EP3115498B1 - Metering device for metering and supply of media and method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a metering device and a method for metering and supplying media.

The applicants, or the companies associated with them, have been developing and manufacturing metering devices for decades, with which media, in particular detergents or cleaning agents or their components, a target device, that is to say, for. B. a textile washing machine, or a dishwasher.

In order to be able to successively supply different media to a target device, the applicants have already developed metering devices which have a type of switching and distribution device, a so-called mixing distributor, which can comprise, for example, two essentially ceramic disks. This smell adjustment device can comprise several inputs and one output. By means of an actuator, which can assume different rotational positions, a communicative connection can be established between one of the inputs and the output. In this regard, reference is made, for example, to the developments based on the applicants according to the German patent application DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 , DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 , DE 10 2011 122 921.7 and DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 .

The mixing vertical direction of the type described, with a large number of inputs and one output, can also be used in a geometrically inverted arrangement. Then, in particular, it is provided that an input can be connected to one of a plurality of outputs so that there is the possibility of one of a plurality of outputs Bring target devices into communicative connection with the input connection.

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

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

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

From the US 6035472 A results in a system for supplying a plurality of target devices with chemicals. Peristaltic pumps are provided upstream of a branching point in order to convey chemicals from the associated containers. The transfer pumps assigned to the individual line branches do not ensure that the chemicals are removed from the containers. This document can be regarded as the closest prior art for the present invention and discloses a metering device for metering and supplying media via a fluid line to several target devices, in particular to several commercial textile washing machines, the metering device being connected to several containers, each with are filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is assigned a control unit which, after receiving a request signal from one of the target devices, carries out a metering process, the metering device having a branching point of the fluid line, and wherein in each case one line branch is connected to one target device and one of which Control device responsive pump is assigned.

From the DE 69410623 T2 the result is a dosing pump system in which a chemical solution with a constant flow rate is fed from several main washing machines from a main distribution line. A Removal of a predeterminable volume of medium from the container for delivery to a target device is not described here. Also, several different media cannot be funded.

From the US 5826749 results in a dosing system in which a chemical pump 208 and a transport pump 220 are connected in series. The chemicals are fed from the containers through the chemical pump to a mixing device. The mixed solution is then fed to the individual target devices by the transport pump. The publication does not indicate that the media are conveyed exclusively by pumps arranged downstream of the branching point.

Starting from a dosing device according to the WO 2O14 / 0O0726 the object of the invention is to further develop the known metering device in such a way that it permits a simple construction.

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

The principle of the invention consists essentially in designing the metering device in such a way that, instead of a switching device which has one input and several outputs, and in which a z. B. rotational movement of an actuator, a communicative connection between the inlet and one of the outputs is provided, a branch point is provided. The branching point can be provided in a very simple manner by a corresponding piece of tubing or a tubing spider. For example, branching points in the manner of a Y-branching or in the manner of a T-piece come into consideration. According to the invention, each line branch - downstream of the branch point - is assigned its own pump. In this respect, the pumps are arranged downstream of the branch point.

In the metering device according to the invention, a switching device for switching the fluid line branches leading to the individual target devices can be dispensed with, which is complex and thus causes high costs and switches different communication paths. In contrast, the branching point can be constructed and constructed considerably more simply.

The invention recognizes that as a result of providing a branching point with a plurality of line branches and providing a number of pumps corresponding to the number of line branches, the same result can be achieved with significantly less construction effort. According to the invention, by responding and operating one of the pumps, the medium is also conveyed only through this line branch which is assigned to the pump. When a pump is not in operation, it blocks corresponding pump the corresponding line branch. If one of several existing pumps is addressed, all other existing pumps shut off the line branches assigned to them. This is basically the case with the pumps intended for use by the invention, for example conventional peristaltic pumps.

The metering device according to the invention does require the provision of a higher number of pumps than in the case of a device of the prior art, which in principle managed with a single pump. However, the number of pumps in the invention can in principle be adapted to the number of target devices. In this respect, only as many pumps are required as there are target devices.

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

On the other hand, according to the invention, the maintenance intervals can also be made more uniform.

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

After receiving a corresponding request signal from the respective target device, a control unit of the metering device can address both the actuator of the mixing distribution device in order to provide the desired communicative switching connection, and thus also simultaneously address the pump assigned to the target device or its line path, and thus a corresponding promotion of Initiate the requested amount of medium from the corresponding container to the target device.

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

The dosing device is used for feeding and dosing media. Suitable detergents, cleaning agents, disinfectant solutions, detergents, or the like, or their constituents, are regarded as media. Fundamentally, they are fluids, in particular liquids, as are required or used for washing, cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting or other comparable processes.

The media are fed to the multiple target devices via fluid lines. The fluid lines can in particular be hoses, hose lines, and possibly also metallic hoses or lines.

A target device in the sense of the present patent application is in particular a commercial, textile washing machine or a household washing machine. In particular, a target device in the sense of the present patent application Dishwashing device or system, in particular viewed a commercial dishwasher.

Finally, disinfection systems or devices are also regarded as target devices in the sense of the present patent application.

The metering device according to the invention is connected or can be connected to at least one container which can be filled or filled with a medlum. According to the invention, the metering device is connected or can be connected to a plurality of containers. The multiple containers have different media.

According to the invention, the metering device is assigned a control unit. The control unit can in particular comprise a processor which is preprogrammed as a type of arithmetic unit or arithmetic unit or can also carry out individually programmable processes.

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

For this purpose, a communication interface can be provided on the target device. A corresponding further communication interface can also be provided on the metering device. The two communication interfaces can be connected to one another via an electrical line, in particular via a cable or a signal transmission line, but equally also wirelessly, for example under Using conventional or proprietary radio standards, such as Bluetooth or WLAN, can be connected to each other.

The control unit can initiate a dosing process after receiving a request signal. For this purpose, it can first - if available - address a motor for actuating an actuator of a mixed distribution device. The actuator can then be transferred to a corresponding position in which one of the inputs of the mixing distributor device is connected to the output of the mixer distributor device and thus also to the branching point. In this respect, the input that is connected to the corresponding container in which the medium to be conveyed is located is switched through.

The control unit can then address a pump and, by operating the pump, remove a predetermined amount of this medium from the container and convey it to this specific target device. The control unit addresses the pump that is assigned to the target device or the line branch leading to this target device

In the sense of the present patent application, a pump is understood to be any suitable pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, which is capable of delivering a predetermined amount of medium.

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

A region of the fluid line in which a section of the fluid line is divided into at least two fluid line branches is regarded as the branching point of the fluid line.

The invention also includes branching points in which a fluid line section is split up into three or more line branches.

The invention also includes if a plurality of branching points connected in series are provided in the fluid line, in order in this way to provide a large number of line branches for the purpose of connection to a plurality of target devices.

According to the invention, the possibility is also provided of addressing two, or even more, pumps at the same time, and of supplying the same medium to several target devices from one container with the aid of the several pumps. Of course, this possibility only affects those requirement situations in which requests for the same medium are simultaneously transmitted to the metering device by different target devices.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a collision avoidance device on the metering device rules out that several pumps simultaneously deliver medium to several target devices.

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

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

The actuator can in particular be designed such that it can be rotated. In particular, it makes sense to design the actuator and / or a mixing distributor device that can be assigned to this actuator, as disclosed in the patent applications of the applicants described at the beginning.

According to the invention, an inlet of the metering device is connected to a container. Different media are provided in the containers.

Due to the fact that several containers are provided which are filled with different media, the target devices can be supplied with different media.

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

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, check valves are assigned to the line branches. This makes it possible to prevent undesired fluid volume flows from flowing back through the branch point.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a communication interface which, after completion of the dosing process, transmits information about the completion of the dosing process to the target device. This ensures high process reliability.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a control device is arranged on the target device. Such a control device can take over a particularly secure communication with the control unit on the metering device.

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

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a communication point on the metering device side, and the control device is assigned a communication interface that is targeted. Between the control unit and control unit can be done via the two interconnected communication interfaces there is an exchange of data. The data can contain at least one of the information listed below:

1. a) Information about the target device:
   1. i) information about the manufacturer of the target device,
   2. ii) Technical information about the target device, in particular specification of a performance class
   3. iii) Information about the status of the target device, in particular information about a set washing or cleaning program and / or about a status of a washing or cleaning program
   4. iv) Information about the presence or absence of a fault on the target device
   5. v) Information about a dosing request
   6. vi) Information about the washing program to be carried out, in particular information about the media to be used in a washing program to be carried out
   7. vii) Information about a specific step or about several specific steps of a washing program, in particular information about the media to be used
   8. viii) information about the termination of a washing program
2. b) Information about the dosing device:
   • ix) information about the manufacturer of the dosing device,
   • x) Technical information about the dosing device, in particular specification of a performance class
   • xi) Information about the media connected to the dosing device
   • xii) Information about the other target devices connected to the dosing device
   • xiii) information about the status of the metering device, in particular information about a status of a metering process or information about a ready state of the metering device or information about a occupied status of the metering device
   • xiv) Information about a point in time at which the metering device is likely to return to a ready state
   • xv) Information about the presence or absence of a malfunction in the metering device
   • xvi) Information about the termination of a dosing process
   • xvii) Information about a successful and / or successfully carried out dosing process
   • xviii) information about a filling level of a container of a medium, in particular information about an empty state of a medium.

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

With regard to the particular advantages that result from such information transmission or from such an exchange of information, the disclosure content of the older, subsequently published German patent application is avoided in order to avoid repetition DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 referred.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a device for preventing collisions. This device is designed to prioritize the occurrence of colliding, in particular simultaneous, requirements for carrying out metering processes from several target devices Dosing processes. In particular, this allows a processing sequence to be defined. This also ensures high process reliability.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering device is assigned a first communication interface and the target device is assigned a second communication interface. The two communication interfaces can be connected to one another via an electrical line, in particular via a signal line. This embodiment of the invention makes it possible to use conventional communication interfaces, such as WLAN or Bluetooth or NFC, in order to allow communication between the control unit and control unit in a simple, inexpensive manner.

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

The invention further relates to a method according to claim 11.

The invention has for its object to provide a method with which a metering and supply of media via fluid lines to several target devices can be carried out in a particularly simple manner.

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

To avoid repetition, reference can be made to the above statements regarding claims 1 to 10.

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

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

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen blockschaltbildartigen Übersicht ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiereinrichtung mit drei angeschlossenen Behältnissen, einer Mischverteileinrichtung, einem Stellglied, und einer Y-artig ausgebildeten Verzweigungsstelle, die zwei Leitungszweige bereitstellt, an die zwei Zielgeräte angeschlossen sind,

Fig. 2

in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem die Verzweigungsstelle von einem T-Stück gebildet Ist,

Fig. 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1, wobei die Verzweigungsstelle drei Leitungszweige bereitstellt, wobei der Übersichtlichkeit halber nur zwei Zielgeräte dargestellt sind,

Fig. 4

in einer vergrößerten, schematischen Detailansicht, etwa gemäß Teilkreis IV in Fig. 1, den Bereich der Verzweigungsstelle, wobei zusätzlich Rückschlagventile angeordnet sind, wobei der Übersichtlichkeit halber die Pumpen nicht dargestellt sind, und

Fig. 5

In einer schematischen, teilgeschnittenen Darstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Darstellung ähnlich der Fig. 1, wobei lediglich der Bereich der Verzweigungsstelle der Fluidleitung - ähnlich der Fig. 4 - dargestellt ist, und wobei zwei Verzweigungsstellen in Reihe geschaltet sind.

Further advantages of the invention result from the subclaims not cited and from the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. In it show:

Fig. 1

a schematic block diagram-like overview of a first exemplary embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with three connected containers, a mixing distributor device, an actuator, and a Y-shaped branching point which provides two line branches to which two target devices are connected,

Fig. 2

in a representation according to Fig. 1 an embodiment in which the junction is formed by a T-piece,

Fig. 3

a further embodiment in a representation according to Fig. 1 , the branch point providing three line branches, only two target devices being shown for the sake of clarity,

Fig. 4

in an enlarged, schematic detailed view, approximately according to pitch circle IV in Fig. 1 , the area of the branching point, with additional check valves being arranged, the pumps not being shown for the sake of clarity, and

Fig. 5

In a schematic, partially sectioned representation, an embodiment of a representation similar to that Fig. 1 , with only the area of the junction of the fluid line - similar to that Fig. 4 - Is shown, and two branch points are connected in series.

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, the same or comparable parts or elements or areas are denoted with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of small letters, to the extent that different exemplary embodiments are concerned.

Features that are only described in relation to one exemplary embodiment can also be provided in the context of the invention in any other exemplary embodiment of the invention. Embodiments modified in this way - even if they are not shown in the drawings - are also encompassed by the invention.

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

The metering device, designated in its entirety by 10, is initially intended to be based on the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 are explained:
The metering device 10 of this exemplary embodiment initially comprises a mixing distributor device 11 and a branching point 12. Two metering devices 13a, 13b are connected to the metering device 10, which in the exemplary embodiment are designed as commercial, textile washing machines.

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

The dosing device 10 is set up and designed to, upon request of a target device 13, a switchable, communicative connection between a specific container, e.g. B. container 14a, and the branch point 12, and to address the pump associated with the corresponding line path for the target device and to remove the medium from the container 14a by pumps and to convey it to the target device.

According to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The mixing distributor device 11 can comprise an input disk 18 and an output disk 19. The output disk 19 is designed as an actuator and can be rotated about an axis of rotation 21 relative to the fixed input disk 18. A motor 20 is provided to initiate the rotary movement.

It should be noted at this point that actuators of different design can also be provided on the metering device 11.

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

The inlets 41a, 41b, 41c are connected to the corresponding container 14a, 14b, 14c via connecting lines 15a, 15b, 15c. Suction lances can, for example, be arranged at the respective end of the connecting lines 15a, 15b, 16c, which are assigned to the containers 14a, 14b, 14c.

The output 42 of the actuator 19 is connected to a fluid line 16. The fluid line 16 divides in the embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 in the area of a branching point 12 in two line branches 17a, 17b.

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

A first pump 22a is assigned to line branch 17a and a second pump 22b is assigned to line branch 17b. The two pumps 22a, 22b are formed independently of one another and separately from one another, and each represent a separate functional unit.

The metering device 10 also has a flow sensor 23 which is arranged in the region of the fluid line 16. The volume flowing through the fluid line 16 can be detected and determined with the flow sensor.

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

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

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

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

The operation of the metering device 10 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 is as follows:
The user can manually set a washing or cleaning program via the program selector switch 26a. The control device 29a can, as a result of the program selection, via the signal or control line 40b With the aid of the communication interface 30a, initiate a corresponding request for a specific medium and a specified quantity at a specific point in time to the control unit 27 of the metering device 10. The control unit 27 receives the metering request via the communication interface 28.

The control unit 27 can be assigned a device 33 for collision prevention, or it can comprise such a device 33. First, the device 33, possibly in cooperation with the control unit 27, will check whether there is a collision - because, for example, the second target device 13b simultaneously transmitted a colliding metering request.

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

With regard to the structural design of such a mixing distributor device 11 according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG Fig. 1 can help avoid repetitions on patent applications DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 , DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 , DE 10 2011 122 921.7 , DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 and WO 2014/000726 to get expelled.

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

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

The control unit 27 can use the flow meter 23 to check or control the conveying process. In one exemplary embodiment it can be provided that the flow meter 23 initiates a corresponding signal output to the control unit 27, or that the control unit 27 makes a corresponding query to the flow meter 23 in order to check whether the quantity of medium to be conveyed has actually been conveyed .

Sensor 24a can also be used to determine, for example, on target device 13a whether the medium to be conveyed has properly arrived at target device 13a.

When the conveyance of the medium 31a has been completed, the metering device 10 can carry out a flushing process. For this can Assuming that the medium 31b is provided by conventional water. The control unit 27 can in turn set the actuator 19 in rotation by responding to the motor 20 to provide a communicative connection between the second input 41b and the output 42. Now the flushing medium can 31d by responding again to the pump 22a through the outlet 42, the fluid line 16, the branching point 12 and at least a section of the line branch 17a to the target device 13a.

To prevent dead spaces - indicated by the reference symbol 34 in Fig. 4 - Small remaining volumes of the previously conveyed medium 31a can be provided in the course of the flushing process that the pump 22b is caused by the control unit 27 to deliver in the reverse direction, that is to say contrary to the usual conveying direction, for a very short time in order to In these dead spaces, any minimum amounts of medium present in the course of the flushing process must also be conveyed into the line branch 17a. After a very short time, the pump 22b, and later the pump 22a, is stopped. The dosing process is now successfully completed.

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

The target device 13a can now determine, for example via the sensor 25a, by measuring the conductivity of the liquor 43a whether sufficient dosing has taken place. Results in the measurement of the conductivity - or the measurement of another measured value, such as temperature, pH value, liquid level or the like, The control unit 29a can transmit a further metering request to the metering device 10 that a further metering or a metering has to be carried out.

According to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 In order to prevent dead volumes or to avoid the formation of dead spaces in the region of branching point 12, an arrangement of check valves can be made. Fig. 4 shows an example of the line branch 17a a pivotable check valve 44a in the closed position in dashed lines, the open position is shown in dashed lines. A second check valve 44b is indicated for the line branch 17b, which is shown in solid lines in the open position, and its closed position - which blocks the fluid line 17b - is shown in dashed lines.

In one embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of check valves also enables the use of pumps which do not block the line branch connected to them in the idle state - that is, when they are not addressed. It can be provided here that the check valves alone ensure that when a pump assigned to another line branch is operated, no backflows into the line branch assigned to the check valve can occur unintentionally.

However, the invention also encompasses when the pumps described in the other exemplary embodiments and partially shown schematically block the line branch assigned to them in idle mode, and the check valves are provided in addition to such pumps.

According to the execution example of the Fig. 2 is to be explained that the branching point 12 - in contrast to the substantially Y-shaped branching point of FIG Fig. 1 - In other exemplary embodiments can also be designed in the manner of an essentially T-shaped fitting.

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

The embodiment of the Flg. 3 finally indicates that the fluid line 16 also extends to more than two line branches, for example, in the region of the branching point 12 Fig. 3 shows, can branch on three line branches.

Finally, the embodiment of FIG Fig. 5 that the invention also includes metering devices in which two or more branch points are connected in series; So shows Fig. 5 a first branch point 12, in which the fluid line 16 splits onto a first line branch 17a and a second line branch 17b. A second branch point 35 is arranged downstream of this first branch point 12, in which the first line branch 17a splits into two sub-branches 17a1 and 17a2. What can be done on each of the two sub-branch branches 17a1 and 17a2 Fig. 5 not shown - in turn, its own target device 13 may be connected. A separate pump 22a1, 22a2 is assigned to each of the sub-branches 17a1 and 17a2.

Such a serial arrangement of several branch points can - as in Fig. 5 shown - may be advantageous in terms of flow technology. This can also have advantages with regard to the geometric Design of the fluid line branches result. Finally, it is possible to use conventional hose connector elements.

Claims (12)

1. Metering device (10) for metering and supply of media (31a, 31b, 31c) via a fluid line (16) to a plurality of target devices (13a, 13b), in particular to a plurality of commercial textile washing machines, wherein the metering device is connected to at least one container (14a, 14b, 14c), which is filled with a medium, and wherein a control unit (27) is assigned to the metering device, said control unit carrying out a metering process after receiving a request signal from one of the target devices, wherein the metering device has at least one junction point (12) of the fluid line, which provides a plurality of line branches (17a, 17b, 17c), wherein the junction point is formed by a region of the fluid line, in which a section of the fluid line is divided over at least two fluid line branches, and wherein the metering device has a plurality of inlets (41a, 41b, 41c), which can each be switchably brought into communicative connection with the junction point by means of the control unit with the aid of an actuator (19), wherein each inlet (41a, 41b, 41c) is connected to a container (14a, 14b, 14c) and wherein a plurality of containers are provided, which are filled with different media, wherein each line branch connects the junction point to a target device, wherein one pump (22a, 22b, 22c), which can be activated by the control unit of the metering device, is assigned to each line branch, and wherein the control unit, to carry out the metering process, by means of activating and operating the respective pump (22a, 22b, 22c) draws a previously-determined volume of medium from a determined container and delivers this volume to the respective target device.
2. Metering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the junction point (12) is formed in the manner of a Y junction or in the manner of a T junction.
3. Metering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that check valves (44a, 44b) are assigned to the line branches (17a, 17b, 17c).
4. Metering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a communication interface (28) is assigned to the control unit (27), said communication interface, after completion of the metering process, transmitting to the target device information about the metering process that was carried out.
5. Metering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one control device (29a, 29b) is arranged in each case at the target device.
6. Metering device according to claim 5, characterised in that a metering device-side communication interface (28) is assigned to the control unit (27) at the metering device (10) and a target device-side communication interface (30a, 30b) is assigned to the control device (29a, 29b) at the target device (13a, 13b), wherein data is exchanged between control device and control unit via the two communication interfaces connected to one another, said data containing at least one of the items of information listed below:

   a) information about the target device:

   i) details about the manufacturer of the target device

   ii) technical details about the target device, in particular details of a performance class

   iii) details about the status of the target device, in particular details about a set washing or cleaning program and/or about a status of a washing or cleaning program

   iv) details about the presence or the absence of a fault at the target device

   v) details about a metering request

   vi) details about the washing program to be carried out, in particular details about the media to be used in a washing program to be carried out

   vii) details about a specific step or about a plurality of specific steps of a washing program, in particular details about the media to be used

   viii) details about an interruption of a washing program

   b) Information about the metering device:

   ix) details about the manufacturer of the metering device

   x) technical details about the metering device, in particular details of a performance class

   xi) details about the media connected to the metering device

   xii) details about the further target devices connected to the metering device

   xiii) details about the status of the metering device, in particular details about a status of a metering process or details of a standby status of the metering device or details of a busy status of the metering device

   xiv) details about a time when the metering device will likely return to a standby status

   xv) details about the presence or the absence of a fault at the metering device

   xvi) details about an interruption of a metering process

   xvii) details about a metering process that took place and/or was successfully carried out

   xviii) details about a fill level of a container of a medium, in particular details about an empty status of a medium.
7. Metering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a device (33) for preventing conflicts is assigned to the control unit (27), said device prioritising the metering processes, in particular specifying a processing sequence if conflicting, in particular simultaneous, requests occur from a plurality a target devices to carry out metering processes.
8. Metering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first communication interface (28) is assigned to the metering device and a second communication interface (30a, 30b) is assigned to the target device, which are in particular connected to one another via an electric line (40f), more in particular via a signal line.
9. Metering device according to claim 8, characterised in that the two communication interfaces (28, 30a, 30b) are wirelessly connected to one another, in particular by relying on conventional standards such as WLAN or NFC.
10. Metering device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the metering device is arranged externally, separated from the target devices.
11. Method for metering and supply of media (31a, 31b, 31c) via a fluid line (16) to a plurality of target devices (13a, 13b), in particular to a plurality of commercial textile washing machines, wherein a metering device is connected to at least one container (14a, 14b, 14c), which is filled with a medium, and wherein a control unit (27) is assigned to the metering device, wherein the metering device has at least one junction point (12) of the fluid line (16), which provides a plurality of line branches (17a, 17b, 17c), wherein the junction point is formed by a region of the fluid line, in which a section of the fluid line is divided over at least two fluid line branches, wherein each line branch connects the junction point to a target device, and wherein one pump (22a, 22b, 22c), which can be activated by the control unit of the metering device, is assigned to each line branch wherein the metering device has a plurality of inlets (41a, 41b, 41c), which can each be switchably brought into communicative connection with the junction point by means of the control unit with the aid of an actuator (19), wherein each inlet (41a, 41b, 41c) is connected to a container (14a, 14b, 14c) and wherein a plurality of containers are provided, which are filled with different media, said method comprising the steps:

    a) receiving a request signal for a medium from a target device (13a) through the control unit (27),

    b) activating and operating a pump (22a) assigned to this target device through the control unit,

    c) drawing a requested quantity of medium from the corresponding container (14a) as a result of running the pump, and

    d) delivering the quantity of medium through the line branch (17a), associated with the pump (22a), to the target device (13a).
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the following step is carried out after step d):

    e) rinsing the line branch (17a) at least in the region of the junction point (12), wherein the following step is carried out in particular when carrying out step e) :

    f) briefly rotating or pumping backwards the pumps (20b, 20c) of the other line branches (17b, 17c).

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