating interface part can also form a multifunctional coupling region. A multifunctional coupling region can preferably combine at least the functions of a functional coupling element and a supply coupling element, and preferably also the function of a coupling region for the changeover system. A multifunctional coupling can preferably be formed via two interacting multifunctional coupling regions, one of which is assigned to the metering valve and another to the metering device, forming an interface.A multi-function coupling or combination coupling is understood to be a coupling system consisting of two coupling parts, whereby a functional coupling and / or a supply coupling and / or a transport coupling can be formed via the multi-function coupling (depending on the design or control).

[0152] The multifunctional coupling can preferably be designed as a coupling system for an automatic changeover function. Such a multifunctional coupling can preferably be implemented in the form of a quick-change coupling. The coupling system can preferably be based on an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connection of two coupling parts to form the coupling, in particular to form a functional coupling. A mechanical connection of the coupling parts is also possible in principle.

[0153] Advantageously, a dosing valve with such a valve interface part can be used to achieve particularly rapid dosing valve replacement, as all operating and supply lines of the dosing valve can be formed in a single automated coupling process, while at the same time the dosing valve is securely attached to the dosing device or working manipulator. Advantageously, both dosing valves with an onboard (self-sufficient) dosing material supply and dosing valves that are continuously supplied with dosing medium via the supply device can be coupled via the valve interface part. In both cases, the entire dosing valve can be detached from the dosing device or working manipulator quickly and without manual intervention and can, for example, be serviced outside the working area of ​​the dosing device, thus avoiding any delay in operation.When changing the configuration of a dosing valve, the system's setup time can be significantly reduced. Since the counter-interface part assigned to the dosing device is preferably compatible with dosing valves with different operating modes, the different types of dosing valves present in the dosing system can be used flexibly.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the counter-interface part of the magazine, in particular the maintenance coupling element, can also be designed such that a multi-function coupling comprising a supply coupling and a functional coupling with the metering valve can be formed over it in the automated process. Then, in principle, the counter-interface part assigned to the magazine and the counter-interface part assigned to the metering device can be designed identically. The multi-function coupling can be designed alternatively or in addition to any locking mechanism present in the magazine.

[0155] For detachable coupling, the metering valve can preferably comprise a connecting mechanism with a first functional coupling element and / or a second functional coupling element, in particular each as part of a multifunctional coupling region. The first functional coupling element is preferably part of the valve interface part, wherein the second functional coupling element can be part of the mating interface part of the metering device and / or the magazine and / or the changing system. The connecting mechanism is described below—without limitation—using a mating interface part of a work manipulator, wherein the corresponding features can also be implemented in other mating interface parts.

[0156] The connection mechanism may preferably comprise a controllable electrical coupling mechanism and / or a pneumatic coupling mechanism and / or a hydraulic coupling mechanism and / or a mechanical coupling mechanism.

[0157] The connecting mechanism can have at least one, preferably controllable, locking mechanism for releasably locking the two functional coupling elements, in particular for locking two multifunctional coupling areas or coupling parts. The locking mechanism is preferably designed as part of the counter-interface part of the dosing device and / or the magazine and / or the changing system. For example, the locking mechanism can be arranged at least partially on or in the work manipulator. The locking mechanism can be controlled by the control device during operation.

[0158] The locking mechanism can preferably comprise at least one movable actuator that can interact with an associated, e.g., complementary, locking element in the functional coupling element of the metering valve for locking purposes. The actuator can be a pneumatic actuator, an electrical actuator, a magnetic actuator, and / or a hydraulic actuator.

[0159] Advantageously, the controllable locking mechanism can be used to establish a particularly secure connection between the dosing valve and the work manipulator in the automated process. By arranging the movable actuator in the counter-interface part, the weight of the dosing valve can be kept as low as possible. Furthermore, the number of actuators required in the dosing system can be kept as low as possible. Such a connection mechanism with a locking mechanism can preferably be part of a multifunctional coupling. According to one embodiment, such a connection mechanism can be part of a transport coupling.

[0160] Preferably, the functional coupling element and / or the supply coupling element and / or the transport coupling element are designed and / or arranged such that the metering valve can be coupled to a respective associated coupling partner simultaneously via the functional coupling element and / or via the supply coupling element and / or via the transport coupling element, in particular via all three elements. According to one embodiment, a multifunctional coupling can be formed via the functional and supply coupling elements in metering operation, preferably with a work manipulator. This can be the case in particular if the functional coupling element also provides the coupling area of ​​the metering valve. According to another embodiment, a multifunctional coupling can be formed by the functional and supply coupling elements, e.g.with the counter-interface part of a dosing device, whereby at the same time a further multifunctional coupling can be realized via the transport coupling element, e.g. with a change manipulator.

[0161] Preferably, the respective coupling elements and thus also the respective couplings can be controlled separately by the control device. For example, depending on the operating state of a metering valve, certain couplings can be formed or released again. The respective couplings are designed in particular to form an interface between the metering valve and an associated coupling partner. An interface is understood to be a location or area at which the metering valve interacts with an associated device, e.g., with another machine. Depending on the coupling state of the metering valve, the interface can also comprise two or more, e.g., spatially separate, (interface) segments.

[0162] Advantageously, the dosing valve changeover process can be further optimized via such an interface. For example, to decouple the dosing valve, as an optional process step before de-energizing and / or depressurizing the (multifunctional) coupling between the dosing valve and the dosing device, a (multifunctional) coupling can first be formed with the changeover manipulator, whereby the dosing valve is also coupled to the supply device via this coupling. Only after this interface segment has been formed can the coupling with the dosing device be opened to detach the dosing valve from the dosing device and transfer it to a magazine. This allows the dosing valve to remain connected to a supply device essentially without interruption during the entire changeover process.

[0163] Preferably, the valve interface part, in particular the functional coupling element and / or the supply coupling element and / or the transport coupling element and / or the coupling area for the automated change via the change system, can each be designed as part of the dosing valve itself, in particular as an integral component of the dosing valve.

[0164] Advantageously, by integrating at least one of the coupling elements into the metering valve, the weight of the metering valve can be kept as low as possible. For example, at least one coupling element can be formed by the metering valve itself, e.g., by an actuator housing.

[0165] Accordingly, at least the counter-interface part assigned to the change system could be formed at least partially by the change system itself, preferably the work manipulator and / or the change manipulator, in particular as an integral component. Alternatively, the counter-interface part can be arranged, at least partially, on the work manipulator and / or the change manipulator, e.g., attached externally to it.

[0166] The metering valve can have a signal generator for a teach-in process of the change system, in particular for programming the work manipulator and / or the change manipulator. The metering valve can preferably have a controllable laser as a signal generator. Such a laser can be integrated into a respective metering valve or can be attachable. A laser beam can preferably be substantially parallel to an outlet direction of metered substance from the metering valve or substantially parallel to a movement of the ejection element of the metering valve. It would also be possible to provide a specific metering valve in a metering system that is designed only for teach-in processes. For example, in such a metering valve, a laser can be provided instead of a nozzle, in particular at the same position.Advantageously, with such a dispensing valve designed for a teach-in process, the effort required to program the changeover system, in particular the work manipulator and / or the changeover manipulator, can be reduced by traversing the path. For example, this can be used to teach in a specific dispensing position on a substrate and / or a position of a dispensing valve relative to the changeover system.

[0167] Preferably, a metering valve can be assigned at least one means for passive and / or active noise reduction, in particular to reduce noise emissions during operation of the metering valve. Passive noise reduction can be achieved, for example, by means of insulation, while active noise suppression can be achieved by means of anti-noise. For example, the (respective) metering valve can be arranged in a housing with a valve interface part, wherein the housing has (passive) insulation and / or active noise suppression.

[0168] According to one embodiment, a counter-interface part can comprise at least one (further) interface element for the releasable coupling and / or operation of a (different) tool, e.g., a UV lamp. Preferably, a multifunctional coupling region of the counter-interface part, in particular of a work manipulator, can have, in addition to the described components for the releasable coupling of a metering valve, at least one separately controllable element that can interact with a complementary element of the tool to supply the tool during operation. For the releasable coupling, the tool can be (functionally) coupled to the work manipulator via the functional coupling element of the multifunctional coupling region. Advantageously, in this development, the work manipulator can, on the one hand, releasably couple a metering valve for a proper metering operation via the counter-interface part, wherein, on the other hand, e.g.,After completion of a dosing job, the same work manipulator can couple another tool, e.g. for post-treatment of the previously dosed dosing material.

[0169] 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:

[0170] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a dosing system according to the invention,

[0171] Figure 2 is a sectional view through parts of a dosing system according to the invention,

[0172] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic representations of dosing systems according to the invention,

[0173] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a metering valve with a valve interface part according to the invention,

[0174] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the valve interface part of Figure 5, Figure 7 is a schematic view of a metering valve and a change system according to the invention,

[0175] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a metering valve according to the invention in a magazine.

[0176] An embodiment of a dosing system 1 according to the invention is described with reference to Figure 1. The dosing system 1 is shown purely schematically and comprises, as essential components, a dosing device 2, which has a plurality of dosing systems 3, as well as a changeover system 5 and a maintenance device 7'. Unlike shown here, the dosing system 1 can form an entire production facility and can 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.

[0177] In Figure 1, the dosing device 2 has five individual dosing systems 3, which are detachably arranged on the dosing device 2 during dosing operation. The individual dosing systems 3 each have a fluidic unit 60 and an actuator unit 30 that functionally interacts with it. The two components 30, 60 together form a dosing valve 4. The dosing valve 4 comprises all components that are actively involved in the dosing of the dosing substance and can also be referred to synonymously as a dosing head.

[0178] The individual metering valves 4 are each coupled here, for example, in terms of switching or control technology, to a higher-level, decentralized control device 6. Since the control device 6 also has a control function here, whereby corresponding electrical signals can be transmitted in both directions between the control device 6 and the metering valves 4, a flow of data D or control data D is symbolically shown by double arrows.

[0179] The higher-level control device 6 is assigned to several dosing valves 4 simultaneously during operation and can control their dosing operation separately. A respective dosing valve 4 and the assigned control device 6 each form a dosing system 3 with a dosing substance reservoir (not shown here), which can be formed, for example, by a supply device as part of the dosing device 2. The control device 6 is designed in Figure 1 as a higher-level, external control device 6. The control device 6 is shown schematically here with two partial control devices, wherein the control device 6 can also be designed, for example, such that several partial control devices are arranged at different positions within the dosing system 1 and interact to form the (overall) control device 6.

[0180] In Figure 1, on the left, a changing system 5 with a magazine 50 and a changing device 51 is shown, e.g., a movable changing manipulator 51. The changing manipulator 51 can, for example, be an industrial robot 51 movable in the dosing system 1. The changing system 5, in particular the magazine 50 and the changing manipulator 51, are connected to the control device 6 via signals and can be controlled via corresponding data D and can also send data D to the control device 6.

[0181] The magazine 50 here comprises, for example, two receiving positions, each for a metering valve 4. A maintenance coupling element 52 is assigned to each receiving position in the magazine 50. The metering valves 4 are positioned in the magazine 50 such that a supply coupling element 14 and a functional coupling element 16 of a respective metering valve 4 each interact with a maintenance coupling element 52 to form a maintenance coupling 8 thereover. The supply coupling element 14 and the functional coupling element 16 can preferably be designed as a multifunctional coupling region 18.

[0182] During storage in the magazine 50, a signaling connection to the control device 6 can be established via the maintenance coupling 8, for example. Furthermore, a cleaning fluid can be supplied to a specific metering valve 4 in the magazine 50 via the maintenance coupling 8, which is shown schematically here via a fluid flow FS between the maintenance device 7' and the magazine 50. The maintenance device 7' can be part of a supply device 7 (Figure 3) and is designed separately here, wherein the maintenance device 7' can have the same functions as the supply device. The maintenance device 7' comprises a cleaning mechanism (not shown in detail), wherein the maintenance device 7' is connected to the control device 6 via signaling and can exchange data D with it, e.g. in order to rinse a specific metering valve 4 in the magazine 50 according to a cleaning program.Furthermore, the maintenance coupling 8 can also be used to adjust an actuator of a specific metering valve 4. Figure 2 shows schematically and in section parts of a metering system 3 with a jet valve 4 according to the invention. Since the basic structure of jet valves is known, only the essential elements are described below.

[0183] The dosing valve 4 has as its essential components an actuator unit 30 and a fluidic unit 60. Furthermore, the dosing valve 4 has a local control unit 44 and a dosing substance cartridge 80 carried along during operation, with the dosing system 3 formed above it. During operation, the dosing system 3 is additionally connected to a higher-level control device (not shown here), as previously described with reference to Figure 1.

[0184] The actuator unit 30 essentially comprises all components that drive or move an ejection element 61 or a plunger 61 of the fluidic unit 60 in a nozzle 70. In addition to the nozzle 70 and a feed channel 73 for dosing material to the nozzle 70, the fluidic unit 60 comprises all other parts that are in direct contact with the dosing material, as well as the elements required to assemble the respective parts in contact with the dosing material.

[0185] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the actuator unit 30 comprises a housing block 31 with two internal chambers. An actuator 34, in this case a piezo actuator 34, is arranged in an actuator chamber 32, with the actuator 34 being supported upwards on the inside of the actuator chamber 32. The metering valve 4 here comprises a cooling device with a cooling medium supply 46 and a cooling medium discharge 46' in order to dissipate the heat generated by the actuator 34 during operation from the actuator chamber 32 and from the metering valve 4 by means of a cooling medium flowing through the housing block 31.

[0186] The housing block 31 further comprises an action chamber 33, into which a movable ejection element 61, here a plunger 61, of the fluidic unit 60 projects. Via a lever 39, which projects from the actuator chamber 32 through an opening 41 into the action chamber 33, the plunger 61 is actuated by the actuator 34 such that the fluidic unit 60 ejects the dosing substance to be dosed in the desired quantity at the desired time via the nozzle 70 in an ejection direction SR. The plunger 61 can close a nozzle opening 71 and thus also serves as a closure element 61. However, since the largest part of the medium is only ejected from the nozzle opening 71 by the plunger 61 when the plunger 61 moves towards the nozzle opening 71 in an ejection movement direction SR, it is referred to here as ejection element 61.

[0187] To control the piezo actuator 34, the actuator unit 30 can be connected electrically or by signaling to a higher-level control device (not shown here). For this purpose, the actuator unit 30 has a supply coupling element 14, which is arranged purely schematically here on the outside of the housing block 31. A functional coupling can be formed via the supply coupling element 14 by interacting with a complementary coupling element (not shown here) of a mating interface part, wherein, in the case shown here, several electrical connections and a pneumatic connection can be formed via this, e.g., to a control device 6 and a supply device 7 (Figure 3).

[0188] The supply coupling element 14 contacts two piezo actuator control terminals 36', each of which contacts an electrical terminal 35' or a contact pin 35' of the actuator 34, in order to control the piezo actuator 34 during operation and / or to connect it to the control device via signaling. Furthermore, the supply coupling element 14 is in contact with temperature sensors, e.g., in the piezo actuator 34 (not shown), via temperature sensor terminals 36 and contact pins 35, whereby corresponding measured values ​​can be transmitted to the control device via the supply coupling element 14.

[0189] Furthermore, a pneumatic connection is provided via the supply coupling element 14 to supply the cooling medium supply 46 in the housing block 31 with a cooling medium, such as pre-cooled compressed air or uncooled compressed air. Furthermore, the local control unit 44 of the metering valve 4 can also be signal-connected to the higher-level control device via the supply coupling element 14, whereby the higher-level control device and the local control unit 44 can interact. Unlike the purely schematic illustration shown here, the metering agent in the metering agent cartridge 80 could also be pressurized with a pressure medium via the supply coupling element 14.

[0190] Furthermore, a functional coupling element 16, which is designed separately here, is arranged on the actuator unit 30, via which a detachable coupling of the dosing valve 4, for example, with a dosing device can be made during operation. This is described with reference to Figure 3. In Figure 2, the piezo actuator 34 can expand and contract again according to a circuit by means of the control device. The actuator 34 is inserted into the actuator chamber 32 from above and mounted therein so that its height can be adjusted, with the actuator 34 being mounted downwards here via a pressure piece 37 which tapers at an acute angle at the bottom on the lever 39, which in turn rests on a lever bearing 40. The lever 39 can be tilted about a tilt axis K via this lever bearing 40, so that a lever arm of the lever 39 projects through the opening 41 into the action chamber 33.At the end of the lever arm, it has a contact surface 42 pointing in the direction of the plunger 61 of the fluidic unit 60 coupled to the actuator unit 30, which presses on the contact surface 64 of the plunger head 63.

[0191] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 42 of the lever 39 is permanently in contact with the contact surface 64 of the plunger head 63, with a plunger spring 65 pressing the plunger head 63 from below against the lever 39. In principle, however, it would also be possible for a distance to exist between the plunger 61 and the lever 39 in an initial or rest position of the plunger spring 65. To enable a nearly constant preload of the drive system, the lever 39 is pressed upwards by an actuator spring 66 at the end where it comes into contact with the plunger 61.

[0192] The plunger 61 is supported by the plunger spring 65 on a plunger bearing 67, to which a plunger seal 68 is connected at the bottom. The plunger spring 65 pushes the plunger head 63 upwards in the axial direction away from the plunger bearing 67. This also pushes a plunger tip 62 away from a sealing seat 69 of the nozzle 70. This means that without external pressure from above on the plunger head 63, a nozzle opening 71 is also unclosed in the resting (non-expanded) state of the piezo actuator 34.

[0193] The dosing agent is supplied to the nozzle 70 via a nozzle chamber 72 and an adjoining supply channel 73, which is connected to the dosing agent cartridge 80. The fluidic unit 60 comprises a frame part 74 with a heating device 79, which is connected to the control device via heating connection cables 75, and can additionally have other components. Unlike shown here, the heating connection cables 75 and the dosing agent cartridge 80 can normally be coupled to the control device or the supply device via the supply coupling element 14, as described below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a dosing system 3 with a dosing valve 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. The dosing valve 4 comprises a fluidic unit 60 with a dosing agent cartridge 80 carried along during operation.During dosing operation, the dosing agent cartridge 80 is coupled, on the one hand, to the fluidic unit 60 and, on the other hand, connected to a first interface part 10 via a supply line 76, here a media pressure line 76, in the region of a connection point 47'. The first interface part 10, or the valve interface part 10, comprises three separate and spatially separated valve interface elements 10', 10", 10'", above which a supply coupling element 14 (here, center right), a functional coupling element 16 (here, bottom right), and a transport coupling element 19 (here, at the very top) are formed.

[0194] The media pressure line 76 is connected to the supply coupling element 14 via the connection point 47', whereby the exact structure of the valve interface part 10 is not shown in the schematic representation of Figure 3. The supply coupling element 14 is further connected via a connection point 47" to a heater control connection 77, which is in contact with the fluidic unit 60 via a heater connection cable 75. The heater control connection 77 here comprises a readable EEPROM 78. The supply coupling element 14 is further connected in the region of a connection point 47 to piezo actuator control connections 36' in order to supply the piezo actuator of the actuator unit 30 with control signals during operation. The supply coupling element 14 is further connected via connection points 47'" to a cooling medium supply 46 in order to supply, for example, a pre-cooled cooling medium to the actuator unit 30 in a controlled and / or regulated manner during operation.

[0195] To form a supply coupling 15, the supply coupling element 14 of the metering valve 4 is coupled to a complementary supply coupling element 14' of a counter-interface part 11, forming an interface 12, wherein the counter-interface part 11 is assigned to a metering device 2. The counter-interface part 11 is formed in several parts and comprises an upper counter-interface element 11T, over which the supply coupling element 14' is formed, and a lower, separate counter-interface element 11", over which a functional coupling element 16' is formed. The counter-interface part, in particular the two coupling elements 14', 16', are arranged externally on the metering device 2, by way of example. The metering device 2 comprises a schematically shown higher-level control device 6 and a supply device 7.During operation of the metering valve 4, the described electrical and pneumatic supply lines 36', 46, 75, 76 of the metering valve 4 and, if applicable, other operating lines of the metering valve 4 can be functionally connected to the control device 6 or the supply device 7 via the supply coupling 15, as shown schematically here with double arrows. In the embodiment shown here, the metering valve 4 is arranged directly on the metering device 2. One application example for such a "static" metering valve 4 is the metering of dosing material onto a conveyor belt.

[0196] The valve interface part 10 comprises a separate valve interface element 10", over which a functional coupling element 16 is formed. The functional coupling element 16 of the metering valve 4 forms a functional coupling 17 with the functional coupling element 16' in the mating interface part 11. Via the functional coupling 17, the metering valve 4 is detachably arranged on the metering device 2 or at least temporarily held thereon for the intended metered substance dispensing in the case shown here. The detachable coupling via the functional coupling 17 is shown schematically here with double arrows. The functional coupling 17 forms a (further) part of the same interface 12, wherein the interface 12 is designed in several parts or comprises several interface segments.

[0197] According to this embodiment, the valve interface part 10 comprises a separate valve interface element 10'", which forms a transport coupling element 19. The transport coupling element 19 can interact with a complementary coupling element in the mating interface part 11 to form a transport coupling, as described with reference to Figure 4. The transport coupling element 19 here forms a coupling region 13 of the metering valve 4 for an automated change of the metering valve 4. In the state shown here, the metering valve 4 is coupled via the interface 12 for metering operation to the metering device 2 and via this also to the control device 6 and the supply device 7, so that the coupling region 13 or the transport coupling element 19 is temporarily free.

[0198] Figure 4 shows a dosing valve 4 in a decoupled state, e.g., shortly before its intended coupling with the dosing device 2. Since the structure of the dosing valve 4 largely corresponds to that in Figure 3, only the differences are described below. The valve interface part 10 comprises a valve interface element 10'", over which a transport coupling element 19 is formed. In the case shown here, the transport coupling element 19 forms a transport coupling 19" with a complementary transport coupling element 19' of the mating interface part 11, the mating interface part 11 comprising a corresponding mating interface element 11'". The interface 12 of the dosing valve 4 is formed here by the transport coupling 19".

[0199] The transport coupling element 19' of the counter-interface part 11 is arranged here on a change manipulator 51, e.g., on an industrial robot that can move freely within the dosing system. For example, the counter-interface element 11'" can be attached externally to the change manipulator 51, e.g., screwed on. Through the interaction of the counter-interface element 11'" of the change manipulator 51 with the valve interface element 10'" of the dosing valve 4, the dosing valve 4 can be detachably coupled to the change manipulator 51 for an automated change process.

[0200] The change manipulator 51, e.g., the industrial robot, is designed to be controllable such that the dosing valve 4 is moved in a coupling direction KR toward the dosing device 2. The change manipulator 51 can move the dosing valve 4 in the direction KR until a designated coupling position is reached, wherein the valve interface element 10* and the counter-interface element 11* of the dosing device 2 are in operative contact. As soon as the coupling position is reached, a multifunctional coupling can be closed by means of the control device 6, wherein the dosing valve 4 is coupled to the dosing device 2 and, via this, also to the control device 6 and the supply device 7.

[0201] In Figure 4, the valve interface part 10 (right), unlike in Figure 3, comprises a coherent valve interface element 10*, wherein a multifunctional coupling element or a multifunctional coupling region 18 is formed. Accordingly, the counter-interface part 11 comprises only a coherent counter-interface element 11* with a multifunctional coupling region 18'. A multifunctional coupling can be formed between the metering valve 4 and the metering device 2 via the two multifunctional coupling regions 18, 18', wherein the multifunctional coupling functions as a supply coupling and a functional coupling. As soon as the metering valve 4 is connected to the control device 6 and the supply device 7 (as part of the metering device 2) via the multifunctional coupling, a complete metering system 3 is formed.

[0202] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a metering valve 4 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the metering valve 4 itself is constructed similarly to that described with reference to Figure 2. The metering valve 4 is enclosed here by a partially shown housing 21, wherein the housing 21 forms a valve interface part 10. The valve interface part 10 could also be arranged (externally) on the housing 21. In this embodiment, the metering valve 4 forms a coupling module 20 or a coupling unit with the housing 21 and the valve interface part 10 formed above it.

[0203] The housing 21 here comprises two housing half-shells and can be made of, for example, plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless steel) or mixtures of different materials, wherein the housing 21 can be reversibly opened, for example, for maintenance purposes. The metering valve 4 is held in the housing 21 by a valve holder 22. For the supply of metered substance, the metering valve 4 is connected to the valve interface part 10 via a media line 76'. Otherwise, the connections between the valve interface part 10 and the metering valve 4 are not shown in detail here. Advantageously, the metering valve 4 can be largely protected from environmental influences by the housing 21, wherein the housing 21 can also be designed to reduce noise generated by the metering valve 4 during metering operation, e.g., by means of active noise suppression or insulation.

[0204] Figure 6 shows the valve interface part 10 from Figure 5 in detail as a top view. According to a preferred embodiment, the valve interface part 10 is designed as an interface module. For this purpose, the valve interface part 10 is designed in the form of a multifunctional coupling area 18 and comprises several components with different functions. The individual components can each form an interface and are referred to as partial interfaces or (interface) subunits. Preferably, the respective (interface) subunits can be controlled separately. The individual partial interfaces can be connected on the rear (not visible) to respectively assigned elements of the metering valve (Figure 5).A first sub-interface 23 relates to a supply of dosing material to the dosing valve, whereby this sub-interface 23 can be connected to a media line 76' on the rear side of the valve interface part 10 (not visible here) (Figure 5). The dosing valve can be electrically contacted via a further, two-part sub-interface 23', or an electrical sub-interface 23'. A further, multi-part sub-interface 23" is designed to supply the dosing valve with compressed air, e.g., for cooling purposes. For example, compressed air can be introduced into the dosing valve via the upper section of the sub-interface 23" here and discharged therefrom again through the lower section. According to a preferred embodiment, the previously described sub-interfaces 23, 23', 23" form a supply coupling element 14 as a component of a multifunctional coupling region 18.

[0205] The valve interface part 10 further comprises a partial interface 24 for mechanically coupling the valve interface part 10 to an associated mating interface part. The partial interface 24 here has a connecting mechanism 25 with two locking lugs 25' (as part of a locking mechanism 25') for releasably locking two coupling halves. The locking mechanism 25' can, unlike what is shown here, comprise, for example, one or more controllable electrical or pneumatic actuators or control elements, which are preferably provided by a mating interface part, e.g., by a robot arm. Preferably, the valve interface part 10, as part of the locking mechanism 25', then has a corresponding number of complementary receptacles, into each of which an actuator, e.g., a bolt, can engage (not shown).The valve interface part 10 here additionally comprises a partial interface 24' in the form of centering holes to facilitate the coupling process. The previously described partial interfaces 24, 24' with the connecting mechanism 25 form a functional coupling element 16 as part of the multifunctional coupling area 18 in this embodiment. The valve interface part 10 can, as shown here, optionally have further partial interfaces 26, e.g., for compressed air, for dosing material, and the like.

[0206] In the preferred embodiment shown here, the coupling region 13 for the automated changing of the metering valve via the changing system is formed by the functional coupling element 16, here by the partial interface 24. This means that the functional coupling element 16 can, on the one hand, be integrated into the automated changing process, acting as the coupling region 13, and, on the other hand, can form a functional coupling to hold the metering valve on a movable changing device during dosing operation. Figure 7 schematically shows a coupling module 20 that is coupled to a work manipulator 53 as part of a changing system 5. The coupling module 20 can, for example, correspond to that in Figure 5.The coupling module 20 is permanently connected to the work manipulator 53 via a multifunctional coupling 18" for the duration of the dosing operation through the interaction of the valve interface part 10 with a counter interface part 11, which is arranged on the work manipulator 53.

[0207] The work manipulator 53 is preferably a multi-axis articulated arm robot 53, e.g., with 6 axes, wherein the counter-interface part 11 is rotatably mounted on the articulated arm robot 53. The counter-interface part 11 comprises a drive for, e.g., a mechanical locking mechanism (not shown). The counter-interface part 11 can, as shown schematically here, be attached externally to the articulated arm robot 53, e.g., screwed on. On a side opposite the counter-interface part 11, the articulated arm robot 53 is connected, e.g., permanently, to the dosing device 2. In the coupled state, the dosing valve in the coupling module 20 can be (indirectly) coupled by the articulated arm robot 53 to the dosing device 2, in particular to the control device 6 and the supply device 7, via the interface 12 to establish an operative connection. The connecting lines between the dosing device 2 and the counter-interface part 11 can, e.g.,via drag chains or within the articulated-arm robot 53. The state shown here could, for example, represent a dosing operation of the dosing valve in the coupling module 20, with the coupling module 20, the work manipulator 53, and the dosing device 2 forming a dosing unit. Unlike shown here, the dosing device 2 could be connected to a plurality of such work manipulators 53.

[0208] Figure 8 shows a coupling module 20 during storage in a magazine 50. The coupling module 20, here as part of the valve interface part 10, has two opposing grooves 27 (only one visible) designed to suspend the coupling module 20 in the magazine 50. The magazine 50, for example, has only one storage location, although normally several coupling modules 20 or metering valves can be stored simultaneously. The valve interface part 10 has a schematically shown RFID transponder in the form of an RFID chip 28 for recognition or assignment of the metering valve of the coupling module 20 by a work manipulator in the automated process. The magazine 50 here comprises an RFID reader 54 assigned to the storage location for reading the RFID chip 28 of the coupling module 20 or the metering valve. The information read out in this way can, unlike what is shown here, be fed to a control device 6.

[0209] Finally, it should be noted once again that the metering valves described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments that can be modified in a variety of ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the interface elements shown in the respective exemplary embodiments can also be present in multiple copies and / or positioned differently. Furthermore, a combination of the interface elements shown is also possible. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite

[0210] The use of the article “ein” or “eine” does not exclude the possibility that the characteristics in question may be present more than once.

[0211] List of reference symbols

[0212] 1 dosing system

[0213] 2 Dosing device

[0214] 3 Dosing system

[0215] 4 Dosing valve

[0216] 5 Exchange system

[0217] 6 Control device

[0218] 7 Supply facility

[0219] 7' Maintenance facility

[0220] 8 Maintenance coupling

[0221] 9 Multifunction clutch

[0222] 10 Valve interface part

[0223] 10', 10", 10'", 10* Valve interface element

[0224] 11 Counter interface part

[0225] 1 T, 11“, 11'“, 11* Counter interface element

[0226] 12 Interface

[0227] 13 Coupling area

[0228] 14, 14' supply coupling element

[0229] 15 Supply coupling

[0230] 16, 16' functional coupling element

[0231] 17 Functional coupling

[0232] 18, 18' Multifunctional coupling area

[0233] 18" multifunction coupling

[0234] 19, 19' transport coupling element

[0235] 19" transport coupling

[0236] 20 coupling module

[0237] 21 housings

[0238] 22 Valve holder

[0239] 23, 23', 23“ partial interface

[0240] 24, 24' partial interface

[0241] 25 Connecting mechanism

[0242] 25' locking mechanism

[0243] 26 Partial interface

[0244] 27 grooves

[0245] 28 RFID chips

[0246] 30 Actuator unit 31 Housing block

[0247] 32 Actuator chamber

[0248] 33 Action Chamber

[0249] 34 Piezo actuator

[0250] 35, 35' contact pin

[0251] 36 temperature sensor connections

[0252] 36' piezo actuator control connections

[0253] 37 Pressure piece

[0254] 38 Movement mechanism

[0255] 39 levers

[0256] 40 lever bearings

[0257] 41 Breakthrough

[0258] 42 contact surface

[0259] 44 Control unit

[0260] 46 Cooling medium supply

[0261] 46' cooling medium discharge

[0262] 47, 47', 47", 47'" connection point

[0263] 50 Magazine

[0264] 51 Changing device / changing manipulator

[0265] 52 Maintenance coupling element

[0266] 53 Work Manipulator

[0267] 54 RFID reader

[0268] 60 fluidic unit

[0269] 61 Ejection element / plunger

[0270] 62 plunger tip

[0271] 63 Ram head

[0272] 64 contact surface

[0273] 65 tappet spring

[0274] 66 Actuator spring

[0275] 67 tappet bearings

[0276] 68 Tappet seal

[0277] 69 Sealing seat

[0278] 70 nozzle

[0279] 71 Nozzle opening

[0280] 72 Nozzle chamber

[0281] 73 Feed channel 74 Frame part

[0282] 75 heating connection cables

[0283] 76 Media pressure line

[0284] 76' Media line 77 Heating control connection

[0285] 78 EEPROM

[0286] 79 Heating device

[0287] 80 dosing cartridges

[0288] D Data / Control data FS fluid flow

[0289] K Tilt axis

[0290] KR coupling direction

[0291] 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 valve (4) for dispensing a dosing substance, and with at least one exchange system (5) assigned to the dosing device (2), wherein the dosing system (1) is designed and controllable by a control device (6) such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to the dosing device (2) via the exchange system (5) in an automated process for dispensing the dosing substance and / or such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5) in an automated process.

2. Dosing system according to claim 1, wherein the exchange system (5) has at least one magazine (50) for at least one dosing valve (4) and wherein preferably - the magazine (50) is fixedly arranged in the dosing system (1) and wherein the dosing device (2) is movably designed and controllable by the control device (6) such that a dosing valve (4) in the magazine (50) is brought into operative contact with the dosing device (2) in the automated process for coupling the dosing valve (4) and / or such that a dosing valve (4) is deposited in the magazine (50) in the automated process, and / or - the magazine (50) is movably designed with respect to the dosing device (2) and is controllable by the control device (6) such that a dosing valve (4) in the magazine (50) is brought into operative contact with the dosing device (2) in the automated process for coupling the dosing valve (4) and / or such that a dosing valve (4) is placed in the magazine (50) in the automated process, and / or - the exchange system (5) has a movable exchange device (51, 53) which is designed and controllable by the control device (6) such that the exchange device (51, 53) facilitates the transfer of at least one metering valve (4) between the magazine (50) and the metering device (2) in the automated process, in particular such that a metering valve (4) is brought from the magazine (50) into operative contact with the metering device (2) for coupling the metering valve (4) and / or such that a metering valve (4) is transferred from the metering device (2) to the magazine (50) and / or - a movable exchange device (53) of the exchange system (5) is designed and controllable by the control device (6) such that at least one metering valve (4) for dispensing the metering substance is detachably coupled to the movable exchange device (53).

3. Metering system according to claim 2, wherein the magazine (50) of the exchange system (5) has at least one maintenance coupling element (52) which interacts with an associated coupling element (14, 16, 18) of the metering valve (4) to form a maintenance coupling (8), wherein the maintenance coupling (8) is designed to connect at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the metering valve (4) to a supply device (7), in particular to a maintenance device (7'), wherein preferably a cleaner can be introduced into the metering valve (4) via the maintenance coupling (8) and / or a heating device (79) of the metering valve (4) can be controlled and / or a storage device (78) associated with the metering valve (4) can be read out and / or the metering valve (4) can be controlled by a control device (6).

4. Dosing system according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein the magazine (50) of the exchange system (5) is designed to store different configurations of metering valves (4), in particular simultaneously, and / or wherein the exchange system (5) and / or the metering device (2) is designed and controllable by the control device (6) such that a specific metering valve (4) from the magazine (50) is brought into operative contact with the metering device (2) for coupling the metering valve (4).

5. Interchangeable system (5) for a dosing system (1), in particular for a dosing system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing system (1) comprises at least one dosing device (2) with at least one dosing system (3), which dosing system (3) has at least one dosing valve (4), wherein the interchangeable system (5) is designed and controllable by a control device (6) such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to the dosing device (2) via the interchangeable system (5) in an automated process for dispensing the dosing substance and / or such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to a supply device (7) via the interchangeable system (5) in an automated process, wherein preferably the interchangeable system (5) has a mating interface part (11) which is designed to allow, by interaction with an associated valve- Interface part (10) of a metering valve (4) to detachably couple the metering valve (4) with the exchange system (5) in an automated process.

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 valve (4) and wherein the dosing device (2) is designed and can be controlled by a control device (6) such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to the dosing device (2) in an automated process via a changeover system (5) for the dispensing of the dosing substance and / or such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to a supply device (7) in an automated process via a changeover system (5).

7. Metering valve (4) for a metering system (3), in particular for a metering system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, - wherein the metering valve (4) has a valve interface part (10) which is configured to detachably couple the metering valve (4) to the metering device (2) and / or to the supply device (7) in an automated process in conjunction with an associated mating interface part (11) which is associated with a metering device (2) and / or a supply device (7), and - wherein the metering valve (4) has a coupling area (13, 19) which is designed to interact with a switching system (5) assigned to the metering valve (4) at least temporarily for coupling the metering device (2) and / or the supply device (7) in an automated process.

8. Metering valve according to claim 7, wherein the valve interface part (10) and / or the mating interface part (11) is multi-part, and / or wherein the valve interface part (10) has a supply coupling element (14) for forming a supply coupling (15), which supply coupling (15) is configured to couple at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the metering valve (4) to a supply device (7), preferably to the metering device (2), during operation, and / or wherein the valve interface part (10) has a functional coupling element (16) and wherein a mating interface part (11) cooperating with the valve interface part (10) has a further functional coupling element (16') for forming a functional coupling (17) and wherein the valve interface part (10) and / or the mating interface part (11) is configured to detachably couple the metering valve (4) to an associated coupling partner (2, 5, 53) via an interaction between the valve interface part (10) and the mating interface part (11), and / or wherein the valve interface part (10) has a transport coupling element (19) and wherein a mating interface part (11) interacting with the valve interface part (10) is associated with a further transport coupling element (19') to form a transport coupling (19") to an exchange system (5), and wherein the valve interface part (10) and / or the mating interface part (11) is configured to detachably couple the metering valve (4) to the exchange system (5) via an interaction between the valve interface part (10) and the mating interface part (11).

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

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

11. Metering valve according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein the supply coupling element (14) and / or the transport coupling element (19) is designed to- is formed to establish at least one, preferably several, electrical and / or mechanical and / or signal-related and / or pneumatic and / or fluid-carrying connection (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') via the supply coupling (15) and / or via the transport coupling (19"), and / or wherein the supply coupling element (14) comprises a closing mechanism configured to close at least one supply line (46, 76, 76') leading to the metering valve (4), in particular to a fluid unit (60) of the metering valve (4), in a gas-tight and / or liquid-tight manner, and / or wherein the supply coupling element (14) is configured to interact with a maintenance coupling element (52) of a magazine (50) of an exchange system (5) to form a maintenance coupling (8), wherein the maintenance coupling (8) is configured to close at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the metering valve (4) with a supply device (7),in particular to connect to a maintenance device (7').

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

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

14. 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) comprises a dosing valve (4), in particular a dosing valve (4) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 13, and an associated control device (6, 44) for controlling the dosing valve (4), wherein the dosing system (3) is designed and controllable by a control device (6, 44) such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to the dosing device (2) for dispensing the dosing substance in an automated process via a changeover system (5) of the dosing system (1) and / or such that at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled to a supply device (7) in an automated process via the changeover system (5).

15. Method for the automated coupling of at least one metering valve (4) with a metering device (2) and / or with a supply device (7), preferably a metering valve (4) for a metering system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the automated coupling preferably comprises at least one change of a metering valve (4) and / or takes place during the operation of a metering system (1), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: - Providing at least one metering valve (4) with a valve interface part (10), preferably by means of an interchangeable system (5), - Connecting the valve interface part (10) of the metering valve (4) using the interchangeable system (5) with a mating interface part (11) that is assigned to a metering device (2) and / or a supply device (7), - Locking of at least one interface element (10', 10", 10*, 1 T, 11", 11*) of the valve interface part (10) and / or the mating interface part (11), preferably by means of a control device (6), to couple the metering valve (4) via the valve interface part (10) to the mating interface part associated with the metering device (2) and / or with the supply device (7). (11) detachably to couple, - optional adjustment of an actuator (34) of an actuator unit (30) such that in a defined operating state of the actuator (34), in particular in a deflected operating state, a certain contact force of an ejection element (61) into a nozzle (70) is generated by the actuator (34), wherein the adjustment process is preferably controlled by means of the control device (6).

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