EP3754089A1 - Dosing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A metering device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) for metering and supplying media (13a, 13b, 13c) to a target device (11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f), in particular, is shown and described to a commercial textile washing machine, wherein the metering device is connected to at least one container (12a, 12b, 12c) which is filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is assigned a control unit (21) which, after receiving a request signal from the target device carries out a dosing process, and for this purpose, with the aid of a pump (23, 23a, 23b, 23c), removes a predetermined volume of medium from the container and delivers this volume to the target device, a communication interface (22) being assigned to the control unit , which transmits information about the successful implementation of the dosing process to the target device after the dosing process has been completed.

Description

The invention initially relates to a metering device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Dosing devices of the generic type have been developed and manufactured by the community of registrants and the associated company for some time.

In particular, metering devices according to the present patent application are understood to be those devices as they are in the German patent applications DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 , DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 , EP 1181567A2 , EP 12846800 A2 are described.

Such metering devices have at least one input or input connection and at least one output or output connection. The metering devices preferably have several inlets for the purpose of connection to several containers which contain different media.

According to one embodiment, the dosing devices also have several outputs, so that the dosing device can be connected to several target devices - connected in parallel.

When operating the metering devices of the generic type, situations can arise that fall out of normal operation. For example, malfunctions can occur in the metering device or in the target device. A malfunction can include, for example, a disrupted operational functionality of the metering device or the target device itself, or a defective water supply line on the target device, or, for example, an empty media container on the Dosing device. Many other, different incidents are also conceivable.

The object of the invention is to further develop a metering device of the generic type in such a way that the occurrence of malfunctions can be reduced or better controlled.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that the control unit is assigned a communication interface which, after completion of the dispensing process, transmits information about the completion of the dispensing process to the target device.

The principle of the invention consists essentially in assigning a communication interface to the metering device, in particular to the control unit on the metering device. The communication interface is designed and set up to transmit information about this to the target device after the dosing process has been carried out, and thus in particular after it has been carried out successfully.

A successful or completed dosing process can be determined by the dosing device, for example, if the dosing device was able to meet the corresponding requirements of the target device. For example, a successful or successful execution of the dosing process can be tested by the dosing device if the requested medium has been pumped in sufficient quantity, i.e. according to the requested volume, from the pump assigned to the dosing device to the target device.

For example, a message from the pump of the metering device can contribute to the determination of a successful metering process.

At this point it should be noted that a pump in the context of the present patent application is understood to mean any delivery device, in particular a hose pump, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, but also any other suitable delivery device, such as a screw conveyor or a powder delivery device.

Other sensors or detectors that can be assigned to the metering device can also be queried or taken into account when determining that a successful metering has taken place. For example, the metering device, in particular its control unit, can detect conductivities or flow measurements and determine a positive metering result when correct measurement results are obtained. Also, in the event that the metering device has a motor-driven actuator, which can address different media inlets, for example, and different communicative switching connections to the target device, to a proper feedback or response function of the motor, that a corresponding Control has been carried out successfully.

As soon as the dosing device has determined that the dosing process has been carried out or has been carried out successfully, the control unit can address the communication interface on the dosing device side, from which information about the successful execution of the dosing process is transmitted to the target device.

A second communication interface on the target device side, which receives the corresponding information, can be arranged on the target device. In particular, a control device which can process this information can be arranged on the target device.

The target device can thus obtain the information that the dosing process has taken place or has been carried out successfully.

The invention enables the target device to take measures if necessary if corresponding information about the successful implementation of the dosing process is not transmitted to the target device or is not transmitted to the target device within a predetermined time. For example, in the event that the target device does not receive information about the successful implementation of the dosing process from the dosing device, it can take measures to prevent subsequent errors from occurring. For example, in the case of a target device designed as a textile commercial washing machine, the laundry to be treated could otherwise be damaged. For example, if the target device does not receive proper feedback from the metering device about a completed metering process, the washing or cleaning program to be carried out on the target device can be canceled or interrupted, or the user can receive a corresponding warning, for example an acoustic or optical type, via the Output of malfunction.

On the other hand, the information transmitted to the target device that the dispensing process has been processed correctly enables the initiation of further steps to be carried out on the target device as part of the washing or cleaning program selected or set there. This increases process reliability.

According to the invention, a metering device for metering and supplying media to a target device is able to take a predetermined amount, that is a predetermined volume, of medium from at least one container connected to the metering device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the metering device is connected on the inlet side to a large number of different containers, which are preferably filled with different media. According to one embodiment of the invention, the metering device can switch the communication paths accordingly between the different inputs and the at least one output of the metering device by activating a motor, in particular an actuator, and so for example successively feed or feed different components of the detergent to a commercial textile washing machine different media, that is to say different chemicals, can be supplied to different times according to different washing steps of a washing process.

In the context of the present patent application, a target device is understood to be any suitable washing or cleaning device, in particular a commercial textile washing machine or a commercial dishwasher, or another device in which a washing or cleaning or disinfection process is carried out.

A dosing device according to the type according to the invention is basically arranged separately from the target device and is not integrated into a conventional household washing machine or conventional dishwasher.

In particular, a metering device according to the type of the invention is designed to enable connection to several target devices, including several target devices of different types.

According to the invention, the metering device has a control unit which can be formed, for example, by a microprocessor. The control unit receives a request signal from the target device, in particular from a control device of the target device. The transmission of request signals can also take place via the communication interface that is assigned to the control unit.

After receiving the request signal, the metering device can remove the predetermined volume of the medium (predetermined in the case of different media present) from the corresponding container. Furthermore, this volume can be conveyed to the target device. In one embodiment of the invention, this is done in that the control unit addresses a pump, i.e. a delivery device in the sense of the patent application, which draws the corresponding amount of media from the container for a specified time or a specified speed or, depending on the type of pump, by directly setting a volume and promotes.

According to the invention, the control unit is assigned a communication interface. The communication interface can be designed, for example, as a connection socket for the plug of a connecting line. The communication interface can, however, also carry out a wireless transmission of information to the target device. For example, in the case of wireless communication, a conventional transmission and reception standard can take place, for example using WLAN or BLUETOOTH.

According to the invention, after the dosing process has been completed, the communication interface transmits information about the execution of the dosing process to the target device. The information can be transmitted, for example, in the form of coded information, for example a bit sequence. This is particularly advantageous if the connection between the communication interface on the metering device side and the communication interface on the target device side is configured as a signal line, be it as a wired or wireless signal line.

The invention also encompasses, however, when information about the implementation of the dosing process is transmitted to the target device as a relay output signal, for example by applying a voltage or a voltage sequence.

It is essential that the target device recognizes the transmitted information in the form of the applied voltage or in the form of the transmitted signal as information that the metering device has carried out the metering process.

A metering device according to the invention can be provided with regard to its structural design in particular by a device according to the patent applications of the applicants mentioned at the beginning. The disclosure content of these patent applications described above is hereby included in the content of the present patent application for the purpose of avoiding repetitions and for the purpose of referring to individual features, including the inclusion of features in the features of this patent application.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a metering device according to the preamble of claim 2.

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,
   • 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.

The invention also solves the above problem with the features of claim 2, and is accordingly characterized in that the control unit is assigned a communication interface on the metering device side and a communication interface on the target device side is assigned to the control device, with an exchange between the control device and the control unit via the two interconnected communication interfaces takes place from data that contain at least one of the following information about the target device and / or about the dosing device:

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 information on 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 malfunction on the target device,
   5. v) information about a dosing requirement,
   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 canceling 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,
   • xi) Information about the media connected to the dosing device
   • xii) Information about the additional 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 readiness state of the metering device or information about an occupied state of the metering device,
   • xiv) information about a point in time at which the metering device is likely to return to a standby state,
   • xv) information about the presence or absence of a malfunction in the dosing device,
   • xvi) information about an interruption of a dosing process,
   • xvii) information about a completed and / or successfully performed dosing process,
   • xviii) information about a filling state of a container of a medium, in particular information about an empty state of a medium.

The principle of the invention consists essentially in the fact that data is exchanged between a first communication interface on the metering device side and a second communication interface on the target device side. A large number of different pieces of information or details about the target device and / or about the metering device can be transmitted. This makes it possible to control metering processes in an efficient and improved manner and to avoid disturbances or to treat the occurrence of disturbances in such a way that the resulting impairments can be kept low.

With regard to the advantages of a metering device according to claim 2 and the related interpretation of the features, reference can be made to the statements made above regarding claim 1.

The invention solves the problem according to a third aspect with the features of claim 3, and is accordingly characterized in that the control unit is assigned a device for collision avoidance, which prioritizes the performance of dosing processes from both target devices when colliding, in particular simultaneous, requirements occur Performs dosing processes, in particular defines a processing sequence.

The principle of the invention consists essentially in the fact that with a metering device that is connected to two or more target devices is, a prioritization measure can be taken in the event of a collision. For this purpose, a collision avoidance device is provided according to the invention, which is arranged in or on the metering device. The collision avoidance device can, if necessary, prioritize colliding dosing processes. For example, a processing sequence can be defined in the course of prioritizing dosing processes.

The device for preventing collisions is also set up and designed in such a way that it can determine the presence of conflicting metering requirements. It is advantageously designed in such a way that, once the existence of colliding dosing requirements has been established, it initiates measures to prioritize the colliding dosing processes.

The dosing processes can be prioritized, for example, according to their importance or, alternatively, according to the order in which the dosing requests were received. Other ordering or prioritization criteria can also be considered.

In the event that a dosing process has already been started and a second dosing process request is subsequently received by the dosing device, according to the invention prioritization of the dosing processes can in particular include that the dosing process that has already started is ended first - in any case - and only after completion of the first dosing process the second dosing process is started. This enables particularly reliable processing of conflicting dosing requirements.

With regard to the advantages of the teaching of claim 3 and the interpretation of the features of claim 3 can - to avoid Repetitions - reference is made to the above statements on claims 1 and 2.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the metering device transmits information that takes into account the collision that has occurred to the target device, whose request for a metering process has been prioritized. For example, the metering device can transmit related information to that target device which now has to wait or which has been given lower priority. For example, in the simplest case, the information can be transmitted that the corresponding target device has to pause for a while. However, it can also be communicated, for example, how long the target device has to wait, that is, a period of time is transmitted which the dosing device will probably still need to complete the first - prioritized - dosing process currently taking place.

After receiving corresponding information, the target device can, for example - if necessary - carry out measures to optimally carry out, for example, interrupt the washing or cleaning process that is carried out on the target device - despite the required pause.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several containers with different media are connected to the metering device. This enables even very complex washing or cleaning processes to be carried out.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several target devices are connected to the metering device. This enables particularly efficient dosing and transmission of media to different target devices. As a result, on the one hand, the Constructive effort can be kept low because only one metering device is required for several target devices. On the other hand, only containers with the appropriate media need to be connected centrally to the metering device for several target devices, although a supply of all target devices with the medium is guaranteed. This can also significantly simplify stock and warehousing as well as the procurement of media.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several metering devices are connected in series, in particular with the formation of a cascade. On the one hand, this enables the provision of a large number of different media. On the other hand, according to this embodiment of the invention, a large number of different target devices can be connected together to a metering device.

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. This enables bi-directional transmission of information about the target device and / or about the metering device between the metering device and the target device.

It is also possible to standardize the two communication interfaces so that different devices from different manufacturers can communicate with one another using the same standards.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two communication interfaces are connected to one another via an electrical line, in particular a signal line. Such a wired connection between the two communication interfaces enables a particularly secure and optically visible connection. In the simplest case, it can be achieved using a cable which has plugs at both ends. The plugs can be used on the corresponding sockets on the dosing device and on the target device. In this embodiment, each communication interface is assigned a plug socket.

According to a further advantageous alternative embodiment of the invention, the two communication interfaces on the dosing device and on the target device are wirelessly connected to one another. In particular, such a wireless connection between two communication interfaces can take place with recourse to conventional standards. In particular, standards such as WLAN or BLUETOOTH are particularly suitable. In this exemplary embodiment, each communication interface is assigned a transmission and / or reception module for wireless transmission and / or reception of signals.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the metering device is arranged and designed externally, that is to say separately, from the target device. It is a dosing device that is not an integral part of the target device.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 12.

The object of claim 12 is based on the object of specifying a method with which the occurrence of malfunctions in the execution of metering processes is reduced or can be better controlled.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 12.

With regard to the design of the features, the mode of operation and the advantages of the method according to claim 12, reference can be made to the above statements to avoid repetitions.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen blockschaltbildartigen Darstellung ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Dosiereinrichtung, an die zwei mit Medien befüllte Behältnisse angeschlossen sind, und ein Zielgerät, wobei eine leitungsgebundene Verbindung zwischen einer dosiereinrichtungsseitigen Kommunikationsschnittstelle und einer zielgerätseitigen Kommunikationsschnittstelle vorgesehen ist,

Fig. 2

in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiereinrichtung, bei dem die Dosiereinrichtung zwei geometrisch invertiert zueinander angeordnete Mischverteiler-Vorrichtungen aufweist, und wobei an die Dosiereinrichtung zwei Zielgeräte und drei Behältnisse angeschlossen sind, und

Fig. 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiereinrichtung in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 2, wobei die dargestellte Dosiereinrichtung insgesamt drei Mischverteiler-Anordnungen umfasst, die kaskadenartig angeordnet sind, und wobei an die Dosiereinrichtung zwei Zielgeräte, und beispielhaft nur ein Behältnis angeschlossen sind.

Further advantages of the invention emerge from the non-cited subclaims and from the following description of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show in it:

Fig. 1

In a schematic block diagram-like representation, a first exemplary embodiment of a metering device to which two containers filled with media are connected, and a target device, with a wired connection being provided between a communication interface on the metering device side and a communication interface on the target device side,

Fig. 2

in a representation according to Fig. 1 a further embodiment of a metering device according to the invention, in which the metering device has two mixing distributor devices arranged geometrically inverted to one another, and wherein two target devices and three containers are connected to the metering device, and

Fig. 3

another embodiment of a metering device according to the invention in one Representation according to Fig. 2 , wherein the metering device shown comprises a total of three mixing distributor arrangements, which are arranged in a cascade-like manner, and two target devices and, for example, only one container, are connected to the metering device.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described 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 by the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of small letters, even if different exemplary embodiments are concerned.

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

All of the features disclosed are essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application, the disclosure content of the cited publications and the described devices of the prior art is hereby fully included, also for the purpose of including individual or more features of these documents in one or more claims of the present application.

In the figures, the metering device - for the different exemplary embodiments - has been designated by the reference number 10, in particular with the addition of small letters.

Evidence Fig. 1 A first embodiment of a metering device 10a comprises a mixing distributor device 34 which - similar to the patent applications of the applicants described at the beginning - can consist of two disks, in particular an input disk 17 and an output disk 18, or comprises such disks 17, 18.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 a pair of input-side connections 15a, 15b is assigned to the input disk 17 of the metering device 10a. These are connected via media lines 14a, 14b to two containers 12a, 12b, on each of which a medium 13a, 13b is arranged. The medium is in particular a liquid, in particular a washing agent, or a cleaning agent, or a disinfectant, or a component of one of the agents listed above, or an auxiliary agent for a washing, or cleaning, or disinfecting process.

In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, not shown, the media are in powder form or provided by a fluid.

The number of media is arbitrary in the different exemplary embodiments. The same applies to the number of connected containers, to the number of connections 15 on the input side of the metering device 10a, and the number of outlets 16 on the output side of the respective metering device 10, 10a.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the metering device 10a has only a single output connection 16 which connects the metering device 10a to a target device 11 via a conveying line 26. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 is the target device - like also in the embodiments of Fig. 2 and 3 - trained as a commercial textile washing machine.

As mentioned at the outset, this target device also exemplifies other suitable target devices, such as commercial dishwashers, or other washing or cleaning or disinfection or processing or treatment devices or systems or machines.

As evidenced by the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 the input disk 17 and the output disk 18 are rotatable relative to one another about an axis of rotation 19. One disk 18 can be set into relative movement relative to the other disk 17 by a motor 20, which is only indicated schematically. Construction details are in Fig. 1 not shown, and are left to the person skilled in the art, who can take appropriate suggestions, for example, from the applicant's patent applications described above.

The metering device 10a has a control device 21, which is only indicated in the form of a block diagram as a black box. The control unit 21 is connected to a communication interface 22 on the metering device side via a signal or control line 27a. The communication interface 22 is in turn via an in Fig. 1 The communication line 25 shown is connected to the target device 11.

The control unit 21 is also connected to a pump 23 via a control or signal line 27b. The control unit 21 can control the pump 23 via the signal line 27b and cause it to suck a certain amount of medium through the mixing manifold device 34 out of the respective container 12a or 12b, and then through the fluid line 26 to the Aiming device 11 to promote.

The control unit 21 is also connected to the motor 20 via the signal line 27d, and can address the motor in order to bring about that one of the input-side connections 15a, 15b is brought into communicative connection with the output 26.

By responding to the pump 23, a certain amount of medium 13a, 13b can be removed from the corresponding container 12a, 12b, that is, pumped out and at the same time pumped through the delivery line 26 to the target device 11.

The control unit 21 is also connected via a signal line 27c to a schematically indicated sensor 24, or detector. The detector can, for example, be a flow meter, that is to say a flow measuring device, or an alternatively conductivity sensor. There could also be several, in Fig. 1 Detectors or sensors 24 (not shown) are used, all of which can report their measurement results to the control unit 21.

The control unit 21 is thus able to carry out or initiate metering processes and to determine whether metering processes have been carried out successfully. For example, such a determination as to whether a dosing process operation has been carried out properly can depend on whether the control unit 21 is expected to be within an expected range after the motor 20 and / or pump 23 and / or by a corresponding sensor 24 has responded , Receives feedback. For example, if the sensor 24 is designed as a conductivity measuring sensor, when the pump 23 responds and a specific medium 13a, 13b is conveyed, it can be expected that the conductivity measuring sensor will detect a specific conductivity at a specific point in time. If the expected conductivity is measured, the dosing process can be classified as having taken place or successful by the control unit 21.

On the other hand, the control unit 21 can be expected to pump a specific amount, that is, a specific volume, of fluid through a specific measuring area, for example a measuring area of a flow meter 24, when the pump 23 responds. If the control unit 21 detects a corresponding response signal from the flow meter, or if it at least does not receive a corresponding interference signal from the connected unit 23, 24 or 20, the control unit 21 can assume that the dosing process to be carried out has been carried out successfully or properly.

On the other hand, in the event that the control unit 21 receives corresponding interference signals or does not receive the expected feedback, it can assume that the metering process has not taken place or has not been carried out successfully.

According to the invention, the first communication interface 22 is designed and set up to transmit a corresponding signal or corresponding information about a completed dosage to the target device 11 via the communication line 25.

The target device 11 has evidently Fig. 1 a program selector switch 28, which enables the setting of a washing or cleaning program. This program selector switch is connected to a control device 29 of the target device 11 via a signal line 32b. The control unit 29 corresponds, at least with regard to its block diagram-like function, to the control unit 21 of the metering device 10a of FIG Fig. 1 .

The control device 29 is connected to a communication interface 30 on the target device side via a signal line 32a. This in turn is connected to the signal or connecting line or communication line 25.

The control unit 29 is evidenced Fig. 1 furthermore connected to a sensor or detector 31b via a signal line 32d, and connected to a sensor or detector 31a via a signal line 32c. The two sensors 31a, 31b can, for example, detect the presence of liquid or medium, in particular the presence of water, or the presence of a certain conductivity, or temperature or a pH value or a certain amount, for example a maximum or minimum amount present determine or monitor a liquid, for example a fill level, and transmit corresponding measurement values or measurement results to the control device 29.

The implementation of a washing process and the transmission of dosing information can in one embodiment of the Fig. 1 for example proceed as follows:
After a user has set a washing program on the target device 11 via the program selection switch 28, the control device 29 can use the second communication link 30 to cause a dosing request to be sent to the dosing device 10a. For example, for the implementation of a specific washing program in a first step it may be required that the medium 13a be supplied in a predetermined amount at a predetermined point in time.

The control device 29 transmits this information via the second communication interface 30 and the connecting line 25 to the first communication interface 22 and to the control unit 21 of the metering device 10a. The metering device 10a can now initiate the corresponding metering process and, through the response of the motor 20 and subsequent response of the pump 23, initiate a corresponding delivery of the required amount of medium to the target device 11.

As soon as the control unit 21 determines that the dispensing process is taking place properly or has been completed, a corresponding success signal can be transmitted via the communication interface 22 by feedback via the connecting line 25 to the communication interface 30 on the target device.

The control device 29 can take note of the success of the dosing and then, in a second step, for example, make a subsequent dosing request, or carry out a suitable measure on the target device itself, for example introducing fresh water, or increasing the temperature, or rotating the washing drum, etc.

In the event that one of the sensors 31b, 31a in the target device 11, or the control device 29 detects the occurrence of some kind of malfunction, for example that the water supply to the target device 11 is interrupted, or incorrect feedback values from the units connected to the control device 29, in particular the sensors 31a, 31b are received, a corresponding transmission of information that a malfunction is present can take place to the metering device 10a. This can then, for example, interrupt the dosing process for this target device 11.

On the other hand, in the event that the control unit 21 determines after a dosing process has been carried out that this is not the case has been properly completed, a transmission of a corresponding signal to the target device 11 takes place, or in any case the transmission of a signal that indicates that dosing has been successful is omitted. From this, the control device 29 of the target device 11 can recognize or conclude that the dosing has not been carried out properly. Upon receipt and with knowledge of this signal, the control unit 29 can then initiate appropriate measures which ensure that no further consequential problems occur. In particular, the control device 29 can, for example, interrupt the further washing process and / or initiate a corresponding acoustic or optical display for the user of the target device, which draws attention to the fact that an error has occurred while the dosing process was being carried out.

At this point it should be noted that instead of the in Fig. 1 (and in the other figures) the connecting line 25 shown, communication between the first communication interface 22 on the metering device 10 and the second communication interface 30 on the target device 11 can also take place wirelessly.

Based on the embodiment of Fig. 1 It should now be explained that further information can also be exchanged via the communication interfaces 22 and 30.

For example, information about the manufacturer of the target device and / or about the manufacturer of the metering device can be exchanged. For example, the other device can adjust itself to the device, depending on the specifics of the manufacturer's information. For example, it can be provided that different manufacturers expect or take into account different peculiarities when carrying out the washing or cleaning process, so that an optimized working method can be achieved here.

Alternatively and / or additionally, technical information about the target device and / or the metering device can be transmitted. This also includes, for example, information about a performance class of the target device or information about the possible number of different media or containers that can be connected or connected to a metering device and / or about the number of target devices to be connected or connected to a metering device.

Finally, the status of the target device and / or the status of the metering device can be transmitted. For example, it can be ensured that dosing actually only takes place when the target device is in a corresponding status of a washing or cleaning process.

Furthermore, information about the presence or absence of a malfunction on the target device and / or information about the presence or absence of a malfunction can be transmitted to the metering device. The respective other device can take into account the status of the device and initiate appropriate measures with the aim of preventing a fault or preventing the occurrence of secondary faults.

Finally, the target device can transmit information about the washing program to be carried out, for example, to the dosing device. This can include, for example, information about the media to be used in the set washing program or cleaning program to be carried out and their times of use. There is also the possibility, especially in the event that several target devices are connected to the metering device, that the metering device for Overall goals of optimized dosing, deciding when to carry out certain dosing processes.

In particular, it can be designed to master the prioritization of conflicting metering requirements. In particular, it can also be designed to prevent such a possible collision of colliding dosing requirements in advance. This can be done, for example, in that the metering device transmits information to the corresponding target device or, if necessary, also to several target devices that the meter will be ready for metering at specific times. The target device can then adapt or optimize its own washing and / or cleaning process with knowledge of the operating status of the metering device or with knowledge of a possibly changing operating status of the metering device that is to be expected in real time.

As evidenced by the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 the metering device designated there with 10b has two mixing distributor devices 34a and 34b. These are - arranged geometrically inverted to one another - connected to one another via an intermediate line 35.

The first mixing distribution device 34b has an input disk 17a with three connections 15a, 15b, 15c, and an output disk 18a which is rotatable relative thereto and which can be addressed via a motor 20b. The single output 16d is connected via the intermediate line 35 to the single input 15d of the second mixing distribution device 34a. Its input disk 17b can be rotatable about the axis of rotation 19, that is to say relative to the second output disk 18b, via the second motor 20a. Three output connections 16a, 16b, 16c are connected to the output disk 18b. Fluid delivery lines 26a, 26b, which lead to corresponding target devices 11a, 11b, are only shown for the two output connections 16a, 16c.

Here there is the possibility of using the metering device 10b of Fig. 2 to supply several target devices 11a, 11b successively with different media 13a, 13b, 13c '.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2 it is provided that a first pump 23a is connected to the first fluid line 26a, and a second pump 23b is connected to the second fluid line 26b.

The target device that can be connected to the third connection line 26c is shown in FIG Fig. 2 not shown for the sake of clarity.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2 the control unit 21 is designed to carry out an activation via the several signal lines 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f, which functions approximately as follows:
When a dosing request is received from a corresponding target device 11a or 11b via the corresponding signal line 25a or 25b, a corresponding fluid connection is first established between the relevant container 12a, 12b, 12c and the corresponding delivery line 26a and 26b by responding to the two motors 20a, 20b. Then, by responding to the respective pump 23a or 23b, the specified delivery rate is delivered in terms of volume to the corresponding target device 11a or 11b.

As an alternative to the use of two pumps 23a and 23b, as shown in dashed lines, only a single pump 23c can be provided in the area of the intermediate line 35 in a further exemplary embodiment.

Equally, there is also the possibility of providing only a single fluid measuring sensor 24c (indicated by dashed lines) (instead of the two fluid measuring sensors 24a, 24b shown).

According to the invention there is the possibility of prioritizing the dosing requirements in the event of colliding, that is to say simultaneous or simultaneous, collision requests from different target devices 11a, 11b. For this purpose, the control unit 21 can contain an integrated or separate device 36 for collision prevention, which ensures, for example, that if a metering process has started, this is first completed before a second metering process, requested at the same time while the first metering process is being carried out, starts is taken and edited.

However, there is also the option of providing a different processing sequence in the course of prioritization and prioritization according to other organizational features. For example, an importance scale can be introduced - and used when processing dosing processes - that takes into account, for example, that certain target devices should or may not pause indefinitely, at least at certain times during certain washing or cleaning processes. In this respect, dosing processes could under certain circumstances be brought forward, this also including the possibility that already started dosing processes are aborted and paused in order to be continued later after a second dosing process has been carried out.

In the event that a request signal for performing a dosing process is sent to the dosing device 10b from the two target devices 11a, 11b at the same time, the dosing device 10b or the in the control unit 21 integrated device 36 for collision prevention ensure that the target device that has lower priority, for example, has to wait a little, is informed that the dosing process can or will start later, for example a few minutes later . For this purpose, the control unit 21 or the communication interface 22 can transmit a corresponding collision signal via the respective connecting line 25a, 25b to the respective control device 29a, 29b, or to the respective target device-side communication interface 30a, 30b of the target device 11a, 11b.

After receiving corresponding collision information, the corresponding target device 11a, 11b can adjust to this, and the control device 29a, 29b connected to the corresponding target device 11a, 11b can initiate a corresponding measure on the corresponding target device 11a, 11b if necessary.

With regard to all exemplary embodiments of this patent application, it should be noted at this point that the number of connected containers or the number of different available media 13 as well as the number of target devices 11, 11a, 11b, 11c connected to a metering device 10, 10a, 10b, 10c are arbitrary is.

With regard to the embodiment of Fig. 2 it should be noted that the mixing distributor device designated there by 34a in the im Fig. 2 The illustrated embodiment is designed such that when a communication path is provided between the input connection 15d of the input disk 17b and one of the output connections 16a, 16b, 16c of the output disk 18b, for example the output connection 16a, the other output connections 16b, 16c are blocked.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, not shown, the second mixing manifold device 34a is designed in such a way that the output connections (for example 16b, 16c) that are not connected to the input connection 15d are not blocked, but rather after the associated flushing Fluid delivery line 26b, 26c remain open. In this embodiment, it is possible to use another variable hose connection device, for example using hose squeezing elements or the like, instead of a mixing manifold disclosed in the patent applications of the applicants described at the beginning.

As evidenced by the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3 a cascade arrangement of several mixing distributor devices 34a, 34b, 34c of a metering device 10c is also described. Here, a first mixing distributor device 34a has an input disk 17a and an output disk 18a. The input disk 17a has - for the sake of simplicity - only one input connection 15a, and the output disk 18a has - likewise for the sake of simplicity - only two output connections 16a, 16b.

The output connection 16a is connected to a second mixed distributor device 34b via a first intermediate line 35a and the second connection 16b is connected to a third mixed distributor device 34c via a second intermediate line 35b.

The second mixing distributor device 34b likewise has an input disk 17b and an output disk 18b, which are rotatable relative to one another about an axis of rotation 19b.

The third mixing distributor device 34c has a first input disk 17c and a second output disk 18c, which are rotatable relative to one another about an axis of rotation 19c.

Each of the two output disks 18b, 18c has three output connections 16c, 16d, 16e or 16f, 16g, 16h.

In this respect, there is the possibility of a plurality of, in the present exemplary embodiment of, the metering device 10c Fig. 3 to connect a total of six target devices. For the sake of clarity, in Fig. 3 but only two target devices 11a and 11f are shown.

According to the teaching according to the invention, the dosing device 10c can also control or prevent a collision of simultaneous dosing requests from different target devices 11a, 11f via the communication interface 22 by means of the collision avoidance device 36 integrated in the control unit 21.

Fig. 3 shows a cascade of mixing distribution devices 34a, 34b, 34c with the result that a large number of target devices 11a, 11b can be charged with one medium or with different media by means of a single metering device 10c.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3 also includes those variants in which a multiplicity of containers, in particular a multiplicity of different media, are connected to the metering device 10.

For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the device 36 for preventing collisions can be an integral part of the corresponding control unit 21 on the metering device 10, or can also be designed separately from it.

In particular, the device 36 for preventing collisions can be formed by a microprocessor, or it can be a component of the control unit 21 of the metering device 10, 10a, 10b, 10c.

Claims (12)

Dosing device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) for dosing and supplying media (13a, 13b, 13c) to a target device (11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f), in particular to a commercial textile washing machine, whereby the dosing device is connected to at least one container (12a, 12b, 12c) which is filled with a medium, and the dosing device is assigned a control unit (21) which, after receiving a request signal from the target device, carries out a dosing process, and for this purpose under With the aid of a pump (23, 23a, 23b, 23c) removes a predetermined volume of medium from the container and delivers this volume to the target device, characterized in that the control unit is assigned a communication interface (22) which, after completion of the dispensing process, information about the completion of the dispensing process is transmitted to the target device. Dosing device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), in particular according to claim 1, for dosing and supplying media to a target device (11a, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f), in particular to a commercial textile washing machine, wherein the Dosing device is connected to at least one container (12a, 12b, 12c) which is filled with a medium (13a, 13b, 13c), and the dosing device is assigned a control unit (21) which, after receiving a request signal from a control device ( 29) of the target device performs a dosing process, and for this purpose, with the aid of a pump (23, 23a, 23b, 23c), removes a predetermined volume of medium from the container and delivers this volume to the target device, characterized in that the control unit a communication interface (22) on the dosing device side and a communication interface (30) on the target device side for the control device is assigned, with an exchange of data taking place between the control unit and the control unit via the two interconnected communication interfaces which contain at least one of the information listed below: a) Information about the target device: i) information about the manufacturer of the target device, ii) technical information about the target device, in particular information on a performance class, 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 iv) information about the presence or absence of a malfunction on the target device, v) information about a dosing requirement, 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, vii) information about a specific step or about several specific steps of a washing program, in particular information about the media to be used, viii) Information about canceling a washing program. b) Information about the dosing device: ix) information about the manufacturer of the dosing device, x) technical information about the dosing device, xi) Information about the media connected to the dosing device xii) Information about the additional 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 readiness state of the metering device or information about an occupied state of the metering device, xiv) information about a point in time at which the metering device is likely to return to a standby state, xv) information about the presence or absence of a malfunction in the dosing device, xvi) information about an interruption of a dosing process, xvii) information about a completed and / or successfully performed dosing process, xviii) information about a filling state of a container of a medium, in particular information about an empty state of a medium. Dosing device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), in particular according to claim 1 or claim 2, for dosing and supplying media to at least one first target device (11a), in particular to a commercial textile washing machine, and to at least one second target device (11b, 11f), the metering device being connected to at least one container (12a, 12b, 12c) which is filled with a medium (13a, 13b, 13c), and the metering device is assigned a control unit (21) which, after receiving a Request signal from a target device carries out a dosing process, and for this purpose, with the aid of a pump (23, 23a, 23b, 23c), removes a predetermined volume of medium from the container and delivers this volume to the target device, characterized in that the control unit a device (36) for collision prevention is assigned, which when colliding, in particular simultaneous, requirements for performing Do dispensing processes from both target devices prioritizes the dispensing processes, in particular defines a processing sequence. Dosing device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the dosing device transmits information which takes into account the collision that has occurred to the target device, whose request for a dosing process has been prioritized. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several containers (12a, 12b, 12c) with different media are connected to the dosing device. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several target devices (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) are connected to the dosing device. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several dosing devices are connected in series, in particular with the formation of a cascade. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device is assigned a first communication interface (22) and the target device is assigned a second communication interface (30). Dosing device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the two communication interfaces are connected to one another via an electrical line (25), in particular via a signal line. Dosing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the two communication interfaces are connected to one another wirelessly, in particular with recourse to conventional standards such as WLAN or BLUETOOTH. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device is arranged externally, separately, from the target device. Method for carrying out an exchange of information between a metering device (10a, 10c) for metering and supplying media (13a, 13c) to a target device (11a, 11b), in particular to a commercial textile washing machine, and the target device, the metering device with at least one container (12a, 12c), which is filled with a medium, and the dosing device is assigned a control unit (21) which, after receiving a request signal from a control device (29) of the target device, carries out a dosing process, with the aid of a pump (23, 23a, 23c) removes a predetermined volume of medium from the container and delivers this volume to the target device, the control unit having a metering device-side communication interface (22) and the control device a target-device-side communication interface (30) is assigned, characterized by the following steps: a) connecting the two communication interfaces (22, 30) to one another in order to provide a communicative connection between the control device (29) and the control unit (21), b) Transmission of data from the target device (11) to the metering device (10) which contain at least one of the information listed below: i) information about the manufacturer of the target device, ii) Technical information about the target device, in particular information on a performance class, iii) information on the status of the target device, in particular information on a set washing or cleaning program and / or a status of a washing or cleaning program, iv) information about the presence or absence of a malfunction on the target device, v) information about a dosing requirement, 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, vii) information about a specific step or about several specific steps of a washing program, in particular information about the media to be used, viii) Information about canceling a washing program and or c) Transmission of data from the dosing device to the target device which contain at least one of the information listed below: ix) information about the manufacturer of the dosing device, x) Technical information about the metering device, in particular information on 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 readiness state of the metering device or information about an occupied state of the metering device, xiv) information about a point in time at which the metering device is likely to return to a standby state, xv) information about the presence or absence of a malfunction in the dosing device, xvi) information about an interruption of a dosing process, xvii) information about a completed and / or successfully performed dosing process, xviii) information about a filling state of a container of a medium, in particular information about an empty state of a medium.

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