Dosing device with rotary head

Abstract

The invention relates to a dosing device (1) having a rotary head (2) and at least one dosing valve (3), preferably a jet valve (3), which is arranged on the rotary head (2), said dosing valve (3) having a nozzle (41) for dispensing dosing material, a movably mounted element (42) and an actuator unit (30) coupled to the movably mounted element (42) and / or the nozzle (41). The rotary head (2) is designed to generate a continuous rotation (R) of the dosing valve (3) about a rotational axis (X) of the rotary head (2) during operation of the dosing device (1). The invention also relates to a rotary head (2) for a dosing device (1), to a method for controlling a rotary head (2) of a dosing device (1) and to a method for producing a rotary head (2) for a dosing device (1).

Description

[0001] Dosing device with rotary head

[0002] The invention relates to a dosing device with a rotary head and at least one dosing valve arranged on the rotary head. This dosing valve has a nozzle for dispensing dosing substance, a movably mounted element, and an actuator unit coupled to the movably mounted element and / or the nozzle. The invention further relates to a rotary head for a dosing device, a method for controlling a rotary head of a dosing device, and a method for manufacturing a rotary head for a dosing device.

[0003] Dosing valves of the type mentioned above are used in a wide variety of applications to precisely dose a medium to be dosed, typically a liquid to viscous dosing substance. In the context of so-called "micro-dosing technology," it is often necessary for very small quantities of the medium to be applied to a target surface with high precision, i.e., at the right time, in the right place, and in a precisely dosed amount. The dosing medium can be dispensed from a dosing valve using either a contact or non-contact method, i.e., without direct contact between the dosing valve and the target surface. The dosing medium can, for example, be applied to the target surface over a large area, in a line, and / or at a point.

[0004] Metering valves are increasingly being used in the manufacture of rotors and stators for motors and generators. Such rotors and stators typically consist of several thin sheets, which are punched from a continuous strip or cut using a laser, for example, with the individual sheet metal parts then joined to form stacks. Mechanical joining processes for producing such laminated cores are known, such as riveting, laser welding, or crimping. However, these joining processes can have a detrimental effect on the flux density and efficiency of the rotors and stators, for example, due to the occurrence of short circuits between the individual sheets.

[0005] To achieve the highest possible efficiency of rotors and stators, adhesive bonding processes can be used as joining techniques. For example, an adhesive varnish can be applied to an electrical steel strip or sheet, also known as a self-bonding coating. The sheet metal parts are separated, stacked, and then baked together in a two-stage heat treatment process to form a solid laminated core. Laminated cores produced in this way can exhibit high precision and good magnetic and mechanical properties, but are relatively expensive and time-consuming to manufacture.

[0006] It is also known to apply adhesives such as cyanoacrylate adhesives to sheet metal parts at defined locations and then bond or join these to form laminated cores. The application of adhesive in a specific pattern can be achieved, for example, using generic dosing valves. This reduces material consumption compared to self-bonding technology, and curing can take place without heating, making production more cost-effective. Due to increasing electrification, ever higher demands are being placed on the efficiency of rotors and stators, while at the same time cost pressure is growing. Furthermore, the mechanical demands on rotors and stators and on the joining process of the laminated cores are constantly increasing. For example, there is a desire to increase the speed of electric motors and generators and to increase the power of electric motors.The use of dispensing valves increases the demands on the dispensing process for applying the adhesive. For example, the required dispensing patterns can become more complex, e.g., with regard to the dot density of an adhesive on a target surface. In other areas of technology as well, e.g., in additive manufacturing (3D printing), it is desired to use dispensing valves to apply complex dispensing patterns to a target surface as quickly and efficiently as possible. This applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the application of adhesives, e.g., adhesive dots, to flat workpieces.

[0007] To meet technical specifications, the number of dispensing valves required for a dispensing process may increase, increasing the technical complexity, maintenance, and acquisition costs. The space required by each dispensing valve also limits the possible dot density that can be dispensed onto a target surface. At the same time, the time window available for a dispensing process is often limited. For example, in the production of laminated cores for rotors and stators, the adhesive application must be coordinated with the operation of a punching tool. Therefore, conventional systems with dispensing valves can often no longer meet the increasing demands placed on the dispensing process in various technical areas.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a dosing device with a rotary head and with at least one dosing valve, a rotary head for a dosing device, a method for controlling a rotary head of a dosing device and a method for producing a rotary head for a dosing device, with which the aforementioned disadvantages are reduced and preferably avoided.

[0009] The object is achieved by a dosing device according to patent claim 1, a rotary head according to patent claim 13, a method according to patent claim 14 and a method according to patent claim 16.

[0010] A dosing device according to the invention has at least one rotary head and at least one dosing valve for the targeted dispensing of a dosing substance onto a dosing surface. The dosing valve can be designed to apply the dosing substance to the dosing surface, also referred to as the target surface, in a contact-free or contactless manner. The dosing substance can be applied to the dosing surface by the dosing valve over a large area, e.g., as a spray, in a linear pattern, and / or in a point-like pattern. Accordingly, the dosing valve is not limited to a specific functional type. However, it is preferred that the dosing valve be a jet valve. In this case, contactless dosing preferably occurs by ejecting drops of a dosing substance.

[0011] During operation of the dosing device, the at least one metering valve is arranged, preferably detachably, on the rotary head, in particular on a movable part of the rotary head. The movable part of the rotary head, which is in continuous rotation during operation of the dosing device and faces a dosing surface at least during dosing operation, is referred to as a rotating rotary head. The dosing valve, preferably the jet valve, has at least one nozzle for dispensing dosing substance, a movably mounted element, and an actuator unit coupled to the movably mounted element and / or the nozzle. The movably mounted element can preferably be an ejection element for ejecting dosing substance from the nozzle of the dosing valve, in particular from the nozzle of a jet valve. The rotary head can have two or more such dosing valves, preferably jet valves.

[0012] The rotary head is designed to generate a continuous, i.e. non-stop or uninterrupted, rotation of the at least one dosing valve about a rotation axis of the rotary head during operation of the dosing device, in particular also during an interruption in the dispensing of dosing substance from the dosing valve. The continuous rotation can occur in particular with respect to a dosing surface. The rotation axis of the rotary head is preferably transverse, in particular orthogonal, to a dosing surface. Preferably, the rotation of the dosing valve and / or of the rotating rotary head can occur at a constant rotational speed or rotational velocity during operation of the dosing device. This means that at least one dosing valve can have a constant rotational speed during a dosing substance dispensing and / or during a temporary interruption in the dosing substance dispensing.The dosing valve can be controlled in such a way that dosing material can be dispensed onto a dosing surface during continuous rotation.

[0013] The rotary head is designed and / or controllable such that the dosing valve on the rotary head is set into a continuous or sustained rotary motion around the rotary head's axis of rotation by the rotary head during operation of the dosing device, in particular during a change of the dosing surface and / or between two consecutive dosing jobs, and / or is held in a continuous or sustained rotary motion around the rotary head's axis of rotation. The rotary head can preferably form a valve carousel for dosing valves. Accordingly, the rotary head is designed and / or controllable such that the rotary head itself rotates continuously during operation of the dosing device, in particular even during a temporary interruption in the dosing substance dispensing from the dosing valve.

[0014] Advantageously, the continuous rotation allows the dosing valve to be moved repeatedly over the same points on a dosing surface, allowing the dosing surface to be subjected to dosing material several times in succession by the dosing valve, even at the same points, in a short period of time. This allows even complex dosing requirements, e.g., those requiring a high point density, to be implemented in the shortest possible time. The dosing valve therefore does not need to be positioned separately for each dosing material dispense; instead, the dosing material is dispensed from the rotational movement. This accelerates the generation of a specific dosing material pattern on the dosing surface compared to known devices, where a single dosing valve is generally sufficient. This also allows the number of dosing valves in a system to be comparatively low.

[0015] The term "continuous rotation" is understood in the context of the invention to mean that the respective dosing valve and / or the rotary head, during operation of the dosing device, each executes a rotary movement of more than 360° (degrees) starting from a starting position. This means that during operation of the dosing device, the starting position is passed several times in succession as a result of the rotation of the dosing valve. The term "continuous rotation" therefore refers to a continuous movement of the dosing valve and / or the rotary head at a specific angular velocity. The rotary head preferably moves the dosing valve in such a way that the respective dosing valve executes two or more complete circular movements, i.e. 360° rotations around the axis of rotation, which follow one another directly, in particular without changing a rotational speed and / or a direction of rotation.This distinguishes the rotary head according to the invention from devices in which a dosing valve can only be moved by a limited angle of rotation for applying the dosing substance and is then returned to its starting position. In this case, a rotation of up to 360° is possible, but not a rotation of more than 360°, i.e. no continuous rotation, as is the case with the rotary head according to the invention. Since the dosing valve rotates continuously even when no dosing substance is being dispensed, e.g. when the dosing surface is changing, there is no need for intermittent acceleration and braking of the dosing valve, which is necessary in other devices, possibly in addition to a change in the direction of a rotary movement. This allows the dosing device to be operated particularly efficiently. In addition, a respective dosing job, i.e. the application of a specific dosing pattern to a target surface orDosing surface, can be completed particularly quickly. It is generally possible for the dispensing surface itself to rotate during the dispensing job.

[0016] A rotary head with a jet valve offers the added advantage of enabling particularly high cycle frequencies of up to 1 kHz or more. This allows even complex dispensing patterns, such as those with high dot densities, to be created on a dispensing surface in the shortest possible time, especially when combined with a high dispensing valve path speed (e.g., 1 m / s (meters per second), 2 m / s, 5 m / s, or even higher if necessary). This saves time and manufacturing costs.

[0017] A rotary head according to the invention for a dosing device, preferably for a dosing device according to the invention, has at least one dosing valve, preferably a jet valve, which is preferably detachably arranged on the rotary head. The dosing valve is preferably arranged on a movable part of the rotary head. The dosing valve has at least one nozzle for dispensing dosing substance, a movably mounted element, preferably an ejection element, and an actuator unit coupled to the movably mounted element and / or the nozzle. The rotary head is designed to generate a continuous, i.e., non-stop or uninterrupted, rotation of the dosing valve about a rotational axis of the rotary head during operation of the dosing device. The rotary head can preferably be integrated into a dosing device. The rotary head can preferably be of modular design and can, e.g.temporarily, be coupled with a specific dosing device in order to realize a proper dosing operation of the dosing valves.

[0018] A method according to the invention for controlling a rotary head relates to a rotary head of a dosing device, which is preferably designed as part of a dosing device according to the invention, which rotary head has at least one dosing valve for the targeted dispensing of a dosing substance onto a dosing surface, preferably a jet valve, which is preferably detachably arranged on the rotary head, in particular on a movable part thereof. The dosing valve has a nozzle for dispensing dosing substance, a movably mounted element and an actuator unit coupled to the movably mounted element and / or the nozzle. In the method, the rotary head is operated such that during operation of the dosing device, in particular also during an interruption in the dispensing of dosing substance from the dosing valve, a continuous, i.e. non-stop or uninterrupted, rotation of the dosing valve is generated about a rotational axis of the rotary head.The movably mounted element is preferably an ejection element of a jet valve.

[0019] The method is carried out in such a way that a dosing substance can be dispensed onto a dosing surface during continuous rotation. The method is preferably carried out in such a way that the dosing valve and / or the rotary head rotate at a constant rotational speed around the axis of rotation of the rotary head during operation of the dosing device, in particular during dosing substance dispensing and / or during periods without dosing substance dispensing. The method can preferably be carried out by a control device of the dosing device and / or by a control unit of the rotary head.

[0020] Preferably, the method is carried out in such a way that the respective dosing valve, in dosing operation, ie during a designated dosing of the dosing valve, delivers at least two dosing drops, preferably a plurality of separate dosing drops, onto the target surface during a single rotation about the axis of rotation.

[0021] Preferably, the previously described steps can be integrated into a control method for a dosing device with a rotary head. A method for controlling a dosing device can then comprise the previously described method steps for controlling the rotary head. A method according to the invention for producing a rotary head for a dosing device, preferably for operation in a dosing device according to the invention, which rotary head has at least one dosing valve for the targeted dispensing of a dosing substance onto a dosing surface, comprises at least the following steps:

[0022] In one step, at least one rotary head is provided, which is designed to generate a continuous, i.e., non-stop or uninterrupted, rotation of a dosing valve arranged on the rotary head about a rotational axis of the rotary head during operation of an associated dosing device, in particular even when the dosing substance delivery from the dosing valve is interrupted. Preferably, the rotation of the dosing valve and / or the rotary head can occur at a constant rotational speed or rotational velocity during operation of the dosing device.

[0023] In a further step, at least one metering valve is provided, which has a nozzle for dispensing metered substance, a movably mounted element, and an actuator unit coupled to the movably mounted element and / or the nozzle, as well as optionally further components. The metering valve is preferably a jet valve. The movably mounted element is preferably an ejection element of a jet valve. Two or more such metering valves, preferably jet valves, can preferably be provided in the method.

[0024] In a further step, the at least one metering valve is arranged, preferably detachably, on the rotary head, in particular on a movable part of the rotary head. Preferably, the previously described steps can be integrated into a manufacturing method for a metering device with a rotary head. A method for manufacturing a metering device can then comprise the previously described method steps for manufacturing the rotary head.

[0025] Advantageously, the rotary head for operation in a dosing device, the control method and the manufacturing method can achieve similar effects to those described with reference to the dosing device.

[0026] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description, wherein the claims of one claim category can also be developed analogously to the claims and description parts to form another claim category and, in particular, individual features of different embodiments or variants can be combined to form new embodiments or variants.

[0027] The operation of the dosing device comprises at least the dosing operation of the respective dosing valves of the rotary head and can preferably include other situations, in particular an interval between two consecutive dosing jobs, a change of the dosing surface, e.g., a coil change, and / or a modification of the rotary head, e.g., with regard to the positioning of the dosing valves on the rotary head. Preferably, the rotary head can be in continuous rotation at least during the aforementioned situations.

[0028] The dosing device and the rotary head are not restricted to a specific type of dosing valve. It is possible, for example, for a rotary head to have two or more different types of dosing valves. However, it is preferred that the at least one dosing valve is a jet valve for contactless dosing. Accordingly, the movably mounted element is preferably an ejection element of the jet valve. The jet valve is preferably designed to dispense a dosing substance or a dosing medium drop by drop from the dosing valve. The ejection element can be pushed forwards inside the nozzle at a relatively high speed in the direction of a nozzle opening, whereby a drop of the dosing substance is ejected and then retracted again. This means that the dosing substance is ejected from the nozzle by the ejection element itself. For ejection from the nozzle, the ejection element comes into contact with the dosing substance and “press[s]” or"pushes" the dosing substance out of the nozzle of the dosing valve due to the movement of the ejection element and / or the nozzle. By means of the movable ejection element, the dosing medium can be ejected from the nozzle in a quasi-active manner. The size of the droplets and the amount of dosing substance per drop can be predicted as precisely as possible through the design and control of the dosing valve and the resulting effect of the nozzle. This distinguishes a jet valve from other dispensing systems in which the movement of a closure element merely opens the nozzle, with the pressurized dosing substance then exiting the nozzle by itself. This is the case, for example, with injection valves in combustion engines. The ejection element can also be moved into a closed position by firmly connecting it to a sealing seat in the nozzle opening and remaining there temporarily.For more viscous dosing materials, it may also be sufficient for the ejection element to simply remain in the retracted position, i.e., away from the sealing seat, without a single drop of medium escaping. In the description of the invention, it is assumed, without limitation, that the respective dosing valve is a jet valve.

[0029] The respective jet valve can preferably have at least one piezoelectric actuator and / or a pneumatic actuator and / or an electromagnetic actuator to move the ejection element and / or the nozzle. In the description of the invention, it is assumed, without any limitation thereto, that the respective dosing valve has a pneumatic actuator, since this can result in particular advantages in combination with the rotary head, in particular with regard to the control of the actuator. Furthermore, in the description of the invention, it is assumed, without any limitation thereto, that the dosing substance is an adhesive. In principle, other dosing substances or mixtures of different substances can also be used, e.g. oil, grease, wax, sealing material and the like. The terms dosing substance and dosing medium are used synonymously in the description.If the description describes advantageous further developments based on a rotary head as part of a dosing device, these further developments apply analogously to the rotary head itself, which is designed for operation in a dosing device.

[0030] The dosing device, in particular the rotary head, can preferably be assigned to a punching tool, preferably a punching tool for electrical sheets. The punching tool can be designed to punch out thin and preferably insulated sheet metal parts from a continuous sheet or continuous strip. Such a continuous sheet can, for example, have a thickness of 0.1 to 1 millimeter. The punching process can be multi-stage. The punching tool can preferably have a joining unit for aligning and stacking sheet metal parts and for joining sheet metal parts provided with adhesive to form a sheet metal stack. The joining unit can, for example, have a die with a brake that exerts a contact force on the stacked sheet metal parts. The sheet metal stacks can be used, for example, to manufacture rotors and stators for electric motors and generators.

[0031] The rotary head of the dosing device can be located directly upstream of the punching tool and / or can be integrated into the punching tool. The dosing material can be dispensed by the respective dosing valve (only) before the punching process, in particular by dosing onto an endless belt (as the dosing surface). In principle, it is possible for an entire dosing process to form a respective dosing pattern on the endless belt, also referred to as a dosing job, to take place during only one belt holding time of the punching tool. For example, the rotary head can be designed to perform a specific respective dosing job, in particular onto an endless sheet, during a belt holding time of approximately 1 second, preferably a belt holding time of 0.05 seconds to a maximum of 1 second.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the dosing material can be dispensed between two or more punching steps. For example, dispensing can occur onto a sheet metal part (as the dispensing surface) that already has a specific pattern and is partially punched out. It is possible, for example, for dispensing to occur first onto an endless belt (as the dispensing surface) and, after a first punching step, to dispense onto the partially punched out sheet metal part or endless belt (as the dispensing surface) to complete a dispensing job. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing material can (also) occur after punching, in particular onto a completely punched out sheet metal part (as the dispensing surface). Accordingly, the punching process for providing a (finished) sheet metal part and / or the respective dispensing job for generating a dispensing pattern on a sheet metal part can run in several coordinated sub-steps.

[0033] The rotary head of the dosing device can also be assigned to a device in which sheet metal parts are removed from an endless belt using a laser. Here, too, the dosing material can be dispensed (only) onto an endless belt (as the dosing surface) and / or can occur between sub-steps of the laser cutting process, possibly even parallel to the laser cutting process, and / or can also occur after the laser cutting process has been completed.

[0034] The dosing device, in particular the rotary head, can also be assigned to another machine for producing preferably flat substrates, e.g. a machine for the additive manufacturing of components. Accordingly, the rotary head can be designed and / or controllable such that the dosing substance is dispensed onto an additively manufactured, preferably round, component (as the dosing surface). However, the possible uses of the rotary head are not limited to the examples mentioned. Preferably, the rotary head can generally be designed and / or controllable such that the dosing substance is dispensed onto a preferably flat workpiece (as the dosing surface), preferably a round workpiece, in particular regardless of the specific nature of the workpiece, e.g. with regard to material and method of manufacture.

[0035] The rotary head can preferably have at least two dosing valves, which are arranged on the rotary head, in particular on a movable part, preferably detachably. Preferably, at least the rotating part of the rotary head can have a circular base surface on which the dosing valves can be arranged directly or indirectly, e.g. by means of an additional base plate. During dosing operation, the base surface of the rotary head faces the dosing surface, with the respective nozzles of the dosing valves pointing in the direction of the dosing surface. Dosing operation is understood to mean the intended delivery of dosing substance by the dosing valves of the rotary head to generate a specific dosing pattern on the dosing surface, i.e. the execution of a specific dosing job.Preferably, the dispensing operation can be carried out such that two or more, in particular a plurality, of dispensing jobs are executed directly one after the other and / or separated from one another by a short interval. The dispensing operation is preferably included in the operation of the dispensing device and forms a part thereof. Accordingly, the rotary head is also in continuous rotation during the dispensing operation. Preferably, the rotary head can rotate above the dispensing surface (relative to the perpendicular direction), at least during the dispensing operation. A diameter of the rotating rotary head can correspond to a diameter of the target surface and / or a diameter of a specific dispensing pattern on the target surface.

[0036] Depending on the design, the rotary head can have four metering valves, preferably six metering valves, preferably eight metering valves, in particular ten or more metering valves. The respective metering valves are preferably detachably mounted on the rotary head. The rotary head preferably has an even number of metering valves. The respective metering valves are preferably connected to a control unit of the rotary head and / or to a control device of the metering device. The respective metering valves are preferably designed to be separately controllable. The metering valves are preferably jet valves. The respective metering valves can, in principle, all have the same distance from the axis of rotation of the rotary head and can be moved along the same circular path during operation of the metering device, preferably at least during metering operation.Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can have at least two metering valves, which are preferably detachably mounted on the rotary head, wherein the at least two metering valves have different distances from the rotational axis of the rotary head. In this embodiment, during operation of the metering device, preferably at least during metering operation, each metering valve can be moved along a (separate) circular path. The rotary head can also have three or more metering valves, each at a different distance from the rotational axis.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can have a first group of at least two metering valves, which are preferably detachably arranged on the rotary head, wherein these metering valves are moved on a (common) first circular path during operation of the metering device, preferably at least during metering operation. In addition, the rotary head can have at least a second group of at least two metering valves, which are preferably detachably arranged on the rotary head, wherein these metering valves are moved on a different (common) second circular path during operation of the metering device, preferably at least during metering operation, which differs from the first circular path with regard to the respective circular path diameter or the distance from the axis of rotation. The metering valves of a respective group are characterized in that these metering valves have the same distance from the axis of rotation.

[0038] The rotary head can preferably have three groups, four groups, five groups of metering valves, or more, wherein the metering valves of a respective group are moved on the same circular path during operation of the metering device, preferably at least during metering operation. Preferably, a respective group can have three, four, five, or more metering valves.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can have at least two metering valves, which are preferably detachably arranged on the rotary head, wherein the metering valves are opposite one another with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary head, preferably diametrically opposite one another. This means that at least two metering valves lie on a straight line that runs through the axis of rotation. Preferably, more than two metering valves can be arranged on the rotary head such that in each case one metering valve is opposite another metering valve, in particular diametrically opposite one another, with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary head. Preferably, the metering valves of a respective group can be arranged on the rotary head such that in each case one metering valve of the group is opposite another metering valve of the same group, in particular diametrically opposite one another, with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary head.

[0040] During operation of the dosing device, preferably at least during dosing operation, the dosing valves of a respective group are moved on the same circular path and dose the dosing substance in a circle onto the dosing surface. The dosing surface corresponds to a surface to which a specific dosing pattern is applied. The dosing surface can preferably be a workpiece or a part thereof, e.g. a metal sheet. During dosing operation, the dosing valves of a respective group can form a dosing circle with a specific diameter. Preferably, the dosing valves of a respective group can create a dosing circle of dosing substance on the dosing surface, with all dosing substance points dispensed by this group having the same distance from a center point of the dosing surface. The dosing substance points of a dosing circle preferably form a concentric circle of dosing substance and / or lie on the same circle.The dosing circuit can comprise a plurality of individual drops, which can be spaced apart from one another. Other embodiments are also possible, as described elsewhere. Depending on the embodiment, a dosing circuit can also be just a circular arc of a certain length. Accordingly, a dosing circuit does not have to be a complete or self-contained circle. Depending on the design of the rotary head, a dosing circuit can also be generated by only one dosing valve (at a time).

[0041] If the rotary head has two or more groups of dosing valves, each group can generate a specific dosing circuit. The dosing circuit diameters of the respective groups preferably differ from one another. The dosing circuit diameters can be fixed, unchangeable, and / or variable during operation of the dosing device.

[0042] Regardless of the specific design of the rotary head, a dosing circle can have a diameter of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, and / or at most 2000 mm, preferably at most 1000 mm, preferably at most 500 mm. The rotary head can advantageously be used to manufacture various components, e.g., in the production of electric motors for motor vehicles, but also generators for wind turbines.

[0043] To create defined dosing circuits, the dosing valves of a respective group can be located on one and the same (imaginary) circle, thereby forming a dosing valve circuit on the rotary head. Such a dosing valve circuit can be implemented in the manner of a hole circle. If the rotary head has several groups of dosing valves, the respective dosing valve circuits can preferably have different diameters. The rotary head is preferably designed such that each dosing valve circuit is assigned to a specific dosing circuit on the dosing surface, i.e., is designed to create the dosing circuit. Purely by way of example, the rotary head can have five dosing valve circuits with different diameters, each dosing valve circuit having two dosing valves.

[0044] Advantageously, such a rotary head can further accelerate the respective dosing process or dosing job, since with each rotation of the rotary head around the axis of rotation, several dosing circuits can be supplied with dosing material simultaneously. The provision of two or more dosing valves per circular path can be advantageous in order to keep the rotation speed of the rotary head below a path speed that is critical for dosing accuracy. For example, an excessively high path speed of the dosing valves, in particular of the outer circular path, can lead to the dosing material not hitting the dosing surface in the desired shape, which can have a detrimental effect on dosing on delicate structures of the dosing surface. By using groups of several dosing valves, even complex dosing requirements can be met with particularly high dosing accuracy in a short time.Furthermore, the provision of several dosing valves per circular path can advantageously improve the redundancy of the dosing device.

[0045] To further improve dosing accuracy and reduce cycle time, two or more rotary heads can cooperate to perform a dosing job. Accordingly, the dosing device can have two or more rotary heads, each with at least one detachably arranged dosing valve, in particular with a plurality of jet valves. The advantageous developments described with reference to a single rotary head preferably apply correspondingly to a respective rotary head of the dosing device. The two or more rotary heads, in particular also their respective dosing valves, are preferably separately controllable during operation.

[0046] Advantageously, a first rotary head can carry out a first part of a dispensing job, e.g. by initially only dispensing partial sections of the respective dispensing circles, e.g. semicircles or quarter circles. A second rotary head can then carry out a second part of the dispensing job, e.g. by dispensing further partial sections of the respective dispensing circles. This procedure can be repeated several times in succession until the entire dispensing job is finished. Optionally, the target surface, e.g. the workpiece, can be machined between the respective dispensing processes. It would be possible, for example, for a device for punching or laser cutting to dispense partial sections of dispensing circles by a first rotary head during a first belt holding time and for further partial sections of the same dispensing circles to be dispensed by another rotary head during at least one subsequent belt holding time. The rotary heads can, for example, be arranged one behind the other.Advantageously, the respective dosing job can be divided among several belt holding positions, allowing the respective belt holding time to be significantly reduced. In principle, the rotary heads can have the same or different designs, particularly with regard to the number and / or positioning of the dosing valves on the rotary head. Accordingly, the two or more rotary heads can supply the same and / or different dosing circuits with dosing material.

[0047] The positioning of the dosing valves on the rotary head can preferably be carried out taking into account the dosing pattern to be generated. In the simplest case, all dosing valves of the rotary head, even from different groups, can be arranged linearly in a (single) row. It is also possible for the dosing valves to be arranged cross-like or star-like on the rotary head. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of dosing valves can be arranged on the rotary head in the form of a dosing module, preferably detachably, e.g., in the form of a dosing module, which is described in more detail in DE 10 2021 109 850 A1. In this regard, reference is made to DE 10 2021 109 850 A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated into this application.

[0048] Preferably, two or more metering valves can be arranged radially offset from one another on the rotary head, starting from the rotational axis or relative to the rotational axis of the rotary head. This means that the metering valves are located on different diameter lines. The term "diameter" refers to a specific distance.

[0049] Preferably, the metering valves of a first group are arranged radially offset on the rotary head from the rotary head's axis of rotation or relative to the rotary head's axis of rotation relative to the metering valves of a second, different group. This means that the metering valves of the first group and the metering valves of the second group can be located on different diameter lines.

[0050] The rotary head preferably has a plurality of metering valves, in particular several groups, arranged on the rotary head to form an axial symmetry. This means that some or all of the metering valves can be arranged axially symmetrically on the rotary head. The metering valves can be distributed over an entire circular area of ​​the rotary head.

[0051] Advantageously, by positioning the dosing valves on the rotary head, in particular with regard to a respective radial distance from the axis of rotation and / or with regard to a position of the dosing valves relative to one another, a particularly smooth running of the rotary head can be achieved, e.g. by avoiding an imbalance, which is essential for the most accurate dosing pattern possible.

[0052] The dosing device, in particular the rotary head, is preferably designed and / or controllable in such a way that a distance and / or position of a specific respective dosing valve and / or a distance and / or position of a specific respective group of dosing valves relative to the rotational axis of the rotary head and / or relative to other dosing valves of the rotary head can be adjusted, preferably in an automated process. In particular, this allows different dosing circle diameters to be set or approached and / or a specific dosing pattern to be set. The automated process can be controlled by a control unit of the rotary head and / or by a control device of the dosing device.

[0053] Preferably, each metering valve can be moved along one or more axes (linear axes) on the rotary head. Preferably, the respective metering valves can be displaced radially along the rotary head, preferably automatically. Preferably, the metering valves of the rotary head can be controlled separately and preferably moved electrically. Positioning of some or all of the metering valves can be performed in the automated process while the rotary head is kept in continuous rotation, i.e., during operation of the metering device.

[0054] The rotary head is advantageously particularly flexible in its use and can be quickly adapted to different dispensing requirements. For example, the rotary head can be modified while the dispensing system is in operation, without direct manual intervention. This makes the rotary head suitable for test purposes, for example, to quickly find or set suitable dispensing parameters for new workpieces or changing dispensing requirements, e.g., with regard to dot density, dispensing pattern, dispensing medium, and the like. This can be advantageous, for example, in the production of prototypes. Automatic modification of the rotary head can be advantageous if each dispensing surface, e.g., each new workpiece, requires a different dispensing pattern or different dispensing circle diameters.Furthermore, the position of a dosing valve can be changed during rotation in order to create different dosing circuits with the same dosing valve, even in the same dosing job. Automatic modification of the rotary head can also be advantageous in combination with additively manufactured and possibly rotationally symmetrical components, as a desired dosing pattern can be created particularly quickly and flexibly, within certain limits. It is also possible to move two or more dosing valves or groups of dosing valves that are at different distances from the axis of rotation together, in particular simultaneously. Preferably, at least two dosing valves and / or at least two groups of dosing valves can be moved together on the rotary head while maintaining a constant, e.g. fixed, distance from one another. This can preferably be done in an automated process during continuous rotation of the rotary head.The desired maximum coating diameter could be distributed across several evenly spaced circles, which, through a joint movement, enable seamless coating and thus achieve high surface coating performance. However, it is also possible for the rotary head to be modified manually while the rotary head is stationary. This can be useful when changing the dispensing surface, for example, if the external shape and / or surface geometry of the dispensing surface to be processed changes over the long term.

[0055] The rotary head can have a plurality of dosing valves, i.e. two or more dosing valves that form a dosing unit of the rotary head. The dosing valves of the dosing unit are preferably arranged on a base element of the rotary head. The base element can be arranged detachably or reversibly on the rotary head. The rotary head can additionally have at least one controllable drive, optionally with an encoder, in order to rotate at least the dosing valves and / or the dosing unit during operation of the dosing device, e.g. a turntable with a turntable with direct drive. It is possible for the drive of the rotary head to be designed separately from other components of the rotary head, in particular spatially separated therefrom. For example, the drive can be spatially separated from the dosing valves and / or the dosing unit. In particular, the controllable drive can be radially spaced from the axis of rotation.Then, the rotary head may preferably have a belt drive to drive the rotating part of the rotary head during operation.

[0056] The controllable drive can preferably have a rotational axis with a movable part for accommodating at least the dosing valves. The rotational axis, e.g. of the rotary table, preferably runs along the rotational axis of the rotary head. The rotational axis of the rotary head is preferably designed to establish, during operation of the dosing device, preferably at least during dosing operation, at least one electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluid-carrying connection between a stationary part of the dosing device and a movable part of the rotary head, preferably by means of rotary feedthroughs for compressed air, various media, and electrical signals or electrical energy. The dosing head can comprise further components, as described elsewhere.Preferably, the parts of the rotary head that rotate during operation, preferably at least the rotation axis, the metering valves, and / or a base element, can form the rotating rotary head. Preferably, the rotating rotary head can comprise the rotation axis and movable parts adjoining it at the ends in the direction of the metering surface.

[0057] It is possible for the rotary head to have a rotation axis that runs along the rotation axis of the rotary head and is formed separately from the drive. This means that the rotation axis is then not formed by the drive itself. Preferably, a controllable drive can be assigned to the rotary head, e.g. an electric motor that is arranged next to the rotation axis and / or next to the rotation axis. Preferably, the rotation axis can be set in rotation by means of a belt drive, in particular can be kept (temporarily) in continuous rotation. Advantageously, this makes it possible to achieve a particularly flat design. The advantageous developments of the rotation axis apply to the rotation axis in general, in particular independently of the remaining construction of the rotation axis and the drive.

[0058] Depending on the design, parts of the rotary head can be permanently installed in the dosing device during operation. For example, the drive and immovable parts of the rotary unions, such as hose fittings, can be fixed in the dosing device or in a punching tool. However, it is also possible for the entire rotary head to be movable in relation to the dosing surface. For example, the entire rotary head can be moved manually or in an automated process in relation to other components of the dosing device, e.g. by a robot arm. Advantageously, this allows a distance between the dosing valves and the dosing surface and / or an alignment of the dosing valves in relation to the dosing surface to be adjusted individually and in a time-saving manner. The dosing unit of the rotary head can be designed to work as a unit orto be coupled as a whole to the rotary head and / or decoupled therefrom, preferably in each case in an automated process. For this purpose, the base element with the dosing valves located thereon can preferably be detachably coupled to or decoupled from an assigned coupling point on the rotary head, e.g. on the rotation axis, in an automated process. This means that all dosing valves of the dosing unit can be coupled to or decoupled from the rotary head at once or simultaneously. The dosing unit can be a separate component that can be reversibly connected to other components of the rotary head during operation of the dosing device. The dosing unit can be at least temporarily part of the rotary head.

[0059] Advantageously, this allows the dosing valves of the rotary head to be changed particularly quickly, e.g., for cleaning fluid-carrying parts, for maintenance or replacement of wear components, to modify the rotary head, or to minimize downtime in the event of a fault. The dosing unit can preferably be coupled to or decoupled from other parts of the rotary head in an automated process using an automatic changing device, e.g., a movable, multi-axis robot arm with a gripper. Alternatively, the dosing unit can also be handled manually. The dosing unit is preferably changed while the rotary head is at a standstill.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the entire rotary head can be designed to be coupled as a whole to a part of the dosing device and / or to be decoupled therefrom as a unit, preferably in each case in an automated process. In addition to the reversibly coupleable rotary head, the dosing device can comprise further components, in particular components that do not rotate during operation. The dosing device can preferably have a control device for controlling the rotary head and / or the respective dosing valves, devices for supplying the dosing valves with compressed air, dosing substance, flushing medium and electrical signals or electrical energy, devices for cleaning or servicing decoupled dosing valves and the like. Depending on the embodiment, the communication and / or supply of the rotating rotary head can take place via the rotation axis.The dosing device can be fully or partially integrated into another machine, e.g. a punching tool.

[0061] The rotary head, preferably the base element, can have at least one coupling point for the releasable coupling of at least one specific part of a metering valve, preferably a plurality of coupling points for each metering valve. The base element can preferably form a support structure for a plurality of coupling points. For example, the base element can have a flat base plate. Alternatively, the base element can also have a frame and / or a grid structure on which coupling points are arranged, preferably movably. In principle, the coupling points can also be arranged directly on the rotary head, preferably movably, i.e., without a base element.The respective coupling point, also referred to as a docking station, is preferably designed to hold the entire dosing valve on the rotary head, preferably on the base element, during operation of the dosing device, in particular at least during the dosing operation, and / or to form at least one supply line to the dosing valve.

[0062] The respective docking station can be arranged in a fixed (stationary) manner on the rotary head or on the base element. It is preferred that the respective docking station be movable relative to the rotary head and / or the base element, particularly in an automated process. Preferably, each docking station can be moved along one or more axes (linear axes) on the rotary head or on the base element, preferably automatically. This allows a specific radial distance of the respective docking station from the rotation axis and / or a position of the individual docking stations relative to one another to be set.

[0063] The respective coupling point is preferably designed to supply the coupled dosing valve with a pressure medium and / or with dosing substance during operation of the dosing device, in particular at least during dosing operation. Alternatively, preferably additionally, the respective coupling point is designed to form an electrical connection of the dosing valve to a control unit of the rotary head and / or to a control device of the dosing unit during operation of the dosing device, in particular at least during dosing operation. The docking station can form a mounting interface for the dosing valve in order to hold the connected dosing valve on the rotary head, at least during dosing operation, to supply it with media, and to control the dosing operation. Depending on the embodiment, the respective docking station can be connected to the rotary feedthroughs of the rotation axis.

[0064] The respective coupling point can have an actuator coupling point, also referred to as an actuator docking station, for coupling an actuator unit of the metering valve and / or a fluidic coupling point, also referred to as a fluidic docking station, for coupling a fluidic unit of the (same) metering valve. The actuator docking station and the fluidic docking station can be designed as one piece or in one piece. However, it is preferred that the respective coupling point is designed as a multi-piece, with a first part forming an actuator docking station and a second, different part forming a fluidic docking station. The actuator docking station and the fluidic docking station can, in particular in the case of a multi-piece coupling point, be arranged spatially separated from one another on or in the base element or on the rotary head.

[0065] The coupling point, in particular the actuator docking station, can be designed to specifically couple (only) the actuator unit of the metering valve detachably to the base element and / or the rotary head (e.g. in a variant without a base element) and / or to decouple it therefrom, preferably in an automated process. The actuator docking station is preferably designed to specifically hold the actuator unit of the metering valve on the rotary head and / or to enable proper operation of the actuator unit of the metering valve, in particular a supply of compressed air and / or electrical signals and / or electrical energy. Preferably, the actuator unit can be moved upwards away from the base element for decoupling, in particular in a direction away from the metering surface. The coupling can preferably be carried out in the opposite direction.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling point, in particular the fluidic docking station, can be designed to specifically couple (only) the fluidic unit of the metering valve releasably to the base element and / or the rotary head (e.g. in a variant without a base element) and / or to decouple it therefrom, preferably in an automated process. The fluidic docking station is preferably designed to specifically hold the fluidic unit of the metering valve on the rotary head and / or to at least supply the fluidic unit with metering substance. For decoupling, the fluidic unit can preferably be moved downwards away from the base element and / or the rotary head, in particular in the direction of the metering surface. The coupling can preferably be carried out in the opposite direction.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, the coupling point can be designed to releasably couple and / or decouple an entire dosing valve, i.e., an actuator unit and a fluidic unit connected thereto, to the base element and / or the rotary head (e.g., in a variant without a base element), preferably in an automated process. Preferably, a complete dosing valve can be moved upwards away from the base element for decoupling, in particular in a direction away from the dosing surface. The coupling can preferably be carried out in the opposite direction. Preferably, the entire dosing valve (including fluidic unit) can be releasably held on the base plate and / or the rotary head by means of the actuator docking station. In this case, the media supply can also be provided by the fluidic docking station, which is coupled to the fluidic unit. Advantageously, this allows tolerances to be kept very low, e.g.,In a pneumatic actuator, a distance between the nozzle and the diaphragm is required, as there is no additional tolerance chain for the coupling point, e.g., regarding the distance between the actuator unit and the fluidic unit. Therefore, this variant is particularly preferred.

[0068] Advantageously, it is possible for a specific actuator unit to be removed individually, e.g., as a module, from the base element or the rotary head. Advantageously, the fluidic unit of the same metering valve can remain on the base element and / or the rotary head when only the actuator unit is replaced. Furthermore, other actuator units that have not yet reached a maintenance interval, for example, can remain on the base element and / or the rotary head.

[0069] Advantageously, a specific fluidic unit, comprising at least the nozzle, the ejection element, dosing material-carrying parts, and seals, can be individually removed from the base element or the rotary head and / or the actuator unit. Replacing only the fluidic unit may be necessary to maintain or replace wearing parts, e.g., the ejection element, and / or to clean the fluidic unit. Advantageously, the actuator unit of the same metering valve and, if applicable, the remaining metering valves can remain on the rotary head while the fluidic unit is being replaced. Advantageously, the replacement process can be simplified and accelerated by replacing only specific parts of a metering valve or only a specific (entire) metering valve, while leaving other metering valves of the rotary head untouched.Advantageously, such a changeover process, in particular the detection of a component to be replaced, can be carried out by an automatic changeover device, e.g., a movable multi-axis robot arm. It is also possible, for example, to first detach the actuator unit of a specific dosing valve from the coupling point and then detach the fluidic unit of the same dosing valve from the coupling point. In principle, the described changeover processes can also be performed manually.

[0070] To enable coupling (and decoupling) specifically (only) the fluidic unit, the fluidic unit of the respective metering valve can have a bayonet coupling to reversibly connect the fluidic unit to the fluidic docking station. The principle of such a bayonet coupling is described in DE 10 2017 122 034 A1. In this regard, reference is made to DE 10 2017 122 034 A1, the content of which is hereby incorporated into this application. Preferably, the fluidic unit can have a first plug-in coupling part and the fluidic docking station can have a second plug-in coupling part, which can be plugged into one another and coupled to one another along a (virtual) plug-in axis to couple the fluidic unit to the fluidic docking station. Preferably, the fluidic unit and the associated fluidic docking station are designed such that the fluidic unit can be coupled to the fluidic docking station in at least two different rotational positions about the plug-in axis.Preferably, the first plug-in coupling part of the fluidic unit and the second plug-in coupling part of the fluidic docking station can have interacting projections and / or recesses. These projections and / or matching recesses in the first plug-in coupling part and the second plug-in coupling part can be designed such that the plug-in coupling parts can be coupled together in a bayonet-like manner. The plug-in coupling parts are first pushed into one another in a first rotational position relative to the plug-in axis, and then the first and second plug-in coupling parts are rotated relative to one another about the plug-in axis such that they cannot be pulled apart again without twisting.Advantageously, the fluidic unit can be coupled to the fluidic docking station by means of the interacting plug-in coupling parts in such a way that the fluidic unit can interact with an actuator unit, which is coupled to an associated actuator docking station, to form a dosing valve for a proper dosing operation of the dosing valve.

[0071] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that even with a base element that is designed for changing specific dosing valve components, it is additionally possible for the entire base element to be changed at once, i.e. as a dosing unit. Regardless of the specific embodiment, the base element can have a heater in order to heat the nozzles of coupled dosing valves, preferably separately, to a target temperature. The respective fluidic unit can have at least one feed channel for a medium into the fluidic unit and optionally a discharge channel for medium out of the fluidic unit, in particular for a dosing substance supply and for a rinsing function. Accordingly, the respective fluidic coupling point can have a feed line for medium into the fluidic unit of the coupled dosing valve and optionally a discharge line orReturn line for medium from the fluidic unit of the coupled dosing valve. The supply line and return line can preferably be implemented by a media distributor of the docking station, which is connected to other fluid-carrying parts of the rotary head and / or the dosing device. Preferably, the supply line and the return line can be connected to separate hoses or channels of the base element, each of which is connected to non-rotating parts of the dosing device via rotary unions. For example, the supply line and the return line can each be connected to a reservoir for dosing substance and / or for rinsing medium located outside the rotary head. However, it is also possible for the supply line to be connected to a reservoir of the rotary head for dosing substance.

[0072] The fluidic unit, preferably comprising a bayonet coupling, is preferably designed such that the supply channel is brought into operative contact with the supply line of the fluidic docking station as a result of the coupling of the fluidic unit to the coupling point, in particular by rotating the two plug-in coupling parts relative to each other. Optionally, the fluidic unit, preferably comprising a bayonet coupling, can be designed such that the discharge channel is also brought into operative contact with the discharge line of the fluidic docking station as a result of the coupling of the fluidic unit to the coupling point, in particular by rotating the two plug-in coupling parts relative to each other. The medium can preferably be a dosing agent and / or cleaning medium or rinsing medium.

[0073] Advantageously, the coupled fluidic unit can be supplied with dosing material via the docking station's supply line during dosing operation. In addition, a flushing process with a cleaning agent can be carried out on the respective dosing valve while coupled. Advantageously, neither the dosing valve nor the rotary head needs to be disassembled for this purpose. Accordingly, the rotary head can remain installed in the dosing device during a flushing process, e.g., in a punching tool, whereby particularly short downtimes are sufficient for cleaning the dosing valves. In principle, cleaning can also take place while the rotary head is rotating. Since disassembly is not required for cleaning, the availability of the dosing device can be advantageously increased.The rotary head and / or the dosing device can be controlled so that only a single or specific dosing valves are flushed, whereby preferably all dosing valves can be flushed simultaneously.

[0074] The rotary head can preferably have a control unit that rotates during operation for the preferably separate control of the respective dosing valves. The control unit can be designed to receive signals from a higher-level control device of the dosing device. Alternatively, preferably additionally, the control unit can be designed to generate dosing signals or trigger signals for the respective dosing valve, i.e., to control the intended operation of the individual dosing valves. Alternatively, preferably additionally, the control unit can be designed to evaluate sensor data from the rotary head and / or to use sensor data from the rotary head and / or to transmit sensor data from the rotary head to the higher-level control device of the dosing device.Preferably, the control unit can be configured to at least evaluate measurement data generated during operation by sensors of the rotary head, to use it if necessary, and to transmit it to the higher-level control device of the dosing device as needed. For example, the higher-level control device could initiate the use and / or transmission of sensor data.

[0075] Advantageously, a control unit that is arranged on or in the rotary head and rotates during operation of the dosing device can help to keep the costs for provision and maintenance of the rotary head as low as possible. The dosing valves of the rotary head are connected to several electrical lines during operation, in particular trigger lines and heater control lines. Trigger lines are understood to be lines for controlling the actuator unit, in particular for moving the ejection element. In the case of a pneumatic actuator, these can be, for example, separate lines for supplying power to a coil of a solenoid valve and for switching the coil. With a control device outside the rotary head, trigger lines and other electrical lines have to be transmitted individually via rotary unions, which in particular increases the maintenance effort.

[0076] Preferably, parameters of a dosing job can be transmitted from the higher-level control device to the rotating control unit, e.g., a number of dosing drops per revolution and dosing valve, a respective size of the dosing droplets, a heating temperature, and the like. The transmission can preferably be carried out via bus communication in order to reduce the number of electrical lines. Advantageously, trigger signals or dosing signals can be generated by the rotating control unit itself. Particularly with pneumatic actuators, particularly space-saving hardware can be used for this purpose. If the rotary head includes a monitoring system for dosing parameters, e.g., corresponding sensors, measured values ​​can be transmitted to the rotating control unit and also fed to the higher-level control device, e.g., via bus communication. For monitoring dosing parameters, e.g.,a volume flow measurement, a drop detection, a pressure monitoring (in the dosing material and / or a pneumatic pressure) or a temperature monitoring (of the fluidic unit and / or in the dosing material) can be carried out.

[0077] The combination of a co-rotating control unit and a co-operating higher-level control device can be advantageous, as there are hardly any space restrictions for the higher-level control device and, for example, a PLC can be used. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to outsource certain tasks to the higher-level control device and have only the actual dosing operation of the dosing valves controlled by the control unit of the rotary head. It is also fundamentally possible to control the entire operation of the rotary head, including the dosing operation of the respective dosing valves, using only the control unit of the rotary head.

[0078] Preferably, at least one (rotational speed) sensor is assigned to the rotary head, which is designed at least for generating and / or outputting an index signal, optionally for generating or outputting further signals, which sensor is usable or designed to determine a rotational speed of the rotary head during operation of the dosing device, preferably at least during dosing operation, and for determining the angle as accurately as possible at a specific point in time. The sensor can be arranged at least partially on or in the rotary head and rotate during operation. Preferably, at least one signal is generated for each revolution of the rotary head about the axis of rotation. The sensor can comprise, for example, a light barrier, a capacitive sensor, a Hall sensor and / or an inductive sensor. Preferably, at least two such sensors can be used for one rotary head in order to determine the direction of rotation of the rotary head.

[0079] Advantageously, such a sensor can be used to calculate the current rotational speed, as the rotary head preferably has a very good synchronous speed after an acceleration phase. The generated sensor signal reflects an absolute position, so that this signal can serve as a trigger or signal generator for a dispensing sequence or dispensing job. Advantageously, a delay between the individual drops of the respective dispensing valve of the rotary head can be determined from the rotational speed, so that jitter during dispensing operation is as low as possible. This means that the time offset between the generation of a trigger signal and the corresponding dispensing of dosing substance by the dispensing valve can be minimal, thus improving dispensing accuracy. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a rotary encoder, which can be relatively expensive and slow in communication, which can have a detrimental effect on jitter.

[0080] Preferably, a co-rotating (speed) sensor can be arranged on or in the rotary head. Preferably, a static marker can be provided outside the rotary head, which interacts with the sensor. Measurement values ​​from the sensor can then be fed at least to the control unit of the rotary head, optionally also to the control unit of the dosing device, where they can be processed and used.

[0081] If a (speed) sensor is arranged statically in the dosing device, i.e., does not rotate during operation, a co-rotating marker can be provided, which is arranged on or in the rotary head. Measured values ​​from the sensor can then be fed at least to the control unit of the dosing device, where they can be processed and used, and optionally also to the control unit of the rotary head. One or more additional components, which are described below, can be assigned to the rotary head. Preferably, a contactless system for transmitting electrical signals to the rotary head for controlling the dosing operation of the respective dosing valves of the rotary head can be assigned to the rotary head.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, a radio system can be assigned to the rotary head for transmitting electrical signals to the rotary head to control the dosing operation of the respective dosing valves of the rotary head. The radio system can be arranged at least partially on or in the rotary head and rotate with it during operation.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, an inductive system can be assigned to the rotary head for transmitting electrical signals to the rotary head to control the dosing operation of the respective dosing valves of the rotary head. The inductive system can be arranged at least partially on or in the rotary head and rotate with it during operation.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, a system for transmitting optical signals (i.e., data transmission) to the rotary head can be assigned to control the dispensing operation of the rotary head's respective dispensing valves. The transmission can be achieved using light, laser, or infrared light such as Li-Fi (light fidelity). The system can be arranged at least partially on or in the rotary head and rotate with it during operation.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, a generator can be assigned to the rotary head for generating electrical energy by the rotary head, in particular on the rotating rotary head. Preferably, the rotating rotary head can have at least one generator that is (co-)driven by the drive of the rotary head, in particular by the rotation axis, and serves to generate electricity.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, a power supply device can be assigned to the rotary head for inductively transmitting electrical energy to the rotary head. Preferably, an alternating field can be generated outside the rotary head or applied from outside. The power supply device can be arranged at least partially on or in the rotary head and rotate with it during operation.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, a power supply device can be assigned to the rotary head for the contact-based or contact-based transmission of electrical energy to the rotary head. Alternatively or additionally, a signal transmission device can be assigned to the rotary head for the contact-based or contact-based transmission of signals to the rotary head for controlling the dosing operation of the respective dosing valves of the rotary head. The rotary head can preferably have at least one slip ring, preferably two or more slip rings. Preferably, at least one slip ring, in particular two slip rings, can be designed for the voltage or power supply of the rotary head. Optionally, a further slip ring can be provided and designed to transmit electrical (control) signals for the dosing valves via it.The respective slip ring can be arranged on the outside of the rotary head, in particular circumferentially around an outer circumference of the rotating rotary head. Preferably, at least one brush is assigned to the respective slip ring, which brush is located outside the rotating rotary head. The respective slip ring is preferably designed separately from rotary feedthroughs, e.g., separately from rotary feedthroughs for compressed air.

[0088] This advantageously allows the number of electrical rotary unions required to operate the rotary head to be kept as low as possible. Depending on the rotary head design, electrical rotary unions can even be eliminated entirely. It has been shown that rotary unions are generally a potential weak point, as they are particularly maintenance-intensive. Particularly during continuous operation of the rotary head, conventional rotary unions must be replaced every three weeks, for example, under typical operating parameters of the rotary head, such as speed. This advantageously reduces rotary head downtime and maintenance costs.

[0089] To further reduce the number of required rotary unions, the rotating head can have a pressure regulator designed to regulate the compressed air supplied by a rotary union to a specific dosing material pressure, which is applied to the dosing material for dosing. The dosing valves on the rotating head can be operated directly with the supplied compressed air, thus eliminating the need for a rotary union for compressed air.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, a pressure generation unit can be assigned to the rotary head to generate compressed air through the rotary head. The pressure generation unit can preferably be arranged on or within the rotating rotary head itself. The generated compressed air can be used to supply the metering valves on the rotary head, in particular the respective actuator units, and / or to pressurize the metered substance. Advantageously, compressed air for metering can be provided at the rotary head without having to route the compressed air through the rotation axis. This allows the number of rotary unions to be further reduced, which has a positive effect on the maintenance effort of the rotary head.

[0091] The rotary head can preferably have at least one accumulator or tank, which rotates during operation, at least for dosing material in order to supply the respective dosing valves with dosing material during operation. The accumulator can preferably be connected to the supply line of a respective coupling point. The size of the tank is preferably such that a certain number of dosing jobs can be carried out without interruption. For example, the tank capacity can be dimensioned such that all sheet metal parts separated from an endless strip or coil can be continuously loaded with a specific dosing pattern. A tank capacity can be, for example, 1 or 2 liters. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a rotary feedthrough for dosing material, which often contains aggressive ingredients, and maintenance effort can be reduced.

[0092] In addition to the co-rotating reservoir for dosing material, the rotary head can have at least one coupling point for a media supply device or tank device, in order to supply a medium to the reservoir when the rotary head is at a standstill and / or to discharge medium from the rotary head. The medium can be a dosing medium or dosing material and / or a rinsing medium or cleaning medium. The tank device can be connected to the reservoirs of the dosing device via lines at the end, e.g., for dosing material, fresh rinsing medium, and used rinsing medium.

[0093] The tank device can preferably have at least two separate (tank) nozzles that can be reversibly coupled to the coupling point of the rotating head. A first tank nozzle can preferably be designed to supply medium to the reservoir. A second tank nozzle can be designed to return the medium from the rotating head. The respective connection between the tank nozzle and the coupling point or reservoir can be made via mechanical fittings that mechanically close when the connection is released.

[0094] Advantageously, during a short downtime of the rotary head, e.g. during a coil change, a combined cleaning and refueling of the rotary head can be carried out, whereby no rotary unions for the medium are required. In such a process, which is preferably part of a control method of the rotary head or the dosing device, the tank device can be coupled to the coupling point of the stationary rotary head in one step. In a further step, residual medium in the tank can be discharged from the reservoir by means of a return line from the rotary head using a nozzle of the tank device. In a further step, flushing medium can be introduced into the reservoir through another nozzle. Preferably, the flushing medium can enter the supply lines of the respective coupling points of the rotary head from the reservoir and then flow through or flush the respective fluidic units.This allows contaminants to be removed from fluid-carrying parts of the fluidic unit. The flushing medium can then exit the fluidic units again through the respective return lines and can then flow through connected channels or lines of the rotary head and be (re)directed to the coupling point, e.g. without flowing through the reservoir again. In a further step, the flushing medium can be discharged through a return line from the rotary head using a nozzle on the tank device. In a further step, the reservoir and optionally the fluid-carrying channels or lines of the rotary head can be cleaned of flushing medium using supplied compressed air. In a further step, dosing material can be refilled into the reservoir via a supply line. The movement of the tank device, e.g. to establish the coupling, can preferably take place in an automated process.The steps described above can preferably be carried out using the control device of the dosing unit. It is also possible, in principle, for the reservoir to be filled with dosing substance using the tank device alone (without cleaning) or for the reservoir to be cleaned only (without subsequent filling).

[0095] The rotating reservoir of the rotary head can have at least one fill level sensor for dosing material to determine the current fill level of the reservoir. For example, a float, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a pressure sensor and / or an optical sensor can be arranged inside the reservoir or tank. Preferably, when the dosing material volume is running low, the control unit can generate a signal to initiate refilling of the tank and / or (preliminary) cleaning of the tank. Preferably, when the tank is completely empty, the control unit can generate a signal to stop the dosing operation. Preferably, when a target dosing material volume in the tank is reached, the control unit can generate a signal to terminate a refilling process.

[0096] The rotary head can be configured and / or operated such that at least one metering valve, preferably certain metering valves or all metering valves, dispenses dosing substance droplets of varying sizes during one rotation of the rotary head around the rotation axis. In other words, the respective droplet size can vary across the circumference of a metering circuit.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can be configured and / or operated such that at least one metering valve, preferably certain metering valves or all metering valves, has a varying metering frequency during metering operation during one rotation of the rotary head about the rotation axis, preferably to generate a specific sequence or pattern of metering substance drops along a respective metering circuit. Preferably, the metering frequency of a respective metering valve can vary over the circumference of the associated metering circuit. This can, for example, prevent metering substance from running into intersection areas.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can be configured and / or operated such that at least one metering valve, preferably certain metering valves or all metering valves, dispenses a plurality of metering substance drops such that a continuous metering substance track is created on the metering surface, in particular the workpiece, which forms at least a partial section of a circle. This means that the individual metering substance drops touch one another. This allows, for example, the creation of seals shaped in a specific manner on a workpiece.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can be configured and / or operated such that at least one dosing valve, preferably certain dosing valves or all dosing valves, dispenses a plurality of dosing substance drops such that a surface coating is created on a dosing surface, in particular a workpiece. For example, a dosing surface can be covered with dosing substance over its entire surface or in partial areas. Preferably, but not necessarily, round, flat coatings can be created.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can be designed and / or operated in such a way that at least two dosing valves of the rotary head, in particular two dosing valves that are moved on the same circular path, dispense different dosing substances.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can be configured and / or operated such that at least one metering valve, preferably certain metering valves or all metering valves, is controlled such that a metered substance is dispensed during a strip dwell time of a punching tool, optionally a laser cutting device. The metered substance dispensed for a dispensing job can, for example, occur during a single strip dwell time or during several consecutive strip dwell times and / or can also occur at a different time, e.g., after the punching process has been completed.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can be designed and / or operated such that a flushing medium or cleaning medium is passed through a fluidic unit, in particular through a supply channel, a discharge channel, and a nozzle chamber inside the nozzle of at least one metering valve arranged on the rotary head, for cleaning purposes, with the flushing medium being discharged from the fluidic unit. Preferably, certain metering valves or all metering valves on the rotary head can be flushed simultaneously.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can be designed and / or can be operated such that a path speed of a dosing valve located on the outside of the rotary head (greatest distance from the axis of rotation) in dosing operation is at least 1 (m / s), preferably at least 3 (m / s), more preferably at least 4 (m / s), and / or at most 15 (m / s), preferably at most 10 (m / s), more preferably at most 6 (m / s).

[0104] The respective dosing valve may preferably contain a buffer medium in order to shield the dosing substance, in particular adhesive, in the dosing valve from outside air before it is discharged from the dosing valve.

[0105] The rotary head can preferably be designed such that the respective dosing valves are arranged axially symmetrically on the rotary head in order to avoid imbalance as much as possible during operation of the dosing device. However, imbalance can still occur due to manufacturing tolerances or uneven consumption of dosing material during operation of the dosing device. This can lead to vibrations of the rotary head, which can influence the dosing accuracy or positioning accuracy. It is therefore preferred that a relationship between the axis of rotation of the rotary head and a principal axis of inertia of the rotary head, in particular of the rotating rotary head, is determined at least once during operation of the dosing device.Preferably, if a deviation of the rotational axis from a principal axis of inertia is detected, in particular the principal axis of inertia passing through the center of gravity of the rotating rotary head, a weight distribution of the rotary head can be adjusted (also during continuous rotation), preferably in an automated process, such that a principal axis of inertia of the rotary head, in particular the principal axis of inertia passing through the center of gravity of the rotating rotary head, corresponds to the rotational axis of the rotary head.

[0106] The rotating rotary head can preferably have at least one acceleration sensor and / or one force sensor and / or one gyroscope. During continuous rotation, accelerations and / or forces acting on the rotation axis can be measured or determined by means of at least one such sensor. The control unit and / or the control device can preferably determine in which area of ​​the rotating rotary head a weight distribution needs to be adjusted or changed. The areas of the rotary head in which certain (additional) weights (with a defined weight force) should be arranged in order to compensate for a detected imbalance can preferably be determined. The adjustment of the weight distribution can be carried out manually, but preferably in an automated process, e.g. by the control unit and / or the control device.Preferably, the rotary head can have a plurality of automatically movable weights that can be moved radially and / or relative to the respective dosing valves. Alternatively or additionally, the rotary head can have a plurality of tanks that can preferably be automatically filled with liquid to deliver a specific mass to the desired position. Advantageously, the rotary head can have a mechanism for balancing the rotary head in order to prevent imbalance as completely as possible during operation of the dosing device and to further improve dosing accuracy.

[0107] In one embodiment, the rotary head can have a base element designed to form two or more (functional) metering valves. The base element can preferably have two or more fluidic base bodies, each comprising at least parts of a fluidic unit. Each fluidic base body can have at least one nozzle with a sealing seat and a nozzle chamber, optionally a supply channel for a medium into the nozzle and a discharge channel for medium out of the nozzle. The base element can preferably have a supply line for medium into the respective nozzle and optionally a discharge or return line for medium out of the respective nozzle. The connection of the nozzle to fluid-carrying parts of the rotary head and / or the metering device, in particular for a metering substance supply and for a rinsing function, can be carried out in a similar way to that described with reference to a coupleable fluidic unit.Such a basic element with a plurality of fluidic basic bodies is called “unified fluidics”.

[0108] Preferably, each fluidic base body is assigned a coupling region for detachably coupling an actuator unit to the fluidic base body, preferably in an automated process. In this case, in addition to the actual actuator for actuating the ejection element, the actuator unit can also have components that typically belong to the fluidic unit, but which are not included in the fluidic base body in this embodiment. Preferably, the respective actuator unit can have at least one ejection element that interacts with the respective fluidic base body to dispense the dosing substance. By detachably coupling such an actuator unit to a fluidic base body, an operational dosing valve can be formed. Preferably, a combined fluidic system can be designed as part of a dosing unit that is detachably arranged on the rotating rotary head, particularly in an automated process.

[0109] The dosing device can preferably have a controllable cleaning device that is at least temporarily assigned to the rotary head. The cleaning device is preferably designed to clean at least one nozzle insert of a nozzle of a respective dosing valve of the rotary head, preferably in an automated process. The nozzle insert is preferably part of the nozzle and comprises a nozzle opening through which dosing substance is dispensed from the dosing valve during operation. The ejection element can preferably physically contact the nozzle insert at least temporarily. Outwardly facing regions of the nozzle insert and / or a nozzle opening can preferably be cleaned by means of the cleaning device.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device and / or the rotary head can be designed to move the respective nozzle insert and a cleaning substrate of the cleaning device relative to or against each other in order to generate a wiping movement. The relative movement can preferably be a rotary movement. Preferably, the rotary movement can be used directly for a wiping process of the respective nozzle insert. For example, during a dosing pause, the rotation axis can be moved relative to a cloth (as the cleaning substrate) in such a way that the respective nozzle inserts, in particular all nozzle inserts simultaneously, directly touch the cloth. Conversely, it would also be possible to move the cloth relative to the nozzle inserts. While maintaining physical contact between the cloth and the respective nozzle insert, the rotation axis can be rotated by a few degrees, e.g.2-5°, so that the nozzle inserts are at least wiped from the outside using the cloth. After cleaning, the cloth or cleaning substrate and the dispensing valves can be moved away from each other again. The next wiping process can preferably be started from the previous end position, ensuring a clean position of the cloth is used for each nozzle insert. Advantageously, the same cloth can be used multiple times until it needs to be replaced.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device can be designed to push a cleaning substrate, e.g. a wiping cloth or a lip, e.g. in the manner of a windshield wiper lip, laterally under the axis of rotation, in particular transversely to the axis of rotation, so that the cleaning substrate faces the respective nozzle inserts. The axis of rotation can then preferably perform a complete rotation, wherein all nozzle inserts are cleaned simultaneously through physical contact with the cleaning substrate. Advantageously, the cleaning substrate only has to be moved along one axis in relation to the rotary head and can remain stationary during cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning substrate itself, in particular the wiping lip, can perform a full rotation around the axis of rotation in order to wipe each nozzle insert once, at least from the outside, in contact. For this purpose, the lip or the cloth can be actively moved.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device can alternatively or additionally comprise a (vacuum) extraction unit. The extraction unit is preferably designed and controllable such that a vacuum can be temporarily generated at least at the nozzle insert, particularly in areas adjacent to the nozzle opening. Accordingly, the cleaning device and / or the rotary head can be controlled or moved such that temporary direct contact can be established between the (vacuum) extraction unit and a specific nozzle insert.

[0113] Preferably, the (vacuum) suction unit and the rotary head can be designed and controllable to clean the respective nozzle inserts one after the other. Preferably, the (vacuum) suction unit can be movable in at least two axes, in particular transversely to the axis of rotation or rotation axis and parallel thereto. For example, the rotary head, in particular the axis of rotation, and the (vacuum) suction unit can be moved relative to one another such that a vacuum is temporarily applied to a (first) nozzle insert. After cleaning has been completed, the (vacuum) suction unit and the (first) nozzle insert can be spaced apart from one another, with the rotation axis then being rotated to position another (second) nozzle insert to match the (vacuum) suction unit, so that a vacuum can temporarily be generated at this (second) nozzle insert.This means that the rotating head, in particular the rotation axis, can be rotated intermittently to clean multiple nozzle inserts one after the other. It is also possible for the (vacuum) extraction unit to be designed to clean two or more nozzle inserts simultaneously. It should be noted that mixed embodiments of the cleaning device are also possible.

[0114] An automatic cleaning device can advantageously contribute to achieving particularly good dosing results, regardless of the specific design. For example, depending on the dosing substance, it may be necessary to clean or wipe the nozzle insert from time to time, e.g. to remove residues of dosing substance. This step may also be necessary, for example, after a cleaning step or rinsing process of the fluidic unit of the respective dosing valve. Since the operation of the cleaning device can preferably be controlled by means of the control device of the dosing device, especially in an automated process, particularly efficient cleaning of the nozzle inserts can be achieved. A (vacuum) extraction unit can have the additional advantage that extraction can be carried out virtually as often as required, whereby changing the cleaning substrate can be eliminated.Furthermore, with a (vacuum) extraction unit, internal areas of the nozzle insert and / or the nozzle can also be cleaned.

[0115] 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:

[0116] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a dosing device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0117] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of part of a rotary head according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0118] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic views of parts of rotary heads according to embodiments of the invention,

[0119] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a coupling point of a rotary head according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0120] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a rotary head according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0121] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of a dosing surface,

[0122] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a rotary head according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0123] Figure 1 shows a purely schematic side view of a dosing device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The dosing device 1 comprises a rotary head 2, which, during operation of the dosing device 1, is held in continuous rotation R about a rotation axis X of the rotary head 2. The rotary head 2 comprises a drive 26, here a rotary table 26, which can be controlled via control connections 28 by a control device 6 of the dosing device 1. The drive 26 can be installed in a stationary manner via flanges 27, e.g., in a punching tool or in another machine. The rotary table 26 can also be installed on a movable robot arm (not shown) and can then move to various dosing positions.

[0124] Regardless of the specific embodiment, the drive 26 preferably forms a non-rotating part of the rotary head 2. This means that the drive 26 does not rotate with respect to a dosing surface 9, at least during dosing operation. The drive 26 forms a rotation axis 29 (only partially visible) which runs along the rotation axis X and which rotates continuously in the rotation direction R during operation of the dosing device 1. The rotation axis 29 has, above the drive 26, some rotary unions 8 (not shown in detail), e.g. for compressed air, dosing material and electrical signals or electrical energy. Depending on their function, the rotary unions 8 can have, for example, hose fittings 29' for supplying compressed air on the outside. In this embodiment, the rotary unions 8 can comprise slip rings (not shown) in order to electrically connect the rotary head 2 to non-rotating parts of the dosing device 1.In Figure 1, the slip rings of the rotary unions 8 are connected, for example, to the control device 6 via electrical lines 10. The dosing device 1 here comprises supply devices 11, for example for providing compressed air, dosing material, flushing medium, and the like, whereby the connection of the rotary head 2 to the supply devices 11 is not shown in the schematic representation.

[0125] The rotational axis 29 is connected here, pointing downwards in the direction of the dosing surface 9, to a reservoir 24 for dosing material. Adjacent to the reservoir 24, pointing in the direction of the dosing surface 9, is a dosing unit 5 which has a plurality of dosing valves 3 arranged on a base plate 50 as the base element 50. The dosing valves 3 are shown purely schematically, with lines for switching the dosing valves 3 not being shown. The base plate 50 is connected to the reservoir 24 in a manner not shown in detail and can alternatively or additionally be connected to the rotational axis 29. The rotational movement R of the rotational axis 29 results in both the internal parts of the rotary unions 8 and the reservoir 24 and the dosing valves 3 on the base plate 50 or the dosing unit 5 being held in continuous rotation about the rotational axis X.The storage unit 24, the dosing unit 5, the rotation axis 29 and movable parts of the rotary unions 8 form a rotating rotary head 20 as part of the rotary head 2.

[0126] Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of part of a rotary head 2. The rotary head 2 here comprises, for example, ten metering valves 3, which are moved on five different circular paths B, B', B" during operation. Starting from the central axis of rotation X, two metering valves 3 are arranged on a first metering valve circuit and have the same distance a from the axis of rotation X and thus form a first group 4 of metering valves 3. The two inner metering valves 3 are moved on the same inner circular path B during operation.

[0127] The two metering valves 3 of a second group 4' have a slightly greater distance a' from the axis of rotation X than the first group 4. The two metering valves 3 of the second group 4' in turn form a common metering valve circuit whose diameter is slightly larger than the metering valve circuit diameter of the first group 4. The metering valves 3 of the second group 4' are moved during operation on a second circular path B' whose diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the innermost circular path B. The remaining metering valves 3 are arranged on the rotary head 2 in such a way that two metering valves 3 each have the same distance from the axis of rotation and therefore form a group which is moved during operation on a common circular path B". Between the respective groups, the distance to the axis of rotation X increases, so that the diameter of the respective circular path B" also increases. In Figure 2, the metering valves 3 are arranged distributed over a circular area of ​​the rotary head 2.

[0128] Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of parts of a rotary head 2 according to the invention, namely a dosing unit 5. The dosing unit 5 comprises a plurality of dosing valves 3, here jet valves 3, each having an actuator unit 30 and a fluidic unit 40 operatively connected thereto. The dosing valves 3 shown here on the left are releasably attached to the base plate 50 by means of a coupling point 51. Details of the dosing valves 3, in particular lines for supplying the actuator unit 30, are not shown in this schematic representation. The actuator units 30 are arranged reversibly by means of screws at the coupling point 51 purely by way of example.

[0129] The metering valve 3 shown here on the right is shown in a decoupled state, e.g., as a result of a change of the metering valve 3. The metering valve 3 can be moved toward the coupling point 51 in a coupling direction RK, e.g., manually, and can be connected to the coupling point 51 upon reaching a desired position relative to the coupling point 51. In the case shown here, an entire metering valve 3 comprising an actuator unit 30 and a fluidic unit 40 can be connected to the base plate 50 at once via the coupling point 51 or removed from it again in a direction opposite to the coupling direction RK.

[0130] Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of parts of a rotary head 2 according to the invention with a dosing unit 5. The dosing unit 5 has a base plate 50 on which several dosing valves 3 are each detachably arranged via a coupling point 51. In Figure 4, the base plate 50 is shown obliquely from below, with the underside 57 of the base plate 50, visible here, pointing towards a dosing surface during dosing operation. It can be seen that the dosing valves 3 are arranged on the base plate 50 through interaction with the coupling point 51 such that the nozzles 41 of the dosing valves 3 protrude or protrude from the base plate 50. In the metering valve 3 shown on the far right, the fluidic unit 40 is decoupled from the base plate 50, while at the same time the actuator unit 30 of the same metering valve 3 remains at the coupling point 51. In this case, only the fluidic unit 40 is detached from the coupling point 51.For decoupling, the fluidic unit 40 is moved downwards in a decoupling direction RK, e.g. in the direction of a dosing surface 9 (Figure 1), away from the base plate 50.

[0131] Figure 5 schematically shows a coupling point 51 of a rotary head in detail, with only the base plate 50 of the rotary head partially visible here. The coupling point 51 is formed in two parts and comprises an actuator coupling point 52 and a fluidic coupling point 53. The actuator coupling point 52 and part of the fluidic coupling point 53 are realized in a common component, which here is located above the base plate 50, with the fluidic coupling point 53 comprising an additional coupling area in the base plate 50.

[0132] The actuator coupling point 52 is arranged on an upper side 58 of the base plate 50 and, unlike the illustration here, can be designed to be movable relative to the upper side 58. The actuator coupling point 52 has two bores through which an actuator unit can be releasably arranged at the coupling point. Unlike the illustration here, the actuator coupling point 52 can be designed to establish a reversible connection to the actuator unit in an automated process and in the most time-saving manner possible. In the situation shown here, the actuator unit of a metering valve can be replaced, with the fluidic unit of the same metering valve remaining on the base plate 50.

[0133] The fluidic unit 40 is coupled to the base plate 50 by means of a bayonet coupling. The fluidic unit 40 has a first plug-in coupling part 48, and the fluidic coupling point 53 has a second plug-in coupling part 49, which can be plugged into one another along a (virtual or imaginary) plug-in axis to couple the fluidic unit 40 to the fluidic coupling point 53 and can be coupled to one another. The plug-in axis here corresponds to an ejection direction RA' of dosing material from the fluidic unit 40. The first plug-in coupling part 48 comprises, for example, a recess 49", into which a spring-mounted pressure ball 49' of the second plug-in coupling part 49 engages in the coupled state.

[0134] For coupling, the first plug-in coupling part 48 can be inserted into the second plug-in coupling part 49 in a direction opposite to the ejection direction RA', wherein the first plug-in coupling part 48 can then be rotated about the plug-in axis relative to the second plug-in coupling part 49 in order to lock the two plug-in coupling parts 48, 49 together. For example, the first plug-in coupling part 48 can be rotated so that the press ball 49' engages in the recess 49". For decoupling, the aforementioned steps can be carried out in the reverse order or in the opposite direction, e.g., in an automated process.

[0135] The fluidic coupling point 53 has a media distributor 56 with a supply line 54 or a supply line 54 for the medium and a discharge line 55 for the medium. As a result of the coupling to the coupling point 51, the fluidic unit 40 can be positioned such that a connection is established between the supply line 54 and a supply channel 44 of the fluidic unit 40 and between the discharge line 55 and a discharge channel 45 of the fluidic unit 40. O-rings 47 are provided for a fluid-tight connection between the fluidic unit 40 and the media distributor 56. During dosing operation, the fluidic unit 40 can be supplied with dosing material via the media distributor 56 and the supply line 54 according to a feed direction RZ. The media distributor 56 is connected to the supply line 54 and lines or channels shown here only schematically and partially, e.g. cavities in the base plate 50 and / or hoses, e.g.in a rotary head without a flat base plate 50, in conjunction with a reservoir for dosing material. The reservoir can be stationary and connected to the media distributor 56 via rotary unions in the rotation axis. Alternatively or additionally, a movable reservoir 24 can be arranged on or at the rotation axis, as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0136] Depending on the situation, a flushing medium can be supplied to the fluidic unit 40 in a feed direction RZ via the media distributor 56 and the supply line 54. The flushing medium can flow through the fluidic unit 40 and can thereby clean, in particular, a nozzle chamber 41' inside the nozzle 41 as well as other areas of the fluidic unit that come into contact with dosing material during dosing operation. The nozzle 41 comprises a nozzle insert 41 which forms a nozzle opening 41" and delimits the nozzle 41 in an ejection direction RA'. The flushing medium can exit the fluidic unit 40 again through the discharge channel 45 and is guided away from the rotary head via the discharge line 55 and subsequent lines or channels, shown here only schematically and partially, in accordance with a discharge direction RA. Depending on the embodiment, used flushing medium can be disposed of by means of rotary unions into a stationary tank of the dosing device.Alternatively or additionally, used rinsing medium can be discharged directly from the rotating head by means of a media supply device that can be temporarily coupled to the rotating head, as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0137] In Figure 5, the fluidic unit 40 has a movably mounted element 42, here an ejection element 42 or a plunger 42, wherein in dosing operation a plunger head 43 is in operative contact with an actuator unit of the dosing valve coupled to the coupling point 51. During dosing operation, the plunger 42 can be moved intermittently in an ejection direction RA' by the actuator unit, whereby a drop of dosing substance is dispensed onto the dosing surface 9. The plunger 42 can then be moved into an initial position, e.g. by means of spring force, before a further deflection by the actuator unit occurs to dispense another drop of dosing substance. During dosing operation, an overpressure can be generated in the discharge channel 45 and / or in the discharge line 55 (compared to the dosing substance pressure) in order to prevent dosing substance from entering the discharge channel 45. It is also possible that the discharge channel 45 and / or the discharge line 55 are filled with dosing material during dosing operation.

[0138] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a rotary head 2 and a media supply device 7 or tank device 7. The rotary head 2 has, among other things, a rotary table 26 as drive 26, a rotation axis 29 and a reservoir 24 which is connected to the rotation axis 29 and a base plate 50 with metering valves 3 arranged thereon. In this embodiment, the base plate 50 has a control unit 21, shown as an example, which rotates during metering operation and, for example, to control the metering operation of the metering valves 3. Unlike shown here, the rotary head 2 can additionally be connected to a higher-level control device 6 of the metering device 1 (Figure 1). The rotary head 2 has a coupling point 25 for the tank device 7, wherein the coupling point 25 is multi-part here in order to separately contact two nozzles 72, 73 of the tank device 7. The tank device 7 is designed to be movable with respect to the rotary head 2, e.g.in a direction of movement RB, so that a nozzle 72 for the supply line and a nozzle 73 for the return line can be temporarily and reversibly connected to the rotary head 2 by means of the coupling point 25, e.g. by inserting the nozzles 72, 73 into corresponding openings of the coupling point 25. The tank device 7 is connected at the end by media lines 71, e.g. with storages for dosing substance, flushing medium and used flushing medium.

[0139] For combined cleaning and refueling of the rotary head 2, residual medium can be returned from the reservoir 24 through the nozzle 73 of the coupled tank device 7. Fresh flushing medium can then be supplied to the reservoir 24 through the nozzle 72. After flowing through the lines or hoses of the rotary head 2 and the fluidic units of the metering valves 3, used flushing medium is returned through the nozzle 73 of the tank device 7. The reservoir 24 and lines or hoses of the rotary head 2 can then be cleaned of flushing medium using compressed air, whereby compressed air can be introduced into the reservoir 24 through the nozzle 72. The reservoir can then be filled with fresh dosing material through the nozzle 72.

[0140] Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view of a dosing surface 9, e.g. a punched-out sheet metal part. Arranged on the dosing surface 9 are a plurality of individual dosing substance droplets 80, which form five dosing circles 81 of different diameters on the dosing surface 9. The respective dosing circles 81 are drawn with dashed lines for clarity. The dashed-lined dosing circles 81 correspond to the circular paths on which the dosing valves are moved over the dosing surface 9 during dosing operation. It can be seen that the dosing frequency is constant along the circumference of the two outer dosing circles 81. The middle dosing circle 81 here has a dosing frequency that is not constant or varies along the circumference. The fourth dosing circle 81 from the outside here has, for example, a connected dosing substance track 82 made up of interconnected dosing substance droplets 80.The internal dosing circuit 81 has a constant dosing frequency along its circumference, whereby the size of the individual dosing droplets varies along the circumference of the dosing circuit 81.

[0141] Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a rotary head according to an embodiment of the invention, which is characterized by a particularly flat design. The rotary head 2 has a plurality of metering valves, wherein primarily the nozzles 41 of the metering valves and partially the actuator units 30 are visible. The respective metering valves are detachably connected to a coupling point 51 in order to arrange the metering valves on a base element of the rotary head 2, not shown here. The base plate and further details of the rotary head 2, in particular details of the actuator units 30, are not shown here. The rotary head 2 comprises an internal rotation axis (not visible here), which runs along the axis of rotation of the rotary head 2 and rotates during operation, thereby setting the base element and the metering valves in rotation. The rotation axis can, for example,be designed to supply the actuator units 30 with compressed air by means of rotary unions. The rotation axis is in operative contact with a belt 61 of a belt drive at the end, pointing away from the nozzles 41. The belt drive has a controllable drive 60, here an electric motor 60, which drives the belt 61. The electric motor 60 is part of the rotary head 2 and is radially spaced from the rotation axis and does not rotate during dosing operation. The electric motor 60, the rotation axis and the base plate as well as other components of the rotary head 2 are arranged here on a frame 63 or a holder 63, wherein the rotary head 2 can be moved in a system, e.g. relative to other parts of a dosing device and / or relative to a dosing surface.

[0142] It can be seen that the rotary head 2 has two slip rings 62, 62', each arranged on the outside of the rotating rotary head 2 and completely encircling an outer circumference of the rotating part of the rotary head 2. The slip rings 62, 62' can, for example, be arranged on the rotation axis and rotate accordingly. The slip rings 62, 62' are part of a power supply device for the contact- or contact-based transmission of electrical energy to the rotary head 2. In the case shown here, two slip rings 62, 62' are provided for the voltage supply of the rotary head 2. Each slip ring 62, 62' is assigned a brush 64, which contacts the respective slip ring 62, 62', at least during dispensing operation.

[0143] Finally, it should be noted once again that the dosing device and the rotary heads 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, a dosing device can also have multiple rotary heads that can be controlled separately and may be differently designed. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles "ein" or "eine" does not preclude the possibility that the relevant features may be present multiple times.

[0144] List of reference symbols

[0145] 1 dosing device

[0146] 2 rotary head

[0147] 3 Dosing valve

[0148] 4, 4' group

[0149] 5 Dosing unit

[0150] 6 Control device

[0151] 7 Media supply device / tank device

[0152] 8 rotary unions

[0153] 9 Dosing surface

[0154] 10 lines

[0155] 11 utilities

[0156] 20 rotating rotary head

[0157] 21 Control unit

[0158] 24 storage

[0159] 25 coupling point

[0160] 26 Drive / Turntable

[0161] 27 flanges

[0162] 28 control connections

[0163] 29 Rotation axis

[0164] 29' hose fittings

[0165] 30 Actuator unit

[0166] 40 Fluidics unit

[0167] 41 nozzle

[0168] 41 ' nozzle chamber

[0169] 41" nozzle opening

[0170] 41 Nozzle insert

[0171] 42 movably mounted element / ejection element / plunger

[0172] 43 Ram head

[0173] 44 feed channel

[0174] 45 discharge channel

[0175] 47 O-ring

[0176] 48 Plug-in coupling part

[0177] 49 Plug-in coupling part

[0178] 49' press ball

[0179] 49" recess

[0180] 50 base element / base plate

[0181] 51 coupling point

[0182] 52 Actuator coupling point 53 Fluidic coupling point

[0183] 54 Supply line

[0184] 55 Derivation

[0185] 56 media distributors

[0186] 57 Bottom

[0187] 58 Top

[0188] 60 Drive / Electric Motor

[0189] 61 belts

[0190] 62, 62' slip ring

[0191] 63 Bracket / Frame

[0192] 64 brushes

[0193] 71 Media Management

[0194] 72 nozzle supply line

[0195] 73 Return line nozzle

[0196] 80 dosing drops

[0197] 81 Dosing circuit

[0198] 82 Dosing substance track a, a' distance

[0199] B, B', B“ circular orbit

[0200] R Rotation / Rotation direction

[0201] RA discharge direction

[0202] RA' Ejection direction

[0203] RB direction of movement

[0204] RK coupling direction / decoupling direction

[0205] RZ feed direction

[0206] X axis of rotation

Claims

Patent claims 1. Dosing device (1) with a rotary head (2) and with at least one dosing valve (3), preferably a jet valve (3), which is arranged on the rotary head (2), which dosing valve (3) has a nozzle (41) for dispensing dosing substance, a movably mounted element (42) and an actuator unit (30) coupled to the movably mounted element (42) and / or the nozzle (41), wherein the rotary head (2) is designed to generate a continuous rotation (R) of the dosing valve (3) about a rotation axis (X) of the rotary head (2) during operation of the dosing device (1).

2. Dosing device according to claim 1, wherein the rotary head (2) has at least one of the following features: - at least two dosing valves (3) arranged on the rotary head (2), - at least two metering valves (3) which are arranged on the rotary head (2) and which have a different distance (a, a') from the axis of rotation (X) of the rotary head (2), - a first group (4, 4') of at least two metering valves (3) arranged on the rotary head (2) and which are moved on a circular path (B, B', B") during operation, and a second group (4, 4') of at least two metering valves (3) arranged on the rotary head (2) and which are moved on a different circular path (B, B', B") during operation, - at least two metering valves (3) arranged on the rotary head (2), preferably at least two metering valves (3) of a group (4, 4'), are located opposite one another with respect to the axis of rotation (X) of the rotary head (2), preferably diametrically opposite one another.

3. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein a distance (a, a') and / or a position of a dosing valve (3) and / or a distance (a, a') and / or a position of a group (4, 4') of dosing valves (3) with respect to the axis of rotation (X) of the rotary head (2) is adjustable, preferably in an automated process.

4. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary head (2) has a plurality of dosing valves (3) which form a dosing unit (5), wherein the dosing unit (5) is designed to be coupled to and / or decoupled from the rotary head (2) as a unit, preferably in an automated process, and / or wherein the rotary head (2) is designed to be coupled to and / or decoupled from the dosing device (1), preferably in an automated process.

5. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary head (2), preferably a base element (50) of the rotary head (2), has at least one coupling point (51) for the releasable coupling of at least a part of a dosing valve (3), preferably a plurality of coupling points (51) for each dosing valve (3), wherein the coupling point (51) is designed to hold the metering valve (3) on the rotary head (2) during operation and / or to form at least one supply line (54) to the metering valve (3).

6. Dosing device according to claim 5, wherein the coupling point (51) is designed to supply the dosing valve (3) with a pressure medium and / or with dosing substance during operation and / or wherein the coupling point (51) is designed for an electrical connection of the dosing valve (3).

7. Dosing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the coupling point (51) has an actuator coupling point (52) which is designed to detachably couple and / or uncouple an actuator unit (30) of the dosing valve (3), preferably in an automated process, to the base element (50) and / or the rotary head (2), and / or wherein the coupling point (51) has a fluidic coupling point (53) which is designed to detachably couple and / or uncouple a fluidic unit (40) of the dosing valve (3), preferably in an automated process, to the base element (50) and / or the rotary head (2), wherein optionally the coupling point (51) is designed in several parts, and / or wherein a fluidic coupling point (53) of the coupling point (51) has a supply line (54) for medium into a Fluidic unit (40) of the dosing valve (3) and optionally has a discharge line (55) for medium from the fluidic unit (40) of the dosing valve (3).

8. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary head (2) has a control unit (21) for controlling a dosing valve (3), which control unit (21) is designed to receive signals from a control device (6) of the dosing device (1) and / or to generate dosing signals for a dosing valve (3) and / or to evaluate and / or use sensor data of the rotary head (2) and / or to transmit them to the control device (6) of the dosing device (1).

9. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary head (2) is assigned a sensor at least for index signal generation and / or index signal output, which sensor can be used to determine a rotational speed of the rotary head (2) during operation and to determine the angle at a specific time, wherein the sensor is optionally arranged on the rotary head (2) and wherein measured values ​​of the sensor are fed to the control device (6) of the dosing device (1) and / or the control unit (21) of the rotary head (2) and are processed and used there.

10. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary head (2) is assigned at least one of the following components: - a contactless system for transmitting signals to the rotary head (2) to control a dosing valve (3), - a radio system for transmitting signals to the rotary head (2) to control a dosing valve (3), - an inductive system for transmitting signals to the rotary head (2) to control a dosing valve (3), - a system for transmitting optical signals to the rotary head (2) for controlling a dosing valve (3), - a generator for generating energy through the rotating head (2), - a power supply device for the inductive transmission of energy to the rotary head (2), - an energy supply device for the contact transmission of energy to the rotary head (2) and / or a signal transmission device for the contact transmission of signals to the rotary head (2) for controlling a metering valve (3), - a pressure generating unit for generating compressed air through the rotary head (2), and / or - an acceleration sensor and / or a force sensor and / or a gyroscope on the rotary head (2) for determining an acceleration and / or force acting on a rotation axis (29) of the rotary head (2), and / or wherein the dosing device (1) has two or more rotary heads (2), each with at least one dosing valve (3).

11. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary head (2) has a reservoir (24) at least for dosing substance for supplying a dosing valve (3), and / or wherein the rotary head (2) has a reservoir (24) at least for dosing substance and a coupling point (25) for a media supply device (7) in order to supply a medium to the reservoir (24) and / or to discharge medium from the rotary head (2), and / or wherein a reservoir (24) at least for dosing substance of the rotary head (2) has at least one fill level sensor for dosing substance.

12. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary head (2) is assigned a cleaning device for cleaning a nozzle insert (41 "') of a nozzle (41) of a dosing valve (3), wherein the cleaning device and / or the rotary head (2) are designed to move the nozzle insert (41 "') and a cleaning substrate of the cleaning device relative to one another in contact with one another in order to generate a wiping movement, in particular in the form of a rotational movement, and / or wherein the cleaning device has a suction unit which is designed to generate a vacuum at least at the nozzle insert (41 "').

13. Rotary head (2) for a dosing device (1), preferably a dosing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one dosing valve (3), preferably a jet valve (3), which is arranged on the rotary head (2), which dosing valve (3) has a nozzle (41) for dispensing dosing substance, a movably mounted element (42) and an actuator unit (30) coupled to the movably mounted element (42) and / or the nozzle (41), wherein the rotary head (2) is designed to generate a continuous rotation (R) of the dosing valve (3) about a rotation axis (X) of the rotary head (2) during operation of the dosing device (1).

14. Method for controlling a rotary head (2) of a dosing device (1), preferably a dosing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which rotary head (2) has at least one dosing valve (3), preferably a jet valve (3), which is arranged on the rotary head (2), which dosing valve (3) has a nozzle (41) for dispensing dosing substance, a movably mounted element (42) and an actuator unit (30) coupled to the movably mounted element (42) and / or the nozzle (41), wherein the rotary head (2) is operated such that, during operation of the dosing device (1), a continuous rotation (R) of the dosing valve (3) is generated about a rotation axis (X) of the rotary head (2).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least one metering valve (3) in the metering operation dispenses dosing substance drops (80) of different sizes during one revolution, and / or wherein at least one metering valve (3) in the metering operation has a varying dosing frequency during one revolution, preferably for generating a specific sequence of dosing substance drops (80) along a dosing circuit (81), and / or wherein at least one metering valve (3) dispenses a plurality of dosing substance drops (80) such that a continuous dosing substance track (82) is generated on a metering surface (9), and / or wherein at least one metering valve (3), preferably two or more metering valves (3), dispenses a plurality of dosing substance drops (80) such that a surface coating is generated on a metering surface (9), and / or wherein two metering valves (3) of the rotary head (2), in particular two Dosing valves (3) which are moved on the same circular path (B, B', B"), dispense different dosing substances,and / or wherein at least one metering valve (3) is controlled such that a metering substance is dispensed during a strip holding time of a punching tool, and / or, wherein a rinsing medium for cleaning is passed through a fluidic unit (40) of at least one metering valve (3) arranged on the rotary head (2), and / or wherein, during operation of the metering device (1), a relationship between the axis of rotation (X) of the rotary head (2) and a principal axis of inertia of the rotary head (2) is determined at least once, wherein optionally a weight distribution of the rotary head (2) is adapted, preferably in an automated process, such that a principal axis of inertia corresponds to the axis of rotation (X) of the rotary head (2).

16. A method for producing a rotary head (2) for a dosing device (1), preferably for a dosing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which rotary head (2) has at least one dosing valve (3), comprising at least the following steps: - Providing a rotary head (2) which is designed to generate a continuous rotation (R) of the dosing valve (3) about a rotation axis (X) of the rotary head (2) during operation of a dosing device (1), - providing at least one metering valve (3) which has a nozzle (41) for dispensing metered substance, a movably mounted element (42) and an actuator unit (30) coupled to the movably mounted element (42) and / or the nozzle (41), and - Arranging, preferably detachably attaching, the dosing valve (3) on the rotary head (2).

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