EP3467183A1 - Compact metering system - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for alternately supplying a flushing medium and at least one cleaning medium (24a to 24j) by means of a metering system (1) for at least one laundry cleaning device (2a, ... 2d), and cleaning device for carrying out the method, wherein the metering system (1) via the flushing medium a flushing medium supply line (10) connected to at least one input connection (15a, 15b) is fed, and the dosing system (1) is connected to each laundry cleaning device (2a, ... 2d) via a respective washing medium supply line (23a to 23d) to an output connection (22a to 22d), comprising the following steps:
a) detecting an automated cleaning job or a user-definable cleaning job,
b) checking the pressure in the flushing medium supply line (10),
c) supplying the flushing medium to a laundry cleaning device (2a,... 2d) via the washing medium feed line (23a to 23d) assigned to the laundry cleaning device (2a,... 2d),
d) feeding the at least one cleaning medium (24a to 24j) to the laundry cleaning device (2a, ... 2d) according to step c),
e) rinsing the dosing system (1) and the washing medium supply line (23a to 23d) with the rinsing medium for a predefinable period of time.

Description

The invention relates to a method for alternately supplying a flushing medium and at least one cleaning medium by means of a metering for at least one laundry cleaning device, wherein the metering is supplied to the flushing medium via a connected to at least one inlet connection Spülmediumszuleitung, and the metering with each laundry cleaning device via a respective Waschmediumszuleitung with a Output terminal is connected.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a cleaning device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Dosing systems for laundry cleaning devices have become known from the prior art, wherein each laundry cleaning device is assigned in each case a metering. If a user has several laundry cleaning devices, this has the consequence that several dosing systems must be provided. The dosing meet the purpose of supplying a flushing medium and usually several different cleaning media of the respective laundry cleaning device in a defined order. For this purpose, the metering at least two supply lines, which are connected to a laundry cleaning device, namely a Spülmediumszuleitung and at least one cleaning medium supply line. The cleaning medium is usually pumped by a pump to the laundry cleaning device. Peristaltic pumps (so-called peristaltic pumps) are frequently used for this purpose, which mechanically stress the cleaning medium feed line designed as a hose and therefore require the most flexible hoses possible for reliable operation. Detergents that achieve the desired cleaning effect often have the unpleasant side effect of changing the composition of the tubing and thus reducing their service life. This leads to shortened maintenance intervals and to rising operating costs or at worst to a leakage of the supply lines and as a result to a total failure of the laundry cleaning device. Since a plurality of cleaning media is usually used in a washing process, and the cleaning media must be supplied separately from each other in order to avoid undesirable reactions between the cleaning media, in practice, several cleaning medium supply lines be provided with one pump. The variety of these leads not only represents a considerable installation and cost, but also increases the risk of failure of the laundry cleaning device or dosing.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and a device for supplying a flushing medium and at least one cleaning medium by means of a metering, which allows a reliable and cost-effective supply of the flushing medium and at least one cleaning medium, and equally efficient and with minimal installation costs is executable.

1. a) Erfassen eines automatisierten oder durch einen Benutzer vorgebbaren Reinigungsauftrages,
2. b) Überprüfen des Druckes in der Spülmediumszuleitung,
3. c) Zufuhr des Spülmediums an eine Wäschereinigungseinrichtung über die der Wäschereinigungseinrichtung zugeordnete Waschmediumszuleitung,
4. d) Zufuhr des zumindest einen Reinigungsmediums an die Wäschereinigungseinrichtung gemäß Schritt c),
5. e) Spülen der Dosieranlage und der Waschmediumszuleitung mit dem Spülmedium für eine vorgebbare Zeitdauer.

In a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a method of the aforementioned type, in which according to the invention the following steps are provided:

1. a) detecting an automated cleaning job or a user-definable cleaning job,
2. b) checking the pressure in the flushing medium supply line,
3. c) supplying the flushing medium to a laundry cleaning device via the washing medium supply line assigned to the laundry cleaning device,
4. d) feeding the at least one cleaning medium to the laundry cleaning device according to step c),
5. e) rinsing the dosing system and the washing medium supply line with the rinsing medium for a predefinable period of time.

Thanks to the method according to the invention, it is possible to supply a laundry cleaning device by means of a single washing medium supply line, which takes over both the supply of the flushing medium and the at least one cleaning medium from the metering to the laundry cleaning device. As a result, the number of lines that connect the dosing with the laundry cleaning device can be significantly reduced. In addition, the service life of the washing medium supply line is significantly higher than that of an equivalent cleaning medium supply line, since cleaning media dwell only in the dosing system and the washing medium supply line during the period in which the laundry cleaning device is supplied with a cleaning medium. The subsequent rinsing with the rinsing medium, which is preferably water, increases the life of the dosing and the Waschmediumszuleitung considerably. In addition, the cleaning medium is preferably in step d) with the rinsing medium mixed, whereby the cleaning medium passes only in dilute form in the washing medium supply line. The life of the washing medium supply line can be additionally increased. The expression "alternately supplying rinsing and cleaning media" therefore means that a cleaning medium can be fed at the same time as a rinsing medium (this is even desirable); a simultaneous supply of several different cleaning media in a Waschmediumszuleitung, however, is not provided.

The detection of the cleaning job can be done via a user interface such as a user terminal that can be located on the dosing. Alternatively, a cleaning order can also be transferred from external devices to the dosing system. It is also possible for the dosing system to automatically generate jobs in a manner that can be predetermined by the user. A cleaning job preferably contains the cleaning parameters in which the quantity and the sequence of the media to be supplied to the laundry cleaning device are fixed. Also, the exposure time, the cleaning temperature or the speed of a washing drum can be specified.

Rinsing the dosing system in step e) additionally increases the service life of the dosing system or components provided therein, for example, by preventing sticking of mechanically moved or stressed parts. After rinsing according to step e), the rinsing process is usually ended by closing at least one participating connection (input connection and / or output connection).

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it may be provided that each input port has an input valve and each output port has an output valve, wherein at least one input valve and the output valve associated with the laundry cleaning device according to step c), depending on the result, from the test in step b) Step c) are opened, wherein after or during step c) a respective cleaning medium associated with a cleaning medium valve is opened for a predetermined period of time, and before step e) the opened cleaning medium valve is closed again, wherein the rinsing step e) in a after Step e) takes place step f) by closing the respective output valve and / or the input valves is terminated. The execution of said connections as valves is particularly efficient and allows a reliable supply or Supply interruption of the flushing medium or the at least one cleaning medium to the respective laundry cleaning device. The flushing of the dosing system according to step e) of the method according to the invention has the result that valves present in the dosing system are cleaned in a simple manner, which increases their durability and functional life.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that different cleaning media can be supplied separately from one another by repeating steps d) to e) in an iteration following step e). In each iteration, another cleaning medium in the respective step d) can be supplied to a laundry cleaning device in a single washing medium supply line without the cleaning media coming into contact with one another within the metering system or the washing medium supply line. This allows a particularly targeted and efficient cleaning in the course of a comprehensive cleaning program. The amount of cleaning agent to be supplied can be predetermined, for example, by a correspondingly selected pumping capacity of a pump supplying the cleaning agent and optionally the flushing agent.

In order to prevent erroneous startup of the dosing and a laundry cleaning device, according to a favorable embodiment of the method according to the invention in step a) the persistence of the cleaning order for a period of at least 5 seconds can be checked. This prevents a misinterpretation of erroneous signals that could be misinterpreted as a cleaning job. Such faulty signals can be caused by interference or feedback, as they are specifically introduced, for example in the course of a test for electromagnetic compatibility in a system to be tested.

In a further favorable variant of the invention, the flow rate of the flushing medium is detected in step e). Thus, the amount of flushing medium can be determined in a simple manner, which was supplied to a laundry cleaning device in the course of a washing process. If necessary, it is possible to deduce the pumping power of a pump involved, as a result of which a necessary early maintenance can be detected early. In addition, the comparison of the pumping power with the flow rate can be used to recalibrate the pump or the period of time in which the flushing medium as well the cleaning media are to be supplied, adapted to a changed pumping power accordingly. This ensures that even with a changed pumping capacity, the desired amount of flushing medium or of cleaning media can be supplied to a laundry cleaning device. The detection can be done for example by an indirect measurement or a direct measurement, for example by means of a measuring wheel / paddle wheel.

In a development of the method according to the invention, provision can be made for the flow rate in the flushing medium feed line and in the washing medium feed line to be detected. The difference of the two flow rates can e.g. be used to assess the tightness of the dosing.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the availability of the cleaning media is checked and, depending on the result thereof, warning and / or empty messages are output and / or the laundry cleaning device is stopped. The availability of the cleaning media can be checked, for example, by simple sensors which measure the fill level of containers containing said cleaning media. For this purpose, for example, swimming sensors or other level sensors are particularly suitable.

In order to ensure the most reliable and efficient operation of the metering, it can be provided that in step b) the pressure in the flushing medium supply line and falls below a defined value, for example 0.7 or 0.5 bar, the steps c) to e ) get abandoned. In addition, it can be provided that when the value falls below the defined value, the dosing system issues an error message.

In order to further increase the robustness and reliability of the dosing system, it can be provided that the dosing system for the introduction of the flushing medium and the cleaning medium has two hydraulically connected in parallel pumps, preferably peristaltic pumps. In the event of failure of a pump, the supply of laundry cleaning equipment can be reliably taken over by the other pump. Alternatively, of course, three or more pumps may be provided. Also, only one pump could be provided, but this would be associated with a significantly increased risk of failure.

In a favorable embodiment of the invention, the delivery rate of the pumps is measured in step f) and compared with predefinable setpoint values. This allows easy calibration of the pumps and adjustment of the cleaning parameters. Also, a significant deviation from setpoints can be used to infer a faulty state of a pump and any necessary replacement back.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the dosing system monitors the state of the laundry cleaning devices connected to the dosing device and the availability of the rinsing and cleaning medium and, in the event of deviations from nominal values, outputs an error message, which preferably additionally transmits this as an electronic message to a receiving point becomes. For example, a message can be displayed on a terminal or display attached to the dosing system, or a warning light can indicate a deviation from setpoint values. Particularly preferably, an automatic message, for example a text message to a mobile phone of a user, the owner and / or a maintenance team can be sent.

In order to enable a simple digital connection of the dosing system, it can be provided that the dosing system has a module for producing a radio connection, preferably a W-Lan connection, the dosing system is preferably adapted to be monitored and / or controlled by means of an external communication interface to become. As an external communication interface, for example, mobile phones, especially smartphones, tablet computers or any other devices can be used with a digital communication interface.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least two, preferably four, eight or more laundry cleaning devices can be connected to the dosing system via a respective washing medium supply line. In this case, each washing medium supply line is connected in each case to an outlet connection of the metering system, wherein each outlet connection preferably has an outlet valve.

In order to further increase the operational reliability of the dosing system, it can be provided in a favorable variant of the method according to the invention that the pressure in the Washing medium supply line is monitored. This can be done via conventional pressure sensors.
In a second aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved with a cleaning device for carrying out the method according to the invention according to one or any combination of the aforementioned embodiments.

In a favorable embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device, the metering, the Spülmediumszuleitung, the input valve, the Waschmediumszuleitung and the output valve.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the dosing system for alternately supplying a flushing medium and at least one cleaning medium has an input distribution channel and a Ausgangsverteilkanal, wherein the at least one cleaning medium via one connected to the Eingangsverteilkanal cleaning medium supply into the Eingangsverteilkanal is introduced and the Eingangsverteilkanal additional is connected to the Spülmediumszuleitung, and the Ausgangsverteilkanal is connected to the Waschmediumszuleitung, wherein the Eingangsverteilkanal is connected to the Ausgangsverteilkanal via at least one pump, preferably via two pumps. Alternatively, three or more pumps may be provided. The pumps can be any pumps which are suitable for conveying the flushing medium as well as the cleaning medium and the washing medium. Percussion pumps or peristaltic pumps are preferably used here. The provision of the channels allows a simple and efficient arrangement of input and output lines, which can be switched on and off in a simple manner preferably via valves.

In a particularly favorable variant of the invention, the output distribution channel is connected to the flushing medium supply line. This allows a direct flushing of the Ausgangsverteilkanals without having to take the input distribution channel with the Ausgangsverteilkanal hydraulically connecting pumps. As a result, the pumps and the lines associated with the pumps, which are preferably designed as hoses, can be spared.

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Dosieranlage mit mehreren Wäschereinigungseinrichtungen gemäß der Erfindung,
• Fig. 2 eine Vorderansicht der Dosieranlage gemäß der Erfindung,
• Fig. 3 eine Schnittdarstellung der Dosieranlage gemäß der Schnittlinie AA aus Fig. 2,
• Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht der Dosieranlage gemäß Fig. 2 und
• Fig. 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Spülmediums- und Reinigungsmediumsflusses gemäß der Erfindung.

The invention together with further embodiments and advantages is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, which is illustrated in the figures. This shows

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a dosing with several laundry cleaning devices according to the invention,
• Fig. 2 a front view of the dosing system according to the invention,
• Fig. 3 a sectional view of the dosing according to the section line AA Fig. 2 .
• Fig. 4 a side view of the metering according to Fig. 2 and
• Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a Spülmediums- and cleaning medium flow according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a metering system 1 according to the invention (or the inventive method), with four laundry cleaning devices 2a to 2d via a respective washing medium supply line 23a to 23d (see Fig. 5 ) connected is. Alternatively, a single washing medium supply line for supplying a plurality of laundry cleaning devices 2a to 2d could also be provided, wherein the laundry cleaning devices 2a to 2d should then be equipped with additional connecting valves, so that a targeted supply is possible. The metering system 1 has two pumps 3a and 3b, which are preferably arranged within the metering system 1. In addition, the dosing system 1 is connected to two external pumps 4a and 4b, which may be provided to increase the pump power or as redundant pumps. In the illustration according to Fig. 1 the metering 1 is connected to a computer 5, by means of which the dosing 1 cleaning orders can be transmitted. The dosing system 1 further has a user interface 6, which may have, for example, a display, preferably an LCD display. Also, the display can be designed as a touch screen, whereby input by a user can be done very easily. The dosing system 1 is provided with at least one cleaning medium, according to Fig. 1 with eight cleaning media 24a to 24h (see Fig. 5 ) via eight each one cleaning medium 24a to 24h associated cleaning media ports 7a to 7h and optionally, for example, with a further eight cleaning media 24k to 24p are connected via a further eight cleaning media ports 7i to 7p, wherein the cleaning media 24a to 24p of the dosing system 1 via one in each case Fig. 1 not shown cleaning medium supply line 8a to 8h or 8p (see Fig. 5 ) connected to the cleaning media ports 7a to 7h and 7p, respectively, to hose ports 7a 'to 7h' and 7p ', respectively. The cleaning media connections 7a to 7h or 7p in this case have valves (cleaning medium valves), which are preferably designed as solenoid valves. A flushing medium unit 9 may be connected via a flushing medium supply line 10 with the metering system 1, wherein water is preferably used as flushing medium. The flushing medium unit 9 may comprise, for example, a closable connection, for example a faucet with a water connection.

Fig. 2 shows a front view of the dosing system 1 according to the invention, wherein the dosing 1 a power supply 11 for powering the dosing system 1, a computing unit 12, two drive units 13a and 13b, preferably each having an electric motor (which may be connected, for example, with a transmission), As well as various connections, which are described in more detail below.

The drive units 13a and 13b are configured to drive the pumps 3a and 3b, respectively. The pumps 3a and 3b are preferably designed as peristaltic or peristaltic pumps. The arithmetic unit 12 is configured to store cleaning jobs as well as to control or regulate components involved in a dosing or cleaning process. In order to enable a compact and robust construction of the dosing system 1, the arithmetic unit 12, the drive units 13a and 13b as well as the valves associated with the cleaning media connections 7a to 7h are located substantially inside a housing 14 Fig. 2 Dosing system 1 shown has two input terminals (a first input terminal 15a (see Fig. 3 ) and a second input terminal 15b, which in Fig. 3 is shown), which are adapted to the flushing medium in with the respective input terminal 15a or 15b connected distribution channels (input distribution channel 16 and output distribution channel 17 see Fig. 3 ). In a lower left portion of the dosing 1 according to Fig. 2 a first pump input port 18a associated with an input of the first pump 3a is shown, which is connected to the input distribution channel 16. In a lower right-hand section of the dosing system 1, which is opposite the pump inlet connection 18a, an outlet of the second pump 3b is assigned second pump output port 19b, which is connected to the Ausgangsverteilkanal 17. The interaction of the pumps 3a and 3b with the associated terminals is in the following description of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 discussed.

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the metering system 1 according to the section line AA Fig. 2 , Therein, an input distribution channel 16 can be seen, which preferably extends horizontally through a lower portion of the dosing system 1. The input distribution channel 16 is connected to the first and a second pump input connection 18a and 18b. The cleaning media connections 7a to 7h (or in addition the cleaning media connection 7i to 7p) are arranged along the input distribution channel 16 so that through an opening of a respective cleaning media connection (preferably via a valve) a continuous connection of the Eingangsverteilkanals 16 with each of the cleaning media connection associated cleaning medium supply line 8a until 8h or 8p comes about. The input distribution channel 16 is connected via the two pump input ports 18a and 18b via the first and the second pump 3a and 3b with the Ausgangsverteilkanal 17. For this purpose, a connecting line 20, which is preferably designed as a hose line, the pump input port 18a connects to the pump 3a, wherein an output of the pump 3a is in turn connected via a further connecting line 20 with a first pump outlet port 19a. The connection of the Eingangsverteilkanals 16 with the Ausgangsverteilkanals 17 via the second pump 3b is basically in an analogous manner. However, since the second pump 3b is arranged laterally reversed, an additional connection line 21, which is preferably designed as a hose line, is provided in order to connect the second pump output connection 19b to the output distribution channel 17. This allows the use of similar pumps with the same pumping direction. The output distribution channel 17 preferably extends parallel to the input channel 16 and is connected in the embodiment shown with four output terminals 22a to 22d, wherein the output terminals 22a to 22d preferably each have a valve, more preferably a solenoid valve, and by opening each one of the valves a continuous Connection of the Ausgangsverteilkanals 17 of the respective output terminal 22a to 22d associated Waschmediumszuleitung 23a to 23d is made.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the dosing system 1 according to the Fig. 2 , wherein the dosing 1 in it with in Fig. 2 not shown connecting lines 20 is equipped. The first pump 3a is therein via the connection lines 20 to the first pump input port 18a and the first pump output port 19a, and configured to pump a purifying medium 24a to 24p from the input distribution passage 16 into the output distribution passage 17 and into subsequent washing medium supply passages 23a to 23d, respectively. In this case, that connecting line 20, which connects the pump 3a to the pump outlet port 19a, executed in a length which preferably exceeds a minimum length necessary for the connection. This minimum length is preferably exceeded by 10%, 20%, 30% or 40%, so that, starting from the first pump 3a, this connecting line 20 extends at least in sections in an arc toward the pump outlet connection 19a. This is advantageous since this connecting line 20 is squeezed and moved as a peristaltic pump in an embodiment of the first and second pump 3a and 3b, respectively. A generous dimensioning of this connection line 20 therefore prevents the risk of slippage from the pump outlet connection 19a. In addition, the increased freedom of bending reduces the amount of curvature of the connecting line 20, whereby its life can be further increased (this applies analogously to the connecting elements 20 of the second pump 3b).

In Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a Spülmediums- and cleaning medium flow shown according to the invention. Therein, the flushing medium supply line 10 (typically a line to a water connection) is shown, which via a closable or openable connection 27, preferably a conventional main water tap and a system or pipe separator 28 (to avoid reflux in the flushing medium supply line 10) the first input terminal 15a and the second input terminal 15b is connected. Within the input distribution channel 16, a pressure sensor 29 is provided, which measures the pressure in the input distribution channel 16 and supplies the measured values to the arithmetic unit 12. In addition, a flow meter 25, which can be designed as a measuring wheel, in particular as a paddle wheel, is provided, which can be used to measure the input distribution channel 16 supplied amount of flushing medium.

If the dosing unit 1 is given a cleaning order, then the dosing unit 1 opens according to the cleaning order that output (or output terminal 22a, 22b, 22c or 22d) or that output valve, which must be opened for connection to the desired laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d. In addition, an input or input valve is opened, which is typically first about the second input port 15b (assuming an open connection 27), so that flushing medium directly via the Ausgangsverteilkanal 17, the respective output port 22a, 22b, 22c or 22d on the respective Waschmediumszuleitung 23a to 23d in the respective washing medium supply line 23a to 23d associated laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d can pass. After a predefinable period of time or flushing medium quantity, the second input connection 15b is closed and the first input connection 15a is opened, whereby the input distribution channel 16 is supplied with flushing medium. In addition, at least one of the pumps 3a, 3b, 4a or 4b is put into operation and a cleaning medium connection 7a (to 7p) is opened so that one of the cleaning media 24a to 24p mixes in the input distribution channel 16 with the flushing medium and via at least one of the pumps 3a, 3b, 4a or 4b is pumped into the Ausgangsverteilkanal 17 and passes from there in the manner described above in a laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d. The flushing medium is mixed with the supplied cleaning medium 24a to 24j, whereby the chemical load on the lines participating in the supply to the respective laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d is reduced. Alternatively, the first input port 15a could also remain closed and the cleaning medium 24a to 24j be pumped in pure form into the respective laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d. After the supply of the cleaning medium 24a to 24j, the flushing medium is purged by closing the cleaning medium connection associated with the previously supplied cleaning medium 24a to 24j and supplying flushing medium via the input distribution channel 16 and the previously involved pumps to the laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d , Subsequently, another (or the same) cleaning medium connection can be opened and the supply to the laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d be continued in an analogous manner. The flushing of the Eingangsverteilkanals 17 and the downstream Ausgangsverteilkanals 17 and the Waschmediumszuleitung 23a to 23d allows the cleaning media 24a to 24j only in the laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d react with each other, thus preventing unwanted occurring in the leads reactions. After all the desired cleaning media 24a to 24j have been supplied, the inlet channel 16, the outlet channel 17 and the washing medium supply line are rinsed in the manner already described with the rinsing medium. Should a higher amount of flushing medium be supplied to the laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d than is required for said flushing (the required flushing amount is that amount which must necessarily be supplied to a laundry cleaning device 2a to 2d, around the metering system 1 and the respective washing medium supply line 23a to 23d largely free of cleaning media residues), so the first input port 15a again closed and the second input port 15b are opened, which now no pump has to be involved in the flushing medium supply and thus reduced energy consumption and the life of the pump can be increased. The dosing system and the lines to the laundry cleaning facilities 2a to 2d are largely free of cleaning media residues after flushing.

The invention may be modified in any manner known to those skilled in the art and is not limited to the embodiment shown. Also, individual aspects of the invention can be taken up and largely combined with each other. Essential are the ideas underlying the invention, which in view of this doctrine can be performed by a person skilled in many ways and still remain maintained as such. List of Reference Signs (not part of the application) 1 dosing 16 Eingangsverteilkanal 2a to 2d Laundry facility 17 Ausgangsverteilkanal 3a, 3b pump 18a, 18b first / second pump inlet port 4a, 4b external pumps 5 computer 19a, 19b first / second pump outlet connection 6 User interface 7a to 7p Cleaning media connections 20 connecting line 7a 'to 7p' hose connections 21 additional connection line 8a to 8p Cleaning medium supply line 22a to 22d output terminals 9 Spülmediumseinheit 23a to 23d Washing medium supply line 10 Spülmediumszuleitung 24a to 24y cleaning media 11 power adapter 25 Flow meters 12 computer unit 27 lockable connection 13a, 13b drive units 28 backflow 14 casing 29 pressure sensor 15a, 15b first / second input connection

Claims (15)

Method for alternately supplying a flushing medium and at least one cleaning medium (24a to 24j) by means of a metering system (1) for at least one laundry cleaning device (2a, ... 2d), wherein the metering system (1) the flushing medium via a with at least one input terminal (15a 15b), and the dosing system (1) is connected to each laundry cleaning device (2a, ... 2d) via a respective washing medium supply line (23a to 23d) to an output connection (22a to 22d), characterized by following steps: a) detecting an automated cleaning job or a user-definable cleaning job, b) checking the pressure in the flushing medium supply line (10), c) supplying the flushing medium to a laundry cleaning device (2a,... 2d) via the washing medium feed line (23a to 23d) assigned to the laundry cleaning device (2a,... 2d), d) feeding the at least one cleaning medium (24a to 24j) to the laundry cleaning device (2a, ... 2d) according to step c), e) rinsing the dosing system (1) and the washing medium supply line (23a to 23d) with the rinsing medium for a predefinable period of time. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that each input port (15a, 15b) comprises an input valve and each output port (22a to 22d) has an output valve, wherein, depending on the result of the test in step b), at least one input valve and that of the scrubber (2a,. ..2d) associated with step c) are opened prior to performing step c), after or during step c) a cleaning medium valve associated with the respective cleaning medium (24a to 24j) being opened for a predefinable period of time, and before step e) the opened cleaning medium valve is closed again, the purging according to step e) being terminated in a step f) following step e) by closing the respective outlet valve and / or the inlet valves. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that different cleaning media (24a to 24j) can be supplied separately from each other by repeating steps d) to e) in an iteration following step e). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in step a) the persistence of the cleaning job for a period of at least 5 seconds is checked. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in step e) the flow rate of the flushing medium is detected. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flow rate in the Spülmediumszuleitung (10) and in the Waschmediumszuleitung (23a to 23d) is detected. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the availability of the cleaning media (24a to 24j) is checked and, depending on the result, warning and / or empty messages are output and / or the laundry cleaning device (2a to 2d) is stopped. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in step b) the pressure in the Spülmediumszuleitung (10) measured and falls below a defined value, for example 0.7 or 0.5 bar, the steps c) to e) be exposed, preferably when falling below the defined value, the dosing (1) outputs an error message. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the dosing (1) for introducing the flushing medium and the cleaning medium (24a to 24j) two hydraulically connected in parallel pumps (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), preferably peristaltic pumps, wherein in particular in step f), the delivery rate of the pumps (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) is measured and compared with predefinable setpoint values. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dosing (1) monitors the state of the dosing (1) associated laundry cleaning devices (2a to 2d) and the availability of the rinsing and cleaning medium (24a to 24j) and at Deviations from setpoints outputs an error message, which is preferably additionally transmitted as an electronic message to a receiving station. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the dosing (1) comprises a module for producing a radio link, preferably a wireless connection, wherein the dosing (1) is preferably adapted to be monitored by an external communication interface and / or to be controlled. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least two, preferably four, eight or more laundry cleaning devices (2a to 2d) with the dosing (1) via a respective Waschmediumszuleitung (23a to 23d) are connected. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pressure in the washing medium supply line (23a to 23d) is monitored. Cleaning device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cleaning device, the dosing (1), the Spülmediumszuleitung (10), the at least one input port (15a, 15b), the at least one Waschmediumszuleitung (23a to 23d) and at least one Output terminal (22a to 22d) has. Cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized in that the dosing system (1) for alternately supplying a flushing medium and at least one cleaning medium (24a to 24j) an input distribution channel (16) and a Ausgangsverteilkanal (17), wherein the at least one cleaning medium (24a to 24j ) via one in each case with the Eingangsverteilkanal (16) connected cleaning medium supply line (8a to 8p) in the Eingangsverteilkanal (16) can be introduced and the Eingangsverteilkanal (16) is additionally connected to the Spülmediumszuleitung (10), and the Ausgangsverteilkanal (17) with the at least a Waschmediumszuleitung (23a to 23d) is connected, wherein the Eingangsverteilkanal (16) with the Ausgangsverteilkanal (17) via at least one pump (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), preferably via two pumps (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), is connected, wherein preferably the Ausgangsverteilkanal (17) is connected to the flushing medium supply line (10).

Images