EP2966299A1 - Dosing pump, transmitter unit and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Illustrated and described is, inter alia, a metering pump (10) comprising an inlet (22) for a medium, an outlet (23) for the medium, and a relay terminal (16) for connection to a target device (11) for the medium the metering pump has a housing (31) in which a pump drive (19) is arranged, which upon receipt of a supply voltage from the target device via the relay connection conveys an adjustable volume of medium from the inlet to the outlet. A special feature is, inter alia, that a receiving element (35) is arranged on the dosing pump, with the dosing information wirelessly from an external transmitting element (41) can be received, and that the receiving element is associated with a memory element (36) in which received metering information can be stored retrievably, wherein the metering pump has a power supply unit (39) for the receiving element and for the memory element, by means of the required for receiving and storing the metering information electrical energy wirelessly from the transmitting element or from a transmitting element carrying transmitting unit (40) is obtainable.

Description

Applicants have obtained the right to the European patent in relation to the inventors 2. to 4. as claimed by the employer and then by transfer on the basis of agreement dated 9 July 2014 and in relation to the inventor 1. by transfer of 9 July , 2014.

Dosing pump, sender unit and process

The invention initially relates to a metering pump having the features of claim 1.

Dosing pumps of the generic type are developed by the applicants, and their affiliated companies, the Herbert Saier GmbH, for decades and manufactured.

Dosing pumps of the generic type are for example designed as peristaltic pumps, and have a preferably substantially closed housing, which has an inlet for a medium and an outlet for the medium. The medium is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet by the metering pump, preferably by a hose line disposed therein. The dosing pump can be configured for example as a peristaltic pump. In this case, the metering pump usually has a rotor, which in the course of its rotational movement with the aid of rollers or rollers hose sections partially compresses and thereby promotes the medium.

The metering pump of the known type is used for example for the promotion of cleaning agents, detergents, rinse aids, or such media that are needed in the control of the water quality of a swimming pool.

The metering pump of the generic type is a relatively simple device, which in particular does not have its own power switch, but is connected via a relay connection to a target device. The target device, for example, a dishwasher or a washing machine, has a corresponding relay counterpart, which can also be designated as a relay output of the target device on.

Generally speaking, the relay connection of the metering pump is a voltage supply line, which basically connects the metering pump to a switching element of a target device. The switching element on the target device, in addition to a conventional and often used relay also be provided by a TRIAC, a transistor, or any other suitable switching element.

As a relay connection in the sense of the present patent application, a supply voltage line of the metering pump is referred to, which is always connectable only to a switching element of a target device. As soon as a supply voltage is present at the relay connection, a pump of the metering pump starts to deliver a volume of medium. The dosing pump thus has no program selector switch, power switch or the like.

Of course, the target device also has a container for receiving the medium. In the event that the target device is designed as a dishwasher, the operator - after filling the cleaning room to be cleaned with crockery and cutlery - selected the appropriate washing program via a program selector. The dishwasher has its own power supply. The relay connection of the dosing pump is then addressed via the program selector switch and via the response of a controller of the dishwasher via the relay output of the dishwashing machine at a time predetermined by the dosing program. As soon as a corresponding voltage supply signal is present at the relay connection of the metering pump, a pump drive can convey an adjustable amount of medium from the inlet to the outlet.

The adjustment of the amount or volume of the medium to be delivered per dosing can be done in the prior art via different ways.

In a simple case, whenever and as long as a supply voltage is present at the relay connection of the metering pump, the pump drive can work, and, for example, in the case of a peristaltic pump, set the peristaltic pump rotor in rotation.

In other prior art metering pumps, the rotor of the peristaltic pump is rotated each time after the initial detection of the application of a supply voltage to the relay terminal for a predetermined time or for a predetermined number of rotations.

In some dosing pumps of the prior art, a corresponding adjustment of the dosing amount may have been made ex works.

In the metering pumps, from which the invention proceeds, an adjustment of the dosage can be done by pressing a guided through the housing outward potentiometer. Here, the adjustment of the metered amount can be increased or reduced by rotation of the potentiometer in one or the other sense of rotation per metering. In this respect, a rotation of the potentiometer can be accompanied, for example, by a shortening or lengthening of the dosing time, that is to say in accordance with an increase or reduction in the number of rotor rotations of a peristaltic pump each time after detection of the application of a supply voltage to the relay connection.

With such simple held dosing pumps of the prior art, which have a potentiometer, so far there is the possibility to be able to make an adjustment of dosing even by the user on site. This can on the one hand to different degrees of contamination of dishes in the case of a designed as a dishwasher targeting device or z. B. be responded to different new media to be used, which require a new dosage.

However, if a metering pump of the generic type has a freely accessible adjustment option, for example by a potentiometer guided to the outside, there are basically also possibilities of abuse or risks in case of improper or inadequate operation. This undesirable Dosiersituationen can occur, which should be avoided in itself. In that regard, it would be desirable to provide some access protection, which ensures that only authorized persons can gain access to the possibility of setting the dosing process.

The invention is therefore based on the object, starting from a metering pump with the features of the preamble of claim 1, the known metering further such that while maintaining a simple design of the metering device and achieving the greatest possible maintenance freedom, an improved adjustment of metering is possible, and In particular, the possibility is provided to provide access protection.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1, and is characterized in particular in that a receiving element is arranged on the dosing pump, with the dosing information can be received wirelessly from an external transmitting element, and that the receiving element associated with a memory element in which the received dosing information is retrievably stored, wherein the dosing pump has a power supply unit for the receiving element and for the memory element, by means of which the electrical energy required for receiving and storing the dosing information is wirelessly available from the transmitting element.

According to the invention, the metering pump now has a receiving element. With the receiving element metering information can be received wirelessly from an external transmitting element. The external transmitting element is part of a transmitting unit, which is designed for example as a handheld device. On the handset can optionally be done using passwords or other access control options entering the dosing information, such as an input of dosing to be promoted dosing, or an input that the dosing, starting from the status quo by a certain factor or a certain amount should be increased or reduced.

The external transmitting element as part of a particular portable, and detachable from the metering pump and removable transmitter unit can transmit this dosing information wirelessly, in the form of electromagnetic waves, to the receiving element. The receiving element may be provided by an electronic module, which is preferably arranged within the housing of the metering pump.

The metering pump furthermore has a storage element which is assigned to the receiving element. The transmitting element and the memory element may be provided by different electronic components which are connected to one another. Alternatively, receiving element and memory element can also be provided by a common electronic component.

The memory element is configured to store the received dosing information, or the essential parts thereof. The storage is retrievable, such that a control unit, which is also arranged in the metering pump, can fall back in the course of a dosing on the stored information, and can take into account in the implementation of a dosing.

According to the invention, the metering pump moreover has a power supply unit. It is a power supply unit for the receiving element and the memory element. The power supply unit has the special feature that with this power supply unit, the electrical energy required for an operation of the receiving element and the memory element for the purpose of receiving the dosing information from the external transmitting element and for storing the dosing information received is wirelessly obtainable from the transmitting element , The power supply unit of the metering pump thus receives the electrical power or energy that the receiving element and the storage element for receiving and storing the metering information needed, externally from the transmitting element.

This allows a transmission of dosing information from a transmitting unit to the metering pump at any desired time.

The dosing pump according to the invention does not have its own independent power supply connection. In particular, it does not include its own, via a power switch or Program selector switch controllable, switchable or addressable power supply connection, but only a relay connection, ie a power supply line, which is basically only connectable to a switching element of a target device. A switching element of a target device may be a relay, a TRIAC, a transistor, or other suitable switching element.

The dosing pump also has no battery or other energy storage beyond.

The metering pump of the generic type receives its required for the operation of the metering voltage according to stochastic contingencies only via the relay connection, and only at such times when the target device wants to carry out a dosing by the metering pump itself. A wireless transmission of dosing information is - while maintaining a simple design of the metering pump, which still does not have its own independent, independent of the target device power supply - basically not possible. Only by the inventive arrangement of a power supply unit in the metering pump, which receives the required for receiving and storing the dosing information electrical energy wirelessly - together with the dosing information from the transmitting unit or from the transmitting element, an operation of the receiving element and an operation of the memory element to any time, regardless of the switching state of the switching element on the target device, possible.

Specifically, a sales representative, the metering pump according to the invention, the z. B. is arranged on a dishwashing or the like, would like to apply modified dosing information, completely independent of the current operating state of the Target device, as well as completely independent of the current operating state of the metering pump, at any time change the required for the operation of the metering metering information, or on the metering pump.

A metering pump according to the invention can be embodied as an internal device integrated into the target device, or designed as an external device to be connected to such a target device from the outside. It may in particular be an attachment, which can be attached to the target device.

The target container has a relay output, which can also be designated as relay connection or relay contact. As a relay output in the sense of the present patent application, each controllable by the target device switching element is referred to, for example, an output of a TRIAC or a transistor or other suitable switching element.

At the metering pump according to the invention also a relay connection is arranged, which is equally signifiable as a relay contact.

As the relay terminal of the metering pump, a power supply terminal of the metering pump is designated, which is intended to be connected to the switching element of a target device, so for example a relay, a TRIAC, a transistor or other suitable switching element of the target device.

The relay connection on the dosing pump can be brought into contact with the corresponding relay connection on the target device. This can be done directly, for example with the help of a Plug connection, but also indirectly, with the aid of a cable or an electrical line, are provided.

This metering pump of the type according to the invention comprises at least one inlet and one outlet for the medium. It can also be provided that this metering pump has a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets for the same or for different media.

Under certain circumstances, the metering pump according to the invention may also have a plurality of relay connections for connection to a plurality of target devices and / or a plurality of relay connections for connection to a plurality of relay connections of a target device.

The metering pump has a housing which, according to the invention, may preferably be designed to be substantially hermetically closed. In particular, in certain applications of the metering pump according to the invention, which have a proximity to liquids or in particular to water, according to the invention - in contrast to the metering pumps of the prior art, which have a potentiometer - the housing be made almost waterproof or at least splash-proof. Hermetically sealed means that the metering pump, except for the inlet and the outlet for the medium and the relay connection, which may be subjected to a corresponding leakproof design, does not allow an exchange between interior and exterior space.

The metering pump can be designed according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention as a peristaltic pump. In particular, devices come into consideration, as in the German patent application DE 10 2013 008 973 the Applicants have been described. The content of the aforementioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference For purposes of reference to single or multiple features, it is fully incorporated in the content of the present application.

Alternatively, the metering pump can also be designed as a diaphragm pump and / or as a gear pump and / or as a centrifugal pump.

The pump drive can be formed by a motor in the simplest case. This is preferably an electric motor.

With the metering pump is an adjustable volume, that is, an adjustable amount of medium, conveyed from the inlet to the outlet. Advantageously, the volume of medium, which can be promoted per dosing, continuously, that is, continuously, or alternatively stepped, can be set.

According to the invention, a receiving element is arranged on the metering pump, with the metering information can be received wirelessly from an external transmitting element. As a receiving element and as a transmitting element are any electronic components into consideration, which allow a transmission of dosing information and electrical energy. Advantageously - but not exclusively - is a transmission of dosing information and electrical energy via electromagnetic waves into consideration.

The manner in which the dosing information is modulated, for example via frequency and amplitude modulation or via pulse width modulation, can be selected as desired by the person skilled in the art. Preferably, for such a data transfer to conventional known transmission standards, and further advantageously already developed, known, commercially available electronic components recourse.

According to the invention, the power supply unit, the energy required for the operation of receiving element and storage element wirelessly from the transmitting element. This formulation includes any embodiments in which wireless energy transfer is feasible from any electronic component of the transmitting unit that also includes the transmitting element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, both the transmitting element and the receiving element are advantageously subject to the so-called NFC standard (NFC = near field communication). Thus, in a frequency range of about 13.56 MHz, a radio link is provided between these two components over a very short distance. Particularly suitable are electronic components that are commercially available from ST Mikroelectronics GmbH, headquartered in Aschheim-Dornbach under the name M24LR series or M24SR series. These two aforementioned components have, in addition to the ability to send or receive information using the NFC standard, also an EEPROM memory module, in which a storage of the dosing information obtained is possible. In addition, the blocks enable, in addition to the received dosing information, electrical energy for the operation of the receiving element and of the memory element to be transmitted or obtained.

All essential functions of the teaching of this patent application can thus be integrated into a single electrical component. This is also very compact and is - without that dosing pumps of conventional design must undergo a significant design change - housed in a Dosierpumpengehäuse.

Of course, the reference to the aforementioned electronic components should be understood merely as an example. There are any other suitable electronic components and transmission standards into consideration. Also, proprietary signaling protocols and methods may be used or used.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dosing information contain at least one piece of information which is taken into account by the dosing pump when carrying out a dosing process. The dosing pump according to the invention has a control which is connected to the relay connection and to the pump drive. According to the invention, this control unit is also connected to the storage element. In the event that the target device outputs a supply voltage for the metering pump via the relay connection, this recognizes the control unit, and according to the invention before it addresses the pump drive, or in the course of the response of the pump drive, take into account the dosing information stored in the storage element or on it access. It can be provided that the control unit has its own memory, and carries out a transfer of the stored in the memory element metering information in their own memory. However, it is also encompassed by the invention if the control unit exclusively accesses the dispensing information stored in the storage element.

1. a) Dosiermenge eines Dosiervorganges
2. b) Drehzahl des Pumpenantriebs für einen Dosiervorgang
3. c) Dosierdauer eines Dosiervorganges
4. d) Proportionalitätsfaktor für einen Dosiervorgang.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dosing information contain at least one parameter for a dosing process. In particular, the dosing information includes a parameter from the following group of parameters:

1. a) Dosage amount of a dosing process
2. b) Speed of the pump drive for a dosing process
3. c) Dosing time of a dosing process
4. d) Proportionality factor for a dosing process.

The dosing information preferably contains a parameter for a dosing process, ie a specific value that may be of importance for a dosing process. In particular, the parameter as part of the dosing information is a value which in some form influences the adjustable amount of the medium to be delivered during a dosing process. In the event that the parameter contained in the dosing information directly describes the dosing of a dosing, so for example an indication of 5 ml per dosing, the control unit of the dosing pump according to the invention can be designed so that it can process this parameter, and in future Dosing operations can take into account accordingly.

Alternatively, the parameter contained in the dosing information and transmitted by the transmitting unit of a receiving element may also include the intended number of rotations of the pump drive for a dosing operation. Thus, for example, the metering pump operate on the principle that every time, after determining the new application of an operating voltage to the relay terminal, a certain number of revolutions of the rotor of a peristaltic pump is made. The number of revolutions of the rotor (the speed) corresponds in particular proportionally to the amount of medium to be delivered.

Instead of the speed of the pump drive, the flow rate per dosing over the dosing can be described. Thus, a value for the dosing duration can be transmitted as a parameter, which, after determining the presence of a supply voltage at the relay connection, ensures that the pump drive is operated for a specific period of time, namely during the dosing period.

Finally, for example, it is also possible to set a proportionality factor which translates the duration of the application of a supply voltage at the relay connection into a metered quantity dispensed or conveyed proportionally to this period of time.

The dosing information can be encoded or uncoded, unidirectional or bi-directional transmitted and / or encoded or uncoded stored in the memory element. When encoding the dosing information offers a particularly simple way of providing access protection. Only with the help of a password or a user authorization can a decoding of the coded information take place. As a result, access to the dosing information transmission or readout of dosing information can be restricted and controlled.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering pump to a control unit, which in the course of the response of the pump drive and / or before a response of the pump drive, and / or after finding the presence of a supply voltage to the relay terminal, on the stored in the storage element metering Information accesses. The control unit of the dosing pump is designed to recognize the transmitted parameters, process, and perform the dosing process taking into account this parameter accordingly.

Further advantageously, it is provided that the metering pump housing is substantially hermetically sealed. As a result, the desired waterproofness or splash-water tightness over the prior art can be significantly improved. On outgoing controls, such as potentiometers, can in the Dispensing pump according to the invention are dispensed with. Sealing of the relay terminal and the inlet and outlet of the medium according to the invention readily by conventional, per se known means, bewerkstelligbar.

According to a further advantageous refinement of the invention, positioning means for positioning a transmitting unit carrying the transmitting element relative to the receiving element and / or fastening means for detachably fastening a transmitting unit carrying the transmitting element to the metering pump are arranged on the housing in the metering pump. The positioning means may for example be in the form of contact surfaces or boundary surfaces which provide a receptacle or a receptacle or the like. Positioning but can also control surfaces, eg. B. in the form of motion inclined surfaces, which allow a simple, purposeful guided Aufeinanderzubewegung transmitter unit and metering pump. As a result, a kind of docking of the transmitting unit to the metering pump can be ensured in a particularly simple manner. This may be necessary if the metering pump is difficult to access or not readily visible, mounted, for example in the context of a Untertischmontage.

The positioning means facilitate accurate, directed positioning of the receiving element and transmitting element relative to each other. In this case, the remaining distance in the positioned state between the receiving element and transmitting element can be kept very small. This allows the use of particularly inexpensive, electronic components that are designed to transmit information and electrical energy over very small distances.

On the housing of the metering pump and fastening means for releasably securing a transmitting element carrying the transmitting unit be arranged. It may be, for example, one or more magnets that allow a detachable, magnetic attachment of the transmitting unit to the metering pump. The magnets, possibly even a single magnet, may be provided on the metering pump and / or on the transmitting unit, wherein corresponding counter magnets (or in case of doubt ferromagnetic materials) may be arranged on the corresponding opposite.

The fastening elements can support the positioning means in such a way that, towards the end of the positioning movement of the transmitting unit relative to the typically fixed metering pump, an advantageously fixed mounting position is achieved, in which a transmission of the metering information is possible.

It can also be provided that a transmission of dosing information from the transmitting unit or from the transmitting element to the receiving element can be accomplished only when the transmitting unit has reached its relative prescribed mounting position relative to the metering pump.

The invention relates in a second aspect to a transmitting unit according to claim 8.

The invention is again based on the object to provide a device which makes possible in an improved way a transmission of dosing information to a metering pump. The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 8.

According to the invention, a transmitting unit for the wireless transmission of metering information to a receiving element of a metering pump is provided. The transmitting unit comprises a transmitting element, the dosing information contained by a control unit of the transmitting unit transmitted wirelessly to the receiving element together with a sufficient electrical power for providing a power supply of the receiving element. The transmitting unit can be designed, for example, as a portable handheld device. It may also be part of a computer, in particular a laptop or another mobile terminal (tablet, PDA, smartphone), to which a selection or input of dosing information, in particular dosing information according to claim 2 or according to claim 3, possible is.

The transmitting unit is preferably equipped with access protection, which, by querying a user name, a pin, a password or the like, ensures that only selected persons gain access to the metering pump.

Further advantageously, the transmitting unit has surfaces which are designed to cooperate with positioning means on the metering pump and / or for cooperation with fastening means on the metering pump. For example, the transmitter unit - in the case that it is designed as a hand-held device or as an adapter for a hand-held device - have corresponding surfaces which enable positioning, and / or guided movement, and / or attachment of the transmitter unit relative to the metering pump.

The invention relates, according to a further aspect, to a method according to the preamble of claim 10.

Again, the invention has for its object to provide a method by which an improved transmission of metering information to the metering pump is possible.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 10.

To avoid repetition, the aspects of the inventions according to claims 1, 8 and 10 are discussed with a partial common description of features and feature sets and a partial common description of corresponding advantages.

The aspects of the invention have in common that a transmission of dosing information to the receiving element of the metering pump enables a provision of access protection in a particularly simple manner. Thus, the transmitting unit and / or the receiving element can be equipped with an access control interface. For example, it may be necessary that, for example, a password has to be entered at the transmitting unit in order to be able to enable the transmission of dosing information at all.

In addition to the one-sided, described, and covered by the invention transfer of dosing information from the transmitting element to the receiving element, the invention also includes a bi-directional transmission of dosing information. Thus, for example, the number of dosing carried out by the metering pump, possibly also the amount of medium conveyed by carrying out the respective metering operations, if necessary also cumulated, are retained by the metering pump and z. B. are written in the memory element, and this information is transmitted from the receiving element to the transmitting element. The receiving element can also act as a transmitting station, and the transmitting element can also act as a receiving station. Such bi-directional transmission of information, collectively referred to as metered information, may be accomplished using the example already described above electronic components are carried out by ST Mikroelectronics GmbH. Other transmission methods come within the scope of the invention of course into consideration.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a metering pump according to the preamble of claim 11.

Again, it is a metering pump of simple design, which is connectable only via a relay connection with a switching element of a target device. A power switch, or a program selector switch on the metering pump is not provided.

The invention has for its object to be able to retrieve dosing information in a simple way, in particular information about the dosing carried out with this metering pump.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

The principle of the invention essentially consists in that a readout of the dosing information stored in a storage element of the dosing pump is possible at any time - irrespective of the switching state of the target device - wirelessly. The electrical power required for transmitting the metering information from the metering pump to the receiving device or to the receiving element can be obtained from the transmitting element by the receiving element.

The invention thus provides a metering pump in which the transmitting element and the receiving unit of the invention described above in claim 1 are essentially reversed. There are applications in which only a regular readout of dosing information, such as the number of performed Metering or the total over the life of the metering pump or over a predetermined period of time with the metering pump funded amount of medium is desired.

In order to avoid repetition, with regard to the aspects of the invention according to claim 11 and the embodiment of the subsequent claims, reference is made to the above-mentioned arguments and advantages, as well as to the definition of the features and the interactions of the features. These statements apply to the inventions and embodiments of claims 11 to 14 alike and in an analogous manner.

The dosing information can advantageously contain at least information about the dosing operations performed. This can be, in particular, information about the number of dosing operations carried out or information about the total quantity of medium conveyed. The existing in the dosing pump controller can write this information every time in the course of performing the dosing in the memory element.

The dosing information may also include information about the running time or mileage of the pump drive or dosing pump.

The written information can be read at any time, regardless of the state of the power supply of the metering pump. A read-out can therefore also take place, in particular, when no supply voltage is applied to the dosing pump by the target device via the switching element and the relay connection.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in any of the described metering pumps and receiving or transmitting units according to the present patent application, a transmission of metering information unidirectional or bi-directional done.

The described receiving element becomes a receiving and transmitting element and the transmitting element described becomes a transmitting and receiving element. Similarly, the receiving unit may be formed as a receiving and transmitting unit.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a receiving unit is proposed, which according to claim 14, a transmission of electrical power for providing a power supply of a transmitting element allows at the metering pump, wherein a receiving element of the receiving unit is configured to wirelessly receive dosing information to him from the transmitting element of the metering pump be transmitted.

Fig. 1

in einer sehr schematischen, teilgeschnittenen Darstellung in Vorderansicht eine Geschirrspülmaschine des Standes der Technik,

Fig. 2

in einer ebenfalls sehr schematischen Darstellung eine weitere Geschirrspülmaschine des Standes der Technik mit einer extern angebauten Dosierpumpe,

Fig. 3

in schematischer, teilgeschnittener Darstellung ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Dosierpumpe gemäß der Erfindung, und ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Sendeeinheit gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig. 4

in schematischer Darstellung ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosierpumpe und einer erfindungsgemäßen Sendeeinheit,

Fig. 5

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosierpumpe und einer erfindungsgemäßen Sendeeinheit in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 4, und

Fig. 6

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosierpumpe mit einem an einer Dosierpumpe angeordnetem Sendeelement und einem an einer Empfangseinheit angeordnetem Empfangselement.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the described in the drawings embodiments of the invention and from the non-cited subclaims. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

in a very schematic, partially cutaway representation in front view of a dishwasher of the prior art,

Fig. 2

in a likewise very schematic representation of a further dishwasher of the prior art with an externally mounted metering pump,

Fig. 3

1 is a schematic, partially sectioned illustration of a first embodiment of a metering pump according to the invention, and an embodiment of a transmitting unit according to the invention,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of another embodiment of a metering pump according to the invention and a transmitting unit according to the invention,

Fig. 5

a third embodiment of a metering pump according to the invention and a transmitting unit according to the invention in a representation according to Fig. 4 , and

Fig. 6

a further embodiment of a metering pump according to the invention with a arranged on a metering pump transmitting element and arranged on a receiving unit receiving element.

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 that are described only with respect 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 of the prior art are hereby incorporated in full, also for the purpose of one or more features of this document in one or more claims of the present application to include.

• Fig. 1 zeigt - lediglich exemplarisch für unterschiedliche mögliche Zielbehältnisse, wie Waschmaschine und Schwimmbad-Steuerungsanlage, - eine Geschirrspülmaschine 11 des Standes der Technik. Diese weist eine gestrichelt dargestellt angedeutete interne Dosierpumpe 10 auf, im Unterschied einer - später noch zu beschreibenden - extern angeordneten Dosierpumpe 10 gemäß Fig. 2.

The metering pump designated in its entirety by 10 will first be explained with reference to a description of a prior art dishwasher 11 with respect to its basic positioning and function:

• Fig. 1 shows - only exemplary of different possible target containers, such as washing machine and swimming pool control system, - a dishwasher 11 of the prior art. This has a dashed lines indicated internal metering pump 10, in contrast to a - to be described later - externally arranged metering pump 10 according to Fig. 2 ,

evidenced Fig. 1 For example, the prior art dishwasher has a program selector switch 12 connected to a controller 13 via a connection line 28. The controller 13 receives the supply voltage via a power supply line 14, which is indicated by way of example, and for example, has a plug 60 for connection to a socket, not shown.

The controller 13 is connected via a connecting line 29 to a relay output 15. This is in turn connected to a relay terminal 16 of the metering pump 10.

Further elements of the dishwasher are not shown for reasons of clarity.

The task of the dosing pump 10 is to supply a medium, for example a cleaner or a rinse aid, from a medium reservoir 24 which is arranged in a container 25 in accordance with a predetermined delivery rate of medium per dosing operation at a predetermined time into the interior space 27 of the dishwasher promote. For this purpose, the metering pump 10 has a hose line 17 which extends from an inlet 22 to an outlet 23 within the housing of the metering pump 10. The medium inlet 22 is connected to the container 25.

In the metering pump 10, a pump drive 10 is arranged in the form of a motor which can set a rotor 18 in motion to effect a delivery of the medium. The rotor 18 is similar to prior art peristaltic pumps and may, for example, rotate continuously in a clockwise direction, continually conveying medium from the inlet 22 to the outlet 23 by reciprocally compressing the tubing 17. The metering pump 10 has a control unit 20, which is connected via a connecting line 21 to the relay terminal 16.

The basic function of the prior art metering pump 10 in a prior art dishwasher 11 may be described as follows:

After selecting a washing program via the selector switch 12 by an operator, not shown, the controller 13 of the dishwasher operates the corresponding washing program. At a scheduled time, a predetermined medium in a predetermined amount to the interior 27 of the dishwasher 11 are supplied, for. B. in the merely indicated Dishwashing 26a, 26b located, but not shown to clean or clear dishes or cutlery.

The metering pump 10 is designed for this very simple. It responds when 16 supply voltage is applied to the relay terminal. It is thus able to determine, via the controller 20, alone whether supply voltage is present at the relay terminal 16 or is not present. If supply voltage is applied, a dosing process is initiated. If there is no supply voltage, the medium is not conveyed. If no supply voltage is applied to the relay terminal 16, the metering pump 10 is a total supply voltage. It has no other supply voltage connection, as the relay contact 16.

The controller 13 of the dishwasher is at the given time via the line 29, a corresponding supply voltage to the relay contact 15, which is in communication with the relay terminal 16, for example, in plug connection, but in any case in electrical connection.

According to the explanatory illustration in FIG Fig. 2 in the prior art also systems in which the metering pump 10 is formed as an external attachment for the target device. Here a relay contact 15 of the target device is led to the outside. However, the operating principle is the same here: at the desired time ensures the control 13 of the target device, ie z. B. the dishwasher 11, for the fact that at the relay output 15, a supply voltage is applied. This is determined as a result of the electrical connection of the relay output 15 to the relay terminal 16 of the control unit 20 of the metering pump. After determining the attachment of a supply voltage, the metering pump 10 can initiate the delivery process accordingly.

In contrast to Fig. 1 shows the metering pump 10 of the prior art of Fig. 2 a schematically indicated potentiometer 32 which is connected via a connecting line 33 to the control unit 20.

About this potentiometer 32, an operator can change the dosage or set. By rotating the potentiometer in one or the other direction of rotation, the dosage can be increased or reduced.

As a result of a rotation of the potentiometer, the controller 20, for example, increase the dosing time per dosing, or increase the number of rotations of the rotor 18 per dosing, or increase the speed. Of course, the above values can also be reduced.

A metering pump 10 according to Fig. 2 offers no protection against uncontrolled access or unauthorized adjustment of the potentiometer. Also, in such a metering pump of the prior art, the housing 31 of the metering pump can not be dense or substantially hermetically sealed, since the potentiometer 32 must be guided outside the housing in order to make it operable.

Finally, an adjustment of the dosage via the potentiometer is only very inaccurate and undocumented possible.

A metering pump 10 of the type according to the invention, as well as an inventive handset 55 in the form of a transmitting unit 40 shows Fig. 3 :

The metering pump 10 according to the invention is similar in principle to the prior art metering pump 10 of the prior art Fig. 2 , It may in particular have the same or similar external dimensions. The metering pump 10 of the type according to the invention does not have its own power supply, but receives its, for operation of the pump drive 19, the so-called motor, required operating voltage exclusively via the relay terminal 16, which is connectable to the corresponding relay output 15 of the target device 11.

The metering pump 10 according to the invention has a housing 31, which is advantageously hermetically sealed up to the inlet 22 and the outlet 23 for the medium and the relay terminal 16.

An electrical connection line 21 connects the relay connection 16 to the controller 20. The controller 20 can act on the pump drive 19 via an effective line 24. The pump drive 19 is connected via an active line 30 with the rotor 18, shown only schematically, the metering pump 10 designed as a peristaltic pump.

In contrast to the metering pump of the prior art, the metering pump 10 according to the invention is shown Fig. 3 a receiving element 35. This can receive electromagnetic waves originating from a transmitting unit 40 and, as will be explained later, also send signals to the transmitting unit 40.

The receiving element 35 is connected via a line 37 to a storage element 36. The memory element 36 is connected via a line 38 to the controller 20.

The receiving element 35 and the storage element 36 are arranged in the embodiment within the housing 31. The electromagnetic waves carrying the dosing information can be transmitted through the housing wall 31.

The handset 55 has a keyboard 42 and a display 43. It also includes - only schematically indicated - a transmitting element 41st

On the keyboard 42, a dosing information, for example, a new, to be taken into account by the metering 10 in the future dosing amount per dosing be entered. The input can be made alphanumerically via the keyboard 42, or encrypted, in any manner. When entering a user password or the like can be queried in particular for access control.

The transmitting unit 40 can transmit with the aid of the transmitting element 41 dosing information by means of electromagnetic waves to the receiving element 35. The receiving element 35 has - in order to receive this information at all - a power supply unit 39. The power supply unit 39 may be provided by a separate electronic component, or, as in the embodiment of the Fig. 3 provided, be part of the receiving element 35. In this context, it should be noted that also the memory element 36 - as in Fig. 3 shown - may be formed as a separate from the receiving element 35 device, or may be provided by a single electronic component, together with the receiving element 35.

The power supply unit 39 is also able to obtain the electric power for operation of the receiving element for the purpose of receiving the dosing information directly from the transmitting element 41. The energy required for operation of the receiving element 35 can therefore also be transmitted via electromagnetic waves or alternating voltage from the transmitting element 41 or from the transmitting unit 40 to the receiving element 35.

This offers the advantage that a transmission of metering information from the transmitting unit 40 to the metering pump 10 is possible at any time. Since the metering pump 10 has no separate power supply, but only in case of need via the relay terminal 16 receives a supply voltage to operate the pump drive 19, hereby a completely self-contained information transmission option is provided.

evidenced Fig. 4 a further embodiment of a metering pump 10 according to the invention and a transmitting unit 40 according to the invention, as well as an operating unit 55 in the form of a corresponding hand-held device will be explained:

The metering pump 10 according to Fig. 4 has in contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 3 special positioning means 44a and 44b. These are in the embodiment of Fig. 4 formed as projections on the housing of the metering pump 10 with corresponding control slopes. They are in the embodiment of Fig. 4 configured such that a kind of receptacle 45 for the transmitting unit 40 is provided on the metering pump 10.

On the transmitting unit 40 Gegenpositioniermittel 46a, 46b are arranged. These have guide slopes 46a, 46b, which geometrically correspond to the positioning means 44a, 44b.

As a result, a facilitated, guided over the control slopes positioning of the transmitting unit 40 is made possible relative to the metering pump 10.

This special positioning serves to reliably reach a mounting position in which the transmitting element 41 on the transmitting unit 40 and the receiving element 35 on the metering pump 10 are as directly as possible adjacent to each other, and are positioned as accurately as possible relative to each other. In this way, the transmission of metering information and also the transmission of electrical power for operating the receiving element 35 and for operating the storage element 36 can be optimized.

For the purpose of further optimization, the metering pump 10 has special fastening means 47a, 47b. Correspondingly, counter-fastening means 47c, 47d are advantageously arranged on the transmitting unit 40.

The fastening means 47a, 47b and counter-fastening means 47c, 47d comprise in the embodiment of Fig. 4 Magnets 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d. These, provided in the embodiment four magnets, are of course to be understood as exemplary only. It suffices the arrangement of a single magnet.

The magnets allow a detachable attachment of the transmitting unit 40 to the metering pump 10.

In particular, in the event that a metering pump 10 is arranged on a target device 11 in a difficult to access environment, with the aid of the positioning means 44a, 44b and the Gegenpositioniermittel 46a, 46b and / or with the aid of Fastening means 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d a particularly simple and secure, detachable, targeted attachment can be achieved.

By ensuring a very exact positioning of transmitting element 41 and receiving element 35 relative to each other, can be used on particularly advantageous transmission mechanisms, the transmission of both dosing information, as well as a transmission of electrical energy to operate the receiving element 35 and the memory element 36 enable very simple way.

In another embodiment of the invention, the positioning means, counter-positioning means and fastening means and counter-fastening means are provided in other ways. For example, attachment of the transmitting unit 40 to the metering pump 10 can take place with the aid of bayonet-like fastening elements, hooks or claw-like holder elements. It is also conceivable that the metering pump 10 has a pump housing cover, which can be removed, and can be replaced by a correspondingly designed transmitting unit 40.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 In addition, transmission unit 40 according to the invention is equipped with a battery 49 which, when the transmission unit 40 is in operation, enables a transmission of dosing information and a transmission of electrical energy for operation of the reception element 35. The battery 49 is connected via a connecting line 51 to a control unit 48 of the transmitting unit 40. The control unit 48 is connected to the transmitting element 41 via a further connecting line 50.

Finally, the control unit 48 of the transmitting unit 40 is also connected to a connection 53 via a further connecting line 52. The connection 53 allows a connection of the transmission unit 40 via an electrical line 54 to a handset 55.

The transmitting unit 40 is in this embodiment the Fig. 4 designed as a kind of adapter.

The handset 55 may be connected via line 54, fixed to the control unit 40, but spaced from it, and conveniently operated. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous to apply if due to special mounting positions or installation situations of the metering pump 10, an immediate accessibility of the metering pump is not given.

Instead of a handset 55, for example, a computer or laptop 56 can be connected to the line 54. This alternative is in Fig. 4 merely hinted.

In a further, not shown embodiment of the invention, the embodiment of the FIG. 4 is very similar, can be dispensed with a battery 49 in the transmitting unit 40. Instead, there is a battery or other suitable energy storage in the handset 55. The electrical energy to be transmitted from the transmitting unit to the receiving element 35 is received by the transmitting unit 40 from the handset 55 in this case.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 5 it is provided that the transmitting unit 40 - as in the embodiment of the Fig. 4 - Is again designed as a kind of adapter. Instead of a terminal 52, however, an electronic module 57 is arranged in this embodiment, which can communicate wirelessly by transmitting electromagnetic waves with a device 58 located in the handset 55. Alternatively shows Fig. 5 a computer or laptop 56 containing such a device 59.

The blocks 57 and 58 and 57 and 59 allow between a unidirectional or bi-directional exchange of dosing information over long distances. For example, a Bluetooth standard can be used here.

Between the blocks 57 and 58 or 57 and 59, the transmission of electrical power to the power supply of the receiving element 35 is not required. The electrical power for supplying power to the receiving element 35 and the storage element 36 of the metering pump 10 can be provided by the battery 49 in the transmitting unit 40.

For the sake of good order, it should be noted that the transmission of the electrical supply energy from the transmitting unit 40 to the receiving element 35 preferably directly from the transmitting element 41, but possibly also from a coupled to the transmitting element 41, separate, not shown in the drawings, electronic component can be made.

Coming back to Fig. 3 will now be explained how the control unit 20 of the metering pump 10 can take into account the received from the receiving unit 35 and stored in the storage unit 36 dosing information:

After transmission of the dosing information from the transmitting unit 40 to the receiving element 35 and after storage or storage of this dosing information in the storage element 36, the dosing pump 10 from a target device 11 at any later time a voltage applied to the relay terminal 16 Supply voltage received. As soon as the controller 20 again receives a supply voltage via the relay connection 16, it can undertake a correspondingly updated control of the pump drive 19 by resorting to the dosing information stored in the storage element 36. For example, a changed Dosiermenge be taken into account by the pump drive 19 acts longer or shorter or faster or slower on the rotor 18 of the peristaltic pump 10 and correspondingly changes the Dosiermenge.

In the event that an information transmission between the transmitting element 41 and the receiving element 35 is bi-directional, a storage of information by the controller 20 can also take place in the storage element 36 of the metering pump 10. Thus, for example, the number of dosing operations performed or the total amount of medium pumped by this dosing pump 10 can be recorded and transmitted to the transmitting unit 40 when the connection between the transmitting unit 40 and the receiving element 35 is established.

It should be noted at this point that the embodiments describe all metering pumps that promote only one medium. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that metering pumps according to the invention can also convey a plurality of media. Also, corresponding transmission units can transmit dosing information for different media.

In the following, based on the embodiment of the Fig. 6 be explained that according to a further aspect of the invention in a metering pump 10 and a transmitting element 61 may be disposed within the housing 31 of the metering pump. The dosing information contained in the memory element 36 and written by the controller 20, for example information about the number of dosing operations performed or information about the total with this metering pump funded amount of medium can be read by a receiving unit 63 having a receiving element 62. The metering pump 10 of Fig. 6 also has a power supply unit 39, which is able to receive the electric power for powering the transmitting element 61 and the memory element 36 wirelessly from the receiving unit 63, in particular from the receiving element 62.

Claims (14)

A dosing pump (10) comprising an inlet (22) for a medium, an outlet (23) for the medium, and a relay connection (16) for connection to a target device (11) for the medium, the dosing pump comprising a housing (31). in which a pump drive (19) is arranged, which upon receipt of a supply voltage from the target device via the relay connection promotes an adjustable volume of medium from the inlet to the outlet, characterized in that a receiving element (35) is arranged on the metering pump in which dosing information can be received wirelessly by an external transmitting element (41), and in that the receiving element is assigned a memory element (36) in which the dosing information received can be retrievably stored, wherein the dosing pump has a power supply unit (39) for the Receiving element and for the memory element, by means of the required for the reception and storage of the dosing information electrical energy wirelessly obtainable from the transmitting element or from a transmitting unit (40) carrying the transmitting element. Dosing pump according to claim 1, characterized in that the dosing information contain at least one information that takes into account the dosing pump when performing a dosing. Dosing pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dosing information contain at least one parameter for a dosing process, in particular a parameter from the following group of parameters: a) dosage amount of medium for a dosing b) Speed of the pump drive for a dosing process c) Dosing time of a dosing process d) Proportionality factor for a dosing process. Dosing pump according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the metering pump has a control unit (20) which in the course of a response of the pump drive and / or before a response of the pump drive and / or after determining the presence of a supply voltage to the relay terminal accesses the dosing information stored in the memory element. Dosing pump according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (31) is substantially hermetically sealed. Dosing pump according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the target device (11) is provided by a dishwasher or a washing machine or a device for controlling a media supply for a swimming pool. Dosing pump according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that positioning means (44a, 44b) for positioning a transmitting unit (40) carrying the transmitting element (41) relative to the receiving element (35) and / or on the housing (31) of the metering pump Fastening means (47a, 47b) are arranged for releasably securing a transmission unit carrying the transmitting unit to the metering pump. Transmission unit (40) for the wireless transmission of metering information to a receiving element (35) of a metering pump (10), in particular a metering pump according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a transmitting element (41), with which from a control unit (48) of the transmitting unit Metering information together with sufficient electrical power to Provision of a power supply of the receiving element (35) can be transmitted wirelessly to the receiving element. A transmitting unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the transmitting unit (40) has surfaces (46a, 46b) which cooperate with positioning means (44a, 44b) on the metering pump and / or for cooperation with fastening means (47a, 47b) the metering pump (10) are formed. Method for transmitting metering information from a transmitting unit (40), in particular a transmitting unit (40) according to claim 8 or 9, to a receiving element (35) of a metering pump (10), in particular a metering pump according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized characterized in that the dosing information from a transmitting element (41) as part of the transmitting unit (40) are wirelessly transmitted to the receiving element, and that at the same time also electrical power to power the receiving element (35) and / or power supply of a receiving element associated memory element (36) is transmitted from the transmitting element (41) and received by the receiving element. Dosing pump (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an inlet (22) for a medium, an outlet (23) for the medium, and a relay terminal (16) for connection to a target device (11) for the medium in that the metering pump has a housing (31) in which a pump drive (19) is arranged, which upon receipt of a supply voltage from the target device via the relay connection conveys an adjustable volume of medium from the inlet to the outlet, characterized in that the metering pump is arranged a transmitting element (61), from which metering information can be transmitted wirelessly to an external receiving element (63), and that the transmitting element is provided with a storage element (36) is assigned, in which the dispensing information to be sent are stored retrievably, wherein the metering pump has a power supply unit (39) for the transmitting element and for the memory element, by means of the for reading the dosing information from the memory element and for the transmission The electrical energy required by the dosing information can be obtained wirelessly from the receiving element or from a receiving unit (63) carrying the receiving element (62). Metering pump according to claim 11, characterized in that the metering information contain at least information about the metering operations carried out, in particular information about the number of metering operations performed or information about the total amount of media delivered in the course of metering operations carried out, or information about the metering accumulated running time of the pump drive or the cumulative working power or mileage of the pump drive or the dosing pump. Dosing pump according to one of claims 1 to 7 or according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the transmitting element (61, 41) and the receiving element (62, 35) is designed for a bi-directional transmission of dosing information. Receiving unit (63) for the wireless reception of metering information from a transmitting element (61) of a metering pump (10), in particular a metering pump according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a receiving element (62), with which a sufficient electrical power for providing a power supply of the Transmission element of the metering pump is wirelessly transmitted to the transmitting element, and can be received by the metering information obtained from the transmitting unit of the metering pump.

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