Dosing unit for an ultrasonic bath

Abstract

Dosing unit for an ultrasonic bath, comprising a first feed (1) through which water can be directed into the ultrasonic bath, a reservoir (3) for cleaning chemicals, a second feed (2) through which the cleaning chemicals can be directed from the reservoir (3) into the ultrasonic bath, the dosing unit is designed so that water and cleaning chemicals flow together in the ultrasonic bath and a resulting mixture is homogenized by cavitation in the ultrasonic bath to form a cleaning fluid.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure lies in the field of cleaning technology, in particular in the field of ultrasonic cleaning. The disclosure relates to a dosing unit for ultrasonic baths, as well as an ultrasonic bath with a dosing unit.

[0002] In ultrasonic baths, a mixture of water and special preparations is used as the sonication or cleaning fluid. These must be mixed manually or added via dosing systems before use in an ultrasonic bath. Conventional dosing systems for ultrasonic baths mix cleaning preparations and tap water inside the unit, which leads to bacterial growth and necessitates disinfection every six months. Furthermore, these systems contain numerous components in contact with the fluid (e.g., valves, seals) that have limited durability against aggressive chemicals. This results in high maintenance and repair costs for conventional dosing pumps with internal mixing chambers, which are susceptible to bacterial contamination and material fatigue.

[0003] The present invention therefore aims to create a maintenance-free and reliable dosing unit that eliminates the risk of microbial contamination, minimizes contact with aggressive chemicals, and ensures a homogeneous mixture without inhomogeneities. This objective is achieved by the dosing unit according to claim 1. Possible further embodiments and developments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0004] A dosing unit according to the invention for an ultrasonic bath comprises a first feed through which water can be directed to the ultrasonic bath, a reservoir for cleaning chemicals, a second feed through which the cleaning chemicals can be conveyed from the reservoir to the ultrasonic bath, the dosing unit is designed so that water and cleaning chemicals flow together in the ultrasonic bath and a resulting mixture is homogenized by cavitation in the ultrasonic bath to form a cleaning fluid.

[0005] The dosing unit is used to fill an ultrasonic bath with a cleaning fluid. This fluid consists of a mixture of water and a cleaning chemical. Within the ultrasonic bath's tank, also referred to as a vibrating tank, cavitation is generated under the influence of ultrasound, which is used to clean objects.

[0006] Water is fed into the ultrasonic bath via an initial inlet. This water can be drinking water or demineralized water (DI water). The water can be drawn from a connection to a pipeline.

[0007] The dosing unit includes a reservoir for cleaning chemicals. The cleaning chemicals are stored in this reservoir until they are added to the ultrasonic bath. The reservoir is preferably designed to be as resistant as possible to the aggressive cleaning chemicals.

[0008] The cleaning chemicals are fed into the ultrasonic bath via a second feed. This feed is preferably designed so that as few components as possible come into contact with the aggressive cleaning chemicals.

[0009] Only within the ultrasonic bath itself do the water and cleaning chemicals mix to form the cleaning fluid. The ultrasound from the ultrasonic bath creates cavitation in the fluid, which homogeneously mixes the media.

[0010] Separately supplying water and cleaning chemicals up to the point of entry into the ultrasonic bath prevents microbial growth in the lines and contamination of the first supply with chemicals. Because the second supply, carrying the chemicals, is separate from the first, contact between components and aggressive chemicals is minimized, simplifying maintenance. At the same time, it increases protection against backflow. Mixing through cavitation in the ultrasonic bath prevents inhomogeneity in the cleaning fluid.

[0011] The cleaning chemical reservoir can be designed to accommodate an interchangeable canister of cleaning chemicals. This interchangeable canister can contain commercially available cleaning chemicals. This simplifies refilling the reservoir, as only the canister needs to be replaced. Furthermore, it increases user safety, as the user does not have to handle the aggressive chemicals directly.

[0012] Dosing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the replaceable canister is connected to the second feed via an adapter. The adapter can have a screw connection that fits the standardized threads of the screw caps of canisters of commercially available cleaning chemicals. This further simplifies the exchange of the canisters.

[0013] The reservoir can include a weighing device that indicates the reservoir's fill level. By monitoring the weight, or volume if the density is known, the dosage of the cleaning chemicals can be precisely controlled. The weighing device also allows for monitoring the reservoir's fill level. Unlike flow meters for the cleaning chemicals, the weighing device does not come into contact with the cleaning chemicals and is therefore more durable and easier to maintain.

[0014] In particular, the weighing device can have a tolerance of less than 4%, especially less than 1%, to enable extremely precise dosing of the cleaning chemicals.

[0015] The second feed can include a highly resistant chemical hose and a peristaltic pump. This design eliminates the need for seals and other components in the chemical-carrying second feed that would otherwise be exposed to the aggressive cleaning chemicals. Only the highly resistant chemical hose comes into contact with the cleaning chemicals. If an adapter for a replaceable canister is used in the reservoir, the highly resistant chemical hose can be routed through it into the canister. Simultaneously, a peristaltic pump enables precise dosing of even small quantities of cleaning chemicals.

[0016] The highly resistant chemical hose can be replaced without tools, simplifying maintenance. Replacing the hose, the only component in direct contact with the cleaning chemicals, prevents breakdowns without the need for time-consuming cleaning.

[0017] One end of the highly resistant chemical hose can be weighted in the reservoir. This ensures reliable dispensing of the cleaning chemical. At the same time, this design simplifies changing the cleaning chemical. When using a replaceable canister, only the weighted end of the highly resistant chemical hose needs to be inserted into the canister. If an adapter is used for the replaceable canister, the highly resistant chemical hose can be fed through the adapter and into the canister.

[0018] The first feed can include a flow meter and a control valve. This allows for precise control of the amount of water supplied. More complex arrangements like those in the second feed are unnecessary here, as the first feed does not come into contact with aggressive cleaning chemicals.

[0019] The first and second inlets can each include a free outlet. This prevents backflow of cleaning chemicals in the event of a pressure drop in the water line. Thus, compliance with the DIN EN 1717 standard is ensured.

[0020] The dosing unit can also include a control unit. This unit can be designed to control the inflow via the first and second feeds, as well as the outflow from the ultrasonic bath. For this purpose, the control unit can, for example, control the peristaltic pump, the control valve, and a corresponding ball valve in the drain of the ultrasonic bath tank.

[0021] The control unit can be configured to monitor the reservoir's fill level. For this purpose, it can, for example, receive data from the reservoir's weighing system and display the reservoir's fill level on a screen.

[0022] The control unit can be configured to regulate the concentration of the resulting mixture. It can control the first and second feeds to deliver a defined ratio of water and cleaning chemicals into the ultrasonic bath. For example, by controlling the control valve of the first feed and the peristaltic pump of the second feed, in combination with data from the weighing system, high dosing accuracy can be achieved. A desired concentration can be set by the user or preset for the cleaning chemicals being used.

[0023] The control unit can be configured to automatically fill the ultrasonic bath. When a user requests filling, the control unit can activate the first and second feeds to deliver the necessary quantities of water and cleaning chemicals into the bath. For example, by activating the control valve of the first feed and the peristaltic pump of the second feed, water and cleaning chemicals can be added to the ultrasonic bath in the desired ratio until a desired or preset fill level is reached.

[0024] The control unit can be configured to perform automated emptying of the ultrasonic bath. The control unit can actuate the ultrasonic bath's drain to empty it. For example, this can be achieved by activating a ball valve in the ultrasonic bath's drain. For instance, the control valve of the

[0025] The control unit can be configured to perform an automated change of the cleaning fluid in the ultrasonic bath. This involves emptying and refilling the ultrasonic bath in an automated sequence. For example, this can be achieved by activating a ball valve in the ultrasonic bath's drain to open it for emptying, followed by activating the control valve of the first feed and the peristaltic pump of the second feed to introduce water and cleaning chemicals into the ultrasonic bath in the desired ratio until the desired fill level of the tank is reached again.

[0026] The control unit can be configured to perform an automated rinsing of the ultrasonic bath. After emptying, the control unit activates the first inlet to introduce a specific amount of water into the ultrasonic bath, while simultaneously controlling the drain to allow the water to flow out. For example, the control valve of the first inlet is opened, while the ball valve of the drain is also opened. In this way, a defined amount of water flows in to rinse the bottom of the tank and remove any remaining cleaning fluid. The control unit can also be configured to automatically perform a rinse after each emptying of the ultrasonic bath.

[0027] The control unit can be configured to perform automated degassing of the cleaning fluid. To enhance the effectiveness of the ultrasound in the cleaning fluid, it must be degassed before the cleaning process. For this purpose, the control unit activates the ultrasonic bath to sonicate the cleaning fluid for a preset time. The control unit can also be configured to perform automatic degassing each time the ultrasonic bath is filled or the cleaning fluid is changed.

[0028] The control unit can be configured to control the first and second feeds so that the ultrasonic bath is initially filled with water before the cleaning chemicals are added. For example, the control unit can first activate the control valve of the first feed to allow a specific amount of water to flow in before activating the peristaltic pump of the second feed to add the cleaning chemicals. This procedure prevents foaming of the mixture during filling. The control unit can, for example, be set to add 5% of the required amount of water before adding the cleaning chemicals. When using highly foaming cleaning chemicals, it can also be configured to introduce a larger amount of water, or even the entire volume of water, into the ultrasonic bath before adding the cleaning chemicals.In this way, foam formation can be effectively avoided for different compositions and concentrations of the cleaning fluid.

[0029] The dosing unit can be designed for retrofitting into ultrasonic baths. Since the dosing unit is independent of the ultrasonic bath (apart from a few optional control unit functions), it can be retrofitted into a wide variety of ultrasonic baths with different configurations. The dosing unit's design allows for easy integration into existing systems.

[0030] An ultrasonic bath according to the invention comprises a vibrating tank, designed to hold a cleaning fluid in which cavitation is induced by ultrasound, a dosing unit, comprising a first feed through which water can be directed from a connection to the vibrating tank, a reservoir for cleaning chemicals a second feed through which the cleaning chemicals can be conveyed from the reservoir to the vibrating tank, a control unit for controlling the dosing unit, wherein the dosing unit is designed so that water and cleaning chemicals flow together in the vibrating tank and a resulting mixture is homogenized by cavitation in the vibrating tank to form the cleaning fluid, the control unit is designed to control an inflow via the first feed and the second feed as well as an outflow from the vibrating tank.

[0031] The ultrasonic bath includes a vibrating tank. This tank holds the cleaning fluid and, during the actual cleaning process, serves to hold and sonicate the objects to be cleaned.

[0032] The dosing unit is used to fill the vibrating tank with the cleaning fluid. This fluid consists of a mixture of water and a cleaning chemical. The cleaning fluid is intended to generate cavitation in the vibrating tank of the ultrasonic bath under the influence of ultrasound, which is used to clean the objects.

[0033] Water is fed into the vibration tank via an initial inlet. This water can be drinking water or demineralized water (DI water). The water can be drawn from a connection to a pipeline.

[0034] The dosing unit includes a reservoir for cleaning chemicals. The cleaning chemicals are stored in this reservoir until they are added to the vibrating tank. The reservoir is preferably designed to be as resistant as possible to the aggressive cleaning chemicals.

[0035] The cleaning chemicals are fed into the vibrating tank via a second feed. This feed is preferably designed so that as few components as possible come into contact with the aggressive cleaning chemicals.

[0036] Only within the vibrating tank itself do the water and cleaning chemicals mix to form the cleaning fluid. The ultrasound from the ultrasonic bath creates cavitation in the fluid, which homogeneously mixes the media.

[0037] The dosing unit also includes a control unit. This unit is designed to control the inflow via the first and second feeds, as well as the outflow from the vibrating tank. For this purpose, the control unit can, for example, operate a peristaltic pump, a control valve, and a corresponding ball valve in the vibrating tank's outflow.

[0038] Separate feeding of water and cleaning chemicals up to the point where they enter the vibrating tank prevents microbial growth in the pipes and contamination of the first feed with chemicals. Because the second feed, carrying the chemicals, is separate from the first, contact between components and aggressive chemicals is minimized, and maintenance is simplified. At the same time, backflow prevention is increased. Mixing via cavitation in the vibrating tank prevents inhomogeneity in the cleaning fluid. The control unit allows for the automation of processes such as filling and emptying the vibrating tank.

[0039] The cleaning chemical reservoir can be designed to accommodate an interchangeable canister of cleaning chemicals. This interchangeable canister can contain commercially available cleaning chemicals. This simplifies refilling the reservoir, as only the canister needs to be replaced. Furthermore, it increases user safety, as the user does not have to handle the aggressive chemicals directly.

[0040] Dosing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the replaceable canister is connected to the second feed via an adapter.

[0041] The adapter can have a screw connection that fits the standardized threads of screw caps on canisters of commercially available cleaning chemicals. This further simplifies the exchange of canisters.

[0042] The reservoir can include a weighing device that indicates the reservoir's fill level. By monitoring the weight, or volume if the density is known, the dosage of the cleaning chemicals can be precisely controlled. The weighing device also allows for monitoring the reservoir's fill level. Unlike flow meters for the cleaning chemicals, the weighing device does not come into contact with the cleaning chemicals and is therefore more durable and easier to maintain.

[0043] In particular, the weighing device can have a tolerance of less than 4%, especially less than 1%, to enable extremely precise dosing of the cleaning chemicals.

[0044] The second feed can include a highly resistant chemical hose and a peristaltic pump. This design eliminates the need for seals and other components in the chemical-carrying second feed that would otherwise be exposed to the aggressive cleaning chemicals. Only the highly resistant chemical hose comes into contact with the cleaning chemicals. If an adapter for a replaceable canister is used in the reservoir, the highly resistant chemical hose can be routed through it into the canister. Simultaneously, a peristaltic pump enables precise dosing of even small quantities of cleaning chemicals.

[0045] The highly resistant chemical hose can be replaced without tools, simplifying maintenance. Replacing the hose, the only component in direct contact with the cleaning chemicals, prevents breakdowns without the need for time-consuming cleaning.

[0046] One end of the highly resistant chemical hose can be weighted in the reservoir. This ensures reliable dispensing of the cleaning chemical. At the same time, this design simplifies changing the cleaning chemical. When using a replaceable canister, only the weighted end of the highly resistant chemical hose needs to be inserted into the canister. If an adapter is used for the replaceable canister, the highly resistant chemical hose can be fed through the adapter and into the canister.

[0047] The first feed can include a flow meter and a control valve. This allows for precise control of the amount of water supplied. More complex arrangements like those in the second feed are unnecessary here, as the first feed does not come into contact with aggressive cleaning chemicals.

[0048] The first and second inlets can each include a free outlet. This prevents backflow of cleaning chemicals in the event of a pressure drop in the water line. Thus, compliance with the DIN EN 1717 standard is ensured.

[0049] The control unit can be configured to monitor the reservoir's fill level. For this purpose, it can, for example, receive data from the reservoir's weighing system and display the reservoir's fill level on a screen.

[0050] The control unit can be configured to regulate the concentration of the resulting mixture. It can control the first and second feeds to deliver a defined ratio of water and cleaning chemicals into the vibrating tank. For example, by controlling the control valve of the first feed and the peristaltic pump of the second feed, in combination with data from the weighing system, high dosing accuracy can be achieved. A desired concentration can be set by the user or preset for the cleaning chemicals being used.

[0051] The control unit can be configured to automatically fill the ultrasonic bath. When a user requests filling, the control unit can activate the first and second feeds to deliver the necessary quantities of water and cleaning chemicals into the bath. For example, by activating the control valve of the first feed and the peristaltic pump of the second feed, water and cleaning chemicals can be added to the bath in the desired ratio until a desired or preset fill level is reached.

[0052] The control unit can be configured to perform automated emptying of the vibrating tank. The control unit can actuate the drain of the vibrating tank to empty it. For example, this can be achieved by activating a ball valve in the drain of the vibrating tank.

[0053] The control unit can be configured to perform an automated change of the cleaning fluid in the vibrating tank. This involves emptying and refilling the tank in an automated sequence. For example, this can be achieved by activating a ball valve in the tank's drain to open it for emptying, followed by activating the control valve of the first feed and the peristaltic pump of the second feed to introduce water and cleaning chemicals into the vibrating tank in the desired ratio until the tank reaches the desired fill level again.

[0054] The control unit can be configured to perform an automated rinsing of the vibrating tank. After emptying, the control unit activates the first inlet to introduce a specific amount of water into the vibrating tank, while simultaneously activating the drain to allow the water to flow out. For example, the control valve of the first inlet is opened, while the ball valve of the drain is also opened. In this way, a defined amount of water flows in to rinse the bottom of the tank and remove any remaining cleaning fluid. The control unit can also be configured to automatically perform a rinse after each emptying of the vibrating tank.

[0055] The control unit can be configured to perform automated degassing of the cleaning fluid. To enhance the effectiveness of the ultrasound in the cleaning fluid, it must be degassed before the cleaning process. For this purpose, the control unit activates the ultrasonic bath to sonicate the cleaning fluid for a preset time. The control unit can also be configured to automatically degas each time the ultrasonic bath is filled or the cleaning fluid is changed.

[0056] The control unit can be configured to control the first and second feeds so that the vibrating tank is initially filled with water before the cleaning chemicals are added. For example, the control unit can first activate the control valve of the first feed to allow a specific amount of water to flow in before activating the peristaltic pump of the second feed to add the cleaning chemicals. This procedure prevents foaming of the mixture during filling. The control unit can, for example, be set to add 5% of the required amount of water before adding the cleaning chemicals. When using highly foaming cleaning chemicals, it can also be configured to introduce a larger amount of water, or even the entire volume of water, into the ultrasonic bath before adding the cleaning chemicals.In this way, foam formation can be effectively avoided for different compositions and concentrations of the cleaning fluid.

[0057] The described embodiments of the invention can be used individually or in combination to provide a dosing unit and a corresponding ultrasonic bath, which can be used in a variety of cleaning applications in industry or medicine. Based on the separate supply of water and cleaning chemicals, the risk of bacterial contamination is eliminated, contact of components with aggressive chemicals is minimized, and a homogeneous mixture of the cleaning fluid is ensured. Furthermore, the dosing unit and the ultrasonic bath do not require seals in chemical-carrying areas, thus increasing durability and simplifying maintenance. System operation is simplified, and user safety is enhanced. Dosing accuracy is also improved, foaming is prevented, and precise, automated process control is enabled.

[0058] The aforementioned and further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, which is given with the aid of the following figures, of which: Fig. 1 schematically represents a dosing unit according to the invention, Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the structure of the second feed of the dosing unit, Fig. 3 represents an ultrasonic bath according to the invention, and Fig. Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of the ultrasonic bath.

[0059] The dosing unit and the ultrasonic bath comprising it will be explained in more detail below, based on the accompanying drawings. Reference symbols refer to the same elements.

[0060] Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the dosing unit according to the invention for filling an ultrasonic bath. This unit comprises a first feed 1, through which water is supplied to the vibrating tank 5 of an ultrasonic bath, and a second feed 2, through which cleaning chemicals are supplied from the reservoir 3 to the vibrating tank 5 of an ultrasonic bath. The water and cleaning chemicals only meet and mix in the vibrating tank 5 to form the cleaning fluid to be used later in the ultrasonic bath. Cavitation, which is generated in the vibrating tank 5 by ultrasound, serves to homogenize the resulting mixture.

[0061] The first supply 1 can comprise one or more hoses 11 that convey water from a connection to the vibrating tank 5. The flow can be controlled via a control valve 13 and a flow meter 12. These can be controlled by a control unit, which will be explained later.

[0062] The second feed 2 can include a highly resistant chemical hose 21. This hose conveys the cleaning chemical from the reservoir 3 to the vibrating tank 5 without any intermediate connections, ensuring that the cleaning chemical does not come into contact with other components or mix with other media before exiting the vibrating tank. To achieve this, the second feed can include a peristaltic pump 22, which pumps the cleaning chemical through the highly resistant chemical hose 21. Using a peristaltic pump 22 allows for precise control of the quantity of cleaning chemical supplied. The peristaltic pump 22 can be controlled by a control unit, which will be explained later. When using a peristaltic pump 22, seals are unnecessary, so that only the highly resistant chemical hose 21 comes into contact with the cleaning chemical.The highly resistant chemical hose 21 can therefore be easily replaced without tools when worn. The highly resistant chemical hose 21 can be held in place by a hose holder 23.

[0063] The first feed 1 can include a free outlet 14. The second feed 2 can include a free outlet 24. The free outlets 14, 23 according to DIN EN 1717 prevent contamination of the first feed 1, and thus also of the connected water lines, in the event of a pressure drop in the first feed 1, as backflow of cleaning chemicals is not possible.

[0064] The reservoir 3 can be designed to accommodate an interchangeable canister 31. The interchangeable canister 31 can be a commercially available canister containing cleaning chemicals. This eliminates the need for the user to manually fill the reservoir 3 with cleaning chemicals; they simply place the interchangeable canister 31 into the reservoir 3 and replace it when empty. This prevents the user from coming into contact with aggressive chemicals. To facilitate easy replacement of the interchangeable canister 31, the reservoir 31 can include an adapter 32, which connects it to the second inlet 2. The adapter can be permanently attached to the highly resistant chemical hose 21 or designed so that the highly resistant chemical hose passes through the adapter 31.The adapter can be designed to allow a secure connection to an opening of an interchangeable canister 31. The adapter 31 can have a screw connection that fits the standardized threads of the screw caps of canisters of commercially available cleaning chemicals. The highly resistant chemical hose 21 can extend into the reservoir 3, or more specifically, into the interchangeable canister 31. To enable the most complete possible emptying of the reservoir 3, the highly resistant chemical hose 21 can be weighted with a weight 34 so that one end of the hose is positioned at the bottom of the reservoir 3. The reservoir 3 can also include a weighing device 33. This allows the fill level of the reservoir 3 to be determined. By monitoring the weight of the interchangeable canister 31, or the...Given the volume and known density of the cleaning chemical, the dosage of the cleaning chemical can also be more precise. For this purpose, a weighing device 33 with a low tolerance is useful. The weighing device 33 can transmit data to a control unit, which will be explained later.

[0065] The vibrating tank 5 of the ultrasonic bath typically has a drain 4. This can be controlled via a ball valve 41. A control unit can be configured to also access the control of this ball valve 41 and thus also control the draining of cleaning fluid from the vibrating tank 5.

[0066] Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed representation of the structure of the chemical-carrying side, which includes the second feed 2 and the reservoir 3. In particular, it shows how the highly resistant chemical hose 21 runs continuously from the bottom of the replaceable canister 21, where it is weighted with a weight 34, through the adapter 32 from the replaceable canister 31, via a hose holder 23 and the peristaltic pump 22 to the free outlet 24. The cleaning chemical thus comes into contact exclusively with the highly resistant chemical hose 21 as long as it is conveyed through the second feed. The peristalsis of the peristaltic pump 22 propels the cleaning chemical through the mechanical deformation of the highly resistant chemical hose 21, without it coming into contact with the pump's mechanics themselves.

[0067] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a complete ultrasonic bath 100 in a typical configuration, equipped with a corresponding dosing unit. The ultrasonic bath 100 is shown in a standard configuration housed in a rolling cabinet. Only the components relevant to the function of the ultrasonic bath with regard to the supply and dosing of cleaning fluid are marked; however, it is understood that the ultrasonic bath includes further components, such as an RF generator, to perform its cleaning function.

[0068] The vibrating tank 5 can be filled with water and cleaning chemicals via the free outlets 14, 24 of the first and second feeds 1, 2. The cleaning chemicals are pumped from the reservoir 3 via the peristaltic pump 22 through the highly resistant chemical hose 21. The vibrating tank 5 also includes a drain 4 with a ball valve 41.

[0069] The reservoir comprises the replaceable canister 31, which is connected to the highly resistant chemical hose 21 via the adapter 32, and the weighing device 33. The weighing device 33 determines the weight, and thus also the fill level, of the replaceable canister 31. Given a known density of the cleaning chemical used, this also allows conclusions to be drawn about the volume of the cleaning chemical that is fed into the vibrating tank 5 via a second feed 2.

[0070] To change the interchangeable canister 31, a user first removes the existing canister and disassembles the adapter 32, then mounts the adapter 32 onto the new interchangeable canister 31. The new interchangeable canister 31 is then placed on the weighing device 33 and the device is calibrated.

[0071] The functionality of control unit 6 is described below with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 described. Fig.Figure 4 shows a simplified circuit diagram of the ultrasonic bath 100 with the dosing unit. The control unit 6 is connected to the weighing device 33 of the reservoir 3. The data generated by the weighing device are received and processed by the control unit 6. The control unit 6 also receives and processes the data from the flow meter 12 (not shown here), as well as potentially other sensors, for example, a level sensor 51 and a temperature sensor 52 of the vibrating tank 5. The control unit 6 is also connected to the control valve 13, the peristaltic pump 22, and the ball valve 41 in the outlet of the vibrating tank 5 and is configured to control these components in order to precisely control the filling and emptying of the vibrating tank 5 based on the acquired data.In particular, the control unit 6 can thus control the dosage of the cleaning chemicals, i.e., the ratio of the amount of water supplied via the first feed to the amount of cleaning chemicals supplied via the second feed. For this purpose, the weighing device should have a tolerance of less than 4%, and in particular less than 1%.

[0072] The control unit 6 also includes a user interface 61. This interface can be a terminal with a display and input options. The user interface 61 displays the reservoir's fill level and allows the user to make settings and start the processes described below. The control unit further includes a power supply 62, which provides power to the control unit 6, the user interface 61, the flow meter 12, the control valve 13, the peristaltic pump 22, the electric ball valve 41, and the vibrating tank 5 with its sensors 51 and 52, as well as any other possible electrical components. The control unit 6 can be connected to, or correspond to, a control unit of the ultrasonic bath.

[0073] Via the user interface 61, a user can request automatic filling of the vibrating tank 5. The control unit 6 then controls the control valve 13 of the first feed 1 and the peristaltic pump 22 of the second feed 2 so that water and cleaning chemicals are fed into the vibrating tank 5 in the desired ratio until the level sensor 51 registers a desired fill level. The desired fill level, as well as the desired concentration of the cleaning chemicals in the resulting cleaning fluid, can be set via the user interface 61. The control unit 6 can also be configured to refill the vibrating tank with a set quantity of cleaning fluid at a defined concentration when the fill level of the vibrating tank 5 falls below a set level or when a user enters a corresponding command.

[0074] A user can request automatic emptying of the vibrating tray 5 via the user interface 61. The control unit 6 then controls the ball valve 41 to open in the drain 4 of the vibrating tray 5.

[0075] Similarly, a user can request a change of the cleaning fluid via the user interface 61. In this case, the control unit 6 controls the control valve 13, the peristaltic pump 22 and the ball valve 41 to first empty and then fill as described.

[0076] After emptying, an automated rinsing of the vibrating tank 5 can also be performed. For this purpose, the control unit 6 activates the control valve 13 of the first feed 1 to introduce a certain quantity of water into the vibrating tank 5, while simultaneously activating the ball valve 41 of the drain 4 to allow the water to flow out. In this way, a defined quantity of water can flow in to rinse the bottom of the vibrating tank 5 and remove any remaining cleaning fluid. The control unit 6 can also be configured so that a rinse automatically follows each emptying of the vibrating tank 5.

[0077] Furthermore, after filling the vibrating tank 5, the cleaning fluid can be degassed. For this purpose, the control unit 6 activates the ultrasonic transmitters of the ultrasonic bath 100 to sonicate the cleaning fluid for a preset time. The control unit 6 can also be configured so that degassing automatically follows each filling of the vibrating tank 5 or each change of the cleaning fluid.

[0078] To prevent foaming in the cleaning fluid, the control unit 6 can control the first feed 1 and the second feed 2 so that the vibrating tank 5 is first filled with water before the cleaning chemical is added. This prevents the mixture from foaming during filling. The user can set the desired initial quantity via the user interface 61, for example, to add 5% of the required amount of water before adding the cleaning chemical. This setting should be selected depending on the cleaning chemical being used. When using highly foaming cleaning chemicals, for example, it may also be advisable to first introduce the entire amount of water into the vibrating tank before adding the cleaning chemical.

[0079] The control unit 6 also contains a list of different cleaning chemicals and offers presets for concentration and quantity depending on the selected cleaning chemical.

[0080] The exemplary embodiments shown here provide a dosing unit for an ultrasonic bath, as well as the ultrasonic bath itself. The task of creating a maintenance-free and reliable dosing unit that eliminates the risk of microbial contamination, minimizes contact with aggressive chemicals, and ensures a homogeneous mixture without inhomogeneities is achieved through the separate supply of water and cleaning chemicals. The dosing unit can thus be used in a wide variety of applications. A control unit allows the dosing unit, or rather the ultrasonic bath it comprises, to automate additional processes such as filling, emptying, and rinsing the ultrasonic bath, with improved dosing accuracy and reduced foaming. The dosing unit also offers greater durability, reduced maintenance, and enhanced safety. Further exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to the expert.

[0081] The embodiments shown here are not limiting. In particular, the features of these embodiments can be combined to achieve additional effects. It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the fundamental principles of the subject matter of this patent application, the scope of which is defined in the claims.

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