EP3091114B2 - System for metering media for washing and/or cleaning systems - Google Patents

Description

System for dosing media for washing and/or cleaning systems, etc.

The invention initially relates to a system for dosing media for washing and/or cleaning systems according to the preamble of claim 1.

Dosing devices have been developed and marketed by the applicants for some time.

In professional, commercial washing and cleaning operations, a large number of washing machines or dishwashers are usually operated in parallel and fed by such dosing devices. In particular, it also happens that a number of washing machines and a number of dishwashers or other cleaning systems are operated in a building.

Typically, each washing machine or cleaning system, which is also generally referred to as a target device within the scope of this present patent application, is assigned its own dosing device. The dosing device can include a peristaltic pump or a dosing pump, for example. In particular, dosing devices which have been developed by the applicants and which are described, for example, in the German patent applications, also come into consideration as dosing devices within the meaning of the present patent application 10 2011 108 396.4 , or DE 10 2011 119 021.3 , or DE 10 2014 002 560.8 , or DE 10 2011 122 921.7 are described.

In the case of such dosing devices, a plurality of containers is provided on the input side, which are filled with different media, for example with different detergents or cleaning agents or with different detergent components.

The dosing device can in each case bring about a switchable, communicative connection with one of the different containers and the target device by means of a corresponding control process. A pump ensures that a predetermined amount of medium, ie a predetermined volume of medium, is supplied to the target appliance, ie the washing machine or dishwasher, at a point in time previously determined by a control program. It is also possible to successively supply detergent components from the different containers to the target device, in particular to a mixing chamber arranged in the target device or upstream of it, according to sophisticated washing and cleaning programs.

The dosing processes are carried out taking into account specified parameters. The parameters can be stored, for example, in a memory unit in the dosing device. Dosing programs can also be saved in the target device. In this case, corresponding dosing signals can be passed on to the dosing device via a control line. With many dosing devices, there is also the possibility for an operator to influence the dosing process or the predefined, possibly changeable parameters, directly or via an input on the target device, and to adjust them if necessary.

The invention relates exclusively to systems for dosing media in which the dosing devices are arranged separately from the target appliance and, particularly in the case of a target appliance designed as a household washing machine or household dishwasher, are not an integral part of a household washing machine or household dishwasher. The invention relates in particular to systems in which the target device, i.e. in particular the commercial washing or cleaning system, addresses and controls the separately arranged dosing device and/or in which the target device is supplied by the separately arranged dosing device with a corresponding medium or with several corresponding media is loaded.

The invention also includes systems in which several target containers are connected to a dosing device. Corresponding switching devices, for example such as those listed in the patent applications of the applicants mentioned at the outset, can be used here in a switchably controlled manner to bring about a connection of containers to different target devices in each case.

The invention also relates to a system for dosing media for cleaning agent systems. Here, the target device can be designed, for example, as a device for applying or introducing a cleaning agent. For example, in a hotel business, a device for introducing a cleaning agent into a cleaning solution for cleaning the hotel rooms can be provided in the hotel. For this z. B. a container for receiving a cleaning agent is connected to the dosing device, and the dosing device can fill the container with one medium or with several media, in a predetermined mixing ratio and in a predetermined concentration, if necessary additionally providing and mixing with water. Such a target device can also be designed to apply a cleaning agent to a cleaning device to z. B. to moisten a mop for floor cleaning with an appropriate cleaning agent solution. A corresponding dosing device can also be designed and provided for this.

In systems of the prior art, provision is regularly made for the parameters for the dosing processes to be managed in such a way that these parameters are managed either exclusively on the dosing device or exclusively on the target device.

Proceeding from this state of the art, the object of the invention is to printed not verifiable, system according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that a simplified and convenient management of dosing information, in particular parameters for dosing processes, is possible.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.
The principle of the invention essentially consists in providing a system which has a plurality of dosing devices. This was already not the case in the prior art, since one could not speak of a real system. In the prior art, the parameters for the dosing processes are managed in the dosing device or in the target device,

Management of parameters for dosing processes in a system in which several dosing devices are combined is not known in the prior art.

According to the invention, each dosing device is assigned a control unit and a memory unit. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit and/or the memory unit is an integral part of the dosing device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit and/or the storage unit is arranged on a component that is separate from the dosing device, but is operatively connected to the dosing device.

Metering information can be stored in the memory unit. The memory unit can be addressed by the control unit, that is, the control unit can access the data stored in the memory unit, ie the dosing information. It can also store changed dosing information, which the control unit has received either automatically or through a user setting, in the memory unit.

According to the invention, the system includes a device for remote data transmission of dosing information.

The device enables remote transmission of dosing information from an external computer to the device, and/or from the device to the external computer. A bi-directional long-distance transmission of the dosing information can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner. It is essential that the device for remote data transmission can accomplish remote data transmission jointly for the multiple dosing devices. In this respect it is sufficient to provide only a single device for remote data transmission for the large number of dosing devices. This enables a system to be provided at only a low cost. In particular, it is not necessary to design each individual dosing device with a device for remote data transmission.

The device for long-distance data transmission is arranged in a stationary manner. It is located in particular in the immediate vicinity of the metering devices, which are also arranged in a stationary manner, in particular in the same room in which the metering devices are also arranged and/or in the same building in which the metering devices are arranged, or in the same plant, or on the same factory premises where the dosing devices are located.

In contrast, the external computer is very far away from the device for long-distance data transmission, for example several kilometers, or an even greater distance.

Within the scope of the present invention, for example, a device that has a GSM module can be referred to as a device for long-distance data transmission. This allows a telephone or data transmission to an external computer to be accomplished. In particular, this enables bi-directional data transmission from the device to an external computer or from the external computer to the device. A device that has an Internet connection is also referred to as a device for long-distance data transmission. According to the invention, any other communication interface, like any other suitable communication module, which is suitable for carrying out a long-distance data transmission can be provided on the device for long-distance data transmission.

Long-distance data transmission according to the present patent application enables dosing information to be transmitted over practically any distance via a suitable data network. The external computer with which the device for remote data transmission can communicate for the purpose of remote data transmission can, for example, be arranged centrally for all dosing devices of a manufacturer, or centrally for all dosing devices of a company that operates several systems, for example.

According to the invention, the device for long-distance data transmission is in communication with the several dosing devices for the purpose of local data transmission of the dosing information. Local data transmission refers to data transmission within very short distances, typically within a building, typically within a few meters, but preferably within less than 100 meters. For example, the local data transmission between the device and the dosing devices connected to it can take place via conventional local transmission standards such as W-LAN, Bluetooth, or LAN. In this respect, inexpensive and commercially available communication interfaces or communication modules or communication components can be used for the communication between the device and the individual dosing devices.

In contrast, the communication modules, such as a GSM module, which are designed to be significantly more complex, and which are required to effect long-distance data transmission of dosing information, are only unique in the system, viz in the device.

This enables a very lean architecture of a network of dosing devices to be provided in order to provide a system that enables dosing information to be transmitted from an external computer to the individual dosing devices and from the individual dosing devices to an external, central computer in a very efficient, convenient manner .

The device for remote data transmission is designed in particular to manage the dosing information from the dosing devices connected to it or for the dosing devices connected to it.

The device for long-distance data transmission is further designed in particular to manage the dosing devices connected to it. Known or proprietary addressing systems and protocols, as well as known or proprietary address allocation methods, can be used for this purpose.

The multiple dosing devices can be connected to the device for remote data transmission, for example in the manner of a central, star-like circuit, or alternatively in the manner of a series circuit or a ring circuit, or alternatively in the manner of a bus system.

The proposed management of the individual dosing devices or the dosing information from or for the individual dosing devices by the remote data transmission device enables, for example, specific addressing, assignment and forwarding of specific dosing information that the remote data transmission device has received from the external computer , to individual dosing devices. On the other hand, the device can also assign the dosing information received from the individual dosing devices, store them in an orderly manner and, for example, transmit them en bloc to the external computer. A corresponding assignment can then be achieved there.

According to the present patent application, the specified, changeable parameters for dosing processes are referred to as dosing information, for example. For example, modified parameters can be received from an external computer via the device for long-distance data transmission. If, for example, new detergents or cleaning agents or components are developed that enable or require special dosing parameters, or if new findings about the application or dosing of the media are to be announced, the parameters can be changed centrally from an external computer via the Device for remote data transmission are transmitted to the individual dosing devices.

Systems can be provided on the individual dosing devices, for example, which can automatically recognize which container is connected to it with which medium that has just been filled, possibly also with which filling level. In this regard, reference can be made, for example, to the subsequently published German patent application DE 10 2014 002 560 A1 the applicant.

According to the invention, a dosing device advantageously also includes a device for acquiring dosing information, in particular process data. Such a device can be a direct integral part of the dosing device, or it can be arranged externally, that is to say separately from the dosing device, and be operatively connected to the dosing device. Process data to be recorded, for example measured values of the metered volumes or metered amounts, or variables used in metering processes, such as pH value of the medium, conductivity of the medium, temperature of the medium, are viewed as dosing information in the sense of the invention. The sizes can be recorded for documentation purposes. These process parameters, which are regarded as dosing information within the scope of the invention, can be detected by additional devices that are assigned to the dosing device, or by devices that are an integral part of a dosing device.

Process data and parameters that are recorded, for example, by a device for recording process data that is arranged in or on the target device, or is assigned to the target device, are also regarded as dosing information. For example, the conductivity of the washing liquor or liquor can be measured in a target device designed as a textile washing machine during the washing process. This information can then be transmitted as dosing information via a corresponding signal line from the target device to the dosing device.

According to the present patent application, dosing information is then referred to, for example, as information that includes data that takes into account dosing processes carried out by the dosing devices. For example, simple quantity measurements can be carried out in order to determine, for example, which dosing device has used which medium with which cumulative total quantity or with what frequency or with what regularity or within the scope of which washing program.

This means that statistical recordings of the dosing processes can be carried out centrally on an external computer. In this way, for example, documentation can also be carried out easily and efficiently.

Process events are also referred to as dosing information within the meaning of the present patent application, ie in particular events that are directly or indirectly related to a dosing process. For example, the switching on and/or switching off of a dosing system or the target device and/or its point in time, the start, are used as a process event of a washing program, the occurrence of a certain error in the dosing system or in the target device, information on a process variable, such as the PH value of the medium, measured conductivity of the medium and/or temperature of the medium or ambient temperature of the dosing device. Depending on the location of the measurement, a measured value which has been measured upstream of the dosing device or downstream of the dosing device or within the dosing device is regarded as a process variable in relation to the medium.

The dosing information can be transmitted from and/or to the external computer in a simple and efficient manner via the remote data transmission device.

As dosing information within the meaning of the present patent application, for example, information about dosing amounts of the medium, as well as information about the number of dosing processes carried out with it, or information about the dosing times, or information about the dosing location, about the type of medium used, as well as information about an operator that carried out the dosing process can be viewed.

According to the present patent application, the dosing information can also contain location information. Such location information can include, for example, information about the location of the individual dosing devices, or also information about the location of the stationary device for remote data transmission. Such location information can be individually controlled, possibly also input by a user, transmitted to the external computer. However, the invention also includes when such location information - for example using the position data that is automatically generated or can be generated automatically when using a GSM module - is transmitted from the device for remote data transmission to an external computer every time a transmission of Dosing information takes place.

The invention also includes when the external computer receives position data as a result of the transmission of dosing information from the device for remote data transmission, for example due to the transmission of a GSM signal, and an association with the device for data transmission based on the transmission of this position data. long-distance transmission can occur.

The system according to the invention is used for dosing media for washing and/or cleaning systems and includes a number of dosing devices. A washing and/or cleaning system within the meaning of the present patent application is understood to mean, in particular, a washing machine or dishwasher or another cleaning or, for example, disinfecting system. Accordingly, with a dosing device of a system according to the invention, such a washing and/or cleaning system can be charged with one medium or successively with a plurality of different media for the purpose of carrying out a washing or cleaning process. The invention also includes when a medium or several media are supplied to a washing or cleaning system with a dosing device of a system according to the invention in order to mix or produce cleaning or disinfecting solutions,

From D1 (= WO 2011/029766 A1 ) A water-bearing household appliance is known which has a single dosing device. A system with several dosing devices does not emerge from the publication. The publication also does not show a device for remote data transmission of dosing information with which remote transmission of dosing information can be accomplished jointly for several dosing devices and which is in communicative connection with the several dosing devices for the purpose of local data transmission of dosing information.

From D2 (= US2013/0098450A1 ) shows a dosing device (controller 102) which is connected to two washing machines. The publication does not describe a system that comprises a plurality of dosing devices that are each connected to at least one container on the input side and to at least one target device or a device for applying a cleaning agent on the output side. No device for remote data transmission of dosing information is described either, with which remote transmission of dosing information can be accomplished jointly for several dosing devices, and which is in communicative connection with the several dosing devices for the purpose of local data transmission of dosing information.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for long-distance data transmission of dosing information has a GSM module and/or an Internet connection. Alternatively, the device has another communication module suitable for long-distance data transmission, or an interface suitable for this. This is a communication module that enables data to be transmitted over long distances, in particular of more than one kilometer, and in particular over an unlimited range.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for long-distance data transmission and each dosing device connected to this device each have a communication module and/or a communication interface which is suitable for short-distance data transmission. In particular, the communication module or the communication interface can be designed as a W-LAN or LAN or Bluetooth interface. In particular, recourse to commercially available, well-known communication modules or communication interfaces can be considered, as they are commonly used and are widely used. Any suitable communication module or any suitable communication interface that allows data transmission over short distances of up to a few meters, at most up to about 100 meters, is referred to as a communication module for short-distance data transmission. This takes into account that the system according to the invention is intended for use, for example, inside a building, and only short ranges for data transmission between the device and the individual dosing devices are relevant here.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for remote data transmission can be used to transmit dosing information from an external computer to the device. In particular, this can be used to transmit parameters for dosing processes to the individual dosing devices. For example, this offers the possibility of transmitting dosing information to the individual dosing devices, which includes parameters for dosing processes. In this respect, the individual dosing processes can be influenced from the external computer. For example, specific dosages can be increased or reduced if specific washing or cleaning programs are to be carried out.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, dosing information can be transmitted from the device to an external computer using the device for remote data transmission. In particular, dosing processes can be documented here. The media used in the metering processes, and/or their quantities, and/or their sequence, and/or their times of use and/or places of use can be easily and reliably documented, archived and, if necessary, checked in this way.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for remote data transmission is designed to collect and/or store dosing information that it receives from the individual dosing devices, and/or regularly and/or upon request to the external to transmit computers. The device for remote data transmission thus not only has a suitable communication module for remote data transmission, but also includes a control unit and/or a memory unit with which it can use metering information received from the metering devices
managed, in particular taking into account the assignment to the individual dosing devices and stores, and subsequently, regularly or on request, transmitted to the external computer according to a predetermined format.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is designed to administrate or manage the metering devices connected to it and/or the metering information received from them and/or the metering information intended for them. In particular, the device for remote data transmission can specifically address the metering devices connected to it or receive associated information from the metering devices connected to it and store and store it while maintaining or guaranteeing the assignment and transmit it to the external computer. Also, for example, the device for remote data transmission can sort and/or arrange and/or address the dosing information received from an external computer and/or send it to the individual dosing devices. It can therefore ensure, for example, that information provided for a specific dosing device and received from the external computer reaches this specific dosing device.

According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the device for remote data transmission in a network of dosing devices acts as a kind of master and administers and/or manages the network of dosing devices. In the course of exercising this master function of the device for remote data transmission, the dosing information can then also be received from the individual dosing devices or sent addressed to the individual dosing devices by the device for remote data transmission.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device for remote data transmission is not designed as the master of a network of dosing devices, but only administers and/or manages the dosing information. For this purpose, the device for remote data transmission can, for example, actively, for example regularly, query or retrieve dosing information to be obtained from the individual dosing devices. However, the invention also includes an embodiment of the system in which the device for long-distance data transmission passively waits, so to speak, for the corresponding dosing information to be provided and, so to speak, delivered by the dosing devices.

The invention also includes embodiments in which the device for long-distance data transmission passively receives the information received from an external computer and actively forwards it, or alternatively, after receiving information from an external computer, this information is only passively available and on request of individual dosing devices, for example at the request of the individual dosing devices, and/or pass them on to these dosing devices.

Finally, the step of receiving the dosing information from an external computer by the device for remote data transmission can also be carried out actively, for example in such a way that the device for remote data transmission regularly, for example at predetermined times, requests an external computer to receive new dosing information .

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

The invention is based on the object of specifying a method with which systems for metering media, which comprise a number of metering devices, can be operated conveniently and efficiently.

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

In order to avoid repetition, the advantages and descriptions of claims 1 to 9 can be used with regard to the details and advantages of the method according to the invention.

The essential principle of the method according to claim 10 is that dosing information is transmitted from the multiple dosing devices to the device for remote data transmission, and then the dosing information received from the multiple dosing devices is transmitted from the device for remote data transmission—together—to an external computer can. This special data transfer creates a possibility for efficient data collection and long-distance data transmission. This method can also provide that only a single central device for long-distance data transmission has to be configured with a communication module, such as a GSM module, which allows long-distance data transmission.

Finally, according to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 11.

The invention is again based on the object of specifying a method with which a system for metering media for washing or cleaning systems, which system comprises a number of metering devices, can be operated efficiently and conveniently.

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

Here, too, to avoid repetitions with regard to the advantages and the meaning of the features of this claim, reference can be made to the advantages listed for claims 1 to 10 and the relevant description of the features.

The principle of the method according to claim 11 consists essentially in the fact that dosing information is transmitted from an external computer to a device for remote data transmission—collected—and then dosing information is transmitted from the device to a first dosing device and from the device to a second dosing device or can be transmitted. In this respect, it is sufficient if dosing information is transmitted centrally from an external computer only to the device, which then either sends this information in a kind of broadcast process to all connected dosing devices or, specifically addressed, transmits it to individual dosing devices.

The transmission of this dosing information to the connected dosing devices can be accomplished or operated actively by the device for remote data transmission, or passively, upon request of individual dosing devices.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems in einer schematischen, blockschaltbildartigen Ansicht, mit einer Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung, an die drei Dosiereinrichtungen angeschlossen sind, die jeweils mit einem Zielgerät in Form einer schematisch dargestellten Waschmaschine verbunden sind,

Fig. 2

in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems, bei dem an die Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung wiederum drei Dosiereinrichtungen angeschlossen sind, die gegenüber der Sternschaltung in Fig. 1 nun in Reihe geschaltet sind, und

Fig. 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1, bei dem drei Dosiereinrichtungen über eine drahtlose Nah-Kommunikationsverbindung mit der Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung verbunden sind.

Further advantages of the invention result from the non-cited subclaims and from the following descriptions of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. In the drawings show:

1

a first exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention in a schematic, block diagram-like view, with a device for remote data transmission to which three dosing devices are connected, which are each connected to a target device in the form of a washing machine shown schematically,

2

in a representation according to 1 a further exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention, in which in turn three dosing devices are connected to the device for remote data transmission, which, compared to the star connection in 1 are now connected in series, and

3

a further exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention in a representation according to FIG 1 , in which three dosing devices are connected to the device for long-distance data transmission via a wireless short-range communication link.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity - even if different exemplary embodiments are concerned - the same or comparable parts or elements or areas are denoted by the same reference symbols, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters.

Features that are only described in relation to one exemplary embodiment can also be provided in any other exemplary embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified exemplary embodiments are included in the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the application also includes the content of the disclosure of the associated priority documents (copy of the previous application) and the publications cited and the devices of the prior art described in full, also for the purpose of individual or multiple Features of these documents included in one or more claims of the present application.

The different exemplary embodiments of a system according to the invention for dosing media for washing and/or cleaning systems are each denoted by 10 in their entirety in the figures.

ID 1 a first exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic, block diagram-like representation.

The system 10 of 1 comprises a device 18 for remote data transmission to which three dosing devices 14a, 14b and 14c are connected. The metering device 14a includes in the embodiment of 1 an input disk 26a with three connections 30a, 30b, 30c shown by way of example, and an output disk 27a with an output connection 31. The two disks 26a, 27a can be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation 32, which is only indicated schematically, so that one of the three input connections 30a , 30b, 30c can be brought into communicative connection with the output 31 . A relative rotational position of the disks 26a, 27a is also possible, in which any communicative connection between the inputs 30a, 30b, 30c and the output 31 is blocked.

With regard to the structural details of a dosing device 14a, 14b, 14c, reference can be made to the applicant's patent applications mentioned at the outset.

A dosing device 14a with two rotatable discs 26a, 27a is only to be understood as an example, as an embodiment. For the use of a system according to the invention, any type of dosing devices can be considered, regardless of their structural design.

A dosing device 14a, 14b, 14c within the meaning of the present patent application is considered to be any device which is connected to at least one container on the input side and which is connected to at least one target container on the output side, and which delivers a specific volume of a liquid medium to the target device at a specified point in time can send.

The metering device 14a of the embodiment of 1 is connected on the input side to three separate containers 12a, 12b, 12c via connecting lines 23a, 23b, 23c, which are each filled with different media 11a, 11b, 11c. For example, these can be different detergents or cleaning agents or detergent components.

A pump 17a can be provided, for example, downstream of the dosing device 14a. The metering device 14a, in particular its outlet 31, is connected to a target device 13a via the connecting line 23d. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 only washing machines for washing textiles are shown as target devices 13a, 13b, 13c.

However, the invention also encompasses other target devices, for example dishwashing systems, or other cleaning systems or washing systems.

In the embodiment of 1 a target device 13a, 13b, 13c is connected to each of the three dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c. The invention also includes systems in which several target containers 13 are connected to one or more dosing devices 14 .

Each dosing device 14a, 14b, 14c can, after setting a washing or cleaning program according to predetermined parameters at predetermined times, ensure the provision of a corresponding communicative connection between the input connection 30a, 30b, 30c and the outlet 31, and by activating the pump 17a corresponding, predetermined ones Dispense doses of medium to the target device 13a, 13b, 13c. The washing program can be set, for example, by a program selector switch 33 on the washing machine 13a. For this purpose, the washing machine 13a can be connected to the dosing device 14a with a control device provided there via a signal or control line, not shown in the figures.

A control unit 15a, only indicated in the figures, is provided on the dosing device 14a, which ensures a corresponding sequence of dosing steps at the specified times. A memory unit 16a, again only indicated, which, as indicated, can also be formed integrally with the control unit 15a, that is, can be provided by a single component, can store dosing parameters.

The control unit 15a can receive and manage dosing information from a device 18, which will be described later. It can also write or store dosing information about dosing processes carried out by this dosing device 14a in the memory unit 16a. Finally, the control unit 15a is also capable of transmitting dosing information, which is located in the memory unit 16a, to the device 18.

The metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c are in the embodiment of 1 designed analogously to one another, so that only other small letters are appended to the reference symbols to distinguish them.

In the embodiment of 1 the device 18 for remote data transmission is connected to the individual dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c via a type of star connection with the aid of individual communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c. The device 18 can exchange dosing information bidirectionally with the dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c via the communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c.

The device 18 also has a memory 28 in which dosing information can be stored. It also includes a communication module 21, in the present case of the embodiment of FIG 1 a GSM module in order to be able to communicate wirelessly with an external computer 19 as a result. A screen 20 with an input option is shown—shown only schematically—on the computer 19 .

The device 18 can wirelessly receive dosing information from the external computer 19 as part of remote data transmission and transmit it to it.

The distance between the device 18 and the external computer 19 can be very large, for example several kilometers. The patent application designates this data transmission as long-distance data transmission.

Merely for the sake of clarification, it should be noted that the long-distance data transmission takes place wirelessly in all the exemplary embodiments of this patent application. However, the invention also includes exemplary embodiments in which the long-distance data transmission takes place by cable.

Finally, for clarification, it should be noted that the long-distance data transmission between the stationary device 18 for long-distance data transmission and the external computer 19 takes place over very long ranges, in particular over ranges of more than 100 meters, in particular several kilometers. Of course, this also allows for exemplary embodiments of the invention in which there are only small distances between the stationary device 18 for long-distance data transmission and a base station of the GSM network, not shown in the figures, because, for example, accidentally, in the immediate vicinity of the stationary arranged device 18 for long-distance data transmission, also a base station of a GSM network is located. Also in the latter case is connected to the GSM network computer 19, which is of course also in the Figures 1 to 3 not shown GSM counter-module, or is connected to such a GSM counter-module, arranged far away from the device 18 .

In contrast, the communication between the device 18 and the individual dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c is referred to as local data transmission. The entire system 10, including all dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c of the target devices 13a, 13b, 13c and the device 18 for remote data transmission are located within a building that is represented by a dashed line 25.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the dashed line 25 designates in 1 a business premises or a plant or a room of a building.

The communication modules in the device 18 and in the dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c or the corresponding communication interfaces that enable local data transmission are called local communication modules 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d or as local communication interfaces 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d.

For clarification, it should be noted that the device 18, with the aid of the remote communication module 21 and/or the memory 28 and/or a further control unit arranged on the device 18 but not shown in the figures, also manages the data connected to the device 18 connected dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c can take place.

The functioning of the system 10 of the embodiment of the invention 1 is as follows:
In a first variant, control commands for dosing information or dosing information are entered directly via the input option on the screen 20 of the external computer 19 in order to transfer dosing information from an in 1 not shown, but operatively connected to the external computer 19 GSM counter module to the device 18 to transmit. The dosing information for the dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c connected to the device 18 is managed there. The dosing information that the device 18 has received from the external computer 19 via remote data transmission is now, for example, simultaneously or successively to all connected dosing devices 14a, 14c, 14c, or specifically to some, i.e. addressed to specific dosing devices 14a , 14b, 14c via the near-end communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c. The dosing information can be transmitted actively by the device for remote data transmission 18, or passively, at the request of one or more dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c. For example, the received, transmitted dosing information can contain the information that a specific medium is to be used by the dosing devices in a lower or higher dosage than previously provided. Correspondingly, a new, changed dosing parameter can be sent to all dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c, so that the individual dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c can take this changed parameter into account in a later dosing process.

In a second variant of the invention, dosing information, for example information about consumption quantities of media, is transmitted from the individual dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c via the local communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c to the device 18, and there in the memory 28 filed. This information is collected and transmitted to the external computer 19 at a later point in time, for example when requested by the external computer 19, or also regularly at specified times or after specified intervals. This information can then be evaluated and processed there.

The embodiment of 2 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of 1 . Here is in contrast to the embodiment 1 no star-shaped network architecture is provided between the individual dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c and the device 18, but here the dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c are connected in series in the manner of a—not closed—ring line.

A transmission of metering information, for example, from the metering device 14c of 2 to the device 18 by transmitting the information via the local communication line 24c to the dosing device 14b, from there further via the local communication line 24b to the dosing device 14a, and finally from there via the local communication line 24a to the device for data Long-distance transmission 18. As a result, the assembly and cabling costs can be kept low overall.

Finally, another exemplary embodiment is shown 3 . Here, the local communication links are guaranteed wirelessly by appropriate local communication modules 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. These can be designed according to the W-LAN or Bluetooth standard, for example. However, in the embodiment of the figures 1 and 2 the short-range communication links are implemented by using known wired standards such as LAN or other bus systems.

For the sake of completeness, the invention also includes dishwashers and other washing or cleaning systems as target devices. Systems according to the invention may also include different types of target devices, for example laundry machines and dishwashers.

It should be noted that devices for applying a cleaning agent, e.g. B. for applying a cleaning solution to a cleaning device such. B. a mop for floor cleaning, may be included. However, devices for introducing a cleaning agent, e.g. B. in a designated container, together with water and / or with other media, in particular for the purpose of mixing or providing a detergent solution or a disinfectant solution.

Claims (11)

1. System (10) for dosing media (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i) for washing and/or cleaning systems and/or detergent systems, comprising several dosing devices (14a, 14b, 14c), wherein each dosing device is connected on the input side to several receptacles (12a, 12b, 12c) having different media and on the output side to at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), such as washing machines, dishwashers or a device for depositing or introducing a detergent, wherein the dosing device carries out dosing processes while taking pre-determined parameters into account, and wherein the dosing device is arranged separately from the target device,
   characterised in that

   a) a control unit (15a) and a storage unit (16a) that can be accessed by said control unit and in which dosing information can be deposited are respectively assigned to each dosing device,

   b) the system (10) comprises a device (18) for remote data transmission of dosing information, equipped to implement remote transmission of the dosing information for the several dosing devices collectively,

   c) and the device is communicatively connected to the several dosing devices for the purpose of local data transmission of the dosing information.
2. System according to claim 1, characterised in that the device has a communication module for remote data transmission, in particular a GSM module (21) and/or an internet connection.
3. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device and every dosing device has a communication module (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) for local data transmission and/or a communication interface (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) for local data transmission, in particular designed as a WLAN or LAN or Bluetooth interface.
4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a transmission of dosing information from an external computer (19) to the device can be implemented with the device (18) for remote data transmission, in particular for the purpose of transmitting parameters for dosing processes to the individual dosing devices.
5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a transmission of dosing information from the device (18) to an external computer (19) can be implemented with the device for remote data transmission, in particular for the purpose of documenting dosing processes.
6. System according to claim 4, characterised in that the dosing information transmitted from the device (18) to the individual dosing devices (14a, 14b, 14c) comprises parameters for dosing processes.
7. System according to claim 5, characterised in that the dosing information transmitted from the individual dosing devices (14a, 14b, 14c) to the device (18) comprises data that takes dosing processes carried out by the dosing devices into account.
8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device (18) collects and/or stores and/or regularly transmits to an external computer, or transmits to an external computer on request, dosing information received from the dosing devices.
9. System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device administrates and/or manages the dosing devices connected to it via a communication module (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) for local data transmission and/or a communication interface (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) for local data transmission, and in particular manages address information about the individual dosing devices for this purpose.
10. Method for operating a system (10) for dosing media (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i) for washing or cleaning systems (13a, 13b, 13c) and/or detergent systems that comprises several dosing devices (14a, 14b, 14c), wherein each of the several dosing devices is connected on the input side to several receptacles (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i) having different media and on the output side to at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), such as washing machines, dishwashers or a device for depositing or introducing a detergent, wherein the dosing device is equipped to carry out dosing processes while taking pre-determined parameters into account, wherein the dosing device is arranged separately from the target device, and wherein a control unit (15a) and a storage unit (16a) that can be accessed by said control unit and in which dosing information can be deposited are respectively assigned to each dosing device, characterised by the following steps:

    i) transmitting dosing information within a local data transmission from a first dosing device (14a) to a device (18) for remote data transmission,

    ii) transmitting dosing information within a local data transmission from a second dosing device (14b) to the device (18) for remote data transmission,

    iii) transmitting the dosing information received from the two dosing devices from the device (18) for remote data transmission within a remote data transmission to an external computer (19).
11. Method, in particular according to claim 10, for operating a system for dosing media (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i) for washing or cleaning systems (13a, 13b, 13c) and/or detergent systems that comprises several dosing devices (14a, 14b, 14c), wherein each of the several dosing devices is connected on the input side to several receptacles (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i) having different media and on the output side to at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), such as washing machines, dishwashers or a device for depositing or introducing a detergent, wherein the dosing device is equipped to carry out dosing processes while taking pre-determined parameters into account, wherein the dosing device is arranged separately from the target device, and wherein a control unit (15a) and a storage unit (16a) that can be accessed by said control unit and in which dosing information can be deposited are respectively assigned to each dosing device, characterised by the following steps:

    I) transmitting dosing information for several dosing devices from an external computer (19) within a remote data transmission to a device (18) for remote data transmission,

    II) transmitting dosing information from the device (18) for remote data transmission within a local data transmission to a first dosing device (14a),

    III) transmitting dosing information from the device (18) for remote data transmission within a local data transmission to a second dosing device (14b).

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