Metering device, assembly for such a metering device and method for actuating a closure of a metering device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a metering device, for metering bulk material, having a selectively operable closure. The present invention also relates to an assembly for use in such a metering device and / or which is adapted to be used in such a metering device. In addition, the invention relates to a method for selectively actuating a closure of a metering device for metering bulk material.

Description

[0001] 23030P‐WO 1 Qlar Europe GmbH Dosing device, assembly for such a dosing device and method for actuating a closure of a dosing device Description Field of the art The present invention relates to a dosing device for dosing bulk material, with a selectively actuable closure. The present invention also relates to an assembly for use in such a dosing device and / or which is adapted to be used in such a dosing device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for selectively actuating a closure of a dosing device for dosing bulk material. State of the art When operating a dosing device for dosing bulk material, a reliable and safe discharge of the bulk material to be dosed is a central concern. In this context, it is important that the bulk material is fed into the dosing process in a controlled manner.downstream process. For this purpose, on the one hand, a desired material discharge should be carried out precisely. In this respect, for example, the most accurate dosing of the bulk material should be achieved. On the other hand, undesired material discharge should be avoided as far as possible. In this respect, for example, during an initial filling of the dosing device with the bulk material to be dosed, the escape of at least parts of the bulk material from the dosing device should be avoided as far as possible. A "trickling" of material during an interruption of a dosing process should also be avoided as far as possible. This is particularly crucial in batch dosing, in which material discharge is carried out with cyclical interruptions. It is desirable to further improve the results of previous solutions. Summary of the invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to eliminate the described disadvantages of theThe object is achieved by the invention according to a first aspect in that a dosing device for dosing bulk material, with a selectively operable closure, the dosing device comprising - at least one discharge element rotatably arranged within a conveying channel for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel along a conveying direction towards at least one outlet opening of the conveying channel, wherein the discharge element comprises at least one shaft, which is preferably mounted beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction, or is connected to such a shaft, and 23030P‐WO 2 Qlar Europe GmbH - at least one at least between at least one operating position and at least one closure position alongat least one movement path movable closure element for at least partially closing the outlet opening, wherein the shaft extends through the closure element, is proposed. The object is achieved by the invention according to a second first aspect in that a dosing device for dosing bulk material, with a selectively actuatable closure, the dosing device comprising - at least one discharge member rotatably arranged within a conveying channel for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel towards at least one outlet opening of the conveying channel, wherein the discharge member is end-mounted, and - at least one closure element movable at least between at least one operating position and at least one closure position for at least partially closing the outlet opening, wherein a central axis of the discharge member can be defined, which extends through theClosure element extends through and along or parallel to which a movement path of the closure element runs. The invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that a safe and reliable discharge of bulk material to be dosed from a dosing device is possible by keeping a gap between the discharge element and the conveyor channel constant. By supporting the discharge element at the end according to the invention, the discharge element can be reliably held in position relative to the conveyor channel over its entire extent. This prevents contact between the discharge element and an inner surface of the conveyor channel, which in turn prevents impairment of the dosing process or even damage to parts of the dosing device. Even if, for the sake of better readability, onlyAlthough reference is made to "the dosing device", these statements nevertheless refer both to the dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention and to the dosing device according to the second aspect of the invention, unless the context indicates otherwise or unless otherwise noted. Since in the first aspect of the invention the shaft and / or in the second aspect of the invention the central axis of the discharge member also extends through the closure element, the end bearing of the shaft and / or the discharge member can also be combined with a closure element and the associated possibility of avoiding undesirable material discharge at certain times (for example, temporarily during batch dosing or during filling). The proposed dosing device thus enables an overall improvedDosing process in which a desired material discharge can be carried out more precisely and, at the same time, undesired material discharge can be more reliably avoided. Preferably, when a dosing process with accompanying material discharge is or is to be carried out with the dosing device, the closure element is moved into the operating position for this purpose. Preferably, when no material discharge is or is to be carried out with the dosing device, the closure element is moved into the closed position for this purpose. 23030P‐WO 3 Qlar Europe GmbH The discharge element can be, for example, a screw and / or a spiral. For example, the turns of the screw and / or spiral can be arranged along at least one section of the shaft on the shaft. If the shaft is provided with an end of theshaftless, discharge device, preferably the end of the shaft that is not connected to the discharge device is the end bearing. Preferably, one or the central axis of the discharge device and / or a central axis of the shaft each runs perpendicularly through a surface defined by the outlet opening and / or each runs through a center of the outlet opening. The dosing device can be, for example, a loss-in-weight dosing system. The dosing device is particularly well suited for use in batch dosing. The dosing device preferably has the conveyor channel. In particular, the conveyor channel has a round cross-section at least in sections and / or in at least one cross-sectional plane. Examples of advantageous bulk materials to be dosed are rock, building materials, in particular topsoil, sand, gravel and / or cement, raw materials, in particular ore, coal, clay and / or road salt,Foodstuffs, in particular cereals, sugar, salt, coffee and / or flour, and / or powdered goods, in particular pigments, fillers, granules and / or pellets. The type of bulk material to be dosed can, for example, be one of the following bulk material types: dust, powder, flour, grains, granules, meal, lumps, pellets and / or other. Preferably, the movement path runs between and including the operating position and the closure position. Preferably, the movement path is predetermined by the shaft and / or the central axis and / or extends along at least a section of the shaft and / or the central axis. The movement path can, for example, be a movement path of a center of gravity or a center point of the closure element or parts thereof (such as the holding element and / or sealing element described in more detail below) and / or a center point of the closure element lying in a cross-sectional plane of the closure element.Closure element or parts thereof (such as the retaining element and / or sealing element described in more detail below). The central axis can advantageously be defined and / or definable. It goes without saying that the central axis does not refer to a physical feature of the discharge element. Rather, the central axis is, for example, a mathematically and geometrically defined axis. The defined and / or definable central axis extends in particular from and to infinity. For example, the central axis extends through the discharge element. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge element is intended to convey the bulk material within the conveying channel along a conveying direction towards the at least one outlet opening of the conveying channel and / or the discharge element is provided with a, in particular in the conveying direction beyond the outlet opening on theDosing device is connected to an axis fixed to the dosing device. 23030P‐WO 4 Qlar Europe GmbH In other words, the dosing device advantageously has at least one discharge element rotatably arranged within the conveying channel for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel towards at least one outlet opening of the conveying channel. The discharge element can be particularly advantageously mounted at its end by means of the axis. Preferably, the discharge element is connected to the axis at the end opposite the end of the discharge element at which the discharge element is driven. The axis can advantageously be fixed to the dosing device (in particular to a housing of the dosing device). As a result, the axis is restricted in its degrees of freedom of translation and / or rotation. In embodiments, the axis is in one or more than one degree of freedom (in particular the translationand / or rotation). For example, the axis can be restricted in one, two, or three degrees of freedom of translation. Alternatively or additionally, the axis can be restricted in one, two, or three degrees of freedom of rotation. For example, the axis can be rigidly connected to the dosing device, in particular to a housing of the dosing device. For example, the axis can be connected to the dosing device so that it can be displaced along a direction of movement. Advantageously, a direction of movement of the closure element, when it is moved from the operating position, in particular along the movement path, into the closure position, runs opposite to the conveying direction. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the axis is stationary and / or sealed from the environment of the dosing device. Advantageously, the stationary axis is stationary relative to the dosing device.and / or non-rotatable. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge element and the axis are connected to one another so that they can rotate relative to one another. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge element has a shaft and the discharge element shaft has a recess within which an end section of the axis can be received or is accommodated. The shaft of the discharge element, referred to as the discharge element shaft in this respect, can thus serve as a receptacle for the axis. This allows the discharge element to be connected to the axis very reliably and yet simply. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge element shaft is rotatable relative to the axis and / or wherein a guide bushing is provided within the recess of the discharge element shaft and the end section of the axis is accommodated within the slide bushing. The slide bushing enables reliable operation. Alternatively or additionally,It can also be provided that the axle has a reduced outer diameter in the region of the end section and / or in an outer transition region between the axle and the discharge device shaft, the outer diameter has no jumps along the conveying direction and / or is constant. Due to the reduced outer diameter, the recess in the discharge device shaft can have a reduced diameter. By means of a constant outer diameter in the transition region, an accumulation of bulk material in this region can be avoided or at least reduced. 23030P‐WO 5 Qlar Europe GmbH Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the axle has a larger outer diameter in a transition region between the axle and the discharge device than in an area adjacent to the transition region, in particular directly adjacent to it, along the conveying direction, and wherein the closure element or partsof which, in the closed position, is in contact with a section of the axis of the transition area. This advantageously allows sealing against the axis in a particularly simple manner. It is also particularly advantageous if the closure element is not in contact with the axis in the operating position. Sealing against the axis can then be achieved depending on the position of the closure element. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that, while the closure element is transferred along the movement path from the operating position to the closed position, the end section of the axis is maximally received in the recess of the discharge element shaft when the closure element is in the operating position, and the end section of the axis is minimally received in the recess of the discharge element shaft when the closure element is in the closed position. The axis is advantageous in this casestationary, the discharge member is displaceable (in particular along and / or parallel to the central axis) and / or the closure element is rigidly coupled (in particular at one end of the discharge member) to the discharge member. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the part of the end section of the axis accommodated in the recess of the discharge member shaft decreases while the closure element is moved from the operating position to the closing position. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge member is movable back and forth to move the closure element between the operating position and the closing position along the movement path, wherein the forward movement preferably runs counter to the conveying direction and the forward movement runs in the conveying direction. For example, the closure element can be rigidly coupled (in particular at one end of the discharge member) to the discharge member. Alternatively orAdditionally, it can also be provided that, when the closure element is in the operating position, the discharge member protrudes further out of the conveying channel along the conveying direction than when the closure element is in the closed position. This can be achieved, for example, by the above-mentioned displaceability of the discharge member. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge member protrudes out of the conveying channel along the conveying direction when the closure element is in the operating position and / or the discharge member does not protrude out of the conveying channel along the conveying direction when the closure element is in the closed position. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the axis has several sub-axes that are coupled together to transmit a force along the axis. Because the axis consists of several parts, the assembly of the axisbe simplified. The individual sub-axes can be connected to one another in a non-destructive manner. At least some of the sub-axes can also be permanently connected to one another (for example by welding). 23030P-WO 6 Qlar Europe GmbH Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that an end section of a first sub-axle forms the end section of the axis received in the recess of the discharge device shaft, and wherein preferably (i) a second sub-axle is rigidly coupled to the first sub-axle and provided behind the first sub-axle along the conveying direction and / or (ii) the closure element is formed integrally with the first or second sub-axle. If the closure element is coupled to a sub-axle, the closure element can be removed by removing the respective sub-axle. This facilitates replacement or maintenance of theClosure element. The rigidly coupled axes enable particularly good force transmission along the axis, both when the axis is subjected to tensile and compressive stress. One of the partial axes, in particular the second partial axis, can be formed, for example, by a piston, which is provided in particular to be displaceable in a cylinder. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that, while the closure element is transferred along the movement path from the operating position to the closure position, the end section of the axis is minimally received in the recess of the discharge element shaft when the closure element is in the operating position, and the end section of the axis is maximally received in the recess of the discharge element shaft when the closure element is in the closure position. The axis is advantageously (in particular along and / or parallel to theCentral axis) is displaceable, the discharge member is stationary, and / or the closure element is rigidly coupled to the axis (in particular the first partial axis). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the part of the end section of the axis accommodated in the recess of the discharge member shaft increases while the closure element is moved from the operating position to the closing position. For example, it can also be provided that the axis is movable back and forth to move the closure element between the operating position and the closing position along the movement path, wherein the forward movement preferably runs counter to the conveying direction and the forward movement in the conveying direction. For example, the closure element can be rigidly coupled to the axis (in particular the first partial axis). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the dosing device is designed such that,While the closure element is being moved along the movement path from the operating position to the closure position, a variable portion of the end section of the axle is introduced into the recess of the discharge element shaft, in particular an increasing or decreasing portion. Depending on how the portion behaves, for example, either the discharge element or the axle can be provided in a stationary manner. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the axle has a recess within which a part of the discharge element, such as a pin of the discharge element or an end section of the discharge element shaft, is received. This allows the axle to be very easily connected to the discharge element. For example, the axle can be slipped or can be slipped over the part of the discharge element. 23030P‐WO 7 Qlar Europe GmbH Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that a guide bushing is provided within theRecess of the axis is provided and the part of the discharge element is accommodated within the sliding bushing. This enables a particularly reliable connection of the discharge element and the axis. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the portion of the discharge element accommodated in the axis increases, while the closure element is moved, in particular along the movement path, from the operating position to the closed position. In this case, the axis is preferably provided to be displaceable (in particular along and / or parallel to the central axis) and / or the discharge element is provided to be stationary. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the portion of the discharge element accommodated in the axis decreases, while the closure element is moved, in particular along the movement path, from the operating position to the closed position. In this case, the discharge element is preferably(in particular along and / or parallel to the central axis) displaceable and / or the axis is provided stationary. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the axis and the discharge member have the same position relative to each other along the conveying direction when the closure element is in the operating position and in the closed position. In other words, the axis and the discharge member are preferably positioned the same relative to each other in both positions. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge member has at least one shaft, which is mounted, in particular end-mounted, in particular beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction, or is connected to such a shaft. For example, the discharge member can be designed without a shaft (in particular without a discharge member shaft), but at one end (which preferably corresponds to the driven end of theDischarge element and shaft can advantageously be connected to one another in a rotationally secure manner. By connecting the discharge element to the said shaft, the discharge element can advantageously be mounted on an end support. However, it is also advantageously possible for the discharge element to have the shaft (as already mentioned above for the dosing device of the first aspect of the invention) and for the discharge element to be mounted on an end support of the shaft. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the shaft and / or the axis extend through the closure element. For example, this shaft can be the shaft to which the discharge element is connected. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge element is formed in one piece with the shaft. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the shafthas several partial shafts that are coupled together to transmit torque along the shaft. As the shaft consists of several parts, the assembly of the shaft can be simplified. The individual partial shafts can be connected to each other in a non-destructive manner. 23030P-WO 8 Qlar Europe GmbH At least some of the partial shafts can also be permanently connected to each other (for example by welding). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element is movable relative to the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis. Depending on the design, a movement of the closure element from the operating position to the closed position and vice versa can therefore advantageously be carried out. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element is rigidly connected to the discharge element, in particular to one end of theDischarge organ. In this way, for example, the closure element can also be moved by a movement of the discharge organ (in phase and / or along and / or parallel to the central axis). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element is rigidly coupled to the axis and / or formed integrally with the axis. In this way, for example, the closure element can also be moved by a movement of the axis (in phase and / or along and / or parallel to the central axis). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element has a sealing element, wherein the sealing element in the closed position is in contact with an outer surface of the discharge organ or parts thereof, in particular with an outer surface of an end section of the discharge organ shaft, and / or the sealing element in theoperating position is not in contact with the outer surface of the discharge member or parts thereof. This advantageously allows sealing against the discharge member in a particularly simple manner. This advantageously allows sealing against the discharge member depending on the position of the closure element. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element has a plate-, disc-, or ring-shaped base body, which preferably closes the outlet opening along the conveying direction at least in regions in the closed position and / or wherein the closure element has a sealing element that lies sealingly against an edge of the outlet opening in the closed position. Preferably, the base body is plate-, disc-, orannular. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element, in particular the base body, is fastened to the discharge member, to the discharge member shaft, to the shaft and / or to the axis and / or is formed integrally therewith and preferably extends radially outwards from there along a complete circumference. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least a section of the movement path runs in the conveying direction beyond the outlet opening. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element extends at least partially circumferentially around the central axis of the discharge member. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element has at least one sealing element which preferably, at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position, is in contact with theDischarge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft, and / or the axis. This makes it possible to reliably seal the conveying channel against the environment, even in the area around the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft, and / or the axis. This reliably prevents or at least reduces the trickling of bulk material after the end of or during a pause in a material discharge, as well as any other escape of bulk material (e.g., during filling of the dosing device with bulk material). The sealing element can, for example, have one or more sealing lips, of which at least one of the at least one sealing lip is in contact with the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft, and / or the axis, or can be brought into contact with it, in particular at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position. Preferably, the sealing element seals in at least one positionof the closure element along the movement path, in particular in the closure position, at least partially, preferably completely, closes off the conveying channel in an area between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis and the sealing element. The sealing effect between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis and the sealing element advantageously relates to bulk materials at pressure differences between the conveying channel and the environment of between 0 mbar and 100 mbar. The environment is advantageously the area outside the conveying channel which follows the outlet opening in the conveying direction. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least partially as a result of a position-dependent interaction between the shaft, the discharge element, in particular the discharge element shaft, and / or the axis and the sealing elementalong the movement path, a preload of at least parts of the sealing element along the movement path is position-dependent. The inventors have recognized that at different positions along the movement path, a different sealing effect between the shaft, discharge element, discharge element shaft and / or axis and sealing element can be set by providing a corresponding interaction. As a result, by means of suitable interactions, for example, at at least one position (such as the closure position) where a high sealing effect is required, a greater preload can be set, compared to at least one position (such as the operating position) where a lower or even no sealing effect is required and thus a lower or even no preload can be set. In addition, wear of theSealing element can be avoided or reduced, for example, by an interaction taking place in the operating position which is accompanied by no or at least less (mechanical) stress on the sealing element. Preferably, the interaction between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the axis and / or the shaft and the sealing element is a mechanical, electrical and / or magnetic interaction. Preferably, the position-dependent interaction considered along the movement path is an interaction of the same type and / or with a position-dependent interaction strength. 23030P-WO 10 Qlar Europe GmbH A preload can be caused, for example, by a curvature of the sealing element or parts thereof. For example, a greater curvature of the sealing element or parts thereof can cause a greater preload than a comparatively less strong one.Curvature of the sealing element or parts thereof (which then causes a comparatively less strong prestress). Preferably, in the sense of the present invention, a position-dependent interaction is present when, at least at a first position (and / or along at least a first section) along the movement path, an interaction of a specific type takes place between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis and the sealing element or parts thereof with a first interaction strength, and when, at least at a second position (and / or along at least a second section) along the movement path, an interaction of a specific type takes place between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis and the sealing element or parts thereof with a different, in particular greater orsmaller, second interaction strength takes place. A first or second interaction strength of zero can also advantageously represent an interaction. Preferably, in the sense of the present invention, a position-dependent interaction between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis and the sealing element or parts thereof along the movement path also exists if, at at least one first position (and / or along at least one first section) along the movement path, an interaction of a certain type takes place between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis and the sealing element or parts thereof with a first interaction strength and if, at at least one second position (and / or along at least one second section) along the movement path, no interaction of theof a certain type between the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axle and the sealing element or parts thereof. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the sealing element, at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position, lies sealingly against at least one circumferential section of the shaft, the discharge element, in particular the discharge element shaft, and / or the axle. This makes it reliably possible to seal the conveying channel against the environment, even in the area around the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axle. This can reliably prevent or at least reduce the trickling of bulk material after the end of or during a pause in a material discharge, as well as any other escape of bulk material (e.g., during filling of the dosing device with bulk material). Alternatively or additionally,It can be provided that the sealing element, at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position, seals the conveyor channel against the environment, at least in part. The conveyor channel is preferably sealed against the environment by the sealing element when, at the typical pressure differences mentioned elsewhere in this application, no bulk material can escape from the conveyor channel through the outlet opening when the conveyor channel is closed, at least in part, when the closure element is moved into the closure position. 23030P‐WO 11 Qlar Europe GmbH Preferably, at least one region of the outlet opening, which is lower according to gravity, is closed by the closure element.Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that when the closure element is not moved into the closed position and / or at least when the closure element is moved into the operating position, the outlet opening is released by the closure element. This makes a dosing process reliably possible, because material discharge can be carried out without being impaired by the closure element when the closure element is in the operating position. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the movement path runs along the shaft and / or the axis and / or parallel to the conveying direction. For example, the movement path can run along one or the central axis of the shaft and / or the discharge element. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the movement path extends from the operating position to the closed position and / or the movement path has a length ofat least 0.1 cm, preferably at least 1 cm, preferably at least 3 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, preferably at least 10 cm, and / or at most 100 cm, preferably at most 70 cm, preferably at most 60 cm, preferably at most 50 cm, preferably at most 30 cm. Thus, the closure element can be moved from the operating position along the movement path to the closure position. The operating position is thus a first end of the movement path, and the closure position is a second end of the movement path. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element, in particular at least when the closure element is in the operating position, extends at least partially circumferentially around the central axis of the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft, and / or the axis. The closure element preferably extends,in particular in the operating position, completely circumferentially around the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis. For example, the closure element can be pushed onto the shaft and / or axis from one end of the shaft and / or the axis and / or can be positioned relative to the shaft and / or the axis. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge element shaft, the shaft and / or the axis has an outer diameter that decreases at least in sections along the conveying direction. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a position-dependent interaction between the sealing element and the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis in a simple but nevertheless effective manner. This is because, depending on the position of the closure element, the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis interact due to the position-dependent shaft orAxis diameter interacts with the sealing element to varying degrees. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the discharge device shaft, the shaft and / or the axis has an enlarged outer diameter in at least one section, and wherein the sealing element interacts with this section of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis when the closure element is moved into the closed position. 23030P‐WO 12 Qlar Europe GmbH As a result, a position‐dependent interaction can take place along the movement path between the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis and the sealing element, and thus a position‐dependent preload can be introduced into the sealing element. The interaction can advantageously be a mechanical interaction, for example, by the section of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis with the enlarged outer diameter being pressed onto the sealing element.exerts a force at least partially along a radial direction (preferably at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position). Preferably, within the meaning of this application, an enlarged outer diameter of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis can be realized, for example, by providing a sleeve fastened to or formed on the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis - at least a first section in which the outer diameter of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis is a first outer diameter or has values ​​within a first value range, and - at least one second section, preferably following the first section in the conveying direction, in which the outer diameter of the shaft, the discharge element shaftand / or the axis has a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter, or has values ​​within a second value range whose upper limit is smaller than the lower limit of the first value range, wherein preferably the first section and the second section are connected to one another by a transition region. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a position-dependent interaction between the sealing element and the shaft, the discharge element shaft, and / or the axis in a simple but effective manner. This is because, depending on the position of the closure element, the shaft, the discharge element shaft, and / or the axis interact with the sealing element to varying degrees due to the position-dependent shaft and / or axis diameter in the first and second sections. In other words, depending on where the closure element is located along the movement path,an interaction takes place at least in sections between the sealing element and the first or second section of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis. The interaction can advantageously be a mechanical interaction, at least with regard to the first section. For example, the first section of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis can exert a first force on the sealing element at least partially along a radial direction (preferably at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position). Advantageously, alternatively or additionally, the second section of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis can exert a second force on the sealing element at least partially along a radial direction (preferably at least when the closure element is moved into the operating position), which second force is preferably smaller than the first force.This makes it particularly easy for the preload due to the interaction between the second section of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis and the closure element to be lower than due to the interaction between the first section of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis and the closure element. 23030P‐WO 13 Qlar Europe GmbH Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that, when the closure element is moved into the closed position, the sealing element interacts with the first section of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis, in particular is at least partially in contact with the first section of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis. As a result, during a period in which material discharge is not intended (for example during an interruption of the material discharge or during aFilling the dosing device before a dosing process), a particularly advantageous sealing of the conveying channel can be achieved. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that, when the closure element is moved into the operating position, the sealing element (a) does not interact with the first section of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis, in particular is not in contact with the first section of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis, (b) interacts with the second section of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis, in particular is at least partially in contact with the second section of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis, and / or (c) is not in contact with the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis. As a result, during an ongoing dosing process, during which the shaftrotates, a lower friction between the shaft and the sealing element is achieved and thus wear of the sealing element is reduced. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the difference in the outer diameter of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis in the first and second section and / or at the two positions is between 0.01 mm and 400 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 300 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 250 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 200 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 200 mm. It has proven advantageous to select the shaft and / or axis diameters according to this specification. In particular, it has been recognized that even small differences in the shaft and / or axis diameter lead to advantageous results. The two positions are the operating position and the closing position. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the outer diameter of the shaft, theDischarge organ shaft and / or the axis in a section with which the sealing element is in contact when the closure element is moved into the closed position is greater than or equal to 4 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 5 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 10 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 30 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 50 mm, and / or less than or equal to 300 mm, in particular less than or equal to 200 mm, in particular less than or equal to 100 mm. It has proven advantageous to select the shaft or axis diameters in accordance with this specification. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element has at least one retaining element, in particular one that is annular in shape at least in some regions and / or in at least one cross-sectional plane, and (i) wherein the shaft, the discharge organ shaft and / or the axis extends through the retaining element and / or23030P‐WO 14 Qlar Europe GmbH (ii) wherein (a) the sealing element is arranged at least in part on the holding element, in particular on an inner circumference of the holding element, and / or (b) the holding element has a specific inner diameter which is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis along the movement path. The holding element can have a recess, in particular a cylindrical recess, in the inner region, preferably with a circular cross-section in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the conveying direction. As a result, an annular holding element can be easily realized. This allows the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis to extend through this recess and thus through the closure element. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the recess can have a diametercorresponding to the specific inner diameter and / or the sealing element can be arranged accordingly on the inner circumference of the recess. Advantageously, the holding element, at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position, covers the outlet opening of the conveying channel at least partially, in particular in an annular area. For example, the holding element can be provided concentrically to the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis. For example, the holding element is provided concentrically to the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis along the entire movement path. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the specific inner diameter of the holding element is smaller than or equal to the outer diameter and / or smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the conveying channel. As a result, the holding element can advantageouslycover at least a partial area of ​​the outlet opening and thus close it, at least when the closure element is moved into the closed position. This is because when the closure element is moved into the closed position and the holding element is in direct or indirect contact with the outlet opening (or an edge of the outlet opening), the transition area from the conveying channel towards the surroundings is tapered along the conveying direction by the holding element, whereby a partial closure of the outlet opening is possible. The remaining area of ​​the free outlet opening can, for example, be closed by the sealing element and preferably sealed against the shaft, the discharge element shaft and / or the axis. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element is guided by means of at least one guide element, in particular at least one linear guide.This ensures safe and precise positioning of the closure element along the movement path. Preferably, the closure element is guided by means of at least two guide elements, in particular at least two linear guides. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the closure element is movable along the movement path by actuating at least one movement device. Preferably, the movement device has at least one electric, at least one pneumatic and / or at least one hydraulic drive for moving the closure element along the movement path. An electric drive can be implemented, for example, by a servo motor. 23030P‐WO 15 Qlar Europe GmbH The drive can be directly or indirectly coupled to the closure element. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the movement device has at leasta cylinder, preferably at least two cylinders, each with a piston movable therein and coupled to the closure element, wherein preferably at least one, preferably all, of the one or more cylinders are designed as a pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. In this respect, it is particularly preferred that the drive comprises the corresponding cylinders. For example, to enable the movement of the closure element along the movement path in the dosing device, a cylinder and at least two linear guides can be provided. Then, a movement of the closure element can be initiated by means of one cylinder, and a reliable guidance of the closure element can be realized by means of the at least two linear guides. For example, to enable the movement of the closure element along theTwo cylinders without separate linear guides can be provided for the movement path of the dosing device. Then, by means of the cylinders, both a movement of the closure element can be initiated and a reliable guidance of the closure element can be realized. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that a central axis of the at least one cylinder, a or the central axis of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis and a central axis of the conveying channel run parallel to one another and / or run within a common sectional plane of the dosing device. Preferably, the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis is arranged concentrically to the conveying channel. Then, the central axis of the shaft, the discharge device shaft and / or the axis and the central axis of the conveying channel are preferably identical. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the dosing device has at least oneBearing unit, by means of which the shaft and / or the axle is end-mounted, wherein the bearing unit preferably has or forms at least one rolling bearing and / or at least one plain bearing. By means of the bearing unit, a reliable positioning of the shaft and / or the axle relative to the conveying channel and the closure element can be achieved. As a result, the dosing process can be carried out more reliably and an undesired discharge of material from the conveying channel can be avoided. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the dosing device has at least one vertical discharge, and wherein the outlet opening opens into the vertical discharge and / or the movement path of the closure element extends, preferably completely, within the vertical discharge. The discharged material can be safely and reliably fed to a process downstream of the dosing process via the vertical discharge. A central axis of theVertical discharge can advantageously run perpendicular to the conveying direction and / or parallel to the force of gravity. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the dosing device has at least one fastening plate, which is preferably flange-shaped, and preferably the bearing unit and / or the at least one cylinder of the movement device are each at least partially pushed through openings in the fastening plate and / or fastened to the fastening plate. The fastening plate thus enables the components arranged thereon to be securely provided. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the positioning of the bearing unit and the at least one cylinder relative to one another is fixed or can be fixed by the fastening plate. This enables reliable use of the closure.Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that an assembly designed as a whole to be detachable from the dosing device comprises at least the at least one cylinder of the movement device, the closure element, the bearing unit, and the fastening plate. Such a modular design makes it possible to easily provide components involved in the closure on the dosing device and, if necessary, to quickly and safely replace them. This makes it relatively easy to retrofit existing dosing devices with a closure according to the invention. And during replacement, downtimes of the dosing device can be avoided or at least reduced. The assembly can advantageously also comprise the pistons provided within the at least one cylinder. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the fastening plate has elongated holes for fastening the assembly.on the dosing device, in particular on a housing section of the vertical discharge, and / or for fine alignment of the assembly relative to the shaft and / or the axis and / or the conveying channel along at least two dimensions. This allows the components of the assembly to be aligned relative to other components of the dosing device (in particular the shaft, the axis, the discharge element and / or the conveying channel) using simple but effective means. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least some of the components of the assembly provided within the vertical discharge, in particular at least the bearing unit and / or the closure element, are inserted or can be inserted into the vertical discharge through an opening in the housing of the vertical discharge and that the fastening plate is attached to the housing section while at least partially covering the opening orcan be fastened. This allows for easy insertion and removal of the assembly. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the sealing element is annular, for example as a sealing ring, in particular as a radial shaft sealing ring. As a result, the shaft, the discharge element shaft, the discharge element and / or the axis can be particularly easily surrounded by the sealing element along their entire circumference. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the sealing element comprises PTFE and / or silicone as material. These materials are particularly preferred because they are inexpensive to manufacture and have a reliable sealing effect. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that at least one sealing element is provided on the closure element, in particular on the holding element, preferably on an end face of the 23030P-WO 17 Qlar Europe GmbH holding element facing the outlet opening, which sealing element is provided with aThe sealing element can be brought into contact with the front side of the conveying channel, in particular with an edge of the outlet opening, and / or which, at least when the closure element is moved into the closed position, is in contact with the conveying channel, in particular with an edge of the outlet opening. The sealing element is advantageous for axially sealing an area between the conveying channel and the closure element. The sealing element can seal the contact area between the conveying channel and the closure element. This advantageously allows the conveying channel to be sealed against the environment even in areas away from the shaft, the discharge element shaft, and / or the axis (where a sealing effect is preferably assumed by the sealing element). Preferably, the sealing element does not have a radial sealing component, in particular no cone. In an advantageous embodiment, the holding element, the sealing element, and the sealing element are made in one piece, in particular from PTFE.formed. As a result, both radial and axial sealing can be achieved very easily and reliably. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that a sealing element is provided on an end face of the conveying channel, in particular on an edge of the outlet opening, which sealing element can be brought into contact with the closure element, in particular the holding element, and / or which, at least when the closure element is moved into the closed position, is in contact with the closure element, in particular the holding element. The sealing element is advantageous for axially sealing an area between the conveying channel and the closure element. The sealing element can be used to seal the contact area between the conveying channel and the closure element. The conveying channel can thus advantageously also be used in areas away from the shaft of the discharge element shaft and / or the axis (where a sealing effect is preferably provided by theSealing element is taken over) be sealed against the environment. Preferably, the sealing element does not have a radial sealing component, in particular no cone. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the selectively actuable closure enables sealing of the conveying channel for bulk material against pressure differences of between 0 mbar and 100 mbar. Preferably, the pressure difference is related to the pressure differences between the conveying channel and the environment. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the dosing device has at least one receiving unit for receiving the bulk material to be dosed and / or at least one conveying channel into which the bulk material can be displaced from the receiving unit. As a result, the bulk material to be dosed can be reliably held and fed to the conveying channel during the dosing process. For example, the bulk material can be removed from the receiving unit via aThe object is achieved by the invention according to a second aspect in that an assembly for use in a dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention and / or second aspect of the invention and / or which is adapted to be used in a dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention and / or second aspect of the invention, wherein the assembly has at least one fastening plate and wherein the assembly 23030P‐WO 18 Qlar Europe GmbH ‐ at least one closure element for selectively closing an outlet opening of a conveying channel of the dosing device with a discharge member rotatably arranged within the conveying channel for conveying bulk material within the conveying channel, in particular along a conveying direction, towards the outlet opening of the conveying channel, ‐ at least one cylinderat least one movement device for at least indirectly moving the closure element along a movement path running parallel to the central axis of the conveying channel, and - at least one bearing unit for the final mounting of a shaft and / or axis connected to the discharge element or provided by it, which can be provided as a whole together with the fastening plate. The assembly can preferably correspond to the assembly as described in relation to the dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention (i.e., the first and / or second aspects of the invention). All advantages that were described in relation to the dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention (i.e., the first and / or second aspects of the invention) (and in particular in relation to the assembly therein) also apply accordingly to the assembly according to thesecond aspect of the invention. Therefore, reference can be made to the previous explanations at this point. The features that were described in relation to the assembly of the dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention (i.e., the first and / or second aspect of the invention) can also be provided accordingly in the assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, individually and in any combination, unless the context indicates otherwise. In particular, the physical and functional configurations of the individual parts of the assembly (in particular the closure element, the movement device, the fastening plate and the bearing unit) as well as theThe structural and functional relationships described between the individual parts of the assembly there and the dosing device (for example between the sealing element and the shaft, the discharge member, the discharge member shaft and / or the axis) can also be provided accordingly in the assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, individually and in any combination, unless the context indicates otherwise. The object is achieved by the invention according to a first third aspect in that a method for selectively actuating a closure of a dosing device for dosing bulk material, in particular a dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the method that at least one closure element is moved along at least one movement path extending at least between at least one operating position and at least one closure position from the operating position into theClosure position is moved, wherein in the closure position by means of the closure element an outlet opening of a conveyor channel, in which a rotatably arranged discharge member for conveying the bulk material within the conveyor channel along a conveying direction towards the outlet opening of the conveyor channel is provided, is closed at least in part, 23030P‐WO 19 Qlar Europe GmbH wherein the discharge member has at least one shaft which is mounted beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction, or is connected to such a shaft, and wherein the shaft extends through the closure element, wherein preferably the closure element has at least one sealing element, and in particular the shaft and the sealing element interact with each other along the movement path in a position‐dependent manner and at least partially thereby prestressing at least parts of the sealing element along theThe object is achieved by the invention according to a second third aspect in that a method for selectively actuating a closure of a dosing device for dosing bulk material, in particular a dosing device according to the second first aspect of the invention, comprising the method that at least one closure element is moved from an operating position into a closure position, wherein in the closure position, by means of the closure element, an outlet opening of a conveying channel, in which a rotatably arranged discharge element for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel, in particular along a conveying direction, towards the outlet opening of the conveying channel is provided, is closed at least in some areas, wherein the discharge element is end-mounted, wherein a central axis of the discharge element is definable, theextends through the closure element and along or parallel to which a movement path of the closure element runs is proposed. All advantages that have been described with regard to the dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention (i.e. the first and / or second aspect of the invention) also apply accordingly to the method according to the third aspect (i.e. the first and / or second aspect of the invention). Therefore, reference can be made to the previous explanations at this point. The features that have been described with regard to the dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention (i.e. the first and / or second aspect of the invention) can also be provided accordingly in the method, individually and in any combination, unless the context indicates otherwise. In particular, theIn connection with the dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention (i.e., the first and / or second aspects of the invention), the physical and functional configurations of the individual parts described, as well as the described structural and functional relationships between the individual parts, can also be provided accordingly in the method, individually and in any combination, unless the context indicates otherwise. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that during a period in which the closure element is moved, the discharge element shaft and / or the shaft is not rotated, or the discharge element shaft and / or the shaft is rotated at a lower speed than during a period in which the closure element is in the operating position and / or in which bulk material is applied from the outlet opening using the dosing device. 23030P-WO20 Qlar Europe GmbH This allows the wear of the sealing element to be reduced, especially when the interaction between the discharge device shaft and / or the shaft and the sealing element is greater than during periods in which the closure element is in the operating position. Brief description of the drawings Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are explained using schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1a a schematic perspective sectional view of a dosing device according to the first aspect of the invention in a first configuration; Fig. 1b a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device from Fig. 1a in a second configuration; Fig. 2 an enlarged illustration of a section of Fig. 1b; Fig. 3a a schematic perspective sectional view of aDosing device according to the second aspect of the invention in a first embodiment in a first configuration; Fig. 3b is a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device from Fig. 3a in a second configuration; Fig. 3c is an enlarged view of a section from Fig. 3a; Fig. 3d is an enlarged view of a section from Fig. 3b; Fig. 3e is a schematic sectional view of a part of the dosing device from Figs. 3a-3d in a modification; Fig. 4a is a schematic perspective sectional view of a dosing device according to the second aspect of the invention in a second embodiment in a first configuration; Fig. 4b is a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device from Fig. 4a in a second configuration; Fig. 4c is an enlarged view of a section from Fig. 4b; Fig. 4d is a modified embodiment of the dosing device shown in Figs. 4a-4cshown device; Fig. 5a is a schematic perspective sectional view of a dosing device according to the second first aspect of the invention in a third embodiment in a first configuration; Fig. 5b is a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device from Fig. 5a in a second configuration; Fig. 6a is a schematic perspective sectional view of a dosing device according to the second first aspect of the invention in a fourth embodiment in a first configuration; 23030P‐WO 21 Qlar Europe GmbH Fig. 6b is a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device from Fig. 6a in a second configuration; Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective sectional view of an assembly according to the second aspect of the invention; Fig. 8 is a flow chart of a method according to the first third aspect of the invention; and Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method according to the secondthird aspect of the invention. Description of the embodiments Fig. 1a shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a dosing device 1 for dosing bulk material according to the first aspect of the invention in a first configuration. Fig. 1b shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device 1 in a second configuration. The dosing device 1 has a discharge member 5 rotatably arranged within a conveying channel 3 of the dosing device 1 (in Figs. 1a and 1b, the conveying channel 3 and the discharge member 5 are cut off on the right). By means of the discharge member 5, bulk material can be conveyed within the conveying channel 3 along a conveying direction R towards at least one outlet opening 7 of the conveying channel 3. The outlet opening 7 opens into a vertical discharge 9 of the dosing device 1. The bulk material can thereby be dosed(for example, by means of differential dosing technology if the dosing device 1 is a differential dosing scale) are discharged from the conveyor channel 3 and fed to a downstream process via the vertical discharge 9. The discharge element 5, which in the present case is designed as a screw, has a shaft 11 which is supported at the end in the conveying direction R beyond the outlet opening 7 by means of a bearing unit 13. In the present case, turns of the screw are arranged on a section of the shaft 11. In embodiments, however, the discharge element itself does not have a shaft, but is connected to such a shaft. The end bearing of the shaft 11 enables reliable and exact positioning of the discharge element 5 relative to the conveyor channel 3 (in particular such that the center axes of the two parts 3 and 5 coincide). In this way, a gap 15 can be created between the discharge element 5 and the conveyor channel 3.along the entire extent of the conveying channel 3, even and especially while the discharge member 5 rotates within the conveying channel 3. This can improve the dosing process. In contrast, with a floating bearing of the discharge member, the free end of the discharge member can come into contact with an inner wall area of ​​the conveying channel 3, for example due to vibrations. This can impair the dosing process and also lead to damage to the dosing device 1 or unwanted material abrasion or wear. The shaft 11 has a decreasing outer diameter along the conveying direction R. In this respect, the shaft 11 has a first section 17, in which the outer diameter of the shaft 11 is a first outer diameter D1. In addition, the shaft 11 has a second section 19 following the first section 17 in the conveying direction R, in which the outer diameterthe shaft 11 has a second outer diameter D2 which is smaller than the first outer diameter D1. The first section 17 and the second section 19 are connected to one another by a transition region 21. 23030P‐WO 22 Qlar Europe GmbH The dosing device 1 also has a closure element 23 with a holding element 25 (which is annular in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the conveying direction). A sealing element 29 in the form of a radial shaft seal is arranged on an inner circumference 27 of the holding element 25. The closure element 23 (in particular the parts holding element 25 and sealing element 29) extends circumferentially around the shaft 11, or in other words, the shaft 11 extends through the closure element 23 (in particular through the holding element 25 and the sealing element 29). The closure element 23 can be arranged along aand in Figs. 1a and 1b as a dashed line, can be moved between an operating position and a closed position. In the first configuration shown in Fig. 1a, the closing element 23 is moved into the operating position, i.e. to the left in Fig. 1a. When the closing element 23 is moved into the operating position, the outlet opening 7 is exposed by the closing element 23 and bulk material can be discharged from the outlet opening 7 as described above. In the second configuration shown in Fig. 1b, the closing element 23 is moved into the closed position, i.e. to the right in Fig. 1b. When the closing element 23 is moved into the closed position, the outlet opening 7 is closed by the closing element 23. Due to the varying outer diameter of the shaft 11 along the movement path, a pressure difference occurs between the shaft 11 and theSealing element 29 has a position-dependent interaction along the movement path. When the closure element 23 is moved into the operating position (Fig. 1a), the sealing element 29 interacts with the second section 19 of the shaft 11. More precisely, the sealing element 29 is then in contact with the second section 19 of the shaft. In embodiments, when the closure element 23 is moved into the operating position, the sealing element 29 may not be in contact with the shaft 11. When the closure element 23 is moved into the closed position (Fig. 1b), the sealing element 29 interacts with the first section 17 of the shaft 11. More precisely, the sealing element 29 is then in contact with the first section 17 of the shaft 11. The contact between the shaft 11 and the sealing element 29, depending on which section of the shaft 11 is in contact with the sealing element 29, leads toa different preload of the sealing element 29. As a result, the preload of the sealing element 29 along the movement path is position-dependent. Therefore, when the closure element 23 is moved into the operating position shown in Fig. 1a, the sealing element 29 has a lower preload than when the closure element 23 is moved into the closed position shown in Fig. 1b. Due to the lower preload of the sealing element 29 in the operating position, in this configuration, wear of the sealing element 29 during a rotational movement of the shaft 11 (hence, while material is discharged through the outlet opening 7 from the conveyor channel 3) can be reduced. Due to the greater preload of the sealing element 29 in the closed position, in this configuration, discharge of material (such as a "trickling" of material during an interruption of the material discharge) from the outlet opening 7 in the area betweenRetaining element 25 and shaft 11 (i.e. where the sealing element 29 is arranged) can be reliably avoided. The remaining area of ​​the outlet opening 7 is closed by the holding element 25 in the closed position. Since the inner diameter of the holding element 25 is smaller than the 23030P‐WO 23 Qlar Europe GmbH inner diameter of the conveyor channel 3, an end face 31 of the holding element 25 facing the outlet opening 7 (or any parts arranged thereon) can serve as a closing surface. On the other hand, since the inner diameter of the holding element 25 is selected to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the shaft 11 along the movement path, the closing element 23 can be moved along the movement path without it "sitting" on the shaft 11. A sealing element 33 is provided on the holding element 25 on the end face 31 of the holding element 25 facing the outlet opening 7. The sealing organ33 is in contact with an edge of the outlet opening when the closure element 23 is moved into the closed position. In embodiments, the sealing member 33 can alternatively or additionally also be located on an end face of the conveying channel 3 facing the closure element 23. Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of a section of the figure highlighted in Fig. 1b with a dashed border. It is particularly clear that, as a result of the interaction between the first section 17 of the shaft 11 and the sealing element 29, the sealing element 29 is curved and thus more strongly prestressed (than in the operating position). Thus, since the shaft 11 extends through the closure element 23, as described, an end-mounted shaft 11 in combination with a selectively actuatable closure of the outlet opening 7 can advantageously be provided in the dosing device 1. In aIn an advantageous embodiment, the holding element 25, the radially acting sealing element 29, and the axially acting sealing member 33 can also be formed in one piece, in particular from PTFE. The dosing device 1 further comprises a receiving unit (not shown in the figures) for receiving the bulk material to be dosed. From this receiving unit, the bulk material can be displaced into the conveying channel 3. The dosing device 1 (see Figs. 1a and 1b) also comprises a movement device 35. The closure element 23 can be moved along the movement path by means of the movement device 35. Part of the movement device 35 are two cylinders 37. In each cylinder 37, a movable piston 39 is provided, each of which is coupled to the closure element 23. By synchronously displacing the pistons 39 within the cylinders 37, the closure element 23 can be displaced along the movement path. Thus, each cylinder 37at the same time also a linear guide for the closure element 23. The central axes of the two cylinders 37, the central axis of the shaft 11 and the central axis of the conveyor channel 3 run parallel to one another and lie within the plane of the drawing in Figs. 1a and 1b. The bearing unit 13 and the two cylinders 37 of the movement device 35 are each inserted through openings in a flange-like fastening plate 41 of the dosing device 1 and fastened to the fastening plate 41. As a result, the positioning of the bearing unit 13 and the two cylinders 37 relative to one another is determined by the fastening plate 41. The two cylinders 37 (including the pistons 39) of the movement device 35, the closure element 23, the bearing unit 13 and the fastening plate 41 are comprised of an assembly 43 which, as a whole, is designed to be detachable from the dosing device 1.Fig. 3a shows a schematic perspective sectioned view of a dosing device 1' for dosing bulk material according to the second aspect of the invention in a first 23030P‐WO 24 Qlar Europe GmbH embodiment in a first configuration. Fig. 3b shows a schematic perspective sectioned view of the dosing device 1' in a second configuration. The dosing device 1' is constructed similarly to the dosing device 1. Therefore, in the dosing device 1', features identical to those of the dosing device 1 are also provided with the same, but single-primed, reference numerals. The dosing device 1' has a discharge member 5' rotatably arranged within a conveying channel 3' of the dosing device 1 (in Figs. 3a and 3b, the conveying channel 3 and the discharge member 5' are cut off on the right). By means of the discharge member 5', bulk material can be discharged within the conveying channel 3'along a conveying direction R towards at least one outlet opening 7' of the conveying channel 3'. The outlet opening 7' opens into a vertical discharge 9' of the dosing device 1'. This allows the bulk material to be discharged from the conveying channel 3' in a dosed manner (for example, using differential dosing technology if the dosing device 1' is a loss-in-weight dosing scale) and fed to a downstream process via the vertical discharge 9'. The discharge element 5', which is designed, for example, as a screw, has a shaft as the discharge element shaft 47'. The discharge element 5' is connected to an axis 49' fixed to the dosing device 1' beyond the outlet opening 7' in the conveying direction R. This advantageously enables the final bearing of the discharge element shaft 47' (and thus that of the discharge element 5'). The discharge shaft 47' has a recess 51', within which an end section of the axis 49' is accommodated. The discharge device shaft 47' is rotatable relative to the axis 49'. This is advantageously supported by the fact that a guide bushing is provided within the recess 51' and the end section of the axis 49' is accommodated within the slide bushing. The axis 49' is fixed to the dosing device 1' in such a way that the axis 49' can neither be moved nor rotated. For example, a bearing unit 13' can clamp the axis 49' in a suitable manner for this purpose. A central axis M can be defined for the discharge device 5'. It goes without saying that the central axis M does not refer to a physical feature of the discharge device 5', but rather is a mathematically and geometrically defined axis. The defined central axis M extends infinitely in both directions. Due to the final bearing of the discharge device 5', aReliable and precise positioning of the discharge element 5' relative to the conveying channel 3' (in particular such that the center axes of the two parts 3' and 5' coincide) is possible. In this way, a gap 15' between the discharge element 5' and the conveying channel 3' can be kept constant along the entire extent of the conveying channel 3', even while the discharge element 5' rotates within the conveying channel 3'. This can improve the dosing process. In contrast, with a floating bearing of the discharge element, the free end of the discharge element can come into contact with an inner wall area of ​​the conveying channel 3', for example due to vibrations. This can impair the dosing process and also lead to damage to the dosing device 1' or unwanted material abrasion or wear. The axis 49' has a smaller outer diameter than the discharge element shaft 47'.Dosing device 1' also has a closure element 23' with a holding element 25' (ring-shaped in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the conveying direction). A sealing element 29' in the form of a radial shaft seal is arranged on an inner circumference 27' of the holding element 25'. The closure element 23' (in particular the holding element 25' and sealing element 29') extends circumferentially around the central axis M, and the central axis M extends through the closure element 23' (in particular through the holding element 25' and the sealing element 29'). The closure element 23' can be moved along a movement path between an operating position and a closure position. The movement path of the closure element 23' runs along or parallel to the central axis M. For example, the movement path can be partially aligned with the central axis M.coincide (for example, if the movement path describes the course of a center of gravity of the closure element). In the first configuration shown in Fig. 3a, the closure element 23' is moved into the operating position, i.e., to the left in Fig. 3a. When the closure element 23' is moved into the operating position, the outlet opening 7' is opened by the closure element 23' and bulk material can be discharged from the outlet opening 7' as described above. In the second configuration shown in Fig. 3b, the closure element 23' is moved into the closed position, i.e., to the right in Fig. 3b. When the closure element 23' is moved into the closed position, the outlet opening 7' is closed by the closure element 23'. Due to the different outer diameters of the axis 49' and the discharge element shaft 47' along the movement path, a pressure difference occurs between the sealing element 29' andthe axis 49' or the discharge organ shaft 47' exhibits a position-dependent interaction along the movement path. When the closure element 23' is moved into the operating position (Fig. 3a), the sealing element 29' does not interact with the axis 49'. More precisely, the sealing element 29' is then not in contact with the axis 49'. In embodiments, when the closure element 23' is moved into the operating position, the sealing element 29' can also be in contact with the axis 49', but with an advantageously smaller curvature of the sealing element 29' compared to the interaction with the discharge organ shaft 47'. When the closure element 23' is moved into the closed position (Fig. 3b), the sealing element 29' interacts with the discharge organ shaft 47'. The (non-) contact between the sealing element 29' and the axis 49' or the sealing element 29' and the discharge shaft 47' preferably leads to adifferent preload of the sealing element 29'. As a result, the preload of the sealing element 29' along the movement path is advantageously position-dependent. Therefore, when the closure element 23' is moved into the operating position shown in Fig. 3a, the sealing element 29' has a lower preload (for example, none at all) than when the closure element 23' is moved into the closed position shown in Fig. 3b. Due to the lower (or, for example, lacking) preload of the sealing element 29' in the operating position, wear of the sealing element 29' during part of the movement along the movement path can be reduced in this configuration. Due to the greater preload of the sealing element 29' in the closed position, discharge of material (such as a "trickling" of material during an interruption in the material discharge) from the outlet opening 7' can be prevented in this configuration.in the area between the holding element 25' and the discharge organ shaft 47' (i.e. where the sealing element 29' is arranged) can be reliably avoided. The remaining area of ​​the outlet opening 7' is closed by the holding element 25' in the closed position. Since the inner diameter of the holding element 25' is advantageously smaller than the inner diameter of the conveying channel 3', an end face 31' of the holding element 25' facing the outlet opening 7 (or any parts arranged thereon) can serve as a closing surface. On the other hand, since the inner diameter of the holding element 25' is advantageously selected to be larger than the maximum outer diameter of each of the axis 49' and the discharge organ shaft 47' along the movement path, the closing element 23' can be moved along the movement path without it "sitting down" at one point. On the holding element 25' is at theA sealing member 33' is provided on the end face 31' of the holding element 25' facing the outlet opening 7'. The sealing member 33' is in contact with an edge of the outlet opening when the closure element 23' is moved into the closed position. In embodiments, the sealing member 33' can alternatively or additionally also be provided on an end face of the conveying channel 3' facing the closure element 23'. Since the central axis M, as described, extends through the closure element 23', and preferably also at least partially through the axis 49', an end-mounted discharge member 5' can advantageously be provided in the dosing device 1' in combination with a selectively actuable closure of the outlet opening 7'. In an advantageous embodiment, the holding element 25', the radially acting sealing element 29' and the axially acting sealing member 33' can also be made in one piece, in particular fromPTFE. The dosing device 1' further comprises a receiving unit (not shown in the figures) for receiving the bulk material to be dosed. From this receiving unit, the bulk material can be displaced into the conveying channel 3'. The dosing device 1' (see Figs. 3a and 3b) also comprises a movement device 35'. The closure element 23' can be moved along the movement path using the movement device 35'. Two cylinders 37' are part of the movement device 35'. Each cylinder 37' contains a movable piston 39', each of which is coupled to the closure element 23'. By synchronously displacing the pistons 39' within the cylinders 37', the closure element 23' can be displaced along the movement path. Thus, each cylinder 37' simultaneously provides a linear guide for the closure element 23'. The central axes of the two cylinders 37', the central axis of the axis 49', the central axisM of the discharge member 5' and the central axis of the conveying channel 3 run parallel to each other and lie within the plane of the drawing in Figs. 3a and 3b. The bearing unit 13' and the two cylinders 37' of the movement device 35' are each inserted through openings in a flange-like mounting plate 41' of the dosing device 1' and are fastened to the mounting plate 41'. As a result, the positioning of the bearing unit 13' and the two cylinders 37' relative to each other is determined by the mounting plate 41. The two cylinders 37' (including the pistons 39') of the movement device 35', the closure element 23', the bearing unit 13', and the mounting plate 41' can be comprised of an assembly which, as a whole, can be designed to be detachable from the dosing device 1'. In this respect, reference can be made to the explanations regarding assembly 43 of the dosing device 1.which apply here accordingly. Fig. 3c shows an enlarged view of a section of the figure highlighted in Fig. 3a with a dashed border. This shows particularly well how the sealing element 29' has no contact with the axis 49' in the operating position. Fig. 3d shows an enlarged view of a section of the figure highlighted in Fig. 3b with a dashed border. This shows particularly well the sealing element 29' which is in contact with the discharge element shaft 47' in the closed position and is therefore advantageously more strongly prestressed (than in the operating position) and thus supports sealing of the outlet opening 7'. 23030P-WO 27 Qlar Europe GmbH Fig. 3e shows a schematic sectional view of part of the dosing device 1' in a modification. In embodiments, the connection between axis 49' and discharge member 5' in the dosing device 1' can also beIt can be realized that the axis 49' (instead of the discharge element shaft 47' as described above) has the recess 51' (preferably including a guide bushing). Then, a part of the discharge element 5', such as a pin 55' of the discharge element 5' (or an end section of the discharge element shaft 47'), can be accommodated within the recess 51', as illustrated in Fig. 3e. In an outer transition area between the axis 49' and the discharge element shaft 47', the outer diameter of the axis 49' is advantageously smaller than the outer diameter of the discharge element shaft 47'. When the closure element 23' is then moved into the operating position (Fig. 3e, left position of the closure element 23'), the sealing element 29' does not interact with the axis 49'. More precisely, the sealing element 29' is then not in contact with the axis 49'. When the closure element 23' is moved into the closure position (Fig. 3e, right positionof the closure element 23'), the sealing element 29' interacts with the discharge organ shaft 47'. It should be noted that the closure element 23', which is only indicated very schematically in Fig. 3e, also only shows an upper part of it. The interaction between the sealing element 29' and the axis 49' or the discharge organ shaft 47' is thus quite comparable to the situation of the dosing device 1', as described above with reference to Figs. 3a-3d. As a result, the preload of the sealing element 29' along the movement path is advantageously position-dependent in this embodiment as well. Alternatively, however, the outer diameter along the conveying direction R could also have no jumps, at least along the movement path, and thus be constant. This could be achieved by selecting identical outer diameters for each axis 49' and the discharge organ shaft 47'.Then, a preload of the sealing element 29' could be the same in both positions. Fig. 4a shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a dosing device 1'' for dosing bulk material according to the second aspect of the invention in a second embodiment in a first configuration. Fig. 4b shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device 1'' in a second configuration. The dosing device 1'' is constructed similarly to the dosing device 1'. Therefore, in the dosing device 1'', features identical to those of the dosing device 1' are also provided with the same, but double-primed, reference numerals. Furthermore, only the differences between the two dosing devices 1' and 1'' are described. Otherwise, reference can be made to the previous explanations regarding the dosing device 1', which apply here accordingly. In the dosing device 1'', theAxis 49'' has a reduced outer diameter in the area of ​​the end section. This end section with a reduced outer diameter is accommodated in the recess 51'' of the discharge device shaft 47''. This ensures that in an outer transition area between the axis 49'' and the discharge device shaft 47'', the outer diameter along the conveying direction R has no jumps and is consistent. Both in the closed position and in the operating position, the sealing element 29'' is then advantageously in contact with the axis 49'' and has a preload there in each case, so that a radial seal is achieved in the closed position at least. For example, the preload could be the same in both positions. 23030P‐WO 28 Qlar Europe GmbH Fig. 4c shows an enlarged view of a section of the figure highlighted in Fig. 4b with a dashed border. This particularly clearly shows theSealing element 29'' can be seen, which in the closed position is in contact with the axis 49'' and thus supports sealing of the outlet opening 7''. Fig. 4d shows the same section as Fig. 4c, but of a modified embodiment of the dosing device 1''. In the modified dosing device 1'', the axis 49'' has a larger outer diameter in a transition region between the axis 49'' and the discharge element 5'' than in a region adjacent to the transition region along the conveying direction R. In other words, the axis 49'' has a first outer diameter in the region of the end section, a second outer diameter in the region of the transition region, and a third outer diameter beyond it, wherein the second outer diameter is larger than the first outer diameter and the third outer diameter, and preferably the first outer diameter is smaller than the thirdouter diameter. In the closed position of the closure element 23'' shown in Fig. 4d, the sealing element 29'' is in contact with a section of the axis 49'' of the transition region (with the second outer diameter). In the operating position, the sealing element 29'' can be at the level of a section of the axis 49'' with the third outer diameter, and there advantageously have no contact with this section of the axis 49'. This allows a position-dependent preload of the sealing element 29'' to be achieved, very similar to what was the case with the dosing device 1 (Figs. 1a, 1b). Here too, in embodiments, as described above with reference to Fig. 3e, the recess 51'' can alternatively also be provided in the axis 49'', and a part of the discharge element shaft 47'' can be received therein. In this respect, reference can be made to the previous explanations, which hereapply. Fig. 5a shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a dosing device 1''' for dosing bulk material according to the second first aspect of the invention in a third embodiment in a first configuration. Fig. 5b shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the dosing device 1''' in a second configuration. In the dosing device 1''', features which are the same as those in the dosing device 1'' are provided with the same, but triple-primed reference numerals. The dosing device 1''' has a discharge member 5''' rotatably arranged within a conveying channel 3''' of the dosing device 1''' (in Figs. 5a and 5b, the conveying channel 3''' and the discharge member 5''' are cut off on the right). By means of the discharge member 5''', bulk material can be discharged within the conveying channel 3''' along a conveying direction R towards at least one outlet opening 7''' of theconveying channel 3'''. The outlet opening 7''' opens into a vertical discharge 9''' of the dosing device 1'''. This allows the bulk material to be discharged from the conveying channel 3''' in a dosed manner (for example by means of differential dosing technology if the dosing device 1''' is a loss-in-weight dosing system) and fed to a downstream process via the vertical discharge 9'''. The end-mounted discharge element 5''', designed for example as a screw, has a shaft as the discharge element shaft 47'''. The discharge element 5''' is connected to an axis 49''' fixed to the dosing device 1''' in the conveying direction R beyond the outlet opening 7'''. This advantageously enables the end mounting of the discharge element shaft 47''' (and thus that of the discharge element 5'''). The discharge shaft 47''' has a recess 51''' within which an end section of the axis 49''' is accommodated.Discharge organ shaft 47''' is rotatable relative to the axis 49'''. This is advantageously supported by the fact that a guide bushing is provided within the recess 51''' and the end section of the axis 49''' is received within the sliding bushing 23030P‐WO 29 Qlar Europe GmbH. The axis 49''' is fixed to the dosing device 1''' in such a way that the axis 49''' can neither be moved nor rotated. For example, a bearing unit 13''' can clamp the axis 49''' in a suitable manner for this purpose. A central axis M can be defined for the discharge organ 5'''. It goes without saying that the central axis M does not refer to a physical feature of the discharge organ 5''', but rather is a mathematically and geometrically defined axis. The defined central axis M extends infinitely in both directions. The final storage of the discharge device 5''' ensures reliable and exact positioning of the discharge device5''' relative to the conveying channel 3''' (in particular such that the center axes of the two parts 3''' and 5''' coincide). In this way, a gap 15''' between the discharge element 5''' and the conveying channel 3''' can be kept constant along the entire extent of the conveying channel 3''', even and especially while the discharge element 5''' rotates within the conveying channel 3'''. This can improve the dosing process. In contrast, with a floating mounting of the discharge element, the free end of the discharge element can come into contact with an inner wall area of ​​the conveying channel 3''', for example due to vibrations. This can impair the dosing process and also lead to damage to the dosing device 1''' or unwanted material abrasion or wear. The dosing device 1''' also has a closure element 23''' with a (annular in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the conveying directionformed) holding element 25''' (which can also be referred to as the base body). The closure element 23''' is rigidly coupled to the discharge member 5''' (in particular to one end of the discharge member 5'''). For example, the closure element 23''' can be formed integrally with the discharge member 5'''. The closure element 23''' (in particular the holding element 25''') extends circumferentially around the central axis M, and the central axis M extends through the closure element 23''' (in particular through the holding element 25'''). The closure element 23''' can be moved along a movement path between an operating position and a closure position. The movement path of the closure element 23''' runs along or parallel to the central axis M. For example, the movement path can coincide with the central axis M in sections (for example, when the movement pathdescribes the course of a center of gravity of the closure element). For this purpose, the discharge member is provided so as to be displaceable along the central axis M. As a result, the discharge member 5''' can be moved back and forth to move the closure element 23''' between the operating position and the closure position along the movement path. The forward movement (from the operating to the closure position) runs counter to the conveying direction R, and the forward movement (from the closure to the operating position) runs in the conveying direction R. As a result, the discharge member 5''' protrudes further out of the conveying channel 3''' along the conveying direction R when the closure element 5''' is in the operating position, compared to the situation when the closure element 5''' is in the closure position. In the first configuration shown in Fig. 5a, the closure element 23''' is moved into the operating position, i.e. to the left in Fig. 5a.When the closure element 23''' is moved into the operating position, the outlet opening 7''' is released by the closure element 23''' and bulk material can be discharged from the outlet opening 7''' as described above. In the second configuration shown in Fig. 5b, the closure element 23''' is moved into the closed position, i.e. to the right in Fig. 5b. When the closure element 23''' is moved into the closed position, the outlet opening 7''' is closed by the closure element 23'''. 23030P‐WO 30 Qlar Europe GmbH The part of the end section of the axis 49''' received in the recess 51''' of the discharge element shaft 47''' decreases while the closure element 23''' is moved from the operating position to the closed position. While the closure element 23''' is moved along the movement path from the operating position to the closure position, the end section of the axis49''' is maximally received in the recess 51''' of the discharge organ shaft 47''' when the closure element 23''' is in the operating position (Fig. 5a), and the end section of the axis 49''' is minimally received in the recess 51''' of the discharge organ shaft 47''' when the closure element 23''' is in the closed position (Fig. 5b). As the closure element 5''' is transferred along the movement path from the operating position to the closed position, a variable portion of the end section of the axis 49''' is introduced into the recess 51''' of the discharge organ shaft 5'''. A sealing element 33''' is provided on the end face 31''' of the holding element 25''' facing the outlet opening 7'''. The sealing element 33''' is in contact with an edge of the outlet opening 7''' when the closure element 23''' is moved into the closure position. In embodiments,the sealing element 33''' may alternatively or additionally also be located on an end face of the conveying channel 3''' facing the closure element 23'''. The closure element 23''' closes the outlet opening 7''' along the conveying direction R at least in part by means of the holding element 25''' in the closed position. As a result, in this configuration, a discharge of material (such as a "trickling" of material during an interruption of the material discharge) from the outlet opening 7''' can be reliably prevented. A radially sealing sealing element is advantageously dispensable, since the holding element 25''' extends radially outwards directly from the circumference of the discharge element shaft 47'''. Since the central axis M, as described, extends through the closure element 23''', and preferably likewise at least in sections through the axis 49''', in the dosing device 1''' an end-mountedDischarge member 5''' in combination with a selectively operable closure of the outlet opening 7''' can advantageously be provided. In an advantageous embodiment, the holding element 25''' and the axially acting sealing member 33''' can also be formed in one piece, in particular from PTFE. The dosing device 1''' further comprises a receiving unit, not shown in the figures, for receiving the bulk material to be dosed. From this receiving unit, the bulk material can be displaced into the conveying channel 3'''. Fig. 6a shows a schematic perspective sectioned view of a dosing device 1'''' for dosing bulk material according to the second first aspect of the invention in a fourth embodiment in a first configuration. Fig. 6b shows a schematic perspective sectioned view of the dosing device 1'''' in a second configuration. In the dosing device 1'''', features which are similar to those in theDosing device 1'' and dosing device 1''' are the same and are provided with the same reference numerals, but with four primes. The dosing device 1'''' has a discharge member 5'''' which is rotatably arranged within a conveying channel 3'''' of the dosing device 1'''' (in Figs. 6a and 6b, the conveying channel 3'''' and the discharge member 5'''' are cut off on the right). By means of the discharge member 5'''', bulk material can be conveyed within the conveying channel 3'''' along a conveying direction R towards at least one outlet opening 7'''' of the conveying channel 3''''. The outlet opening 7'''' opens into a vertical discharge 9'''' of the dosing device 1''''. This allows the bulk material to be dosed (for example by means of differential dosing technology if the dosing device 1'''' is a differential dosing scale) from the 23030P‐WO 31 Qlar Europe GmbH conveyor channel 3''' and discharged via the vertical discharge 9'''' to a downstreamprocess. The discharge element 5'''', designed as a screw, for example, has a shaft as the discharge element shaft 47''''. The discharge element 5'''' is connected to an axis 49'''' fixed in the conveying direction R beyond the outlet opening 7'''' on the dosing device 1''''. In this way, the end bearing of the discharge element shaft 47'''' (and thus that of the discharge element 5'''') can be advantageously realized. For this purpose, the discharge element shaft 47'''' has a recess 51'''' within which an end section of the axis 49'''' is received. The discharge element shaft 47'''' is rotatable relative to the axis 49''''. This is advantageously supported by the fact that a guide bush is provided within the recess 51'''' and the end section of the axis 49'''' is received within the guide bush. The axis 49'''' is fixed to the dosing device 1'''' in such a way that the axis 49'''' in itsdegrees of freedom of movement is restricted and, in particular, no rotation is permitted. A central axis M can be defined for the discharge element 5''''. It goes without saying that the central axis M does not refer to a physical characteristic of the discharge element 5''', but rather is a mathematically and geometrically defined axis. The defined central axis M extends infinitely in both directions. The final bearing of the discharge element 5'''' enables reliable and exact positioning of the discharge element 5'''' relative to the conveying channel 3'''' (in particular, such that the central axes of the two parts 3'''' and 5'''' coincide). In this way, a gap 15'''' between the discharge element 5'''' and the conveying channel 3'''' can be maintained constant along the entire extent of the conveying channel 3'''', even and especially while the discharge element 5'''' rotates within the conveying channel 3''''.held. This can improve the dosing process. In contrast, if the discharge element is suspended, the free end of the discharge element can come into contact with an inner wall area of ​​the conveyor channel 3'''', for example due to vibrations. This can impair the dosing process and also lead to damage to the dosing device 1'''' or unwanted material abrasion or wear. The axis 49'''' has several partial axes 53'''' that are coupled to one another to transmit a force along the axis 49''''. An end section of a first partial axis 53'''' (the right partial axis 53'''' in Fig. 6a and 6b) forms the end section of the axis 49'''' that is received in the recess 51'''' of the discharge element shaft 47''''. The second sub‐axis 53'''' (in Fig. 6a and 6b the left sub‐axis 53'''') is rigidly coupled to the first sub‐axis 53'''' and along theConveying direction R behind the first partial axis 53''''. The dosing device 1''' also has a closure element 23''' with a holding element 25'''' (which can also be referred to as a base body) (which is flat in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the conveying direction). The closure element 23'''' is rigidly coupled to the first partial axis 53'''', in particular, the holding element 25'''' is formed integrally with the first partial axis 53''''. As a result, the closure element 23'''' is also rigidly coupled to the axis 49''''. The closure element 23''' (in particular the holding element 25''') extends circumferentially around the central axis M, and the central axis M extends through the closure element 23''' (in particular through the holding element 25'''). The closure element 23''' can be moved along a movement path between an operating position and aClosure position can be moved by moving the axis 53'''. The movement path of the closure element 23''' runs along or parallel to the central axis M. 23030P‐WO 32 Qlar Europe GmbH For example, the movement path can coincide with the central axis M in sections (for example if the movement path describes the course of a center of gravity of the closure element). In the first configuration shown in Fig. 6a, the closure element 23'''' is moved into the operating position, i.e. to the left in Fig. 6a. When the closure element 23'''' is moved into the operating position, the outlet opening 7'''' is opened by the closure element 23'''' and bulk material can be discharged from the outlet opening 7'''' as described above. In the second configuration shown in Fig. 6b, the closure element 23'''' is moved into the closure position, i.e. to the right in Fig. 6b.When the closure element 23'''' is moved into the closed position, the outlet opening 7'''' is closed by the closure element 23''''. The part of the end section of the axis 49'''' (in this case, this is the end section of the first partial axis 53'''') received in the recess 51'''' of the discharge element shaft 47'''' increases while the closure element 23'''' is moved from the operating position into the closed position. While the closure element 23'''' is transferred along the movement path from the operating position to the closure position, the end section of the axis 49'''' is minimally received in the recess 51'''' of the discharge element shaft 47'''' when the closure element 23''' is in the operating position (Fig. 6a), and the end section of the axis 49'''' is maximally received in the recess 51'''' of the discharge element shaft 47'''' when the closure element 23'''' is in the closure position (Fig. 6b). WhileWhen the closure element 5'''' is moved along the movement path from the operating position to the closed position, a variable portion of the end section of the axis 49'''' is inserted into the recess 51'''' of the discharge element shaft 5''''. This is because the portion of the end section of the axis 49'''' received in the recess 51'''' of the discharge element shaft 47'''' increases as the closure element 23'''' is moved from the operating position to the closed position. A sealing element 33'''' is provided on the end face 31'''' of the holding element 25'''' facing the outlet opening 7''''. The sealing element 33'''' is in contact with an edge of the outlet opening 7'''' when the closure element 23'''' is moved into the closed position. In embodiments, the sealing member 33'''' can alternatively or additionally also be arranged on a front side facing the closure element 23''''of the conveying channel 3''''. The closure element 23'''' closes the outlet opening 7'''' along the conveying direction R at least partially by means of the holding element 25'''' in the closed position. As a result, in this configuration, a discharge of material (such as a "trickling" of material during an interruption of the material discharge) from the outlet opening 7'''' can be reliably prevented. A radially sealing sealing element is advantageously dispensable, since the holding element 25'''' extends radially outwards directly from the circumference of the axis 49''''. Since the central axis M, as described, extends through the closure element 23'''', and preferably likewise at least partially through the axis 49'''', an end-mounted discharge element 5'''' in combination with a selectively actuatable closure of the outlet opening 7'''' can advantageously be used in the dosing device 1''''.be provided. In an advantageous embodiment, the holding element 25'''' and the axially acting sealing element 33'''' can also be formed in one piece, in particular from PTFE. The dosing device 1'''' furthermore has a receiving unit, not shown in the figures, for receiving the bulk material to be dosed. From this receiving unit, the bulk material can be displaced into the conveying channel 3'''. 23030P‐WO 33 Qlar Europe GmbH The dosing device 1'''' (see Fig. 6a and 6b) also has a movement device 35''''. With the movement device 35'''', the closure element 23'''' can be moved along the movement path. Part of the movement device 35'''' is a cylinder 37''''. In the cylinder 37'''', a piston 39'''' is provided which can be moved therein and which forms the second partial axis 53'''' and is coupled to the first partial axis 53'''' and thus also to the closure element 23'''', as already explained above. Bythe piston 39'''' is displaced within the cylinder 37'''', the closure element 23'''' is displaceable along the movement path. The cylinder 37'''' thus simultaneously also realizes a linear guide for the closure element 23''''. The cylinder 37'''' thus also serves, to a certain extent, as a bearing unit 13''' for the axis 49''''. The central axis of the cylinder 37'''', the central axis of the axis 49'''' and the central axis of the conveyor channel 3'''' run parallel to one another and lie within the plane of the drawing in Figs. 6a and 6b. The cylinder 37'''' of the movement device 35'''' is inserted through openings in a flange-like fastening plate 41'''' of the dosing device 1'''' and fastened to the fastening plate 41''''. As a result, the positioning of the bearing unit 13'''' and the cylinder 37'''' relative to one another is determined by theMounting plate 41''''. The cylinder 37'''' (including the piston 39'''') of the movement device 35'''', the axle 49''' together with the closure element 23'''', the bearing unit 13'''' and the mounting plate 41'''' can be comprised of an assembly which, as a whole, can be designed to be detachable from the dosing device 1''''. In this respect, reference can be made to the explanations regarding the assembly 43 of the dosing device 1, which apply here accordingly. Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of the assembly 43. The assembly 43 can be an assembly according to the second aspect of the invention. Due to the advantageous connection of the components of the assembly 43 to one another, the closure element 23 can be inserted very reliably and easily through an opening in the housing of the vertical discharge 9 into the vertical discharge 9. The mounting plate 41 then covers the opening in the assembled state. AFastening of the fastening plate 41 to the housing is very simple and reliable thanks to the elongated holes 45 provided in the fastening plate 41. The elongated holes 45 also enable a fine alignment of the assembly 43 relative to the shaft 11 and the conveyor channel 3 along two dimensions (in Figs. 1a and 1b, these are the directions "front-back" perpendicular to the plane of the figures and "bottom-top" within the plane of the figures). Fig. 8 shows a flow chart 100 of a method according to the first third aspect of the invention. With the method, in a dosing device for dosing bulk material (such as the dosing device 1), an outlet opening of a conveyor channel, in which a rotatably arranged discharge element for conveying bulk material within the conveyor channel along a conveying direction towards the outlet opening of the conveyor channel is provided, can be at leastbe closed in certain areas. The discharge element has at least one shaft, which is mounted beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction, or is connected to such a shaft, and wherein the shaft extends through the closure element. In 101, at least one closure element, which has a sealing element, is moved along at least one movement path extending at least between at least one operating position and at least one closure position, from the operating position to the closure position. 23030P-WO 34 Qlar Europe GmbH In 103, the shaft and the sealing element interact with each other along the movement path in a position-dependent manner, and at least partially as a result, a preload of at least parts of the sealing element along the movement path is adjusted in a position-dependent manner. The interaction can, for example, be brought about by different shaft diameters.In 105, the outlet opening is closed in the closed position by means of the closure element. Fig. 9 shows a flow chart 200 of a method according to the second or third aspect of the invention. With the method, in a dosing device for dosing bulk material (such as the dosing device 1', 1'', 1''' or 1''''), an outlet opening of a conveyor channel, in which a rotatably arranged discharge element for conveying bulk material within the conveyor channel, in particular along a conveying direction, towards the outlet opening of the conveyor channel is provided, can be closed at least in some areas. The discharge element is finally supported. In 201, at least one closure element is moved from an operating position into a closed position. In this case, a central axis of the discharge element can be defined, which extends through the closure element and along or parallel to which a movement pathof the closure element. In 203, in the closure position, the outlet opening is closed by means of the closure element. Examples of preferred embodiments of the invention are described below. Example 1. Dosing device for dosing bulk material, with a selectively operable closure, the dosing device comprising - a discharge member rotatably arranged within a conveying channel for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel along a conveying direction towards an outlet opening of the conveying channel, wherein the discharge member has a shaft which is end-mounted beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction, or is connected to such a shaft, and - a closure element movable between an operating position and a closure position along a movement path for at least partially closing the outlet opening, wherein theShaft extends through the closure element. Example 2. Dosing device according to Example 1, wherein the closure element has at least one sealing element which, at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position, is in contact with the shaft or can be brought into contact with it. Example 3. Dosing device according to Example 2, wherein a prestress of at least parts of the sealing element along the movement path is position-dependent, at least partially as a result of a position-dependent interaction between the shaft and the sealing element along the movement path. Example 4. Dosing device according to one of Examples 2 to 3, wherein the sealing element, at least when the closure element is moved into the closure position, bears sealingly against at least one circumferential portion of the shaft. 23030P-WO 35 Qlar Europe GmbH Example 5. Dosing device according to one of the preceding examples,wherein the movement path runs along the shaft and / or parallel to the conveying direction. Example 6. Dosing device according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the closure element extends at least partially circumferentially around the shaft. Example 7. Dosing device according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the shaft has an outer diameter that decreases at least partially along the conveying direction. Example 8. Dosing device according to one of examples 2 to 7, wherein the shaft has an enlarged outer diameter in at least one section and wherein the sealing element interacts with this section of the shaft when the closure element is moved into the closed position. Example 9. Dosing device according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the shaft has at least a first section in which the outer diameter of the shaft is a first outer diameter orHas values ​​within a first value range, and - at least one second section, preferably following the first section in the conveying direction, in which the outer diameter of the shaft is a second outer diameter which is smaller than the first outer diameter, or has values ​​within a second value range whose upper limit is smaller than the lower limit of the first value range, wherein preferably the first section and the second section are connected to one another by a transition region. Example 10. Dosing device according to Example 9, wherein, when the closure element is moved into the closure position, the sealing element interacts with the first section of the shaft, in particular is at least partially in contact with the first section of the shaft. Example 11. Dosing device according to one of Examples 9 to 10, wherein, when theClosure element is moved into the operating position, the sealing element (a) does not interact with the first section of the shaft, in particular is not in contact with the first section of the shaft, (b) interacts with the second section of the shaft, in particular is at least partially in contact with the second section of the shaft, and / or (c) is not in contact with the shaft. Example 12. Dosing device according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the closure element has at least one holding element, in particular annular in shape at least partially and / or in at least one cross-sectional plane, and (i) wherein the shaft extends through the holding element and / or (ii) wherein (a) the sealing element is arranged on the holding element, in particular on an inner circumference of the holding element, at least partially and / or (b) the holding element has a specific inner diameterwhich is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the shaft along the movement path. 23030P‐WO 36 Qlar Europe GmbH Example 13. Dosing device according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the closure element is movable along the movement path by actuating at least one movement device. Example 14. Dosing device according to Example 13, wherein the movement device has at least one cylinder, preferably at least two cylinders, each with a piston movable therein and coupled to the closure element, wherein preferably at least one, preferably all, of the one or more cylinders is designed as a pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. Example 15. Dosing device according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the dosing device has at least one bearing unit by means of which the shaft is end-mounted, wherein the bearing unit preferablyhas or forms at least one rolling bearing and / or at least one plain bearing. Example 16. Dosing device according to one of examples 2 to 15, wherein the sealing element is annular, for example as a sealing ring, in particular as a radial shaft sealing ring. Example 17. Assembly for use in a dosing device according to one of the preceding examples and / or which is adapted to be used in a dosing device according to one of the preceding examples, wherein the assembly has at least one fastening plate and wherein the assembly - at least one closure element for selectively closing an outlet opening of a conveying channel of the dosing device with a discharge member rotatably arranged within the conveying channel for conveying bulk material within the conveying channel along a conveying direction towards the outlet opening of the conveying channel, - at least one cylinder of at least oneMovement device for at least indirectly moving the closure element along a movement path running parallel to the central axis of the conveyor channel, and - at least one bearing unit for the final mounting of a shaft connected to the discharge element or provided by the latter, which can be provided as a whole together with the fastening plate. Example 18. Method for selectively actuating a closure of a metering device for metering bulk material, in particular a metering device according to one of Examples 1 to 16, the method comprising that at least one closure element is moved along at least one movement path extending at least between at least one operating position and at least one closure position from the operating position into the closure position, wherein in the closure position, by means of the closure element, an outlet opening of a conveyor channel in whicha rotatably arranged discharge element is provided for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel along a conveying direction towards the outlet opening of the conveying channel, which is closed at least in regions, wherein the discharge element has at least one shaft which is mounted at the end beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction, or is connected to such a shaft, and wherein the shaft extends through the closure element. 23030P‐WO 37 Qlar Europe GmbH The features disclosed in the preceding description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential to the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in any desired combination.

[0002] 23030P‐WO 38 Qlar Europe GmbH List of reference symbols 1, 1', 1'', 1''', 1'''' Dosing device 3, 3', 3'', 3''', 3'''' Conveyor channel 5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''' Discharge element 7, 7', 7'', 7''', 7'''' Outlet opening 9, 9', 9'', 9''', 9'''' Vertical discharge 11 Shaft 13, 13', 13'', 13''', 13'''' Bearing unit 15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''' Gap 17 First section of shaft (D1) 19 Second section of shaft (D2) 21 Transition area 23, 23', 23'', 23''', 23'''' Closing element 25, 25', 25'', 25''', 25'''' Retaining element 27, 27', 27'' Inner circumference of the retaining element 29, 29', 29'' Sealing element / sealing lip with radial sealing effect 31, 31', 31'', 31''', 31'''' End face 33, 33', 33'', 33''', 33'''' Sealing element with axial sealing effect 35, 35', 35'', 35'''' Moving device 37, 37', 37'', 37'''' Cylinder 39, 39', 39'', 39'''' Piston 41, 41', 41'',41'''' Mounting plate 43 Assembly 45 Slotted hole 47', 47'', 47''', 47'''' Discharge device shaft 49', 49'', 49''', 49'''' Axis 51', 51'', 51''', 51'''' Recess 53'''' Partial axis 55' Discharge device pin 100 Flow chart 23030P‐WO 39 Qlar Europe GmbH 101 Moving a closure element from an operating position to a closed position along a movement path 103 Position-dependent interaction between a shaft and a sealing element along the movement path 105 Closing an outlet opening by means of the closure element 200 Flow chart 201 Moving a closure element from an operating position to a closed position 203 Closing an outlet opening by means of the closure element D1 First outer diameter D2 Second outer diameter R Conveying direction M Central axis of the discharge device,

Claims

23030P‐WO 40 Qlar Europe GmbH Patent claims 1. Dosing device for dosing bulk material, with a selectively actuatable closure, the dosing device comprising ‐ at least one discharge member rotatably arranged within a conveying channel for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel toward at least one outlet opening of the conveying channel, wherein the discharge member is end-mounted, and ‐ at least one closure element movable at least between at least one operating position and at least one closure position for at least partially closing the outlet opening, wherein a central axis of the discharge member is definable, which extends through the closure element and along or parallel to which a movement path of the closure element runs. 2.Dosing device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge member is provided for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel along a conveying direction toward the at least one outlet opening of the conveying channel and / or the discharge member is connected to an axis fixed to the dosing device beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction.

3. Dosing device according to claim 2, wherein the axis is fixed and / or sealed from the environment of the dosing device. 4.Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge member comprises a shaft, and the discharge member shaft comprises a recess within which an end portion of the axis is or can be accommodated, wherein the discharge member shaft is preferably rotatable relative to the axis and / or wherein a guide bushing is provided within the recess of the discharge member shaft, and the end portion of the axis is accommodated within the guide bushing.

5. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge member is movable back and forth to move the closure element between the operating position and the closure position along the movement path, wherein the forward movement preferably runs counter to the conveying direction and the forward movement runs in the conveying direction. 6.Dosing device according to claim 5, wherein, when the closure element is in the operating position, the discharge member protrudes further out of the conveying channel along the conveying direction than when the closure element is in the closed position.

7. Dosing device according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the axis has a plurality of partial axes which are coupled to one another for transmitting a force along the axis, and wherein preferably an end section of a first partial axis forms the end section of the axis received in the recess of the discharge member shaft, and wherein in particular (i) a second partial axis is rigidly coupled to the first partial axis and provided behind the first partial axis along the conveying direction and / or (ii) the closure element is formed integrally with the first or second partial axis. 23030P‐WO 41 Qlar Europe GmbH 8. Dosing device according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the dosing device is designed such that, while the closure element is transferred along the movement path from the operating position to the closing position, a variable portion of the end section of the axis is introduced into the recess of the discharge element shaft, in particular an increasing or decreasing portion.

9. Dosing device according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the axis and the discharge element have the same position relative to one another along the conveying direction when the closure element is in the operating position and in the closing position.

10. Dosing device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the discharge element has at least one shaft mounted, in particular end-mounted, beyond the outlet opening in the conveying direction, or is connected to such a shaft.

11. Dosing device according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the shaft and / or the axis extends through the closure element.

12. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (i) is movable relative to the discharge element, the discharge element shaft, the shaft, and / or the axis, (ii) is rigidly coupled to the discharge element, in particular to one end of the discharge element, and / or (iii) is rigidly coupled to the axis and / or is formed integrally with the axis.Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element has a plate-, plate-, or ring-shaped base body, which preferably closes the outlet opening at least partially along the conveying direction in the closed position, and / or wherein the closure element has a sealing element that, in the closed position, sealingly bears against an edge of the outlet opening.

14. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element, in particular the base body, is fastened to the discharge element, to the discharge element shaft, to the shaft, and / or to the axle and / or is formed integrally therewith, and preferably extends radially outward from there along an entire circumference. 15.Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the movement path extends in the conveying direction beyond the outlet opening.

16. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element, in particular at least when the closure element is in the operating position, extends at least partially circumferentially around the central axis of the discharge member, the discharge member shaft, the shaft, and / or the axis. 17.Assembly for use in a dosing device according to one of the preceding claims and / or which is adapted to be used in a dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly has at least one fastening plate and wherein the assembly - at least one closure element for selectively closing an outlet opening of a conveying channel of the dosing device with a discharge member which can be rotatably arranged within the conveying channel for conveying bulk material within the conveying channel along a conveying direction towards the outlet opening of the conveying channel. 23030P‐WO 42 Qlar Europe GmbH ‐ at least one cylinder of at least one movement device for at least indirectly moving the closure element along a movement path running parallel to the central axis of the conveying channel, and ‐ at least one bearing unit for the final support of a shaft and / or axis connected to the discharge element or provided by it, which can be provided as a whole together with the fastening plate. 18.Method for the selective actuation of a closure of a dosing device for dosing bulk material, in particular a dosing device according to one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising that at least one closure element is moved from an operating position into a closure position, wherein in the closure position by means of the closure element an outlet opening of a conveying channel, in which a rotatably arranged discharge element for conveying the bulk material within the conveying channel towards the outlet opening of the conveying channel is provided, is closed at least in part, wherein the discharge element is end-mounted, wherein a central axis of the discharge element is definable, which extends through the closure element and along or parallel to which a movement path of the closure element runs.

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