Metering Module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metering module (1, 1") for metering a metering material having a plurality of metering valves (4a, 4b), comprising a first valve actuator group (2) having at least two valve actuators (3) arranged alongside one another in a row direction (QR, QR"), the valve actuators (3) each comprising at least one metering head (4) having a discharge element (4a), and a second valve actuator group (5) having at least one valve actuator (3), preferably a plurality of valve actuators (3) arranged alongside one another in a row direction (QR, QR"), the at least one valve actuator (3) also comprising a metering head (4) having a discharge element (4a), wherein the metering heads (4) of the first valve actuator group (2) and the second valve actuator group (5) face one another. Furthermore, the metering module (1, 1") has a metering nozzle arrangement (4') with a plurality of metering nozzles (4b), each metering head (4) being assigned to a metering nozzle (4b) of the metering nozzle arrangement (4') such that the metering nozzle (4b) together with the discharge element (4a) of the metering head (4) forms in each case a metering valve (4a, 4b).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a metering module having a plurality of metering valves in the form of a metering valve group arrangement. [Background technology]

[0002] Metering valves are typically used for metering material to be metered, generally liquid to viscous metering substances, in a targeted manner, for example, by drop-by-drop or metering-point-like release of the metering material by a discharge element through a metering nozzle of the metering valve. In such release, a metering point or "drop" (a single drop) is placed at a position on a workpiece, for example, in a single metering step (very simply expressed in the individual discharge action of the discharge element described above). A metering valve group arrangement of such metering valves thus serves to enable simultaneous release of the material to be metered, in the simplest case in the form of droplets or small amounts, at a plurality of such metering points, for example, along a linear metering or drop section of the metering point.

[0003] A fundamentally different form of material application is represented by spraying. In this respect, a spraying device is known from DE 10 2010 014 952 A1, for example, for spraying a liquid or suspension onto the surface of a forming tool. In such a spraying device, in contrast to the metering modules of the type mentioned in the introduction, the material is not actually ejected, but rather exits under pressure so that instead of discrete dot-like application, the material can simply be applied over a large area in the form of a mist by atomization.

[0004] From EP 0 676 247, such metering modules are known, for example, as application heads for the metered delivery of flowing material, which only have a narrow width. Thanks to this width, it is possible to arrange several such application heads next to each other in an adhesive application machine by means of a fixing device. With such an adhesive application machine, several metering points can actually be applied simultaneously along a drop section. However, during a single metering process with each adhesive application machine, there is a considerable distance between the individual metering points or drops, which is at least equal to the width of the application head. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve known metering modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is solved by a metering module according to claim 1 of the patent claims.

[0007] As mentioned above in the introduction, the metering module comprises a plurality of metering valves, which serve to meter or metered release of metering material onto a workpiece or substrate, in particular for simultaneously releasing a plurality of droplets or metering points along a metering substrate line or metering section, as mentioned above.

[0008] The metering module further comprises a first valve actuator group having at least two valve actuators arranged next to one another in a row, each of the at least two valve actuators comprising at least one metering head with a discharge element. As the name already suggests, the discharge element is the element that actually discharges or conveys the material during the discharge operation. In addition to the metering head, such a valve actuator typically also comprises further components, particularly internally. In particular, such a valve actuator can be configured internally, as in the metering system described in DE 10 2021 102 657 A1. However, embodiments of such valve actuators will also be described in more detail further below using examples of particularly preferred embodiments of the metering valve group arrangement.

[0009] At least two valve actuators means that the first valve actuator group has a plurality, i.e. several, valve actuators arranged alongside or adjacent to each other in a row direction, and thus one next to the other.

[0010] The metering module further comprises a second valve actuator group having at least one valve actuator, the second valve actuator group also having a metering head with a discharge element. In the simplest case, the second "valve actuator group" means a group based on a mathematical definition, i.e. a so-called "trivial group" having exactly one element, e.g., exactly one valve actuator.

[0011] Preferably, however, the second valve actuator group may comprise several, thus at least two, valve actuators arranged alongside one another in a row, each of which comprises at least one metering head with a discharge element. Preferably, the second valve actuator group may therefore be configured correspondingly to the first valve actuator group.

[0012] Further according to the invention, the metering head of the first valve actuator group and at least one metering head of the second valve actuator group of the metering module face each other. "Facing each other" is understood to mean that the two valve actuator groups are arranged relative to each other in such a way that their metering heads, with their discharge elements, are located on contour sides facing each other. That is, the two valve actuator groups, or more precisely, their valve actuators, are rotated 180° relative to each other and arranged in a reverse or opposite manner.

[0013] To complete the metering valve, the metering comprises a metering nozzle arrangement or a nozzle group with a plurality of metering nozzles, where a metering nozzle of the metering nozzle arrangement is assigned to each metering head, so that the metering nozzles each form a metering valve together with the discharge element of the metering head.

[0014] The metering nozzles of the metering nozzle arrangement may each relate to a different metering nozzle, which may for example be individually manufactured as one piece and which in the operating state form a respective metering head of the valve actuator in association with a discharge element of a respective metering head of the valve actuator, in which the discharge element is respectively arranged on a so-called valve seat or sealing seat in the metering nozzle.

[0015] However, equally, the metering nozzle arrangement may consist of or be made up of several groups of metering nozzles or metering groups of metering nozzles, which may be securely connected to one another at least within the group and at the same time be removably connectable as a group to a corresponding group of valve actuators in the number of valve actuators.

[0016] However, as will be explained more precisely further below, preferably all metering nozzles of the metering nozzle arrangement are mounted on or are capable of forming the component to which they relate.

[0017] The metering section already mentioned above means here a metering nozzle arrangement having metering nozzles, an arrangement of metering head parts having discharge elements that are consecutive in the row direction of the valve actuator, which arrangement allows several metering points to be simultaneously applied onto the workpiece in a single static metering step, for example along a metering substance line or along metering sections that are only minimally offset relative to each other, without the metering nozzle having to be dynamically moved several times for metering, as is the case with individual metering nozzles, or here displaced relative to the workpiece along the line.

[0018] By virtue of the present invention, the machine productivity of a superordinate metering machine or metering system equipped with a metering module in the form of a metering valve group arrangement can be increased. On the one hand, the metering material or metering substance can therefore be applied more quickly and therefore in a shorter time to the target surface of the workpiece. On the other hand, more metering material can also be applied at the same time, thus increasing the amount of metering. Thus, in the same time interval, a larger area is supplied to a linear path of metering points, for example in the manner of a linear metering line or metering section, in a single metering step. In addition, the metering points can also be arranged closer together.

[0019] Additionally, the configuration according to the present invention—a configuration controllable in at least two spatial directions and integrated into a superordinate metering machine or metering system—enables metering methods in 3D printing or “3D printing methods” in which material is applied layer by layer. For example, metering material can be repeatedly applied by a parallel method of metering modules in the longitudinal direction of the valve actuator (perpendicular to the row direction across, e.g., a horizontal metering area extending in a planar manner), where the metering modules can be moved in the vertical or depth direction in between to apply further layers.

[0020] Further particularly preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description, where it is also possible to combine individual features of different exemplary embodiments or variants in order to form new exemplary embodiments or new variants.

[0021] Preferably, the first and second valve actuator groups of a metering module can extend parallel to each other in the column direction, and these valve actuator groups of metering modules parallel to each other can thus form, for example, a shared (valve actuator) double column, i.e. a double juxtaposition of valve actuators in two parallel (metering valve or valve actuator) columns.

[0022] There are preferred possibilities for the relative placement of valve actuator groups of metering modules relative to each other (eg, in the form of a metering valve group arrangement).

[0023] Preferably, the valve actuator groups are displaceable in columns relative to each other.

[0024] For example, the valve actuator groups can be arranged in a linear column direction parallel to one another, e.g., offset or displaced laterally or in the direction of the width of the valve actuators. The valve actuators of one valve actuator group can thus be slightly linearly displaced or slightly parallel to the column direction or direction of the width of the valve actuator groups relative to the valve actuators of the opposite valve actuator group.

[0025] Particularly preferably, three opposing valve actuators (two from one of the valve actuator groups and one from the other) can face each other in a displaced manner, where they can be directly located or adjacent to each other at least in some places, for example in the metering head section.

[0026] Such an arrangement of the valve actuators of the valve actuator groups, which are displaced or offset relative to one another with respect to the other valve actuator groups in the metering module in the form of a metering valve group arrangement, allows, for example, (by corresponding control during operation) inter alia, the application of a group or row of discrete drops (of metering substance) or metering points by the discharge elements of a first valve actuator group on a workpiece, followed in a very simple manner by the application of a second group of metering points or the application of a respective further row between the previously applied metering points. For this purpose, to apply the second group or row of metering points on the workpiece, it is sufficient to move the two valve actuator groups after the release of the first group or row of metering points or drops in the row connection direction of the two valve actuator groups (transversely, preferably perpendicularly to the row direction of the groups) by the spacing between the valve actuator groups relative to the workpiece. In this way, metering points can be applied at half the spacing relative to one another along discrete lines of metering points extending in the row direction. A discrete line of metering points means a line in which the metering points are at least somewhat spaced from one another.

[0027] In addition to the above arrangement and such procedure, by further providing sufficiently large discrete metering points, continuous or constant metering sections, and therefore metering substance lines in which individual metering points are adjacent to each other or at least partially overlap each other, can be applied onto the workpiece very quickly and with a simple linear movement of movement.

[0028] This arrangement (with corresponding control during operation) also allows for the formation of a metering material area extending in a planar, i.e., two-dimensional manner, by directing the metering module across the workpiece with continuous release of metering material in the row connection direction, whereby the metering material line already described above is expanded in the row connection direction into a metering material area having the width of the metering material line and any desired length.

[0029] Preferably, the metering heads of the two valve actuator groups can be arranged in one another in an interlocking manner. To this end, the arrangement of the valve actuators can be selected in an appropriate manner. The term "interlocking" means that the valve actuators at least partially engage with one another in the row direction. Further preferred embodiments of the interlocking are additionally explained further below.

[0030] There are also various possibilities for aligning the valve actuators relative to or with each other.

[0031] Preferably, the valve actuators of each valve actuator group may be aligned substantially parallel, alongside or relative to one another. The term "aligned substantially parallel, alongside or relative to one another" refers to an alignment or orientation of valve actuators of the same type in which each valve actuator of a valve actuator group is oriented or aligned identically or uniformly relative to all other valve actuators of the same valve actuator group.

[0032] Alternatively, the valve actuators in each valve actuator group are preferably aligned at offset angles relative to one another, which has the advantage that the valve actuators in each group can be aligned to increase the amount of metering for a small number or even just one shared metering point.

[0033] Essentially, the alignment of the valve actuators relative to one another is here independent of the progression in the column direction.

[0034] Preferably, the valve actuators in one of the valve actuator groups can be arranged alongside one another in a fan-like manner, in a curved row, for example when they are aligned at offset angles to one another, or on a convexly curved arc, so that, for example, they can all be aligned relative to the metering point.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the valve actuators of at least one valve actuator group can be directed toward a common metering point, thereby achieving that the valve actuators can be positioned at the same distance relative to the target surface, i.e., the valve actuators are therefore arranged and aligned at an angle relative to one another in a cross section in the form of a "cylindrical surface."

[0036] Most particularly preferably, the valve actuators of both valve actuator groups can be directed towards a common metering point, which means that the valve actuators are arranged in a cross section in the type of a "spherical surface" and are aligned at an angle relative to each other or to the center of the sphere, as will be explained further below with the aid of exemplary embodiments.

[0037] Preferably, the valve actuators in one of the valve actuator groups may be arranged linearly, alongside one another, in a linear or linear column.

[0038] Preferably, both valve actuator groups can be configured as straight or as a sector, but they can also be different, for example, with one valve actuator group being straight and the other valve actuator group being a curved sector.

[0039] Preferably, the valve actuators can be in contact with at least one further adjacent valve actuator in the row direction (as will be explained further below), in particular with an end section of the valve actuator, or the respective housings can be in contact with each other.

[0040] Thus, in the simplest configuration (with minimal profile requirements), two adjacent valve actuators of each valve actuator group arranged side by side can be in contact with each other or can be adjacent to each other, for example, along the profile side, i.e., profile side by profile side, forming, so to speak, a "valve actuator pair." Basically, they can be arranged on the remaining profile side in almost any desired way, for example, with connections, etc. Such "valve actuator pairs," which are arranged compactly and closely spaced at least in pairs, allow for very simple formation of a relatively close double row of metering points along the metering section, where the metering points are always metered closely next to each other in pairs in one step. For double application amounts, a second pair of valve actuators of a second valve actuator group can be arranged according to the invention. Here, the valve actuators can be, for example, engaged, glued, clicked, or otherwise screwed to each other.

[0041] However, the foregoing description of valve actuator pairs is not to be considered limiting, and thus, for example, valve actuators can be in close contact in larger groups as well.

[0042] For example, in the case of two linear valve actuator groups, or in the case of two valve actuator groups that are curved in the same way, a valve actuator may come into contact with at least one further valve actuator.

[0043] Similarly, the double row valve actuator groups may be arranged, for example, preferably almost directly on the shorter contoured sides (described below) of each valve actuator facing each other, and thus may be spaced apart by only a gap width, for example, at a relatively small distance from each other relative to the length of the valve actuators.

[0044] Particularly preferably, as will be explained further below with the aid of particularly preferred exemplary embodiments, the valve actuators or metering heads of two valve actuator groups can even be arranged deeply interlocked within one another, such that the metering heads, equipped with discharge elements, form a shared linear metering section with metering points spaced apart from one another. Thus, the two valve actuator groups are pressed into one another in a sawtooth manner in the direction of the series connection. Further advantages of such an interlocked arrangement of two valve actuator groups relative to one another will be explained further below.

[0045] That is, all valve actuators except the first and last two outermost valve actuators of the two groups can be arranged or interlocked (at least in the metering head area or valve actuator bay section) so that they engage with the two opposing discharge elements of the two valve actuators of the other valve actuator groups, respectively, in the center between the two opposing discharge elements. Thus, each additional metering point can be applied between two metering points of a valve actuator group without temporary movement of the upper metering system, so that the distance between metering points is halved compared to the distance between discharge elements in a single valve actuator group with only one valve actuator oriented in one direction. Thus, extremely small distances—here, for example, half the distance—are created between metering points, which are in any case smaller than previously possible with known configurations of the prior art. This is because the smallest possible distance between individual metering points is always limited by the thickness or width of each individual valve, i.e., closer placement is not possible.

[0046] In this respect, it can be stated that with respect to the curved row direction, the valve actuators or metering heads of two valve actuator groups can also be interlocked, for example, deeply into each other in such a way that the metering heads with their discharge elements then form metering sections of metering points spaced apart from each other that extend on a circular arc.

[0047] In addition, the metering module is not limited to the interlocking of the discharge elements that are fitted in this way. However, in many cases, a smaller, slight interlocking will achieve the corresponding effect as an almost straight application line or as a metering section of metering material (without such a moving movement in the row connection direction, as already described above). This depends on the setting and the amount of metering material or metering material, i.e., how large the area of ​​the metering point is on the workpiece.

[0048] Thus, for example, in the case of smaller interlocking, it may be possible to achieve at least a slightly wavy metering section of the metering point, where the wavy shape would only be visible on an enlarged view depending on the size of the metering point. Specifically, in applications not involving essentially 100 percent straight metering material lines, it may therefore also be possible to use wider valve actuators or wider metering heads that cannot be positioned very deeply interlocked into each other at the same metering point distance. However, the metering points of such wider valve actuators may still be positioned significantly closer to each other than in the case of only a group of valve actuators positioned alongside each other in a shared orientation.

[0049] Preferably, the valve actuator groups, or individual valve actuators of a valve actuator group, can each be displaced or offset by, preferably, half the width of the valve actuator, so that they can be positioned as accurately as possible within normal tolerances relative to one another.

[0050] Such an arrangement allows for the application of groups or rows of discrete metering points spaced half a distance apart from each other (with respect to the distance between two valve actuators in a valve actuator group arranged alongside each other).

[0051] Alternatively, or in addition, the valve actuator groups may be arranged displaced relative to one another, for example in a linear row, by the width of an end section of the valve actuator, as described below.

[0052] There is also a preferred possibility of arrangement of the valve actuators of the valve actuator group: Basically, each of said valve actuators can be configured so that it has a square outline in top view.

[0053] However, in order to be able to arrange or group, in particular align, the valve actuators with their metering heads with discharge elements next to one another at the smallest possible distance and in close proximity, the valve actuators preferably have a substantially rectangular, in particular a significantly elongated, boundary or contour, i.e., a boundary or contour with two shorter contour sides and two longer contour sides. The term "substantially rectangular" is understood to mean that the valve actuator can be formed rectangular on one of the shorter contour sides, excluding the end sections, with the metering head forming the end section with the discharge element. This means that the valve actuator can be narrower behind the discharge element in the region of the discharge element in the lateral or column direction (where the further valve actuators of the valve actuator group are also adjacent to one another and aligned laterally via their respective valve actuators) than in the rest of its longitudinal direction (either in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction or in the direction away from one another parallel to the valve actuator group).

[0054] Preferably, the shorter profile size, and therefore the wider or lateral side, has or can reach a length that is at most two-thirds, particularly preferably at most one-half, of the length of the longer profile side, and therefore the longitudinal side.

[0055] Preferably, the metering head with the discharge element of the valve actuator can project in a bay-like manner in each valve actuator, for example by means of the end section already mentioned above, and project in a bay-like manner from the remaining profile of the valve actuator on one of the shorter profile sides, i.e. forming a bay section including the discharge element, and thus forming only a part of the profile side. The discharge element can here be arranged centrally along the shorter profile side of the bay section of the valve actuator.

[0056] Preferably, the valve actuator may have a maximum width (shorter profile side or width side) of at most 30 mm. The maximum width is the width at the valve actuator's thickest point. Particularly preferably, the valve actuator may have a maximum width of at most 20 mm, and most particularly preferably, a maximum width of at most 10 mm.

[0057] Preferably, the valve actuator can have half the width, or half of the maximum width mentioned above, at the nozzle head with the ejection element or with the entire housing side of the ejection element, and therefore can be formed off-center, for example, by only the first or second half of the width mentioned above.

[0058] Such valve actuators of a first valve actuator group can therefore be arranged laterally and equally alongside one another with a second valve actuator group that is identically configured or matches, at least in terms of contour, and when arranged in a mirrored manner with the metering head discharge elements, the valve actuators face opposite one another, so that in the transverse direction (or row direction) along the double row of the metering module, for example, in the form of a metering valve group arrangement, the discharge elements of the valve actuators of the first valve actuator group alternate with the discharge elements of the valve actuators of the second valve actuator group, with the respective metering valves being offset with respect to one another alternately in two directions. Overall, such valve actuators with particularly narrow metering heads can be arranged very compactly with a halved nozzle spacing with respect to one another. The metering material can therefore be arranged alongside one another at a closer distance than the actual width of the respective contour sides of the valve actuators would allow.

[0059] Preferably, the ejection elements can here be arranged interlocked into one another perpendicular to the width direction or transverse direction of the valve actuators, in the row connection direction of the two valve actuator groups, and advantageously are located very close adjacent to one another.

[0060] As already mentioned above, the metering nozzles of the metering nozzle arrangement can be mounted on or in the associated component. Preferably, the metering nozzle arrangement of the metering module can have a nozzle unit with a plurality of metering nozzles that are removably integrated into or insertable into the nozzle unit.

[0061] Here, in addition to the metering nozzle arrangement, as will be further explained below, the nozzle unit may also comprise further parts or functional areas, such as, for example, a nozzle material supply or parts thereof (e.g., suitable channel structures to the metering nozzle, etc.).

[0062] A particularly preferred nozzle unit can be configured in the form of a nozzle plate, for example, with metering nozzles or areas with predetermined nozzle positions for metering nozzles already formed in the nozzle unit, but the nozzle unit is not limited to being plate-like and can be configured in an approximately two-dimensional shape. Preferably, the nozzle unit here can be connected to at least two valve actuators, in particular to each individual valve actuator, in order to mechanically couple or connect all valve actuators to each other like a clasp or bridge. Particularly preferably, the nozzle unit here can be connected to the valve actuators by removable fixing means, for example screws.

[0063] Preferably, the nozzle unit can be configured in the form of an arc-shaped nozzle plate, particularly preferably in the form of a cylindrical segment nozzle plate, which is conceivable, for example, in the case of fan-shaped valve actuators.

[0064] By using a nozzle unit, such as a nozzle plate, for fastening the individual valve actuator groups or valve actuators of the valve actuator groups (e.g., also simply via a plug-in connection for even faster coupling or decoupling), the metering module (preferably in the form of a complete metering valve group arrangement) can be provided as a finished component with multiple plug-in positions for a variable number of valve actuators. For maintenance and cleaning purposes, the customer himself can easily and quickly replace individual valve actuators with minimal time wastage. If necessary, a space can be reserved on the nozzle unit for mounting a specific control unit for the metering module, or the control unit can already be located thereon, so that, for example, the valve actuators of the metering module can be mounted on a higher-level metering system or robot for spatial control via connection with a joint or individual control unit for metering. The nozzle unit can then also serve to fasten the metering module to the metering system or robot.

[0065] Preferably, the metering module may further comprise a common metering material supply for at least some of the metering nozzles of the metering nozzle arrangement, preferably on or in the nozzle unit. The individual metering material supply connections of the individual metering nozzles of the metering nozzle arrangement for continuous supply of metering material from a metering material container or tank, e.g. a cartridge, may be connected or coupled to such metering material supply, either in series or individually, via a suitable channel structure.

[0066] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the metering nozzle arrangement may comprise a plurality of independent metering nozzles, each of which can be separately and individually connected to at least two valve actuator groups, in particular to individual valve actuators. The independent metering nozzles are particularly preferably separately and removably connectable to at least two valve actuator groups, in particular to individual valve actuators.

[0067] The invention will be described again in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like components are given like reference signs in the various figures, and in which the figures are generally not drawn to scale and are generally to be understood as schematic illustrations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0068] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a metering module according to the present invention in the form of a metering valve group arrangement, with the nozzle unit removed; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 coupled to a nozzle unit; FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section through the nozzle unit of FIG. 4 with two linked valve actuators (partially shown), without the reservoir and compressed air supply. [Figure 6] 10 shows a longitudinal section through a further exemplary embodiment of a metering module according to the invention in the form of a fan-shaped metering valve group arrangement, with nozzle units adapted and connected accordingly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a metering module 1 according to the invention in the form of a metering valve group arrangement 1 (where the nozzle unit 20 is not coupled). In the following, the metering valve group arrangement 1 will be designated, without loss of generality, as a metering valve row arrangement 1, and as in the exemplary embodiment, the valve actuator groups 2, 5 each comprise at least two valve actuators 3, each arranged or aligned in a double row.

[0070] The metering valve train arrangement 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment has, on the one hand, five valve actuators 3 arranged alongside one another in the transverse direction QR and forming a first valve actuator train 2. On the other hand, five further valve actuators 3 are arranged opposite to the longitudinal direction LR and offset relative thereto in the transverse direction QR to form a second valve actuator train 2. The metering valve train arrangement 1 of this exemplary embodiment consequently forms, for example as shown in this exemplary embodiment, identical double trains 2, 5 of ten valve actuators 3. The valve actuators 3 of both valve actuator trains 2, 5 are here arranged with their respective metering heads 4 interlocked with or relative to one another, the metering heads 4 each having a discharge element 4a for metering metering material onto a workpiece. As can be seen in FIG. 2 with the help of a bottom view on the metering valve train arrangement 1, the above-mentioned interlocking is such that the discharge elements 4a jointly form a linear metering section D. As will be explained further below, the ejection element 4a is here configured in the form of an elongated tappet 4a having a tappet tip at its leading end on the workpiece side and a tappet head at its rear end on the lever side.

[0071] With respect to a plurality of identical valve actuators 3, in a representative manner, with the help of an individual valve actuator 3, its (illustrated) outer configuration will be described in more detail below, and its not-illustrated inner configuration will be subsequently described in somewhat less detail.

[0072] Although the operational metering array arrangement 1 is used in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, i.e., metering on the workpiece is primarily performed substantially using gravity and therefore in the metering direction DR, or downward as opposed to the depth direction TR, information regarding relative directions such as "upper", "lower", "upper side", "lower", "side", "short side", "longitudinal side", "front", "rear", etc., herein, as in the entire document, arbitrarily refers to representations in the figures.

[0073] Each valve actuator 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 8 extending in three orthogonal spatial directions, namely a transverse direction QR, a longitudinal direction LR and a depth direction TR. The rectangular parallelepiped housing 8 is itself generally rectangular in profile, as shown in bottom view in Figure 2, i.e. it comprises two shorter profile sides 6 (in the transverse direction QR) and two longer profile sides 7 (in the longitudinal direction LR) having a length 1.

[0074] At the top (above the depth direction TR), several lines or connections leave the rectangular parallelepiped housing 8 for operation, at least in the coupled state, of the valve actuator 3. In addition to two lines or cables 9 for data exchange with a control unit (not shown here), three further connections are located on the top side of the housing 8 for supplying the power required for operation (e.g., for integrated heating) and for operating and monitoring the piezoelectric elements: a plug-in connection for a supply channel 15 and two plug-in connections for two discharge channels 16 for a cooling medium for cooling the valve actuator 3. The cooling medium can be, for example, a gas such as air, but can also be a cooling liquid. The individual central introduction and double discharge of the cooling medium, both at the two outer sides of the two actuators (described below) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, allows the backpressure of the cooling medium to be minimized and therefore the cooling capacity or cooling effect to be maximized.

[0075] The arrangement of the valve actuator 3 according to the present invention, in particular with respect to the metering valve array arrangement 1, is configured so that the width b of the housing 8 of the valve actuator 3, the width b of the valve actuator 3, and therefore the overall lateral extent in the lateral direction QR, is as narrow as possible.

[0076] The particularity in the sense of further local narrowing in the lateral direction QR is presented by the already described metering head 4 or the entire housing side of the valve actuator 3, which faces the other valve actuator row 2, 5, respectively, on the side of the metering head 4 (thus, for example, on the left housing side of the right valve actuator 3 in FIG. 3).

[0077] The metering head 4 or the entire housing side in the region of the metering head 4 (and therefore in particular also the part in the depth direction TR above the actual metering head 4) therefore protrudes only in the middle in the manner of a "bay-like extension" or in the manner of a bay section 3e on the respective shorter contour side 6, so that the housing side as a whole is narrowed. Here, in the housing side of the metering head 4, the housing 8 is continuous from top to bottom, i.e. is narrower in the bay section 3e at the end side in the transverse direction QR or in the end section 3e than the remaining housing 8. It therefore has only half the width b' of the metering head 4, preferably only approximately half the width b of the remaining valve actuator 3.

[0078] Thus, with its housing side narrowed or "tapered" in the lateral direction QR, the valve actuator 3 is adjacent to at least one opposing valve actuator 3 of the other valve actuator rows 2, 5. More particularly, it can be arranged such that it protrudes with its narrowed bay section 3e between two similarly "tapered" housing sides, and thus between two similarly narrowed bay sections 3e of two opposing valve actuators 3 of the other valve actuator rows 2, 5.

[0079] The metering heads 4 of the valve actuators 3 are therefore arranged side by side, in an interlocking manner, substantially closely packed. Thus, in this arrangement according to the invention, the metering heads 4 of the valve actuators 3 of each of the valve actuator rows 2 and 5 lie flat laterally on the metering heads 4 of the valve actuators 3 of the other valve actuator rows 2 and 5. This structural configuration and arrangement further reduces the spacing between the individual metering heads 4, and thus the spacing between the individual metering points. In particular, by using the same metering substance in all metering nozzles, this small spacing can be utilized to generate closely coupled, quasi-continuous drop sections of the metering points. Depending on the size of the droplets, such droplets then have almost no spacing relative to one another and thus form a continuous metering substance line, if applicable, as already described.

[0080] On the remaining housing side other than the narrowed side, i.e., in the wider portion, the valve actuator 3 is configured to be consistently wider or thicker as described above, as can be seen particularly in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, a cover plate 10 is further placed from the outside on the housing 8. It covers or protects, among other things, a processor board or control board arranged in the center of the longitudinal direction LR for controlling the valve actuator 3 inside the valve actuator 3. In addition, among other things, an insulating board for insulating the actuator (as will be explained below), a connection board, a Hall sensor board, and a voltage supply for the valve actuator 3 can also be integrated into the housing 8.

[0081] In order to hold the tappet 4a of the valve actuator 3 and guide it in an appropriate manner for the discharge movement (in the direction of the nozzle opening), the nozzle head 4 also includes a tappet centering screw for guided reception of the tappet 4a, which is held or received by the metering head 4 in an annular manner. A tappet spring is placed between the tappet head of the tappet 4a and the tappet centering screw in order to mount the tappet 4a elastically in the valve actuator 3. By means of a fluid positioning 11 below the valve actuator 3, the tappet 4a mounted on the tappet centering screw is held there in tension against the lever of the valve actuator 3 (here placed above it in the housing 8).

[0082] Internally, the metering valve train arrangement 1 can be configured in particular like the metering system of DE 10 2021 102 657 A1. Here, within the housing 8 of the valve actuator 3, a lever tiltably mounted on a lever support is located directly on the tappet head, and the lever is alternately actuated around its tilt axis by a tilting moment (either directly to the left or right of the tilt axis or directly behind it) by two piezoelectric elements or actuators arranged tilted relative to each other and located at two actuator engagement sites on the lever. The entire movement mechanism (i.e., the lever support for the two actuators) is supported or prestressed relative to or in the housing by spring elements configured here, for example, as a leaf spring assembly. For a detailed configuration, reference is therefore made to DE 10 2021 102 657 A1, the contents of which are incorporated in this context.

[0083] For metering operations in a metering system (not shown here), a valve actuator group formed from rows 2, 5 of valve actuators 3 each with their metering heads 4 to form a metering valve row arrangement 1 is connected to a nozzle unit 20, more particularly to a metering nozzle 4b of a metering nozzle arrangement 4' in the region of the nozzle unit 20.

[0084] FIG. 4 shows the nozzle unit 20 configured as a nozzle plate 20 in a perspective bottom view.

[0085] To illustrate the internal workings, the nozzle plate 20 is again shown in FIG. 5 in a longitudinal section through the nozzle plate 20 along the VV section line, without the reservoir and the compressed air supply hose (which may also be equipped with a heating connection cable, if necessary). By way of example, here (on the right) in FIG. 5, only two valve actuators 3 of the valve actuator arrays 2, 5 are shown at least partially connected to the nozzle plate 20, in order to better visualize the structure of the nozzle plate 20. This makes it clear approximately how the connection of the valve actuators 3 with the metering nozzles looks internally, and thus how the discharge elements 4a are arranged or positioned on the so-called sealing or valve seats in the nozzle chambers 4b' of the metering nozzles 4b. In fact, in the configuration in FIG. 4, all metering nozzles 4b are connected to the metering heads 4 or valve actuators 3 of the valve actuator arrays 2, 5, respectively.

[0086] Here, the metering valve train arrangement 1 is arranged or placed with the tappet 4a of the valve actuator 3 on the nozzle plate 20 of the metering nozzle arrangement 4' in the metering position, whereby the tappet 4a of the valve actuator 3 extends into the metering nozzle 4b, respectively, or into the seal of the metering nozzle 4b, in the nozzle plate 20, forming a valve seat or sealing seat. For sealing between the valve actuator 3 and the metering nozzle 4b, more particularly between the tappet 4a and the nozzle chamber 4b', i.e. at the top of the metering nozzle 4b, a corresponding seal, for example a ring seal or membrane seal (not shown here), is placed, which then lies in a ring shape between the nozzle chamber 4b' and the tappet 4a in the coupled state of the valve actuator 3 with the nozzle plate 20 (as shown in FIG. 4).

[0087] As can be seen with the aid of Figure 4, the valve actuators 3 of the metering module 1 are each removably screw-fixed to the nozzle plate 20 by means of screws 26 which are threaded through the nozzle plate 20 into the valve actuators 3. In order to fix the metering module 1 together with the nozzle plate 20 on the metering system for metering operations, the nozzle plate 20 can itself be fixed, for example by means of screws 27, onto a robot arm of a superordinate metering system.

[0088] The nozzle plate 20 further comprises an integrated nozzle material supply 21 or channel structure 21 from the container 22 or tank 22 to the metering nozzles 4b for a sufficient and constant supply or guide of metering material for the valve actuators 1 from the shared container 22. The channel structure 21 here leads from the container 22 via vertical channels into the interior of the nozzle plate 20, from which horizontal channels lead to the metering nozzles 4b. Since the metering nozzles 4b corresponding to the valve actuators 3 of the valve actuator rows 2, 5 are deeply interlocked within each other so that all the metering nozzles 4b are positioned in a straight line, a single channel extending horizontally through the nozzle plate 20 that connects all the metering nozzles 4b, or nozzle chambers 4b′ of the metering nozzles 4b, to each other and supplies them with metering material is sufficient for the channel structure 21.

[0089] However, the channel structure is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown. Essentially, the nozzle plate can have any desired number of channels. For example, a particular channel can extend to each nozzle chamber of each metering nozzle. Alternatively, or in addition, further channels extending parallel to the column direction and exiting perpendicular to the column direction from one or more channels can also branch off to individual nozzle chambers or groups of nozzle chambers.

[0090] Furthermore, the nozzle chambers of the metering nozzles of each row can be fed, for example in groups, by corresponding feed channels or can be connected to at least one reservoir.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, for example, the metering nozzles of a metering valve can be supplied in groups or rows, for example individually, with preferably different materials or metering materials (for example from a corresponding number of containers).

[0092] The metering material supply 21 is provided midway between the container 22 and the metering nozzle 4b, more particularly at the branch of the nozzle unit 20 into the nozzle chamber 4b' of the metering nozzle 4b, with an opening which is closed by a closure element 24 at least during normal metering operation. The opening can be opened when cleaning of the channels of the metering material supply 21 is to take place. This opening is also useful when introducing the metering material supply 21 or the channel structure 21 into the nozzle unit 20, in particular when the channel structure 21, which here consists of channels which extend, for example, vertically or horizontally to the metering nozzle, is opened.

[0093] Alternatively, or additionally, the nozzle plate can be manufactured or printed, for example by a 3D printing method, especially when it has a more complex channel structure, for example one of the variations described above.

[0094] As further shown in Figure 4, the nozzle plate 20 here additionally comprises a reservoir 22 that can be pressure-activated via a pressure supply. Since the metering process is generally very temperature-sensitive, temperature control of the nozzle plate 20 or of the nozzle plate 20 via heating or cooling is conceivable. This can be done centrally, i.e., for the entire nozzle plate 20, or over the individual target surfaces of the valve actuator 3. Additional temperature control of the reservoir 22 and of any supply lines or piping between the reservoir 22 and the nozzle plate 20 is further optionally conceivable, but is not explicitly presented in the exemplary embodiment.

[0095] Below the above-mentioned valve actuator 2, furthermore, a heating element 12 having a temperature sensor 12 is arranged in the fluid positioning 11, which, in connection with the metering nozzle arrangement 4' of the nozzle unit 20, heats the nozzle chamber 4b' of the metering nozzle 4b on the nozzle unit 20, in particular when the tappet 4a is moved through the nozzle chamber 4b' into the nozzle opening 25 of the metering nozzle 4b in operation to an open or closed position. The heating element 12 is here screwed onto the fluid positioning 11 by means of at least one screw 14.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows, in longitudinal section, a further exemplary embodiment of a metering module 1″ according to the invention in the form of a fan-shaped or curved metering valve train arrangement 1″ comprising a nozzle unit 20″ in the form of a nozzle plate 20″. The exemplary embodiment shown here can be made in substantially the same way as the exemplary embodiment described above, except for the differences specified below.

[0097] In contrast to the exemplary embodiment described above, the nozzle plate 20" is formed curved at least in the region of the metering nozzles 4b, so that the valve actuators 3 are not arranged perpendicular to the column direction QR in the same two-dimensional plate parallel to one another (as is the case in the exemplary embodiment described above), but rather are fan-shaped or tilted with the metering directions tilted relative to one another along the curved column direction QR" at shared metering points where they overlap in longitudinal cross-section.

[0098] In particular, for this purpose, on the one hand, the upper side of the nozzle plate 20″, on which the valve actuator 3 is connected to the metering nozzle 4b, as in the above-described exemplary embodiment, is configured to be slightly curved upwards in the area of ​​the metering nozzle 4b. On the other hand, the lower side of the nozzle plate 20″ is also recessed in an upwardly curved shape in the area of ​​the metering opening 25″ of the metering nozzle 4b, so that the nozzle plate 20″ in the longitudinal section between the upper and lower sides has the shape of a circular sector of a uniform thickness. Within the circular sector of the nozzle plate 20″, the metering nozzles 4b are arranged radially between the upper and lower sides of the nozzle plate 20″ towards an imaginary centre point of the circular sector of the ring. In this respect, it will be mentioned that, as in the above exemplary embodiment as well, the two rows of metering nozzles 4b for the valve actuators 3 of the valve actuator rows 2, 5 are again interlocked into each other so deep that all the metering nozzles 4b are located in a line and therefore connected to each other with the individual horizontal channels of the channel structure 21 or metering material supplies 21.

[0099] Here, by way of example, the five valve actuators 3 of the two valve actuator arrays 2, 5 are connected to metering nozzles 4b formed radially on the surface of the nozzle plate 20″ with a slight angular offset relative to one another, with the metering heads 4 lying almost flat on the surface of the nozzle plate 20″ and with the discharge elements protruding into the metering nozzles 4b. Here, the three valve actuators 3 of the first valve actuator array 2 (at the front in the longitudinal cross section) and the remaining two valve actuators 3 of the second valve actuator array 5 (at the rear in the space intermediate two of the three valve actuators 3 in the longitudinal cross section) are interlocked with one another so that all five valve actuators 3 are located on the metering line when viewed from above (not shown).

[0100] With appropriately selected spacing relative to the workpiece surface, this arrangement with offset metering valves allows individual metering points (at the intersection of the metering jets) to be achieved.

[0101] Alternatively, or additionally, several metering points can be positioned or metered on the workpiece, located as close or as close to each other as desired, with variable distances to the target surface.

[0102] For the metering module 1" according to the second exemplary embodiment, mixtures are also of interest, i.e., for example, a metering substance consisting of several components is used, whereby these components in the corresponding channel structure can advantageously only be mixed during metering on the workpiece.

[0103] The metering system in operation is able to control or move the metering modules 1, 1" in the form of a metering nozzle row arrangement 1 accordingly to the desired metering position relative to the workpiece, where the metering material can then be released by a corresponding metering action of the tappet 4a in a targeted manner out of the metering nozzle 4b, or the nozzle chamber 4b' of the metering nozzle 4b, and can be metered very precisely depending on the opening cross section or diameter of the nozzle opening 25.

[0104] For the discharge of the metering material or substance, the operating mechanism in the valve actuator 3 then generates and transfers a corresponding discharge and, therefore, a retraction movement of the tappet 4a towards the tappet head for the deflection of the tappet 4 in the metering direction QR already described above.

[0105] The above-described configuration has the advantage that by means of the valve actuator 3 of the metering valve train arrangement 1, 1" in operation, the desired metering material can be applied or ejected in small or large amounts from one or more nozzle chambers 4b' of one or more metering nozzles 4b to appropriate positions on the workpiece successively, simultaneously or alternately. For this purpose, the metering valve train arrangement 1, 1" can be controlled accordingly. In each metering or in each metering process, at least one drop of the desired metering material, which can be completely metered in terms of quantity, is ejected in the metering direction DR through the opening cross-section of the selected metering nozzle 4b or through the already-mentioned nozzle opening 25, which is indirectly controlled by the fast movement or tappet action of the tappet 4a via a lever and driven by an actuator operating in a mirror-reversed manner. For this reason, the nozzle opening 25 can also be configured in the form of a changeable nozzle insertion in the metering nozzle 4b, in order to be able to easily and quickly set the metering amount and metering configuration, in particular for different fields of application.

[0106] Finally, it is pointed out once again that the device described here above in detail merely relates to an exemplary embodiment that can be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, several metering valve group arrangements, in particular, for example, a metering valve train arrangement according to a first exemplary embodiment and a further metering valve train arrangement according to a second exemplary embodiment, can also be arranged in the metering system, and / or obviously more valve actuators can be arranged in the metering valve train arrangement. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite article "ein" or "eine" does not exclude that the relevant feature can also be present in multiple ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1, 1" Metering Module / Metering Valve Group Arrangement / Metering Valve Array Arrangement 2. First Valve Actuator Row 3 Valve Actuators 3e End section, Bay / Bay section 4 Metering head 4a Discharge element / tappet 4' Metering Nozzle Arrangement 4b Metering nozzle 5 Second Valve Actuator Row 6 Shorter Contour Sides 7 Longer Contour Sides 8. Housing 9 Cable 10 Cover Plate 11 Fluid Positioning 12 Heating Elements 14 Screw 15. Supply channel for cooling medium 16. Discharge channel for cooling medium 20, 20" nozzle unit / nozzle plate 21 Metering material supply / channel structure 22 Containers / Tanks 23 Compressed air supply hose 24 Closure Elements 25, 25" nozzle opening 26 Screw for fixing the valve actuator on the nozzle unit 27 Screws for mounting the metering module on the upper metering system AA cutting line b Valve actuator width b' Width / diameter of the metering head of the valve actuator l Valve actuator length D. Linear metering section DR Metering Direction S T First axis of symmetry of the actuator's plane of symmetry LR Longitudinal direction QR horizontal / column, linear QR” column direction, curved TR depth direction

Claims

1. A metering module (1, 1") for metering metering material, comprising a plurality of metering valves (4a, 4b), The metering module (1, 1 ″) comprises: a first valve actuator group (2) having at least two valve actuators (3) arranged next to each other in a row direction (QR, QR″), each of the valve actuators (3) comprising at least one metering head (4) having a discharge element (4 a); a second valve actuator group (5) having at least one valve actuator (3), the at least one valve actuator (3) also comprising a metering head (4) having a discharge element (4a); and the metering heads (4) of the first valve actuator group (2) and the second valve actuator group (5) face each other; the metering nozzle arrangement (4') has a plurality of metering nozzles (4b), each metering head (4) being assigned to a metering nozzle (4b) of the metering nozzle arrangement (4'), such that the metering nozzle (4b) together with the discharge element (4a) of the metering head (4) form in each case a metering valve (4a, 4b); The metering head portion (4) has a width (b') in the column direction (QR, QR") that is smaller than the width (b) of the valve actuator (3), the valve actuator groups (2, 5) are arranged displaced relative to one another in the column direction (QR, QR″); the metering heads (4) of the two valve actuator groups (2, 5) are arranged interlocked within each other; an end section (3e) of the valve actuator (3) contacts an end section (3e) of at least one further valve actuator (3) adjacent in the row direction (QR, QR″); Metering module (1, 1").

2. 2. The metering module according to claim 1, wherein the second valve actuator group (5) comprises a plurality of valve actuators (3) arranged next to each other in the column direction (QR, QR'').

3. the first valve actuator group (2) and the second valve actuator group (5) extend parallel to each other in the column direction (QR, QR″); The metering module of claim 1 .

4. the first valve actuator group (2) and the second valve actuator group (5) are adjacent to each other; 4. The metering module of claim 3.

5. the valve actuators (3) of each valve actuator group (2, 5) are aligned substantially parallel alongside one another or aligned angularly offset relative to one another; The metering module of claim 1 .

6. the valve actuators (3) in one of the valve actuator groups (2, 5) are arranged linearly next to each other in a straight row direction (QR), or the valve actuators (3) in one of the valve actuator groups (2, 5) are arranged fan-like next to each other in a curved row direction (QR"); The metering module of claim 1 .

7. the valve actuators (3) of at least one valve actuator group (2, 5) are directed to a common metering point; 7. The metering module of claim 6.

8. The valve actuators (3) of both valve actuator groups (2, 5) are directed to a common metering point; 7. The metering module of claim 6.

9. the valve actuator groups (2, 5) are arranged displaced relative to one another in the column direction (QR) by half the width (b) of the valve actuator (3) and / or by the width (b') of the metering head (4) at the end section (3e) of the valve actuator (3); The metering module of claim 1 .

10. The valve actuator (3) has a generally rectangular profile (6, 7). The metering module of claim 1 .

11. The valve actuator (3) has a generally rectangular profile (6, 7) with a longer profile side (7) and a shorter profile side (6), The metering module of claim 10.

12. The shorter profiled side (6) has a length that is at most two-thirds the length of the longer profiled side (7).

12. The metering module of claim 11.

13. the shorter profiled side (6) has a length that is at most half the length of the longer profiled side (7); 12. The metering module of claim 11.

14. The metering head portion (4) of the valve actuator (3) protrudes in a bay shape in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the valve actuator (3). The metering module of claim 1 .

15. The valve actuator (3) has a maximum width (b) of at most 30 mm. The metering module of claim 1 .

16. In the metering head portion (4), the valve actuator (3) has a width (b') that is half the maximum width (b).

16. The metering module of claim 15.

17. the metering heads (4) of the valve actuators (3) of the two valve actuator groups (2, 5) are interlocked and arranged within each other such that the metering heads (4) of the valve actuators (3) of the two valve actuator groups (2, 5) form a shared linear metering section (D); The metering module of claim 1 .

18. The metering nozzle arrangement (4') comprises: a nozzle unit (20, 20") having a plurality of metering nozzles (4b), the metering nozzles (4b) being either integrated into the nozzle unit (20, 20") or capable of being removably inserted into the nozzle unit (20, 20"); having The metering module of claim 1 .

19. The nozzle unit (20, 20″) can be coupled to at least two valve actuator groups (2, 5), 20. The metering module of claim 18.

20. The nozzle units (20, 20") can be coupled to individual valve actuators (3).

20. The metering module of claim 19.

21. The metering nozzle arrangement (4') comprises: a plurality of different metering nozzles (4b) each individually connectable to at least two valve actuator groups (2, 5); Equipped with The metering module of claim 1 .

22. The metering nozzle arrangement (4') comprises: a plurality of different metering nozzles (4b) which can be separately and individually connected to individual valve actuators (3); Equipped with 22. The metering module of claim 21.

23. 19. The metering module according to claim 18, comprising a common metering material supply (21) for at least some of the metering nozzles (4b) of the metering nozzle arrangement (4').

24. A metering module (1, 1") for metering metering material, comprising a plurality of metering valves (4a, 4b), The metering module (1, 1 ″) comprises: a first valve actuator group (2) having at least two valve actuators (3) arranged next to each other in a row direction (QR, QR″), each of the valve actuators (3) comprising at least one metering head (4) having a discharge element (4 a); a second valve actuator group (5) having at least one valve actuator (3), the at least one valve actuator (3) also comprising a metering head (4) having a discharge element (4a); and the metering heads (4) of the first valve actuator group (2) and the second valve actuator group (5) face each other; the metering nozzle arrangement (4') has a plurality of metering nozzles (4b), each metering head (4) being assigned to a metering nozzle (4b) of the metering nozzle arrangement (4'), such that the metering nozzle (4b) together with the discharge element (4a) of the metering head (4) form in each case a metering valve (4a, 4b); The metering head portion (4) has a width (b') in the column direction (QR, QR") that is smaller than the width (b) of the valve actuator (3), the valve actuator groups (2, 5) are arranged displaced relative to one another in the column direction (QR) by half the width (b) of the valve actuator (3) and / or by the width (b') of the metering head portion (4) at the end section (3e) of the valve actuator (3); an end section (3e) of the valve actuator (3) contacts an end section (3e) of at least one further valve actuator (3) adjacent in the row direction (QR, QR″); Metering module (1, 1").

25. A metering module (1, 1") for metering metering material, comprising a plurality of metering valves (4a, 4b), The metering module (1, 1 ″) comprises: a first valve actuator group (2) having at least two valve actuators (3) arranged next to each other in a row direction (QR, QR″), each of the valve actuators (3) comprising at least one metering head (4) having a discharge element (4 a); a second valve actuator group (5) having at least one valve actuator (3), the at least one valve actuator (3) also comprising a metering head (4) having a discharge element (4a); and the metering heads (4) of the first valve actuator group (2) and the second valve actuator group (5) face each other; the metering nozzle arrangement (4') has a plurality of metering nozzles (4b), each metering head (4) being assigned to a metering nozzle (4b) of the metering nozzle arrangement (4'), such that the metering nozzle (4b) together with the discharge element (4a) of the metering head (4) form in each case a metering valve (4a, 4b); The metering head portion (4) has a width (b') in the column direction (QR, QR") that is smaller than the width (b) of the valve actuator (3), the valve actuator groups (2, 5) are arranged displaced relative to one another in the column direction (QR, QR″); The metering head portion (4) of the valve actuator (3) protrudes in a bay shape in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the valve actuator (3), an end section (3e) of the valve actuator (3) contacts an end section (3e) of at least one further valve actuator (3) adjacent in the row direction (QR, QR″); Metering module (1, 1").

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