DE102011122921A1 - Device for switchably connecting inlets and outlet in e.g. household washing machine, has flushing device comprising rinsing medium distribution channel that connects rinsing medium inlet openings with common rinsing medium storage - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has inlets connected with material-supply-containers, and an actuating unit (12) displaced relative to the inlets and provided for switchable connection between one of the inlets and an outlet (19). A passage channel (42) is connected with the inlets for supplying different material to the outlet. The inlet is designed as a rinsing medium inlet, and rinsing medium inlet openings are formed between material-inlet openings. A flushing device has a rinsing medium distribution channel that connects the inlet openings with a common rinsing medium storage. An independent claim is also included for a method for switchable connection of an inlet with an outlet.

Description

The invention initially relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a device is known from the post-published German patent application DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 the applicant known.

In the device described above, the possibility is already mentioned to provide a flushing device in order to make a flushing with a neutral fluid, in particular with water. For this purpose, it is proposed to provide water inlets near the inlet openings or in the region of the through-channel.

The object of the invention is to provide a device which can efficiently and safely supply different materials to the outlet in an efficient and reliable manner.

The invention achieves this object with the features of claim 1, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that at least one of the inlets is designed as a flushing inlet of a flushing device, and that the passageway due to a displacement of the actuator for the purpose of flushing the Through passage with the detergent inlet in communicative connection can be brought.

The principle of the invention is essentially to provide a device having a plurality of inlets and at least one outlet. Each of the inlets can be connected to a material storage container, for example with the aid of a line, for. B. a hose. In the containers are material stocks of different materials or media, namely different fluids. Depending on the number of inlets may be provided a number of material containers or a smaller number of containers.

The outlet of the device can, depending on the purpose and application of the device via a line, for. As a hose, to be connected to a target device. The target device may, for example, a washing machine, in particular a textile washing machine, for. As a commercial washing machine or a household washing machine or a dishwasher, for. Example, a dishwasher or a bottle washing machine or a container washing machine. However, depending on the intended use of the device, for example in food processing or manufacturing, the aiming device may also be of a completely different nature and be provided, for example, by a pizza oven or, in chemical industry applications, by a mixing vessel, kettle or the like.

The device further comprises a relative to the inlets displaceable actuator. It may be, for example, a rotatably displaceable actuator, z. Example, in the form of a disc, preferably made of ceramic, act, or alternatively to a linearly displaceable actuator. The actuator has a through-channel, which can be brought into communicative connection either with one of the different inlets.

Preferably, downstream of the passageway, at least one pump is arranged.

If the passageway communicates with an inlet, a negative pressure can be generated in the passageway by actuating the pump and the appropriate material is discharged through the respective inlet, introduced into the passageway, and transported to the outlet.

In the containers may preferably be different materials or media, for. B. different fluids that are not allowed to come into contact or should, and are to be housed separately, z. Because they are aggressive, explosive or reactive.

In order to transport these different materials in the desired amount and time to the target device, and to prevent any residues in the port or conduit between the outlet and the target device from undesirably mixing or reacting with each other, is in accordance with the invention provided a rinsing device. This rinsing device is associated with a detergent inlet, can be entered by the detergent in the device. At least one of the inlets of the device is designed as a flushing agent inlet. As a result of a displacement of the actuator, the passageway can therefore not only material inlets, but also at least one Spülmitteleinlass, preferably one of several Spülmitteleinlässen start. If the passage has approached a detergent inlet, the passage is communicating with the detergent inlet and can be rinsed. At the same time as the flushing of the through-channel, flushing of the outlet can take place, as well as flushing of the line located downstream of the outlet or of a section of this line and / or z. B. a downstream of the outlet arranged pump.

A rinse can with a suitable detergent, for. B. with fresh water or Hot water, or done with another medium, depending on the application of the device.

By forming at least one of the inlets as the rinsing agent inlet of a rinsing device, feeding of a rinsing agent upstream of the through-channel can be achieved in a particularly favorable manner. In order to carry out a detergent feed, it is sufficient to displace the actuator and to approach a position in which the through-channel is in communicative connection with a detergent inlet.

The content of the aforementioned post-published patent application DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 is hereby incorporated into the content of the present patent application, also for the purpose of reference to individual features.

Advantageously, it can be provided that a flushing agent inlet opening is arranged between each two material inlet openings. Each time a fluid, such as a chemical, has been introduced into the passageway, and subsequently the actuator is moved to approach another inlet port to make another material entry, a purge inlet port may be traversed by the passageway such that e.g. , B. inevitably a rinse occurs before another material entry takes place, or alternatively at least one way to perform a rinse cycle. In certain circumstances, it may also be desirable, for example when performing special washing programs, that two different materials already mix in the through-channel or at least prematurely without a rinse being required or desired.

Alternatively it can be provided that between each two pairs of material inlet openings a detergent inlet opening is arranged. Thus, by means of an actuator displacement by a very small angle of rotation, a flushing agent inlet opening can be approached.

The inventive design of at least one of the inlets as Spülmitteleinlass brings moreover special advantages in terms of ensuring tightness with it. To seal the Spülmitteleinlasses or in the case of several Spülmitteleinlässe the sealing of these multiple Spülmitteleinlassöffnungen relative to the outer space, the same sealing surface of the actuator can be used, which - depending on the displacement position of the actuator - also serves to seal the material inlet openings relative to the outer space. It can therefore be achieved with a simple construction of the device a total high tightness of the device.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flushing device has a flushing agent distribution channel. This can connect a common detergent supply with several detergent inlets or Spülmitteleinlassöffnungen. For example, it is possible to construct the device from two relatively rotatable ceramic discs or discs made of a different material. An input disk has on its input side a number of material inlets and a common detergent inlet. The output side of the input disk has a number of openings corresponding to the number of material inlets, and an arrangement of a half-open groove with a plurality of star-shaped groove extensions. This groove is formed overall as a detergent groove. Each of the groove extensions extends between two material inlet openings. In this way, a flushing agent inlet opening is arranged between each two material inlet openings.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for switchably connecting in each case an inlet to an outlet according to claim 4.

The object of the invention is to provide a method with which different materials can be successively supplied to an outlet in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 4.

According to a first method step, the actuator, so for example, a ceramic disc of a device according to claim 1, is moved. There is a displacement of the actuator in a first position. In this position, a passage, which is part of the actuator, so for example part of the output disk, are brought into communicative communication with a first inlet. The first inlet is connected to a storage container of a first material or medium.

According to another step, a pump is operated. The pump is arranged in particular downstream of the outlet. It may, for example, be a peristaltic pump.

By operating the pump, material, the so-called first material, is introduced from the inlet into the passageway and optionally, depending on the size of the volume, also in the line sections, which are arranged downstream of the through-channel. There is an entry in the passageway corresponding to a predetermined period of time or - taking into account the pump power - until a predetermined entry volume is reached.

Subsequently, according to a further method step, the actuator is displaced into a changed, second position. In this second position, the passageway is no longer in communicative communication with the first inlet. In particular, in this second position of the actuator, the first inlet is sealed from the outside. Further advantageously, the actuator located in the second position can provide a communicative connection of the through-channel with a flushing agent inlet.

According to a further method step, flushing means is now introduced into the through-channel when the through-channel is in the second position of the actuator. This introduction is made to flush the passageway.

The method may be further performed such that each time a displacement of the actuator to a position has been made to introduce material from a material inlet into the passageway, further displacement occurs to perform a rinse cycle. Further advantageously, the method is operated such that each time after a material entry into the passage channel a detergent input takes place.

The invention relates according to a further aspect of the invention to an apparatus according to claim 7.

The invention has for its object to provide a device that can efficiently and safely perform the outlet successively different materials.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 7, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that for flushing the passage channel, a purging device is provided, which is connected with the interposition of a pipe separator with the mains water.

To avoid repetition, as far as the definition of the terms used is concerned, reference is made to the above statements.

The rinsing device preferably comprises a container in which water is present as rinsing agent. The water container is connected via a hose line or other suitable conduit to the detergent inlet. The pipe separator has a connection to the tap water network. This connection comprises, for example, a switchable by a controller, d. H. openable and closable valve. The controller is also connected to two level sensors, which can detect, for example, an upper and a lower level in the water tank. As soon as the lower level is reached or fallen below by removing water from the container, the controller can determine this, and address the valve to the tap water network in the sense of an opening. The water flowing through the opened valve may fall through a fall distance and fill the container until the upper level is reached. This is detected by the controller, with the result that the valve is closed.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pipe separator comprises only one level sensor. Here, the control can be used, for example when reaching or falling below a predetermined level and a corresponding detection by the single level sensor, to cause the valve to be opened for a certain period of time so that a predetermined volume is replenished into the water container.

The water in the detergent container is therefore not in direct communication with the tap water network, but is separated from it by a fall path. This prevents impurities, chemicals, germs or the like from entering the drinking water network through backflow.

Finally, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, a functional area of the device itself can function as a pipe separator. For this purpose, the device is preferably designed such that it provides different flow paths, wherein it is ensured that the two flow paths can not get in communication with each other. For example, the device can be associated with a second outlet which is connected to the flushing agent container, wherein the flushing agent container is in communicative connection with the flushing agent inlet. The at least two different and permanently strictly separated flow paths through the device can be achieved, for example, by a rotation angle limitation of the actuator by, for example, 180 °.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a device according to claim 8.

The invention has for its object to provide a device that is efficient and safe way the outlet successively different materials can perform.

The invention achieves this object with the features of claim 8, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that downstream of the outlet means for flow measurement is arranged.

The special feature is that downstream of the outlet, a device for flow measurement is arranged. It can be a device that measures or monitors the flow volume, ie the flow rate. Alternatively, a time measurement can be carried out, which is sufficient in particular for determining the volume flowed through, if the flow streams are known. These also depend in particular on the pump performance, possibly also on other parameters. The means for flow measurement is downstream of the outlet, in particular near the pump, ordered to. The pump may be any suitable pump, e.g. B. a hose pump, act.

In particular, the device for flow measurement can also be connected to a computer, which creates protocols or documentation or can be used for creating protocols or documentation. The created documentation can be used to determine or prove which materials, eg. Which chemicals have been used, at what times or in what quantities. Thus, the provision of proofs of use is possible.

The invention relates according to a further aspect to an apparatus according to claim 9.

The invention has for its object to provide a device that can efficiently and safely perform the outlet successively different materials.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 9, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that a device for detecting the position of the actuator is provided.

A significant feature is that a means for detecting the position of the actuator is provided. This device serves to provide a controller with the opportunity to obtain information about the position in which the actuator is located at a certain time and / or which measures the controller must undertake, as a result of a displacement of the actuator, a certain material inlet opening or a certain Spülmitteleinlassöffnung to approach.

Preferably, a permanent or permanent position detection of the actuator takes place. In an alternative embodiment, the detection of the position of the actuator also periodically, d. H. be carried out on a regular basis or at certain appropriate times.

The device for detecting the position of the actuator may, for example, detect a measuring device which directly detects the position of the actuator in an optical, inductive, capacitive, electrical, magnetic or other physical manner. For this purpose, for example, markers, z. As optical, magnetic, electrical or other markings attached to the actuator or connected to the actuator.

In this context, it is also possible in principle to perform a control of the actuator with the aid of a so-called referenced stepper motor, d. H. a particular stepping motor, which has a reference position, and which can each be addressed so that the controller knows in which position the actuator driven by the stepper motor is located, or, more precisely, in which position the passageway is located.

It should be noted that the means for detecting the position of the actuator may also be provided with a counter, for example, to measure or count rotational angle ranges around which the actuator shifts from a differential position.

In this context, it should also be noted that theoretically there is the possibility of equipping the actuator with more than one through-channel.

The invention further relates to a device according to claim 10.

The invention has for its object to provide a device that can efficiently and safely perform the outlet successively different materials.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 10, and is accordingly characterized in that the actuator is a toothing, such as gear or rack, associated with one of a drive to Cooperates purposes of a displacement of the actuator responsive gear.

Another aspect of the invention is that the actuator is assigned a toothing. The toothing can be incorporated directly into the actuator. Alternatively, a toothing, z. Example, also be made of a different material than the material of which the actuator consists, be attached to the actuator. For example, in the case of a substantially disc-shaped actuator of z. B. ceramic teeth of plastic or metal, in particular of a gear rim, be formed, which surrounds the actuator with its outer peripheral surface.

If the actuator is formed rotatably displaceable, it makes sense to provide the teeth of a sprocket. In the event that the locking member is formed linearly displaceable, it is advisable to provide the actuator with a rack.

The drive for the displacement of the actuator may preferably cooperate with a gear, or respond such a gear in the sense of a rotational movement. The gear can cooperate with the teeth and move in this way, the actuator.

The invention relates according to a further aspect to an apparatus according to claim 11.

The invention has for its object to provide a device that can efficiently and safely supply the outlets successively material.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 11.

An essential aspect of the invention is that a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is used in a geometrically inverted arrangement. The outlet of the device described above now acts as an inlet and the multiple inlets of the prior art device now function as multiple outlets and otherwise the design of the device is not changed. In particular, in the manner described in detail and also described in detail in the exemplary embodiments, an actuator can be displaced in order to communicatively connect the inlet to one of the outlets in each case.

The invention relates according to a further aspect to an apparatus according to claim 13.

The invention has for its object to provide a device that can efficiently and safely perform the outlet successively different materials.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 13.

The provision of a device for measuring the conductivity downstream of the outlet offers the possibility of reliably monitoring the medium supplied to the target device or devices, at least insofar as a measurement of the conductivity allows a conclusion to be drawn about the particular type or characteristic of the medium supplied.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the non-cited subclaims, as well as from the following description of the illustrated in the drawings embodiments of the invention. In the drawings show:

1 In a schematic, partially sectional view, a first embodiment of an actuator of a device according to the invention,

2 a rear view, ie a view of the output side, the actuator of 1 in accordance with arrow II in 1 .

3 a front view of the actuator of the 1 in accordance with arrow III in 1 .

4 a perspective view of the actuator approximately according to arrow IV in 1 .

5 a side view of the input disk of an embodiment of the device according to the invention,

6 a front view of the input disk, so a view of the input side of the input disk according to view arrow VI in 5 .

7 a partially sectioned view through the input disk approximately along section line VII-VII in 6 .

8th a view of the output side of the input disk according to arrow VIII in 7 .

9 a partially sectioned view through the input disk of 8th according to section line IX-IX in 8th .

10 a perspective view of the input disk according to view arrow X in 7 .

11 in a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inventive Device in assembled condition with input disc, actuator and housing,

12 a schematic view of the assembled device approximately along view arrow XII in 11 .

13 an assembled device in a schematic representation approximately along section line XIII-XIII in 12 .

14 a perspective view of the device approximately according to view arrow XIV in 11 .

15 a perspective rear view approximately according to Anischtspfeil XV in 11 .

16 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic, block diagram-like representation, with a trained as a washing machine target device and a plurality of indicated material storage containers and a detergent dispenser,

17 in a schematic representation of an embodiment of an upstream of the device according to the invention arranged pipe-separating device, as well as the detergent container of 16 .

18 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in a representation similar to the 13 , wherein additionally a drive and a drive gear and further details of the elements explained in the figure description are shown.

19 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in a representation according to 18 , wherein here a modified position marking element and a modified device for detecting the position of the actuator is provided,

20 an enlarged detail view of the position marker used in this embodiment, approximately along view line XX in 19 .

21 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention, in which the device is inserted geometrically inverted, and

22 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention, in which a series or series circuit has been made such that two devices according to the invention are arranged with their outlets facing each other to achieve a plurality of switchable communication paths.

Several embodiments of the device according to the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, it is pointed out that the same or comparable parts or elements of the device are designated by the same reference numerals, partially with the addition of small letters.

The device according to the invention is - as far as different embodiments are concerned - in total 10 designated. It is in a schematic sectional view in 11 and comprises two essential, central elements in the form of an input disk 11 and an actuator 12 ,

The device has a compact design and is, as in 16 indicated, with a variety of material storage containers 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f via lines 14a . 14b . 14c . 14d . 14e . 14f connected. Worth mentioning is also a detergent container 15 and a connecting line 16 ,

In different containers 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f are different materials or media 17a . 17b . 17c . 17d . 17e . 17f accommodated. These are fluids that can be transported through the pipes with the help of pumps.

The different materials 17a . 17b . 17c . 17d . 17e . 17f can z. B. different detergent ingredients, different concentrates, washing agents, different enzymes, different surfactants, different surfactant mixtures, different liquids, etc. be. The above enumeration of different materials concerns the case that the target device 18 That is, the one device that has an outlet 19 the device 10 connected, one in 16 indicated washing machine, z. B. is a household washing machine or a commercial washing machine.

In other applications, for example in the food industry, where the device 10 z. For example, to mix different food ingredients, other materials are of interest and in the containers 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f accommodated.

The device 10 essentially serves the different materials 17a . 17b . 17c . 17d . 17e . 17f dosed at desired times a common outlet 19 supply. Before a feed to the outlet 19 takes place, the materials should be separated from each other, without being able to mix with each other, or with each other can be accommodated. One speaks also of phase separation. This is particularly understandable when one considers that different chemicals that have chemical aggressiveness or reactivity may only be brought into contact with each other at a certain given time or the washing machine 18 or another target device may be supplied.

With reference to 16 It should be noted that the flow direction of the fluid flow through the device 10 through a total of the arrow P is designated.

Downstream of the outlet 19 is a pump 20 provided, the z. B. may be provided by a peristaltic pump. Downstream or upstream of the pump 20 , according to 16 but downstream of the outlet 19 , is a facility 21 intended for flow measurement. The device 21 can via a signal line and / or control line 64a with a merely indicated computer unit 22 For example, it logs the flow rates, for example. Also the pump 20 can via a signal line and / or control line 64c with the computer unit 22 be connected.

The device 10 advantageously has a controller 23 that with the device 10 , as 16 merely indicates, via another signal and / or control line 64b connected is.

The control 23 for example, a in 16 not shown, but in 18 indicated drive 62 the device 10 drive. The control 23 can further with the aiming device 18 For example, with one in the target device 18 arranged control via a further signal and / or control line 64e be connected. The control 23 can also be part of the target device 18 be.

Also the device 10 can be part of the target device 18 be, or be arranged in or on her. Finally, the controller 23 also with the arithmetic unit 22 via another signal and / or control line 64d be connected. As already the block diagram in 16 makes clear, the computing units 22 and the controller 23 be provided by different units, but alternatively also by a common unit.

In embodiments of the invention, it may be provided that downstream of the outlet 19 , as in 16 indicated, a device 73 is provided for measuring the conductivity. This may alternatively, or in addition to the device also shown 21 be provided for flow measurement, and also via an indicated signal and / or control line to the arithmetic unit 22 keep in touch.

With the help of the institution 73 For conductivity measurement, the conductivity of the medium can be determined exactly.

At a later still in connection with the 21 described embodiment of the invention, a device not shown there for conductivity measurement also downstream of the inlet 27x be arranged.

In the embodiment according to 16 is the arrangement of the device 73 For conductivity measurement, for example, advantageous if different media solutions with different salt concentrations, or different salt solutions are provided. On the measurement of the conductivity, for example, a special security can be ensured, or found with high accuracy, and optionally also logged, which salt solution was used, or at what time.

The device 10 includes advantageous as in 11 indicated a housing 24 , In the housing are the actuator 12 and the input disk 11 accommodated.

The input disk 11 will now be based on the 5 to 10 described:
The input disk 11 is substantially disc-shaped, ie it is a substantially circular in view element whose outer diameter D is greater than the wall thickness W. The input disc 11 includes an input page 25 and an exit side 26 ,

On the entry side 25 There are six inlets 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f , The number of inlets corresponds to the maximum number of devices 10 connectable material containers 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f , The presented in the described embodiments number of six inlets is merely exemplary and arbitrary.

On the entry side 25 the input disk 11 is also an inlet 28 intended for a detergent. Central is the disc 11 with a through hole 29 Mistake.

The through hole 29 can, as well as the through hole 29 the actuator disc to be described later 12 from a centering element or a shaft or optionally penetrated by a drive shaft, in particular also be penetrated jointly.

Such as the sectional view of 9 makes clear, is every inlet 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f designed as a blind bore and includes a narrower passage area 30 and a somewhat wider neck area on the other hand 31 , In the neck area 31 can each have a nozzle 32 be inserted (see. 11 ), whose outer end 33 can be connected for example with a hose. This provides a particularly simple connection option.

The input disk 11 indicates on its output side 26 one of the number of inlets 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f corresponding number of inlet openings 34a . 34b . 34c . 34d . 34e . 34f on. There is also an opening 35 ( 8th ) provided with the detergent inlet 28 communicated. The opening 35 opens into a groove arrangement 36 (see. 8th and 10 ) having a substantially annular inner region 37 and star-shaped groove pocket ends 38a . 38b . 38c . 38d 38e having. The arrangement is made such that in each case between two inlet openings 34a . 34b those with inlets 27a . 27b communicate, a groove bag 38a is arranged as Spülmitteleinlassöffnung.

The actuator 12 will now be based on the 1 - 4 described:
The actuator is a substantially disc-shaped body having an input side 39 and a home page 40 , On the output side 40 of the actuator 12 is the outlet 19 arranged the same way as the inlets 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f . 28 , over a widened neck area 31 and a narrower passband 30 in particular, to attach a hose with the aid of a nozzle. The actual passageway 42 is from the narrow area 30 the outlet 19 provided.

The entrance page 39 of the actuator 12 is down to the central through hole 29 and the mouth area 41 of the passageway 42 perfectly smooth.

In an assembled arrangement are the input disk 11 and the actuator 12 arranged in concentric arrangement with each other, such that they are oriented along a common center axis M. The central axis M at the same time represents the geometric axis of rotation about which the actuator 12 relative to the captured input disk 11 is rotatable.

The input disk 11 is with her source page 26 the input side 39 of the actuator 12 facing, being between the two elements 11 . 12 due to the materials used and the applied pressure forces sealing against the outside space is achieved. Depending on the rotational position of the actuator 12 can the passageway 42 with its mouth area 41 either with a restricted area 43 the input disk 11 be brought into contact, or with an inlet opening 34a . 34b . 34c . 34d . 34e . 34f or with an area 38 the groove 36 ,

Is the mouth area 41 of the passageway 42 a restricted area 43 opposite, is the outlet 19 opposite any of the inlet openings 28 . 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f etc., ie the device shuts off any fluid flow from the storage containers 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f towards the target device 18 and closes the containers 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f at the same time with respect to the outside space. At the same time, the smooth area is taken care of 65 ( 3 ) of the input side 39 of the actuator 12 by a corresponding interaction with the inlet openings 34a . 34b . 34c . 34d . 34e . 34f as well as with the groove 36 for a complete sealing of all inlet openings from the outside.

Only if the passageway 42 due to a rotation of the actuator 12 is moved to a position in which its mouth area 41 an inlet opening 34 opposite and with the associated inlet 27 is communicatively connected, a fluid flow by generating a negative pressure by the pump 20 in the passageway 42 through the passageway 42 be accomplished through.

When the passageway 42 from a first position, in which he, for example, the opening 34a is to be moved to another position in which he, z. B. the opening 34b opposite, he inevitably passes over the groove pocket 38a which constitutes a detergent inlet opening. The passageway remains 42 a predetermined time in a position in which he is the groove pocket 38a opposite, the pump may be a predetermined volume of detergent through the passageway 42 convey through and the passageway 42 clean residue-free in this way.

It plays a special role that the passageway 42 itself is rectilinear and has no bumps on its side walls. As a result, particularly advantageous flow conditions can be achieved, on the one hand a precise predetermination of the required for a cleaning fluid flow through the passage 42 allow, as well as on the other hand, a particularly advantageous, complete flushing of the through-channel 42 enable.

12 lets recognize that the actuator 12 from a gearing 44 is surrounded. The gearing 44 may be part of a metallic or in particular made of plastic ring body 59 be that on the actuator 12 is attached.

The sectional views of the 11 . 18 and 13 let recognize that the ring body 59 on the output side 40 of the actuator 12 can be placed and the actuator 12 Partially overlap inside and outside. For this purpose, the ring body 59 with a central extension 66 be equipped in the corresponding through hole 29 of the actuator 12 intervenes. At the same time, material areas 67 of the ring body 59 ( 13 ) be designed such that the actuator 12 is slightly overlapped on its outer circumferential surface. The entire ring body 59 can be made of metal. He has in aligned arrangement to the passageway 42 , like this 11 shows, also a through hole 68 on.

Of course, alternative options for the person skilled in the art still exist on the actuator 12 a gearing 44 to install. For example, such a toothing also directly into the material of the actuator 12 be incorporated.

The actuator 12 as well as the input disk 11 , are preferably made of ceramic material. The opposite surfaces 39 . 26 can be lapped advantageously.

That's the gearing 44 providing gear is non-rotatable with the actuator 12 connected.

18 lets recognize that next to the input disk 11 , the actuator 12 , and the gear ring body 59 , inside the case 24 also a drive 62 , z. B. an electric motor is arranged. The drive 62 can via a spindle arrangement 61 with a drive gear 60 interact. The teeth of this gear 60 mesh with the teeth 44 of the ring body 59 and can so far the actuator 12 set in rotation and the passageway 42 relocate.

To the drive 62 to control is a control 63 provided, which via a signal and / or control line 64f connected to the drive. The control 63 in the embodiment of the 18 can be in addition to a controller 23 according to embodiment of the 16 be provided. The two controllers 23 . 63 but can also be provided by a common component.

In the 11 . 12 and 18 is a position marker 45 indicated, which only at a certain circumferential point of the actuator 12 arranged or assigned to such a location. The rotational position of the actuator 12 can with the help of the position marker 45 , whose position is detected, are recorded. This is a position detection unit 69 provided, for example, in the area of the housing 24 the device 10 can be arranged. The position detection unit 69 may be provided by a sensor or detector that detects the presence of the marker 45 for example, in its immediate neighborhood. It may be, for example, a proximity sensor or - depending on the configuration and design of the marking element 45 to act an optical, electrical, inductive, capacitive, magnetic, acoustic or otherwise suitably designed sensor.

The position detection unit 69 is via a signal and / or control line 64g with the controller 63 connected and can the controller 63 communicate in this way, in which position the actuator 12 or the mark 45 located.

The marking element 45 can on the ring body 59 be arranged like this in 18 is indicated. Alternatively, the marking element 45 also directly in the actuator 12 be arranged.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, which in the 19 and 20 is shown, is the element 45 for the position marking of a magnetic, in particular circular disk-shaped, element formed. This is in 20 shown in enlarged single view.

You can see two differently magnetized areas 45a and 45b so that the item 45 is formed overall as a dipole magnet.

The circular disk 45 is in the embodiment of 19 arranged concentrically to the central axis M of the device.

Also in flight to the central axis M is the device 69 arranged for position detection. This is via a corresponding signal and / or control line 64g with the controller 63 connected. The device 69 for position detection is formed in this embodiment as a magnetic field sensor and on the housing 24 firmly arranged.

Preferably, the controller detects 63 the position of the marking element 45 permanent.

The embodiments illustrated in the drawings provide that the actuator 12 relative to the captured input disk 11 is relocatable.

In non-illustrated embodiments of the invention may also be the actuator 12 held and the input disk 11 relative to the actuator 12 be relocated.

The two sectional views of the 11 and the 13 show the same rotational position of the actuator 12 relative to a disc 11 , According to 11 is the passageway 42 in alignment with a groove pocket 38 the detergent groove 36 ie in rinsing position. In this position of the actuator 12 can the pump 20 Rinsing agent through the passageway 42 through promoting.

In the rotational position according to 13 (this is the same rotational position as at 12 ) you can clearly see that the input side 39 of the actuator 12 the corresponding opposite inlet openings 34a . 34b . 34c . 34d . 34e . 34f sealing closes.

14 makes it clear that in the respective inlet 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f a neck 33a . 33b . 33c . 33d . 33e . 33f can be used. As a result, in particular hoses can be connected in a simple manner.

With reference to the embodiment of 17 will now be a pipe separator, a so-called pipe separator 46 , described. The pipe separator 46 is, based on the embodiment of 16 , a rinsing device 47 assigned and upstream of the detergent inlet 28 arranged.

The pipe separator 46 and the rinsing device 47 include a container 15 for detergent 48 , The detergent 48 is water in the present case.

To prevent chemical contaminants or germs in the tap water network 49 is in the range of an outlet 50 of the tap water network a valve 51 provided, which is automatically visible and closable. A controller 52 is via a control line 53 with the valve 51 connected.

The detergent container 15 is a lower level sensor 54 and an upper level sensor 55 assigned. Both sensors 54 . 55 are over lines 56 . 57 also with the controller 52 connected.

Once the level sensor 54 determines that a certain level has fallen below because of a withdrawal of detergent 48 from the container 15 the remaining detergent volume has decreased, via the control line 56 a signal to the controller 52 forwarded. An example of the controller 52 associated processor 58 then sends over the control line 53 a signal to the valve 51 to initiate a valve opening. Then you can get water from the tap water network 49 in the container 15 arrive, where it travels a distance WS in free fall. The container 15 Fills until it reaches an upper level, which is higher than the upper level sensor 55 is detected. At detection of reaching of the upper level, it is possible via the control line 57 the control 52 then be informed via the control line 53 the valve 51 responds to initiate a closing process. After completion of the closing process is the tap water network 49 hermetically sealed again.

The advantage of such a pipe separation device 46 lies in the fact that the tap water network 49 against reflux, is protected against contamination by germs or chemicals. The water can go through a previously defined fall distance in free fall. Returns are therefore excluded.

This allows a connection of the device according to the invention particularly advantageously with a simple construction 10 with the help of a pipe separator 46 to the tap water network 49 ,

The geometric design of the containers 13 for the media 17 and the container 15 for the detergent 48 and the corresponding connection of the cables 14 and 16 are only schematically indicated and described. Preferably, the corresponding connecting lines via so-called suction lances with the containers 13 connected to the appropriate media 17 , or to remove the detergent, and to allow a residue emptying.

The embodiments of the device according to the invention have been described with reference to an arrangement which comprises two relatively displaceable elements, namely a captured relative to the housing input disk 11 and a relatively displaceable actuator 12 include. In other embodiments, which are not shown in the figures, it is also possible for three or more elements, in particular disc-shaped elements, to be provided in a stack arrangement.

Instead of a rotary displacement of an actuator also comes a linear displacement of the actuator 12 into consideration.

The embodiment has been described with reference to two discs, which consist of a ceramic material. Other materials, such as plastic, metal, or equipped with special surfaces or treated in a special way materials and materials can be registered.

The embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings each represent a single device in which a plurality of inlet openings with an outlet, selectively switchable, can be brought into communicative communication. It is also encompassed by the invention that several such devices 10 be connected in series or in parallel to each other - depending on the application and needs - to increase the number of fluids to be mixed or supplied.

As far as the device according to the invention uses a Druchflussmess device, which is preferably provided downstream of the outlet, it is particularly advantageous if only a single flow measuring device is provided.

Preferably, the device described is used in combination with a washing machine 18 trained target device used. However, the target device may also be a medical device in which different chemicals are compounded to mix a drug, or otherwise used to treat diseases. Target devices may alternatively be formed in other areas of cleaning technology, process technology, medicine, agriculture, chemistry, food technology, in a suitable manner and z. B. have a suitable collection container or mixing container.

The device according to the invention can also be used in the context of the analysis of blood or urine samples. For example, the target device may comprise a vessel which is part of an analysis device. In the vessel, for example, reactions of the substance to be examined with the introduced different media, eg. B. different salt solutions or saline solutions with different concentrations take place.

For this purpose, for example, the use of a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is particularly advantageous if, for example, different material containers 13 are loaded with different salt solutions, and the target device comprises the sample vessel.

The inventive method makes it possible, after a step of introducing a fluid into the passageway due to a displacement of the passageway to flush this with a detergent. Preferably, each time after a first material has been introduced from the first inlet into the passage, after displacement of the actuator 12 a detergent 48 in the passageway 42 entered.

As a rinse water can be used, which in particular a beneficial connection with the tap water network 24 allows. It may also be provided in other embodiments, however, to use media other than water as the rinsing agent.

In one embodiment of the invention upstream of the inlets 27 Provided check valves. These prevent unwanted dishwashing detergent 48 or other fluids 17 as intended in the appropriate containers 13 advised or in the appropriate supply lines 14 . 16 devices.

A housing arrangement is advantageous 24 provided, which are the two ceramic parts, in particular the input disk 11 and the actuator 12 , trough-shaped embraces. In this case, the geometric arrangement is preferably affected such that the rotation axis M is aligned vertically and the actuator 12 above the input disk 11 is arranged.

Further advantageous are the input disk 11 and the actuator 12 relative to each other in the axial direction under spring force applied. For this ball pressure spring elements may be provided. 18 indicates in this connection that on the upper wall of the housing 24 sleeves 70 can be arranged, in which balls 71 are guided by springs 72 are acted upon in Ausfahrsinne. Also the springs 72 are within the respective sleeve 70 arranged.

Due to the spring force the balls practice 71 a force on the ring body 59 and thus at the same time on the actuator 12 which serves to the entrance side 39 of the actuator 12 on the output side 26 the input disk 11 to act on. This allows the desired tightness between the two adjacent surfaces 26 . 39 , be guaranteed.

The position of the passageway 42 or the actuator 12 can from the unit 69 or the controller 63 be permanently detected, or only at certain times, for example, before or after each control by the drive 62 ,

The actuator 12 may have an over-rotation fuse, not shown. This means that the actuator 12 always only along a maximum angle range, z. B. 355 °, can be rotated and then prevents a stop assurance that above the predetermined maximum angle, a rotation takes place. This can be ensured, for example, that do not twist lines or hoses beyond a predetermined amount.

Around the passageway 42 If necessary, to bring into communication communication with a certain inlet opening, if necessary, a complete reverse rotation of the actuator 12 respectively.

The device may, for example, also be equipped as a retrofit device to be connected to existing washing machines. It can advantageously via an interface, for example via a controller, for. B. via a relay to be connected to a program selector switch a commercial washing machine. For this purpose, for example, an adaptation and transformation of the control signals received from a relay of a conventional commercial washing machine or washing machine into new control signals can be provided.

The embodiment of 21 shows an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlets have been converted to a plurality of outlets, and the single outlet to the single inlet. Here, therefore, a geometrically inverted arrangement is made, in which the output upstream of the inlets, based on the flow direction P, is arranged.

In the device according to the invention used in this way according to the preamble of claim 1 is the only inlet 27x with a detergent container 15 or material container connected.

The numerous outlets 19x1 . 19x2 . 19x3 . 19x4 . 19x5 , are via appropriate lines 14a . 14b . 14c . 14d . 14e . 14f with several target devices 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e . 18f connected.

The control of the embodiment in the 21 actuator, not shown, can be analogous to that with respect to the embodiment of 16 explained way. This is done only with the difference that instead of a variety of material containers 13 or detergent container 15 now only a single starting container 15 (Material container or detergent dispenser) is used, and instead of a single target device 18 in the embodiment of 16 now a variety of target devices 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e . 18f in the embodiment of 21 be used.

The 21 shows an embodiment of a device according to claim 11.

Finally, with respect to the embodiment of the 22 noted that here are two devices 10a and 10b geometrically reversed facing each other serially arranged.

Along the dashed dividing plane T are so to speak the embodiment of 16 in the upper part of the 22 and the embodiment of the 21 in the lower part of the 22 composed such that the target device of the device 10a now the device 10b , or in other words, the starting material container 15 the device 10b now from the device 10a is provided.

It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that such a serial, inverted arrangement of two devices according to the invention leads to a significant increase in the number of possible switchable, communicative connection paths. As a result, in certain applications, a higher number of variants of circuit paths can be achieved.

Regarding the relative spatial arrangement of the device 10 in relation to the material containers 13 , or to the detergent container 15 can be provided according to a first variant, that the device 10 , Based on the predetermined by the gravitational force orientation, above the material storage containers 13 , or the Spulmittelbehältnisses is located. In this way, even if there are minor leakage problems in the device, it can be achieved that the media basically run back into the material containers. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the material storage containers 13 , Be arranged above the device relative to the direction predetermined by the gravitational force to z. B. to prevent leakage in the device media in the material storage containers run back.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011108396 A1 [0001, 0014]

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 10 ) with several inlets ( 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f ) and an outlet ( 19 ), the inlets ( 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f ) each with a material storage container ( 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f ) are connectable, and wherein for providing a switchable connection between in each case one of the plurality of inlets and the outlet, a relative to the inlets displaceable actuator ( 12 ) with a through-channel ( 42 ), wherein the through-channel can be brought into communicative connection either with one of the different inlets in order to successively supply different materials to the outlet, characterized in that the actuator consists of a ceramic material that at least one of the inlets ( 28 ) as a detergent inlet of a rinsing device ( 47 ) is formed, and that the passageway as a result of a displacement of the actuator ( 12 ) for the purpose of flushing the passageway ( 42 ) can be brought into communicative connection with the flushing agent inlet. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that between each two of a mouth region ( 41 ) of the through-channel ( 42 ) approachable material inlet openings ( 34a . 34b . 34c . 34d . 34e . 34f ) a detergent inlet opening ( 38a ) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rinsing device ( 47 ) a detergent dispensing channel ( 36 ) having a plurality of rinsing agent inlet openings ( 38a . 38b . 38c . 38d . 38e ) connects with a common detergent supply. Method for switchably connecting each inlet ( 27a . 27b . 27c . 27d . 27e . 27f ) of several material inlets with an outlet ( 19 ), to supply the outlet successively different materials, the inlets each with a material supply container ( 13a . 13b . 13c . 13d . 13e . 13f ), wherein a displaceable relative to the inlets, consisting of ceramic material actuator ( 12 ) with a through-channel ( 42 ), and wherein the through-channel can be selectively brought into communicative connection with one of the different inlets, characterized by the steps: a) displacement of the actuator ( 12 ) in a first position in which the passageway ( 42 ) with a first inlet ( 27a ) is communicatively connected, b) operating a pump ( 20 ) to get a first material ( 17a ) from the first inlet into the passageway ( 42 ), c) moving the actuator ( 12 ) in a second position, in which the passageway ( 42 ) is no longer communicatively connected to the first inlet, d) introduction of a rinsing agent ( 48 ) into the passageway to flush the passageway. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that after performing steps a) to d) the following steps are carried out: e) displacement of the actuator ( 12 ) in another position in which the passageway ( 42 ) is communicatively connected to another inlet, f) operating a pump ( 20 ) to enter another material out of the further inlet into the passageway, g) displacing the actuator ( 12 ) in another, changed position in which the passageway ( 42 ) is no longer communicatively connected to the further inlet, h) introduction of a rinsing agent ( 48 ) in the passageway. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the steps e) to g) are repeated several times, wherein after each of the steps e) to g), the step h) is performed. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that for flushing the through-channel ( 42 ) a rinsing device ( 47 ) is provided, with the interposition of a pipe separator ( 46 ) with the tap water network ( 49 ) connected is. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that downstream of the outlet ( 19 ) An institution ( 21 ) is arranged for flow measurement. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that a device ( 69 ) for detecting the position of the actuator ( 12 ) is provided. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the actuator ( 12 ) a gearing ( 44 ), such as gear or rack, associated with one of a drive ( 62 ) for the purpose of relocating the actuator ( 12 ) addressable counter-toothing ( 60 ), z. As a gear, cooperates. Contraption ( 10x ) with an inlet ( 27x ) and several outlets ( 19x1 . 19x2 . 19x3 . 19x4 . 19x5 ), the inlet ( 27x ) with a material storage container ( 15x ) and the outputs are each connected to a destination device ( 18a . 18b . 18c . 18d . 18e . 18f ), and wherein to provide a switchable connection between the inlet and one of the outlets a relative displaceable actuator to the outlets ( 12x ) with a through-channel ( 42x ) is provided, wherein the passageway is selectively brought into communicative connection with each one of the different outlets to the different outlets successively via the inlet ( 27x ) to be able to supply supplied material. contraption 10a according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by a device 10b according to claim 11, wherein the outlet ( 19 ) of the device 10a of the preamble of claim 1 with the inlet ( 27x ) of the device 10b according to claim 11 communicatively connected. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that downstream of the outlet ( 19 ) An institution ( 73 ) is arranged for measuring the conductivity. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the actuator has an input side ( 39 ), which except for a central through-bore ( 29 ) and a mouth area ( 41 ) of the through-channel ( 42 ) is formed completely smooth that at least one of the inlets ( 28 ) as a detergent inlet of a rinsing device ( 47 ) is formed, and that the passageway as a result of a displacement of the actuator ( 12 ) for the purpose of flushing the passageway ( 42 ) can be brought into communicative connection with the flushing agent inlet. Device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the inlets ( 28 ) as a detergent inlet of a rinsing device ( 47 ) is formed such that the passage channel due to a displacement of the actuator ( 12 ) for the purpose of flushing the passageway ( 42 ) can be brought into communicative communication with the flushing agent inlet, and that the passageway is from an inlet side ( 39 ) of the actuator to an output side ( 40 ) of the actuator extends.

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