DOSING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dosing device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Dosing devices of this generic type have been developed and manufactured by the applicant group and the associated company for some time.

[0003] In particular, dosing devices according to the present patent application are understood to be devices as described in the German patent applications DE 10 2011 108 396 A1, DE 10 2011 119 021 A1, EP 1181567 A2, EP 12846800 A2.

[0004] Such dosing devices have at least one inlet or inlet connection and at least one outlet or outlet connection. Preferably, the dosing devices have multiple inlets for connection to multiple containers containing different media.

[0005] 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.

[0006] During operation of dosing devices of this type, situations can arise that deviate from normal operation. For example, malfunctions can occur in the dosing device or the target device. A malfunction can include, for example, a malfunction in the dosing device or the target device itself, a defective water supply line at the target device, or, for example, an empty media container at the dosing device. Many other different malfunctions are also conceivable.

[0007] EP 2 581 486 A2 discloses an intelligent network for a chemical dispensing system. Here, a predetermined amount of chemical is dispensed to a target device in the form of a washing machine, controlled by a pump controller. The document does not disclose that more than one target device could be connected to the dosing device. Nor is a collision prevention device disclosed.

[0008] EP 0 403 296 A1 discloses a microprocessor-controlled, liquid chemical supply system. Here, quantities of chemicals are pumped from separate containers via separate peristaltic pumps to a main distributor, where they are diluted with water. From there, the diluted chemical is fed to a selected washing machine via a separate transport pump. The document does not disclose that media are pumped from the container to the target device by a common pump. Furthermore, the document does not disclose that media are pumped; according to the teaching of this document, media solutions are pumped.

[0009] The invention aims to further develop a dosing device of the generic type in such a way that the occurrence of malfunctions is reduced or can be better controlled.

[0010] 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 device for collision prevention, which, when colliding, in particular simultaneous, requirements for carrying out dosing processes from both target devices occur, prioritizes the dosing processes, in particular defines a processing sequence.

[0011] The principle of the invention essentially consists in the fact that, in the case of a dosing device connected to two or more target devices, a prioritization measure can be taken in the event of a collision. For this purpose, the invention provides a collision prevention device arranged in or on the dosing device. The collision prevention device can, if necessary, prioritize conflicting dosing processes. For example, a processing sequence can be determined during the prioritization of dosing processes.

[0012] The collision prevention device is further configured and designed to detect the presence of conflicting dosing requests. It is advantageously configured to initiate measures to prioritize the conflicting dosing processes after the existence of conflicting dosing requests has been detected.

[0013] Dosing processes can be prioritized, for example, based on importance or, alternatively, based on the order in which dosing requests are received. Other ordering or prioritization criteria are also possible.

[0014] In the event that a dosing process has already begun and a second dosing process request is subsequently received by the dosing device, prioritization of the dosing processes according to the invention can, in particular, include the fact that the already initiated dosing process is first terminated—in any case—and the second dosing process is only started after the first dosing process has been completed. This enables particularly reliable processing of conflicting dosing requests.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the advantage lies in assigning a communication interface to the dosing device, in particular to the control unit on the dosing device. The communication interface is designed and configured to transmit information about the dosing process to the target device after it has been completed, and thus in particular after it has been successfully carried out.

[0016] 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 completed dosing process can be verified by the dosing device if the requested medium has been pumped in sufficient quantity, i.e., according to the requested volume, by the pump assigned to the dosing device to the target device.

[0017] For example, a message from the dosing device pump can help determine whether the dosing process was successful.

[0018] At this point, it should be noted that, in the context of the present patent application, a pump is understood to mean any conveying device, in particular a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, but also any other suitable conveying device, such as a screw conveyor or a powder conveying device.

[0019] Other sensors or detectors that may be associated with the dosing device can also be queried or taken into account when determining that dosing has been successfully completed. For example, the dosing device, particularly its control unit, can detect conductivity or flow measurements and, upon receipt of correct measurement results, determine a positive dosing result. Furthermore, if the dosing device has a motor-driven actuator that can, for example, address different media inlets and manage different communicative switching connections to the target device, the dosing device can rely on a proper feedback or response function of the motor to confirm that the corresponding control has been successfully completed.

[0020] As soon as the dosing device has determined that the dosing process has been completed or successfully carried out, the control unit can address the communication interface on the dosing device side, from which information about the successful completion of the dosing process is transmitted to the target device.

[0021] A second communication interface can be arranged on the target device, which receives the corresponding information. In particular, a control unit can be arranged on the target device, which can process this information.

[0022] The target device can therefore obtain the information that the dosing process has taken place or has been carried out successfully.

[0023] The invention enables the target device to take action, if necessary, if appropriate information about the successful completion of the dosing process is not transmitted to the target device, or is not transmitted to the target device within a specified time. For example, if the target device does not receive information about the successful completion of the dosing process from the dosing device, it can take action to prevent subsequent errors from occurring. For example, in the case of a target device designed as a commercial textile washing machine, the laundry being treated could otherwise be damaged.For example, if the target device does not receive proper feedback from the dosing device about a completed dosing process, the target device can cancel or interrupt the washing or cleaning program to be carried out on the target device, or issue the user with an appropriate warning, for example acoustic or visual, about the existence of a fault.

[0024] On the other hand, the information transmitted to the target device confirming that the dispensing process has been completed correctly enables the initiation of further steps to be performed on the target device within the scope of the washing or cleaning program selected or set there. This increases process reliability.

[0025] According to the invention, a dosing device for dosing and supplying media to a target device is capable of removing a predetermined amount, i.e. a predetermined volume, of medium from at least one container connected to the dosing device.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dosing device is connected on the inlet side to a plurality of different containers, which are preferably filled with different media. According to one embodiment of the invention, the dosing device can switch the communication paths between the different inlets and the at least one outlet of the dosing device by activating a motor, in particular an actuator, and thus, for example, successively supply different components of the detergent to a commercial textile washing machine, or supply different media, i.e., different chemicals, at different times according to different washing steps of a washing process.

[0027] For the purposes of the present patent application, the target device is understood to mean any suitable washing or cleaning device, in particular a commercial textile washing machine or a commercial dishwasher, or any other device in which a washing, cleaning or disinfection process is carried out.

[0028] A dosing device according to the invention is generally arranged separately from the target device and is not integrated into a conventional household washing machine or conventional dishwasher.

[0029] In particular, a dosing device according to the type according to the invention is designed to enable connection to a plurality of target devices, including a plurality of target devices of different types.

[0030] According to the invention, the dosing 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 unit of the target device. The transmission of request signals can also take place via the communication interface assigned to the control unit.

[0031] Upon receiving the request signal, the dosing device can withdraw 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 achieved by the control unit controlling a pump—i.e., a conveying device in the sense of the patent application—which withdraws and conveys the corresponding amount of medium from the container for a predetermined time or at a predetermined speed, or, depending on the pump type, by directly setting a volume.

[0032] According to the invention, a communication interface is assigned to the control unit. The communication interface can, for example, be designed as a connection socket for the plug of a connecting cable. However, the communication interface can also wirelessly transmit information to the target device. For example, in the case of wireless communication, a conventional transmission and reception standard, for example, using WLAN or BLUETOOTH, can be used.

[0033] According to the invention, after the dosing process has been completed, the communication interface transmits information about the completion of the dosing process to the target device. The information can be transmitted, for example, in the form of coded information, such as a bit sequence. This is particularly advantageous if the connection between the dosing device-side communication interface and the target device-side communication interface is configured as a signal line, either wired or wireless.

[0034] However, the invention also encompasses the transmission of information about the completion of the dosing process to the target device as a relay output signal, for example by applying a voltage or a voltage sequence.

[0035] 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 dosing process has been carried out by the dosing device.

[0036] A dosing device according to the invention can, with regard to its structural design, be provided in particular by a device according to the applicants' patent applications mentioned above. The disclosure content of these patent applications described above is hereby incorporated into the content of the present patent application for the purpose of avoiding repetition and for the purpose of referring to individual features, including the inclusion of features in the features of this patent application.

[0037] An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the control unit is assigned a dosing device-side communication interface and the control device is assigned a target device-side communication interface, wherein an exchange of data takes place between the control device and the control unit via the two interconnected communication interfaces, which data contain at least one of the following information about the target device and / or about the dosing device: 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 about 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 the status of a washing or cleaning program, iv) Information about the presence or absence of a fault on the target device, v) Information about a dosing request, 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 several specific steps of a washing program, in particular information about the media to be used, viii) Information about the termination of 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 other target devices connected to the dosing device xiii) Information about the status of the dosing device, in particular information about the status of a dosing process or information about a standby state of the dosing device or information about an occupied state of the dosing device, xiv) Information about a time at which the dosing device is expected to return to a standby state, xv) Information about the presence or absence of a fault in the dosing device, xvi) Information about an interruption of a dosing process, xvii) Information about a dosing process that has taken place and / or been successfully carried out, xviii) Information about the fill level of a container of a medium, in particular information about an empty state of a medium.

[0038] The principle of the embodiment essentially consists in the exchange of data between a first communication interface on the dosing device side and a second communication interface on the target device side. A variety of different information or details can be transmitted via the target device and / or the dosing device. This makes it possible to control dosing processes in a more efficient and improved manner, to prevent malfunctions, or to handle the occurrence of malfunctions in such a way that the resulting impairments can be minimized.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dosing device transmits information to the target device whose request for a dosing process has been given lower priority, taking the collision that has occurred into account. For example, the dosing device can transmit relevant information to the target device that now has to wait or that 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, i.e., a period of time is transmitted that the dosing device is expected to still need to complete the first - prioritized - dosing process that is currently taking place.

[0040] After receiving corresponding information, the target device can, for example, take measures - if necessary - to optimally carry out the washing or cleaning process being carried out on the target device - despite the required pause - for example to interrupt it.

[0041] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several containers containing different media are connected to the dosing device. This enables even very complex washing or cleaning processes to be carried out.

[0042] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several target devices are connected to the dosing device. This enables particularly efficient dosing and transmission of media to different target devices. This minimizes design effort, as only one dosing device is required for multiple target devices. Furthermore, for multiple target devices, only containers with the corresponding media need to be connected centrally to the dosing device, while still ensuring that all target devices are supplied with the medium. This also significantly simplifies the storage and warehousing of media, as well as the procurement of media.

[0043] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, several dosing devices are connected in series, particularly to form a cascade. This allows, on the one hand, the provision of a multitude of different media. On the other hand, according to this embodiment of the invention, a multitude of different target devices can be connected jointly to one dosing device.

[0044] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first communication interface is assigned to the dosing device, and a second communication interface is assigned to the target device. This enables bidirectional transmission of information about the target device and / or about the dosing device between the dosing device and the target device.

[0045] Furthermore, it is possible to standardize the two communication interfaces so that different devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other using the same standards.

[0046] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two communication interfaces are connected to each other via an electrical line, in particular a signal line. Such a wired connection between the two communication interfaces enables a particularly secure and visually visible connection. In the simplest case, this can be achieved via a cable with plugs at both ends. The plugs can be inserted into the correspondingly provided sockets on the dosing device and on the target device. In this embodiment, each communication interface is assigned a plug socket.

[0047] 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 be achieved using conventional standards. Standards such as WLAN or BLUETOOTH are particularly suitable. In this embodiment, each communication interface is assigned a transmitting and / or receiving module for wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving signals.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dosing device is arranged and configured externally, i.e., separately, from the targeting device. It is thus a dosing device that is not an integral part of the targeting device.

[0049] Further advantages of the invention emerge from the uncited subclaims and from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. In these figures: Fig. 1 in a schematic block diagram-like representation of a first embodiment of a dosing device, to which two containers filled with media are connected, and a target device, wherein a wired connection is provided between a dosing device-side communication interface and a target device-side communication interface, Fig. 2 in a representation according to Fig. 1 a further embodiment of a dosing device according to the invention, in which the dosing device has two mixing distributor devices arranged geometrically inverted to one another, and wherein two target devices and three containers are connected to the dosing device, and Fig. 3 a further embodiment of a dosing device according to the invention in a representation according to Fig. 2 , wherein the dosing device shown comprises a total of three mixing distributor arrangements which are arranged in a cascade, and wherein two target devices, and for example only one container, are connected to the dosing device.

[0050] Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or regions are designated by identical reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0051] Features described only with reference to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified embodiments are encompassed by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0052] All disclosed features are essential to the invention in themselves. The disclosure of the application hereby fully incorporates the disclosure content of the cited documents and the described prior art devices, also for the purpose of incorporating individual or multiple features of these documents into one or more claims of the present application.

[0053] In the figures, the dosing device - for the different embodiments - has been designated by the reference number 10, in particular with the addition of lower case letters.

[0054] Evidenced Fig. 1 A first embodiment of a metering device 10a comprises a mixing distributor device 34 which - similar to the applicants' patent applications described above - can consist of two discs, in particular an input disc 17 and an output disc 18, or comprises such discs 17, 18.

[0055] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 A pair of inlet-side connections 15a, 15b is assigned to the inlet disc 17 of the dosing device 10a. These are connected via media lines 14a, 14b to two containers 12a, 12b, each of which contains a medium 13a, 13b. The medium is, in particular, a liquid, in particular a detergent, a cleaning agent, or a disinfectant, or a component of one of the aforementioned agents, or an aid for a washing, cleaning, or disinfection process.

[0056] In other embodiments of the invention not shown, the media are in powder form or provided by a fluid.

[0057] The number of media is arbitrary in the different embodiments. The same applies to the number of connected containers, the number of connections 15 on the inlet side of the dosing device 10a, and the number of outlets 16 on the outlet side of the respective dosing device 10, 10a.

[0058] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 the dosing device 10a has only a single output connection 16, which connects the dosing device 10a to a target device 11 via a conveying line 26. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 The target device is - as in the embodiments of the Fig. 2 and 3 - designed as a commercial textile washing machine.

[0059] As mentioned at the beginning, this target device also serves as an example for other suitable target devices, such as commercial dishwashers, or other washing or cleaning or disinfection or processing or treatment facilities or systems or machines.

[0060] According to the example of the Fig. 1 The input disk 17 and the output disk 18 are rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis 19. A motor 20, which is only schematically indicated, can set one disk 18 in a relative movement relative to the other disk 17. Construction details are shown in Fig. 1 not shown, and are left to the expert, who can derive corresponding suggestions, for example, from the applicants' patent applications described at the beginning.

[0061] The dosing device 10a has a control unit 21, which is only indicated in block diagram form as a black box. The control unit 21 is connected to a communication interface 22 on the dosing device side via a signal or control line 27a. The communication interface 22 is in turn connected to a Fig. 1 shown communication line 25 is connected to the target device 11.

[0062] 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 specific amount of medium out of the respective container 12a or 12b through the mixing distributor device 34 and then convey it through the fluid line 26 to the target device 11.

[0063] The control unit 21 is further connected to the motor 20 via the signal line 27d and can address the motor to cause one of the input-side terminals 15a, 15b to be communicatively connected to the output 26.

[0064] By activating 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.

[0065] The control unit 21 is also connected via a signal line 27c to a schematically indicated sensor 24, or detector. The detector can be, for example, a flow meter, or alternatively a conductivity sensor. It could also be several, Fig. 1 not shown, detectors or sensors 24 are used, all of which can report their measurement results to the control unit 21.

[0066] The control unit 21 is thus capable of carrying out or initiating dosing processes and determining whether dosing processes have been carried out successfully. For example, such a determination as to whether a dosing process has been carried out correctly can depend on whether the control unit 21 receives corresponding, expected, or possibly within an expected range, feedback after the motor 20 and / or pump 23 and / or a corresponding sensor 24 have responded. For example, if the sensor 24 is designed as a conductivity sensor, it can be expected that a certain conductivity will be detected by the conductivity sensor at a certain point in time when the pump 23 responds and a certain medium 13a, 13b is conveyed. If the expected conductivity is measured, the control unit 21 can classify the dosing process as having taken place or as having been successful.

[0067] On the other hand, the control unit 21 can be expected to pump a specific quantity, i.e., a specific volume, of fluid through a specific measuring range, for example, a measuring range of a flowmeter 24, when the pump 23 responds. If the control unit 21 detects a corresponding response signal from the flowmeter, or 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 performed has been successful or has been carried out correctly.

[0068] 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 dosing process has not taken place or has not been carried out successfully.

[0069] According to the invention, the first communication interface 22 is designed and configured to transmit a corresponding signal or corresponding information about a completed dosage to the target device 11 via the communication line 25.

[0070] The target device 11 has 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 unit 29 of the target device 11 via a signal line 32b. The control unit 29 corresponds, at least with regard to its block diagram function, to the control unit 21 of the dosing device 10a of the Fig. 1 .

[0071] The control unit 29 is connected to a target device-side communication interface 30 via a signal line 32a. This, in turn, is connected to the signal or connection line or communication line 25.

[0072] The control unit 29 is Fig. 1 Furthermore, it is connected to a sensor or detector 31b via a signal line 32d, and to a sensor or detector 31a via a signal line 32c. The two sensors 31a, 31b can, for example, detect or monitor the presence of a liquid or medium, in particular the presence of water, or the presence of a specific conductivity, temperature, pH value, or quantity, for example, a maximum or minimum amount of a liquid present, for example, a fill level, and transmit corresponding measured values ​​or measurement results to the control unit 29.

[0073] The execution of a washing process and the transmission of dosing information can be carried out in one embodiment of the Fig. 1 For example, the process can proceed as follows: After a user sets a washing program on the target device 11 via the program selector switch 28, the control unit 29 can initiate a dosing request to be sent to the dosing device 10a via the second communication interface 30. For example, in order to execute a specific washing program, a first step may require that the medium 13a be supplied in a predetermined amount at a predetermined time.

[0074] The control unit 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 dosing device 10a. The dosing device 10a can now initiate the corresponding dosing process and, by activating the motor 20 and subsequently activating the pump 23, initiate a corresponding delivery of the required amount of medium to the target device 11.

[0075] As soon as the control unit 21 determines that the dosing process is taking place correctly or has been completed, a corresponding success signal can be transmitted via the communication interface 22 by means of feedback via the connecting line 25 to the communication interface 30 on the target device side.

[0076] The control unit 29 can take note of the dosing success 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.

[0077] However, if one of the sensors 31b, 31a in the target device 11 or the control unit 29 detects the occurrence of any fault, for example, that the water supply to the target device 11 is interrupted, or incorrect feedback values ​​are received from the units connected to the control unit 29, in particular the sensors 31a, 31b, a corresponding transmission of information indicating that a fault has occurred can be made to the dosing device 10a. This device can then, for example, interrupt the dosing process for this target device 11.

[0078] On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines after performing a dosing process that it has not been completed properly, a corresponding signal can be transmitted to the target device 11, or at least the transmission of a signal indicating that dosing has been successful can be omitted. From this, the control unit 29 of the target device 11 can recognize or conclude that the dosing was not carried out properly. Upon receipt and awareness of this signal, the control unit 29 can then initiate appropriate measures to ensure that no further subsequent problems arise. In particular, the control unit 29 can, for example, interrupt the further washing process and / or initiate a corresponding acoustic or visual display for the user of the target device, alerting them that an error has occurred during the dosing process.

[0079] At this point it should be noted that instead of the Fig. 1 (and in the other figures) shown connecting line 25, communication between the first communication interface 22 on the dosing device 10 and the second communication interface 30 on the target device 11 can also take place wirelessly.

[0080] Based on the example of Fig. 1 It should now be explained that further information can also be exchanged via the communication interfaces 22 and 30.

[0081] For example, information about the manufacturer of the target device and / or the manufacturer of the dosing device can be exchanged. This allows the other device to adapt to the device depending on the specifics of the manufacturer's specifications. For example, it can be stipulated that different manufacturers expect or take into account different specific features when carrying out the washing or cleaning process, so that an optimized operation can be achieved.

[0082] Alternatively and / or additionally, technical information about the target device and / or the dosing device can be transmitted. This includes, for example, information about the performance class of the target device or information about the possible number of different media or containers that can be connected or are connected to a dosing device and / or about the number of target devices that can be connected or are connected to a dosing device.

[0083] Finally, the status of the target device and / or the status of the dosing device can be transmitted. This can ensure, for example, that dosing only occurs when the target device is in the corresponding status of a washing or cleaning process.

[0084] Furthermore, information about the presence or absence of a malfunction in the target device and / or information about the presence or absence of a malfunction in the dosing device can be transmitted. The other device can then take the status of the device into account and initiate appropriate measures with the aim of preventing a malfunction or preventing subsequent malfunctions from occurring.

[0085] Finally, the target device can transmit information about the wash program to be performed to the dosing device. This can include, for example, information about the media to be used in the set wash or cleaning program and their application times. It is also possible, particularly if multiple target devices are connected to the dosing device, for the dosing device to decide for itself when to perform certain dosing processes, with the goal of optimized dosing overall.

[0086] It is designed to handle the prioritization of conflicting dosing requests. In particular, it can be further designed to prevent such a potential collision of conflicting dosing requests in advance. This can be achieved, for example, by the dosing device transmitting information to the corresponding target device, or possibly to multiple target devices, that dosing will be ready at certain times. The target device can then adapt or optimize its own washing and / or cleaning process based on the operating status of the dosing device or on the knowledge of a potentially changing operating status of the dosing device that is expected in the near future.

[0087] According to the example of the Fig. 2 The metering device, designated 10b there, has two mixing distributor devices 34a and 34b. These are connected to each other via an intermediate line 35, arranged geometrically inverted to each other.

[0088] The first mixing distribution device 34b has an input disk 17a with three connections 15a, 15b, 15c, and an output disk 18a that is rotatable relative thereto and controlled by 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 rotated about the rotation axis 19, i.e., 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 shown only for the two output connections 16a, 16c.

[0089] In this respect, it is possible to use the dosing device 10b to Fig. 2 to supply several target devices 11a, 11b successively with different media 13a, 13b, 13c '.

[0090] In the embodiment of the 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.

[0091] The target device that can be connected to the third connection line 26c is in Fig. 2 not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0092] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 The control unit 21 is designed to carry out a control via the multiple signal lines 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f, which functions approximately as follows: Upon receipt of a dosing request 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 respective container 12a, 12b, 12c and the corresponding delivery line 26a and 26b by activating the two motors 20a, 20b. Then, by activating the respective pump 23a or 23b, the predetermined delivery volume is delivered to the corresponding target device 11a or 11b.

[0093] As an alternative to the use of two pumps 23a and 23b, in a further embodiment, only a single pump 23c can be provided in the region of the intermediate line 35, as shown in dashed lines.

[0094] Likewise, it is also possible to provide only a single fluid measuring sensor 24c (indicated by dashed lines) (instead of the two fluid measuring sensors 24a, 24b shown).

[0095] According to the invention, it is possible to prioritize dosing requests in the event of conflicting, i.e., simultaneous or concurrent, collision requests from different target devices 11a, 11b. For this purpose, the control unit 21 can contain an integrated or separate collision prevention device 36, which, for example, ensures that, if a dosing process has already begun, it is first completed before a second dosing process, requested simultaneously during the execution of the first dosing process, is initiated and processed.

[0096] However, it is also possible to specify a different processing sequence when prioritizing, and to perform prioritization according to other ordering criteria. For example, an importance scale can be introduced and used when processing dispensing processes, which, for example, takes into account that certain target devices should not or may not be paused for an indefinite length of time, at least at certain times during certain washing or cleaning processes. In this respect, dispensing processes could be brought forward under certain circumstances, including the possibility of aborting and pausing dispensing processes that have already begun, only to be resumed later after a second dispensing process has been performed.

[0097] In the event that a request signal to perform a dosing process is sent to the dosing device 10b from both target devices 11a, 11b at the same time, the dosing device 10b or the collision prevention device 36 integrated in the control unit 21 can ensure that the target device with lower priority, i.e., for example, that has to wait a while, is informed that the dosing process can or will not begin until 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 communication interface 30a, 30b of the target device 11a, 11b.

[0098] After receiving corresponding collision information, the corresponding target device 11a, 11b can adjust to it, 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.

[0099] With regard to all 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 dosing device 10, 10a, 10b, 10c is arbitrary.

[0100] Regarding the embodiment of the Fig. 2 It should be noted that the mixing distributor device designated 34a in the Fig. 2 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 remaining output connections 16b, 16c are blocked.

[0101] In a further, not-shown embodiment of the invention, the second mixing distributor device 34a is configured such that the output ports (e.g., 16b, 16c) that are not connected to the input port 15d are not blocked, but remain open after the corresponding flushing of the associated fluid delivery line 26b, 26c. In this embodiment, it is possible to use a different variable hose connection device, for example, using hose squeezing elements or the like, instead of a mixing distributor disclosed in the applicants' patent applications described above.

[0102] According to the example of the 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. For the sake of simplicity, the input disk 17a has only one input connection 15a, and the output disk 18a has only two output connections 16a, 16b, also for the sake of simplicity.

[0103] The output connection 16a is connected to a second mixing distribution device 34b via a first intermediate line 35a and the second connection 16b is connected to a third mixing distribution device 34c via a second intermediate line 35b.

[0104] The second mixing distributor device 34b also has an input disk 17b and an output disk 18b, which are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis 19b.

[0105] The third mixing distributor device 34c has a first input disk 17c and a second output disk 18c, which are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis 19c.

[0106] Each of the two output disks 18b, 18c has three output terminals 16c, 16d, 16e and 16f, 16g, 16h, respectively.

[0107] In this respect, it is possible to connect a plurality of, in the present embodiment, the Fig. 3 , a total of six target devices can be connected. For the sake of clarity, Fig. 3 but only two target devices 11a and 11f are shown.

[0108] According to the teaching of 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 prevention device 36 integrated into the control unit 21.

[0109] Fig. 3 shows a cascade of mixing distribution devices 34a, 34b, 34c with the result that a plurality of target devices 11a, 11b can be supplied with one medium or with different media by means of a single dosing device 10c.

[0110] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the embodiment of the Fig. 3 also includes variants in which a plurality of containers, in particular a plurality of different media, are connected to the dosing device 10.

[0111] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that the device 36 for collision prevention can be an integral part of the corresponding control unit 21 on the dosing device 10, or can also be designed separately from it.

[0112] In particular, the device 36 for collision prevention can be formed by a microprocessor or be part of the control unit 21 of the dosing device 10, 10a, 10b, 10c.

Claims

1. Dosage device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) for dosing and supplying mediums to at least one first target device (11a), in particular to an industrial textile washing machine and to at least one second target device (11b, 11f), wherein the dosage device is connected to at least one container (12a, 12b, 12c), which is filled with a medium (13a, 13b, 13c), and wherein a control unit (21) is assigned to the dosage device, said control unit performing a dosage process after receiving a request signal from a target device, and this interacts with a pump (23, 23a, 23b, 23c), which removes a predetermined volume of medium from the container and conveys this volume to the target device, characterised in that an apparatus (36) is assigned to the control unit for collision prevention, which prioritises the dosage process, in particular a processing sequence, when colliding, in particular concurrent, requests for carrying out dosage processes of both target devices occur.

2. Dosage device according to claim 1, characterised in that the dosage device transmits information, which takes into account the collision that has occurred, to the target device whose request for a dosage process has been prioritised as subordinate.

3. Dosage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several containers (12a, 12b, 12c) with different mediums are joined to the dosage device.

4. Dosage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several target devices (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) are joined to the dosage device.

5. Dosage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several dosage devices are coupled in a row, in particular to form a cascade.

6. Dosage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first communication interface (22) is assigned to the dosage device and a second communication interface (30) is assigned to the target device.

7. Dosage device according to claim 6, characterised in that the two communication interfaces are connected to each other via an electrical conduit (25), in particular via a signal conduit.

8. Dosage device according to claim 6, characterised in that the two communication interfaces are wirelessly connected to each other, in particular by drawing on conventional standards, such as WLAN or Bluetooth.

9. Dosage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dosage device is arranged externally separate from the target device.