EP3384979A1 - Method and device for dissolving a treatment agent - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering device (10) for the dissolution of a solids treatment agent (50) with a release / and storage container (40) in which a fluid is stored. The fluid flows through a water inlet (41) and is circulated by means of a pump (45, 68). This acts on a line (46) through which the solids treatment agent (50) is passed to a spray nozzle (47), emerges from this and the solids treatment agent (50) dissolves. The pump (45, 68) is switched by means of a hollow body float (20) or a solid material float (31) which, depending on the concentration of the dissolved solids treatment agent (50), is present in the treatment agent / fluid mixture (48) in the solution / storage container (40). rises or falls.

Description

Technical area

In commercial and commercial cleaning and care procedures, the treatment agents for cleaning soiled equipment, such as steamer, ovens, etc., or as a treatment agent in cleaning machines, such as rinsing, washing and cleaning machines for cleaning, descaling and rinsing of items, textiles and surfaces are used. Particularly in commercial cleaning, multi-dosing systems are frequently used, which are predominantly operated with liquid treatment agent, since liquid treatment agents can be metered cost-effectively and reliably, and suitable liquid metering devices are low-maintenance.

State of the art

EP 2 502 542 B1 discloses a multiple dosing system which completely dissolves by a single dissolution process of a provided treating agent in powder, tab, block, gel form with a predetermined amount in a defined amount of fluid, preferably water, and stores the generated liquid treating agent in a reservoir.

DE 32 05 790 A1 discloses a control and regulating electronics, which generates a defined treatment agent concentration in the cleaning device, such as a dishwasher or washing machine using a conductivity measuring sensor in the treatment fluid. The difference here is that the treatment agent produced in the desired concentration in the application solution by means of sensor electronics, no longer stored, but consumed immediately becomes. In addition, the described control electronics operate only at low concentrations, for example from 0.5 g / l to 10 g / l ≙ 0.05 to 1% w / w accurately and with the required reliability.

DE 87 10 373 U1 discloses a device which allows a metered feeding of a solid detergent in dissolved form in dishwashers with the control and regulating technique described above. Consisting of a receiving the solid detergent, serving as a sales container and a container with downwardly opening receiving dosing device, the device further comprises a housing with a cap, a bottom disposed, acting in the opening of the container water spray for releasing the cleaner and a Procedure for the dissolved cleaner. Dosing devices of the aforementioned construction are known. They have a cross-sectionally cylindrical or conical housing, which has a water-permeable bottom in the lower area and in which the solid is entered from above. The container in on its upper side by means of a lid closed. Below the water-permeable, the solids cleaner receiving soil a spraying device with nozzles is arranged, which sprays the water from below onto the solid and gradually dissolves it from below. The cleaner dissolved in the water leaves the device housing via a bottom-side drain, in order subsequently to reach the rinsing tank of a dishwasher. The metering is done in such a way that the spraying device is put into operation as long as the cleaning agent is needed in the dishwasher, the control taking place in dependence on the concentration determined in the dishwasher. In a device known from practice, the solids cleaner is housed in a plastic container which tapers flat conically at its upper side and has a short cylindrical neck for a screw cap. By means of this packaging, the solid cleaner is offered commercially. After removal of the screw cap, the consumer inserts the fallen container into the housing of the dosing device, wherein the water is injected into the container by means of the spray device and dissolves the cleaner out of the container. The dissolved cleaner drains through the opening of the container in the lower part of the housing of the dosing device and can get there via the drain in the dishwasher.

DE 36 89 145 T2 discloses a dosage of different solids cleaners to reach a required concentration by means of an electrical signal by measuring the conductivity in the solution.

EP 2 905 069 A1 has the object of a metering device for providing at least one cleaner or at least one cleaning component and a method for operating a metering device. The dosing device comprises a feed chamber and a recirculation medium circulated therein by means of a circulation pump. The circulation pump promotes the circulation medium in the circulation. The circulation medium is applied in a timely manner via nozzles to the at least one cleaner or the at least one cleaner component. This generated, defined detergent, Descaler and rinse aid solution is then fed to the cleaning, descaling or rinsing of items to be washed, the muffle area of a baking oven or steamer, a milk line system or a Kaffeebrüheinheit in coffee machines. The treatment agent produced in this case is subject to strong concentration fluctuations, can not be stored, since it does not remain microbiologically stable for long periods.

WO98 / 015682 A1 refers to a device for dosing pasty substances and their mixing with a solvent by means of injector with integrated obturator. The device has a detection device of a paste amount based on a conductivity measurement. As a shut-off valve, a double control piston for separately closing an opening between the paste feed and an injector suction chamber and an opening between the solvent supply and an injector prechamber is provided. The invention further relates to a method for dosing pasty substances and their mixing with a solvent by means of such a device. It is moved by opening a shut-off device in a supply line for the pressurized solvent of a double-control piston assembly against a counteracting force and thereby first released a connection between a Pastezuführleitung and the injector suction chamber and then a connection between the solvent supply line and the injector prechamber , It is sucked by working on the principle of a water jet pump injector paste and mixed with this relaxing solvent. The resulting mixture is injected into a measuring section, in which via a conductivity measuring arrangement, the amount of in the Mixture dissolved paste determined and after reaching the Solldosiermenge the shut-off can be closed. Thereafter, the previous opening circuit runs in reverse order to achieve the shut-off.

DE 10 2007 058 589 A1 discloses a cleaning system, especially for commercial or home-use ovens, dishwashers or coffee machines or the like. The cleaning system comprises a cleaner package in block or powder form with at least one detergent phase and / or a final rinse phase and / or at least one descaling phase. The cleaner container is embedded in a multi-functional cartridge and forms with this a dissolving chamber, which is acted upon via an inlet with a solvent, which is preferably water, and from which can be discharged through a drain concentrate in dilute or undiluted form. Depending on the service life and amount of fluid, it triggers a defined concentrated cleaner, decalcifier, rinse aid quantity which can be removed by means of a metering pump into the area to be cleaned. Depending on the residence time and amount of fluid, the solutions produced in this case are close to the maximum solubility of the particular treatment agent.

WO 92/04857 A1 discloses a metering device which generates a concentrated treatment solution from a solid cleaner by a temporary wetting with the aid of a solvent, which is preferably water. Here, the concentration ranges vary between 9% to 16%, ie a controlled monitoring by electronic sensors for setting a previously defined concentration range does not take place here.

Presentation of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an on-demand supply of a solid treatment agent dissolved in a fluid, ie a treatment agent / fluid mixture, wherein upon further reaching a certain concentration of treatment agent in the treatment agent / fluid mixture, further generation of treatment agent / fluid mixture is prevented or whose circulation is terminated and falls below a certain treatment agent concentration in the Treatment agent / fluid mixture again treatment agent / fluid mixture is generated.

Following the proposed solution according to the invention, a metering device for single and multiple dosages is proposed, which comprises serving for a dissolution of a solid-processing agent solution / storage container in which a fluid is stored, which flows over a fluid inlet and is circulated by a pump acting on a line, via which the solids treatment agent is sprayed through a spray nozzle. The operation of the pump is carried out by a hollow body float or a float made of solid material, which increases or decreases depending on the concentration of the dissolved solids treatment agent in the solid processing agent / fluid mixture in the solvent / storage tank. By spraying the solid processing agent or by circulating the solids treating agent / fluid mixture, a defined concentrated liquid solid processing agent / fluid mixture is produced, which is stored for single or multiple dosing in a treating agent reservoir. Advantageously, the time-limited spraying of the solids treatment agent or the circulation of the solids treatment agent / fluid mixture takes place only until a previously defined density has been reached in the solids treatment agent / fluid mixture.

Advantageously, it is achieved by the proposed solution according to the invention that the time-limited claims or circulation lasts only until a previously determined by the selection of the floating variable density corresponding to, for example, a filling amount of a filling material of Hohlkörperschwimmers or a corresponding plastic material of Vollmaterialschwimmers is achieved , By selecting the amount of charge that is introduced into a cavity of the hollow material float, or by selecting the solid plastic material from which the solid float is selected, concentration ranges of solids treating agent / fluid can range from 3% to 45% depending on the treatment agent can be variably adjusted and manufactured. Upon reaching the desired concentration of the solid processing agent in the circulating fluid, the float, whether it be the hollow body shimmer, be it the solid float, buoys and floats partially or completely in the solid processing / fluid mixture.

In an advantageous embodiment of the concept underlying the invention, the hollow body float or solid material float can switch a reed contact for actuation of the pump for spraying the solids treatment agent or for circulation of the solids treatment agent / fluid mixture with increase in density in the solids treatment / fluid mixture.

Alternatively, there is the possibility that the hollow body float or the solid material float switches a photocell or a photoelectric barrier to actuate the pump to spray the solid processing agent or circulate the solid processing agent / fluid mixture as the solids / surfactant mixture increases in density.

It is also possible for the hollow body float or the solid float to switch a membrane of a pressure cell or pressure sensor to actuate the pump to spray the solid-matter treatment agent or circulate the solid-treating agent / fluid mixture as the solid-treating agent / fluid mixture increases in density.

The solids treatment agent is advantageously stored in a cartridge or provided in a product cassette which is filled by an application, preferably by water-soluble treatment agent. In the case of a cartridge, this is preferably used over the top down, which is done above a Ansprühvorrichtung. This is positioned so that a supply line of the pump with a spray nozzle provided thereunder ends below the cartridge, which is open over the head and stores the solid treatment agent.

It is possible to insert them horizontally or vertically into a cassette receptacle by means of an adapter in a product cassette arranged parallel to the supply / storage container. In the manner of a drawer, the juxtaposed dispensing / storage containers and the cassette holder are inserted below a baking muffle or a cooking chamber of a combination appliance. In the case of the arrangement of the supply / storage container and the cassette, these are connected to each other via an overflow serving as an adapter, so that the dissolved in the product chamber in this case solids treatment agent on the overflow in the Dispensing / storage tank overflowed and circulated in this by a circulation pump.

Following the solution proposed according to the invention, the hollow body float has a cavity which can be filled with a filling material. In accordance with the amount of filling material which can be accommodated in the cavity in different volumes V ₀ , V ₁ , V ₂ , V ₃ ..., The float can be provided with a dead weight which reaches different density ranges which are present in the solids treatment agent - / adjust fluid mixture, is adjusted. Upon reaching a defined solid-processing agent concentration in solids-treating agent / fluid mixture, the hollow body float floats and actuates either a photocell, a reed contact, a magnet, a photocell, or the like, as shown above.

The hollow body float can be designed in a cylindrical shape or in the form of a cuboid. The hollow body float can be provided with filling and outlet openings for filling materials for filling with a filling material, which serves to set different buoyancy weight forces of the hollow body float, whereby a simple adaptation of the hollow body float used can be carried out according to its filling with filling material to predetermined concentration ranges.

On the hollow body float, a magnet can be provided for actuating the reed contact, whether in rod form or in disc form. In addition, it is possible to provide the hollow body float a plastic plate for interrupting a photocell to activate a photocell.

If a solid material float is used instead of a hollow body float, this can be designed in the form of a cylinder or in the form of a cuboid. In the solid material float, for example, a stop surface may be designed for a pressure sensor, or a magnet for actuating a reed contact, analogous to the above-described hollow body float according to the invention. Furthermore, a guide element of metallic material or plastic material can be provided on the float made of solid material, which is a punctual pressure contact or a flat pressure contact to a pressure measuring cell or a pressure sensor or the activation of a photocell or a light barrier is used.

On the solid float, whose solid material is selected according to the predetermined concentration ranges, and which may be formed in a cylinder shape or a cuboid shape, there may also be provided a magnet having a disk-like appearance and fixed to a guide bar. In particular, the metering device proposed according to the invention is used in a combination oven, a steam cooker or an oven.

In a further embodiment variant of the solution proposed according to the invention, a floating body, be it a hollow body float or a solid material float, can be arranged permanently below the water level in the solvent / treatment agent tank. Said hollow body or solid material float can be permanently connected to a pressure sensor arranged above it, for example connected to it by a rod-shaped element. As described above, since the buoyant force of the hollow body float or the solid floater depends on the concentration of the circulated solid processing agent / fluid mixture, the buoyancy force acting on the hollow body float is continuously detected. An increase in concentration resulting from dissolution of the solid processing material consequently increases the buoyancy which acts on the hollow body float or the solid material float and thus influences the measured value of the pressure sensor with which the hollow body float or solid material float is permanently in communication.

After filling the metering device, the dissolution of the cleaner of the solid processing agent by circulation of the fluid takes place in the release / storage container due to the switched dosing. In this phase, the solid processing agent is dissolved, the concentration of which increases in the solid-processing agent / fluid mixture. The increase in concentration in the solid-processing agent / fluid mixture due to the dissolution of the solids treatment agent increases the buoyancy which acts on the hollow body float or the solid material float and thus influences the force or the pressure applied thereto at the pressure sensor or at the pressure measuring cell.

Upon reaching the target value for the concentration of the solid processing agent in the solid-processing agent / fluid mixture, the circulation is stopped and the solids treatment agent completely or partially withdrawn by means of the metering pump. Here, in contrast to the other embodiments described above no fixed buoyancy and thus no defined concentration is given. Starting from a defined tank volume, a concentration of treatment agent of low concentration and thus a lower buoyancy force can now be generated. This can then correspond exactly to the required amount and be passed completely into the device to be cleaned. In this case, the device is rinsed with water and remains in this state until the next request to the treatment agent.

Alternatively, a high concentration of treating agent may also be produced in the solid-treating agent-fluid mixture. From this only a part can be added, i. subtracted from. This metering of subsets may be repeated until the supply of solid-treating agent-fluid mixture provided has been exhausted and treating agent needs to be re-produced. In this context, it is also possible to replenish the withdrawn amount of treatment agent with water.

With the illustrated embodiment of the metering device proposed according to the invention, any desired concentration can be set, which is continuously detected by the spraying of the solids treatment agent increase in the concentration in the solid-Behandlungsmittel- / Fluldgemisch from the pressure measuring device.

Advantages of the invention

By inventively proposed solution can be achieved by means of the hollow body float and its corresponding filling with a filler or by the Vollmaterialschwimmer by acting on these buoyancy at a density change in the solid-Behandlungsmittel- / fluid mixture that electronic sensors are controlled. As described above, with appropriate buoyancy, the on the Hollow body float or on the solid material float acts, the interruption of a photocell or the activation of a photocell made. Furthermore, it is possible to switch by a patch on the respective float magnet reed contact for actuating the circulation pump. By area or point increases in pressure, which act depending on the geometry of the float or the contact element provided on this due to the buoyancy of the hollow body float or the Vollmaterialschwimmers flat or punctual increases in pressure can be generated. As soon as the desired concentration of the solids treatment agent is reached in the solid-processing agent / fluid mixture, the float, be it the hollow body float or the solid material float, presses on one or more adjacent surfaces or membranes of a pressure sensor, interrupts or activates a light barrier photocell. The interruption thus generated stops the operation of the pump used for spraying the solid processing agent or circulating the solid processing agent / fluid mixture in the solution / treating agent container.

By the inventively proposed solution, in particular in the variant in which the float, it is a hollow body float, be it a solid float, permanently connected to a pressure sensor, according to the buoyancy acting on these, the treatment agent concentration in the solid processing agent / fluid mixture continuously be recorded.

According to the embodiment with hollow body float, depending on the filling amount, filler almost any density adjustment, i. any variable custom concentration adjustment possible. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the embodiment variant in the form of a cassette or a drawer represents a space-saving solution in many food preparation appliances. The cassette / drawer form allows safe product storage below the preparation room, so that contact with the food to be prepared can be excluded.

For the contacts photocell, pressure sensor and the like, are all outside of the solids-treating agent-fluid mixture, thereby inexpensive components are used. In addition, a low failure rate is ensured by the selected components.

Short description of the drawing

With reference to the figures, the invention will be described in more detail below.

Figuren 1.1 und 1.2

einen als Hohlkörperschwimmer oder Vollmaterialschwimmer ausgebildeten Schwimmer und dessen Bewegung bei Konzentrationszunahme des Feststoff-Behandlungsmittels im Feststoff-Behandlungsmittel-/Fluidgemisch zur Aktivierung eines Reed-Kontaktes, der die Pumpe betätigt,

Figur 2.1 und 2.2

einen Hohlkörperschwimmer oder alternativ einen Hohlmaterialschwimmer, der mit einem Führungselement ausgestattet ist und bei Konzentrationszunahme des Feststoff-Behandlungsmittels im Feststoff-Behandlungsmittel-/Fluidgemisch eine Photozelle aktiviert, eine Lichtschranke unterbricht und die Pumpe dementsprechend betätigt, d.h. abschaltet,

Figuren 3.1 und 3.2

einen Hohlkörperschimmer oder ein Vollmaterialschwimmer, der bei Konzentrationszunahme des Feststoff-Behandlungsmittels im Feststoff-Behandlungsmittel-/Fluidgemisch einen flächigen Druckkontakt, beispielsweise zu einer Membran einer Druckmesszelle herstellt und die Pumpe ausschaltet,

Figur 4

eine Ausführungsvariante eines Anlöse-/Bevorratungsbehälters mit parallel angeordneter Produktkassette in Schubladenform und einen im Anlöse-/Bevorratungsbehälter angeordneten Hohlmaterialschwimmer, Hohlkörperschwimmer oder Vollmaterialschwimmer, der einen Reed-Kontakt oder eine Photozelle betätigt,

Figur 5

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante der parallelen Anordnung von Anlöse-/Bevorratungsbehälter und Produktkassette in Schubladenform mit einem Hohlkörperschwimmer oder Schwimmer aus Vollmaterial, der durch einen Magneten einen Reed-Kontakt schaltet, der wiederum die Pumpe abschaltet,

Figuren 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 und 6.4

den Hohlraum eines Hohlkörperschwimmers, der entsprechend auf den Konzentrationsbereich durch entsprechende Füllvolumina V₀, V₁, V₂ und V₃ mit einem Füllmaterial befüllt ist und der eine Kunststoffplatte samt Einfüllstutzen umfasst,

Figuren 7.1 bis 7.4

Vollmaterialschwimmer aus unterschiedlichen Kunststoffen mit unterschiedlicher Dichte gemäß des gewünschten Konzentrationsbereiches für rundflächige Drucksensoren mit Magneten für Reed-Kontakt mit punktueller Betätigung Drucksensor und Photozelle,

Figuren 7.5 und 7.6

Hohlkörperschwimmer mit Füll- bzw. Entleerungsstutzen zum Einstellen von unterschiedlichen Dichtebereichen und zur Betätigung von Drucksensoren, Photozellen, Reed-Kontakten,

Figuren 8.1 und 8.2

Vollmaterialschwimmer in Quaderform,

Figur 8.3

einen Hohlkörperschwimmer mit Füll- und Entleerungsstutzen zur Einstellung des Dichtebereiches mit einem Plättchen zur Betätigung einer Lichtschranke oder einer Photozelle und

Figur 9

die Ausführungsvariante der erfindungsgemäß vorgeschlagenen Dosiereinrichtung mit einem Drucksensor über ein Verbindungselement gekoppelten Schwimmkörper, der stets unter dem Füllniveau des Anlöse-Bevorratungsbehälter gehalten wird.

It shows:

Figures 1.1 and 1.2

a float designed as a hollow body float or solid material float and its movement upon increase in concentration of the solids treatment agent in the solids treatment agent / fluid mixture for activation of a reed contact actuating the pump,

FIGS. 2.1 and 2.2

a hollow body float or alternatively a hollow material float, which is equipped with a guide element and activates a photocell upon concentration increase of the solids treatment agent in solid-processing agent / fluid mixture, interrupts a light barrier and the pump is operated accordingly, ie shuts off,

Figures 3.1 and 3.2

a hollow body shimmer or a solid material float, which produces a surface pressure contact, for example, to a membrane of a pressure measuring cell and switches off the pump when the solids treatment agent increases in the solid-processing agent / fluid mixture,

FIG. 4

an embodiment of a release / storage container with parallel arranged product cassette in a drawer form and arranged in the release / storage container hollow material float, hollow body float or Solid material float operating a reed contact or photocell,

FIG. 5

a further embodiment of the parallel arrangement of release / storage container and product cassette in a drawer form with a hollow body float or float made of solid material, which switches by a magnet a reed contact, which in turn switches off the pump,

Figures 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4

the cavity of a hollow body float, which is filled according to the concentration range by corresponding filling volumes V ₀ , V ₁ , V ₂ and V ₃ with a filling material and which comprises a plastic plate with filler neck,

Figures 7.1 to 7.4

Solid material floats made of different plastics with different densities according to the desired concentration range for round-shaped pressure sensors with magnets for reed contact with selective actuation pressure sensor and photocell,

Figures 7.5 and 7.6

Hollow body float with filling or discharge nozzle for setting different density ranges and for actuating pressure sensors, photocells, reed contacts,

Figures 8.1 and 8.2

Solid material floats in cuboid shape,

Figure 8.3

a hollow body float with filling and emptying nozzle for setting the density range with a small plate for actuating a photoelectric sensor or a photocell and

FIG. 9

the embodiment of the inventively proposed metering device with a pressure sensor via a Connecting element coupled float, which is always kept below the filling level of the release storage container.

variants

The in the Figures 1.1 and 1.2 illustrated embodiment of the inventively proposed metering device 10 is a hollow body float 20 can be seen, which actuates a reed contact 22. The float may alternatively be a solid material float 31. On the latter, a disk-shaped magnet 30 is located in the pick-up / storage tank 40, for example, water is introduced into the pick-up / storage tank 40 via a water inlet 41, which is controlled by a solenoid valve 42. In order to prevent overflow, the take-up / storage tank 40 is provided with a fluid overflow 43. The treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 contained in the solution / storage container is circulated by a pump 45. This is acted upon via a pump inlet 44 with the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48. Extending from the pump 45 is an injection line 46 on the pressure side, which opens at a spray nozzle 47 below a cartridge 51 which stores a solids treatment agent 50. The cartridge 51 is attached to the metering device with a cartridge receptacle 53. As long as the pump 45 is running, spraying agent / fluid mixture 48 is sprayed into the overhead cartridge 51 through the atomizing nozzle 47, so that the concentration of the solid processing agent 50 in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 increases. As long as the spraying takes place, the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 is circulated by the conveying activity of the pump 45. During operation of the pump 45, the concentration of the treating agent in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 in the solvent / storage tank 40 increases continuously, the float being a hollow body float 20, be it a solid float 31 increases.

Im in Figure 1.2 In the state shown, the desired concentration of the solids treatment agent 50 in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 is reached, so that the magnet 30, which is fastened to the upper side of the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31, the reed disposed laterally on the release / storage container 40 Contact 22 switches. This in turn switches off the pump 45, so that both the circulation of the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 in the solvent / storage container 40 is stopped, as well as the further spraying of the solids treatment agent 50 in the cartridge 51 above the Ansprühdüse 47. Now, a continuous removal of the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 with a defined concentration of dissolved solids treatment agent 50 from the solvent / Vorratsungsbehälter 40th respectively.

In the illustration according to the Figures 2.1 and 2.2 an alternative embodiment of the inventively proposed metering device 10 is shown.

Identical components are provided in different variants with identical reference numerals.

In the in Figure 2.1 illustrated embodiment is located above the immersed in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 hollow body float 20 or solid material float 31, a photocell 23 or a light barrier. The hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 is provided with a rod-shaped element 32, for example a metallic guide rod or a rod made of plastic material. Alternatively, a plastic plate 29 may be provided. If a hollow body float 20 is used, a filler neck or a filler pipe 28 can also serve as a guide element. This is in the illustration according to Figure 2.1 still removed from the detection range of the photocell or the photocell 23.

As already above in the Figures 1.1 and 1.2 When density increase of the solids treatment agent in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48, the floating of the hollow body float 20 or of the solid material float 31 in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 takes place. As a result, either the guide rod 32 of metallic material or of plastic material or alternatively a plastic plate 29 or a filler neck or a filler pipe 28 in the detection range of the photocell 23 and the photocell 23 and turns off the pump 45 from. As a result, the circulation of the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 in the release and storage container 40 is interrupted and the spray of the solid processing agent 50 in the cartridge 51 is stopped overhead the spray nozzle 47. Now there is a continuous decrease of the with a defined treatment agent concentration provided treating agent / fluid mixture 48 from the solvent / storage container 40th

The Figures 3.1 and 3.2 is a further embodiment of the inventively proposed metering device 10 can be seen.

In the embodiment of the metering device 10 according to the Figures 3.1 and 3.2 a pressure sensor or a pressure measuring cell 24 is provided, which may be provided with a membrane 35, for example. Im in Figure 3.1 illustrated state is the hollow body float 20 and the solid material floats 31 below the diaphragm 35 of the pressure measuring cell 24. Rises - as in the embodiments of Figures 1.1 and 1.2 respectively. 2.1 and 2.2 already shown - the concentration of the solid-processing agent in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48, carried by the concentration increase a density increase, whereby the hollow body float 20 and the solid material floats 31 moves up and a two-dimensional pressure increase 34 on the membrane 35 of the pressure sensor 24 and ., the pressure measuring cell 24 exerts. In turn, a shutdown of the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 continuously circulating pump 45 on the one hand, further, a further Sprühung on the bottom of stockpiled in the cartridge 51 solids treatment agent 50 is stopped. As a result, the concentration in the solution / storage tank 40 remains the same and the stored solid-processing agent / fluid mixture can be continuously removed therefrom. Thereafter, an actuation of the solenoid valve 42, so that through the water inlet 41, a new filling of the fixed release / storage container 40 can take place, if desired.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative construction of the inventively proposed metering device 10th

From the illustration according to FIG. 4 It can be seen that the supply / storage container 40 and a product chamber 52 are interconnected via an overflow product cassette adapter 55. Both containers are configured in the form of a drawer 57 and can be inserted into a free space of a combi appliance such as a steamer or a baking oven of a stove and can be easily cleaned, simply removed and easily reinserted.

The treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 is pumped via the pump inlet 44 by means of the pump 45 via the Ansprühzuleitung 46 into the product chamber 52 and dissolves the stored in this solid processing agent 50 at. Dissolved solids treatment agent 50 flows via the overflow 55 into the take-up / storage tank 40. The increase in the concentration of the solids treatment agent 50 in the solvent / storage container 40 or in the solvent / fluid mixture 48 stored therein is detected via the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31, which rises due to the increase in concentration and activates, for example, by means of buoyancy the filler neck or a filler pipe 28 or by means of a plastic plate 29 or a guide rod 32, a photocell 23rd

Analogous to the previously described embodiments of the dosing device 10 proposed according to the invention, the pump 45 is switched off when the photocell or the light barrier 23 is reached by the guide rod 32 or the plastic plate 29 or a filler neck 28 formed from solid material. The switching off of the pump 45 terminates, on the one hand, the continuous circulation of the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 and, on the other hand, a further introduction of treating agent / fluid mixture 48 into the product chamber 52 for further dissolution of the solid processing agent 50 stored there.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 5 is a similar to in FIG. 4 illustrated embodiment of the inventively proposed metering device designed metering device 10 shown.

This is analogous to the one in FIG. 4 illustrated arrangement in the form of a drawer 57, in which the release / storage chamber 40 is parallel to the product chamber 52 in the form of a drawer 57 executed.

The in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 used hollow body float 20 and the solid material float 31 - designed here in cuboid - have a magnet 30 on. When the concentration of the solids treatment agent 50 in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 increases, it contacts a reed contact 22 in a planar manner, which in turn supplies an electrical signal for switching off the pump 45. Analogous to in FIG. 4 illustrated embodiment of the According to the invention proposed dosing device 10 can also be a further dissolution of solids treatment agent 50 are terminated in the product chamber 52, and the continuous circulation of stored in the release / storage chamber 40 Behandlungsmittel- / fluid mixture 48 can be achieved. This can now be removed with a defined concentration of solids treatment agent 50 from the release / storage chamber 40, after which, upon actuation of the solenoid valve 42 via the water inlet 41, a refilling of the release / storage chamber 40 takes place.

The Figures 6.1 to 6.4 different embodiments of a hollow body can be seen.

The in FIGS. 6.1 to 6.4 shown hollow body float 20 has in common that they have on their upper side a plastic plate 29 which is oriented in a vertical arrangement. Through the plastic plate 29, a filler neck or a filler pipe 28, which is closed by a closure 27 extends. Through this filler neck or through the filler pipe 28 filling material 26 can be introduced into the cavity 25 of the hollow body float 20 to achieve different filling levels. In the Figures 6.1 to 6.4 are different filling volumes V ₀ , V ₁ , V ₂ , V _{3 located} . Depending on the desired weight, which should have the hollow body float 20, this can be filled according to different levels with different filler. In the representations according to the Figures 6.1 to 6.4 different filling volumes are shown, each generating a different weight of the hollow body float 20, whereby different buoyancy forces due to different concentrations in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 can be taken into account. At low density changes in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 of the cavity 25 of the hollow body float 20 is filled with little or no filling material than at high concentration or density changes in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48. If a small increase in concentration is desired, the must Hollow body float 20 lighter and thus less filled. However, if a high increase in concentration is desired, the float used must be heavier and thus filled with more filler.

The Figures 7.1 to 7.4 Solid material float 31, which are formed in a cylindrical shape 64.

The solid material floats 31 according to the Figures 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 can be made of different plastic material with different density, which take into account the differently adjustable concentration ranges of solids treatment or concentrations of solids treatment agent 50 in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48. In the illustration according to Figure 7.1 a solid material float 31 is shown for a round-shaped pressure sensor, which transmits a flat pressure increase 34. Figure 7.2 shows a solid material float 31 at the top there is a magnet 30 for actuating a reed contact 22. Again, a two-dimensional pressure increase 34 between the upper end face of the Vollmaterialschwimmers 31 and the disk-shaped magnet 30 arise with a corresponding buoyancy. The Figure 7.3 shows a solid float 31, which has the guide rod 32 made of metallic or plastic material. About this a punctual pressure increase 33 is transmitted, which experiences the Vollmaterialschwimmer 31 at a corresponding concentration in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48. Figure 7.4 shows a solid material float 31, which has a guide rod 32 to which a magnet 30 is actuated and which actuates a reed contact 22.

In contrast to the solid material floats 31 according to the Figures 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 are in the Figures 7.5 and 7.6 Hollow float 20 shown in cylindrical shape 64. The cavities 25 of the hollow body float 20 in cylindrical shape 64 are filled via the filler neck or the filler pipe 28 to achieve certain levels 26 with filler, the amount of the cavity 25 depends on the concentration ranges or the buoyancy thereby generated in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48. The filler neck 28 and filling pipes 28 are closed by a closure 27, so that an entry of treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 is excluded in the cavity 25. About the embodiment according to 7.5 of the hollow body float 20, for example, a pressure sensor 24 or a photocell 23 can be activated when using the magnet as shown in FIG Figure 7.6 , On the upper end face of the hollow body float 20, for example, a reed contact 22 can be switched.

The Figures 8.1 and 8.2 Vollwassersschwimmer 31 in cuboid shape 62. The upper, square formed here stimulus surface causes a two-dimensional pressure increase 34 at a pressure sensor or a pressure measuring cell 24 in ascent movement of Vollmaterialschwimmers 31 in Behandlungsmittel- / fluid mixture 48. With this embodiment of Vollmaterialschwimmers made of different plastics for different Sealing areas can be made, area-acting pressure sensors 24 and planar signals receiving photocells 23 can be used. The embodiment according to Figure 8.2 shows a solid float 31 in cuboid 62, on the upper side of a plastic plate 29 for interrupting a photocell 23 and for activating or deactivating a photocell 23 is.

The embodiment according to Figure 8.3 shows a hollow body float 20, the cavity 25 is filled with a corresponding filling material corresponding to a certain filling volume. The filling of the cavity 25 of the hollow body float 20, which is provided in cuboidal shape 62, is effected via a filler pipe 28, which extends through the plastic plate 29 oriented in the vertical direction. The filler neck or the filler pipe 28 is closed by a screw-on closure 27, for example. The filling of the cavity 25 is carried out according to the density range resulting from the desired concentration of the solids treatment agent 50. With slight changes in concentration in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48, the cavity 25 is filled with less filling material, while with larger differences in density, a larger filling quantity of the cavity 25 can be used.

The representation according to FIG. 9 is a further embodiment of the inventively proposed metering device 10 can be seen.

From the illustration according to FIG. 9 It will be understood that a cartridge 51 accommodating the solid processing agent 50 is disposed above the release / storage container 40. In this there is a fill level of the treating agent / fluid mixture 48, see reference numeral 66. In the release / storage container 40 is either a hollow body float 20 or a solid material float 31, which always remains below the filling level 66. The hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 is The pressure sensor 24 or the pressure measuring cell 24 supplies continuous pressure or force signals to a controller 72 due to the continuous connection with the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 The supply / storage tank 40 is supplied with water via the water inlet 41 in accordance with the operation of the solenoid valve 42. By means of a pump 45, a continuous spraying of the solids treatment agent 50 received in the cartridge 51 takes place at the spray nozzle 47. Furthermore, a pump 68 is received below the take-up / storage tank 40, via which the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 can be withdrawn from the triggering tank. / Storage container 40 can be deducted. Once the desired concentration is achieved, the solids-treating agent-fluid mixture can be withdrawn. This can be a subset or the entire tank contents.

The hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 is permanently below the filling level 66. The hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 is permanently connected by a connecting element 70 which is in communication with the pressure sensor 24 or the pressure measuring cell. The buoyancy force that the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 experiences depends on the concentration of the solids treatment agent 50 in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48. As a result of the permanent connection of the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 with the pressure sensor 24 or the pressure measuring cell 24, the buoyancy force acting on the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 is detected continuously. An increase in the concentration in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 resulting from dissolution of the solids treatment agent 50 increases the buoyancy force which the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 experiences and thus the force which is transmitted continuously to the pressure sensor 24 or the pressure measurement cell 24 ,

After filling the metering device 10 and starting the pump 68, a continuous dissolution of the solids treatment agent 50 takes place, which is received over the top of the take-up / storage container 40. The by the dissolution of the solid-processing agent 50 taking place Increasing the concentration in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48 increases the buoyancy force which acts on the hollow body float 20 or the solid material float 31 and thus increases the force measured at the pressure sensor 24 or at the pressure measuring cell 24 or the pressure measured there.

Upon reaching a target value of the concentration of solids treatment agent 50 in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48, the circulation is stopped and the cleaner, completely or partially removed and used by the pump 68.

Upon complete removal of the treating agent fluid mixture 48, the empty dispensing / storage container 40 is flushed or recharged by operating the solenoid valve 42 via the water inlet 41 with fresh water.

If only a partial amount of a certain defined concentration containing treating agent / fluid mixture 48 removed in the desired concentration of the solvent / storage container 40, this is refilled after partial removal back to the filling level 66 and the desired concentration is again prepared by operating the pump 45. Upon actuation of the pump 45, initially substantially water emerges as the medium from the spray nozzle 47, since the concentration of solids treatment agent 50 in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 at part removal is still low and the concentration of the solids treatment agent 50 during continuous operation of the pump 45 in the treatment agent / fluid mixture 48, which is stored in the supply / storage container 40, slowly rises continuously until the target concentration is reached. At the in FIG. 9 illustrated embodiment is advantageous that any desired concentration can be produced. This is achieved because, by continuously spraying the solid processing agent 50 stored in the cartridge 51, the solid processing agent concentration in the treating agent / fluid mixture 48 can be continuously detected by the pressure sensor 24 and the pressure measuring cell, respectively. The control of the solenoid valve 42, the pump 68 and the pump 45 is effected by the controller 72, which in turn is controlled by the pressure or force signals received from the pressure sensor 24 and by the pressure measuring cell and controls metering pump and circulating pump according to the signals obtained.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, within the scope given by the claims a variety of modifications are possible, which are within the scope of expert action.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

metering

20

Hollow float

22

Reed contact

23

photocell

24

Pressure sensor / pressure measuring cell

24.1

selective pressure sensor

25

cavity

26

capacity stand

27

Closure filler neck

28

Filler neck / filler pipe

29

Plastic plate / photocell

30

magnet

31

Full Float material

32

Guide rod (metallic / plastic material)

33

selective pressure increase

34

flat pressure increase

35

membrane

36

37

38

39

40

Anlöse- / storage container

41

water supply

42

magnetic valve

43

Fluid overflow

44

Pump inlet fluid

45

pump

46

Ansprühzuleitung

47

Ansprühdüse

48

Treatment agent / fluid mixture

49

circulation

50

Solid treatment agent

51

cartridge

52

product chamber

53

cartridge tray

54 55

Product cartridge adapter (overflow)

56 57

drawer

58 59 60 62

cuboid shape

64

cylindrical shape

66

Fill level (see item 26)

68

pump

70

connecting member

72

control

V ₀

Filling volume = 0

V ₁

first filling volume

V ₂

second filling volume

V ₃

maximum filling volume

Claims (18)

Dosing device (10) for the dissolution of a solids treatment agent (50) with a release / and storage container (40) in which a fluid is stored, which flows over a fluid inlet (41) and circulated by means of a pump (45, 68) is subjected to a line (46) over which the solids treatment agent (50) at a Ansprühdüse (47) emerges and the solids treatment agent (50) is triggered, characterized in that an actuation of the pump (45) by a hollow body float (20) or a solid material float (31) is switched, which either increases or decreases depending on the concentration of the dissolved solids treatment agent (50) in the treatment agent / fluid mixture (48) in the release / and storage container (40),
or
generates a detectable buoyancy force. Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow body float (20) or the solid material float (31) with density increase in the treatment agent / fluid mixture (48) a reed contact (22) for actuating the pump (45) switches , Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow body float (20) or the Vollmaterialschwimmer (31) with density increase in the treatment agent / fluid mixture (48) a photocell / photocell (23) to cope with the pumps (45) switches , Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow body float (20) or the Vollmaterialschwimmer (31) with density increase in the treating agent / fluid mixture (48) a membrane of a pressure measuring cell (24) for actuating the pump (45) switches , Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the release / storage container (40) with a product chamber (52) for Receiving the solids treatment agent (50) forms a product cassette in the form of a drawer (57). Dosing device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the release / storage container (40) via an overflow (55) is connected to the product chamber (52). Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow body float (20) has a cavity (25) which is filled with a filling material. Dosing device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that filling levels (26) of the filling material in the cavity (25) by different filling states (V ₀ , V ₁ , V ₂ , V ₃ ...) in the cavity (25) of the hollow body float ( 20) can be adapted to different density ranges in the treatment agent / fluid mixture (48). Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow body float (20) in cylindrical form (64) or in cuboid shape (62) is executed, and filling and emptying openings (27, 28) for filling materials for different sealing areas of the treatment / Fluid mixture (48). Dosing device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the hollow body float (20) comprises a magnet (30) for actuating the reed contact (22). Dosing device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the hollow body float (20) comprises a plastic plate (29) for interrupting a light barrier (23). Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the solid material float (31) in cylindrical form (64) or in cuboid shape (62) is executed and - Has a stop surface for a flat pressure sensor (24) or - Includes a magnet (30) for actuating a reed contact (22), or - A guide rod (32) made of metallic material or plastic material for a punctiform pressure sensor (24.1) or a photocell or light barrier (23). Dosing device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the solid material float (31) in cylindrical form (64) comprises a magnet (30) in disc form, which is fixed to the guide rod (32). Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the solid material float (31) in cuboid shape (62) made of different plastics for different density ranges and surface pressure sensors (24) and / or photocells or photocells (23) is actuated. Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the solid material float (31) in cuboidal shape (62) has a plastic plate (29) for interrupting the light beam of a photocell (23). Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, that the hollow body float (20) is arranged to produce a maximum buoyancy force corresponding to the weight force of the displaced liquid minus the dead weight of the hollow body float (20). Method for providing a treatment agent / fluid mixture (48) defined concentration with a metering device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a solid-treatment agent (50) is dissolved and by reaching a desired treatment agent concentration an interruption the dissolution process by detecting a floating hollow body float (20) or Vollmaterialschwimmers (31) or reaching a desired concentration of the treatment agent corresponding buoyant force. Use of the metering device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16 in an industrial steam cooker, in industrial baking ovens, in dishwashers, in industrial dishwashers, in coffee grounds, in coffee machines, in Floor cleaning appliances, household steamers, home baking ovens, household dishwashers and home coffee machines.

Images