Administration head for an administration system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dosing facility (1) comprising at least one dosing device (2), the dosing device (2) having at least one dosing system (3) comprising at least one dosing head (5) for dispensing a dosing substance, and at least one change system (6, 6') assigned to the dosing device (2). The dosing device (2) and / or the change system (6, 6') and / or the dosing system (3) are designed such that at least one first dosing head component (A) can be detachably connected to at least one second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via the change system (6, 6') and can be controlled by a control device (7) to form the dosing head (5). The present invention also relates to a change system (6, 6') and a dosing device (2) for such a dosing facility (1), as well as to a dosing system (3) and a dosing head (5) for the dosing system (3). The present invention also relates to a method for connecting at least one first dosing head component (A) to a second dosing head component (B) in an automated manner to form the dosing head (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dosing facility comprising at least one dosing device, said dosing device having at least one dosing system for a dosing substance, which comprises at least one dosing head for dispensing the dosing substance. The present invention further relates to a change system for such a dosing facility and to the dosing device, in addition to dosing systems and dosing heads for dosing systems. The present invention further relates to a method for the automatic connection of at least a first dosing head component and a second dosing head component for forming a dosing head.

Background Art

[0002] Dosing systems of the type first mentioned are typically used to apply a medium to a target surface in a targeted manner, i.e., at the appropriate timing, in the appropriate place, and in the precisely dosed amount. In addition to the dosing head actually used to dispense the dosing substance, the dosing system usually includes other elements, such as, for example, a control unit for the operation of the dosing head. The dosing substance can be dispensed by dropping the dosing medium or the dosing substance through a nozzle on the dosing head. In principle, since the dosing head comprises a corresponding dosing valve or is designed as a dosing valve, the terms "dosing head" and "dosing valve" are used synonymously in the description of the present invention.

[0003] In connection with so-called "microdosing technology", it is often necessary that very small amounts of the dosing substance are accurately placed on the target surface without contact, i.e., without direct contact between the dosing system and the target surface. Typical examples of this are the application of adhesive dots, solder paste, etc. when assembling a circuit board or other electronic components, or the application of converter material for LEDs.

[0004] Such a non-contact method is often referred to as the "jet process", and accordingly, a dosing valve operating according to the jet process is called a "jet valve". The dispensing (administration) of the medium from the jet valve is usually carried out by moving a movable ejection element arranged in the nozzle of the jet valve in the ejection direction towards the nozzle opening at a relatively high speed, whereby a drop of the medium is ejected from the nozzle. After completion of such an ejection process, the ejection element is retracted again in the opposite direction to eject the next drop.

[0005] Instead of or in addition to the movable ejection element, the nozzle of the jet valve itself can be moved to the ejection position or the retracted position to eject the dosing material. To dispense the dosing substance, the nozzle and the ejection element arranged in the nozzle can be moved relative to each other, approaching and separating, where the relative movement can be carried out solely by the movement of the nozzle or at least partially also by the corresponding movement of the ejection element.

[0006] The dosing system described first for dispensing the dosing substance can also be provided with a contact dosing valve instead of the jet valve. Furthermore, the dosing valve can also be realized as a needle dosing valve. Thus, the present invention is not limited to a specific type of dosing valve and can be used with all common dosing valves or dosing systems of the type described first, even if the aforementioned jet valve is preferred.

[0007] When operating the dosing system, it is often necessary to replace certain components of the dosing system after a certain period of operation. There are many reasons for replacing components, which may vary depending on the type of dosing valve. For example, it may be necessary to replace the fluid conveyance element of the dosing valve that comes into contact with the dosing substance before changing the dosing substance. Depending on the nature of the dosing substance, it may be necessary to periodically replace and clean the fluid conveyance element to ensure consistent dosing results during operation, or after a corresponding message from the dosing valve control unit. In the case of a dosing system with its own dosing substance supply unit, periodic replacement of the dosing substance cartridge may be required during operation.

[0008] Component changes during operation can also be made by changing the configuration of the dosing system. For example, to obtain a specific dosing pattern, the configuration of the dosing system can be adjusted via the design of the nozzle and / or ejection element, and / or via the nature of the dosing substance. For example, when different (manufactured) products with specific dosing patterns are manufactured in a facility with a specific dosing substance pattern, or when different dosing substances or different-sized dosing substance points are required for one and the same product, a change in configuration may be required.

[0009] In particular, in the case of the jet valve described initially, it is necessary to replace or exchange certain components with new components for maintenance reasons during operation.

[0010] In particular, for components that are subject to a high degree of wear during operation, periodic replacement or replacement as a result of a wear signal is important for consistent dosing results.

[0011] In currently available dosing systems, it is indeed basically possible to change or replace certain components or elements. However, changes typically require stopping the operation of the dosing system during the period of component change and further removing it from a higher level of equipment. Changes are usually carried out by the operator of the dosing system disassembling the component to be replaced from the dosing system, inserting a new component, and then reassembling the dosing system and manually adjusting it as necessary. Due to the design and modularity of the dosing system, changing components takes a very long time, resulting in an unnecessarily long downtime for the dosing system and thus a decrease in the efficiency of the dosing system and the occurrence of unnecessary costs.

[0012] In particular, in large-scale production factories where a number of dosing systems are integrated into a higher-level system and operated jointly, changing the components of only one of the dosing systems can lead to a temporary shutdown of the entire factory, thereby adversely affecting the factory's efficiency.

[0013] On the other hand, as described above, to ensure consistent dosing results, it is essential to regularly replace or replace specific, for example, worn components of the dosing system in operation according to the situation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a dosing facility and the components or dosing facility parts required for the operation of the dosing facility, whereby the above-mentioned drawbacks can be avoided or at least mitigated, and the most efficient operation of the dosing system can be achieved.

[0015] This object is also achieved by the method according to claim 21, in addition to the dosing facility according to claim 1, the change system according to claim 5, the dosing device according to claim 6, the dosing head according to claim 7, and the dosing system according to claim 20.

[0016] The dosing facility according to the invention has at least one dosing device, which has at least one dosing system, preferably two or more dosing systems, for the dosing substance or dosing medium.

[0017] Within the scope of the invention, the dosing device should be understood as a higher-level unit or facility that comprises at least means (provisions) such that the dosing substance can be dispensed as intended, at least by means of at least one dosing valve connected to the dosing device, preferably to the dosing system. During operation, i.e., while dispensing the dosing substance, each dosing system is preferably detachably connected to the dosing device, in particular detachably arranged on the dosing device and preferably individually controllable. The dosing device can preferably comprise at least one supply device and / or control device for the proper dosing operation of the connected dosing system.

[0018] The dosing system according to the invention comprises at least one dosing head or one dosing valve for dispensing the dosing substance onto a substrate in a controlled manner. The dosing valve can be designed as one of the types mentioned first, in particular as a jet valve, and has at least one actuator unit and a fluid unit that is connected to it and cooperates functionally with it during operation. The dosing head or dosing valve comprises at least the components involved in the actual dispensing of the dosing substance.

[0019] In addition to the dosing head, the dosing system has at least one dosing substance container or dosing substance supply and a control device for controlling the operation of the dosing head. The dosing substance container and / or the control device can be designed as part of the respective dosing system, for example as an integrated dosing substance cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing head can be connected to an external dosing substance supply and / or a higher-level control device during operation to form the dosing system. Details of the dosing system will be explained later.

[0020] According to the present invention, each dosing system comprises at least one dosing head for dispensing a dosing substance from the dosing system. The dosing head or dosing valve can in particular be designed as a subunit of each dosing system. Within the scope of the present invention, the (properly installed) dosing head comprises, during operation, at least one actuator unit and a fluid unit connected to and cooperating with the actuator unit. The dosing head may comprise further elements of the dosing system, as will be explained later. Preferably, the dosing head comprises at least the components of the dosing system that (mechanically) participate in the dispensing of the dosing substance from the dosing system.

[0021] The dosing facility according to the present invention comprises at least one change system that is at least temporarily assigned to a dosing device during operation. In particular, the change system can be assigned to a specific dosing system at least temporarily during operation of the dosing facility.

[0022] The change system and / or the dosing device and / or the dosing system are designed and configured to be controllable by a control device such that at least a first dosing head component can be detachably connected, in particular reversibly connected, to at least one second dosing head component in an automated process automated by the change system for the formation or configuration of each dosing head.

[0023] The automated process is understood to mean that it can carry out or is carried out as intended the connection process for forming the dosing head without direct manual intervention by a human. The individual process steps of the processes underlying the automated connection process and / or the means integrated into the connection process can be controlled by a control device, in particular a higher-level control device of the dosing facility, such that the connection process and / or the disconnection process are carried out completely automatically. Details will be explained later.

[0024] In order to form a dosing head by connecting the first and second dosing head components, the change system can interact functionally, at least temporarily, with the dosing device and / or at least part of the dosing system of the dosing device. In particular, the change system is designed to provide means for forming a dosing head by connecting two dosing head components, and / or for performing a disconnection of the two dosing head components, in particular by interaction with the dosing device and / or the dosing system.

[0025] Preferably, the first dosing head component comprises at least one nozzle element of the nozzle. The second dosing head component can be arranged in a related dosing device and / or actuator unit and / or fluid unit. Thus, in order to connect and / or disconnect the two dosing head components, the second dosing head component can preferably be arranged directly, but at least indirectly, in the dosing device. This means that in an automated process only one part of the dosing system is changed while another part of the same dosing system remains unchanged, in particular remains in the dosing device.

[0026] The first dosing head component can also be a complete fluid unit of the dosing system, i.e. a fluid unit including a nozzle, and the second dosing head component can also be an actuator unit.

[0027] For example, it is also possible that the first dosing head component is designed as a first part of the fluid unit, for example a nozzle, and the second dosing head component is designed as a second different part of the same fluid unit, for example a fluid-based body. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0028] The first and second dosing head components can be connected to each other in an automated process, or can be connected to each other so as to form, or be formed into, a functional dosing head. A functional dosing head means that, for example, as a sub-unit of a dosing system, in particular as a component of a dosing device at a higher level, during operation of the dosing system, the dosing substance is dispensed as intended through the dosing head, in particular by controlling the dosing head via the associated control device.

[0029] According to the invention, the first and second dosing head components are designed for a detachable, i.e. reversible, connection. The feature of a "detachable connection" or "detachable connectability" means that the first dosing head component and / or the second dosing head component are designed such that they can be connected to each other and subsequently disconnected from each other again. This means that the two dosing head components can be separated from each other again, in particular while maintaining their respective technical specifications. Such a disconnection process can be carried out in an automated process via the change system according to the invention. In particular, the disconnection of the two dosing head components and the subsequent connection of other dosing head components, i.e. the component change, can be realized in a common process sequence, for example as a change process. This will be explained later.

[0030] As an advantage, with the administration facility according to the present invention and an administration device provided with an administration system constructed accordingly, the efficiency of the administration facility can be increased compared to conventional facilities. Due to the modularity of preferably a plurality of administration heads in the administration facility interacting with the change system, both the connection of the administration head components for forming the administration head and the disconnection of the administration head components of the same administration head, i.e., at least partial disassembly of the administration head, can be automatically performed. For example, in a fully automated process, the (disconnected) components can be replaced with functionally equivalent (new) components, thereby reducing the relatively large amount of direct manual intervention required during the operation of the administration facility. For example, control software for controlling the connection or disconnection process can be manually created, whereby the actual change process within the administration facility can then be performed without the direct involvement of the operator.

[0031] As an advantage, due to the modularity of the administration head, the special connection mechanism, and the interaction of the change system, the replacement of the administration head components can be performed more quickly compared to manual replacement, thereby shortening the downtime of the administration facility. Therefore, particularly in large-scale production factories equipped with a large number of administration systems, the efficiency of the administration facility can be improved. Furthermore, the automated change process can reduce the human error factor when changing the components of the administration system, thereby improving the production quality.

[0032] The present invention further relates to an administration facility, in particular to a change system for an administration facility according to the present invention, the administration facility having at least one administration device with at least one administration system, the administration system having at least one administration head, preferably the aforementioned administration head. According to the present invention, the change system is designed such that at least a first administration head component can be detachably connected, in particular reversibly connected, to at least a second administration head component in an automated process via the change system to form an administration head and can be controlled by a control device.

[0033] The change system is preferably designed such that at least a first administration head component of the administration head can be disconnected from at least a second administration head component in an automated process via the change system and can be controlled by a control device.

[0034] The present invention further relates to an administration device for an administration facility, in particular to an administration device for an administration facility according to the present invention, the administration device having at least one administration system with at least one administration head, preferably the aforementioned administration head, the administration device being designed such that at least a first administration head component can be detachably connected, in particular reversibly connected, to at least a second administration head component in an automated process via a change system of the administration facility and can be controlled by a control device.

[0035] The administration device is preferably designed such that at least a first administration head component of the administration head can be disconnected from at least a second administration head component in an automated process via the change system and can be controlled by a control device.

[0036] The present invention further relates to a dosing head for a dosing system, in particular for the dosing equipment according to the present invention, said dosing head having at least one actuator unit and a fluid unit detachably connected thereto. In principle, the dosing head according to the present invention can also be used in a dosing system independently of the dosing equipment and / or the dosing device. However, the dosing head is preferably used as part of the dosing equipment in order to provide certain advantages.

[0037] The actuator unit preferably has at least one actuator for moving a discharge element of the dosing head, in particular a movable discharge element, for dispensing the dosing substance. Preferably, the actuator can be a piezo actuator. Particularly preferably, the actuator can be a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator can preferably include a membrane that is acted upon and / or deflected by a pressure medium, thereby moving the discharge element in the discharge direction. The fluid unit comprises at least one supply channel for the dosing substance and a nozzle for dispensing the dosing substance from the dosing head. Details of the actuator unit and the fluid unit will be described later.

[0038] According to the present invention, the (attached) dosing head comprises at least a first dosing head component, and a first interface portion of the interface is assigned to the dosing head component, in particular for forming an interface. Further, the (attached) dosing head comprises at least one second dosing head component which is configured separately from the first dosing head component. A second interface portion of the same interface is assigned to the second dosing head component, in particular for forming the same interface. The first interface portion can be formed as part of the first dosing head component, and the second interface portion can be formed as part of the second dosing head component. Alternatively or additionally, the first interface portion can be arranged at least partially on the first dosing head component, and the second interface portion can be arranged at least partially on the second dosing head component.

[0039] According to the present invention, the first interface portion and / or the second interface portion, in particular both interface portions, are designed to detachably connect the first dosing head component to the second dosing head component in an automated process to form a dosing head, thereby forming an interface. The formation of the interface between the first and second dosing head components is carried out in particular such that after connecting the two dosing head components, the dosing head is correctly configured and functions, whereby during operation the dosing substance is dispensed as intended through the dosing head.

[0040] To connect two dosing head components, the first dosing head component has a connection area or "access area" designed to interact with a change system assigned to the (formed) dosing head in order to connect the first dosing head component and the second dosing head component in at least a temporarily automated process. The change system is preferably the aforementioned change system according to the invention of the dosing facility. The change system is assigned to a specific dosing head, at least during the period in which the dosing head component is changed. The change system can be alternately assigned to different dosing heads and / or different dosing devices.

[0041] The connection area or access area of the first dosing head component is designed such that the change system can interact with the first dosing head component via the access area, in particular such that the first dosing head component and the second dosing head component can be operably brought into contact for connection. The access area is preferably designed such that the change system can interact with the first dosing head component via the access area and can also perform disconnection of the first dosing head component and the second dosing head component.

[0042] The invention further relates to a dosing system for a dosing device of a dosing facility, in particular for a dosing facility according to the invention. The dosing system has at least one dosing head, in particular a dosing head according to the invention. The dosing system is designed such that at least one first dosing head component can be detachably connected to at least one second dosing head component in an automated process via a change system of the dosing facility, in particular via a change system according to the invention, to form the dosing head of the dosing system and can be controlled by a control device.

[0043] The administration system is preferably designed to be controllable by a control device such that at least a first dosing head component of the dosing head of the administration system can be disconnected from at least one second dosing head component in an automated process via a change system.

[0044] As an advantage, all of the aforementioned components of the dosing facility or dosing facility components are based on the same inventive concept, i.e., specific components of the dosing head of the administration system can be changed in an automated process.

[0045] As a result, effects with the same advantages as the effects described for the dosing facility according to the invention are, as a result, also obtained in a corresponding manner for the dosing device, the change system, the administration system, and the dosing head.

[0046] In a method according to the invention for automatically connecting at least a first dosing head component to a second dosing head component to form a dosing head of an administration system, preferably an administration system according to the invention and / or an administration system for a dosing facility according to the invention, the automatic connection preferably includes at least one change of at least one dosing head component. Preferably, the automatic connection can be performed during operation of the dosing facility, in particular while at least one other dosing system of the same dosing facility is continuing a dosing operation.

[0047] The method may include at least the following steps:

[0048] In an optional step, at least one interface of the (attached) dosing head having a first interface portion and a second interface portion is transitioned to an interface transition state, enabling automatic change of a first dosing head component including the first interface portion. Preferably, the transition state can be brought about by stopping the electrical supply to and / or depressurizing at least some of the interface elements of at least one interface portion. Preferably, the electrical supply to the supply connection can be stopped and / or it can be depressurized. In particular, the transition state of the interface can be established via the control of a control device assigned to the dosing system, preferably a higher-level control device.

[0049] In an optional step, the first dosing head component can be transitioned to a change system, preferably using the connection area of the first dosing head component assigned to the change system. Preferably, the first dosing head component can be transitioned to a movable change manipulator.

[0050] In an optional step, the interface can be transitioned to a disconnected state by a control device assigned to the dosing system, preferably a higher-level control device assigned to the dosing system. To transition to the disconnected state, the preferably mechanical connection between the first interface portion and the second interface portion can be disconnected.

[0051] In an optional step, a first (detached) dosing head component provided with a first interface portion can be transitioned to a magazine, preferably a magazine of the change system. Preferably, the transition can be effected by a movable component of the change system, in particular a movable change manipulator.

[0052] The steps of the above-mentioned optional process are preferably carried out when replacing the dosing head component, i.e., when replacing the dosing head component with another dosing head component having the same function, either directly or in the order of the same process. In this regard, the procedure can here be referred to as the combined disconnection / connection procedure, or simply the "change procedure" for short. The aforementioned steps do not necessarily have to be carried out in the above order, and several steps can be carried out substantially simultaneously or individual steps can be omitted.

[0053] In any case, the method according to the invention includes the steps of the method described below. When the procedure is carried out as a "change procedure", the steps of these processes can substantially continue directly from the above-mentioned disconnection step.

[0054] Alternatively, the following steps can be carried out independently of the previous optional steps, for example, when the dosing head (in a particular form) is configured for the first time, or after the dosing system has not been operating for a long time, or after there is no functioning dosing head.

[0055] First, provisioning is carried out for the first dosing head component to which the first interface part is assigned. Preferably, the provisioning is carried out by the change system. Provisioning means that at least the change system has access to the first dosing head component and can interact with the first dosing head component in particular.

[0056] Thereafter, using the change system, the first interface part assigned to the first dosing head component is brought together with the complementary second interface part assigned to the second dosing head component preferably arranged in the dosing device to form an interface.

[0057] The first dosing head component is detachably or reversibly connected via a first interface part to form a dosing head with a second interface part assigned to a second dosing head component, such that at least one interface element of the interface is engaged. Preferably, the engagement of the interface element can be controlled by a control device assigned to the dosing system, preferably a higher-level control device assigned to the dosing system.

[0058] In an optional step, the actuator of the actuator unit can be adjusted. Adjustment is particularly advantageous for jet valves with movable ejection elements with respect to dosing accuracy. Preferably, the adjustment can be carried out such that, in a defined operating state of the actuator, in particular a deflected operating state of the actuator, a specific contact force of the ejection element on the nozzle of the fluid unit is generated by the actuator. The adjustment process can be controlled via a higher-level control device assigned to the dosing system. It is desirable that the adjustment process can be controlled via a (local) control unit of the dosing system itself. It is also possible that the adjustment process is initiated by a higher-level control device, whereby the actual adjustment is then controlled by the (local) control unit of the dosing system itself.

[0059] Preferably, in a method for controlling at least one dosing system with at least one dosing head, preferably a dosing system according to the invention and / or a dosing system for a dosing facility according to the invention, in order to control the dosing substance dispensed from the dosing head, the first dosing head component can be detachably connected at least once via a first interface part assigned to the first dosing head component to a second interface part assigned to a second dosing head component in an automated process for forming the dosing head. Preferably, the automatic connection is carried out according to the method for the aforementioned automatic connection.

[0060] Preferably, in the control method, the first dosing head component of the dosing head is changed at least once in an automated process, i.e., provisioning is possible, for example, to replace it with a functionally equivalent component, in particular according to the method for automatic connection described above. This means that the automated change process can be integrated into the control process.

[0061] As an advantage, the automated change method or the automated change process is also based on the same inventive concept as described with reference to the dosing equipment. Therefore, the same advantageous effects as described initially can also be obtained for this method.

[0062] Furthermore, particularly advantageous embodiments and further developments of the present invention result from the dependent claims and the following description. The independent claims of one claim category can also be further developed in the same way as the dependent claims and exemplary embodiments of another claim category. In particular, the individual features of the various exemplary embodiments or variants can also be combined to form new exemplary embodiments or variants.

[0063] The dosing equipment described initially comprises at least one, preferably a plurality, i.e., two or more, individual dosing devices. The dosing equipment can be, for example, the entire production equipment and can comprise at least the components necessary to carry out the present invention. This means that the dosing equipment preferably comprises each of at least one dosing device, one change system, one dosing system, one dosing head, and one control device.

[0064] If the dosing equipment has two or more dosing devices, different manufactured products can be manufactured by the individual dosing devices. Therefore, each dosing device can be operated separately from the others. In particular, each dosing device can be controlled separately by the control device.

[0065] Preferably, the dosing facility can have a control device that can control all components of the dosing system separately. This control device can include all hardware components, such as interfaces to the individual components of the dosing facility, and can thus be programmed to supply control signals for the automated connection and / or disconnection process to the respective components and / or to control the dosing process of the individual dosing valves. Such a control device is designated as a "higher-level" control device and can be implemented centrally. However, preferably, the higher-level control device is configured distributively.

[0066] For example, preferably, the decentralized control device can comprise a system of a plurality of cooperating sub-control units that can also be arranged at different locations within the dosing facility. It is also possible to assign its own sub-control unit to each dosing system, which can also be arranged, for example, on the dosing system itself. Preferably, the respective sub-control units can communicate with each other, in particular for exchanging control signals and / or measurement signals.

[0067] Preferably, the higher-level control device can comprise at least two interacting sub-control units. Preferably, the (first) sub-control unit can then be designed to execute the control of specific facility functions of the dosing facility, in particular facility functions not related to the dosing process itself. Preferably, such a "facility control unit" can control at least the positioning of the dosing valves within the dosing facility and / or the handling of the manufactured product, in particular the conveyance of the manufactured product to and from the dosing point, and / or can carry out a monitoring function, for example via a camera, especially with regard to the dosing accuracy of the respective dosing valves. This facility control unit can be implemented, for example, by a standard programmable logic controller (PLC). Preferably, the specific configuration of the dosing facility, in particular the position of the components within the dosing facility, can be stored in the facility control unit.

[0068] Preferably, the equipment control equipment can interact with a (second) sub-control unit (hereinafter referred to as the "operation control device") that controls the actual administration process of each administration valve in the administration equipment and / or the process of automated connection and / or disconnection at a specific administration valve. Preferably, the equipment control unit and the operation control unit can communicate with each other, particularly for exchanging control signals. The operation control unit can preferably control at least the following elements of the administration equipment individually: the change system, in particular the magazine for the administration head components, and each administration head of the administration equipment, in particular the interface of each administration head.

[0069] Basically, it is possible to control the entire process of connection and / or disconnection only by the operation control unit.

[0070] However, for the automated connection and / or disconnection of the administration head components, it is preferable that two or more sub-control units cooperate. Preferably, the equipment control unit can control the components involved in the administration equipment so that a specific (partially replaced) administration head is moved to the change position. To execute the actual change process, the operation control unit can preferably control the components involved in the change process, that is, in particular the change system and the interface part of the specific administration head, according to the control signal from the equipment control unit. After the completion of the change process, the administration head can be returned to the working position through the control by the equipment control unit, particularly according to the control signal from the operation control unit.

[0071] Preferably, the operation control unit can also generate control signals and / or pass them to the equipment control unit to place a specific (partially replaced) administration head in the change position, particularly according to the status values recorded by the operation control unit. This will be described later.

[0072] To achieve completeness, in principle, a single, possibly central, higher-level control device can also execute the steps of the automated connection or disconnection process and control the administration process of the dosing valve, i.e., it can also control the entire dosing facility according to the present invention. It should be noted, for example, that the facility control unit can also be designed to execute the described change procedure.

[0073] In the description, without any limitation, a higher-level control device with at least two interacting sub-control units is taken as the starting point, because specific advantages can be obtained in this case. For example, when implementing the present invention in an existing dosing facility, the existing control device can be used, so that, for example, only a special motion control unit for controlling the automated change process needs to be retrofitted.

[0074] The higher-level control device can also preferably have an adjustment function. For example, the operating parameters of each dosing system or their sub-components can be input to and processed by the control device. Preferably, the higher-level control device can intervene adjustably in the dosing operation of a specific dosing system or dosing head and / or a specific dosing device in consideration of at least one operating parameter so that the target value of the operating parameter is achieved. Such a parameter can be, for example, the deflection of the actuator or the stroke of the plunger during operation.

[0075] Preferably, the higher-level control device can be designed to continuously and actively monitor at least one state value of at least one component of the dosing system, particularly the dosing head, during operation of the dosing facility. Such a state value can be, for example, a wear parameter, temperature, or the degree of wear of individual components of the dosing system, such as the degree of wear of the ejection element.

[0076] Further state values can be the defined (predeterminable) number of shot cycles, the (sensor) signal of droplet detection, in particular the absence of droplet break-off, the signal from a flow sensor in the supply channel, in particular a flow rate deviating from a target value, the signal from a filling level sensor of the administration substance cartridge, the expiration of a defined time interval, in particular regarding the processing time of the administration substance, or the reaching of a regular maintenance interval of a component. Preferably, depending on these state values, an operating control unit can initiate a change process.

[0077] The state value can also be the administration performance or administration accuracy of a specific administration valve deviating from the target value. Preferably, the state value can then be the amount of the administration substance dispensed from the administration head during each dispensing process and / or the shape of the droplets of the dispensed administration substance. Preferably, the corresponding measured values can be supplied to a higher-level control device, for example an installation control unit, whereby a change process can be initiated depending on these measured values or state values. The corresponding measured values can be generated, for example, using a scale or a camera system as part of the administration facility. Preferably, the control device, in particular a higher-level control device, can compare each state value during operation, in particular in real time, with a predefined target value associated therewith, whereby the remaining service life of the component can be determined and / or the change (change time) of the administration head component can be determined (in advance).

[0078] For example, the control device can perform an automatic change of a component as soon as a specific state value, for example a wear parameter, reaches and / or exceeds a maximum allowable value and / or deviates by a specific value from an assigned target value. Optionally, a change message or a wear message can be pre-generated by the control device, but this needs to be optionally confirmed by the user. Preferably, the control device can determine which type of dosing head component should be changed based on the state value of the dosing system, in particular based on the state value of a specific component of the dosing system or the dosing head.

[0079] Preferably, for example, a higher-level control device, such as a facility control unit, can be designed to create a plan for the sequence of an automated change process, especially when the dosing facility comprises a number of dosing systems and / or dosing devices. Preferably, the control device can plan the change of components of the dosing facility taking into account the state values of the various dosing systems or dosing heads so that the operation of the facility can be carried out without being interrupted as much as possible. Preferably, the remaining service life of the component, the type of dosing head component to be replaced, the exact replacement time, the replacement location, i.e., the spatial position of the dosing system or dosing head and / or dosing device within the facility, can be taken into account in the sequence plan.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can also be programmed such that certain components and / or certain dosing head components are changed periodically, for example at regular intervals. Thus, the control device can perform an automatic change when a predefined value (status value) is reached, or can take into account a change planned in the order schedule. Such parameters can be, for example, the maximum service life of the ejection element, the maximum allowable number of expansion cycles of the piezo actuator, or a specific number of shot cycles. In principle, it is also possible to manually intervene in the automated change process, i.e., to execute the change process by manual (user) input, for example, when a specific dosing head component is changed, regardless of whether (exceptionally) the status value has been reached or for other reasons.

[0081] It should be noted that in order to complete the dosing equipment designed for the automated change process, it is also possible for the user to (completely) manually connect and / or disconnect the dosing head components.

[0082] Higher-level control devices, for example, the equipment control unit and the operation control unit cooperating therewith, are preferably designed to independently execute all method steps of a method (change method), preferably a control method, for automated connection and / or disconnection, and / or to supply corresponding control signals for executing each method, taking into account in particular the previously generated order schedule, to a module involved.

[0083] In principle, as described above, each individual dosing system and / or each individual dosing device can also have its own separate (local) control unit, particularly in the form of a sub-control unit. Preferably, the sub-control unit of the dosing system is designed to locally control the dosing operation of each dosing system, for example, by controlling the cooling device and / or heating device of the dosing system to set a specific temperature in the dosing substance, or by setting the clock frequency of the dispensing of the dosing substance.

[0084] Preferably, each sub-control unit of the dosing system can communicate with other sub-control units of the dosing system, and in particular can also communicate with the operation control unit and / or the facility control unit. In particular, the sub-control unit of the dosing system can also be designed to form the operation control unit. This means that the sub-control unit of the dosing system itself can form the operation control unit as part of a higher-level control device.

[0085] The local control unit of the dosing system, particularly the sub-control unit, can be arranged, for example, within the actuator housing of each dosing system. In this case, the dosing head itself with a portable dosing substance supply can form a complete dosing system. In principle, it is possible to implement the control device of the dosing facility as part of a specific dosing system, particularly when the dosing facility comprises only a single dosing system. For example, the (local) control unit of the dosing system can also be designed, in principle, to control both the dosing operation and the automatic change procedure of the dosing system.

[0086] However, each dosing head, in addition to its own, preferably integrated sub-control unit, can preferably also be controlled by a (complete) higher-level control device, in particular by an operation control unit and / or a facility control unit. Preferably, the higher-level control device can then control at least the functions of the dosing head integrated into the connection and / or disconnection process of the dosing head components, as described above.

[0087] This means that the dosing system is designed such that each dosing valve or dosing head during operation is preferably assigned the same, for example an external higher-level control device, whereby the higher-level control device can control the individual dosing valves or dosing systems individually. As described above, this does not exclude the fact that the dosing head additionally has an (internal) sub-control unit, in particular for controlling the dosing operation.

[0088] Hereinafter, without limitation, it is assumed that the dosing facility is also equipped with the above-mentioned higher-level control device designed to individually control and / or regulate the dosing operations of the respective dosing valves or dosing systems. In this configuration, which will be described below, each dosing head forms a dosing valve and is designed as a sub-unit of the respective dosing system, where the dosing operation can be controlled at least partially by a higher-level control device (which may be external in some cases). Thus, each dosing head, in combination with the associated higher-level control device and preferably a (local) partial control unit, can form a complete dosing system together with the associated dosing substance storage device. The higher-level control device can preferably be implemented at least partially as part of the dosing device, or, especially when the dosing facility has a plurality of dosing devices, can be designed independently of the dosing device and / or distributed at a plurality of locations.

[0089] As initially explained, the dosing facility can comprise two or more dosing devices. For the sake of clarity, the present invention will be described below by means of a single dosing device comprising a supply device and a higher-level control device, unless otherwise specified and without limitation. For example, the dosing device has only one dosing system or one dosing head. However, it should be noted that the dosing device according to the present invention can usually comprise a plurality of dosing systems or dosing heads which can also operate independently of each other. The dosing device can have different dosing systems, for example, which can have different configurations. Thus, a further advantageous development of the present invention is equally applicable to a plurality or a large number of dosing heads or dosing systems, even when described with reference to a single dosing head.

[0090] A particular advantage of the present invention is that specific dosing head components can be specifically changed during the operation of the dosing facility. Depending on the design of the dosing system and / or the dosing head components to be replaced, the first or second dosing head component can be formed by different components or elements of the dosing system. Preferably, in particular depending on the design of the component to be replaced, a specific (matching) second dosing head component can be assigned to the first dosing head component, where different components of the dosing system (as the first or second dosing head component) can be combined with each other, i.e., connected.

[0091] Preferably, the first dosing head component can comprise at least one of the following elements and, in particular, can be selected from the following components: fluid unit, fluid-based body, nozzle, nozzle-based body, nozzle element, or dosing substance supply section.

[0092] Preferably, the second dosing head component can comprise at least one of the following elements and, in particular, can be selected from the following components: an actuator unit, a fluid unit, a fluid-based body, or a nozzle-based body.

[0093] For example, the first dosing head component can comprise or can be formed by a (complete) fluid unit. And preferably, the second dosing head component can comprise or can be formed by an actuator unit.

[0094] In another combination, the first dosing head component can be a fluid-based body and the second dosing head component can be an actuator unit. The fluid-based body is part of a (complete) fluid unit, which preferably comprises at least one frame, one supply channel, one functional connection element for forming a functional connection, and optionally other elements. Preferably, the fluid-based body and the associated (complete) nozzle, which can be connected to the fluid-based body, can form a fluid unit.

[0095] The combination of the fluid-based body as the first dosing head component and the actuator unit as the second dosing head component described above can preferably be an intermediate step in the replacement process. Thus, in a subsequent process step, the (same) fluid-based body can form the second dosing head component, in which case, for example, a nozzle can then be connected as the first dosing head component. Therefore, at least as an intermediate step in the modification process, it is possible for the same dosing head component to be the first dosing head component in one combination and the second dosing head component in another combination.

[0096] Also, in the modification process, it is possible for the fluid-based body to initially form the second dosing head component, in which case a (complete) nozzle, nozzle base body, or specific nozzle element can be connected as the first dosing head component. The nozzle base body is part of the (complete) nozzle and can be connected to the fluid-based body as the first dosing head component, for example, in an intermediate step of the modification process, where in a further step, the nozzle element (as the first dosing head component) can be connected to the fluid-based body to form a nozzle or dosing head, where the same nozzle base body becomes the second dosing head component.

[0097] Furthermore, the nozzle base body can also initially form the second dosing head component in the modification process, in which case a specific nozzle element can form the first dosing head component that can be connected to it.

[0098] In another combination, a portable dosing substance supply can be connected as the first dosing head component to the fluid unit as the second dosing head component. Preferred connection variants are described in more detail below.

[0099] A preferred dosing facility comprises a modification system with at least one magazine or (intermediate) store for storing at least one first dosing head component. Preferably, the magazine can be designed to store two or more separate dosing head components simultaneously. The terms "dosing head component" and "component" are used synonymously when describing the present invention.

[0100] A magazine or replaceable magazine, in its simplest form, can be a static magazine, for example, a linear magazine with at least one storage location, preferably two or more individual storage locations for each dosing head component. Such a static magazine has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive and suitable for storing only a small number of dosing head components at the same time.

[0101] However, preferably, the magazine can be designed such that at least one dosing head component is movably mounted within the magazine. For example, the magazine can be realized by a carousel (carousel magazine), in which case, for example, a horizontally rotating wheel has a number of storage locations. Further, the magazine can be designed in the form of a "free track" with at least one movable chain, where the movable chain has a plurality of storage locations for each dosing head component. Movable storage within the magazine can also be realized, for example, by a controllable conveyor belt within the magazine.

[0102] As an advantage, a relatively large number of dosing head components can be temporarily stored in the magazine at the same time for movable storage, which is particularly advantageous for large-scale dosing equipment since there is no need to prepare an unnecessarily large number of magazines.

[0103] Regardless of the specific design, the magazine of the change system is preferably designed to store dosing head components of different designs, particularly simultaneously, and particularly preferably to store the aforementioned elements as the first dosing head component in some cases. Thus, at least two storage locations or receiving points within the magazine can be designed in different ways to store dosing head components of different embodiments therein.

[0104] To store the dosing head component within the magazine, the magazine can preferably be provided with a lock mechanism that is controllable. The lock mechanism is preferably designed to hold the components stored within the magazine during intended movement of the magazine, for example when the magazine is being moved within the dosing facility. Preferably, an individually operable partial lock mechanism can be assigned to each storage location within the magazine. For example, each dosing head component can be locked within the magazine by a separate snap mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the lock can also be achieved by a secure connection. For example, a particular dosing head component can be attached to a complementarily formed counterpart at the storage location. In principle, it is also possible to suspend the dosing head component at the storage location, in which case the dosing head component is held by its own weight.

[0105] Regardless of the particular design, the magazine can be arranged at a fixed location within the dosing facility. For example, a fixed magazine can be arranged in the maintenance area of the dosing facility, which is spatially separated in particular from the dosing system or the dosing head and / or the dosing device. And preferably, the dosing device is at least partially movable in order to move a second dosing head component of the dosing device to a particular change position, for example the location of the magazine, in particular via control by an installation control unit.

[0106] Preferably, the dosing device can be at least partially movable relative to the magazine in particular, and the second dosing head component of the dosing device can be designed and controlled to operably contact the first dosing head component within the magazine in an automated process for connecting the dosing head components. In particular, the first and second dosing head components can be connected as a result of the operative contact.

[0107] When the dosing device comprises a plurality of dosing systems, preferably in an automated process, a particular second dosing head component of the dosing device can be controllably designed to operably contact a particular first dosing head component in the magazine. This means that at least one element of the dosing device, preferably the entire dosing device, can be controlled to move a particular second dosing head component towards the magazine to connect the two dosing head components. For this purpose, the dosing device can comprise, for example, a mobile robot system or other positioning system, such as a three-axis positioning system. Preferably, at least one movable part of the dosing device can be designed to approach or control a particular position within the magazine. The movable part or the entire movable dosing device of the dosing device can be referred to as a "working manipulator".

[0108] Preferably, the dosing device can have at least one, preferably several individually controllable robot arms, such as multi-axis articulated arm robots, as a working manipulator, where a dosing system can be assigned to each robot arm. Preferably, a part of each robot arm can be arranged at a fixed position within the dosing system and / or can operably contact a supply device or a control device. A second part of the same robot arm is movable within the dosing facility, in particular with respect to the magazine and / or a change position and / or a dosing point. The dosing system, in particular the second dosing head component, can be detachably arranged on the movable part of the working manipulator. In this embodiment, each first dosing head component can be provided via a connection area within the magazine, which is part of the change system, such that a working manipulator with a second component can access the first component within the magazine to form a dosing head.

[0109] Preferably, at least partially movable dosing devices, such as respective work manipulators, are controlled, in particular by a higher-level control device, such that a first dosing head component of the (mounted) dosing head can be placed in the magazine in an automated process (disconnection process), preferably at a specific position.

[0110] The fixed magazine can also be arranged at a fixed position of the actuator unit, i.e., a fixed position associated with the actuator unit, and / or at a fixed position of the fluid unit, and / or at a fixed position of the nozzle of the dosing system. Details will be described later.

[0111] Alternatively or additionally, the magazine can be designed to be movable relative to the dosing device, preferably such that in an automated process for connecting the dosing head components, a first dosing head component in the magazine is operatively brought into contact with a second dosing head component of the dosing device, and can be controlled, in particular leading to the connection, by a higher-level control device. Furthermore, the magazine can be designed to be movable, and the first dosing head component of the (mounted) dosing head can be controlled to be placed in the magazine in an automated process, preferably at a specific position.

[0112] In this case, the magazine is moved spatially away from and towards the dosing device and / or dosing system. The movable magazine can include, for example, a controllable robotic system. The movable magazine can be used in particular advantageously in combination with a static (in a fixed position within the dosing facility) dosing system or a "static manipulator". This applies, for example, to a dosing system for a dosing device that doses onto a conveyor belt. In principle, combinations of the above-described embodiments are also possible. For example, the dosing head component can be moved to a specific change position by a dosing device that is at least partially movable, for example a working manipulator, whereby the movable magazine (as part of the change system) is moved to this same change position for connection or disconnection.

[0113] Particularly preferably, the change system can comprise a movable change device called a "change manipulator". Preferably, the change manipulator is designed such that the transfer of at least a first dosing head component between the magazine and the dosing device and / or dosing system or dosing head can be carried out in an automated process and can preferably be controlled by a higher-level control device.

[0114] In particular, the change device can be controllably designed such that in an automated process, a first dosing head component from the magazine comes into operative contact with a second dosing head component of the dosing device for connection via the change device and / or such that a disconnected first dosing head component is transferred from the dosing device to the magazine. In this case, the repositioning of the dosing head component can be carried out directly on-site, i.e., directly at the dosing device. In particular, the change position can be the operating position of the dosing device and / or a specific dosing head.

[0115] The change manipulator preferably constitutes a separate intermediate system and can convey at least one dosing head component from the magazine to the dosing device and vice versa. For this purpose, the change manipulator is accordingly preferably supplied with appropriate signals from a higher-level control device. The change manipulator has, for each dosing head component, two or more receiving positions and optionally a controllable locking mechanism associated with each of them.

[0116] Particularly preferably, the change manipulator can have at least one controllable "access element" which is designed to cooperate functionally with the connection region of the first dosing head component to connect and / or disconnect the component. In particular, the access element can be designed to interact with the connection region of the dosing head component so that, as a result of the interaction, the connection and / or disconnection of the two components can be carried out.

[0117] Preferably, the access element can be realized by a controllable gripping element. For example, the access element can comprise or be implemented by a controllable pneumatic and / or electric gripper. It is also possible for the access element to have a recess complementary to each connection region of the dosing head component, so that when the recess and the connection region are brought together, a secure connection is created, thereby effecting the connection and / or disconnection.

[0118] Preferably, an individual access element can be assigned to each respective receiving position within the change manipulator. It is preferred that each access element itself forms a receiving area for the dosing head component.

[0119] The change manipulator may preferably comprise a controllable robotic arm. It is also possible to use a change manipulator in the form of a base frame that is movable within the dosing facility, for example displaceable, where the base frame may have at least one controllable robotic arm. In particular, the base frame can be designed to be freely movable within the dosing facility, where the direction of movement may preferably be determined by a (higher-level) control device.

[0120] Alternatively or additionally, the change manipulator can preferably also be realized by a transport device that can be fixedly installed within the dosing facility. For example, the transport device has a guide system, where at least one access element and / or receiving position for the dosing head component is designed to be movable along at least one guide surface of the guide system, in particular by linear movement. Preferably, the guide system also has two or more guide levels or guide axes, whereby the guide system can be designed as a particularly two-axis or three-axis robot (XYZ system). In principle, the dosing facility can also have various change manipulators as part of the change system.

[0121] As an advantage, the spatial distance between the magazine and the dosing device can be overcome by a (movable) change manipulator. On the other hand, this has the advantage that the magazine and / or the dosing device can be designed in fixed positions relative to each other or in fixed positions within the dosing installation (static), which results in a more cost-effective assembly. A further advantage is that after replacing the dosing head component, the change manipulator can be completely removed from the working area of the dosing device so that the working area is not permanently restricted. A further advantage is that in stationary dosing devices with several dosing systems, components can also be changed during operation of the dosing device, i.e., while other dosing systems are active. In contrast to manual component changes, the use of a controllable change manipulator does not require switching off the dosing device for safety reasons.

[0122] It should be noted that the movable change device can in principle also be used in combination with a movable magazine and / or at least a partially movable dosing device, in particular a working manipulator. For example, a (partially) replaceable dosing head can be moved to a specific change position by the working manipulator, whereby the movable conversion device is controlled to be arranged at the same change position for carrying out the component change.

[0123] Preferably, the change system is designed such that a specific first dosing head component from the magazine can be operably brought into contact with a specific second dosing head component of a dosing device, such as a working manipulator, so that the dosing head components can be connected and is controllable by a control device. The "specific" first dosing head component can be, for example, a component intended to replace a structurally identical component to be replaced. A specific component can also be characterized by the fact that a specific dosing pattern can be achieved by the component. For example, a specific dosing head component can have a special nozzle shape and / or special ejection elements in order to achieve the necessary configuration of the dosing system during operation, especially taking into account the nature of the actuator unit.

[0124] In order to selectively connect the first dosing head component from the magazine to the second dosing head component, for example, a movable magazine (as part of the change system) can be spatially positioned in a corresponding manner in relation to the second dosing head component of the dosing device.

[0125] Preferably, the magazine can be provided with an internal (magazine) movement mechanism for moving a specific dosing head component and / or a specific (empty) storage location to a defined position, in particular a "transfer point". The transfer point or transfer position of the magazine part can preferably be characterized by the spatial arrangement associated with the dosing device, where, at the transfer position, for example, the connection and / or disconnection of the first component can be carried out. For example, a working manipulator for automatic change can be controlled such that the dosing head component to be disconnected is moved to the same transfer position. Preferably, for connection and / or disconnection, especially during connection and / or disconnection, the transfer position of the magazine can substantially coincide with the change position of the dosing head component.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, the change manipulator (as part of the change system) can be controllably designed to selectively remove a specific dosing head component from the magazine. Preferably, the change manipulator can have detection means for the non-contact detection and / or assignment of a specific dosing head component. Preferably, the identification can be carried out via an RFID system (Radio Frequency Identification). Alternatively or additionally, each dosing head component can be identified via a machine-readable code, such as a barcode, which can be read by the change manipulator, for example. It is also possible to enable the change manipulator to have a positioning system and to move to a predetermined position within the dosing facility, in particular a specific position within the magazine, by means of control by a higher-level control device.

[0127] As an advantage, such a controllable change system enables, for example, a large number of different dosing head components to be stored in the magazine simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of magazines required for the facility and still ensuring that two defined dosing head components are connected. A magazine with an internal transfer mechanism has the additional advantage that it can move a (locally) movable magazine close to the first component of the dosing head being disconnected, for example, as if the empty storage space in the magazine were already located at the transfer position. After the component has been disconnected and received into the magazine, a specific "new" dosing head component, i.e., the dosing head component to be connected, can be provided at the transfer position for connection via the internal transfer mechanism, for example, by moving a carousel wheel by only one position. As an advantage, there is little need to move the magazine and / or the dosing head and / or the dosing device relative to each other for the actual change. Since the switching path is particularly short, it is possible to save even more time during the change. The same advantage can be achieved with a dosing device equipped with an operating manipulator.

[0128] The combination of a movable change manipulator and a magazine having an internal transfer mechanism provides further advantages. The magazine can be controlled, for example, so that an empty storage location is arranged at the transfer position, and then can cooperate with the change manipulator so that the "old", i.e., decoupled component, can be picked up. After the old component has been transferred, a "new" component, i.e., a component to be coupled, can be provided at the same transfer position via the internal transfer mechanism and can be picked up by the change manipulator without having to move the change manipulator itself. This can shorten the transfer time of the component between the magazine and the change manipulator or the dosing device.

[0129] In principle, it is also possible to combine the above-described embodiments. This means that the dosing facility has at least one fixed magazine and / or at least one movable magazine, each with or without an internal transfer mechanism, and / or at least one dosing device that is at least partially movable, for example one or more working manipulators that can interact with each other for coupling or decoupling, and / or at least one static dosing device and / or at least one movable change manipulator. Depending on the embodiment, the dosing device may preferably have the above-described detection means for non-contact detection and / or assignment of each working manipulator, a particular (first) dosing head component.

[0130] The magazine of the change system can have at least one maintenance connection element, regardless of the specific design, and at least one maintenance connection element is designed to cooperate with the connection element of the first dosing head component, in particular the supply connection element described below, to form a maintenance connection part. Preferably, a mechanical interface and / or an electrical interface and / or a fluid interface can be formed via the maintenance connection element. Preferably, an individually controllable maintenance connection element can be assigned to each storage location of the components in the magazine, and respective maintenance connection parts are formed.

[0131] The maintenance connection part is preferably designed to connect at least one supply line of the first dosing head component to an external maintenance device, especially during the storage of the components in the magazine. The supply line can be, for example, a supply line for controlling the heating device of the fluid unit, and / or a supply line for the dosing substance, and / or a supply line for the dosing substance pressure.

[0132] Preferably, the maintenance connection part is designed to introduce a cleaner for cleaning the dosing head component into the component via the maintenance connection part, especially during the storage in the magazine. Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance connection part can be designed to be able to control the heating device of the dosing head component and / or to be able to read the memory assigned to the dosing head component. In order to form the maintenance connection part, the fluid unit (as the first dosing head component) can have a supply connection element as described below.

[0133] As an advantage, the operation of each maintenance connection can preferably be controlled by a higher-level control device, where the control device can read data, for example, from an EEPROM assigned to a heating device of the fluid unit. As a further advantage, during storage in the magazine, it is possible to carry out a (pre-) cleaning of the dosing head component, in particular of the fluid unit, via the maintenance connection, thereby preventing hardening of the substances in the fluid unit and facilitating any subsequent maintenance or further cleaning that may be considered.

[0134] As a further advantage, by controlling a heating device in the magazine, for example, it is possible to preheat the nozzle and / or the entire fluid unit and / or the dosing substance in the fluid unit to a specific (operating) temperature, in particular before an imminent change of the corresponding dosing head component. As an advantage, the dosing process can be continued immediately after changing the dosing head component, thereby avoiding maintenance time or heating time.

[0135] To form the maintenance connection, each maintenance connection element in the magazine is preferably designed to be complementary to a specific partial region of the first interface portion of the first dosing head component. Thus, the first interface portion assigned to the first dosing head component is preferably designed with a plurality of parts. Particularly preferably, the partial region of the first interface portion forms a supply connection element that is complementary to the maintenance connection element.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, the second interface portion assigned to the second dosing head component can be designed with a plurality of parts. This means that such interface portions for forming an interface, in particular for connecting the first and second components to form a dosing head, can consist of several separate, preferably spatially separated elements.

[0137] Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first interface portion is assigned to a fluid unit, where the fluid unit is a first dosing head component. The first interface portion can be designed as part of the fluid unit itself. Alternatively or additionally, the first interface portion can be arranged at least partially on the fluid unit. In the description, without limitation, it is assumed that the first interface portion is arranged on the first dosing head component.

[0138] Accordingly, in this case, the unit to be replaced consists of the entire fluid unit and the first interface portion. In the context of the present invention, the media conveyance portion of the dosing system is designated as a fluid unit or a fluid element. The fluid unit comprises, as main components, at least one nozzle for dispensing the administration substance and at least one fluid-based body with a supply channel for supplying the administration substance to the nozzle. Depending on the design, the fluid element can have a connection for an external administration substance supply and / or a connection point for a portable administration substance supply, for example for a cartridge. The fluid unit can preferably have a controllable heating device and / or a cooling device for the administration substance. In the case of a jet valve, the fluid unit can in particular have a movable ejection element, a guide for the ejection element, and a seal between the media conveyance portion and the drive device of the jet valve. Preferably, the above-mentioned components except the nozzle form a fluid-based body that can be connected to the nozzle to form a fluid system.

[0139] The first interface portion of the fluid unit is preferably designed with a plurality of components, where the first interface element has a supply connection element for forming a supply connection. The supply connection element is preferably designed to connect at least one supply line of the fluid system to or onto an (external) supply device during the operation of the dosing head or dosing system. Preferably, the supply connection element can be designed to functionally connect two or more individual supply lines, each of which comprises a line associated within the second interface portion. The supply connection is preferably designed to establish at least one, preferably several, electrical and / or mechanical and / or signal-transmitting and / or pneumatic and / or fluid-technical, in particular media-conducting connections between the first interface portion and the second interface portion during the operation of the dosing head. The supply connection element can be arranged directly or merely indirectly in the fluid system.

[0140] The supply line can be, for example, a line for supplying media pressure, for example, to apply pressure to the substance to be administered in a portable cartridge or dosing substance cartridge that is transported as a dosing substance supply by the fluid system. The supply line can also be designed to directly supply the dosing substance to the fluid system (if no cartridge is provided). Furthermore, the supply line can also be designed to control a heating device and / or a cooling device within the fluid unit. Preferably, the temperature, the pressurization of the cartridge, or the media supply to the fluid unit can be controlled via a control device and, if necessary, sent to the fluid element via the supply connection.

[0141] To form the supply connection, the second interface portion is preferably designed with a plurality of components, where at least the first interface element of the second interface portion is designed to be complementary to the supply connection element of the first interface portion of the fluid unit.

[0142] Preferably, the first interface element of the second interface part can be designed separately from the second dosing head component, in particular, it can be spatially separated from the second dosing head component. Preferably, the first interface element of the second interface part can be assigned to the dosing device, in particular, it can be arranged on the dosing device and / or can be operably contacted with the supply device and / or the control device. When the dosing head is arranged on the working manipulator, the working manipulator can provide a second interface part with a first interface element formed separately from the second dosing head component. The supply device can preferably be designed as part of the dosing device and is preferably controllable so that during operation, several dosing systems can be individually controlled via their respective supply lines.

[0143] The supply connection is preferably designed as a connection system for an automatic change function. For example, the supply connection can be implemented as a multi-connection or, preferably, in the form of a quick-change connection, a multi-connection can be realized. Such a connection system is known, for example, from tool change systems or robot tool changers and can form a connection based on electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connections of the connection parts. In principle, a mechanical connection of the connection parts is also possible.

[0144] The supply connection is preferably designed such that the opening and closing of the supply connection is achieved by control by the control device. For example, before mechanically or physically disconnecting the supply connection, the pressure in the medium transport line can be reduced and / or the power supply of the electrical line can be switched off.

[0145] The supply connection element in the first interface part can have at least one closing mechanism designed to hermetically and / or liquid-tightly close at least one supply line leading to the fluid unit in the disconnected state. In particular, each fluid conveyance line can be designed to self-seal so as to prevent leakage of the medium from the line when the interface is open. Similarly, the interface element of the second interface part can also have at least one locking mechanism. For example, the supply connection elements of the first and / or second interface parts can be designed as "self-closing connections" (closed connections).

[0146] To form a functional dosing head, the first interface part of the fluid unit can, in addition to the supply connection element, have a first, preferably separate functional connection element. Thus, the second interface part can have a complementary second functional connection element for forming a functional connection. Preferably, the functional connection and the supply connection can be spatially separated from each other.

[0147] Preferably, the second functional connection element is assigned to an actuator unit (as a second dosing head component). In particular, the second functional connection element can be arranged in the actuator unit. The actuator unit can preferably be arranged, for example, to be connected to the dosing device of a working manipulator.

[0148] Preferably, the first interface part and / or the second interface part, in particular both interface parts, are designed to detachably connect the fluid unit to the actuator unit via the interaction between the first functional connection element and the second functional connection element, especially in an automated process. The connection area for the change system can be provided by the fluid framework.

[0149] The functional connection is preferably designed to establish a mechanical and reversible connection, especially substantially play-free, between an actuator unit associated with a fluid unit. Preferably, the connection between the fluid unit and the actuator unit is established via the functional connection such that the (attached) dosing head can withstand an acceleration force of up to 10 g during operation of the dosing system.

[0150] The supply connection and / or the functional connection are preferably designed to be controllable, in particular by a higher-level control device, such that the first and second dosing head components are connected via their respective connection systems to form a functional dosing head.

[0151] As an advantage, all the media conveyance components of the dosing valve can be exchanged together in one operation in an automated process via an interface consisting of several individual sub-interfaces. Use cases include, for example, the imminent cleaning of parts of the fluid unit for consistent dosing results. In a dosing system equipped with a dosing medium supply device for the fluid unit, the fluid unit can be exchanged to replenish the dosing medium. In both cases, the entire fluid unit can be quickly removed from the dosing head without manual intervention and serviced outside the working area of the dosing system, so that there is no delay in operation. When changing the configuration of the dosing system (for example, equipped with a nozzle, ejection element, medium, etc.), the setup time of the dosing system or dosing device can be shortened.

[0152] As an advantage, via such an interface, in addition to a dosing system with a mixed (self - sufficient) dosing substance supply, a dosing system in which the dosing medium is continuously supplied via a supply device can be connected. For example, the supply connection element of the first interface part and, for example, the complementary counterpart of the dosing device can be specifically adapted to the design of the fluid unit or its operating mode from the point of view of connection technology. However, each supply connection element is preferably designed to provide both a medium pressure supply (through which the medium held in the cartridge of the fluid unit is pressurized) and a (continuous) medium supply at a single supply connection, where the medium pressure supply and the medium supply can then preferably be controlled separately, taking into account, for example, the operating mode of each currently connected fluid unit. As an advantage, for example, the second interface part of the dosing device is here compatible with differently operating dosing valves.

[0153] Furthermore, as an advantage, via such an interface, it is possible to replace in particular those components of the dosing system that need to be maintained or replaced particularly frequently. These include, in particular, the ejection elements and their seals, in addition to the nozzle inserts for the nozzles. Such wearing parts can be removed particularly quickly from the dosing head by replacing the fluid unit and replaced with functionally equivalent components, where the time during which the dosing operation can be interrupted is minimized. As described above, due to standard maintenance intervals or in the case of a damage report, i.e., when the dosing process is actively monitored by the control device, it may be necessary to replace the fluid unit.

[0154] Since the fluid unit and the actuator unit can be reversibly connected, the advantages described above can be obtained regardless of the exact operating mode of the dosing system. In the context of the present invention, the actuator unit is generally understood to mean the drive of the dosing system. As forms of drive, for example, piezo drive, pneumatic drive, electromagnetic drive, or combinations thereof can be provided. The actuator unit typically has a housing that houses the drive and other components. The actuator unit can have a number of sensors, for example, temperature sensors and at least one controllable heating device and / or cooling device. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the actuator unit can also include a local control unit, in particular a sub-control unit.

[0155] In the description of the present invention, since this functional principle provides special advantages, it is assumed without limitation that the dosing system for dispensing the dosing substance has a jet valve. And the actuator unit preferably has a discharge element that cooperates with them to dispense the dosing substance, in addition to at least one controllable piezo actuator and / or pneumatic actuator. In order to particularly increase the dosing accuracy during operation, the piezo actuator or the pneumatic actuator is preferably designed to be adjustable. Details will be described later.

[0156] In order to connect the first and second dosing head components, the functional connection element can have a first plug-in connection part at the first interface part. Thus, the functional connection element can have a complementary second plug-in connection part at the second interface part, in particular for forming the plug-in connection. The plug-in connection can be implemented in various ways, and some possible examples will be described below with reference to embodiments of the present invention.

[0157] Preferably, the first plug-in connection part and the second plug-in connection part can be plugged into each other along the plug-in axis and can be integrally connected to each other in order to connect the fluid unit to the actuator unit, i.e., to form a functional connection part.

[0158] For the purpose of connection, at least one first latching element can be arranged in the first plug-in connection part, preferably within the first plug-in connection part, and / or at least one second latching element cooperating therewith can be arranged in the second plug-in connection part, preferably within the second plug-in connection part.

[0159] In a (first) embodiment, the fluid unit can be connected to the actuator unit in at least two rotational positions about the plug-in axis via a connection area for the change system. Thus, the change system, in particular the change manipulator, can preferably be designed to rotate the fluid unit about or between at least two rotational positions in an automated process. Alternatively or additionally, the rotational movement can also be effected via a second dosing head component or dosing system.

[0160] The first and second latching elements can be designed, for example, such that the first plug-in connection part and the second plug-in connection part each have one or more ridges that interact like a bayonet lock. The ridges of the first plug-in connection part and the second plug-in connection part can first be pushed aside from each other like "teeth" in a first rotational position related to the plug-in axis, whereupon (as soon as the two plug-in connection parts are arranged relative to each other as intended for connection), the two plug-in connection parts are rotated relative to each other about the plug-in axis such that the teeth engage behind each other.

[0161] However, it is also possible that one plug-in connection part has corresponding protrusions and the other plug-in connection part has recesses that match them. For example, at least one first channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in axis in the plug-in connection part, and at least one matching ridge (or tooth) extending in the channel when the plug-in connection parts are inserted into each other, and a channel section adjacent to the first channel and extending in the azimuthal direction around the plug-in axis to fix the ridge therein by rotating the plug-in connection parts relative to each other. It is also possible to have.

[0162] The basic principle of such a connection mechanism in the form of a bayonet lock for a dosing valve is known from German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2017 122 034, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in this application.

[0163] In a (second) embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the first plug-in connection part and / or the second plug-in connection part, preferably at least the second plug-in connection part, can have an automatically movable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is designed to move at least one latch element in the plug-in connection part relative to an associated latch element in the other plug-in connection part, particularly actively, by a specific distance in order to connect the fluid unit to the actuator unit or to the actuator unit.

[0164] Preferably, the first plug-in connection part can have a number of protrusions as latch elements. The second plug-in connection part, which is particularly designed as part of the actuator unit, can have a movable rotary plate as the second latch element. The rotary plate preferably has recesses complementary to the protrusions. Preferably, the rotary plate is designed to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the plug-in axis.

[0165] For connection, the first plug-in connection part can be inserted along the plug-in axis into the second plug-in connection part via a connection area for the change system in an automated process such that the protrusions and recesses are arranged to engage or coincide with each other. As soon as the first plug-in connection part is positioned as intended relative to the second plug-in connection part, the rotating plate (as a latching element) can move or rotate relative to the protrusion (as a latching element) within the first plug-in connection part via a controllable locking mechanism, whereby the protrusion and the recess are displaced relative to each other or one engages behind the other for locking.

[0166] (In a third) embodiment, the first latching element can be realized within the first plug-in connection part or the first plug-in connection part by means of a number of spherical caps and / or at least one groove extending radially around the base body of the plug-in connection part.

[0167] The second plug-in connection part or the second latching element within the second plug-in connection part can have a number of balls corresponding to the number of spherical caps. The second latching element can preferably have a movable rotating plate with a number of intermittent protrusions and recesses corresponding to the number of balls. Preferably, the balls are mounted so as to be movable.

[0168] To connect the plug-in connection parts, the recesses of the rotating plate and the balls can be arranged to match each other, that is, one ball is arranged in one recess of the rotating plate, whereby the first plug-in connection part can be inserted into the second plug-in connection part, especially by means of a change system. Through the locking mechanism of the second plug-in connection part, the rotating plate (as a latch element) can be rotated relative to the first plug-in connection part so that one protrusion of the rotating plate is assigned to each ball, where each ball is pushed into the spherical cap of the first plug-in connection part. Preferably, a spring is attached to the ball, and the ball can be positioned via a locking mechanism so as to engage with the recess or spherical cap of the first latch element with a defined force.

[0169] The locking mechanism can preferably be designed to move at least partially, preferably rotate, the first latch element and / or the second latch element along a circular path. Therefore, the locking mechanism can also be designated as a movement mechanism. In particular, the first latch element and / or the second latch element can be rotated relative to each other by a specific angle via the movement mechanism.

[0170] To move the latch element, the locking mechanism can have at least one actuator that can be controlled by a control device, especially a controllable drive device such as a magnetic drive or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0171] As an advantage, by designing the plug-in connection part based on the basic principle of the bayonet lock, a quick and reliable connection or disconnection of two dosing head components during operation can be achieved. Since only two components need to be operably contacted and possibly rotated for such a connection, this type of connection is particularly suitable for the automated connection process according to the invention, which has the advantage of time savings already described.

[0172] As an advantage, in the (second and third) embodiments with at least one actively rotatable latch element, the rotational movement of the fluid unit can be omitted, where the change system, for example a change manipulator, can be designed to be structurally simpler. As a further advantage, the fluid unit can be inserted into the actuator unit at a specific position and then locked in this position, for example, by rotating the fluid unit relative to the actuator unit by a specific angle about the plug-in axis during operation.

[0173] Preferably, in the (first to third) embodiments described, the plug-in axis extends substantially parallel to the discharge direction of the administered substance from the nozzle, in particular parallel to the movement direction of the discharge element for dispensing the administered substance.

[0174] Preferably, at least one plug-in connection part, preferably at least a second plug-in connection part, can have a controllable eccentric mechanism for locking the two plug-in connection parts. Preferably, the eccentric mechanism can have at least one movable pressure element, where, in a particularly intended connected state, to lock the two plug-in connection parts, a controllable drive device can push the pressure element into an associated recess in the second plug-in connection part with a defined force. The drive device can be, for example, an electromagnetic actuator or a pneumatic actuator.

[0175] In a (fourth) embodiment of the plug-in connection part, the fluid unit, in particular the first plug-in connection part, can have, as a first latching element, at least one recess, in particular an annular groove extending orthogonally to the plug-in axis, in the base body of the plug-in connection part. Here, the plug-in axis extends substantially parallel to the discharge direction of the administered substance. The actuator unit or the second plug-in connection part within the actuator unit can have, as a second latching element, a bearing element provided with a recess for the first plug-in connection part and preferably linearly movable. The bearing element is preferably designed to surround the first plug-in connection part, particularly in a manner that fits substantially in shape, at least in the region for connection. Preferably, the bearing element engages and connects with the annular groove in the first plug-in connection part.

[0176] Preferably, the bearing element (as the latching element) can cooperate with a locking mechanism, where the locking mechanism is preferably designed to actively move the first latching element and / or the second latching element, preferably the second latching element, substantially linearly in at least one direction. Preferably, the second latching element, such as the bearing element, is movable in two opposite directions. For example, the bearing element can be realized as a movable slider provided with a recess, and the movable slider can be linearly moved towards the first plug-in connection part for connection in a direction substantially orthogonal to the discharge direction. To disconnect the fluid unit, the slider can be moved in the opposite direction away from the first plug-in connection part so that the annular groove in the first plug-in connection part is released.

[0177] In a (fifth) embodiment of the plug-in connection part, the plug-in shaft can extend substantially orthogonally to the discharge direction of the dosing substance from the nozzle, and in particular orthogonally to the moving direction of the discharge element. Preferably, the first plug-in connection part of the fluid unit can have at least one, preferably two, protrusions as latching elements, in particular two elongated retaining elements such as the "tongue parts" of a "positive locking system", which are arranged on opposite sides of the plug-in connection part.

[0178] The second plug-in connection part can have at least one, preferably two, grooves as latching elements, into which the tongue parts in the first plug-in connection part engage, in particular fitting exactly in shape, to form the plug-in connection part. The plug-in connection part can at this time preferably be designed in the form of a double "positive locking system". Preferably, the first plug-in connection part can be introduced into the actuator unit, in particular the second plug-in connection part, or can be pushed laterally in a straight line via the connection area of the first dosing head component by the change system.

[0179] To lock the fluid unit during operation, for example, a bolt with a spring attached as an additional latching element can be provided on one of the plug-in connection parts. The bolt preferably operates in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plug-in shaft, that is, in a direction substantially parallel to the discharge direction, and is operably in contact with the other, preferably the first plug-in connection part.

[0180] It is also possible for the second plug-in connection part to have a locking mechanism that can move the fixing means as an (additional) latching element in a straight line, for example, a bolt that can move in two opposite directions. To lock the two plug-in connection parts, the bolt can be moved linearly towards the first plug-in connection part via a controllable drive device of the locking mechanism, for example, a magnetic drive device, an electromagnetic servo motor, or a pneumatic actuator, and can engage, for example, in a specified recess.

[0181] In the (sixth) embodiment, the first and second plug connection parts can be designed in the form of a pneumatic quick-change connection. Preferably, the plug axis can be substantially parallel to the discharge direction or the movement direction of the discharge element. Preferably, the first plug connection part has a number of recesses and / or openings in the base body as latch elements. The second plug connection part has a corresponding number of latch elements, in particular linearly movable (safety) balls, where in the connected state, one latch element, in particular one ball, engages in an associated recess. Preferably, a spring is attached to the ball. In particular, the second plug connection part can be provided with a (ball) locking mechanism that acts on the latch elements, in particular the balls, with at least one spring to push them into their respective associated recesses, in particular the end positions (by spring force).

[0182] The second plug connection part and / or the actuator unit can have at least one controllable pneumatic actuator, designed as part of the locking mechanism, to apply a pressure medium to the (ball) locking mechanism in a direction against the spring force to move the (ball) locking mechanism, in particular to disconnect the first plug connection part, thereby releasing the recesses in the second plug connection part.

[0183] Preferably, via a change system, the application of pressure can be terminated as soon as the first plug connection part is positioned as intended within the actuator unit, where the second latch element, preferably the safety ball, is pushed into the recess for connection, in particular by the spring force of the spring acting on the associated (ball) locking mechanism.

[0184] Alternatively or additionally, the first plug-in connection part can have, as a latching element, at least one, preferably two or more, in particular linearly movable locking bolts. Preferably, each latching bolt is attached, in particular by a spring acting on each latching element. Preferably, the latching bolts are arranged and / or movable substantially orthogonally to the ejection direction of the administered substance. For connection, the latching bolts preferably with springs attached can be supported against the second plug-in connection part and / or can each engage in a related recess in the second plug-in connection part.

[0185] As an advantage, in the examples of the plug-in connections described above (4th to 6th embodiments), a particularly simple and rapid connection or disconnection of the dosing head component during operation can be achieved with the advantages already described. With a relatively simple connection mechanism, the structural requirements for the change system can be kept as low as possible. As a further advantage in the case of a plug-in connection with linearly movable latching elements, in particular latching elements with springs attached, the structural requirements for the plug-in connection part itself can be kept relatively low, so that the overall cost of the dosing head component is more efficient.

[0186] As a further advantage, through the arrangement of the locking mechanism in the second plug-in connection part, regardless of the precise structure, for example, the locking mechanism is only required once for each actuator unit and does not need to be designed individually for each fluid unit, so that the functional connection part can be provided more advantageously overall, which is advantageous because the fluid system typically needs to be changed more frequently.

[0187] The fluid element can preferably be designed such that, after disconnecting the fluid element from the actuator unit, the discharge element of the fluid unit, usually the plunger, is automatically pushed into the sealing sheet of the nozzle, closing it ("normally closed"). For this purpose, for example, a spring must be attached to the discharge element.

[0188] Alternatively or additionally, especially in the case of a "normally open" fluid system, after disconnecting the fluid system from the actuator unit to prevent the administration medium from escaping, the discharge element can preferably be actively pushed into the sealing sheet of the nozzle by a (closing) mechanism within the changing system, especially also within the magazine.

[0189] Alternatively or additionally, especially in the case of an administration valve with a "normally open" fluid system, the nozzle opening of the fluid unit can preferably be actively closed during changing and / or within the magazine, preferably by a closing element from the outside. For example, a sealant can be actively pressed against the nozzle opening by a changing manipulator or magazine. For this purpose, a control signal corresponding to the changing system can be supplied via a control device in an automated connection process. Alternatively, a spring force can also be used to achieve sealing.

[0190] As initially explained, alternatively or additionally, a locking connection for the medium line and / or the medium pressure line (for the administration substance cartridge) can be provided such that the medium conveyance area of the fluid element is externally closed even in a disconnected state. The locking connection is preferably formed as part of a supply connection element within a first interface portion.

[0191] Furthermore, it is also possible to substantially completely administer the administered substance from the fluid system before changing the fluid system and / or to actively return the administered substance from the fluid system to the external medium container, for example by negative pressure. Emptying the fluid unit or returning the administered substance to the container can be integrated as a process step in the process for automatic connection.

[0192] As an advantage, this can achieve a change of particularly clean fluid elements with as little administered substance being lost unused as possible.

[0193] In some cases, it may be desirable to replace only that specific part rather than the entire fluid unit. To achieve this, a first interface part with a first functional connection element can be assigned to, and in particular arranged on, the dosing head or the nozzle of the dosing system. Preferably, a second interface part with a complementary second functional connection element can be assigned to, and in particular arranged on, the fluid-based body of the same dosing head or the same dosing system and / or the same nozzle.

[0194] Preferably, the first interface part and / or the second interface part, in particular both of them, are designed to be detachably connected to at least one nozzle element or nozzle part as a first dosing head component, in particular for forming the fluid unit, to the actuator unit or in the actuator unit and / or to the fluid-based body or in the fluid-based body and / or to the nozzle via the interaction between the first functional connection element and the second functional connection element.

[0195] This means that only elements of a specific part of the nozzle or the entire nozzle can be replaced. Thus, at least a part of the fluid unit, in particular the fluid base body, is not replaced. In particular, during the connection and / or disconnection of at least one nozzle part, at least a part of the same fluid unit, i.e., the fluid base body, can preferably be connected to an associated actuator unit which is preferably arranged on the dosing device. Thus, in these embodiments, i.e., when at least one nozzle element is changed as the first dosing head component, the remaining media conveyance part of the fluid unit, i.e., the fluid base body, is arranged on the actuator unit or remains there during the component change, so the supply connection can preferably be omitted. Thus, at that time, the first and second interface parts can each be formed as one part.

[0196] (In the (seventh) embodiment, the (entire) nozzle can be changed as the first dosing head component. The "nozzle" is understood to be part of a fluid system designed to discharge the dosing substance from the dosing valve. The nozzle has at least one nozzle opening as an outlet opening for the dosing substance and a hollow nozzle chamber for the dosing substance adjacent thereto towards the inside. In a jet valve, a movable ejection element (which is not part of the nozzle) can be arranged in the nozzle chamber, which is pushed forward at high speed towards the nozzle opening to dispense the dosing substance. The ejection element or plunger comes into contact with the dosing substance to be dispensed in order to eject it from the nozzle of the dosing system, and the dosing substance is "pressed" or "pushed out" from the nozzle of the dosing system by the movement of the ejection element and / or the nozzle. By the ejection element, the dosing substance is "actively" ejected from the nozzle. In particular in the case of a jet valve, the nozzle often has a sealing sheet in the region of the nozzle opening, and within that region, the ejection element for dispensing the dosage is pressed with a certain force, thereby temporarily closing the nozzle opening. The nozzle can also include other elements, such as elements for cooling and / or heating the dosing substance in the nozzle chamber, for example.

[0197] Preferably, the functional connection element of the first interface part may have a first plug-in connection part, and the functional connection element of the second interface part may have a second complementary plug-in connection part. Preferably, the first plug-in connection part and the second plug-in connection part may be plugged into each other along the plug-in axis and integrally connected to each other to connect at least one nozzle element to the fluid-based body or the fluid unit. For the connection, at least one first latch element can be arranged in the first plug-in connection part, preferably within the first plug-in connection part, and / or at least one second latch element cooperating therewith can be arranged in the second plug-in connection part, preferably within the second plug-in connection part.

[0198] For example, the (complete) nozzle itself can form the first plug-in connection part, where the second plug-in connection part is configured as part of the (remaining) fluid element, in particular as part of the fluid-based body. Preferably, the first and second plug-in connection parts can cooperate in the form of a bayonet closure to connect the nozzle to the fluid unit.

[0199] The formation of a plug-in connection for connecting a (complete) nozzle to a fluid unit, in particular to a fluid-based body, to form a dosing head, can be carried out according to the same mechanism as the mechanism described previously using the fluid unit as a first dosing head component. The first plug-in connection part is preferably adapted only to be designed as part of the nozzle, where the second plug-in connection part and any locking mechanism are preferably designed as part of the remaining fluid unit, in particular as the fluid-based body. Furthermore, the mechanism of the plug-in connection described in the first to sixth embodiments can also be diverted to the reversible connection of a nozzle (as a first dosing head component) to a fluid unit, in particular to a fluid-based body (as a second dosing head component). Since at least a part of the fluid unit, namely the fluid-based body, is preferably connected to the actuator unit during the modification of at least one nozzle part, the nozzle element can also be connected to the actuator unit (at least indirectly) via an interface.

[0200] For example, the nozzle as the first plug-in connection part can be connected to the second plug-in connection part under at least two rotational positions around the plug-in axis via a connection area for the modification system. Preferably, the modification system can be designed to rotate the nozzle by at least two rotational positions around the plug-in axis, for example, via a suitable access element. The modification system can have access elements that are differently designed to interact specifically with the nozzle or the fluid unit for connection.

[0201] However, it is preferred that the modification system, in particular the modification manipulator, has one or more "universal" access elements. Preferably, the modification system can be adapted to different designed connection areas of different dosing head components. In particular, in an automated modification process, adjustments can be made via control by a control device. For example, the modification system can have one or more pneumatic grippers.

[0202] Alternatively or additionally, the first interface part and / or the second interface part can have an automatically (actively) movable internal locking mechanism, such as a controllable actuator. The locking mechanism can preferably be designed to connect or disconnect the nozzle arranged on the opposite side of the fluid unit as intended. The locking mechanism can be implemented in one of the aforementioned ways or can cause a rotational or screwing movement of the nozzle for modification.

[0203] The nozzle is designed to be insertable as intended into the fluid unit, in particular the fluid-based body, and can then also be attached, in particular by means of a nozzle fixing nut for connection to the fluid unit or the fluid-based body, especially by means of a screw connection. In this case, the first and / or second functional connection elements can be designed as multiple parts.

[0204] The first dosing head component can also be realized in the form of a nozzle casing (as a nozzle element) having an internal thread as the first interface part, in particular the first functional connection element. In this embodiment, only a part of the nozzle is modified, whereby the remaining nozzle part, such as the fluid-based body, in particular the nozzle-based body, forms the second dosing head component. Preferably, the nozzle-based body arranged on the fluid-based body can have a complementary external thread as the second functional connection element for attaching the nozzle casing as intended. In this case, each functional connection element can correspond to each interface part.

[0205] For example, the change system, preferably the change manipulator, is designed to be able to access the connection area so that the change system, preferably the change manipulator, performs a screwing or rotational movement of the nozzle casing and / or the nozzle fixing nut in relation to the (remaining) fluid unit or the fluid-based body and / or the actuator unit for the change ("external changer"). For example, the nozzle casing as a connection area for the change system can have a specific, for example hexagonal, outer shape, where the change manipulator (as an access element) has a corresponding recess for a secure connection, and the change manipulator performs a rotational movement of the nozzle casing for connection and / or disconnection.

[0206] As an advantage, using such a dosing head enables rapid automated changes of the nozzle part or the entire nozzle, which is operationally desirable since the nozzle typically needs to be cleaned more frequently than other components of the fluid unit. This is due to the fact, for example, that the nozzle clogs faster than other parts of the fluid system due to its geometry, in which case the dosing accuracy may change unnecessarily. A nozzle change may also be required if, for example, different dosing patterns are needed depending on the geometry or diameter of the nozzle. As a result of the automatic change, the setup time of the dosing device can be significantly reduced.

[0207] As an advantage, automated nozzle changes can also be beneficially used when determining parameters for the dosing process, for example when testing several different nozzles to obtain optimal dosing results. Since manual changes are time-consuming, automated nozzle changes can save time. As a further advantage, if each dosing pattern is evaluated, for example by a camera system, the automated nozzle change can be integrated into an automatic measurement series for parameter determination.

[0208] In the case of a jet valve, when processing a highly wear-resistant polishing medium in the impact area of the ejection element, an automated nozzle change can also be beneficially used. For example, the nozzle, especially the sealing sheet, can be made of a relatively flexible material with low manufacturing costs, and the ejection element can be made of a harder material. Therefore, most of the wear occurs in the area of the nozzle, and the ejection element is protected. The nozzle or the nozzle casing can be replaced via the corresponding interface in a short time. In the case of a jet valve, the interaction of the two interface parts in the automated change process and the interaction with the change system also ensure that the new nozzle is positioned concentrically with respect to the ejection element after connection.

[0209] (In the eighth) embodiment, the nozzle element to be replaced, i.e., the first dosing head component, can comprise a nozzle aperture. In particular, the first dosing head component can be designed as a nozzle aperture. Preferably, the nozzle aperture comprises a first interface part with a first functional connection element, where a second interface part with a complementary second functional connection element is arranged on the same nozzle, especially the nozzle base body. In this embodiment, therefore, the sub-compartment of the nozzle can be changed, where another part of the nozzle is arranged on the fluid unit, especially the fluid base body, for connection and / or disconnection, or in between. The fluid base body can preferably be connected to the actuator unit during the change and / or can be arranged in the dosing device.

[0210] The nozzle aperture is understood in particular to mean a part of the nozzle with a nozzle opening. Preferably, the nozzle aperture can form the nozzle opening. Preferably, the nozzle aperture comprises at least one nozzle aperture opening for the discharge of the dosing substance from the nozzle of the (connected) dosing head and / or the sealing sheet of the nozzle. Preferably, the nozzle aperture can be designed as a nozzle insert.

[0211] Preferably, the nozzle aperture itself can form a first interface portion. Depending on the embodiment, a bearing portion for holding the nozzle aperture can also form at least a part of the first interface portion. The second interface portion of the nozzle, particularly the nozzle base body, can preferably be designed as a receiving area or an insertion area for the nozzle aperture. For example, the second interface portion can be designed by a slot such that the nozzle aperture is at least partially introduced into the nozzle or the nozzle base body through an inlet slot.

[0212] To connect a nozzle aperture as a first dosing head component to other parts of the nozzle, particularly a nozzle base body as a second dosing head component, via an interface to form a functional nozzle, the first interface portion, particularly the first functional connection element and / or the second interface portion, particularly the second functional connection element, can each have a sliding seal as a component of the interface.

[0213] Preferably, the nozzle aperture can be introduced into the nozzle in an automated process by a controllable aperture change system designed as a sub-component of the change system. Preferably, the introduction direction of the nozzle aperture into the nozzle (nozzle base body), particularly for forming the nozzle, via the aperture change system can be transverse, i.e., substantially orthogonal, to the discharge direction of the dosing substance from the nozzle. In particular, the insertion direction can be substantially orthogonal to the discharge movement direction of the discharge element in the nozzle.

[0214] The aperture change system can preferably be detachably connected to a fluid unit assigned to the nozzle, particularly a fluid base body, and / or an actuator unit and / or a dosing device.

[0215] Preferably, the aperture changing system has a controllable and automatically movable locking mechanism designed to introduce at least one nozzle aperture into the nozzle, preferably by linear movement and / or along a circular path. The term "introduction into the nozzle" is generally understood to mean that the nozzle aperture is positioned relative to the nozzle, in particular the nozzle base body, for connection such that a functional nozzle is formed. For example, the nozzle aperture can also be "introduced" into the nozzle such that it forms a kind of attachment to the nozzle base body to close the nozzle chamber thereon or is sealed and placed outside the nozzle base body.

[0216] To move the nozzle aperture, the locking mechanism has at least one controllable actuator, for example, a pneumatic actuator, a magnetic drive, or an electromagnetic servo motor.

[0217] Preferably, in one embodiment, the nozzle aperture can be held in a separate bearing part for connection and / or during operation of the dosing head. Preferably, the nozzle aperture, in particular the nozzle insert, engages to fit exactly the shape of the associated recess in the bearing part. Preferably, the outer shape of the nozzle aperture can form a connection area designed to interact with the aperture changing system, in particular via the bearing part as an intermediate member.

[0218] The bearing part can preferably be formed as part of the aperture changing system and / or as part of the first interface part. To connect and / or disconnect the nozzle aperture, the bearing part and the actuator can preferably be engaged to fit exactly to each other to achieve particularly accurate positioning of the nozzle aperture.

[0219] Preferably, the nozzle aperture can be positioned relative to the nozzle base body via a locking mechanism for connection such that during operation, the nozzle aperture opening is arranged concentrically on the opposite side to the tip of the ejection element. Depending on the configuration, the locking mechanism itself can form an aperture change system.

[0220] The aperture change system can further comprise a nozzle aperture magazine for at least one nozzle aperture, in particular for one equipped therewith, preferably for two or more separate nozzle apertures, in particular for those equipped therewith. An aperture change system comprising a locking mechanism and a nozzle aperture magazine can preferably be arranged on a fluid unit or a fluid base body and is preferably designed as a unit. Thus, the terms "internal aperture change system" or "internal magazine" can also be used.

[0221] Preferably, at least two nozzle apertures of the same nozzle aperture magazine can have different designs, for example with regard to the geometry and / or material of the nozzle. Preferably, the aperture change system is controllable and is designed to introduce a specific nozzle aperture, preferably the aperture corresponding to each administration requirement, into the nozzle or the nozzle base body.

[0222] In one embodiment, the nozzle aperture magazine can be formed by a preferably integrated nozzle aperture device, also referred to as a "nozzle aperture assembly". Preferably, such a nozzle aperture assembly can have two or more separate nozzle aperture openings, where each nozzle aperture opening can be designed differently. For example, the nozzle aperture assembly can be an elongated, e.g., flat or sheet-like metal, with a plurality of linearly arranged nozzle aperture openings, or a disk with a plurality of circularly arranged nozzle aperture openings (such as a perforated disk). Thus, the individual nozzle apertures can then be realized by the respective nozzle aperture openings of the nozzle aperture assembly.

[0223] However, the nozzle apertures for connection and / or in a connected state, e.g., nozzle inserts, are preferably held by the nozzle base body and / or a bearing part within the nozzle base body. In this embodiment, the nozzle insert (as a first component) formed separately from the bearing part can be introduced into the relevant nozzle aperture receptacle or holder within the bearing part by an aperture change system and / or a change manipulator. The bearing part can then be inserted into the nozzle base body by a locking mechanism to form an interface for connecting the nozzle apertures. In particular, the nozzle apertures are externally attached to the nozzle base body via the bearing part. Preferably, the nozzle apertures can be moved in a linear direction towards or away from the nozzle base body.

[0224] To disconnect, the "old" nozzle aperture can be pushed out of the nozzle body again, preferably from the side, via the bearing part. Preferably, the nozzle aperture can be placed in a defined storage area after disconnection in an automated process. Preferably, the nozzle aperture, especially from the storage part, can be taken over by a change manipulator in a disconnected state and transferred to the storage area. In principle, this transfer to the storage area can also be carried out by the aperture change system. The storage area can, for example, be equipped with a cleaning tank, whereby subsequent cleaning of the nozzle aperture is promoted as an advantage.

[0225] Particularly preferably, the change manipulator and / or the aperture change system can be equipped with an empty, especially recently emptied, nozzle aperture holder in the bearing part together with the "new" nozzle aperture, where the bearing part and the nozzle aperture thereon can be reinserted into the nozzle base body for connection by the aperture change system.

[0226] Particularly preferably, the nozzle aperture magazine can be equipped with a plurality of integrated, separately formed nozzle apertures or nozzle inserts, especially with a bearing part equipped with them. Preferably, during operation of the dosing head, each one nozzle aperture can be arranged in a nozzle aperture holder in the bearing part (as long as the nozzle aperture has not been changed). Preferably, the nozzle apertures in the bearing part (as part of the nozzle aperture magazine) can have different designs. For example, the bearing part can be an elongated flat sheet or disk with a number of nozzle aperture holders for the nozzle apertures.

[0227] Preferably, the aperture changing system is designed to insert a particular nozzle aperture from an internal magazine into the nozzle base body or to arrange it on the nozzle base body via a locking mechanism and an interface to form a nozzle. For example, a particular nozzle aperture can preferably be arranged from the outside of the nozzle body by a linear, e.g., lateral (sliding) movement and / or a rotational movement. In the case of a nozzle aperture magazine with bearing parts, it is also possible that a first nozzle aperture is connected to the nozzle base body as intended (via the bearing parts), where a second nozzle aperture is removed from the bearing part by a change manipulator (simultaneously) and / or replaced by another nozzle aperture in an automated process.

[0228] Preferably, the locking mechanism is designed to be controllable by a control device such that a particular nozzle aperture, in particular a nozzle aperture having a particular nozzle aperture opening, can be introduced from the nozzle aperture magazine into the nozzle by a linear movement and / or along a circular path and, in particular, can be connected to the nozzle, regardless of the specific design.

[0229] The advantageous effects of the dosing head for automatic change of the nozzle aperture are substantially in agreement with the aforementioned advantages obtained by changing the entire nozzle as a result. Further advantages arise when the nozzle aperture and / or the nozzle aperture assembly is made of a material that is more flexible than the material of the ejection element. Thus, only a relatively small part of the nozzle needs to be replaced, where, for example, the base body of the nozzle can continue to operate for a longer period.

[0230] The special advantage of the dosing head designed for the automatic change of the nozzle aperture is obtained, for example, in dosing processes where the change of the nozzle aperture is particularly frequent, depending on the dosing configuration. The aperture change system with an aperture magazine can preferably be mounted directly on the fluid unit, so that the change of the nozzle aperture can be carried out at any position of the dosing head, nozzle head or manipulator, thereby saving processing time. The fact that the nozzle aperture, for example the nozzle aperture assembly or the bearing part, only has to be moved by a few millimeters also results in a particular saving of time as a result. As a further advantage, in the case of a completely static (fixed) dosing device, the change process can only be carried out via the attached aperture change system, so that an additional change system for bridging the distance between the dosing head and the external magazine, for example a movable change manipulator, can be omitted.

[0231] In order to ensure that the dosing medium does not escape from the fluid-based body when changing the nozzle aperture or the (entire) nozzle during the change process, at least one functional connection element can have a sliding seal. Alternatively or additionally, steps can also be implemented in the change process that can further prevent unwanted escape of the dosing medium. For example, the dosing medium can be depressurized at least within the dosing head before disconnecting the first dosing head component. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing medium can preferably be actively moved away from at least the nozzle, in particular from the nozzle insert, for example by applying a vacuum. Furthermore, the supply of the medium can be interrupted, where preferably before disconnection, the residual substance (in the nozzle) exits the nozzle by gravity and / or at least the nozzle is flushed. It is noted that the steps described can be integrated into the change process, for example also in the fluid element as the first component, regardless of the particular dosing head component to be exchanged.

[0232] In order to achieve a certain dosing accuracy after replacing at least one nozzle part and / or the entire fluid system during operation, it may be necessary to (re)adjust the actuator unit or the dosing head, especially in the case of a jet valve. Thus, in a jet valve, the (operating) actuator can be designed to be adjusted in an automated process such that, in a defined operating state of the actuator, especially in a deflection operating state, a specific contact pressure of the ejection element in the nozzle is generated via the actuator during operation of the dosing head.

[0233] In a jet valve equipped with a piezo actuator as the (operating) actuator, the actuator unit may preferably have a controllable adjustment actuator for setting the contact force of the ejection element in the nozzle. Preferably, the adjustment actuator is designed to set a specific position of the (operating) actuator associated with the actuator housing and / or the ejection element. Preferably, the adjustment actuator can be controllably designed such that the arrangement comprising the (operating) actuator, the ejection element, and the nozzle is adjusted in a desired manner such that a constant pressing force of the tip of the ejection element against the sealing sheet of the nozzle is brought about.

[0234] In the case of a jet valve equipped with different types of actuator types, such as a pneumatic actuator or an electromagnetic drive, each actuator can preferably be designed to be controllable, especially by a higher-level control device, such that, in a defined operating state of the actuator, a specific contact force of the ejection element against the nozzle is generated via the actuator.

[0235] As an advantage, the manufacturing tolerances of the fluid unit can be corrected using an automatically adjustable actuator, so that high dosing accuracy can be achieved even after a change in the fluid element. Since the adjustment process can be carried out completely automatically via a control device, manual adjustment is not required, thereby minimizing the time from connecting the "new" component to restarting the dosing operation. The adjustable actuator and the corresponding adjustment procedure for the dosing valve are known, for example, from German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2019 121 679, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in this application. The adjustment of at least one actuator can preferably be a process step in a method for automatic connection.

[0236] In a ninth embodiment of the invention, a first interface portion with at least one first functional coupling element can be assigned to a dosing substance supply that can be carried during operation, and in particular can be arranged on the dosing substance supply. A second interface portion with complementary second functional coupling elements can be assigned to the fluid unit, and in particular can be arranged on the fluid unit. Preferably, the first interface portion and / or the second interface portion, in particular both interface portions, are designed to detachably connect at least the dosing substance supply to the fluid unit, together with or to the fluid unit, via the interaction between the first functional coupling element and the second functional coupling element.

[0237] The dosing substance supply part can preferably be a cartridge comprising a dosing substance or a dosing medium carried by the dosing system during operation of the dosing system. Preferably, the interface can be formed by a rotary connection or a screw connection. The first interface part can be realized, for example, by an internal thread within the region of the cartridge, and the complementary second interface part can be realized by a suitable external thread on the fluid element. For exchanging the cartridge in an automated process, the cartridge preferably has a connection region designed to interact functionally with the change system of the dosing facility. The change of the cartridge can preferably be carried out by a movable change manipulator specially designed for the rotational movement of the cartridge in different directions. Preferably, the access element of the change manipulator for changing the cartridge is adaptable to the connection region of the cartridge. Alternatively, the cartridge can also be plugged into the fluid element for connection.

[0238] In this embodiment, the first and second interface parts preferably each comprise at least one further interface element, each formed by a plurality of parts and (further) each comprising a supply connection element for forming a supply connection. The supply connection can be designed as described initially. Preferably, at least one supply line of the cartridge can be functionally connected via the supply connection to a relevant line within the second interface part, where the dosing medium within the cartridge can receive pressure (supply pressure) via the supply connection.

[0239] Preferably, the (same) access elements of the change manipulator can be designed to change the fluid unit and / or the fluid-based body and / or at least one nozzle part and / or the portable administration substance supply, preferably under appropriate control by the control device. Preferably, the grippers of the access elements can have (connecting) regions designed differently to interact functionally with the respective dosing head components. Furthermore, the gripper can have one or more gripping tongs adapted to differently designed connecting regions, and / or the configuration of the gripping tongs can be adjusted during operation, preferably by control by the control device, in particular complementary to a specific connecting region.

[0240] It is pointed out that within the scope of the present invention, the terms "first" and "second" dosing head components can be used interchangeably depending on the situation. In particular, these terms are not limited to a specific combination of the two aforementioned dosing head components and can have different meanings depending on the specific installation situation. For example, in an automated process, a complete fluid unit can be connected as the first component and an actuator unit as the second component. On the other hand, the entire nozzle can be replaced as the first dosing head component in some cases without restarting the dosing operation, where the same fluid unit in this combination becomes the second dosing head component. Furthermore, the nozzle aperture can also be replaced as the first component, whereby the same nozzle or the same base body in this combination becomes the second component.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0241] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments. In the various drawings, the same components are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0242]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Figure 8D

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 9C

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 11C

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 13

Figure 14A

Figure 14B

Figure 14C

Figure 15

Figure 16A

Figure 16B

Figure 16C

Figure 16D

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0243] A preferred exemplary embodiment of the dosing facility 1 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1. The dosing facility 1 comprises, as essential components, in addition to a dosing device 2 with a plurality of dosing systems 3, a change system 6 and a maintenance device 9. Unlike the purely schematic view shown in FIG. 1, the dosing facility 1 can be the entire manufacturing facility and can then have two or more dosing devices 2. However, in principle, it is also possible for the dosing facility 1 to have only one dosing device 2 with only a single dosing system 3.

[0244] The dosing device 2 of FIG. 1 has five individual dosing systems 3 which are arranged in the dosing device 2 during the dosing operation and are in particular detachably connected. Here, each individual dosing system 3 has a fluid unit 70 and an actuator unit 20 which is functionally connected thereto. In the connected state, the two components 20, 70 each form a dosing head 5. Here, the dosing head 5 comprises in particular all components which are actively involved in the dispensing of the dosing substance mechanically, and thus forms a dosing valve 5, where the terms dosing head 5 and dosing valve 5 are used synonymously.

[0245] Here, each individual dosing head 5 is connected to a higher-level decentralized control device 7, for example from the perspective of switching or control technology. The control device 7 also has an adjustment function here, by means of which corresponding electrical signals can be transmitted bidirectionally between the control device 7 and the dosing head 5, and the flow of data D or control data D is symbolically indicated by double arrows.

[0246] During operation, the higher-level control device 7 can be assigned to several dosing heads 5 simultaneously and can control their dosing operations individually. In addition to each dosing head 5 and the associated control device 7, the dosing substance supply, although not shown in detail, each forms a dosing system 3. In addition to what is shown here, each dosing valve 5 can be assigned an additional, its own control unit which can be arranged, for example, in the housing of the dosing valve 5 and controls at least each dosing operation. And the control units of each dosing valve 5 or dosing system 3 can be implemented as sub-control units which can communicate with each other and / or with the higher-level control device 7, or can at least partially form sub-control units.

[0247] The control device 7 is designed as a higher-level external control device 7 in FIG. 1. For clarity, the individual dosing systems 3 do not have their own (internal or local) control units, although they actually usually do. The control device 7 is schematically shown here with two sub-control units, and the control device 7 can also be designed such that, for example, several sub-control units are arranged at different positions within the dosing system 1 and cooperate to form the (overall) control device 7.

[0248] In the lower right region of the dosing device 2 in FIG. 1, a disconnected or partial dosing system is schematically shown, where only the actuator unit 20 is arranged in the dosing device 2. For example, the automatic change of the dosing head component can be carried out according to the present invention for this dosing system or the remaining part thereof. In this example, a fluid unit 70 (not shown), as the first dosing head component A, is disconnected from the actuator unit 20, as the second dosing head component B.

[0249] On the left side of FIG. 1, a change system 6 is shown, which includes a magazine 60 and a change device 61, for example a movable change manipulator 61. The change system 6, in particular the magazine 60 and the change manipulator 61, are connected to the control device 7 by signal technology and can be controlled via corresponding data D or can also transmit the data D to the control device 7.

[0250] Here, the magazine 60 includes, for example, two receiving positions for each one dosing head component A, 70. A maintenance connection element 62 is assigned to each receiving position within the magazine 60. The dosing head components A, 70 can be positioned within the magazine 60 such that the supply connection elements 15 of the respective dosing head components A, 70 cooperate with one maintenance connection element 62 each to form the maintenance connection 8 thereon.

[0251] Heating data can be read from the EEPROM of the fluid unit 70 via the maintenance connection part 8, whereby a signal connection with the control device 7 is provided via the maintenance connection part. Further, cleaning liquid can be supplied to a specific dosing head component A, 70 in the magazine 60 via the maintenance connection part 8, which is schematically shown, for example, via a fluid flow FS to a maintenance device 9 arranged in the magazine 60. For this purpose, a cleaning mechanism is implemented in the maintenance device 9, where the maintenance device 9 is also connected to the control device 7 by signal technology and can exchange data D with the control device 7, for example, to wash out a specific dosing head component A, 70 in the magazine 60 according to a cleaning program.

[0252] Figures 2 to 5 purely schematically show parts of different dosing systems 3 with differently designed dosing heads 5.

[0253] In Figure 2, similar to Figure 1, the dosing system 3 consists of a dosing substance supply unit 130 in addition to a control device (not shown) associated with the dosing head 5. The dosing head 5 has, as its first central component, an actuator unit 20 attached to a dosing device 2 at a higher level. The actuator unit 20 is connected to the dosing device 2, in particular to a control device (details not shown) as part of the dosing device 2, by signal technology via a control cable 21 in the region of the connection point 17. Via a connection point 17''' connected to the cooling medium supply part 22' of the dosing system 3, the actuator unit 20 can be supplied, for example, during operation, in particular by a supply device, in a controlled and / or regulated manner, for example, with pre-cooled cooling medium.

[0254] The second component of the dosing head 5 is the fluid system 70, which in FIG. 2 is connected to the actuator unit 20 as intended, forming a functional dosing head 5. The fluid element 70 includes the media conveyance area of the dosing head 5 and, among other things, has a nozzle 72 for dispensing the dosing substance in the dispensing direction SR. This will be explained in more detail later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0255] In FIG. 2, the fluid element 70 is equipped with a dosing substance cartridge 130 that can be carried during operation as a dosing substance supply unit 130. During the dosing operation, the dosing substance cartridge 130 is connected on the one hand to the fluid element 70 and on the other hand in the area of the connection point 17' to the supply line 82, here the media pressure line 82, via the first interface part 13. The first interface part 13 is designed in FIG. 2 with a plurality of parts and comprises two separate spatially separated interface elements 15, 16, where the supply connection element 15 is shown at the top of FIG. 2 and the functional connection element 16 is shown in FIG. 2 in the area of the fluid element 70.

[0256] In FIG. 2, the media pressure line 82 is connected to the supply connection element 15 as the first interface element 15 of the first interface part 13. The supply connection element 15 is further connected in the area of the connection point 17'' to the heating control connection 84, and the heating control connection 84 is in contact with the fluid element 70 via the heating connection cable 83. Here, the heating control connection 84 comprises a readable EEPROM 85.

[0257] The supply connection element 15 is functionally connected to a complementary connection element 18 in the upper area of the dosing system 3, and the connection element 18 is here designed as the first element of the second interface part 14 and is arranged in the dosing device 2.

[0258] The supply connection element 15 of the first interface part 13 and the supply connection element 18 of the second interface part 14 form the first part of the interface 12, through which the supply connection part 10 is realized. The supply connection part 10 is designed to connect two supply lines 82, 83 to an external supply device (not shown) during the operation of the administration system 3, where the supply device can be implemented, for example, as part of the administration device 2.

[0259] For functional connection, in the lower region of FIG. 2, the fluid unit 70 is connected to the actuator unit 20 via the second part of the same interface 12, where the functional connection part 11 is formed via the second part interface 12. In the case shown here, the fluid element 70 is the first administration head component A and the actuator unit 20 is the second administration head component B, and these are connected via the functional connection part 11.

[0260] To form the functional connection part 11, a functional connection element 16 is arranged on the fluid element 70 as the second interface element 16 of the (first interface part 13) that functionally cooperates with the complementary functional connection element 19 of the second interface part 14 on the actuator unit 20.

[0261] FIG. 3 shows a slightly different embodiment of the administration head 5. The main difference from FIG. 2 is that the administration head 5 here does not incorporate a dosing substance cartridge but has an external media supply device.

[0262] The interface 12 in FIG. 3 is formed of two parts, and in the upper region of the administration system 3 here, a supply connection part 10 is formed on the first part of the interface 12. The first interface element 15 of the first interface part 13 is designed as a supply connection element 15 and is assigned to the fluid unit 70. The supply connection element 15 is connected to the heating control connection part 84 and is further connected to a supply line 82, here a medium line 82 for continuous medium supply. The administration substance line 82 is formed here as an integral component of the supply connection element 15.

[0263] The supply connection element 15 has a closing connection part (not shown) acting on the administration substance line 82, whereby the medium conveyance region of the fluid element 70 is closed from the outside even when the fluid element 70 is disconnected. In the interface 12 shown here, an electrical connection and a fluid conveyance connection are established between the fluid element 70 and the administration device 2 or a supply device not shown in detail via two supply connection elements 15, 18.

[0264] The functional connection between the fluid unit 70 (as the first administration head component A) and the actuator unit 20 (as the second administration head component B) via the second part of the same interface 12 corresponds to that in FIG. 2 and is described in detail below with reference to an example. Here, each functional connection 11 can be implemented in combination with an administrable substance supply part (FIG. 2) and in combination with a continuous administrable substance supply part (FIG. 3).

[0265] FIG. 6 shows a part of an administration system 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The administration system 3 has an administration head 5 having a fluid unit 70 as a first administration head component A and an actuator unit 20 as a second administration head component B. The administration system 3 shown here is a jet valve with a movably attached discharge element 40. Since the basic structure of such a jet valve is known, mainly the components related to the present invention will be described below.

[0266] The actuator unit 20 comprises an actuator housing 22 with a piezo actuator 24 controllable as an operating actuator 24. The piezo actuator 24, here a piezo stack, is arranged in an actuator chamber 23 within the housing 22 and is (here upwardly) fastened by a spherical cap 26. On the opposite side, the piezo actuator 24 is attached to a lever 27 of a movement mechanism 32 via a pressure piece with a bottom tapering to an acute angle and is sandwiched between two components 26, 27. The lever 27 is in turn placed on a lever bearing 28 at the lower end of the actuator chamber 23. Via this lever bearing 28, the lever 27 can tilt about an inclination axis K, whereby the lever arm of the lever 27 projects through an opening 29 into an actuating chamber 25 and from there into an engagement section of a second plug-in connection part 92 described later.

[0267] The lever 27 has a contact surface 30 which extends in the direction of a discharge element 40 or a plunger 40 of a fluid unit 70 connectable to the actuator unit 20 at the end of the lever arm and is placed on a contact surface 45 of a plunger head 44 in the connected state.

[0268] The lever 27 is pushed upward toward the piezo actuator 24 by an actuator spring 31 at the end in contact with the plunger 40 so that a substantially constant preload can be applied to the lever-piezo drive system of the actuator unit 20.

[0269] The fluid unit 70 is shown in a disconnected state in FIG. 6, for example, during an automated change process according to the present invention. Here, the fluid element 70 comprises a frame part 81 with a heating device 79 having a heating block 80 for controlling the temperature of the administered substance in the supply channel 86 and / or the nozzle 72 of the fluid element 70. The heating device 79 has a heating connection cable 83, the end of which is connected to a heating control connection 84, which in turn contacts a supply connection element of the first interface part (FIG. 2).

[0270] Here, the fluid element 70 has a reservoir connection 78 as part of a reservoir interface 77, in particular for connecting an administered substance cartridge (FIG. 2). The reservoir connection 78 can have, for example, a screw mechanism shown only in FIG. 6 as a second interface part, which cooperates with the internal thread of the administered cartridge as the first interface part for connection in an automated change process. In this case, only the cartridge can be specifically replaced, and at that time, except for what is shown in FIG. 6, the administered substance cartridge can become the first administration head component and the fluid element 70 can become the second administration head component.

[0271] Alternatively, the reservoir connection 78 can also be designed to change the administered agent cartridge via the supply connection 10, i.e., together with the entire fluid element 70, as shown in FIG. 2, at which time the administered agent cartridge can be manually replaced after disconnecting the fluid element 70.

[0272] In FIG. 6, a supply channel 86 for the administered substance extends from the reservoir interface 77 through the fluid element 70 and opens into a nozzle chamber 75 within the nozzle 72.

[0273] Here, the nozzle 72 includes a nozzle casing 76 surrounding a nozzle chamber 75 and a nozzle opening 73. The nozzle opening 73 has a nozzle insert 74 with an internal conical sealing sheet (not shown) that tapers towards the nozzle opening 73. On the premise that the piezo actuator 24 is expanded, the tip 41 of the ejection element 40, for example, the plunger tip 41, can be pushed into the nozzle opening 73 in a sealed manner. The nozzle chamber 75 is sealed upward (in the direction of the plunger head 44) with respect to the working chamber 25 via a plunger seal 42 in the connected state. The plunger seal 42 axially pushes the plunger head 44 away from the plunger bearing portion 43 upward and away from the nozzle 72. Thus, the plunger tip 41 is also pushed away from the sealing sheet and pushed in. The pushed-in plunger spring 46 of the plunger bearing 43 approaches upward. This means that at the rest position of the spring 46, without external pressure being applied from above to the contact surface 45 of the plunger head 44, the plunger tip 41 is in a connected state at a distance away from the sealing sheet of the nozzle insert 74 ("normally open" valve).

[0274] Characteristically, as in the present invention and regardless of the specific design of the dosing head, in a jet valve, the dosing substance is "dynamically" ejected from the nozzle 72 by the (ejection) movement of the ejection element 40 relative to the nozzle 72, particularly in the ejection movement direction SR of the ejection element 40. During the ejection process, in particular, the ejection tip 41 of the ejection element 40 contacts the dispensed dosing substance and "presses" or "extrudes" the dosing substance from the nozzle 72 of the dosing system by the (ejection) movement of the ejection element 40 and / or the nozzle 72 (not shown in FIG. 6). This is what differentiates the jet dosing system from other dosing systems where the movement of the closing element simply leads to the opening of the nozzle and the pressurized dosing substance then exits the nozzle by itself. This applies, for example, to the injection valves of combustion engines.

[0275] The intended connection between the first dosing head component A and the second dosing head component B is effected in FIG. 6 via the plug-in connection 90, in which the first plug-in connection part 91 and the second plug-in connection part 92 interact. The first plug-in connection part 91 is designed as part of the fluid unit 70 and the second plug-in connection part 92 is part of the actuator unit 20. To connect the fluid element 70 to the actuator unit 20, the fluid element 70 can be inserted axially into the actuator unit 20 along the plug-in axis S by the first plug-in connection part 91 via the receiving section 104 in the second plug-in connection part 92, for example by means of a movable modification manipulator (not shown). This will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7, which shows the first plug-in connection part 91 on the fluid element 70 in an enlarged and separated state.

[0276] In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the first plug-in connection part 91 has, as a first latching element, a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections or teeth 100. Similarly, the second plug-in connection part 92 or counter plug-in connection part 92 has, inside thereof, corresponding teeth 101 (as a second latching element) (FIG. 6), which interact with the teeth 100 of the first plug-in connection part 91 such that the plug-in connection parts 91, 92 can be connected. The design and arrangement of the teeth 100, 101 are selected such that the teeth 100, 101 extend through each other when the plug-in connection parts 91, 92 are inserted into each other in at least a first rotational position (relating to rotation about the plug-in axis S) of the first plug-in connection part 91 and the counter plug-in connection part 92 relative to each other. The two plug-in connection parts 91, 92 can be rotated relative to each other about the plug-in axis S (second rotational position), whereby the teeth 100 of the first plug-in connection part 91 engage behind the teeth 101 extending inwardly in the counter plug-in connection part 92, connecting the two components 70, 20 to each other. Such rotation can be achieved, for example, by a modification manipulator in an automated modification process.

[0277] The plug-in connection part 90 of FIG. 6 has an arbitrary eccentric mechanism 120 provided with an eccentric shaft 122. In the upper section (here), an eccentric spring 121 is arranged on the shaft 122, whereby the eccentric shaft 122 is pushed away from the piezo actuator 24 in the connected state. When the two plug-in connection parts 91, 92 are in the desired connection position where the teeth 100, 101 of the bayonet-type connection mechanism mesh, the eccentric shaft 122 can rotate about its axis via the eccentric lever 123, whereby the pressing ball 124 is pressed against the outer wall of the first plug-in connection part 91 with a relatively high pressure through the through hole. By this means, a particularly reliable fixation of the two dosing head components A, B relative to each other can be achieved. The eccentric mechanism 120 is shown here only by way of example. In this case, instead of the lever 123, an automatically controllable actuator for moving the eccentric mechanism 120 can be provided. For example, the eccentric or the eccentric shaft 122 can be driven by an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator. The basic structure of such a bayonet-type plug-in connection part and a jet valve is generally known, for example, from German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2017 122 034, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference into this application.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 7, some details of the first plug-in connection part 91 of FIG. 6 are described. The plug-in connection part 91 has, in its lower region (here), a nozzle section 103 that forms an essential part of the nozzle 72. The plug-in connection part 91 has an external thread 102, through which the nozzle casing section 76 can be screwed in like a cap nut.

[0279] The plug connection part 91 has a section that can be inserted into the counter plug connection part 92 of the actuator unit 20 in the area adjacent to the upper part of the nozzle section 103, and an optional clamp section 98 is adjacent to the nozzle section 103 first. Here, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the clamp section 98 has several spherical caps 95, and a press ball 124 of an optional eccentric mechanism can be pushed into the spherical caps 95.

[0280] Above the clamp section 98, a circumferential annular groove 96 for a seal 97, for example, a typical O-ring 97 (see FIG. 6), is arranged. The seal 97 ensures that the first plug connection part 91 and the second plug connection part 92 are hermetically sealed annularly with respect to each other in the connected state. Above this annular groove 96, a bayonet connection section 99 or a toothed section 99 is arranged, and at each end thereof, a plurality of radially outwardly extending protrusions 100 or teeth 100 are arranged.

[0281] FIG. 8 shows, by way of example and purely schematically, the disconnection of the fluid unit 70 (as the first dosing head component A) from the actuator unit 20 (as the second dosing head component B) as can be carried out in an automated process. FIG. 8A shows a side view of the (still) complete dosing head 5, where the movable change manipulator 61 is shown below the fluid element 70 as part of the change system, which engages securely with the connection area 50 of the fluid element 70 via the access element 57. Here, the connection area 50 is mainly formed on the lower side of the fluid element 70 facing away from the actuator unit 20.

[0282] Figure 8B shows the same state of the dosing head 5 of Figure 8A, but this time it is shown as a top view of the actuator unit B, 20. The fluid element A, 70 is rotated by the change manipulator 61 from the first rotational position by a specific angle to the second rotational position corresponding to the rotational direction BR to disconnect the connection. The actuator unit B, 20 is arranged in a dosing device (not shown) to enable the rotation of the components 20, 70 relative to each other.

[0283] Figure 8C shows the components A, B of the dosing head of Figure 8A in a state where the connection is disconnected from the side, and Figure 8D shows a top view of the (twisted) disconnected fluid element A, 70. In the side view, it can be seen that the change manipulator 61 here has a controllable closing mechanism 63 for sealing the nozzle opening of the nozzle 72 from the outside during transportation.

[0284] Figure 9 shows two cross-sectional views of the components of a dosing system with a plug-in connection and an enlarged plan view of the latch element. For clarity, in addition to Figure 9, in Figures 10 to 12, basically only the parts of the actuator unit 20 and the fluid element 70 that are substantially involved in the formation of the plug-in connection are schematically shown.

[0285] Figures 9A and 9B show the same dosing system 3 in different (connected) states. In Figure 9A, the first plug-in connection part 91 of the fluid element 70 is introduced downward in the connection direction KR into the counter plug-in connection part 92 in the actuator unit 20, for example, by a change manipulator (not shown). In Figures 9 to 12 and 15, the connection direction KR or the opposite disconnection direction extends parallel to the plug-in axis (S) of each plug-in connection part.

[0286] Here, the first plug-in connection part 91 has an annular groove 93 extending around the base body of the plug-in connection part 91 as the first latch element 93, and the collar is adjacent to it upward in the direction of the plunger head 44.

[0287] The second plug-in connection part 92 has a bearing element 94 that is linearly movable as a second latch element 94. The plate-shaped bearing element 94 has a semi-circular recess (Fig. 9C) that at least partially surrounds and connects to the base body of the first plug-in connection part 91. For connection, the bearing element 94 can engage at least partially and securely around the annular groove 93 of the first plug-in connection part 91, so that the protruding collar is located above the bearing element 94 in the connected state (Fig. 9B).

[0288] The bearing element 94 can be linearly moved in the direction BR by a controllable actuator 109 that is part of the locking mechanism 107. Here, the actuator 109 includes, in addition to the actuator chamber 105 and a pneumatic actuator with a spring-loaded piston therein, a controllable pressure medium supply 106 for supplying, for example, compressed air to the pneumatic actuator chamber 105 via a compressed air channel.

[0289] To disconnect the two dosing head components A, B, in Fig. 9A following the rightward movement direction BR, the pneumatic actuator chamber 105 can be pressurized with compressed air so as to move the bearing element 94 away from the first plug-in connection part 91.

[0290] For connection, the pneumatic actuator can be depressurized, whereby the bearing element 94 is moved in the BR direction towards the annular groove 93 in the first plug-in connection part 91 by the spring force and at least partially surrounds the first plug-in connection part 91 (Fig. 9B). The bearing element 94 and other parts of the locking mechanism 107 (not shown) form a certain sliding mechanism.

[0291] Figure 10 shows another example of the plug-in connection part. The plug-in connection part shown here is similar to the plug-in connection part in Figure 6 in terms of the functional principle, whereby the locking of the two plug-in connection parts 91, 92 for forming the dosing head is carried out separately. Figure 10A shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the dosing system 3, and Figure 10B shows an enlarged view of a part of the fluid element 70 with the first plug-in connection part 91 and a part of the second plug-in connection part 92.

[0292] To connect the two dosing head components A, B, the first plug-in connection part 91, similar to that in Figure 9, is pushed into the second plug-in connection part 92 in the actuator unit 20 from below (here) in the connection direction KR until the two plug-in connection parts 91, 92 and thus the two dosing head components A, B are positioned relative to each other as intended for carrying out the connection.

[0293] To lock the two plug-in connection parts 91, 92, the second plug-in connection part 92 has a rotary plate 94' as a second latch element 94' with a number of intermittent protrusions 101' and notches 101 * . This is particularly prominent in Figure 10B and shows a different design principle compared to the sliding mechanism from Figure 9.

[0294] The first plug-in connection part 91 has a number of teeth 100' as the first latch element 93', where the teeth 100' are assigned to the recesses 101 of the rotary plate 94' * to guide the two plug-in connection parts 91, 92 relative to each other and to axially guide the teeth 100' in the connection direction KR (Figure 10A) through the rotary plate 94' from below in the direction of the actuator unit 20.

[0295] As soon as the two plug connection parts 91, 92 are positioned as intended for connection, the rotary plate 94’ is rotated along a circular path by a specific angle in the rotation direction BR by the locking mechanism 107’, whereby the teeth 100’ in the first plug connection part 91 and the protrusions 101’ on the rotary plate 94’ engage behind each other. As can be seen from FIG. 10B, the teeth 100’ are placed “above” the protrusions 101’ of the rotary plate 94’ in the connected state.

[0296] For movement, the second plug connection part 92 is provided with a controllable locking mechanism 107’ with an actuator 109’ which here comprises an electric motor 105’ and a gear 105’’, where the gear 105’’ is operatively in contact with an external gear ring 106’ (as part of the locking mechanism 107’) on the rotary plate 94’ (FIG. 10B). Since the rotary plate 94’ is here involved in locking the two plug connection parts 91, 92 and is operatively in contact with the actuator 109’ at least indirectly, the same element 94’ can on the one hand form the latch element 94’ and on the other hand, preferably in another area, be part of the locking mechanism 107’.

[0297] FIG. 11 shows a further example of a plug connection, where, unlike FIGS. 6 - 10, the plug axis extends substantially orthogonally to the discharge direction SR of the administered substance from the nozzle 72 corresponding to the connection direction KR. FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of the actuator unit B, 20, and the fluid element A, 70 disconnected therefrom. The fluid element 70 has a first plug connection part 91, where the first latch element 93’’ projects laterally beyond the base body of the plug connection part 91 and has two elongated retaining elements 51 or two “tongues” 51 arranged on two opposite sides of the plug connection part 91. This is particularly prominent in the longitudinal section of the (here) connected fluid element 70 in FIG. 11C.

[0298] The second plug-in connection part 92 has, as a second latch element 94'', two elongated recesses 52 or grooves 52 in the actuator unit 20. When the first plug-in connection part 91 is inserted laterally into the actuator unit 20 in the connection direction KR of FIG. 11B, the springs 51 engage in the two elongated recesses 52 or grooves 52 so as to fit exactly in shape, forming the plug-in connection. Here, since two springs 51 are provided for connection, the two springs 51 can also be designated as two (first) latch elements 93'', in which case the grooves 52 in the actuator unit 20 form two (second) latch elements 94'' accordingly.

[0299] To lock the two plug-in connection parts 91, 92 in the correct position, the second plug-in connection part 92 comprises a locking mechanism with a spring-biased latch pin 108 as a latch element. In addition to what is shown in FIG. 11, the locking mechanism can alternatively or additionally have a controllable actuator, for example a pneumatic actuator, via which a locking bolt as a further latch element can be actively moved, preferably in a linear motion, substantially orthogonally to the connection direction KR, preferably in a linear motion.

[0300] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of a dosing system 3 with a differently designed plug-in connection in the disconnected state (FIG. 12A) or correctly connected state (FIG. 12B) of two dosing head components A, B.

[0301] The first plug-in connection part 91 has a number of spherical caps 95' as latch elements 93''' on the upper part of the plug-in connection part 91. Alternatively, the spherical caps 95' can also be designed in the shape of a circumferential annular groove. Each of the spherical caps 95' can also form a latch element 93'''.

[0302] The second plug-in connection part 92 has a plurality of locking balls 54 (only two are visible here) as latching elements 94''', where each locking ball 54 is assigned a through-opening 53 within the receiving area of the second plug-in connection part 92. The second plug-in connection part 92 comprises a controllable actuator 109'' with a pneumatic actuator chamber 105 and a compressed air supply 106. The pneumatic actuator chamber 105 is here realized by an annular channel, and under pressure, a locking ring 106''' attached to the ball 54 is (here) pushed upwards via a spring 106'', whereby the ball 54 is prevented from being pushed into the through-opening 53. In this state shown in Fig. 12A, since there is sufficient free space for the ball 54 to be pushed into the annular channel 106'', the plug-in connection is "open", where the first plug-in connection part 91 is inserted into the actuator unit 20 along the plug-in axis (corresponding to the connection direction KR) and inserted into a position intended such that the spherical cap 95' and the through-opening 53 are at the same height.

[0303] To lock the two dosing head components A, B, the pneumatic actuator is depressurized, whereby a locking ring 106''' with a wedge-shaped radial cross-section pushes the locking balls 54 through the through-opening 53 via the spring 106'' into the respectively assigned spherical caps 95' (Fig. 12B).

[0304] Fig. 13 schematically shows in cross-section another example of a plug-in connection, where the first latching element 93'''' is realized by a number of spherical caps 56.

[0305] The second latching element 94'''' has a number of through openings corresponding to the number of spherical caps 56, which may be similar to, for example, FIG. 12, where in a cross-sectional view, only the webs between each through opening or between the lock balls 54 are visible. The second latching element 94'''' has a number of balls 54 corresponding to the number of through openings and a rotary plate 55' with intermittent protrusions 55 and recesses 55''. As shown here, the number of balls 54 corresponds to the number of recesses 55'' in the rotary plate 55'. The second plug-in connection part 92 has a controllable actuator 109 (as part of the locking mechanism) for actively moving the second latching element 94'''', in particular the rotary plate 55', along a circular path according to the direction of rotation BR. In order to connect the two plug-in connection parts 91, 92, the recesses 55'' and the through openings in the rotary plate 55' are arranged to coincide with each other as shown here, so that one ball 54 each is arranged in each recess 55'', where the rotary plate 55' is rotated via the actuator 109, and as a result of the resulting rotational movement, each ball 54 is radially pushed inwards into the spherical cap 56 via the protrusions 55 of the rotary plate 55'. The balls 54 are mounted so as to be movable, but are held by the fixed through openings in the second plug-in connection part 92 and do not perform a substantial rotational movement.

[0306] In FIGS. 14 to 16, an additional dosing head or a part thereof according to the invention is schematically shown, whereby, in contrast to FIGS. 6 to 13, a specific nozzle element as a first dosing head component is detachably connected to a fluid-based body or (the same) nozzle via an interface, i.e., at least a part of the fluid element, in particular the fluid-based body, is connected to the actuator unit during the change process.

[0307] In FIG. 14, the component A to be exchanged is, for example, a nozzle casing 76 having an internal thread as a first interface portion, such as that shown in FIG. 14B. The complementary second interface portion is arranged as a second dosing head component B on the (same) nozzle, here on the external thread on the nozzle base body 71 that is not exchanged here (FIG. 14B). Therefore, in this case, the dosing head is formed by connecting the first nozzle portion A, 76 to another nozzle portion B, 71 and forming the nozzle 72 via the interface. In FIG. 14A, the nozzle casing 76 is still connected to the fluid base body, and the fluid element 70 is formed thereon, whereas FIG. 14B shows the disconnected nozzle casing A, 76, where the fluid base body 70' with the nozzle base body B, 71 remains on the actuator unit 20.

[0308] For the exchange, the first dosing head component A has a connection region 50, which is realized here by a special outer shape of the nozzle casing 76, for example a basic shape having a hexagonal cross-section. This can be seen, for example, in FIG. 14C, where the change system 6 has a nozzle holder 58 that is complementary to the connection region 50, i.e., the outer shape of the nozzle casing 76, and the connection region 50 can engage therein in a snug fit.

[0309] The change system 6 comprises a controllable actuator 109''', for example a locking mechanism 107''' with an electric motor for actively rotating the hexagonal nozzle holder 58 relative to the nozzle body B, 71 to connect or disconnect in different directions (FIG. 14A). The nozzle holder 58 is connected to the actuator 109''' via a rotation mechanism 64 (as part of the locking mechanism 107'''). Each nozzle holder 58 remains in the change system 6 even after the exchange.

[0310] In the example of FIG. 14, the locking mechanism 107''' is designed as a component of the magazine 60 of the change system 6. FIG. 14C shows, by way of example, a magazine 60 with five subunits 60', each subunit 60' having a receiving position for the nozzle casing 76, where each subunit 60' has an individual locking mechanism. In this example, in order to change the component, the dosing system 3 can be moved to the magazine 60 or vice versa, and in principle combinations are also conceivable.

[0311] In addition to what is shown here, for example, the nozzle casing 76 can also be replaced via a movable change manipulator by an exchange manipulator actively moving two or more subunits 60' to the dosing system 3 and properly positioning a particular nozzle casing A, 76 for connection to the nozzle base body B, 71.

[0312] FIG. 15 schematically shows a further example of a dosing system according to the invention in cross-section, where the entire nozzle 72 as the first dosing head component A here is connected to the (remaining) fluid unit, i.e., the fluid base body 70' as the second dosing head component B, and forms a dosing head thereon.

[0313] In FIG. 15, the fluid element is composed of "two parts" in the form of a plug-in connection, here comprising a first plug-in connection part 91' formed by the nozzle base body 71 and the fluid base body 70' shown only partially. The plug-in connection can have a functionality similar to that described in FIG. 6. Thus, the first plug-in connection part 91' has, at the upper end (here) of the nozzle base body 71, a first latch element 93 with a number of teeth 100 * having.

[0314] The second plug-in connection part 92’ is here configured as part of the (remaining) fluid element, i.e., as the fluid base body 70’, and has a second latch element 94 with a number of teeth 101’’ * For connection, the first plug-in connection part 91’ can be inserted into the second plug-in connection part 92’ in the direction KR, where the first latch element 93 * and the second latch element 94 * can be screwed relative to each other about the plug-in axis S, for example by means of a change manipulator, as explained with reference to FIG. 6. The connection region 50 for the change manipulator (not shown) here corresponds, for example, to the lower side including the nozzle opening 73 and the lateral region of the nozzle base body 71. A sliding seal 114 is arranged between the first and second plug-in connection parts 91’, 92’.

[0315] The dosing system 3, which was previously explained partially with reference to FIG. 15, is shown purely schematically in FIG. 4 together with the associated dosing device 2. In the example shown, the interface 12 is formed via a first interface part 13’ with a first functional connection element 16’ and a second interface part 14’ with a second functional connection element 19’. The first functional connection element 16’ is the first plug-in connection part 91’ explained with reference to FIG. 15, where the second functional connection element 19’ corresponds to the counter plug-in connection part 92’ on the fluid base body 70’. As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid base body 70’ and the nozzle 72 connected thereto as intended form the fluid element 70. In the example of FIG. 4, the interface 12 is, for example, integrally formed, unlike in FIG. 2. In this case, no separate supply connection elements are required for the first or second interface part to form the dosing head 5.

[0316] FIG. 16 schematically shows a further example of an administration system according to the present invention, where a first administration head component A is designed in the form of a nozzle aperture 111 and a second administration head component B is designed as part of a nozzle base body 71.

[0317] FIGS. 16A and 16B show in cross-section a portion of a fluid element 70 or a fluid base body 70', where the fluid element 70 or the fluid base body 70' comprises a locking mechanism 107'''' with a controllable actuator 109'''' and a slider 115, here a bearing part 115, which together form an integrated linear drive. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 107'''' with sub-components 109'''' and 115 forms a change system, in this case an aperture change system 6'. The slider 115 (as part of the change system) has a nozzle aperture holder 116 for the nozzle aperture A, 111 (as the first administration head component A), which is firmly connected to the actuator 109'''' here. The slider 115 and the nozzle aperture 111 thereon can be moved horizontally for the connection or disconnection of the nozzle aperture 111 in one direction BR.

[0318] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the nozzle aperture 111 is realized as a nozzle insert 74 held in a bearing part 115 formed separately for connection and / or disconnection and during the operation of the administration system 3, this bearing part 115 here also having the function of the slider 115 at the same time. The nozzle insert 74, i.e. the nozzle aperture 111, forms the outer lower end of the nozzle 72 in the connected state and defines the extent of the nozzle chamber at the bottom.

[0319] The bearing part 115 has a nozzle aperture holder 116 with which a specific nozzle aperture 111 engages securely (Figure 16C). In the case shown here, the nozzle aperture 111 is in contact with the bearing part 115 via the outer contour of the nozzle aperture 111, where the outer contour is the connection area of the nozzle aperture 111 for automatic change, and where the change is carried out via the aperture change system 6’.

[0320] In Figure 16A, the nozzle aperture A, 111 is connected to the nozzle base body B, 71 as intended to form a dosing head, where the nozzle aperture opening 112 forming the nozzle opening 73 of the dosing system 3 is centered with respect to the plunger tip. In this example, the nozzle aperture 111 forms the attachment of the nozzle 72 and is arranged on the nozzle 72 so as to abut fluid-tightly against the nozzle 72, particularly the nozzle base body B, 71, from below and outside.

[0321] For disconnection, the slider 115 can be moved, here to the right, by the locking mechanism 107’’ such that the nozzle aperture 111, particularly the nozzle aperture opening 112, is pushed laterally away from the nozzle 72. For this purpose, it is first necessary to move the plunger away from the nozzle aperture 112, preferably by decompressing the dosing substance cartridge or interrupting the supply of the dosing substance. The sliding seal 114 (here as part of the second interface part) abuts sealingly against the bearing part 115 to enable the change process and prevent leakage of the dosing substance during the change. In the example shown here, the bearing part 115 is on the one hand part of the aperture change system 6’ and on the other hand forms part of the first interface part, for example via its interaction with the sliding seal 114.

[0322] In FIG. 16B, the nozzle apertures A, 111 are disconnected and are pushed out laterally from the nozzle 72 or are arranged on the side of the dosing valve 3, whereby the fluid-based body 70' remains with the actuator unit 20. In this disconnected state, the nozzle apertures A, 111 can be removed upward from the bearing part 115, in particular from the nozzle aperture holder 116, by means of an exchange manipulator (not shown here for example) and can be transferred, for example, to a cleaning tank. Subsequently, for example, by means of the same change manipulator, "new" nozzle apertures A, 111 can be inserted upward into the nozzle aperture holder 116 that is then free. Subsequently, the slider 115 is moved in the direction BR, here to the left, so that the nozzle apertures A, 111 can be reconnected to the nozzle base body B, 71 or can be arranged here on the nozzle base body B, 71 from below. The slider 115 itself remains with the dosing system 3 during the change process.

[0323] In addition to what is shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the aperture change system 6' can include nozzle aperture magazines 113, 113' as schematically shown in FIG. 5. The aperture change system 6' with nozzle aperture magazines 113, 113' is arranged here by way of example on the actuator unit 20 and can also be arranged on the fluid element 70. In FIG. 5, in this example, it is clear that both the first interface part 13'' with the first functional connection element 16'' and the second interface part 14'' with the second functional connection element 19'' are arranged on the same nozzle 72 to form the interface 12.

[0324] In the example of FIG. 5 or FIG. 16, the first interface portion or the first functional connection element is realized by the nozzle aperture 111 itself, for example by the state of the outer surface, and optionally by a sliding seal. As described above, the bearing portion 115 may be involved in the formation of the first interface portion. The second interface portion or the second functional connection element is realized through the configuration of the receiving region within the nozzle base body 71. For example, thereby, the nozzle casing 111 can be accurately inserted into the slot within the base body 71 and / or is held as intended during operation by the base body 71 and / or the locking mechanism 107''''', for example via the bearing portion 115, and also by the sliding seal 114.

[0325] The nozzle aperture magazine 113 of FIG. 5 can be designed to store a plurality of individual nozzle apertures 111. However, the nozzle aperture magazine 113' can also be realized in the form of a nozzle aperture assembly 113' comprising a plurality of nozzle apertures 111'. This is shown in FIG. 16D above, where a strip-shaped nozzle aperture assembly 113' with a plurality of nozzle apertures 111' is shown, each nozzle aperture 111' having one nozzle aperture opening 112.

[0326] Depending on the configuration, a particular nozzle aperture 111' can be removed from the magazine 113' to the nozzle 72 or the nozzle base body B, 71 via a locking mechanism 107'' similar to that of FIG. 16A, for example, whereby the nozzle aperture strip 113' is moved more linearly in the (introduction) direction ER.

[0327] FIG. 16D shows another nozzle aperture magazine 113 at the bottom, which is realized by a bearing part 115’ and a number of nozzle aperture holders 116 (FIG. 16B), where each nozzle aperture holder 116 has a nozzle aperture 111 disposed therein. The nozzle aperture 111 can be removed from the bearing part 115’ in, for example, an automated process. As shown in FIG. 16D (bottom), the nozzle aperture openings 112, 112’ of the nozzle apertures 111 within the same magazine 113 or the same nozzle aperture assembly 113’ can have different designs. Thus, the bearing part 115’ can be positioned relative to the nozzle base body B, 71 by a controllable locking mechanism 107’’’’ and a corresponding, for example, circular path along or twist through the insertion direction ER of the bearing part 115’, such that a specific nozzle aperture 111 or a specific nozzle aperture opening 112, 112’ is inserted into and connected or disposed at the nozzle base body B, 71, and in particular, the tip of the plunger 40 and the specific nozzle aperture openings 112, 112’ are concentric with each other during operation. Thereby, a desired dosing pattern can be set during the operation of the automated change process, and thereby, in this embodiment, since the magazine 113 or the bearing part 115’ includes a plurality of different nozzle apertures 111, the nozzle apertures 111 can also be changed without an external change manipulator.

[0328] Finally, it is pointed out again that the dosing head and dosing system described in detail above are only exemplary embodiments that can be modified in various ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the first or second latching element can also have two or more separately formed latching elements or partial latching elements. Furthermore, a latching element, for example a rotary plate, can also be designed at least partially as part of a locking mechanism, especially when the rotary plate is operatively in contact with an actuator. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite article "ein" or "eine" does not exclude the possibility that the relevant features can occur multiple times.

Explanation of Signs

[0329] 1. Dosing equipment 2. Dosing device 3. Dosing system 5. Dosing head / dosing valve 6. Change system 6’. Aperture change system 7. Control device 8. Maintenance connection 9. Maintenance device 10. Supply connection 11. Functional connection 12. Interface 13, 13’, 13’’. First interface part 14, 14’, 14’’. Second interface part 15. Supply connection element (first interface part) 16, 16’, 16’’. Functional connection element (first interface part) 17, 17’, 17’’, 17’’’. Connection point 18. Supply connection element (second interface part) 19, 19’, 19’’. Functional connection element (second interface part) 20. Actuator unit 21. Control cable 22. Actuator housing 22’. Cooling medium supply section 23. Actuator chamber 24. Actuator / Piezo actuator 25. Working chamber 26. Spherical cap 27. Lever 28. Lever bearing 29. Opening 30. Contact surface (lever) 31. Actuator spring 32. Moving mechanism 40. Discharge element / Plunger 41. Plunger tip 42. Plunger seal 43. Plunger bearing 44. Plunger head 45. Contact surface (plunger) 46. Plunger spring 50. Connecting area 51. Tongue-shaped part 52. Groove 53. Through opening 54. Locking ball 55. Protrusion 55’. Rotating plate 55’’. Recess 56. Spherical cap 57. Access element 58. Nozzle holder 60. Magazine 60’. Sub-unit 61. Changing device / Changing manipulator 62. Maintenance connecting element 63. Locking mechanism 64. Rotating mechanism 70. Fluid unit 70’. Fluid base body 72. Nozzle 73. Nozzle opening 74. Nozzle insert 75. Nozzle chamber 76. Nozzle casing 77. Reservoir interface 78. Reservoir connection part 79. Heating device 80. Heating block 81. Frame part 82. Medium pressure line / Medium line 83. Heating connection cable 84. Heating control connection part 85. EEPROM 86. Supply channel 90. Plug-in connection part 91, 91’. First plug-in connection part 92, 92’. Second plug-in connection part 93, 93’, 93’’, 93’’’, 93’’’’, 93 * . First latch element 94, 94’, 94’’, 94’’’, 94’’’’, 94 * . Second latch element 95, 95’. Spherical cap 96. Ring groove 97. Seal (O-ring) 98. Clamp section 99. Gear section 100, 100’, 100’’. Teeth (first plug-in connection part) 101, 101’, 101’’. Teeth (second plug-in connection part) 101 * . Notch (second plug-in connection part) 102. External thread 103. Nozzle section 104. Receiving section 105. Pneumatic actuator chamber 105’. Electric motor 105’’. Gear 106. Pressure medium supply part 106’. Gear ring 106’’. Spring 106’’. Lock ring 106’’’’. Ring channel 107, 107’, 107’’, 107’’’, 107’’’’. Lock mechanism 108. Latch pin 109, 109’, 109’’, 109’’’, 109’’’’. Actuator 111, 111’. Nozzle aperture 112, 112’. Nozzle aperture opening 113, 113’. Nozzle aperture magazine / nozzle aperture assembly 114. Sliding seal 115, 115’. Bearing part / slider 116. Nozzle aperture holder 120. Eccentric mechanism 121. Eccentric spring 122. Eccentric shaft 123. Eccentric lever 124. Press ball 130. Administration substance supply part / administration substance cartridge A. First administration head component B. Second administration head component D. Data / control data BR. Moving direction / rotating direction KR. Connecting direction ER. Insertion direction FS. Fluid flow K. Tilt axis S. Plug-in axis SR. Administration substance discharge direction / discharge moving direction of discharge element

Claims

1. A dosing facility (1) comprising at least one dosing device (2) and at least one change system (6, 6') assigned to said dosing device (2), said dosing device (2) having at least one dosing system (3) comprising at least one dosing head (5) for dispensing a dosing substance, said dosing device (2) and / or said change system (6, 6') and / or said dosing system (3) being designed and controllable by a control device (7) such that at least one first dosing head component (A) can be detachably connected to at least one second dosing head component (B) in an automated process via said change system (6, 6') to form the dosing head (5).

2. said change system (6, 6') having at least one magazine (60, 60', 113, 113') for at least one first dosing head component (A), preferably said magazine (60, 60') being fixedly arranged within said dosing facility (1), said dosing device (2) being designed to be movable such that the second dosing head component (B) of said dosing device (2) can be operatively contacted with the first dosing head component (A) within said magazine (60, 60') in an automated process for connecting the dosing head components (A, B) and / or such that the first dosing head component (A) of the dosing head (5) can be placed within said magazine (60, 60') in an automated process and being controllable by a control device (7), and / or said magazine (60, 60') being designed to be movable with respect to said dosing device (2) such that the first dosing head component (A) within said magazine (60, 60') can be operatively contacted with the second dosing head component (B) on said dosing device (2) in an automated process for connecting the dosing head components (A, B) and / or such that the first dosing head component (A) of the dosing head (5) can be placed within said magazine (60, 60') in an automated process and being controllable by a control device (7), and / or The change system (6) has a movable change device (61), and the movable change device (61) is designed to perform the transfer of at least a first dosing head component (A) between the magazine (60, 60') and the dosing device (2) in an automated process, in particular such that the first dosing head component (A) from the magazine (60, 60') is operably brought into contact with and connected to the second dosing head component (B) of the dosing device (2), and / or such that the first dosing head component (A) is transferred from the dosing device (2) to the magazine (60, 60'), and can be controlled by a control device (7). The dosing facility (1) according to claim 1.

3. The magazine (60) of the change system (6) has at least one maintenance connection element (62) which cooperates with a connection element (15), preferably a supply connection element (15), of the first dosing head component (A) to form a maintenance connection (8), and the maintenance connection (8) is designed to connect at least one supply line (82, 83) of the dosing head component (A) to a maintenance device (9), and preferably it is possible to introduce a cleaning agent into the dosing head component (A) via the maintenance connection (8), and / or it is possible to control a heating device (79) of the dosing head component (A), and / or it is possible to read a memory (85) assigned to the dosing head component (A). The dosing facility (1) according to claim 2.

4. The magazine (60, 60', 113, 113') of the change system (6, 6') is designed to store dosing head components (A) of different designs, in particular simultaneously, and / or the change system (6, 6') is designed such that a specific dosing head component (A) from the magazine (60, 60', 113, 113') is operably brought into contact with the second dosing head component (B) of the dosing device (2) to connect the dosing head components (A, B), and can be controlled by a control device (7). The dosing facility (1) according to claim 2 or 3.

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

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

7. A dosing head (5) for a dosing system (3), in particular for the dosing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the dosing head (5) having at least an actuator unit (20) and a fluid unit (70) detachably connected to the actuator unit (20). A first interface portion (13, 13', 13'') of the interface (12) is assigned to at least one first dosing head component (A). A second interface portion (14, 14', 14'') of the interface (12) is assigned to at least one second dosing head component (B). The first interface part (13, 13', 13'') and / or the second interface part (14, 14', 14'') are designed to detachably connect the first dosing head component (A) to the second dosing head component (B) in an automated process to form a dosing head (5). The dosing head (5) having a connection area (50) in which the first dosing head component (A) is designed to interact with a change system (6, 6') at least temporarily assigned to the dosing head (5) in the automated process to connect the dosing head components (A, B). Claim 8 The first dosing head component (A) comprises at least one of the following elements: Fluid unit (70), Fluid base body (70'), Nozzle (72), Nozzle base body (71), Nozzle element (76, 111, 111'), Dosing substance supply (130), and / or The second dosing head component (B) comprises at least one of the following elements: Actuator unit (20), Fluid unit (70), Fluid base body (70'), Nozzle base body (71), the dosing head (5) according to claim 7. Claim 9 The first interface part (13) assigned to the first dosing head component (A) and / or the second interface part (14) assigned to the second dosing head component (B) are formed by a plurality of parts, the dosing head (5) according to claim 7 or 8. Claim 10 The first interface part (13) is assigned to the fluid unit (70), and / or The first interface part (13) has a supply connection element (15) for forming a supply connection (10), the supply connection element (15) being designed to connect at least one supply line (82, 83) of the fluid unit (70) to a supply device (2) during operation of the dosing head (5), and / or the supply connection element (15) comprises a closing mechanism designed to close at least one supply line (82) leading to the fluid unit (70) in an airtight and / or liquidtight manner. and / or The first interface portion (13) has a first functional coupling element (16), and a second interface portion (14) provided with a second functional coupling element (19) is assigned to the actuator unit (20) to form a functional coupling portion (11), and the first interface portion (13) and / or the second interface portion (14) is designed to detachably connect the fluid unit (70) to the actuator unit (20) via the interaction between the first functional coupling element (16) and the second functional coupling element (19). The dosing head (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The functional coupling element (16) of the first interface portion (13) has a first plug-in coupling portion (91), the functional coupling element (19) of the second interface portion (14) has a second plug-in coupling portion (92), the first plug-in coupling portion (91) and the second plug-in coupling portion (92) can be inserted into each other along a plug-in axis (S), and are integrally connected to each other to connect the fluid unit (70) to the actuator unit (20). For connection, at least one first latch element (93, 93', 93'', 93''', 93'''') is arranged on the first plug-in coupling portion (91), and / or at least one second latch element (94, 94', 94'', 94''', 94'''') is arranged on the second plug-in coupling portion (92). Preferably, the fluid unit (70) can be connected to the actuator unit (20) at at least two rotational positions centered on the plug-in axis (S) via a connection region (50) for the change system (6). The dosing head (5) according to claim 10.

12. The first plug-in connection part (91) and / or the second plug-in connection part (92), preferably at least the second plug-in connection part (92), has a lock mechanism (107, 107', 107'') that is automatically movable, and the lock mechanism (107, 107', 107'') is designed to move at least one latch element (94, 94', 94''', 94'''') in the plug-in connection part (92) relative to an associated latch element (93, 93', 93''', 93'''') in the other plug-in connection part (91) for connecting the fluid unit (70) to the actuator unit (20). The dosing head (5) according to claim 11.

13. The lock mechanism (107) is designed to move the first latch element and / or the second latch element (94) substantially linearly in at least one direction, and / or The lock mechanism (107') is designed to move the first latch element and / or the second latch element (94') at least partially along a circular path, and / or The lock mechanism (107, 107', 107'') has at least one controllable actuator (109, 109', 109'') for moving at least one latch element (94, 94', 94''', 94''). The dosing head (5) according to claim 12.

14. A first interface part (13') with a first functional connection element (16') is assigned to the nozzle (72) of the dosing head (5), and a second interface part (14') with a second functional connection element (19') is assigned to the fluid base body (70') and / or the nozzle (72). The first interface part (13') and / or the second interface part (14') is designed to detachably connect at least one nozzle element (72, 76, 111, 111') to the actuator unit (20) and / or the fluid base body (70') and / or the nozzle (72) through the interaction between the first functional connection element (16') and the second functional connection element (19'). The dosing head (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 13.

15. The functional coupling element (16') of the first interface part (13') has a first plug-in coupling part (91'), the functional coupling element (19') of the second interface part (14') has a second plug-in coupling part (92'), the first plug-in coupling part (91') and the second plug-in coupling part (92') can be plugged into each other along the plug-in axis (S), and are integrally connected to each other to connect at least one nozzle element (72) to the fluid-based body (70'). For the connection, at least one first latch element (93 * ) is arranged on the first plug-in coupling part (91'), and / or at least one second latch element (94 * ) is arranged on the second plug-in coupling part (92'). Preferably, the first plug-in coupling part (91') can be connected to the second plug-in coupling part (92') at at least two rotational positions centered on the plug-in axis (S) via a connection region (50) for the change system (6). The dosing head (5) according to claim 14.

16. The nozzle elements (111, 111') comprise nozzle apertures (111, 111'), and the nozzle apertures (111, 111') can be introduced into the nozzle (72) by a process automated by an aperture changing system (6') designed as a component of a change system (6), and the introduction direction (ER) of the nozzle apertures (111, 111') into the nozzle (72) via the aperture changing system (6') is transverse to the discharge direction (SR) of the administered substance, in particular transverse to the discharge movement direction (SR) of the discharge element (40). The dosing head (5) according to claim 14 or 15.

17. The aperture changing system (6') is preferably detachably connected to the fluid unit (70) and / or the actuator unit (20) and / or the dosing device (2), and / or The aperture changing system (6') preferably has an automatically movable locking mechanism (107'''') designed to introduce the nozzle apertures (111, 111') into the nozzle (72) by linear movement and / or along a circular path, and at least a first functional coupling element and / or a second functional coupling element has a sliding seal (114). The dosing head (5) according to claim 16.

18. The aperture changing system (6') has a nozzle aperture magazine (113, 113') for at least one nozzle aperture (111, 111'), preferably for a plurality of nozzle apertures (111, 111'), and preferably at least two nozzle apertures (111, 111') have different designs, and the aperture changing system (6') can be controlled and is designed to introduce a specific nozzle aperture (111, 111'), in particular together with a specific nozzle aperture opening (112, 112'), into the nozzle (72). The dosing head (5) according to claim 16 or 17.

19. A first interface portion having at least one first functional connection element is assigned to the administration substance supply unit (130), a second interface portion having a second functional connection element is assigned to the fluid unit (70), and the first interface portion and / or the second interface portion is designed to detachably connect at least the administration substance supply unit (130) to the fluid unit (70) via the interaction between the first functional connection element and the second functional connection element. The administration head (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 18.

20. An administration system (3) for an administration facility (1), in particular for an administration device (2) for the administration facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the administration system (3) has at least one administration head (5), in particular the administration head (5) according to any one of claims 7 to 19, and the administration system (3) is designed such that at least one first administration head component (A) can be detachably connected to at least one second administration head component (B) via a change system (6, 6') of the administration facility (1) in an automated process for forming the administration head (5) of the administration system (3), and can be controlled by a control device (7). The administration system (3).

21. A method for the automatic connection of at least a first administration head component (A) and a second administration head component (B) for forming an administration head (5) of an administration system (3), preferably an administration system (3) for an administration facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the automatic connection preferably includes at least one change of the administration head component (A) and / or is performed during the operation of the administration facility (1), and the method includes at least providing, preferably by a change system (6, 6'), at least one first administration head component (A) to which a first interface portion (13, 13', 13'') is assigned; Using the change system (6, 6'), connecting the first interface portion (13, 13', 13'') assigned to the first dosing head component (A) and the second interface portion (14, 14', 14'') assigned to the second dosing head component (B) to form an interface (12); Engaging at least one interface element (10, 11) of the interface (12), preferably by a control device (7), to removably connect the first dosing head component (A) via the first interface portion (13, 13', 13'') to the second interface portion (14, 14', 14'') of the second dosing head component (B) to form the dosing head (5); Optionally adjusting the actuator (24) of the actuator unit (20) such that a specific contact force of the discharge element (40) in the nozzle (72) is generated by the actuator (24) in a defined operating state of the actuator (24), in particular a deflection operating state, the adjustment process being preferably controlled by a control device (7). A method comprising the steps.

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