DE102015110862A1 - Dosing device for dosing and feeding of media and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates inter alia to a metering device (10) for metering and supplying media (31a, 31b, 31c) via fluid lines (16) to a plurality of target devices (13a, 13b), in particular to a plurality of commercial textile washing machines, wherein the metering device with at least one Container (14a, 14b, 14c) is connected, which is filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is associated with a control unit (27) which performs a dosing process after receiving a request signal from one of the target devices, and this with the aid of at least one pump (20a, 20b, 20c) carries out a removal of a predetermined volume of medium from the container and a promotion of this volume towards a target device. The peculiarity consists inter alia in that the metering device has at least one branch point (12) of the fluid line, which provides a plurality of line branches (17a, 17b, 17c), wherein in each case a line branch connects the branch point with a target device, and wherein each line branch , is associated with the control unit of the metering device addressable pump (22a, 22b, 22c).

Description

The invention relates first to a metering device for metering and feeding of media according to the preamble of claim 1.

The applicants, or related companies, develop and manufacture for decades metering devices with which media, ie in particular washing or cleaning agents or their components, a target device, ie z. As a textile washing machine, or a dishwasher, are supplied.

In order to be able to supply different media to a target device successively, the applicants have already developed metering devices which have a type of switching and distributing device, a so-called mixing distributor, which may comprise, for example, two substantially ceramic discs. This Mischverteileinrichtung may include multiple inputs and an output. By means of an actuator which can assume different rotational positions, in each case a communicative connection between one of the inputs and the output can be established. In this respect, reference is made, for example, to the developments attributable to the Applicant according to the German patent application DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 . DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 . DE 10 2011 122 921.7 and DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 ,

The Mischverteileinrichtung of the type described, with a plurality of inputs and an output, can also be used in geometrically inverted arrangement. In that case, provision is made in particular for an input to be switchably connectable to one of a plurality of outputs. Thus, it is possible to bring each one of several target devices in communicative connection with the input port.

In addition, a so-called multiplex-demultiplex device has already been developed by the applicants, in which two of these mixed-distribution devices are provided - geometrically inverted and connected in series. Here, a plurality of containers on the input side of the metering device can be connected to a plurality of target devices on the output side of the metering device, wherein by addressing the two Mischverteileinrichtungen only one clearly defined communication path is provided, so that only ever a container with at most one target device communicatively connected.

A corresponding arrangement is already in the WO 2014/000726 A1 the applicant described.

Finally, in the event that several target devices are connected to the metering device, problems of possible collisions arise. For this suggests the post-published DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 the applicant a device for collision prevention before.

Starting from a metering device according to the WO 2014/000726 The object of the invention is to further develop the known metering device in such a way that it allows a simple design.

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 the metering device has at least one branch point of the fluid line, which provides a plurality of line branches, wherein in each case one line branch the branch point with a target device connects, and wherein each line branch is associated with a responsive by the control unit of the metering pump.

The principle of the invention is essentially to make the metering device such that in place of a switching device having an input and a plurality of outputs, and in which, as a result of z. B. rotational movement of an actuator communicative connection between the inlet and one of the outputs is provided, a branch point is provided. The branch point can be provided in a very simple way by a corresponding piece of tubing or a hose connector piece. For example, branching points in the manner of a Y-branch, or in the manner of a tee, into consideration. According to the invention, each line branch - downstream of the branching point - is assigned its own pump. The pumps are so far downstream of the branching point arranged.

In the metering device according to the invention can be dispensed with a consuming designed, and thus high cost, different communication paths switching switching device for switching the leading to the individual target devices fluid line branches. The branching point, on the other hand, can be considerably simpler in design and construction.

The invention recognizes that as a result of providing a branching point with a plurality of branches and providing a number of lines corresponding number of pumps with a significantly lower construction cost, the same result can be achieved. According to the invention is by Addressing and operating one of the pumps, a promotion of the medium also accomplished only by this, the pump associated, line branch. In the non-operating state of a pump, the corresponding pump blocks the corresponding line branch. If one of several existing pumps is addressed, all other existing pumps block off their assigned line branches. This is basically provided in the pumps provided by the invention for use, for example conventional peristaltic pumps.

Although the metering device according to the invention requires the provision of a higher number of pumps than in the case of a device of the state of the art which, in principle, was equipped with a single pump. However, the number of pumps in the invention can basically be adapted to the number of target devices. In this respect, only so many pumps are needed as target devices are available.

As a result, on the one hand overall higher redundancy of the metering device according to the invention is achieved than in the prior art, since the failure of a pump in the metering device according to the invention does not necessarily result in the failure of the entire metering device, but only the failure of the target device connected to this line branch.

On the other hand, according to the invention, however, it is also possible to even out the maintenance intervals.

Finally, the invention is particularly advantageously applicable to metering devices in which a Mischverteileinrichtung is provided with an actuator, said Mischverteileinrichtung having a plurality of inputs and an outlet, and in each case a communicative connection between one of the inlets and the outlet is provided as a result of a response of the actuator , In this metering device, the branching point can be connected in series to the Mischverteileinrichtung and in particular be arranged downstream of the Mischverteileinrichtung.

A control unit of the metering device can, after receiving a corresponding request signal from the respective target device, both the actuator of the Mischverteileinrichtung address to provide the desired communicative switching connection, so also at the same time the target device, or its conduction path, associated pump respond, and thus a corresponding promotion of Request requested amount of medium from the appropriate container out to the target device.

As a metering device in the context of the present patent application, a device arranged separately from the target devices is understood, which is connected to the target device via signal and / or control lines and fluid lines.

The metering device is used to supply and metering of media. Suitable media are suitable detergents, cleaning agents, disinfectant solutions, dishwashing detergents, or the like, or components thereof. In principle, they are fluids, in particular liquids, as needed or used in washing, cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting or other comparable processes.

The media are supplied to the multiple target devices via fluid lines. The fluid lines can in particular be hoses, hose lines, under certain circumstances also metallic hoses or lines.

As a target device in the sense of the present patent application, in particular a commercial, textile washing machine or a household washing machine is considered. In particular, a dishwashing device or plant, in particular a commercial dishwasher, is regarded as the target device in the sense of the present patent application.

Finally, as targeting devices in the sense of the present patent application also disinfection facilities or facilities are considered.

The metering device according to the invention is connected or connectable with at least one container which is filled or filled with a medium. According to the invention, the metering device can in particular also be connected or connectable to a plurality of containers. The plurality of containers may in particular have different media.

The metering device is assigned a control unit according to the invention. In particular, the control unit may comprise a processor which is preprogrammed as a kind of arithmetic unit or arithmetic unit, or which may also perform individually programmable processes.

The control unit is in particular designed to receive request signals from the target devices. For this purpose, a control device can be provided on a target device, which can communicate with the control unit on the metering device.

For this purpose, a communication interface can be provided on the target device. Also at the metering device can be a corresponding be provided further communication interface. The two communication interfaces can communicate with each other via an electrical line, in particular via a cable or a signal transmission line, but equally wirelessly, z. B. with the aid of conventional or proprietary wireless standards, such as Bluetooth or WLAN, connected to each other.

The control unit may initiate a dosing process upon receipt of a request signal. For this purpose, it can first - if available - address a motor for actuating an actuator of a Mischverteileinrichtung. The actuator can then be transferred to a corresponding position in which one of the inputs of the Mischverteileinrichtung is connected to the output of the Mischverteileinrichtung and thus also with the branching point. Thus, that input is switched through insofar as it is connected to the corresponding container in which the medium to be conveyed is located.

The control unit can then respond to a pump, and remove by pressing the pump a predetermined amount of volume of this medium from the container and promote this particular target device out. The control unit responds to that pump which is assigned to the target device or to the line branch leading to this target device.

As a pump in the context of the present patent application, any suitable pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, understood, which is able to promote a predetermined amount of medium.

According to the invention, a branch point of the fluid line is provided on the metering device.

As a branch point of the fluid line, a region of the fluid line is considered, in which a section of the fluid line is divided into at least two fluid line branches.

Branching points are also encompassed by the invention, in which a fluid line section splits into three or more line branches.

The invention also encompasses a plurality of series-connected branching points in the fluid line in order to provide a plurality of line branches for the purpose of connection to a plurality of target devices.

According to the invention, moreover, the possibility is provided to address two, or more, pumps at the same time, and to simultaneously feed the same medium from one container to a plurality of target devices with the aid of the plurality of pumps. Of course, this possibility only applies to such requirement situations in which requests from the same target device for the same medium are simultaneously transmitted to the metering device by different target devices.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a collision prevention device at the metering device precludes multiple pumps from simultaneously conveying fluid to a plurality of target devices.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering device has a plurality of inlets, which can be brought by means of the control unit with the aid of an actuator switchable in communicative connection with the branching point. This embodiment of the invention makes it possible to provide a metering device in which a plurality of target devices are connected to a plurality of containers and with the aid of the actuator in each case at most a unique, switchable connection between one of the containers and one of the target devices can be produced, in each case that one pump the promotion the amount of media assigned to the target device.

The wording of the last sentence includes the possibility that the metering device also permits a position of the actuator in which any communicative connection between the inlets and the branching point, or between the inlets and the targeting devices, is blocked.

The actuator may in particular be designed to be rotatable. In particular, it makes sense to embody the actuator and / or a Mischverteileinrichtung attributable to this actuator, as disclosed in the patent applications of the applicant described above.

For the purpose of avoiding repetition, it is hereby incorporated into the claims of the present application, also for the purpose of possibly including one or more features described in the earlier patent applications, in the claims of the present patent application, the contents of the following, earlier patent applications Registration includes: DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 . DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 . DE 10 2011 122 921.7 . DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 and WO 2014/000726 ,

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is in each case an inlet of the Metering device connected to a container. The containers may contain the same or different media. If the same media are provided, a long-term supply of the target devices with media can be achieved by recourse to existing containers of certain sizes by connecting a plurality of such containers.

In the event that several containers are provided according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, which are filled with different media, the target devices can be supplied with different media.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the branching point is formed in the manner of a Y-branch or in the manner of a T-branch. This allows the use of very simple branching areas, or commercially available elements that can provide a corresponding branch point.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the line branches are assigned check valves. This allows the prevention of backflow of unwanted fluid flow rates through the branching point.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a communication interface, which transmits information on the completion of the dosing process to the target device after completion of the dosing process. As a result, a high process reliability can be ensured.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a control device is arranged on the target device in each case. Such a control unit can assume a particularly secure communication with the control unit at the metering device.

• a) Informationen über das Zielgerät:
• i) Angaben über den Hersteller des Zielgerätes,
• ii) Technische Angaben über das Zielgerät, insbesondere Angabe einer Leistungsklasse
• iii) Angaben über den Status des Zielgerätes, insbesondere Angaben über ein eingestelltes Wasch- oder Reinigungsprogramm und/oder über einen Status eines Wasch- oder Reinigungsprogramms
• iv) Angaben über das Vorliegen oder das Nicht-Vorliegen einer Störung am Zielgerät
• v) Angaben über eine Dosieranforderung
• vi) Angaben über die das durchzuführenden Waschprogramm, insbesondere Angaben über die in einem durchzuführenden Waschprogramm einzusetzenden Medien
• vii) Angaben über einen spezifischen Schritt oder über mehrere spezifische Schritte eines Waschprogramms, insbesondere Angaben über die einzusetzenden Medien
• viii) Angaben über einen Abbruch eines Waschprogramms
• b) Informationen über die Dosiereinrichtung:
• ix) Angaben über den Hersteller des Dosiereinrichtung,
• x) Technische Angaben über die Dosiereinrichtung, insbesondere Angabe einer Leistungsklasse
• xi) Angaben über die an die Dosiereinrichtung angeschlossenen Medien
• xii) Angaben über die an die Dosiereinrichtung angeschlossenen weiteren Zielgeräte
• xiii) Angaben über den Status der Dosiereinrichtung, insbesondere Angaben über einen Status eines Dosierprozesses oder Angabe eines Bereitschaftszustandes der Dosiereinrichtung oder Angabe eines Belegt-Zustandes der Dosiereinrichtung
• xiv) Angaben über einen Zeitpunkt, zu dem die Dosiereinrichtung voraussichtlich wieder in einen Bereitschaftszustand zurückkehren wird
• xv) Angaben über das Vorliegen oder das Nicht-Vorliegen einer Störung an der Dosiereinrichtung
• xvi) Angaben über einen Abbruch eines Dosierprozesses
• xvii) Angaben über einen erfolgten und/oder erfolgreich durchgeführten Dosierprozess
• xviii) Angaben über einen Füllzustand eines Behältnisses eines Mediums, insbesondere Angaben über einen Leerstand eines Mediums.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a dosing device-side communication point and the control device is assigned a target-device-side communication interface. An exchange of data can take place between the control unit and the control unit via the two interconnected communication interfaces. The data may include at least one of the following information:

• a) Information about the target device:
• i) details of the manufacturer of the target device,
• ii) Technical specifications of the target device, in particular specification of a performance class
• (iii) information on the status of the target device, in particular details of a discontinued washing or cleaning program and / or status of a washing or cleaning program
• iv) Information on the presence or absence of a malfunction on the target device
• v) details of a dosing request
• (vi) information on the washing program to be carried out, in particular information on the media to be used in a washing program to be carried out
• (vii) information on a specific step or several specific steps of a washing program, in particular information on the media to be used
• viii) information on the termination of a wash program
• b) Information about the dosing device:
• ix) details of the manufacturer of the metering device,
• x) Technical information about the dosing device, in particular specification of a performance class
• xi) Information about the media connected to the dosing device
• xii) Information about the other target devices connected to the dosing device
• xiii) Information on the status of the metering device, in particular information on a status of a metering process or indication of a readiness state of the metering device or indication of a busy state of the metering device
• xiv) Information on when the metering device is likely to return to a ready state
• xv) Information on the presence or absence of a malfunction in the metering device
• xvi) Information about discontinuation of a dosing process
• xvii) Information on a successful and / or successful dosing process
• xviii) Information on a filling state of a container of a medium, in particular information on a vacancy of a medium.

With this embodiment of the invention, a particularly high process reliability can be ensured.

With regard to the particular advantages that result from such information transmission or from such an exchange of information, to avoid repetition of the disclosure of the older, post-published German patent application DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 directed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is associated with a device for collision prevention. This device is designed to avoid colliding, in particular simultaneous, Requirements of performing dosing of multiple target devices to prioritize the dosing processes. In particular, a processing order can be determined hereby. This also ensures high process reliability.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering device is assigned a first communication interface and the target device has a second communication interface. The two communication interfaces can be connected to each other via an electrical line, in particular via a signal line. This embodiment of the invention allows recourse to conventional communication interfaces, such as WLAN or Bluetooth or NFC, to allow communication between the control unit and the controller in a simple, inexpensive way together.

In particular, it is provided that the metering device externally, d. H. is arranged separately from the target devices.

The invention further relates to a method according to claim 14.

The invention has for its object to provide a method by which a metering and feeding of media via fluid lines to multiple target devices can be done in a particularly simple manner.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 14.

To avoid repetition, reference may be made to the above statements on claims 1 to 13.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, it is provided that, after step d), the line branch is rinsed, at least in the region of the branch point. This can be achieved, for example, by pumping a neutral medium, for example water, each time after a washing or cleaning agent or a component thereof has been conveyed, in order to rinse at least the branching point.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention can be provided that whenever such a rinse step, the pumps of the remaining line branches cause a certain, slight return movement to order in this way lower volumes that have accumulated, for example, in dead spaces in to pump in the corresponding line branch, which is to be flushed primarily.

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

1 in a schematic block diagram-like overview of a first embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with three connected containers, a Mischverteileinrichtung, an actuator, and a Y-type branching point that provides two line branches, are connected to the two target devices,

2 in a representation according to 1 an embodiment in which the branching point is formed by a T-piece,

3 a further embodiment in a representation according to 1 wherein the branching point provides three line branches, with only two target devices shown for the sake of clarity,

4 in an enlarged, schematic detail view, approximately in accordance with part circle IV in 1 , the area of the branch point, with additional check valves are arranged, the sake of clarity, the pumps are not shown, and

5 in a schematic, partially sectional view of an embodiment of a representation similar to the 1 , wherein only the region of the branch point of the fluid line - similar to 4 - is shown, and wherein two branch points are connected in series.

Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For reasons of clarity, identical or comparable parts or elements or regions with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of small letters, are also referred to - even if different embodiments are involved.

Features which are described only in relation to an embodiment can be provided in the context of the invention in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are - even if they are not shown in the drawings - covered by the invention.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application, the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application) and the cited references and the described devices of the prior art are hereby incorporated in full, also for the purpose of one or more features of these documents in one or more Claims of the present application to include.

The in their entirety with 10 designated metering device is first based on the embodiment of 1 be explained:
The metering device 10 This embodiment initially comprises a mixing distributor device 11 and a branch point 12 , At the metering device 10 are two target devices 13a . 13b connected, which are formed in the embodiment as a commercial, textile washing machines.

The metering device 10 is in addition to three containers 14a . 14b . 14c connected, which contain liquid media 31a . 31b . 31c , in particular liquid, textile detergents, or detergent constituents are.

The metering device 10 is set up and trained to request a target device 13 a switchable, communicative connection between a particular container, e.g. B. container 14a , and the branching point 12 to provide, and to address the associated pump for the corresponding path for the target device pump and the medium from the container 14a by pumping and delivering to the target device.

As evidenced by the embodiment of 1 can the mixing manifold 11 an input disk 18 and an exit disk 19 include. The output disk 19 is designed as an actuator, and can relative to the captured input disk 18 around a rotation axis 21 to be turned around. To initiate the rotation is a motor 20 intended.

It should be noted at this point that also differently designed actuators on the metering device 11 can be provided.

The input disk 18 are in the embodiment of 1 three inlets 41a . 41b . 41c assigned. The output disk 19 is an outlet 42 assigned.

The inlets 41a . 41b . 41c are over interconnections 15a . 15b . 15c with the appropriate container 14a . 14b . 14c connected. At the respective end of the connecting lines 15a . 15b . 15c that the containers 14a . 14b . 14c are assigned, for example, suction lances can be arranged.

The exit 42 of the actuator 19 is to a fluid line 16 connected. The fluid line 16 shares in the embodiment of 1 in the area of a branching point 12 in two lines 17a . 17b on.

The line branch 17a leads to a target device 13a and the line branch 17b leads to the second target device 13b ,

The line branch 17a is a first pump 22a and the line branch 17b is a second pump 22b assigned. The two pumps 22a . 22b are independent of each other, and formed separately from each other, and each represent their own functional unit.

The metering device 10 also has a flow sensor 23 on, in the area of the fluid line 16 is arranged. With the flow sensor, this can be done through the fluid line 16 Through flowing volumes are detected and determined.

The metering device 10 also has a control unit 27 on. This may for example comprise a microprocessor, or be formed essentially from such a microprocessor.

The control unit 27 is with a communication interface 28 connected, in turn, via a signal line 40f with a communication interface 30a at the target device 13a and via a signal line 40g with a communication interface 30b of the target device 13b connected is.

The control unit 27 is also via a signal or control line 40a with the engine 20 , via a signal or control line 40b with the pump 22a , via a signal or control line 40c with the pump 22b , and via a signal or control line 40d with the flowmeter 23 connected.

Each target device 13a . 13b has a program selector switch 26a . 26b on, which serves to set a washing or cleaning program. The program selector switch 26a is via a signal or control line 32a with a control unit 29a , respectively. 29b connected. The control unit 29a is via a signal or control line 32b with a sensor 25a and via a signal or control line 32c with another sensor 24a connected. The control unit 29a is also via a signal or control line 32d with the second communication point 30a connected.

The mode of operation of the metering device 10 according to the embodiment of the 1 is as follows:
The user can manually by the program selector switch 26a set a washing or cleaning program. The control unit 29a can occur as a result of program selection via the signal or control line 40b using the communication interface 30a a corresponding request for a particular medium and a predetermined amount at a specific time to the control unit 27 the metering device 10 cause. The control unit 27 receives the dosing request via the communication interface 28 ,

The control unit 27 can a device 33 It may be associated with collision prevention, or it may be such a device 33 include. First, the device 33 , possibly in cooperation with the control unit 27 , check if there is a collision case - for example, the second target device 13b at the same time has transmitted a colliding dosing request.

Assuming that there is no collision, or a collision processing - taking into account fixed priorities - is done, now the metering device 10 a dosing process according to the request from the first target device 13a carry out:
First, this is done by the control unit 27 via the signal or control line 40a the motor 20 addressed, and the actuator 19 rotated or displaced until a rotational position or position of the actuator is reached, in which one of the inputs 41a . 41b . 41c , z. B. input 41a , in a switchable communication with the output 42 brought is. There is now a communicative connection between the entrance 41a and the exit 42 , The other two inputs 41b . 41c are sealed.

With regard to the structural design of such a mixing distribution device 11 according to the embodiment of the 1 can help avoid repetition on the patent applications DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 . DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 . DE 10 2011 122 921.7 . DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 and WO 2014/000726 The content of the present patent application is hereby included in the content of the present patent application, also for the purpose of incorporating features disclosed therein into the present patent application.

The control unit 27 can now the pump 22a respond and cause a predetermined amount of medium 31a from the container 40a through the Mischverteileinrichtung 11 , the fluid line 16 , the branch 12 and the first leg of the line 17a through to the target device 13a to promote. For this purpose, the pump 22a for example, operated for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of rotations.

For clarification, it should be noted that during this process, the second pump 22b the other line branch 17b locks. A pump that is not in operation always blocks the line branch connected to it.

About the flowmeter 23 can the control unit 27 check or check the conveying process. In one embodiment, it may be provided that the flowmeter 23 a corresponding signal output to the control unit 27 caused, or by the control unit 27 a corresponding query to the flowmeter 23 to check whether the quantity of medium to be delivered has actually been promoted.

Also on the target device 13a can over the sensor 24a For example, be determined whether the medium to be delivered at the target device 13a has arrived properly.

If the promotion of the medium 31a is completed, the metering device 10 perform a rinse. For this, it can be assumed that the medium 31b provided by conventional water. The control unit 27 can the actuator 19 this in turn by responding to the engine 20 set in rotation to establish a communicative connection between the second input 41b and the exit 42 provide. Now, the flushing medium 31d by reacting the pump again 22a through the exit 42 , the fluid line 16 , the branching point 12 and at least a portion of the leg 17a through to the target device 13a be promoted.

To prevent in dead spaces - indicated by the reference numeral 34 in 4 - Low residual volumes of the previously funded medium 31a remain, may be provided in the course of the flushing process that the pump 22b from the control unit 27 is caused to promote in the reverse direction, ie contrary to the usual direction of promotion, for a very short time to the possibly present in these dead spaces minimum amounts of medium in the course of the flushing process in the line branch 17a to promote with. After a very short time the pump will start 22b , and later the pump 22a , stopped. Now the dosing process is completed successfully.

The successful implementation of the dosing process can be done by the control unit 27 via the communication interface 28 , the signal or control line 40f , and the second communication interface 30a to the control unit 29a a Information are transmitted that the dosing has been completed successfully.

The target device 13a can now, for example, via the sensor 25a by measuring the conductivity of the liquor 43a determine if adequate dosing has taken place. If the measurement of the conductivity - or the measurement of another measured value, such as, for example, temperature, pH value, liquid level or the like, that a further or a subsequent dosing must be carried out, can from the control unit 29a another Dosieranforderung to the metering device 10 be transmitted.

As evidenced by the embodiment of 4 can be used to prevent dead volumes, or to avoid the formation of dead spaces in the region of the branching point 12 be made an arrangement of check valves. 4 shows an example of the line branch 17a a pivoting non-return valve 44a in the closed position in the dashed lines, wherein the open position is shown in dashed lines. For the line branch 17b becomes a second check valve 44b indicated, which is shown in the open position in solid lines, and its closed position - the fluid line 17b locks - is shown in dashed lines.

The arrangement of non-return valves allows in one embodiment of the invention, the use of pumps that do not lock in the idle state - that is, when they are not addressed - the line branch connected to it. Here it can be provided that only the check valves ensure that when operating a pump associated with another line branch no returns in the check valve associated with the line branch - unintentionally - can take place.

Of the invention is also included, if the described in the other embodiments, and partially schematically illustrated pumps in idle mode their associated line branch lock, and the check valves are provided in addition to such pumps.

As evidenced by the embodiment of 2 should be explained that the branch point 12 Unlike the substantially Y-shaped branch point of the 1 - In other embodiments, also in the manner of a substantially T-shaped fitting may be formed.

Experiments of the applicants have shown that the configuration of the geometry of the branching point itself can be chosen arbitrarily, and has only a small influence on the design of dead spaces.

The embodiment of 3 Finally, it indicates that in the area of the branching point 12 the fluid line 16 also on more than two line branches, for example, how 3 shows, can branch to three line branches.

Finally, the embodiment of the shows 5 in that the invention also includes metering devices in which two or more branching points are connected in series 5 a first branch point 12 in which the fluid line 16 on a first line branch 17a and a second leg 17b splits. Downstream of this first branching point 12 is a second branch point 35 arranged, in which the first line branch 17a on two sub-branches 17a1 and 17a2 splits. At each of the two sub-branches 17a1 and 17a2 can - what 5 does not represent - again a separate target device 13 be connected. Each of the sub-branches 17a1 and 17a2 is a separate pump 22a1 . 22a2 assigned.

Such a serial arrangement of several branch points can - as in 5 shown - may be fluidly advantageous. This can also result in advantages with respect to the geometric design of the fluid line branches. Finally, a resort to conventional hose connector elements is possible.

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 [0003, 0039, 0085]
• DE 102011119021 A1 [0003, 0039, 0085]
• DE 102011122921 [0003, 0039, 0085]
• DE 102015107976 A1 [0003, 0007, 0039, 0048, 0085]
• WO 2014/000726 A1 [0006]
• WO 2014/000726 [0008, 0039, 0085]

Claims (16)

Dosing device ( 10 ) for metering and delivery of media ( 31a . 31b . 31c ) via fluid lines ( 16 ) to several target devices ( 13a . 13b ), in particular to a plurality of commercial textile washing machines, wherein the metering device with at least one container ( 14a . 14b . 14c ), which is filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is a control unit ( 27 ) is assigned, which performs a dosing process after receiving a request signal from one of the target devices, and this with the aid of at least one pump ( 20a . 20b . 20c ) takes a removal of a predetermined volume of medium from the container and a promotion of this volume towards a target device, characterized in that the metering device at least one branch point ( 12 ) of the fluid conduit having a plurality of conduit branches ( 17a . 17b . 17c ), wherein in each case a line branch connects the branch point with a target device, and wherein each line branch, a, accessible by the control unit of the metering pump ( 22a . 22b . 22c ) assigned. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering device a plurality of inlets ( 41a . 41b . 41c ), each by means of the control unit with the aid of an actuator ( 19 ) are switchable in communicative connection with the branching point can be brought. Dosing device according to claim 2, characterized in that in each case an inlet ( 41a . 41b . 41c ) with a container ( 14a . 14b . 14c ) connected is. Dosing device according to claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of containers are provided, which are filled with different media. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Verzeigungsstelle ( 12 ) is designed in the manner of a Y-branch or in the manner of a T-branch. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line branches ( 17a . 17b . 17c ) Check valves ( 44a . 44b ) assigned. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 27 ) a communication interface ( 28 ) is assigned, which transmits information on the completion of the dosing process to the target device after completion of the dosing process. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case at the target device a control device ( 29a . 29b ) is arranged. Dosing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit ( 27 ) at the metering device ( 10 ) a metering device-side communication interface ( 28 ) and the control unit ( 29a . 29b ) on the target device ( 13a . 13b ) a target device-side communication interface ( 30a . 30b ), wherein an exchange of data takes place between the control unit and the control unit via the two, interconnected communication interfaces, which contain at least one of the following information: a) information about the target device: i) information about the manufacturer of the target device, ii) technical Information on the target device, in particular the indication of a performance category (iii) information on the status of the target device, in particular information on a discontinued washing or cleaning program and / or status of a washing or cleaning program (iv) information on the presence or absence of one Disturbance at the target device v) Information on a dosing requirement vi) Details of the washing program to be carried out, in particular information on the media to be used in a washing program to be carried out vii) Details of a specific step or several specific steps of a washing program, esp particular information on the media to be used viii) information on discontinuation of a washing program b) information on the dosing device: ix) information on the manufacturer of the dosing device, x) technical details of the dosing device, in particular specification of a performance class xi) information on the dosing device information about the status of the dosing device, in particular information about a status of a dosing process or indication of a ready state of the dosing device to which the metering device is expected to return to a standby state xv) information on the presence or absence of a malfunction in the metering device xvi) Details of a discontinuation of a dosing process xvii) Details of a successful and / or successfully performed dosing process xviii) Information on a filling status of a container of a medium, in particular information on a vacancy of a medium. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 27 ) a device ( 33 ) is assigned to the collision prevention, which makes a prioritization of the dosing processes, in particular sets a processing order when colliding, in particular simultaneous, requirements of the implementation of dosing of several target devices. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device has a first communication interface ( 28 ) and the target device a second communication interface ( 30a . 30b ), which in particular via an electrical line ( 40f ), in particular via a signal line, are connected to each other. Dosing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the two communication interfaces ( 28 . 30a . 30b ) are connected to each other wirelessly, in particular by using conventional standards such as WLAN or NFC. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device is arranged externally, separately from the target devices. Method for metering and feeding media ( 31a . 31b . 31c ) via fluid lines ( 16 ) to several target devices ( 13a . 13b ), in particular to a plurality of commercial textile washing machines, wherein the metering device with at least one container ( 14a . 14b . 14c ), which is filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is a control unit ( 27 ), wherein the metering device has at least one branch point ( 12 ) of the fluid line ( 16 ) having a plurality of line branches ( 17a . 17b . 17c ), wherein in each case a line branch connects the branch point with a target device, and wherein each line branch, a, accessible by the control unit of the metering pump ( 22a . 22b . 22c ), comprising the steps of: a) receiving a request signal for a medium from a target device ( 13a ) by the control unit ( 27 ), b) response of a pump assigned to this target device ( 22a ) by the control unit, c) taking a requested amount of medium from the container ( 14a ), and d) conveying the amount of medium through the pump ( 22a ) associated line branch ( 17a ) to the target device ( 13a ). A method according to claim 14, characterized in that after step d) the following step is carried out: e) purging of the line branch ( 17a ) at least in the area of the branching point ( 12 ). A method according to claim 15, characterized in that in the execution of step e) the following step is carried out: f) short reverse rotation or backward pumping of the pumps ( 20b . 20c ) of the remaining lines ( 17b . 17c ).

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