EP3115498A1 - Metering device for metering and supply of media and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates inter alia to a metering device (10) for metering and supplying media (31 a, 31 b, 31 c) via fluid lines (16) to a plurality of target devices (13 a, 13 b), in particular to several commercial textile washing machines, wherein the metering device is connected to at least one container (14a, 14b, 14c), which is filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is associated with a control unit (27) which performs a dosing process after receiving a request signal from one of the target devices, and this with the aid at least one pump (20a, 20b, 20c) carries out a removal of a predetermined volume of medium from the container and a promotion of this volume towards a target device. The peculiarity consists inter alia in that the metering device has at least one branch point (12) of the fluid line, which provides a plurality of line branches (17a, 17b, 17c), wherein in each case a line branch connects the branch point with a target device, and wherein each line branch , is associated with the control unit of the metering device addressable pump (22a, 22b, 22c).

Description

The invention relates first to a metering device for metering and feeding of media according to the preamble of claim 1.

The applicants, or related companies, develop and manufacture for decades metering devices with which media, ie in particular washing or cleaning agents or their components, a target device, ie z. As a textile washing machine, or a dishwasher, are supplied.

In order to be able to supply different media to a target device successively, the applicants have already developed metering devices which have a type of switching and distributing device, a so-called mixing distributor, which may comprise, for example, two substantially ceramic discs. This Mischverteileinrichtung may include multiple inputs and an output. By means of an actuator which can assume different rotational positions, in each case a communicative connection between one of the inputs and the output can be established. In this respect, reference is made, for example, to the developments attributable to the Applicant according to the German patent application DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 . DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 . DE 10 2011 122 921.7 and DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 ,

The Mischverteileinrichtung of the type described, with a plurality of inputs and an output, can also be used in geometrically inverted arrangement. In that case, provision is made in particular for an input to be switchably connectable to one of a plurality of outputs. So there is the possibility, each one of several Target devices in communicative connection with the input port to bring.

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

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

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

Starting from a metering device according to the WO 2014/000726 The object of the invention is to further develop the known metering device in such a way that it allows a simple design.

The invention achieves this object with the features of claim 1, in particular with those of the characterizing part, and is accordingly characterized in that the metering device has at least one branch point of the fluid line, which provides a plurality of line branches, wherein in each case one line branch the branch point with a target device connects, and each one Line branch is assigned to one of the control unit of the metering device addressable pump.

The principle of the invention is essentially to make the metering device such that in place of a switching device having an input and a plurality of outputs, and in which, as a result of z. B. rotational movement of an actuator communicative connection between the inlet and one of the outputs is provided, a branch point is provided. The branch point can be provided in a very simple way by a corresponding piece of tubing or a hose connector piece. For example, branching points in the manner of a Y-branch, or in the manner of a tee, into consideration. According to the invention, each line branch - downstream of the branching point - is assigned its own pump. The pumps are so far downstream of the branching point arranged.

In the metering device according to the invention can be dispensed with a consuming designed, and thus high cost, different communication paths switching switching device for switching the leading to the individual target devices fluid line branches. The branching point, on the other hand, can be considerably simpler in design and construction.

The invention recognizes that, as a result of providing a branching point with a plurality of branch branches and providing a number of pumps corresponding to the number of branch branches, the same result can be achieved with a significantly lower constructional outlay. In accordance with the invention, by activating and operating one of the pumps, delivery of the medium is accomplished only by this line branch assigned to the pump. In non-operating state of a pump locks the corresponding pump the corresponding line branch. If one of several existing pumps is addressed, all other existing pumps block off their assigned line branches. This is basically provided in the pumps provided by the invention for use, for example conventional peristaltic pumps.

Although the metering device according to the invention requires the provision of a higher number of pumps than in the case of a device of the state of the art which, in principle, was equipped with a single pump. However, the number of pumps in the invention can basically be adapted to the number of target devices. In this respect, only so many pumps are needed as target devices are available.

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

On the other hand, according to the invention, however, it is also possible to even out the maintenance intervals.

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

A control unit of the metering device can, after receiving a corresponding request signal from the respective target device, both the actuator of the Mischverteileinrichtung address to provide the desired communicative switching connection, so also at the same time the target device, or its conduction path, associated pump respond, and thus a corresponding promotion of Request requested amount of medium from the appropriate container out to the target device.

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

The metering device is used to supply and metering of media. Suitable media are suitable detergents, cleaning agents, disinfectant solutions, dishwashing detergents, or the like, or components thereof. In principle, they are fluids, in particular liquids, as needed or used in washing, cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting or other comparable processes.

The media are supplied to the multiple target devices via fluid lines. The fluid lines can in particular be hoses, hose lines, under certain circumstances also metallic hoses or lines.

As a target device in the sense of the present patent application, in particular a commercial, textile washing machine or a household washing machine is considered. In particular, as a target device in the sense of the present patent application also a Dishwasher or plant, in particular a commercial dishwasher viewed.

Finally, as targeting devices in the sense of the present patent application also disinfection facilities or facilities are considered.

The metering device according to the invention is connected or connectable with at least one container which is filled or filled with a medium. According to the invention, the metering device can in particular also be connected or connectable to a plurality of containers. The plurality of containers may in particular have different media.

The metering device is assigned a control unit according to the invention. In particular, the control unit may comprise a processor which is preprogrammed as a kind of arithmetic unit or arithmetic unit, or which may also perform individually programmable processes.

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

For this purpose, a communication interface can be provided on the target device. Also at the metering device, a corresponding further communication interface can be provided. The two communication interfaces can communicate with each other via an electrical line, in particular via a cable or a signal transmission line, but equally wirelessly, z. More colorful With the aid of conventional or proprietary radio standards, such as Bluetooth or WLAN, be connected to each other.

The control unit may initiate a dosing process upon receipt of a request signal. For this purpose, it can first - if available - address a motor for actuating an actuator of a Mischverteileinrichtung. The actuator can then be transferred to a corresponding position in which one of the inputs of the Mischverteileinrichtung is connected to the output of the Mischverteileinrichtung and thus also with the branching point. Thus, that input is switched through insofar as it is connected to the corresponding container in which the medium to be conveyed is located.

The control unit can then respond to a pump, and remove by pressing the pump a predetermined amount of volume of this medium from the container and promote this particular target device out. The control unit responds to that pump which is assigned to the target device or to the line branch leading to this target device.

As a pump in the context of the present patent application, any suitable pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, understood, which is able to promote a predetermined amount of medium.

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

As a branch point of the fluid line, a region of the fluid line is considered, in which a section of the fluid line is divided into at least two fluid line branches.

Branching points are also encompassed by the invention, in which a fluid line section splits into three or more line branches.

The invention also encompasses a plurality of series-connected branching points in the fluid line in order to provide a plurality of line branches for the purpose of connection to a plurality of target devices.

According to the invention, moreover, the possibility is provided to address two, or more, pumps at the same time, and to simultaneously feed the same medium from one container to a plurality of target devices with the aid of the plurality of pumps. Of course, this possibility only applies to such requirement situations in which requests from the same target device for the same medium are simultaneously transmitted to the metering device by different target devices.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a collision prevention device at the metering device precludes multiple pumps from simultaneously conveying fluid to a plurality of target devices.

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

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

The actuator may in particular be designed to be rotatable. In particular, it makes sense to embody the actuator and / or a Mischverteileinrichtung attributable to this actuator, as disclosed in the patent applications of the applicant described above.

For the purpose of avoiding repetition, it is hereby incorporated into the claims of the present application, also for the purpose of possibly including one or more features described in the earlier patent applications, in the claims of the present patent application, the contents of the following, earlier patent applications Registration includes: DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 . DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 . DE 10 2011 122 921.7 . DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 and WO 2014/000726 ,

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in each case an inlet of the metering device is connected to a container. The containers may contain the same or different media. If the same media are provided, a long-term supply of the target devices with media can be achieved by recourse to existing containers of certain sizes by connecting a plurality of such containers.

In the event that several containers are provided according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, which are filled with different media, the target devices can be supplied with different media.

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

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the line branches are assigned check valves. This allows the prevention of backflow of unwanted fluid flow rates through the branching point.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a communication interface, which transmits information on the completion of the dosing process to the target device after completion of the dosing process. As a result, a high process reliability can be ensured.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a control device is arranged on the target device in each case. Such a control unit can assume a particularly secure communication with the control unit at the metering device.

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

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a dosing device-side communication point and the control device is assigned a target-device-side communication interface. Between control unit and control unit can over the two interconnected communication interfaces are an exchange of data. The data may include at least one of the following information:

1. a) Information about the target device:
   1. i) details of the manufacturer of the target device,
   2. ii) Technical specifications of the target device, in particular specification of a performance class
   3. (iii) information on the status of the target device, in particular details of a discontinued washing or cleaning program and / or status of a washing or cleaning program
   4. iv) Information on the presence or absence of a malfunction on the target device
   5. v) details of a dosing request
   6. (vi) information on the washing program to be carried out, in particular information on the media to be used in a washing program to be carried out
   7. (vii) information on a specific step or several specific steps of a washing program, in particular information on the media to be used
   8. viii) information on the termination of a wash program
2. b) Information about the dosing device:
   • ix) details of the manufacturer of the metering device,
   • x) Technical information about the dosing device, in particular specification of a performance class
   • xi) Information about the media connected to the dosing device
   • xii) Information about the other target devices connected to the dosing device
   • xiii) Information on the status of the metering device, in particular information on a status of a metering process or indication of a readiness state of the metering device or indication of a busy state of the metering device
   • xiv) Information on when the metering device is likely to return to a ready state
   • xv) Information on the presence or non-existence of a malfunction in the dosing device
   • xvi) Information about discontinuation of a dosing process
   • xvii) Information on a successful and / or successful dosing process
   • xviii) Information on a filling state of a container of a medium, in particular information on a vacancy of a medium.

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

With regard to the particular advantages that result from such information transmission or from such an exchange of information, to avoid repetition of the disclosure of the older, post-published German patent application DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 directed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is associated with a device for collision prevention. This device is designed to prioritize the occurrence of conflicting, in particular simultaneous, requirements of the execution of dosing processes of a plurality of target devices Make dosing. In particular, a processing order can be determined hereby. This also ensures high process reliability.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering device is assigned a first communication interface and the target device has a second communication interface. The two communication interfaces can be connected to each other via an electrical line, in particular via a signal line. This embodiment of the invention allows recourse to conventional communication interfaces, such as WLAN or Bluetooth or NFC, to allow communication between the control unit and the controller in a simple, inexpensive way together.

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

The invention further relates to a method according to claim 14.

The invention has for its object to provide a method by which a metering and feeding of media via fluid lines to multiple target devices can be done in a particularly simple manner.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 14.

To avoid repetition, reference may be made to the above statements on claims 1 to 13.

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

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

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4

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

Fig. 5

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

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the non-cited subclaims, as well as from the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Show:

Fig. 1

in a schematic block diagram-like overview of a first embodiment of a metering device according to the invention with three connected containers, a Mischverteileinrichtung, an actuator, and a Y-type branching point that provides two line branches, are connected to the two target devices,

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

a further embodiment in a representation according to Fig. 1 wherein the branching point provides three line branches, with only two target devices shown for the sake of clarity,

Fig. 4

in an enlarged, schematic detail view, approximately in accordance with part circle IV in Fig. 1 , the area of the branch point, with additional check valves are arranged, the sake of clarity, the pumps are not shown, and

Fig. 5

in a schematic, partially sectional view of an embodiment of a representation similar to the Fig. 1 , wherein only the region of the branch point of the fluid line - similar to Fig. 4 - is shown, and wherein two branch points are connected in series.

Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For reasons of clarity, identical or comparable parts or elements or regions with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of small letters, are also referred to - even if different embodiments are involved.

Features which are described only in relation to an embodiment can be provided in the context of the invention in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are - even if they are not shown in the drawings - covered by the invention.

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

The metering device designated in its entirety by 10 should first be described on the basis of the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 be explained:

The metering device 10 of this embodiment initially comprises a mixing manifold 11 and a branching point 12. At the metering device 10, two target devices 13a, 13b are connected, which are formed in the embodiment as a commercial, textile washing machines.

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

The metering device 10 is set up and designed, at the request of a target device 13, a switchable, communicative connection between a specific container, for. B. container 14 a, and provide the branching point 12, and to address the corresponding path for the target device associated pump and to remove the medium from the container 14 a by pumping and to promote the target device.

As evidenced by the embodiment of Fig. 1 For example, the mixing manifold 11 may include an input disk 18 and an output disk 19. The output disk 19 is formed as an actuator, and can be rotated relative to the captured input disk 18 about a rotation axis 21. To initiate the rotational movement, a motor 20 is provided.

It should be noted at this point that differently designed actuators may be provided on the metering device 11.

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

The inlets 41 a, 41 b, 41 c are connected via connecting lines 15 a, 15 b, 15 c to the corresponding container 14 a, 14 b, 14 c. At the respective end of the connecting lines 15a, 15b, 15c, which are associated with the containers 14a, 14b, 14c, suction lances can be arranged, for example.

The output 42 of the actuator 19 is connected to a fluid line 16. The fluid line 16 is divided in the embodiment of Fig. 1 in the region of a branch point 12 in two line branches 17a, 17b.

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

The line branch 17a is a first pump 22a and the line branch 17b is associated with a second pump 22b. The two pumps 22a, 22b are independent of each other, and formed separately from each other, and each represent a separate functional unit.

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

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

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

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

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

The operation of the metering device 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 is as follows:

The user can manually set a washing or cleaning program via the program selector switch 26a. The control unit 29a may be due to the program selection via the signal or control line 40b with the aid of the communication interface 30a to cause a corresponding request for a specific medium and a predetermined amount at a specific time to the control unit 27 of the metering device 10. The control unit 27 receives the dosing request via the communication interface 28.

The controller 27 may be associated with a collision avoidance device 33 or may include such device 33. First, the device 33, optionally in cooperation with the control unit 27, to check whether a collision case exists - because, for example, the second target device 13b has transmitted a colliding dosing request at the same time.

Assuming that there is no collision, or collision processing has occurred, taking into account predetermined priorities, the metering device 10 can now perform a metering process in accordance with the request from the first target device 13a:

First, this is addressed by the control unit 27 via the signal or control line 40a of the motor 20, and the actuator 19 is set in rotation or displaced until a rotational position or a position of the actuator is reached, in which one of the inputs 41 a, 41 b , 41 c, z. B. input 41 a, is brought into a switchable communication with the output 42. There is now a communicative connection between the input 41 a and the output 42. The two other inputs 41 b, 41 c are sealed.

With respect to the structural design of such a mixing manifold 11 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 can help avoid repetition on the patent applications DE 10 2011 108 396 A1 . DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 . DE 10 2011 122 921.7 . DE 10 2015 107 976 A1 and WO 2014/000726 The content of the present patent application is hereby included in the content of the present patent application, also for the purpose of incorporating features disclosed therein into the present patent application.

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

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

Via the flowmeter 23, the control unit 27 can check or control the conveying process. In one embodiment, it may be provided that the flowmeter 23 causes a corresponding signal output to the control unit 27, or by the control unit 27 a corresponding query is made to the flowmeter 23 to check whether the amount of medium to be conveyed has actually been promoted ,

It is also possible, for example, to determine via the sensor 24a at the target device 13a whether the medium to be conveyed has arrived correctly at the target device 13a.

When the delivery of the medium 31a is completed, the metering device 10 may perform a flushing operation. For this can it can be assumed that the medium 31 b is provided by conventional water. The control unit 27 can turn the actuator 19 in turn by actuating the motor 20 in rotation, in order to provide a communicative connection between the second input 41 b and the output 42. Now, the flushing medium 31d may be conveyed back to the targeting device 13a through the pump 42a by the output 42, the fluid line 16, the branching point 12, and at least a portion of the branch 17a.

In order to prevent dead spaces - indicated by the reference numeral 34 in FIG Fig. 4 - remain small residual volumes of the previously conveyed medium 31 a, may be provided in the course of flushing that the pump 22 b is caused by the control unit 27 to promote in the reverse direction, ie contrary to the usual direction of promotion, for a very short time to the minimum quantities of medium possibly present in these dead spaces in the course of the flushing process into the line branch 17a. After a very short time, the pump 22b, and later the pump 22a, stopped. Now the dosing process is completed successfully.

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

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

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

The arrangement of non-return valves allows in one embodiment of the invention, the use of pumps that do not lock in the idle state - that is, when they are not addressed - the line branch connected to it. Here it can be provided that only the check valves ensure that when operating a pump associated with another line branch no returns in the check valve associated with the line branch - unintentionally - can take place.

Of the invention is also included, if the described in the other embodiments, and partially schematically illustrated pumps in idle mode their associated line branch lock, and the check valves are provided in addition to such pumps.

As evidenced by the embodiment of Fig. 2 should be explained that the branch point 12 - unlike the substantially Y-shaped branch point of the Fig. 1 - In other embodiments, also in the manner of a substantially T-shaped fitting may be formed.

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

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

Finally, the embodiment of the shows Fig. 5 in that the invention also includes metering devices in which two or more branching points are connected in series Fig. 5 a first branching point 12 in which the fluid line 16 splits to a first line branch 17a and a second line branch 17b. Downstream of this first branching point 12, a second branching point 35 is arranged, in which the first line branch 17a splits on two sub-branches 17a1 and 17a2. At each of the two Unterleitungszweige 17a1 and 17a2 can - what Fig. 5 does not represent - turn its own target device 13 to be connected. Each of the sub-branches 17a1 and 17a2 is associated with its own pump 22a1, 22a2.

Such a serial arrangement of several branch points can - as in Fig. 5 shown - may be fluidly advantageous. Also, this can be advantages in terms of geometric Design of the fluid line branches result. Finally, a resort to conventional hose connector elements is possible.

Claims (15)

Dosing device (10) for metering and supplying media (31 a, 31 b, 31 c) via fluid lines (16) to a plurality of target devices (13 a, 13 b), in particular to several commercial textile washing machines, wherein the metering device with at least one container (14 a , 14b, 14c), which is filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is associated with a control unit (27) which performs a metering process after receiving a request signal from one of the target devices, and with the aid of at least one pump (20a, 20b, 20c) carries out a removal of a predetermined volume of medium from the container and a delivery of this volume to a target device, characterized in that the metering device has at least one branch point (12) of the fluid line, which has a plurality of line branches (17a, 17b , 17c), each one line branch connecting the branch point to a target device, and w oeach branch line is assigned a pump (22a, 22b, 22c) that can be addressed by the control unit of the metering device. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering device has a plurality of inlets (41 a, 41 b, 41 c), each of which by means of the control unit with the aid of an actuator (19) switchable in communicative connection with the branch point can be brought. Dosing device according to claim 2, characterized in that in each case an inlet (41a, 41b, 41c) with a container (14a, 14b, 14c) is connected. Dosing device according to claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of containers are provided, which are filled with different media. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Verzeigungsstelle (12) is designed in the manner of a Y-branch or in the manner of a T-branch. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line branches (17a, 17b, 17c) are associated with check valves (44a, 44b). Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (27) is associated with a communication interface (28), which transmits information on the completion of the dosing process to the target device after completion of the dosing process. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case a control device (29a, 29b) is arranged on the target device. Dosing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit (27) at the metering device (10) has a metering device-side communication interface (28) and the control device (29a, 29b) at the target device (13a, 13b) a target device-side communication interface ( 30a, 30b), wherein an exchange of data takes place between the control unit and the control unit via the two, interconnected communication interfaces, which contain at least one of the following information: a) Information about the target device: i) details of the manufacturer of the target device, ii) Technical specifications of the target device, in particular specification of a performance class (iii) information on the status of the target device, in particular details of a discontinued washing or cleaning program and / or status of a washing or cleaning program iv) Information on the presence or absence of a malfunction on the target device v) details of a dosing request (vi) information on the washing program to be carried out, in particular information on the media to be used in a washing program to be carried out (vii) information on a specific step or several specific steps of a washing program, in particular information on the media to be used viii) information on the termination of a wash program b) Information about the dosing device: ix) details of the manufacturer of the metering device, x) Technical information about the dosing device, in particular specification of a performance class xi) Information about the media connected to the dosing device xii) Information about the other target devices connected to the dosing device (xiii) information on the status of the metering device, in particular information on the status of a metering process or indication of a metering process Ready state of the metering device or indication of a busy state of the metering device xiv) Information on when the metering device is likely to return to a ready state xv) Information on the presence or absence of a malfunction in the metering device xvi) Information about discontinuation of a dosing process xvii) Information on a successful and / or successful dosing process xviii) Information on a filling state of a container of a medium, in particular information on a vacancy of a medium. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (27) is associated with a device (33) for collision prevention, which makes a prioritization of the dosing processes, in particular one, when colliding, in particular simultaneous, requirements of carrying out dosing processes of a plurality of target devices Specifies processing order. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device is associated with a first communication interface (28) and the target device, a second communication interface (30a, 30b), in particular via an electrical line (40f), in particular via a signal line with each other are connected. Dosing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the two communication interfaces (28, 30a, 30b) are connected to each other wirelessly, in particular by using conventional standards such as WLAN or NFC. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device is arranged externally, separately from the target devices. Method for metering and supplying media (31a, 31b, 31c) via fluid lines (16) to a plurality of target devices (13a, 13b), in particular to a plurality of industrial textile washing machines, wherein the metering device with at least one container (14a, 14b, 14c) which is filled with a medium, and wherein the metering device is associated with a control unit (27), wherein the metering device has at least one branch point (12) of the fluid line (16) having a plurality of line branches (17a, 17b, 17c) each line branch connects the branching point to a targeting device, and each line branch is associated with a pump (22a, 22b, 22c) responsive to the metering device control unit, comprising the steps of: a) receiving a request signal for a medium from a target device (13a) by the control unit (27), b) addressing a pump (22a) associated with this target device by the control unit, c) taking a requested amount of medium from the container (14a), and d) conveying the amount of medium through the pump branch (22a) associated line branch (17a) to the target device (13a). A method according to claim 14, characterized in that after step d) the following step is carried out: e) rinsing the line branch (17a) at least in the region of the branching point (12), the following step being carried out in particular when carrying out step e): f) Short reverse rotation or reverse pumping of the pumps (20b, 20c) of the remaining line branches (17b, 17c).

Images