Administration valve for an administration device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dosing unit (1) comprising at least one dosing device (2), the dosing device (2) having at least one dosing system (3) comprising at least one dosing valve (4) for the release of a dosing substance and at least one exchange system (5) associated with the dosing device (2). The dosing unit (1) can be configured such that, in an automated process, at least one dosing valve (4) can be detachably connected to the dosing device (2) via the exchange system (5) for the purpose of releasing a dosing substance and / or such that, in an automated process, at least one dosing valve (4) can be detachably connected to a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5), and can be controlled by a control device (6). The present invention further relates to a dosing valve (4) for the dosing system (3), in addition to the exchange system (5) for the dosing unit (1), the dosing device (2) for the dosing unit (1), and the dosing system (3) comprising the dosing valve (4). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the automatic connection of at least one dosing valve (4) to the dosing device (2) and / or the supply device (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dosing unit comprising at least one dosing device, the dosing device having at least one dosing system comprising at least one dosing valve for releasing a dosing substance and at least one exchange system associated with the dosing device. The present invention relates to an exchange system for a dosing unit and a dosing valve of a dosing device, in addition to the dosing system and the dosing valve for the dosing system. The present invention also relates to a method for automatic connection of at least one dosing valve with a dosing device and / or a supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Dosing systems of the type described above are typically used to apply a dispensed medium systematically, i.e., at the right time, in the right place, and in an accurately metered amount, to a target surface. A dosing system usually comprises at least one dosing valve that functions for the actual release of the dosing substance, and other elements depending on the configuration, such as a controller for operating the dosing valve and a dosing substance reservoir. The release of the dosing substance can be effected by the drip release of the dosing medium or dosing substance through the nozzle of the dosing valve. The dosing valve can also be described as the dosing head of the dosing system, depending on the configuration.

[0003] In connection with what is known as "microdosing technology", it is often necessary to place very small amounts of a dosing substance with pinpoint accuracy, in fact in a non-contact manner, i.e., without direct contact between the dosing system and the target surface, on the target surface. A typical example of this is the dosing of glue dots, solder paste, paint, etc. when attaching circuit boards or other electronic components, or the application of converter materials for LEDs.

[0004] Such non-contact methods are often described as "jet processes", where the dosing valve operating according to the jet process is known as a "jet valve". The dosing medium is usually released from the jet valve by arranging a movable discharge element inside the nozzle of the jet valve that is moved relatively quickly in the discharge direction towards the nozzle opening, where a single droplet of the medium is discharged from the nozzle. After completion of such a discharge procedure, the discharge element is retracted in the opposite rearward direction to discharge the next droplet.

[0005] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the movable discharge element, the nozzle of the jet valve itself can be moved in the discharge direction or the rearward direction to discharge the dosing substance. To discharge the dosing material, the nozzle and the discharge element arranged within the nozzle can be moved towards and away from each other in relative movement, where the relative movement can be achieved solely by the movement of the nozzle or at least partially also by the corresponding movement of the discharge element.

[0006] The dosing system as described above for discharging the dosing substance can also comprise a contact dosing valve instead of the jet valve. Furthermore, the dosing valve can be manufactured as a needle dosing valve. Thus, the present invention is also not limited to a specific type of dosing valve and can be applied with any currently known dosing valve or dosing system of the type described above, even if the jet valve described above is preferred.

[0007] During operation of the dosing system, it is often necessary to clean and / or replace certain components of the dosing system, in particular of the dosing valve, either periodically or when a malfunction is reported. As an example, depending on the quality of the dosing substance, periodic cleaning of the fluid-conducting part of the dosing valve may be required to ensure constant dosing results during operation. Furthermore, replacement of the fluid-conducting elements of the dosing valve may be required before changing the dosing substance. In the case of a dosing valve equipped with its own reservoir of dosing substance, periodic replacement of the dosing substance cartridge may be required during operation.

[0008] In order to obtain a specific dosing pattern, especially for manufacturing a product having a specific pattern of the administered substance, during operation, it may be necessary to change the configuration of the dosing system, especially the dosing valve. The configuration of the dosing valve may involve, for example, a nozzle and / or a dispensing element and / or an actuator and / or a setup of the characteristics of the administered substance.

[0009] In particular, in the case of the aforementioned jet valve, during operation, in order to obtain a certain dosing result, it is necessary to replace or exchange specific components, for example, components that are severely worn during operation, for maintenance purposes.

[0010] In known dosing systems, the replacement of specific components usually means that it is necessary to remove the entire dosing system, at least the entire dosing valve of the dosing system, from the upper unit. To do this, for example, an operator manually removes the dosing valve from the upper unit and exchanges it with another dosing valve, but in many cases, the adjustment of the dosing valve still has to be performed manually. Depending on the configuration of the dosing valve, the replacement of the dosing valve takes a lot of time, and accordingly, the manufacturing process is also interrupted.

[0011] In particular, in the case of a large-scale production unit where a plurality of dosing valves are integrated into the upper unit and operated therefrom, if only one dosing valve is replaced, the entire production unit may be temporarily stopped.

[0012] Furthermore, during operation related to a certain dosing result, regular replacement and / or replacement according to the situation of specific components of the dosing valve, for example, worn components, are required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a dosing unit, and the assemblies or dosing unit components necessary for the operation of the dosing unit, whereby the aforementioned drawbacks can be overcome, or at least mitigated, and the dosing system or dosing valve can be operated as efficiently as possible.

[0014] This object is achieved by a dosing unit according to claim 1, an exchange system according to claim 5, a dosing device according to claim 6, a dosing valve according to claim 7, and a dosing system according to claim 14, as well as by a method according to claim 15.

[0015] The dosing unit according to the present invention has at least one dosing device, and the dosing device has at least one dosing system for the dosing substance or dosing medium during operation.

[0016] In connection with the present invention, it should be understood that a "dosing device" means a higher-level assembly or entity that includes at least (preparation) means, whereby the intended release of the dosing substance can be effected by at least one dosing valve, preferably a dosing system, connected to the dosing device. Preferably, the dosing device can comprise at least a supply device and / or a control device. At least a single, preferably two or more dosing valves can be connected to the dosing device during operation, i.e., for the intended release of the dosing substance. Each dosing valve or dosing system is preferably configured to be controllable separately. Preferably, each dosing valve that is operatively in contact with the dosing device by connection to release the dosing substance forms a dosing entity that can be operated separately.

[0017] Regardless of the specific embodiment, the dosing device can include at least one, preferably a plurality of connection positions for removably connecting each dosing valve, preferably the dosing system. Preferably, a mating interface portion can be associated with each connection position to form an interface between the dosing device and each dosing valve. This will be described in detail below.

[0018] The dosing system according to the invention comprises at least one dosing valve configured such that during operation the dosing substance is released onto the substrate in a controlled manner. The dosing valve can be configured according to one of the types described above. In particular, the dosing valve can be a jet valve. The dosing valve has at least one actuator unit and a fluid unit which is connected to it during operation and functions as a sub-component. The dosing valve comprises at least the components of the dosing system which contribute to the actual release of the dosing substance during operation. In particular, the dosing valve can be configured as a sub-unit of the dosing system.

[0019] Each dosing system has, in addition to the dosing valve, at least one additional dosing substance reservoir and an associated control device for controlling the operation of the dosing valve. The dosing substance reservoir and / or the control device can be associated with a specific dosing valve and in particular can be incorporated thereon and / or therein, for example as a mixed-in dosing substance cartridge or a local control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing valve can be connected during operation to an external, in particular stationary, dosing substance reservoir and / or a higher-level, in particular external, control device to form the dosing system. Details of the dosing system are provided below.

[0020] According to the present invention, the dosing unit comprises at least one exchange system which is at least temporarily associated with the dosing device during operation. In particular, during operation of the dosing unit, the exchange system can be associated with a specific dosing system and / or a specific dosing valve, at least temporarily. Depending on the embodiment, at least part of the exchange system can be permanently associated with a specific dosing valve for the purpose of releasing the dosing substance.

[0021] According to the present invention, the dosing unit, in particular the exchange system and / or the dosing device and / or the dosing valve, is configured such that, in an automated process, for the purpose of releasing the dosing substance, at least the dosing valve can be detachably, in particular reversibly, connected to the dosing device via the exchange system, in particular via a movable exchanger of the exchange system, and can thus be controlled by a control device.

[0022] According to one embodiment, each dosing valve can be arranged to be directly connected to the dosing device itself, where, in the connected state, the intended release of the dosing substance can be effected via the dosing valve.

[0023] According to one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the dosing valve can be indirectly connected and coupled to the dosing device. Preferably, such an (indirect) connection can be effected by a movable exchanger of the exchange system. By way of example, the movable exchanger can be permanently associated with a specific dosing valve during the dosing operation, where the exchanger is detachably connected to the dosing valve on the one hand and is in operative contact with the dosing device on the other hand. Thus, the dosing valve can also be connected to the dosing device via its connection to the movable exchanger. A combination of the two embodiments is also possible. By way of example, the dosing unit can have at least one dosing valve arranged directly on the dosing device for releasing the dosing substance, where at least one other dosing valve for releasing the dosing substance is detachably connected to a movable exchanger.

[0024] As an alternative or in addition, the dosing unit, in particular the exchange system and / or the dosing device and / or the dosing valve, can be configured and controlled by a control device such that at least the dosing valve can be detachably, in particular reversibly, connected to the supply device via the exchange system in an automated process.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one dosing valve can be arranged to be directly or straightly connected to the supply device itself. As an alternative or in addition, at least one dosing valve can be (indirectly) connected to the supply device via a movable exchange device, where the dosing valve is connected to the exchange device and the exchange device is in operative contact with the supply device. These combinations are also possible.

[0026] The supply device can be configured as part of the dosing device, in which case the dosing valve can be detachably connected to the supply device via the dosing device.

[0027] As an alternative or in addition, a preferably separately configured supply device can be connected to a magazine which is part of the exchange system, in which case the dosing valve can be detachably connected to the supply device via the magazine. As an alternative or in addition, the supply device can preferably be constructed separately from the dosing device, where the dosing valve can be connected to the supply device via the exchange system (only) during the conveyance of the dosing valve in the dosing unit, for example. Irrespective of the specific embodiment of the supply device, each dosing valve can be directly or indirectly connected to the supply device, in particular in an automated process, for example via a movable exchange device.

[0028] The term "automated process" should preferably be understood to mean that the procedure for connecting the dosing valve can be carried out without direct human manual intervention or is carried out as intended. The individual steps of the method and / or the means involved in the connection process that form the basis of the automated connection process can be controlled by a control device, in particular the higher-level control device of the dosing unit, whereby the connection procedure for connecting the dosing valve and / or the disconnection procedure for disconnecting the dosing valve are carried out completely automatically.

[0029] In order to connect at least the dosing valve to the dosing device and / or the supply device, an exchange system, in particular a movable exchange device, can interact functionally with at least a part of the dosing device and / or the dosing valve, at least temporarily. In particular, the exchange system provides means that are configured to connect at least one dosing valve to the dosing device and / or the supply device by coupling, in turn, in particular by interaction with the dosing device and / or the dosing valve. Thus, the exchange system preferably also provides means for carrying out the disconnection of at least the dosing valve from the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0030] According to the invention, the exchange system is configured to removably connect at least one dosing valve to an associated connection partner in an automated process. Thus, in an automated process, in particular by connecting the dosing valve to a dosing device comprising an associated control device and an associated dosing substance reservoir, a (complete) dosing system can be formed via the exchange system. Furthermore, the exchange system is also configured to removably connect a (complete) dosing system to the dosing device and / or the supply device in an automated process, in particular as long as the dosing valve has a local control unit and a mixed-type dosing substance reservoir.

[0031] As an advantage, both the connection and disconnection of the dosing valve and the dosing device can be carried out in a fully automated process via the dosing unit according to the invention, which comprises a dosing device cooperating with an exchange system and a properly constructed dosing valve. As an example, control software for controlling the connection or disconnection process can be manually set up, and then the actual exchange process within the dosing unit can be carried out via the control device without the direct involvement of the operator.

[0032] As an advantage, the dosing unit according to the invention and other dosing unit components can carry out the replacement of the dosing valve more quickly than a manual replacement, thereby minimizing the interruption of the dosing operation. In particular, in the case of large-scale production units with a plurality of dosing valves, the downtime of the dosing unit can be reduced, thus improving the efficiency of the dosing unit. Furthermore, the automated exchange process reduces the causes of human error occurring when changing the dosing valve and enhances the production quality.

[0033] A further advantage results from the fact that a dosing valve disconnected from the dosing device can be operatively contacted with a supply device via the exchange system. As an advantage, in the case of a dosing valve not in the dosing operation, cleaning and / or annealing can be carried out and / or the dosing valve can be controlled by the control device via the supply device, in particular for the calibration and the teaching process of the dosing valve. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0034] The present invention further relates to an exchange system for a dosing unit, in particular for a dosing unit according to the present invention, where the dosing unit has at least one dosing device with at least one dosing system during operation, and the dosing system has at least one dosing valve, preferably the above-mentioned dosing valve. According to the present invention, the exchange system is configured such that at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be detachably connected to the dosing device via the exchange system for the purpose of releasing the dosing substance in an automated process and / or such that at least the dosing valve can be detachably, in particular reversibly, connected to the supply device via the exchange system in an automated process, and is controllable from a control device.

[0035] The exchange system is preferably configured such that in an automated process, at least the dosing valve of the dosing system can be disconnected from the dosing device and / or the supply device via the exchange system and is controllable by a control device.

[0036] Preferably, the exchange system has at least one fitting interface part configured to detachably connect the dosing valve to the exchange system in an automated process by cooperation with an associated valve interface part of the dosing valve by forming an interface.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the exchange system can have at least one, preferably two or more individually controllable movable exchange devices. Preferably, each exchange device has a mating interface portion that is complementary to the valve interface portion. More preferably, each movable exchange device can be operatively contacted with a dosing device and / or a supply device, where, in an automated process, the dosing valve can be detachably connected to the movable exchange device via each mating interface portion. Thus, the dosing valve can also be (indirectly) connected to the dosing device and / or the supply device via its connection to the movable exchange device. In other words, an operative connection between the dosing valve and the dosing device and / or the supply device can be formed in order to connect the dosing valve to the dosing device and / or the supply device by means of the movable exchange device. This means that the (respective) movable exchange device can provide a mating interface portion, and the mating interface portion is associated with the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0038] Preferably, each movable exchange device according to this embodiment can form an intermediate or connecting element between the dosing valve and the dosing device or the supply device, and is therefore also described as a movable intermediate member. Preferably, the movable intermediate member can be formed by a controllable robotic arm having a mating interface portion. Preferably, a part of the robotic arm can be installed within the dosing unit via a secure connection to, for example, the dosing device or the supply device, where a second part of the same robotic arm is movable particularly with respect to the magazine and / or the dosing device and / or the dosing point. This type of movable intermediate member according to this embodiment is known as a "working manipulator". Preferably, two or more working manipulators that are operated separately (as part of the exchange system) can be associated with one dosing device.

[0039] The present invention further relates to an administration device for an administration unit, in particular for an administration unit according to the present invention, the administration device having, during operation, at least one administration valve, preferably at least one administration system comprising the above-mentioned administration valve, the administration device being configured such that, in an automated process, at least the administration valve of the administration system can be detachably connected to the administration device via an exchange system of the administration unit for the purpose of releasing an administration substance and / or such that, in an automated process, at least the administration valve can be detachably, in particular reversibly, connected to a supply device via an exchange system of the administration unit and can be controlled by a control device.

[0040] The administration device is preferably configured such that, in an automated process, at least the administration valve of the administration system can be disconnected from the administration device and / or the supply device via an exchange system of the administration unit and can be controlled by a control device. Preferably, the connection and / or disconnection of the administration valve can be carried out via a movable exchange device of the exchange system, preferably a working manipulator.

[0041] The present invention further relates to an administration valve for an administration system, in particular for an administration unit according to the present invention. Preferably, the administration valve comprises at least one actuator unit and a fluid unit, in particular detachably connected thereto. This type of administration valve constructed from an actuator unit and a fluid unit can also be described synonymously as an administration head of the administration system.

[0042] Preferably, the actuator unit has at least one actuator for moving the ejection element of the dosing valve for discharging the dosing substance. Preferably, the actuator can be a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator can preferably include a membrane that is pressurized and / or deflected by a pressure medium, thereby being able to move the ejection element in the ejection direction. Preferably, the actuator can be a piezo actuator. Alternatively, as a form of drive, an electromagnetic drive or a combination of different actuator types can also be provided. The fluid unit includes at least a supply channel for the dosing substance and a nozzle for discharging the dosing substance from the dosing valve. The fluid unit and / or the actuator unit can preferably have at least one heating device for temperature control of the dosing substance. Details of the actuator unit and the fluid unit are provided below.

[0043] According to the present invention, the dosing valve has at least one valve interface part, and the at least one valve interface part is associated with a dosing device in an automated process for discharging a dosing substance together with the dosing device and / or a supply device, and / or is associated with a supply device, and is configured to detachably connect the dosing valve, in particular by forming an interface, by cooperation with an associated mating interface part associated with the dosing device and / or by cooperation with an associated mating interface part associated with the supply device. The valve interface part and the mating interface part are particularly configured such that in an automated process, for the intended discharge of the dosing substance, by forming an interface, the dosing valve can be detachably connected to the dosing device, for example, can be detachably arranged on the dosing device.

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

[0045] The valve interface part can preferably be formed by a plurality of parts. In particular, the valve interface part can comprise two or more elements (described as valve interface elements). Each valve interface element, in particular each connecting element formed thereby, can be formed separately, for example spatially separated from each other.

[0046] The mating interface part can preferably be formed by a plurality of parts. In particular, the mating interface part can comprise two or more elements (described as mating interface elements). Each mating interface element or region can be formed separately, for example spatially separated from each other.

[0047] According to one embodiment, at least one mating interface element of the mating interface part associated with the administration device and / or the supply device can be formed, at least partially, as part of the administration device itself and / or can be arranged, at least partially, on the administration device.

[0048] According to one embodiment, alternatively or additionally, at least one mating interface element of the mating interface part associated with the administration device and / or the supply device can be provided by an exchange system, in particular a movable exchange device.

[0049] Furthermore, at least one mating interface element of the mating interface portion associated with the supply device can be formed at least partially as part of the supply device itself and / or can be arranged at least partially on the supply device. Alternatively or additionally, the mating interface element can also be provided by the magazine of the exchange system. Details regarding this are provided below.

[0050] According to the present invention, the administration valve has at least one connection region configured to interact with an exchange system that is at least temporarily associated with the administration valve in an automated process for connecting the administration valve to an administration device and / or for connecting the administration valve to a supply device. Preferably, the exchange system is the exchange system of the administration unit according to the present invention as described above. The exchange system is associated with a specific administration valve, at least during the exchange period of each administration valve. The exchange system can be associated alternately with different administration valves and / or different administration devices.

[0051] The connection region on the administration valve is preferably configured such that the exchange system can interact with the administration valve via this connection region, and in particular, the exchange system can act on the administration valve such that the administration valve and the administration device and / or the administration valve and the supply device are operatively contacted. The connection region is more preferably configured such that the exchange system can interact with the administration valve, whereby the disconnection of the administration valve from the administration device and / or the disconnection of the administration valve from the supply device can also be carried out in an automated process.

[0052] Preferably, the connection region of the administration valve can be configured as part of the valve interface portion. In principle, the administration valve can have two or more, and even different, connection regions.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the connection region can be configured in the form of a conveying connection element of the valve interface portion. The valve interface portion is then preferably configured to detachably connect the dosing valve to the exchange system, in particular by forming an interface, in an automated process, especially for the conveyance of the dosing valve within the dosing unit, by cooperation with the associated mating interface portion of the exchange system.

[0054] In this embodiment, the valve interface portion can be formed by at least three parts. Preferably, the valve interface portion then comprises three valve interface elements, one valve interface element forming a supply connection element, (another) valve interface element forming a functional connection element, and (another) valve interface element forming a conveying connection element. The valve interface portion is preferably configured such that the dosing valve simultaneously forms a (single) interface via two or more valve interface elements. Thus, the interface can have different configurations and / or can comprise two or more interface segments, in particular depending on the valve interface elements involved. Details regarding this are provided below.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the valve interface portion has two valve interface elements, one valve interface element forming a supply connection element and another valve interface element forming a functional connection element. Preferably, the connection region of the dosing valve can then be formed by the functional connection element of the valve interface portion. Preferably, the dosing valve can also interact with the exchange system during the dosing operation via the connection region, in particular being detachably arranged on a movable exchange device, where the dosing valve can be connected to the dosing device and / or supply device via the movable exchange device.

[0056] The present invention further relates to an administration device for an administration unit, in particular to an administration system for an administration unit according to the present invention. The administration system has at least one administration valve, in particular an administration valve according to the present invention, and an associated control device for controlling the administration valve. The control device can be a control device of the administration unit and / or a control unit belonging to the administration system, for example, a (local) control unit. In an automated process, the administration system is configured such that at least the administration valve can be detachably connected to the administration device via an exchange system for the administration unit, in particular an exchange system according to the present invention, and / or in an automated process, at least the administration valve can be detachably connected to a supply device via the exchange system, and can be controlled by the control device.

[0057] Furthermore, the administration system is preferably controlled by an associated control device such that in an automated process, at least the administration valve of the administration system can be disconnected from the administration device and / or the supply device via the exchange system of the administration unit.

[0058] As an advantage, all assemblies of the administration unit or administration unit components have the same basic inventive concept that the administration valve of the administration system can be exchanged in an automated process. As a result, the advantageous effects similar to those described for the administration unit according to the present invention are equally applicable to the administration device, the exchange system, the administration system, and the administration valve.

[0059] In a method according to the present invention for automatically connecting at least one administration valve, preferably an administration valve according to the present invention and / or an administration valve for an administration unit according to the present invention, to an administration device and / or a supply device, the automatic connection preferably includes at least one exchange of the administration valve. Preferably, the automatic connection can be performed during the operation of the administration unit, in particular while at least one other administration system of the same administration unit is continuing the administration operation.

[0060] The method can include at least the following steps: In an optional step, at least one interface of the attached dosing valve having a valve interface part and a fitting interface part can be brought into an interface transition state in order to enable an automated replacement of the dosing valve having a valve interface part. Preferably, the transition state is induced by interrupting the power and / or pressure of at least one (interface) element of at least one interface part. Preferably, the power and / or pressure for the supply connection can be interrupted. In particular, the transition state of the interface can preferably be generated via a command from a control device associated with the upper dosing valve.

[0061] In an optional step, the dosing valve can be transferred to an exchange system, preferably by using the connection area of the dosing valve associated with the exchange system. Preferably, the dosing valve can be transferred to a movable exchange manipulator of the exchange system.

[0062] In an optional step, the interface can preferably be transferred to a disconnected state by a control device associated with the dosing valve. In order to transfer to the disconnected state, the preferably mechanical connection between the valve interface part and the fitting interface part can be released, and in particular, the functional connection part can be opened.

[0063] In an optional step, the detached or disconnected dosing valve can be transferred to a magazine, preferably a magazine of the exchange system. Preferably, the transfer can be carried out by a movable component of the exchange system, in particular via a movable exchange manipulator. The steps of the above method can preferably be carried out using a dosing valve (directly) connected to a dosing device and / or a supply device.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, according to one embodiment, first, the interface of the attached dosing valve can be put into a transition state, where the dosing valve is connected to a working manipulator as a movable exchange device. Preferably, the dosing valve can be moved into the magazine of the exchange system by the working manipulator. Next, the interface can be put into a disconnected state, and the disconnected dosing valve can be placed in the magazine. It is also possible to first bring the dosing valve into the magazine via the working manipulator and generate the transition state and disconnected state of the interface only there.

[0065] Optional steps of the above method are preferably performed when the dosing valve is replaced, i.e., when the dosing valve is replaced with another dosing valve having the same function, for example, in the same order of the method. Therefore, in this regard, the method can also be described as a method combining disconnection / connection, or more simply as an "exchange process". Therefore, the above steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the described order, and multiple steps can be performed essentially simultaneously, or individual steps can actually be omitted.

[0066] In any case, the method according to the invention includes the steps of the method described below. As long as the method is performed as an exchange process, these steps of the method can essentially directly follow the above disconnection step.

[0067] Alternatively, for example, when the dosing device is equipped with a dosing valve after a long downtime period, the following steps can also be performed independently of the above optional steps.

[0068] First, preferably by an exchange system, provisioning is performed on the dosing valve at the valve interface portion. Provisioning means at least that the exchange system has access to the dosing valve and can interact with the dosing valve in particular.

[0069] According to one embodiment, for provisioning, the mating interface portion of the exchange system can interact with the valve interface portion, in particular the conveyance coupling element, to form an interface, preferably to form a first interface segment of the interface. Then, using the exchange system, the valve interface portion of the administration valve, in particular the functional coupling element and the supply coupling element, is brought together with their complementary mating interface portions associated with the administration device and / or the supply device, in particular to form a second interface segment. In this embodiment, the administration valve can preferably be directly connected to the administration device and / or the supply device.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the mating interface portion of the working manipulator can interact with the valve interface portion by forming an interface. In this case, the valve interface portion can be brought together with the complementary mating interface portion of the working manipulator and can be brought together using the exchange system, where the mating interface portion of the working manipulator is associated with the administration device and / or the supply device.

[0071] Regardless of the specific embodiment, at least one interface element of the valve interface portion and / or the mating interface portion associated with the administration device and / or the supply device is preferably interlocked by a command via a control device associated with the administration valve to removably or reversibly connect the administration valve, via the valve interface portion, to the mating interface portion associated with the administration device and / or the mating interface portion associated with the supply device for connecting the administration valve. The connection can be made indirectly, at which time the administration valve can be reversibly connected to the administration device and / or the supply device by forming an interface via the working manipulator.

[0072] In an optional step, depending on the embodiment, the connection between the mating interface part of the exchange system and the valve interface part, in particular the conveying connection element, can be released.

[0073] As long as the dosing valve is connected to the movable working manipulator, the preconfigured interface can also remain closed even during the dosing operation of the dosing valve.

[0074] In an optional step, adjustment of the actuator or actuator unit can be carried out. In particular, in the case of a jet valve with a movable ejection element, there are advantages for adjustment with regard to dosing accuracy. Preferably, the adjustment can be carried out such that a specific compressive force of the ejection element is generated on the nozzle of the fluid unit by the actuator in a defined operating state of the actuator, in particular in the deflection operating state of the actuator. Preferably, the adjustment process can be controlled via a preferably higher-level control device associated with the dosing valve.

[0075] Advantageously, the automated exchange method or automated exchange process is also based on the same inventive concept as described for the dosing unit. Accordingly, the same advantageous effects occur with this method.

[0076] The aforementioned exchange process can also be integrated, as an advantage, preferably into a method for controlling at least one, preferably a plurality of, dosing systems each provided with a dosing valve, for controlling the dosing system according to the invention. Preferably, the control method can be carried out such that during the operation of at least one dosing system, the intended release of the dosing substance takes place from the dosing valve. Preferably, in the control method, in an automated process, the dosing valve can be connected at least once to a mating interface part associated with the dosing device and / or the supply device via a valve interface part for detachably connecting to the dosing device and / or the supply device. Preferably, the control method is implemented in an automated process such that the dosing valve can be disconnected at least once from the dosing device and / or the supply device, in particular such that the dosing valve can be exchanged at least once for another dosing valve.

[0077] The feature of "detachable connection" or "detachable connectability" as used in connection with the present invention means that the dosing valve and / or the associated connection partner, in particular the valve interface part and the mating interface part, are configured such that they can be connected together and later separated from each other again. This means that, in particular while maintaining the technical specifications, the dosing valve can be detached again from the connection partner. In particular, the disconnection of the dosing valve and the subsequent connection of another dosing valve, i.e., the exchange of the dosing valve, can be carried out in a common process sequence.

[0078] Other particularly advantageous embodiments and further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims and the following description, and the independent claims of one claim category also belong equally to the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of another claim category, and in particular the individual features of the various exemplary embodiments or variants can also be combined to form new exemplary embodiments or variants.

[0079] The above-mentioned dosing unit comprises at least one, preferably two or more, individual dosing devices. The dosing unit can be, for example, the entire production facility and can comprise at least the assemblies or dosing unit components necessary for carrying out the present invention. This means that the dosing unit preferably comprises at least each dosing device, a replacement system, a dosing system, a dosing valve, and a control device.

[0080] As long as the dosing unit has two or more dosing devices, different finished products can be manufactured, for example, on the individual dosing devices. Thus, each dosing device can be operated separately from one another and / or can be controllable separately from the control device. The dosing devices can be configured differently. As an example, the dosing device can be configured such that at least one dosing valve is arranged directly on the dosing device for discharging the dosing substance, where another dosing device is connected to at least one dosing valve via a movable intermediate member for discharging the dosing substance.

[0081] Preferably, the dosing unit can have a control device that can individually control all of the assemblies of the dosing unit, particularly each dosing valve. This control device can have all of the hardware components, for example, an interface for the individual assemblies of the dosing unit, and accordingly can transmit control signals for an automated connection and / or disconnection process to each assembly and / or can be programmed to control the dosing process of the individual dosing valves. This type of control device can also be described as a "superordinate" control device and can be centralized. However, preferably, the configuration of the superordinate control device is decentralized.

[0082] As an example, the higher-level control device can comprise a system generated from a plurality of cooperating partial control units, which can also be arranged at different positions within the administration unit. Preferably, each partial control unit can communicate with each other, especially for exchanging control signals and / or measurement signals.

[0083] Preferably, the higher-level control device can comprise at least two cooperating partial control units. Preferably, in that case, the (first) partial control unit can be configured to execute the control of a specific unit function of the administration unit, especially a unit function that is unproblematic for the administration process itself. Preferably, such a "unit control unit" can control at least the positioning of the administration valves within the administration unit and / or the handling of the finished products, especially the conveyance of the finished products to or from the administration point, and / or, especially with regard to the administration accuracy of each administration valve, execute a monitoring function. This unit control unit can be created, for example, by a standard programmable logic controller (PLC). Preferably, the specific configuration of the administration unit, especially the assembly within the administration unit or the position of the administration unit components, can be stored in the unit control unit.

[0084] Preferably, the unit control unit can interact with a (second) partial control unit (hereinafter "operation control unit") that controls the actual administration process of each administration valve of the administration unit and / or the automated exchange process for a specific administration valve. Preferably, the unit control unit and the operation control unit can communicate with each other, especially for exchanging control signals. The operation control unit can, as an advantage, individually control at least each of the following elements of the administration unit: the exchange system, especially the magazine for the administration valves, and the movable exchange device or the (respective) work manipulator, as well as each administration valve of the administration unit, especially the valve interface part of each administration valve and the respective associated mating interface part.

[0085] As a rule, the exchange process for the administration valve can only be controlled by the operation control unit.

[0086] However, preferably, two or more partial control units cooperate together for the automatic exchange of the administration valve. Preferably, the unit control unit can control the assembly of the administration unit involved such that a specific administration valve (to be exchanged) is moved to the exchange position. To execute the actual exchange process, the operation control unit preferably controls, in response to a control signal from the unit control unit, the assembly involved in the exchange procedure, i.e., in particular the exchange system and the specific administration valve, as well as the interface parts involved. After completion of the exchange process, in particular in response to a control signal from the operation control unit, the exchanged administration valve can be returned from the exchange position to the working position by the unit control unit.

[0087] To be complete, it is pointed out that, as a rule, a single, if necessary central, higher-level control device can not only execute the method steps for the automated exchange process, but also control the administration process for the administration valve, i.e., can control the entire administration unit according to the invention.

[0088] Without limitation, the explanation starts with a higher-level control device having at least two cooperating partial control units, because specific advantages can arise in this way. As an example, when implementing the present invention in an existing administration unit, an already existing control device may be required, so that, for example, only a specific operation control unit for controlling the automated exchange process needs to be retrofitted.

[0089] Preferably, the upper control device may also have an adjustment function. As an example, the operating parameters of each dosing valve or its sub-components can be fed into and processed by the control device. Preferably, the upper control device can intervene to adjust the dosing operation of a specific dosing valve and / or a specific dosing device in consideration of at least one operating parameter, so that a nominal value for the operating parameter is obtained. Such operating parameters can be, for example, the deflection of the actuator during operation or the stroke of the plunger.

[0090] Preferably, the upper control device can be configured to continuously and actively monitor at least one state value during the operation of at least one component of the dosing unit, preferably of the dosing system, in particular of the dosing valve. Such state values can be, for example, wear parameters, temperature, or the degree of wear of the individual components of the dosing valve, for example the degree of wear of the ejection element.

[0091] Further state values can be the number of shot cycles, the (sensor) signal from the droplet detector, in particular the absence of droplet break-off, the signal from the flow sensor in the supply channel, in particular the throughput deviating from the nominal value, the signal from the filling level sensor of the dosing substance cartridge, the elapse of a defined period, in particular with respect to the processing time for the dosing substance, or the reaching of the regular maintenance interval for the component.

[0092] The state values can also be determined so as to be able to establish the dosing accuracy for a specific dosing valve. Preferably, the state values can be the amount of dosing substance released from the dosing valve during each ejection procedure and / or the shape of the droplets of the released dosing substance.

[0093] Preferably, measurement values representing respective state values are supplied to the control device. Preferably, an exchange process can be initiated by the control device depending on at least one state value, in particular a measurement value. As an example, the operation control unit can generate a control signal depending on at least one state value and / or can transmit a control signal to the unit control unit in order to arrange a specific dosing valve in an exchange position.

[0094] The measurement values can be generated via sensors of the dosing valves and / or by a weighing scale or a camera system as part of the dosing unit. Preferably, the control device can compare each state value during operation, preferably in real time, with an associated predetermined nominal value, thereby determining the remaining service life for the component and / or (pre-) determining the exchange (exchange time) of the dosing valve.

[0095] As an example, the control device can perform an automatic exchange of the dosing valve as soon as a specific state value of the dosing valve reaches and / or exceeds a maximum allowable value and / or deviates by a specific value from the associated nominal value. Optionally, an exchange notice or wear notice can be generated in advance by the control device and may need to be confirmed by the user.

[0096] Preferably, the control device can be configured such that a sequence plan is generated for an automated exchange process, especially as long as the dosing unit comprises a plurality of dosing valves and / or dosing devices. Preferably, the control device can plan the exchange process within the dosing unit such that the operation within the dosing unit can be carried out without interruption as much as possible, taking into account the state values from different dosing valves. Preferably, the remaining service life of the component, the type of dosing head component to be exchanged, the exact exchange time, the location for the exchange, i.e., the spatial position of the dosing valve and / or dosing device within the unit, can be taken into account in the sequence plan.

[0097] As an alternative or in addition, the control device can also be programmed so that a specific dosing valve is changed daily or regularly. Suitable status values can be, for example, the maximum service time for the ejection element, the maximum allowable number of expansion cycles for the piezo actuator, or a specific number of shot cycles. In principle, it is also possible to perform manual intervention in the automated replacement process, i.e., to start the replacement process by manual (user) input, for example when a specific dosing valve needs to be replaced (exceptionally) independently of reaching the status value.

[0098] To be complete, it should be pointed out that in a dosing unit configured for an automated replacement process, it is also possible for the user to (completely) manually perform the connection and / or disconnection of the dosing valve, in particular by forming an interface between the dosing valve and the dosing device and / or the supply device.

[0099] Preferably, the higher-level control device is configured to independently execute all process steps of the method according to the invention for automated connection and / or disconnection, in particular taking into account a previously generated order plan, and / or to apply control signals corresponding to the assemblies involved in executing the method.

[0100] Preferably, each dosing system and / or each dosing device has its own separate (local) control unit, in particular in the form of a partial control unit. In particular, each dosing valve can be associated with its own partial control unit in order to form a dosing system in this way. As an example, the (local) partial control unit can be arranged in each actuator unit of the dosing valve. Preferably, the partial control unit is configured to locally control at least the dosing operation of each dosing valve. As an example, the cooling device and / or heating device of the dosing valve can be controlled by the partial control unit, for example to set a specific temperature in the dosing substance, and / or the clock frequency for the supply of the dosing substance can be controlled.

[0101] Preferably, each partial control unit of the dosing valve or dosing system can communicate with other partial control units of the dosing unit, in particular also with the operation control unit and / or the unit control unit. In particular, the partial control unit of the dosing valve can form part of the higher-level control device. In other words, each partial control unit can be configured as a sub-component of the higher-level control device.

[0102] In principle, it is possible to implement the control device of the dosing unit as part of a specific dosing system, especially as long as the dosing unit has only a single dosing system. As an example, the (local) control unit of the dosing system can in principle be configured to control both the dosing operation of the dosing system and the method for automatic exchange. Furthermore, in principle, at least some of the dosing valves of the dosing unit do not have their own individually configured partial control units, but can only be controlled by the higher-level control device.

[0103] However, in connection with the present invention, it is preferred that each dosing valve is associated with its own partial control unit, where the dosing valve can also be controlled from a higher-level control device. Preferably, the higher-level control device can then control at least the functions of the dosing valve that are involved in the process of connecting and / or disconnecting for the dosing valve. This means that the dosing system is preferably thereby configured such that during operation, for example, an external higher-level control device is associated with each dosing valve, the dosing valve further has a separate (internal) partial control unit, especially for controlling the dosing operation, and the dosing substance reservoir is associated with the dosing valve. The present invention is explained in a non-limiting way with the help of this type of dosing valve with a local partial control unit realized as part of the higher-level control device, where the higher-level control device is also configured to individually control and / or regulate the dosing operation of each dosing valve via at least the partial control unit.

[0104] In connection with the present invention, the dosing unit can comprise two or more dosing devices. For purposes of understanding, the present invention is here, unless otherwise specified, explained purely by way of example using a single dosing device with only one dosing system or one dosing valve, non-limitingly. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are applicable in the same way to multiple dosing devices and / or dosing valves. Thus, the components of the exchange system can be present multiple times.

[0105] The dosing unit can preferably have at least one exchange system with at least one magazine or (intermediate) store for storing at least one dosing valve. Preferably, each magazine can be configured to simultaneously store two or more dosing valves. Such a magazine can take the form of, for example, a storage station.

[0106] In its simplest form, a magazine or replacement magazine can be a static, for example linear, magazine with at least one storage location for each dosing valve, preferably two or more separate storage locations. Such a static magazine has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive and at the same time being suitable when only a small number of dosing valves need to be stored.

[0107] However, preferably, the magazine can be configured such that at least one dosing valve can be movably stored within the magazine. By way of example, the magazine can take the form of a carousel (carousel magazine), where, for example, during operation, a horizontally rotatable wheel has a number of storage locations. Alternatively or additionally, the magazine can take the form of an "open track" with at least one movable chain, where the movable chain has a number of storage locations for each dosing valve. Movable storage within the magazine can also be provided, for example, by a controllable conveyor belt within the magazine.

[0108] Regardless of the specific embodiment, the magazine of the replacement system is preferably configured to be able to store at least two different embodiments and / or configurations of dosing valves, particularly simultaneously. Thus, at least two storage locations or receiving points within the magazine can be designed in different ways so as to be able to store dosing valves of different embodiments. By way of example, the magazine can be configured to accommodate at least one jet valve, a contact dosing valve, and / or a needle dosing valve.

[0109] In principle, the magazine of the dosing unit can be configured to receive at least one dosing valve and at least one other tool, preferably simultaneously. Such a tool can be, for example, a UV lamp for curing an adhesive or a grab for moving / placing components.

[0110] To store the dosing valve within the magazine, the magazine can comprise a latching element and / or, preferably, a controllable locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is preferably configured to hold the dosing valve stored within the magazine during an intended movement of the magazine, such as when the magazine is moved within the dosing unit. Preferably, each storage location within the magazine is associated with a sub-locking mechanism that is individually operable. By way of example, the locking of each dosing valve within the magazine can be effected by a separate snap-fit mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the locking can also be effected by an interlock connection. By way of example, a particular dosing valve can be arranged on a mating part that is complementary in form at the storage location. Furthermore, it is also possible to hold the dosing valve by its own weight by suspending the dosing valve at the storage location.

[0111] Irrespective of the particular embodiment, the magazine can be installed within the dosing unit. By way of example, the installed magazine can be arranged in a maintenance area of the dosing unit that is spatially separated, in particular, from the dosing valve or the dosing head and / or the dosing device. In this case, it is preferably possible for the dosing device to be movable in order to move the dosing valve on the dosing device, at least in part, to a particular replacement position, in particular via a command from a higher-level control device.

[0112] Preferably, the dosing device is configured to be at least partially movable, in particular relative to the magazine, and thus, in an automated process, to be controllable such that the dosing valve within the magazine comes into operative contact with and is connected to the dosing device. In particular, the dosing valve can be connected as a result of the operative contact. Preferably, the dosing device can be moved such that a mating interface part of the dosing device comes into operative contact with a valve interface part of the dosing valve to be connected.

[0113] Preferably, in an automated process, the dosing device can be controllable and configured such that a specific dosing valve from the magazine is operatively contacted with the dosing device to connect the dosing valve, and / or such that a specific dosing valve connected to the dosing device is placed within the magazine, preferably at a specific position. In particular, a specific (free) fitting interface part of the dosing device can be operatively contacted with a specific dosing valve within the magazine. This means that at least one element of the dosing device, preferably the entire dosing device, can be controlled such that a specific connection point (as the fitting interface part) is moved towards the magazine for connection of the dosing valve.

[0114] The dosing device can comprise, for example, a movable robotic system or other positioning system, such as a three-axis positioning system. Preferably, at least one movable part of the dosing device is designed to be able to approach or drive to a specific position within the magazine.

[0115] As an alternative or in addition, the magazine can be configured to be movable relative to the dosing device and controllable by a control device in an automated process such that a specific dosing valve within the magazine is operatively contacted with the dosing device, particularly leading to connection. Preferably, the magazine can be movable in a configuration such that a valve interface part of a specific dosing valve within the magazine is operatively contacted with a specific fitting interface part of the dosing device.

[0116] Furthermore, in an automated process, the magazine can be structurally movable and controllable such that a specific dosing valve connected to the dosing device is placed within the magazine, preferably at a specific position.

[0117] In this case, the magazine is then spatially moved relative to the dosing device. The movable magazine can preferably be provided with a robotic system that can be controlled and moved within the dosing unit. As a particular advantage, the movable magazine can be used in combination with a static (stationary within the dosing unit) dosing valve or "static manipulator". This applies, for example, to the dosing valve from a dosing device that dispenses onto a belt conveyor. In principle, combinations of the aforementioned embodiments are also possible. As an example, the dosing valve can be moved to a specific exchange position by a dosing device that is at least partially movable, where the movable magazine is moved to the same exchange position for the exchange process.

[0118] Particularly preferably, the exchange system can have at least one, preferably two or more movable exchange devices, which are each configured in an automated process to be able to perform the transfer of at least one dosing valve between the magazine and the dosing device by means of the respective exchange device and are controllable by a higher-level control device.

[0119] In particular, each movable exchange device can be controllably configured such that in an automated process, the dosing valve from the magazine is operatively contacted and connected to the dosing device via the exchange device and / or the dosing valve from the dosing device, preferably the dosing valve to be disconnected, is transferred into the magazine.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the movable exchange device preferably constitutes a separate intermediate system that is freely movable, particularly within the dosing unit, and can convey at least one dosing valve from the magazine to the dosing device and vice versa. This type of movable exchange device is described as an "exchange manipulator".

[0121] Preferably, the mating interface portion with the conveyance connection elements for forming the conveyance connection part can be associated with an exchange manipulator (as part of an exchange system), where the valve interface portion can have complementary conveyance connection elements. Preferably, in an automated process, the valve interface portion and / or the mating interface portion are configured to removably connect the dosing valve to the exchange system, preferably to the exchange manipulator, via the interaction between the valve interface portion and the mating interface portion for the conveyance of the dosing valve within the dosing unit.

[0122] The exchange manipulator can be configured to form conveyance connection parts with two or more dosing valves and their respective conveyance connection parts. Thus, the exchange manipulator can have two or more individually controllable conveyance connection elements.

[0123] The conveyance connection part can be based on electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connections of the connection part or the conveyance connection elements. In principle, a mechanical connection of the connection part is also possible. Preferably, the opening and closing of the conveyance connection part, particularly the connection part, can be controlled from a higher-level control device.

[0124] Each conveying connection element is preferably configured to generate at least one, preferably a plurality of, electrical and / or mechanical and / or signal transmission and / or pneumatic and / or fluid conduction connections between the exchange manipulator and the dosing valve, in particular between the dosing valve and a supply device cooperating with the exchange manipulator, via the conveying connection part. Thus, the conveying connection part can be configured to detachably connect the dosing valve to the associated supply device, in particular during the conveyance of the dosing valve within the dosing unit. As an advantage, it is also possible to supply, for example, electricity or compressed air to the dosing valve during conveyance within the dosing unit, where the dosing valve is kept, for example, in standby mode. Thus, the dosing valve can start operating without any preparatory measures after being connected to the dosing device. As a further advantage, leakage of the administered substance during conveyance can be avoided via the conveying connection part.

[0125] Each exchange manipulator can comprise at least one controllable robot, in particular an industrial robot. Preferably, the exchange manipulator can comprise a controllable robot arm, preferably arranged on a base, for example a mobile base, which can move freely within the dosing unit and on which at least one fitting interface part is arranged, in combination with a base that can move freely within the dosing unit. As an advantage, the radius of movement within the dosing unit can be increased and individualized.

[0126] As an alternative or in addition, the exchange manipulator can also be manufactured by a conveying device that can be firmly installed within the dosing unit. By way of example, the conveying device can have a guiding system, where at least one mating interface part of the exchange system is movable along at least one guiding surface of the guiding system, in particular in a linear movement. Preferably, the guiding system can also have two or more guiding surfaces or guiding axes, where the guiding system can in particular be configured as a two-axis or three-axis robot (XYZ system). In principle, the dosing unit can have two or more, preferably different, exchange manipulators.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the movable exchange device of the exchange system can be configured such that at least one dosing valve is detachably connected to the exchange device for the purpose of discharging the dosing substance and is controllable from a control device. Preferably, the movable exchange device, in particular the working manipulator, can be configured such that the dosing valve can also be connected to the movable exchange device for the discharge of the dosing substance or during discharge. Preferably, each working manipulator, separate from the exchange manipulator, can be configured such that an operative connection can be generated between the connected dosing valve and the dosing device and / or supply device for the intended discharge of the dosing substance. As an advantage, during operation, the dosing valve can be moved to a specific dosing point by a robotic arm and / or held there and / or moved between different dosing points.

[0128] Preferably, the working manipulator is controllably configured in an automated process such that a dosing valve from a magazine comes into operative contact and is connected to the dosing device via the working manipulator, where the operative contact is generated by the working manipulator itself. Thus, the working manipulator can be configured and controlled such that a dosing valve disconnected from the dosing device can be transferred or placed into the magazine by the working manipulator.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the working manipulator, particularly the fitting interface part, can perform by itself the movement for connecting and / or disconnecting the dosing valve. Preferably, the connected dosing valve can be moved by the working manipulator between the working position or dosing point and the exchange position and / or the magazine.

[0130] As an advantage, the movable exchange device can cover the spatial distance between the magazine or the exchange position and the specific working position of the dosing valve. On the other hand, this has the advantage that the magazine and / or the dosing device can be configured (statically) so as to be stationary relative to each other or stationary within the dosing unit, which makes the assembly less expensive. As a further advantage, in the case of a stationary dosing device with a plurality of dosing valves, an exchange can also be carried out during the operation of the dosing device, i.e., while the remaining dosing valves are in operation. In contrast to the manual exchange of components, in the case of a controllable exchange manipulator, it is not necessary to stop the dosing device for safety reasons. As a further advantage, after the exchange of the dosing valve, the exchange manipulator can be completely removed again from the working area of the dosing device so that the working area is not permanently restricted.

[0131] It should be noted that the exchange system can also have a combination of at least one working manipulator and at least one exchange manipulator. As an example, for the exchange process of the dosing valve, the exchange manipulator can be moved to the exchange position, where the working manipulator moves the dosing valve to be exchanged from the working position to the same exchange position, and the working manipulator transfers the dosing valve to the exchange manipulator. Furthermore, the movable exchange device can in principle also be used in combination with a movable magazine and / or a dosing device that is at least partially movable, where each component can preferably be moved to the same exchange position for the exchange process.

[0132] As an advantage, regardless of the specific embodiment, the exchange system and / or the administration device can be configured such that a specific administration valve from the magazine can be operatively contacted with the administration device, in particular a specific connection point as a mating interface part on the administration device, or a mating interface part of the working manipulator, for connecting the administration valve, and is controllable by a control device. The "specific" administration valve can be characterized in that a specific administration pattern is obtained by this administration valve. As an example, the specific administration valve can have a special nozzle shape and / or specific ejection elements to obtain the necessary configuration of the administration system during operation. Furthermore, the exchange system and / or the administration device, in particular the exchange manipulator and / or the working manipulator, can be controllably configured such that the disconnected administration valve can be placed in a specific, i.e., defined position within the magazine.

[0133] To selectively directly or indirectly connect an administration valve from the magazine to the administration device, the magazine preferably comprises an internal movement mechanism (of the magazine) for moving a specific administration valve and / or a specific (free) storage location to a defined position, in particular a transfer position. Preferably, at the transfer position, the connection and / or disconnection of the administration valve can be carried out, in particular in the case of a locally movable magazine.

[0134] Alternatively or additionally, the exchange manipulator and / or the working manipulator can be controllably configured such that they can selectively retrieve a particular dosing valve from the magazine. Preferably, the exchange manipulator and / or the working manipulator can have an integrated tool identifier for identifying different dosing valves, for example as part of a mating interface portion. Preferably, the exchange manipulator and / or the working manipulator can have means for non-contact identification and / or assignment identification of a particular dosing valve. Preferably, the identification is carried out via an RFID system (Radio Frequency Identification). Preferably, the exchange manipulator and / or the working manipulator, in particular the mating interface portion, can be provided with at least one RFID reader for identifying the characteristic code of a particular dosing valve. Thus, an RFID transponder can be associated with or can have each dosing valve. As an advantage, via the integrated tool identification, a dosing valve having a particular configuration can be identified and / or selected by the exchange manipulator or the working manipulator.

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, each dosing valve can be characterized by a machine-readable code, such as a barcode, which can be detected, for example, by an exchange manipulator and / or a working manipulator. It is also possible for the exchange manipulator and / or the working manipulator to have a positioning system and to be movable, preferably under the control of a control device, to a predetermined position within the dosing unit, in particular a specific position within the magazine.

[0136] As an advantage, with an exchange system that can be controlled in this way, each magazine can store a large number of dosing valves simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of magazines required for the dosing unit, and nevertheless ensuring the selective connection of specific dosing valves. As a further advantage, the exchange system, in particular the magazine, can have at least one closing element in order to close the nozzle opening of the dosing valve from the outside, especially during the exchange procedure and / or during storage in the magazine. Preferably, the exchange system, in particular the magazine, can have a plurality of individually controllable closing elements in order to close the respective associated nozzle opening while remaining held within the exchange system. As an advantage, this means that leakage of the administered substance is prevented even in the case of dosing valves in the "normally open" position.

[0137] Combining a movable exchange manipulator and / or a working manipulator having a magazine with an internal movement mechanism results in special advantages. The magazine has free storage spaces arranged in a transfer position and can then be controlled in cooperation with the exchange manipulator or the working manipulator to receive "old", i.e., disconnected dosing valves or dosing valves to be disconnected. After the transfer is completed, a "new" dosing valve, i.e., a dosing valve to be connected, can be provided at the same transfer position via the internal movement mechanism and can be received by the exchange manipulator or the working manipulator without having to move the exchange manipulator or the working manipulator itself. This means that the exchange process is speeded up. Preferably, the components involved in the exchange process can be moved to the same exchange position.

[0138] In principle, it is also possible to combine the aforementioned embodiments. This means that the dosing unit comprises at least one stationary magazine and / or at least one spatially movable magazine, each with or without an internal movement mechanism, and / or at least one dosing device that is at least partially movable, and / or at least one static dosing device, and / or at least one movable exchange manipulator and / or at least one working manipulator, which can interact with each other for automated dosing valve replacement.

[0139] Regardless of the specific embodiment, the magazine of the exchange system can have at least one maintenance connection element configured to cooperate with a relevant connection element of the dosing valve, preferably at least one supply connection element of the valve interface part, to form a maintenance connection. The maintenance connection element is preferably formed by a mating interface element of the mating interface part.

[0140] The maintenance connection is preferably configured to removably connect at least one supply line of the dosing valve to a supply device, particularly a maintenance device, especially during storage in the magazine. The maintenance device can be part of the supply device and is preferably controllable separately. In this configuration, the mating interface element is associated with the supply device, where the mating interface element is provided by the magazine. In this embodiment, in an automated process, the dosing valve can be removably connected to the supply device (only) by the exchange system via the maintenance connection element in the magazine. Thus, the dosing valve cannot be connected to the dosing device at that time. Preferably, the supply device of the dosing unit can comprise a separately constructed and controllable maintenance device that supplies the maintenance connection.

[0141] The maintenance connection element is preferably configured to form at least one, preferably a plurality of, electrical and / or mechanical and / or signal transmission and / or pneumatic and / or fluid connections, in particular media-conducting connections, between the maintenance connection element and the valve interface part via the maintenance connection during storage of the dosing valve in the magazine. Preferably, the individually controllable maintenance connection elements can be associated with each storage location for the dosing valves in the magazine.

[0142] Preferably, each maintenance connection is configured to introduce a cleaner to the dosing valve for cleaning. As an alternative or in addition, the maintenance connection can be configured in such a way that the heating device of the dosing valve can be controlled and / or the memory of the dosing valve can be read in this way. Preferably, the dosing valve can be controlled by a control device via the maintenance connection. According to one embodiment, the maintenance connection can also comprise, for example, a functional connection for holding the dosing valve in the magazine.

[0143] As an advantage, data from the internal EEPROM, such as the following parameters: serial number, number of shots, configuration of the dosing valve, dosing medium or dosing substance, and other data, can be read via the maintenance connection and sent to the control device. In this way, the configuration and / or status of each dosing valve can be optically displayed to the operator of the dosing unit, for example, with respect to whether the dosing valve can function, when maintenance is required or whether it is necessary, such as the filling level of the dosing substance cartridge. Furthermore, the read information can be processed by the control device so that a specific "suitable" dosing valve can be selected for automatic replacement during ongoing replacement. As a further advantage, the (pre) cleaning of the dosing valve, in particular of the fluid unit, can be carried out via the maintenance connection during storage in the magazine or storage station, thereby avoiding hardening of the substances in the fluid unit and facilitating subsequent possible maintenance or further cleaning.

[0144] As a further advantage, by controlling the heating device in the magazine, in particular before an ongoing replacement of the dosing valve, for example the nozzle, and / or the entire fluid unit and / or the dosing substance in the fluid unit can be preheated to a specific (operating) temperature. As an advantage, a set temperature can be set in the dosing valve, whereby the dosing process can be carried out immediately after replacement, for example by holding the dosing valve in the magazine in standby mode.

[0145] Particularly as an advantage, the calibration and / or adjustment of the dosing valve can be carried out via the maintenance connection, in particular by the control device. As an advantage, the actuator can be adjusted via the maintenance connection. Furthermore, electrical and / or compressed air can be supplied to the dosing valve in the magazine via the maintenance connection.

[0146] To construct the maintenance connection part, each maintenance connection element in the magazine is preferably configured to be complementary to the valve interface part, preferably the supply connection element and / or the functional connection element, especially for constructing the maintenance connection part in an automated process.

[0147] The supply connection element of the dosing valve can advantageously be formed by the valve interface element and is also configured to form the fitting interface part and the supply connection part during the dosing operation. The fitting interface part is preferably associated with the dosing device and especially comprises a supply device.

[0148] Preferably, the fitting interface part associated with the dosing device can have a fitting interface element, whereby at least one supply connection element complementary to the supply connection element of the dosing valve is formed. Preferably, in an automated process, the supply connection element of the valve interface part can be operatively contacted with the supply connection element associated with the dosing device by forming the interface, whereby the supply connection part is formed. The supply connection element can be arranged on the dosing device itself and / or can be provided by a working manipulator.

[0149] The supply connection part is preferably configured such that during the operation of the dosing valve, at least one, preferably a plurality of supply lines of the dosing valve are connected to a supply device, preferably the dosing device. The supply line of the dosing valve can be any of the following (operation) lines: a line for supplying the dosing substance pressure, a line for sending the (pressurized) dosing substance, a line for controlling the heating device and / or the cooling device for the dosing valve, a line for sending a cooling medium to the dosing valve, a line for controlling the actuator, for example for supplying compressed air, a line for data transfer, especially for the control signal for controlling the actuator and / or for the measured value from the sensor of the dosing valve.

[0150] Preferably, the supply device can be configured as part of the administration device and, preferably, during operation, can be controllable such that a plurality of administration valves can be individually controlled via their respective supply connections. In the present embodiment, the administration valve can be connected simultaneously to the administration device and the supply device via a mating interface portion associated with the administration device. Irrespective of the particular embodiment, the supply device can be configured to supply at least to the connected administration valves, in a controlled and / or regulated manner, a pressurized medium for the actuator and / or a pressurized medium for the administered substance and / or a pressurized administered substance and / or in particular a pre-cooled coolant, where electrical energy can also be supplied to the administration valves via the supply device.

[0151] Preferably, each supply connection element of the administration valve can be configured such that two or more separate supply lines of the administration valve can be functionally connected to their respective associated lines within the mating interface portion. The supply connection element of the administration valve is preferably configured such that during operation of the administration valve, at least one, preferably a plurality of, electrical and / or mechanical and / or signal transmission and / or pneumatic and / or fluid connections, in particular medium-conducting connections, are created between the valve interface portion and the mating interface portion via the supply connection.

[0152] The supply connection element in the valve interface portion can comprise at least one sealing mechanism configured to close, in particular in the disconnected state, at least one supply line leading to the administration valve, preferably a fluid unit, in an airtight and / or liquidtight manner. Preferably, each fluid-conducting line in the valve interface portion is configured to self-seal, thereby preventing leakage of the medium from the line when the interface is open. Similarly, the interface element of the mating interface portion can have a closing mechanism. By way of example, the supply connection elements of the valve interface portion and / or the mating interface portion can be configured as "self-sealing connections" or closed connections.

[0153] Preferably, a signal connection can be formed between the dosing valve and the upper control device via the supply connection part. Preferably, a control signal and / or an adjustment signal can be supplied from the control device to the dosing valve via the supply connection part, where a sensor signal or a measured value can be sent from the dosing valve to the control device. Preferably, the upper control device can be formed as part of the dosing device, and the dosing valve can then be connected to the supply device and the control device (each as part of the dosing device) via a fitting interface part associated with the dosing device, in particular via a supply connection element.

[0154] Preferably, the valve interface part of the dosing valve has a further valve interface element, whereby a (first) functional connection element is formed. Accordingly, the fitting interface part cooperating with the valve interface part, which is preferably associated with the dosing device, can have a further fitting interface element, thereby generating a (second) complementary functional connection element for forming a functional connection part. Depending on the embodiment, the second functional connection element can be arranged on the dosing device itself or can be provided by a working manipulator.

[0155] Preferably, the valve interface part and / or the fitting interface part, in particular the respective functional connection elements, are configured to detachably connect the dosing valve to an associated connection partner via the interaction between the valve interface part and the fitting interface part, especially in an automated process. As an example, the dosing valve can be arranged and / or held on the dosing device by forming a functional connection part for the intended dosing operation. Alternatively, the dosing valve can be held on the working manipulator by a functional connection part for the purpose of releasing the dosing substance and / or during transportation.

[0156] The functional connection part is preferably configured to create a reversible connection, particularly substantially backlash-free, between the dosing valve and the dosing device or the working manipulator. Preferably, each connection is generated via the functional connection part such that the (attached) dosing valve can withstand an acceleration force of up to 10 g during operation.

[0157] The supply connection part and / or the functional connection part are particularly configured to be controllable by a higher-level control device such that the connection of the dosing valve to the supply device and / or the dosing device is carried out in an automatic process via the respective connection system. As described above, the connection can be made directly or indirectly via a movable exchange device.

[0158] In principle, the functional connection part and the supply connection part, particularly the respective interface elements, can be spatially separated from each other.

[0159] However, preferably, the functional connection elements and / or the supply connection elements of the dosing valve merge with each other and / or form a composite or multi-functional connection area. Thus, the mating interface part can form a multi-functional connection area. Preferably, the multi-functional connection area can also combine at least the functions of the functional connection element and the supply connection element, preferably also the function of the connection area for the exchange system. Preferably, a multi-functional connection part can be produced by forming an interface via two cooperating multi-functional connection areas, one associated with the dosing valve and the other associated with the dosing device. The term "multi-functional connection part" or "combined connection part" should be understood to mean a connection system made from two connection parts, where the functional connection part and / or the supply connection part and / or the transport connection part can be formed via the multi-functional connection part (depending on the configuration or control).

[0160] Preferably, the multi-functional connection part can be configured as a connection system for an automated exchange function. Preferably, such a multi-functional connection part can be produced in the form of a quick conversion connection. As an advantage, the connection system can be based on the electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connection of two connection parts in order to form a connection part, in particular to form a functional connection part. In principle, a mechanical connection of the connection parts is also possible.

[0161] As an advantage, in the dosing valve with such a valve interface part, all of the operating line and the supply line of the dosing valve can be formed in a single automated connection process, so that a particularly quick replacement of the dosing valve is possible. At the same time, the dosing valve is securely attached to the dosing device or the working manipulator. As an advantage, in addition to both dosing valves with a mixed (self-sufficient) supply of the dosing substance, dosing valves in which the dosing medium is continuously supplied via a supply device can be connected via the valve interface part. In both cases, the entire dosing valve can be quickly removed without manual intervention from the dosing device or the working manipulator, for example, maintenance can be carried out outside the working area of the dosing device, so that the operation is not interrupted. When changing the configuration of the dosing valve, the time required for equipping the unit can be significantly shortened. The fitting interface part associated with the dosing device is, as an advantage, compatible with dosing valves operating in different ways, so that different types of dosing valves present in the dosing unit can be used for multiple purposes.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the fitting interface portion of the magazine, in particular the maintenance connection element, can be configured such that in an automated process thereby, it can form a multi-functional connection portion with a supply connection portion and a functional connection portion to form an administration valve. At that time, mainly, the fitting interface portion associated with the magazine and the fitting interface portion associated with the administration device can be made identical in configuration. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the possible locking mechanism, the multi-functional connection portion can also be formed within the magazine.

[0163] In the case of a detachable connection portion, the administration valve preferably comprises a connection mechanism with a first functional connection element and / or a second functional connection element, particularly as part of each multi-functional connection region. The first functional connection element is preferably part of the valve interface portion, where the second functional connection element can be part of the fitting interface portion of the administration device and / or the magazine and / or the exchange system. The connection mechanism will be described below non-limitingly using the fitting interface portion of the working manipulator, where the relevant features can also be generated in other fitting interface portions.

[0164] Preferably, the connection mechanism can include a controllable electrical connection mechanism and / or a pneumatic connection mechanism and / or a hydraulic connection mechanism and / or a mechanical connection mechanism.

[0165] The connection mechanism can have at least one, preferably controllable, locking mechanism for detachably interlocking two functional connection elements, particularly for interlocking two multi-functional connection regions or connection portions. Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured as part of the fitting interface portion of the administration device and / or the magazine and / or the exchange system. By way of example, the locking mechanism can be arranged at least partially on or within the working manipulator. The locking mechanism can be controlled by a control device during operation.

[0166] The locking mechanism may preferably comprise at least one movable actuator which can interact with, for example, complementary latch elements associated in the functional connection element of the dosing valve for interlocking. The actuator can be a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, a magnetic actuator, and / or a hydraulic actuator.

[0167] As an advantage, a particularly safe connection between the dosing valve and the working manipulator can be obtained in an automated process via a controllable locking mechanism. Since the movable actuator is arranged at the fitting interface part, the weight of the dosing valve can be kept as low as possible. As a further advantage, this also means that the number of actuators required for the dosing unit can be minimized as much as possible. Preferably, such a connection mechanism with a locking mechanism can form part of a multi-functional connection part. According to one embodiment, such a connection mechanism can form part of a transport connection part.

[0168] Preferably, the functional connection element and / or the supply connection element and / or the transport connection element are configured and / or arranged such that the dosing valve can be simultaneously connected to the associated connection partners via the functional connection element and / or the supply connection element and / or the transport connection element, in particular via all three elements. According to one embodiment, preferably using a working manipulator, a multi-functional connection part can be formed via the functional connection element and the supply connection element during the dosing operation. This is particularly applicable when the functional connection element also provides the connection area of the dosing valve. According to another embodiment, a multi-functional connection part can be formed by the functional connection element and the supply connection element, for example, with the fitting interface part of the dosing device, and at the same time, a further multi-functional connection part can be produced via the transport connection element, for example, with an exchange manipulator.

[0169] Preferably, each connecting element and thus each connection can also be controlled separately from the control device. As an example, depending on the operating state of the dosing valve, a specific connection can be re-formed or released. In particular, each connection is configured to form an interface between the dosing valve and a connection partner associated therewith. The term "interface" should be understood to mean the location or area where the dosing valve interacts with a related device, such as another machine. Depending on the connection state of the dosing valve, the interface can also comprise two or more, for example spatially separated (interface) segments.

[0170] As an advantage, the exchange process for the dosing valve can be further optimized via such an interface. As an example, in order to disconnect the dosing valve, as an optional step of the method, before disconnecting the power and / or pressure of the (multifunctional) connection between the dosing valve and the dosing device, the (multifunctional) connection with the exchange manipulator can first be formed, whereby the dosing valve is also connected to the supply device. Only after forming this interface segment can the connection to the dosing device be opened, disconnecting the dosing valve from the dosing device and transferring it to the magazine. In this way, the dosing valve can be connected to the supply device throughout the essentially interruption-free exchange process.

[0171] Preferably, the valve interface part, in particular the functional connection element and / or the supply connection element and / or the transport connection element and / or the connection area for automatic exchange via an exchange system, can each be configured as part of the dosing valve itself, in particular as an integral component of the dosing valve.

[0172] As an advantage, by integrating at least one of the connecting elements into the dosing valve, the weight of the dosing valve can be kept as low as possible. As an example, at least one connecting element can be formed by the dosing valve itself, for example by an actuator housing.

[0173] Thus, at least the mating interface portion associated with the exchange system can be formed, at least in part, by the exchange system, preferably the working manipulator and / or the exchange manipulator itself, in particular as an integrated component. Alternatively, the mating interface portion can also be arranged, at least in part, on the working manipulator and / or the exchange manipulator, for example, it can be attached to their outside.

[0174] The dosing valve can have a transducer for a teach-in method for the exchange system, in particular for programming the working manipulator and / or the exchange manipulator. Preferably, the dosing valve can have a laser that can be controlled as a transducer. Such a laser can be integrated into or attached to each dosing valve. Preferably, the laser beam can be substantially parallel to the discharge direction of the dosing substance from the dosing valve or substantially parallel to the movement of the discharge element of the dosing valve. It may also be possible to provide the dosing unit with a specific dosing valve configured only for the teach-in method. As an example, a laser can be provided at the same position in such a dosing valve, in particular instead of a nozzle. As an advantage, in such a dosing valve configured for the teach-in method, the programming costs of the exchange system, in particular the working manipulator and / or the exchange manipulator, can be reduced by track acquisition. As an example, thereby, the specific dosing position on the substrate and / or the position of the dosing valve relative to the exchange system can be learned.

[0175] Preferably, at least one means for passive and / or active noise reduction can be associated with the dosing valve, in particular to reduce the sound emission during operation of the dosing valve. Passive noise reduction can be achieved, for example, by insulation, and active noise suppression can be achieved by soundproofing. As an example, each dosing valve can be arranged in a housing with a valve interface part, where the housing has (passive) insulation and / or an active noise suppression function.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the mating interface part can comprise at least one (further) interface element for detachable connection and / or for the operation of another tool, for example a UV lamp. Preferably, the multi-functional connection area of the mating interface part, in particular of the working manipulator, can have at least one individually controllable element that can cooperate with the complementary element of the tool in order to supply the tool during operation, in addition to the components described for the detachable connection of the dosing valve. For the purpose of detachable connection, the tool can be (functionally) connected to the working manipulator via the functional connection element of the multi-functional connection area. As an advantage, in this further embodiment, the working manipulator can, on the one hand, detachably connect the dosing valve via the mating interface part for the intended dosing operation, and on the other hand, for example after completion of the dosing operation, the same working manipulator can be connected to another tool, for example for the after-treatment of a previously dispensed dosing substance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0177] The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and using exemplary embodiments. In this regard, the same reference signs are provided for the same components in the various drawings. Generally, the drawings are not to scale.

[0178]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0179] An exemplary embodiment of the administration unit 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The administration unit 1 is shown purely schematically and, as essential components, includes an administration device 2 having a plurality of administration systems 3, as well as an exchange system 5 and a maintenance device 7'. In a manner different from the method shown here, the administration unit 1 can form the entire production facility and can have two or more administration devices 2. However, in principle, it is also possible for the administration unit 1 to have only one administration device 2 provided with only a single administration system 3.

[0180] In FIG. 1, the administration device 2 has five individual administration systems 3 that are detachably arranged on the administration device 2 during the administration operation. Here, each individual administration system 3 has a fluid unit 60 and an actuator unit 30 that cooperate functionally. The two components 30, 60 together form each administration valve 4. The administration valve 4 includes all components that are dynamically involved in the release of the administered substance and can also be referred to synonymously as an administration head.

[0181] Each dosing valve 4 is here, by way of example, connected individually to the higher-level decentralized control device 6 by means of a circuit or control means. The control device 6 also has, here, an adjustment function and is able to transmit appropriate electrical signals bidirectionally between the control device 6 and the dosing valve 4, so that the flow of data D or control data D is symbolically represented by double arrows.

[0182] During operation, the higher-level control device 6 has several dosing valves 4 associated with it simultaneously and is able to control their dosing operations individually. Each dosing valve 4 and the associated control device 6 together form a dosing system 3 which can be formed, for example, by a dosing substance reservoir (not shown here) which can be formed by a supply device as part of the dosing device 2.

[0183] The control device 6 is shown in FIG. 1 as the higher-level external control device 6. The control device 6 is here shown schematically together with two partial control units, and the control device 6 can also be configured, for example, such that a plurality of partial control units are arranged at various positions within the dosing unit 1 and cooperate to form the (overall) control device 6.

[0184] FIG. 1 shows an exchange system 5 with a magazine 50 on the left and an exchange device 51, for example a movable exchange manipulator 51. The exchange manipulator 51 can be, for example, an industrial robot 51 which is movable within the dosing unit 1. The exchange system 5, in particular the magazine 50 and the exchange manipulator 51, are connected to the control device 6 for signal transmission purposes and can be controlled via appropriate data D and can also send data D to the control device 6.

[0185] Here, by way of example, magazine 50 includes two receiving positions for each dosing valve 4. Each receiving position within magazine 50 is associated with a maintenance connection element 52. The dosing valves 4 are positioned within magazine 50 such that the supply connection element 14 and the functional connection element 16 of each dosing valve 4 cooperate with the respective maintenance connection element 52, thereby forming the respective maintenance connection 8. The supply connection element 14 and the functional connection element 16 may preferably be formed as a multi-functional connection region 18.

[0186] During storage within magazine 50, a signal connection to, for example, the control device 6 can be formed via the maintenance connection 8. Further, a cleaning liquid can be supplied to a specific dosing valve 4 within magazine 50 via the maintenance connection 8, which is schematically shown here via a fluid flow FS between the maintenance device 7' and the magazine 50. The maintenance device 7' can be part of the supply device 7 (Figure 3), is formed separately here, and the maintenance device 7' can have the same function as the supply device. The maintenance device 7', although not shown in further detail, comprises a cleaning mechanism, and here the maintenance device 7' is connected for signal transmission purposes to the control device 6 and can exchange data D with the control device 6, for example, to flush a specific dosing valve 4 within magazine 50 according to a cleaning program. Further, an adjustment of the actuator of a specific dosing valve 4 can also be carried out via the maintenance connection 8.

[0187] Figure 2 schematically shows in cross-section a part of the dosing system 3 with the jet valve 4 according to the invention. Since the basic structure of the jet valve is known, only its essential elements will be described below.

[0188] The administration valve 4 has, as essential components, an actuator unit 30 and a fluid unit 60. Further, the administration valve 4 here has a local control unit 44 and an administration substance cartridge 80 mounted during operation, whereby the administration system 3 is formed. During operation, the administration system 3 is further connected to a higher-level control device (not shown here) described above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0189] The actuator unit 30 comprises substantially all components used to drive or move the discharge element 61 or the plunger 61 of the fluid unit 60 within the nozzle 70. The fluid unit 60, in addition to the nozzle 70 and the channel 73 for sending the administration substance to the nozzle 70, also comprises, together with all other parts in direct contact with the administration substance, the elements necessary for assembling the parts involved in contact with the administration substance.

[0190] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the actuator unit 30 comprises a housing block 31 with two internal chambers. An actuator 34, in this case a piezo actuator 34, is arranged within the actuator chamber 32, where the upper part of the actuator 34 is in contact with the inside of the actuator chamber 32. The administration valve 4 here comprises a cooling device with a cooling medium supply port 46 and a cooling medium discharge port 46', whereby, during operation, the heat generated by the actuator 34 can be dissipated by the cooling medium flowing through the housing block 31 from the actuator chamber 32 and the administration valve 4.

[0191] Furthermore, the housing block 31 comprises an action chamber, in which a movable discharge element 61 of the fluid unit 60 projects, here a plunger 61. By means of a lever 39 which projects from the actuator chamber 32 into the action chamber 33 via the opening 41, the plunger 61 is actuated by the actuator 34 such that the dispensed dosing substance is discharged in the discharge direction SR from the fluid unit 60 via the nozzle 70 in a desired quantity and at a desired time. Since the plunger 61 can close the nozzle opening 71, it also acts as a closing element 61. However, since the majority of the medium is first discharged from the nozzle opening 71 by the plunger 61, the plunger 61 is designated here as the discharge element 61 when it moves towards the nozzle opening 71 in the discharge movement direction SR.

[0192] In order to control the piezo actuator 34, the actuator unit 30 can be connected electrically or for signal transmission purposes to a superior control device (not shown here). For this purpose, the actuator unit 30 has a supply connection element 14, which is arranged here purely schematically outside the housing block 31. By means of cooperation of the mating interface part with complementary connection elements (not shown here), a functional connection can be formed via the supply connection element 14, which in the case shown can form, for example, a plurality of electrical and pneumatic connections to the control device 6 and the supply device 7 (Figure 3).

[0193] The supply connection element 14 contacts here two piezo actuator control connections 36', each of which contacts an electrical connector 35' or contact pin 35' of the actuator 34, thereby controlling the piezo actuator 34 during operation and / or connecting it to the control device for signal transmission purposes. Furthermore, the supply connection element 14 is in contact with a temperature sensor (not shown) in the piezo actuator 34 via, for example, a temperature sensor connector 36 and a contact pin 35, where corresponding measured values can be transmitted to the control device via the supply connection element 14.

[0194] Furthermore, a pneumatic connection is provided via a supply connection element 14 for supplying a cooling medium, such as pre-cooled compressed air or non-cooled compressed air, to a cooling medium supply section 46 within the housing block 31. Furthermore, the local control unit 44 of the dosing valve 4 can also be connected via the supply connection element 14 to a higher-level control device for signaling purposes, where the higher-level control device and the local control unit 44 can interact. Except for being shown purely schematically here, the dosing substance within the dosing substance cartridge 80 can also be pressurized with a pressure medium via the supply connection element 14.

[0195] Furthermore, a functional connection element 16, which is separate here, is arranged on the actuator unit 30, by means of which a detachable connection between the dosing valve 4 and the dosing device can be produced, for example during operation. This is explained with reference to FIG. 3.

[0196] In FIG. 2, the piezo actuator 34 is programmed by the control device to extend or expand and then contract again. The actuator 34 is here inserted into the actuator chamber 32 from above and is mounted in an adjustable height manner, where the actuator 34 tapers to a sharp point at the bottom and is mounted downward on the lever 39 via a pressure piece 37 that in turn lands on the lever bearing 40. The lever 39 can pivot about the pivot axis K via this lever mount 40, whereby the lever arm of the lever 39 projects into the working chamber 33 through the opening 41. At the end of the lever arm, there is a contact surface 42 facing towards the plunger 61 of a fluid unit 60 connected to the actuator unit 30, and the contact surface touches the contact surface 64 of the plunger head 63.

[0197] In the exemplary embodiment shown, since the plunger spring 65 presses the plunger head 63 against the lever 39 from below, the contact surface 42 of the lever 39 is constantly in contact with the contact surface 64 of the plunger head 63. However, in principle, a gap may occur between the plunger 61 and the lever 39 at the starting or resting position of the plunger spring 65. In order to enable a substantially constant preload of the drive system, at the end in contact with the plunger 61, the lever 39 is biased upward by the actuator spring 66.

[0198] The plunger 61 is attached to the plunger mount 67 by the plunger spring 65, and the plunger mount 67 is closed downward by the plunger seal 68. The plunger spring 65 axially presses the plunger head 63 upward and in a direction away from the plunger mount 67. Accordingly, the plunger tip 62 is also pressed away from the seal sheet 69 of the nozzle 70. This means that in the stationary state (non-expanded state) of the piezo actuator 34, the nozzle opening 71 cannot be closed either when no external pressure is applied to the plunger head 63 from above.

[0199] The supply of the dosing substance to the nozzle 70 is effected via a supply channel 73 connecting thereto, in addition to the nozzle chamber 72 connected to the dosing substance cartridge 80. The fluid unit 60 comprises a frame part 74 with a heating device 79 connected to the control device via a heating connector cable 75, and may further have more components added. Apart from what is shown here, usually, the heating connector cable 75 and the dosing substance cartridge 80 can be connected to the control device or the supply device via the supply connection element 14, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0200] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a dosing system 3 with a dosing valve 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. The dosing valve 4 comprises a fluid unit 60 with a dosing substance cartridge 80 mounted during operation. During the dosing operation, the dosing substance cartridge 80 is connected on the one hand to the fluid unit 60 and on the other hand to a first interface part 10 in the region of a connection point 47', here via a supply line 76, here a medium pressure line 76. The first interface part 10 or valve interface part 10 here comprises three separate and spatially separated valve interface elements 10', 10'', 10''', thereby forming a supply connection element 14 (shown in the center right), a functional connection element 16 (here shown in the lower right), and a transport connection element 19 (here at the top).

[0201] The medium pressure line 76 is connected to the supply connection element 14 via the connection point 47', where the exact structure of the valve interface part 10 is not shown in the schematic view of FIG. 3. Furthermore, the supply connection element 14 is connected to a heating control connector 77 via a connection point 47'', and the heating control connector 77 is in contact with the fluid unit 60 via a heating connector cable 75. Here, the heating control connector 77 comprises a readable EEPROM 78. Furthermore, the supply connection element 14 is connected to a piezo actuator control connection 36' in the region of a connection point 47 in order to supply a control signal to the piezo actuator of the actuator unit 30 during operation. Furthermore, the supply connection element 14 is connected to a cooling medium supply 46 via a connection point 47''' in order to supply, for example, a pre-cooled cooling medium in a controlled and / or regulated manner during operation.

[0202] To construct the supply connection 15, the supply connection element 14 of the dosing valve 4 is connected to the complementary supply connection element 14' of the mating interface part 11 to form the interface 12, where the mating interface part 11 is associated with the dosing device 2. Here, the mating interface part 11 is formed by a plurality of parts, here comprising an upper mating interface element 11' with the supply connection element 14' formed thereon, and here a separate lower mating interface element 11'' is formed with the functional connection element 16' formed thereon. The mating interface part, in particular the two connection elements 14', 16', are arranged outside the dosing device 2 here by way of example.

[0203] The dosing device 2 comprises a schematically shown upper control device 6 and a supply device 7. During operation of the dosing valve 4, the described electrical and pneumatic supply lines 36', 46, 75, 76 of the dosing valve 4 and, if necessary, other operating lines of the dosing valve 4 are functionally connected to the control device 6 or the supply device 7 via the supply connection 15, as schematically shown here by double arrows. In the embodiment shown here, the dosing valve 4 is arranged directly on the dosing device 2. An example of the use of such a "static" dosing valve 4 is the dosing of dosing substances onto a belt conveyor.

[0204] The valve interface part 10 here comprises a separate valve interface element 10'' on which the functional connection element 16 is formed. The functional connection element 16 of the dosing valve 4 forms a functional connection 17 with the functional connection element 16' in the mating interface part 11. The dosing valve 4 for the intended release of the dosing substance in the case shown here is detachably arranged on or at least temporarily held on the dosing device 2 via the functional connection 17. The detachable connection via the functional connection 17 is schematically shown here by double arrows. The functional connection 17 forms a (further) part of the same interface 12, where the interface 12 is formed by a plurality of parts or comprises several interface segments.

[0205] According to this embodiment, the valve interface portion 10 includes a valve interface element 10''', which is separate here and forms the transport connection element 19. The transport connection element 19 can cooperate with complementary connection elements in the fitting interface portion 11 to form a transport connection, as described with reference to FIG. 4. The transport connection element 19 forms the connection region 13 of the dosing valve 4 here for the automatic replacement of the dosing valve 4. In the state shown here, the dosing valve 4 is connected to the dosing device 2 via the interface 12 for the dosing operation and is thus also connected to the control device 6 and the supply device 7, so that the connection region 13 or the transport connection element 19 is temporarily free.

[0206] FIG. 4 shows the dosing valve 4 in the disconnected state, for example, immediately before the intended connection to the dosing device 2. Since the structure of the dosing valve 4 mostly corresponds to the structure of FIG. 3, only the differences will be described below.

[0207] The valve interface portion 10 includes a valve interface element 10''', on which the transport connection element 19 is formed. In the case shown here, the transport connection element 19 forms the transport connection element 19' and the transport connection portion 19'' of the fitting interface portion 11, where the fitting interface portion 11 includes a corresponding fitting interface element 11'''. The interface 12 of the dosing valve 4 is formed by the transport connection portion 19'' here.

[0208] The transport connection element 19' of the fitting interface portion 11 is arranged here on the exchange manipulator 51, for example, on an industrial robot that can move freely within the dosing unit. As an example, the fitting interface element 11''' can be attached, for example, by screwing, to the outside of the exchange manipulator 51. By the cooperation of the fitting interface element 11''' of the exchange manipulator 51 and the valve interface element 10''' of the dosing valve 4, the dosing valve 4 can be detachably connected to the exchange manipulator 51 for an automated exchange process.

[0209] The exchange manipulator 51, e.g. an industrial robot, is controllably configured to move the dosing valve 4 in the coupling direction KR towards the dosing device 2. The exchange manipulator 51 can move the dosing valve 4 in the coupling direction KR up to the intended coupling position, where the valve interface element 10 is displaced. * and the mating interface element 11 of the administration device 2 * are in operative contact. As soon as the coupled position is reached, the multifunctional connection can be closed by the control device 6, so that the dosing valve 4 is coupled to the dosing device 2 and thereby also to the control device 6 and to the supply device 7.

[0210] In FIG. 4, a valve interface portion 10 (right side) separate from that of FIG. 3 is shown as a continuous valve interface element 10 * 1, where a multifunctional connecting element or multifunctional connecting region 18′ is formed. Thus, the mating interface portion 11 is one continuous mating interface element 11 with a multifunctional connecting region 18′. * Only the dosing valve 4 and the dosing device 2 are provided. A multifunctional connection can be formed between the dosing valve 4 and the dosing device 2 via the two multifunctional connection areas 18, 18', whereby the multifunctional connection serves as a supply connection and a functional connection. As soon as the dosing valve 4 is connected via the multifunctional connection to the control device 6 (as part of the dosing device 2) and to the supply device 7, a complete dosing system 3 is formed.

[0211] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a dosing valve 4 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, where the dosing valve itself is similar in structure to that described with the aid of figure 2. The dosing valve 4 is enclosed in a housing 21, shown here partially, which forms a valve interface part 10. The valve interface part 10 may also be arranged (externally) on the housing 21. In this embodiment, the dosing valve 4 with the housing 21 and the valve interface part 10 formed thereby form a connection module 20 or connection unit.

[0212] The housing 21 here comprises two housing half shells and can be manufactured, for example, from plastic or metal (such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel) or a mixture of various materials. The housing 21 can be opened reversibly, for example, for maintenance purposes. The dosing valve 4 is held within the housing 21 via the valve retainer 22. For the purpose of supplying the dosing substance, the dosing valve 4 is connected to the valve interface part 10 via the medium line 76'. Finally, the connection between the valve interface part 10 and the dosing valve 4 is not shown here in more detail. As an advantage, the dosing valve 4 can be protected from the influence of the environment by the housing 21, where the housing 21 can also be formed to reduce the noise generated by the dosing valve 4 during the dosing operation, for example, by active noise suppression or shielding.

[0213] FIG. 6 shows the valve interface part 10 of FIG. 5 in a top view. According to a preferred embodiment, the valve interface part 10 is configured as an interface module. For this reason, the valve interface part 10 takes the form of a multi-functional connection area 18 and comprises a plurality of components having various functions. Each individual component can form an interface and is designated as a sub-interface or (interface) sub-unit. Preferably, each respective (interface) sub-unit can be controlled individually. The individual sub-interfaces can be connected to the respective associated elements of the dosing valve at the back (not visible) (FIG. 5).

[0214] The first sub-interface 23 is related to the supply of the administration substance to the administration valve, and the back side of the valve interface portion 10, which is not visible here, of this sub-interface 23 can be connected to the medium line 76' (FIG. 5). The administration valve can be electrically connected via a further two-piece sub-interface 23' or an electrical sub-interface 23'. The further multi-part sub-interface 23'' is configured to supply compressed air to the administration valve, for example for cooling purposes. As an example, the compressed air can be introduced into the administration valve here via the upper section of the sub-interface 23'' and is sent out here via the lower section. According to a preferred embodiment, the above-described sub-interfaces 23, 23', 23'' form the supply connection element 14 as a component of the multi-functional connection area 18.

[0215] Furthermore, the valve interface portion 10 includes a sub-interface 24 for mechanical connection of the valve interface portion 10 with an associated mating interface portion. The sub-interface 24 here has a connection mechanism 25 with two locking lugs 25' (as part of the locking mechanism 25') for removably interlocking halves of two connecting portions. Separate from what is shown here, the locking mechanism 25' can comprise, for example, one or more controllable electric or pneumatic actuators or control elements, which are preferably provided by the mating interface portion, for example by a robotic arm. Preferably, as part of the locking mechanism 25', the valve interface portion 10 then has an appropriate number of complementary sheets (not shown) with which respective actuators, for example bolts, can engage. Here, the valve interface portion 10 further includes a sub-interface 24' in the form of a centering hole to facilitate the connection process. The above-described sub-interfaces 24, 24' with the connection mechanism 25 in the present embodiment form a functional connection element 16 as part of the multi-functional connection region 18. As shown here, the valve interface portion 10 can optionally have other sub-interfaces 26, for example for compressed air, for administered substances, etc.

[0216] In the preferred embodiment shown here, the connection region 13 for automatic replacement of the dosing valve via the replacement system is formed by the functional connection element 16, here by the sub-interface 24. This means on the one hand that the functional connection element 16 can be integrated into an automated replacement process and function as the connection region 13, but on the other hand that it can form a functional connection for holding the dosing valve during the dosing operation on the movable replacement device.

[0217] FIG. 7 schematically shows a connection module 20 connected to a work manipulator 53 as part of an exchange system 5. The connection module 20 can correspond to, for example, the one in FIG. 5. The connection module 20 is connected to the work manipulator 53 via a multi-functional connection part 18’’ during the permanent administration operation by the cooperation between a valve interface part 10 and a fitting interface part 11 arranged on the work manipulator 53.

[0218] The work manipulator 53 is preferably a multi-axis articulated arm robot 53 with, for example, 6 axes, where the fitting interface part 11 is rotatably attached to the articulated arm robot 53. The fitting interface part 11 comprises a drive device for a locking mechanism (not shown), which can be, for example, mechanical. As schematically shown herein, the fitting interface part 11 can be attached, for example, by screwing, to the outside of the articulated arm robot 53. The articulated arm robot 53 is connected, for example, firmly, to the administration device 2 on the opposite side of the fitting interface part 11. In the connected state, via the interface 12, the administration valve in the connection module 20 is (indirectly) connected by the articulated arm robot 53 to the administration device 2, in particular to the control device 6 and the supply device 7, to generate an operational connection. The connection line between the administration device 2 and the fitting interface part 11 can be routed, for example, on a cable track or inside the articulated arm robot 53. The state shown here represents, for example, the administration operation of the administration valve in the connection module 20, where the connection module 20, the work manipulator 53, and the administration device 2 form an administration entity. Separately from what is shown here, the administration device 2 can be connected to a plurality of such work manipulators 53.

[0219] FIG. 8 shows the connection module 20 while being stored in the magazine 50. Here, as a part of the valve interface portion 10, the connection module 20 has two opposing grooves 27 (only one is visible) configured to suspend the connection module 20 within the magazine 50. The magazine 50 here has, for example, only one storage location and, in a normal case, can store a plurality of connection modules 20 or dosing valves simultaneously. The valve interface portion 10 here has a schematically shown RFID transponder in the form of an RFID chip 28 for the identification or assignment of the dosing valve of the connection module 20 by a work manipulator in an automated process. The magazine 50 here comprises an RFID reader 54 associated with the storage location for reading the RFID chip 28 of the connection module 20 or the dosing valve. The information read in this way can be sent, rather than as shown here, to the control device 6.

[0220] Finally, it is pointed out again that the dosing valves described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments that can be modified in many different ways by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, for example, the interface elements shown in each exemplary embodiment can be present in plurality and / or can be positioned differently. Furthermore, combinations of the shown interface elements are also possible. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite article “ein” or “eine” does not exclude the fact that the related features can also be present in plurality.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0221] 1. Dosing unit 2. Dosing device 3. Dosing system 4. Dosing valve 5. Exchange system 6. Control device 7. Supply device 7’. Maintenance device 8. Maintenance connection 9. Multifunctional connection 10. Valve interface part 10’, 10’’, 10’’’, 10 * . Valve interface element 11. Fitting interface part 11’, 11’’, 11’’’, 11 * . Fitting interface element 12. Interface 13. Connection area 14, 14’. Supply connection element 15. Supply connection part 16, 16’. Functional connection element 17. Functional connection part 18, 18’. Multifunctional connection area 18’’. Multifunctional connection part 19, 19’. Conveying connection element 19’’. Conveying connection part 20. Connection module 21. Housing 22. Valve holder 23, 23’, 23’’. Sub - interface 24, 24’. Sub - interface 25. Connection mechanism 25’. Lock mechanism 26. Sub - interface 27. Groove 28. RFID chip 30. Actuator unit 31. Housing block 32. Actuator chamber 33. Working chamber 34. Piezo actuator 35, 35’. Contact pin 36. Temperature sensor connection part 36’. Piezo actuator control part 37. Pressure piece 38. Moving mechanism 39. Lever 40. Lever bearing 41. Opening 42. Contact surface 44. Control unit 46. Cooling medium supply part 46’. Cooling medium discharge 47, 47’, 47’’, 47’’’. Connection points 50. Magazine 51. Exchange device / Exchange manipulator 52. Maintenance connection element 53. Working manipulator 54. RFID reader 60. Fluid unit 61. Discharge element / Plunger 62. Plunger tip 63. Plunger head 64. Contact surface 65. Plunger spring 66. Actuator spring 67. Plunger bearing 68. Plunger seal 69. Seal sheet 70. Nozzle 71. Nozzle opening 72. Nozzle chamber 73. Supply channel 74. Frame part 75. Heating connector cable 76. Medium pressure line 76’. Medium line 77. Heating control connector 78. EEPROM 79. Heating device 80. Administration substance cartridge D. Data / Control data FS. Fluid flow K. Tilt axis KR. Connection direction SR. Discharge direction, Administration substance / Discharge movement direction, Discharge element

Claims

Claim 1 At least one dosing device (2) having at least one dosing system (3) comprising at least one dosing valve (4) for the release of a dosing substance, and a dosing unit (1) comprising at least one exchange system (5) associated with said dosing device (2), wherein the dosing unit (1) is configured such that, in an automated process, the at least one dosing valve (4) can be detachably connected to the dosing device (2) via the exchange system (5) for the purpose of releasing a dosing substance, and / or such that, in an automated process, the at least one dosing valve (4) can be detachably connected to a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5), and is controllable from a control device (6). Claim 2 The exchange system (5) has at least one magazine (50) for at least one dosing valve (4), preferably the magazine (50) is installed within the dosing unit (1), and the dosing device (2) is configured to operationally contact and connect the dosing valve (4) within the magazine (50) to the dosing device (2) in the automated process, and / or to place the dosing valve (4) within the magazine (50) in the automated process, and is configured to be movable and controllable by the control device (6), and / or the magazine (50) is configured to be movable relative to the dosing device (2) such that, in the automated process, the dosing valve (4) within the magazine (50) is operationally contacted and connected to the dosing device (2), and / or such that, in the automated process, the dosing valve (4) is placed within the magazine (50), and is controllable by the control device (6), and / or The exchange system (5) has movable exchange devices (51, 53), and the movable exchange devices (51, 53) are configured to perform the transfer of at least one dosing valve (4) by the exchange devices (51, 53) between the magazine (50) and the dosing device (2) in the automated process, in particular, to operatively contact the dosing valve (4) from the magazine (50) with the dosing device (2) to connect the dosing valve (4), and / or to transfer the dosing valve (4) from the dosing device (2) into the magazine (50), and can be controlled by the control device (6). and / or The movable exchange device (53) of the exchange system (5) is configured to detachably connect the at least one dosing valve (4) to the movable exchange device (53) for the purpose of discharging a dosing substance, and can be controlled by the control device (6). The dosing unit (1) according to claim 1.

3. The magazine (50) of the exchange system (5) has at least one maintenance connection element (52) that cooperates with the associated connection elements (14, 16, 18) of the dosing valve (4) to form a maintenance connection part (8). The maintenance connection part (8) is configured to connect at least one supply line (36’, 46, 75, 76, 76’) of the dosing valve (4) to a supply device (7), in particular to a maintenance device (7’). Preferably, a cleaner can be introduced into the dosing valve (4) via the maintenance connection part (8), and / or the heating device (79) of the dosing valve (4) can be controlled, and / or the memory (78) associated with the dosing valve (4) can be read, and / or the dosing valve (4) can be controlled by the control device (6). The dosing unit (1) according to claim 2.

4. The magazine (50) of the exchange system (5) is configured to store dosing valves (4) with different configurations, in particular simultaneously. and / or The administration unit (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the exchange system (5) and / or the administration device (2) is configured to operatively contact a specific administration valve (4) from the magazine (50) with the administration device (2) to connect the administration valve (4). It can be controlled by the control device (6).

5. An exchange system (5) for an administration unit (1), particularly for the administration unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the administration unit (1) has at least one administration device (2) comprising at least one administration system (3), the administration system (3) has at least one administration valve (4), and the exchange system (5) is configured to removably connect the at least one administration valve (4) to the administration device (2) via the exchange system (5) for the purpose of releasing an administration substance in an automated process, and / or in an automated process, the at least one administration valve (4) can be removably connected to a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5), and can be controlled by a control device (6). Preferably, the exchange system (5) has a fitting interface portion (11), and the fitting interface portion (11) is configured to removably connect the administration valve (4) to the exchange system (5) in an automated process by cooperation with an associated valve interface portion (10) of the administration valve (4). Exchange system (5).

6. An administration device (2) for an administration unit (1), particularly for the administration unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the administration device (2) has at least one administration system (3) comprising at least one administration valve (4), and the administration device (2) is configured to removably connect the at least one administration valve (4) to the administration device (2) via an exchange system (5) for the purpose of releasing an administration substance in an automated process, and / or in an automated process, the at least one administration valve (4) can be removably connected to a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5), and can be controlled from a control device (6). Administration device (2).

7. For an administration system (3), in particular for an administration valve (4) for an administration unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the administration valve (4) has a valve interface portion (10) configured to removably connect the administration valve (4) to the administration device (2) and / or the supply device (7) in an automated process by cooperation with an associated mating interface portion (11) associated with the administration device (2) and / or the supply device (7), wherein the administration valve (4) has connection regions (13, 19) configured to interact with an exchange system (5) at least temporarily associated with the administration valve (4) for connecting the administration valve (4) to the administration device (2) and / or the supply device (7) in an automated process, an administration valve (4).

8. wherein the valve interface portion (10) and / or the mating interface portion (11) is formed of a plurality of parts, and / or wherein the valve interface portion (10) has a supply connection element (14) for forming a supply connection portion (15), the supply connection portion (15) being configured to connect at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the administration valve (4) to the supply device (7), preferably to the administration device (2) during operation, and / or wherein the valve interface portion (10) has a functional connection element (16), and a mating interface portion (11) cooperating with the valve interface portion (10) has a further functional connection element (16') for forming a functional connection portion (17), and the valve interface portion (10) and / or the mating interface portion (11) is configured to removably connect the administration valve (4) to an associated connection partner (2, 5, 53) via an interaction between the valve interface portion (10) and the mating interface portion (11), and / or The valve interface portion (10) has a conveying connection element (19) and a fitting interface portion (11) cooperating with the valve interface portion (10) having a further conveying connection element (19') for forming a conveying connection portion (19'') is associated with the exchange system (5), and the valve interface portion (10) and / or the fitting interface portion (11) is configured to detachably connect the dosing valve (4) to the exchange system (5) via the interaction between the valve interface portion (10) and the fitting interface portion (11), the dosing valve (4) according to claim 7.

9. The connection regions (13, 19) of the dosing valve (4) are part of the valve interface portion (10), preferably, the connection region (13) is formed by the functional connection element (16). and / or The supply connection element (14) and / or the functional connection element (16) and / or the connection region (13) form a multi-functional connection region (18) for forming a multi-functional connection portion (18''), the dosing valve (4) according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The dosing valve (4) comprises a connection mechanism (25) including a first functional connection element (16) and / or a second functional connection element (16'), and the connection mechanism (25) comprises an electrical connection mechanism and / or a pneumatic connection mechanism and / or a hydraulic connection mechanism and / or a mechanical connection mechanism. and / or The connection mechanism (25) has a preferably controllable locking mechanism (25') for connecting two functional connection elements (16, 16'), preferably, the locking mechanism (25') is configured as part of the fitting interface portion (11), in particular as part of the dosing device (2), or as part of the exchange system (5, 53), the dosing valve (4) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The supply connection element (14) and / or the conveying connection element (19) is configured to generate at least one, preferably a plurality of electrical and / or mechanical and / or signal transmission and / or pneumatic and / or fluid conduction connections (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') via the supply connection portion (15) and / or the conveying connection portion (19''). and / or The supply connection element (14) is provided with a closing mechanism configured to close at least one supply line (46, 76, 76') leading to the administration valve (4), in particular to the fluid unit (60) of the administration valve (4), in an airtight and / or liquidtight manner. and / or The supply connection element (14) is configured to cooperate with a maintenance connection element (52) of a magazine (50) of an exchange system (5) to form a maintenance connection (8), and the maintenance connection (8) is configured to connect at least one supply line (36', 46, 75, 76, 76') of the administration valve (4) to a supply device (7), in particular to a maintenance device (7'). The administration valve (4) according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The transport connection (19'') is configured to detachably connect the administration valve (4) to an associated supply device (7), in particular during the transport of the administration valve (4) within the administration unit (1). and / or The transport connection element (19) and / or the functional connection element (16) and / or the supply connection element (14) are configured and / or arranged such that they can simultaneously connect the administration valve (4) to an associated connection partner (2, 5, 6, 7, 51, 53) via the transport connection element (19) and / or via the functional connection element (16) and / or via the supply connection element (14). The administration valve (4) according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. The valve interface portion (10), in particular the transport connection element (19) and / or the functional connection element (16) and / or the supply connection element (14) and / or the connection region (13), is formed as part of the administration valve (4), in particular as an integral component. The administration valve (4) according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. A dosing system (3) for a dosing device (2) of a dosing unit (1), in particular for a dosing unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dosing system (3) comprises a dosing valve (4), in particular a dosing valve (4) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, and an associated control device (6, 44) for controlling the dosing valve (4), and the dosing system (3) is configured such that, in an automated process, at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably connected to the dosing device (2) via an exchange system (5) of the dosing unit (1) for the purpose of discharging a dosing substance, and / or such that, in an automated process, at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably connected to a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5), and can be controlled by a control device (6, 44).

15. A method for the automatic connection of at least one dosing valve (4) to a dosing device (2) and / or a supply device (7), preferably a dosing valve (4) for a dosing unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the automatic connection preferably includes at least one replacement of the dosing valve (4) and / or is carried out during operation of the dosing unit (1), and the method comprises at least providing, preferably by an exchange system (5), a valve interface portion (10) to at least one dosing valve (4); using the exchange system (5) to bring together the valve interface portion (10) of the dosing valve (4) and a mating interface portion (11) associated with the dosing device (2) and / or the supply device (7); To connect the administration valve (4), the administration valve (4) is detachably connected to the fitting interface part (11) associated with the administration device (2) and / or the supply device (7) via the valve interface part (10), preferably by a control device (6). To this end, at least one interface element (10', 10'', 10 * , 11', 11'', 11 * ) of the valve interface part (10) and / or the fitting interface part (11) is interlocked, and optionally, adjusting the actuator (34) of the actuator unit (30) such that a specific contact pressure of a discharge element (61) is generated within a nozzle (70) in a defined operating state of the actuator (34), in particular a deflected operating state, preferably controlled by the control device (6).

Images