POWDER DOSING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates initially to a dosing device according to claim 1.

[0002] Dosing devices have been developed and manufactured by the applicants or by companies associated with the applicants for decades.

[0003] A dosing device can be used to convey a medium, or possibly several media, from a container, or from several containers, to a target device, and in particular to several target devices.

[0004] The present invention relates in particular to metering devices, systems and methods in which the medium is initially not in a liquid starting form, but as a solid, i.e. in a solid starting form, e.g. as a powder, or as a block, possibly also as a pressed cleaner or as a cleaner cast into a block.

[0005] The dosing devices that dispense such media are also called solid dosing devices.

[0006] According to a dosing device of the prior art, which is not documented in printed form, solid chemicals are stored in a container that is inserted into a holder with its outlet opening facing downwards. The outlet opening is closed with a sieve, similar to a grid. The sieve or grid prevents the medium from directly exiting the outlet opening.

[0007] In the prior art dosing device, which is not documented in printed form, the dosing device can, via a control unit, activate and open a valve, e.g., a solenoid valve, and thereby dispense a predetermined quantity of water through a discharge opening. The water is brought to the sieve, in particular sprayed onto it, so that the water can wet the medium through the sieve, especially through the sieve openings. As a result of this wetting process, the medium dissolves in the water to form a solution, in particular a cleaning solution or detergent solution.

[0008] The cleaning solution is supplied to the target device via a collection device and a hose line.

[0009] The applicants have noticed a number of disadvantages and problems with the known dosing device of the prior art.

[0010] US patent 2014 / 102543 A1 discloses another dosing device in which a collecting device has a funnel that is directly connected, via wall sections of a housing, to a mounting insert for receiving a container and directly to a carrier of a dispensing nozzle that provides a dispensing opening for water. The patent does not disclose a non-contact arrangement of the collecting device's funnel in relation to the nozzle and to sections of the container that provide an outlet opening.

[0011] Starting from the dosing device described at the beginning, the object of the invention is to further develop the known dosing device in such a way that improved and, in particular, safer handling is achieved.

[0012] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

[0013] The principle of the invention essentially consists of providing a collecting device with a special funnel. The funnel is arranged at a distance from the dispensing opening and at a distance from the sieve.

[0014] In the prior art dosing device, the collecting device, with a funnel or an extension connected to the funnel, extended directly to the fresh water line and also directly to the dispensing opening. The collecting device also extended to the container or the container's support. Thus, there was contact between the collecting device and the water line or the container.

[0015] Due to the contact, there is a latent risk of bacterial contamination: The bacteria can, for example, creep or propagate from the target container or from a section of the floor on which the target container stands, via the hose and the collection device to the fresh water line and its discharge opening.

[0016] Furthermore, due to contact between the collecting device and the container via the cleaning solution and dripping onto the dispensing opening, bacterial migration to the dispensing opening cannot be reliably ruled out.

[0017] However, if the dispensing opening comes into contact with bacteria, it cannot be ruled out that bacteria could also enter the fresh water supply through the dispensing opening and spread there. This poses a risk of contaminating the domestic water system with bacteria.

[0018] The solution according to the invention provides for a contactless spacing of the collecting device both relative to the dispensing opening, and thus in particular also to the water pipe, as well as to the outlet opening on the container, and thus also to the container or also to the holder of the container.

[0019] This reliably prevents a potential creepage path, along which bacteria could spread, between the collection device and thus also the target device, and the dispensing opening.

[0020] The solution according to the invention therefore ensures a significantly improved safety of a dosing device according to the invention.

[0021] A target device within the meaning of the present patent application can be a commercial dishwasher, such as those used in canteens. However, the target device can be any suitable dishwasher capable of cleaning dishes, cutlery, or other items requiring cleaning.

[0022] The invention also includes target devices provided by a washing machine, e.g. a textile washing machine, in particular a commercial washing machine.

[0023] Other cleaning devices in which media in solid form are to be supplied are also included as target devices in the invention.

[0024] The invention according to claim 1 enables the continuous operation of a dosing device for media supplied by solids without the need for a separate pipe-separation device. Such a pipe-separation device, which includes a drop section for the fresh water, is known per se, but incurs additional costs.

[0025] The dosing device according to the invention can of course also be used in combination with such a pipe-cutting device.

[0026] The invention includes metering devices with which only a specific medium is supplied from a specific container to a target device.

[0027] The invention also includes dosing devices with which several, possibly also different, media can be conveyed from one or more containers to one or more target devices.

[0028] The control system of the dosing device may include a processor, be comprised of a processor, or comprise another computing unit. If the dosing device includes a pump, the control system may be combined with the pump's control unit or provided separately but connected to it.

[0029] The controller can be used to operate a valve on a water pipe. The water pipe is preferably a fresh water pipe, but possibly also a utility water pipe.

[0030] The valve can be provided, for example, by a solenoid valve or a magnetic valve.

[0031] The control unit can open and / or close the valve.

[0032] The valve controls the flow of a predetermined amount of water from the water supply through a dispensing opening. This dispensing opening can, for example, be provided by or include a spray nozzle.

[0033] The dosing device according to the invention may include a holder for one container, or optionally a holder for several containers. The holder can, for example, be mounted on the wall.

[0034] The container includes an outlet opening which, when the container is mounted, i.e., when the container is inserted into the intended holder, is oriented towards the ground.

[0035] A sieve may be arranged in the opening. The sieve may completely close the outlet. The sieve may have openings through which the medium, if dissolved in water as a result of wetting, can escape as a cleaning solution.

[0036] The dispensing opening is located opposite and adjacent to the sieve.

[0037] Advantageously, the dispensing opening is located below the sieve, but positioned laterally offset to the sieve to prevent cleaning solution from the sieve from hitting the dispensing opening.

[0038] The collecting device, or funnel, can be made from any suitable material, for example plastic or metal.

[0039] According to the invention, the funnel is positioned below the sieve and below the dispensing opening.

[0040] The funnel is positioned so that it does not touch the dispensing opening.

[0041] This eliminates any contact between the collection device and the dispensing opening, in order to prevent the migration of bacteria to the dispensing opening.

[0042] Similarly, the funnel is positioned so that it does not touch the sieve. This prevents any contact between the collection device and the sieve, thus preventing bacteria from creeping between the collection device and the sieve.

[0043] According to the invention, the funnel opening has a clear width that exceeds the dimensions of the outlet opening in the container. In particular, the funnel opening is equipped with such a clear width that it significantly exceeds the dimensions of the outlet opening in the container.

[0044] This prevents cleaning fluid from dripping out of the sieve and hitting the ground, thus preventing it from entering the funnel opening.

[0045] A funnel, as defined in the present patent application, is an element having a decreasing cross-section. A funnel can be rotationally symmetrical or have a cross-section other than circular, e.g., square.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dispensing opening is provided by a spray nozzle. This allows the dispensing opening to be arranged at a distance from the sieve.

[0047] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dispensing opening is arranged within the clear width of the funnel. This makes it possible to also collect liquids that drip from the dispensing opening or from areas of the water pipe adjacent to the dispensing opening.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a free edge of the funnel is arranged below the dispensing opening. This enables the provision of a creep barrier between the collecting device and the dispensing opening for bacteria.

[0049] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a pump for conveying the cleaning solution to the target device is arranged between the collection device and the target device. This offers the possibility of particularly advantageous conveying of the cleaning fluid. In this way, it is no longer necessary to maintain minimum heights between the collection device and an inlet for a hose line on the dishwasher or other target device.

[0050] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 6.

[0051] The object of this invention is to provide a method that offers improved handling compared to a prior art method for operating a dosing device, which cannot be documented in print.

[0052] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 6.

[0053] To discuss and describe the features of the invention, reference may be made to the explanations relating to claims 1 to 5 to avoid repetition, which shall apply equally and analogously to this invention.

[0054] The invention further relates to a system according to claim 7.

[0055] The object of this invention is to further develop a previously known system, which cannot be documented in printed form and has already been described at the outset, in such a way that it offers improved handling.

[0056] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 7.

[0057] To discuss and describe the features of the invention, reference may be made to the explanations relating to claims 1 to 5 to avoid repetition, which shall apply equally and analogously to this invention.

[0058] According to another aspect, the known dosing device can be further developed in such a way that improved and, in particular, safer handling is achieved.

[0059] The principle essentially consists of providing a pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, between the collection device and the target device.

[0060] In the prior art design, it was necessary for the collection device to be positioned a certain distance above the inlet of the target device for the hose line. Therefore, a drop length for the cleaning solution was required to ensure a sufficiently reliable supply of the cleaning solution from the collection device to the target device.

[0061] In fact, such a minimum height was required by the building regulations.

[0062] However, in various on-site installation situations, these installation rules were often not followed, either due to installation problems or due to a lack of available space.

[0063] With the proposed pump arrangement, it is no longer relevant whether a minimum height is maintained between the collection device and the hose inlet on the target device. The pump, particularly a peristaltic pump, can reliably deliver the cleaning solution to the target device regardless of the installation situation.

[0064] Furthermore, a method for operating the dosing device described above, which is previously known and not documented in print, is proposed, with which handling is improved and made safer.

[0065] A known state-of-the-art system can be further developed in such a way that it offers simplified handling.

[0066] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the uncited dependent claims, as well as from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic, partially cutaway, block diagram-like representation of a prior art dosing device for dosing media in the form of solids; Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a dosing device and a system according to the invention in a schematic, partially cutaway, block diagram-like representation, similar to the Fig. 1 , wherein the collecting device for the cleaning fluid comprises a funnel which is arranged at a distance from the dispensing device and from the outlet opening for the container without contact, and Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a dosing device according to the invention in a representation according to Fig. 2 , which provides a pump between the collection device and the target device.

[0067] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or areas are designated with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0068] Features that are described, illustrated, or disclosed only in relation to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are included in the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0069] First, the following will be used as a starting point Fig. 1 A dosing device 110 of the prior art, as mentioned at the beginning of the present patent application, will be explained: The dosing device 110 comprises a control unit 115 that can address a valve 116 and open it. The valve 116 opens a water line 117. As the valve 116 opens, water is dispensed through a dispensing opening 119.

[0070] The dosing device 110 includes a container 111 containing a medium 112. The container 111 has an outlet opening 122, which is blocked by a sieve 123.

[0071] The medium 112 is a solid, e.g. a block, for example a pressed block, or in powder form.

[0072] The sieve 123 has a large number of sieve openings which are dimensioned in such a way that the medium 112 cannot pass through it.

[0073] Only when the water discharged from the dispensing opening 119 contacts and wets the sieve 123, and the water can pass through the sieve openings, are components of the medium 112 dissolved in the water and drip into a collection device 126. The cleaning solution or detergent solution 124 thus formed is supplied to a target device 113 via a hose 127. The target device can be, for example, a dishwasher.

[0074] In the prior art, the collecting device 126 comprises a funnel 128 which extends via wall sections 198 to the sieve 123 or to a holder for the container or to the container 111.

[0075] The dispensing opening 119 passes through or protrudes through an opening in the collecting device 126.

[0076] The collection device 126 also includes wall sections 199 that extend up to the discharge opening 119.

[0077] In the prior art, there is therefore a contact between the funnel 128 and the dispensing opening 119 and a contact between the funnel 128 and the outlet opening 122 via the container 111 or the holder for the container.

[0078] The following will be based on the Fig. 2 A first embodiment of a dosing device 10 according to the invention and a first embodiment of a system 53a according to the invention are explained and described below: The dosing device 10 according to the invention comprises a control unit 15, which is connected to a valve 16 via a control line 44a. The valve 16 can be, for example, a solenoid valve, in particular a solenoid valve. The valve 16 is attached to a water line 17, which is connected to a domestic water supply connection 18.

[0079] Valve 16 can be opened and closed.

[0080] When the valve 16 is opened by a control signal from the control unit 15, the water line 17 can discharge water 50 via a discharge opening 19.

[0081] The water pipe 17 is fixed on-site in the area of ​​the discharge opening 19 by means of a fastening device 40, e.g. attached to the wall.

[0082] The dosing device 10 according to the invention further includes a holder 21 for a container 11. The container 11 is designed in the manner of a bottle and is provided with an outlet opening 22, which in the state according to Fig. 2 The outlet is directed downwards, towards the floor 48 of a building room. A sieve 23 or a type of grid is arranged in the outlet opening 22. The sieve 23 has sieve openings.

[0083] Container 11 contains a medium 12, in particular a solid, e.g. in powder or block form. This can be any chemical, in particular a cleaner required for a cleaning or rinsing process.

[0084] The dosing device 10 according to the invention is intended to dissolve a desired quantity of medium 12 and transport it to a target device 13. In the exemplary embodiment, the target device 13 is Fig. 2 provided by a dishwasher 14.

[0085] The target device 13 is shown to have a program selector switch 45a or a start switch 45b, and a target device-side control unit 41. The control unit 41 is connected to the control unit 15 of the dosing device 10 via a control line 44b.

[0086] The exemplary embodiment indicates the Fig. 2 that the dishwasher 14 has one or more dish trolleys 46a, 46b or cutlery drawers in which dishes 47 to be cleaned are shown. The dishwasher 14 can be a conventional or household dishwasher or, in particular, a commercial dishwasher 14.

[0087] The invention also includes situations where several target devices are connected to the dosing device 10, although this is not shown in the figures.

[0088] Instead of a dishwasher 14, the target device 13 can also be provided by a washing machine or other cleaning equipment or cleaning machine.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 Water 50 is dispensed from dispensing opening 19. In the exemplary embodiment, dispensing opening 19 is located in the Figuren 2 and 3designed as a spray nozzle 20. The dispensing opening 19 is located below the outlet opening 22 and also below and spaced apart from the sieve 23.

[0090] Due to the pressure in water pipe 17, the water can move upwards and sideways 50°, as shown in Fig. 2 schematically indicated, to be submitted.

[0091] The water 50 exiting the dispensing opening 19 acts upon the sieve 23 and can also partially pass through the sieve openings (not shown) and come into contact with the medium 12. As a result of the water 50 entering the medium 12, it can dissolve and, as shown by the drops 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, drip down. The drops, together with the water components, form a cleaning solution 24, which is to be supplied to the target device 13, in particular at a predetermined time and in a predetermined quantity.

[0092] It should be noted that the control unit 15 of the dosing device 10 specifically addresses the valve 16 to allow water 50 to escape when a corresponding command has been received from the target device 13.

[0093] How Fig. 2 As shown, a collection device 26 is arranged below the dispensing opening 19 and below the outlet opening 22 of the container 11.

[0094] This includes a funnel 28, which is connected to the target device 13 via a hose line 27.

[0095] A first aspect of the invention relates to the special positioning and design of the funnel 28: According to Fig. 2 The free edge of the funnel is designated with the reference numeral 29.

[0096] This free edge 29 of the funnel 28 is evident from Fig. 2 both spaced at a distance of 32 from the sieve 23, and spaced at a distance of 31 from the dispensing opening 29.

[0097] The funnel 28 is therefore arranged without contact with the dispensing opening 19 and without contact with the sieve 23.

[0098] At the same time, the free edge 29 of the funnel 28, as well as the funnel 28 as a whole, is arranged without contact with the water pipe 17 and also without contact and spaced apart from the holder 21 for the container 11 and also spaced apart and without contact with the container 11 and spaced apart and without contact with the holder 21 for the container.

[0099] As a result of this spacing, any direct contact between the collection device 26 and the dispensing opening 19 is reliably prevented. Bacteria that can move from the target device 13 along the tubing 27, e.g., on its outer surface, along the collection device 26 by creeping, cannot reach the dispensing opening 19 and therefore can never contaminate the water line 17.

[0100] Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to provide a pipe separating device upstream or downstream of valve 16 in a metering device according to Fig. 10.

[0101] According to another aspect of the invention, the funnel 28 in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 a funnel opening 52 with a particularly large clear width 30.

[0102] As can be seen from the presentation of the Fig. 2 The opening width or clear width 30 of the funnel 28 is dimensioned in such a way that it exceeds, in particular significantly exceeds, the dimensions 33 of the outlet opening 22.

[0103] A significant oversize is understood in particular to mean a clear width that is more than 10%, advantageously more than 20%, further advantageously more than 30%, further advantageously more than 40% larger than the dimensions 33 of the outlet opening 22.

[0104] This ensures that any proportion of water 50 and cleaning fluid 24 actually reaches the inner surfaces or inner walls 49 of the funnel 28.

[0105] Another embodiment of a dosing device 10 and a system 53b according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3 depicted.

[0106] To avoid repetition, the corresponding parts, elements, and areas of the exemplary embodiment can be replaced with the following: Fig. 3 to the corresponding previous passages describing the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 be referred.

[0107] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 However, the following difference exists: The collecting device 26 comprises – as in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 - a funnel 28 which is connected via a hose line 27 to an inlet 38 for the hose line 27 on the target device 13.

[0108] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 A pump 35, in particular a peristaltic pump, is arranged between the collecting device 26 and the inlet 38, in particular between the funnel 28 and the inlet 38.

[0109] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 The pump 35 has an inlet 36 and an outlet 37. The pump has a motor 42 which drives a rotor 51 which, in a conventional manner, propagates the hose section 54 running inside the pump 35 with its rollers, thereby conveying the cleaning solution 24 through the pump 35 to the target device 13.

[0110] In the exemplary embodiment of the pump 35, the pump 35 comprises Fig. 3 a control unit 34. This is connected to the control unit 15 via a control line 44c.

[0111] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 Can the control unit 34 of the pump 35 also take over the tasks of the controller 15, or can the controller 15 be merged with the controller 34, or be combined into a single component? The control unit 15 can also be located inside or on the pump 35.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 A minimum height MH is provided between the lower end 55 of the funnel 28 and the inlet 38 on the target device 13. This minimum height, or drop distance, must be maintained on-site to ensure that the cleaning solution 24 can actually be fed to the target device 13 in the prescribed manner.

[0113] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 As a result of the installation of a pump 35, such a minimum height MH can no longer be maintained.

[0114] It may be provided here that the lower end 55 of the funnel 28 falls below a minimum height required by the state of the art in relation to the inlet 38.

[0115] The actual distance TA between the lower end 55 of the funnel 28 and the inlet 38 of the targeting device 13 can be shown as Fig. 3 smaller than the minimum height according to Fig. 2 be.

[0116] The invention also encompasses situations where the lower end 55 of the funnel 28 is arranged below the inlet opening 38 on the target device 13 or at the same level. However, the latter is not shown in the figures.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 The outlet 37 of the pump 35 is located below the inlet 38 on the target device 13.

[0118] This is also not absolutely necessary.

[0119] The outlet 37 of the pump 35 can also be located above the inlet 38 or at the same or approximately the same height as the inlet 38.

[0120] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 and 3 The target device 13 is arranged on a floor 48.

[0121] In further embodiments of the invention not shown, the target device 13 can also be arranged at a distance from the ground, possibly also mounted on the wall.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 The pump 35 is also arranged on the floor. In further embodiments of the invention not shown, the pump 35 can also be arranged on the wall, or suspended freely in space, or in any case spaced apart from the floor 48.

[0123] The invention further encompasses situations where the dosing device 35 is fixedly arranged relative to the target device 13.

[0124] The exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 Figure 35 is shown schematically only. Further details of pumps that can be used within the scope of this invention and other features of metering devices are disclosed in the following applications of the applicants: DE 10 2011 108 396 A1, DE 10 2011 119 021 A1, DE 10 2011 122 921 A1, WO 2013 / 075692, DE 10 2012 012 913 A1, WO 2014 / 000726, DE 10 2013 008 973 A1, DE 10 2013 022 329 A1, DE 10 2014 002 560 A1, DE 10 2014 010 126 A1, EP 2 966 299 A1, DE 10 2015 110 862 A1, DE 10 2015 107 105 A1, EP 3 091 114 A1, DE 10 2015 107 976 A1, DE 10 2016 102 829 A1, DE 10 2017 114 767 A1, DE 10 2017 103 168 A1, DE 10 2016 125 928 A1, DE 10 2017 114 665 A1, DE 10 2018 106 045 A1, DE 10 2018 110 155 A1, DE 10 2018 113 644 A1, DE 10 2018 122 651 A1, DE 10 2020 107 555 A1, DE 10 2020 106 712 A1, DE 10 2020 107 558 A1, DE 10 2020 113 828 A1, DE 10 2020 115 590 A1.

[0125] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3 The dosing device 11 can optionally also include a tank (not shown) for receiving and storing cleaning fluid 24, which is located upstream of the pump 35. Solids cleaner 12 can be sprayed onto the tank in advance and dissolved to prepare a cleaning solution 24. The cleaning solution 24 is collected and stored in the tank until the target device 13 requests cleaning solution 24. The pump 35 can then deliver the cleaning solution 24 to the target device 13 in the required quantity.

[0126] In the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 2 and 3 The collecting device 26 has a bracket 56, which is intended, for example, for wall mounting, in particular to ensure a defined positioning of the funnel 28 relative to the bracket 21 for the container 11.

[0127] In the embodiments of the invention according to the Fig. 2 and 3The bracket 21 for the container 11, the bracket 56 for the collection device 26 and the bracket 40 for the dispensing opening 19 can be provided separately from each other, and each can be mounted on site.

[0128] The invention also includes situations where some or more of the mounting devices 21, 56, 40 are combined and provide a common or interconnected mounting surface.

Claims

1. Dosing device (10) for dosing and supplying a medium (12) from a container (11) to a target device (13), in particular to a dishwasher in combination with a container (11) and with a holder (21) for the container (11) and in combination with a discharge opening (41) for water, wherein the dosing device (10) comprises a control (15) with which a valve (16) on a water pipe (17) can be actuated in order to dispense a specified amount of water via the discharge opening (19), wherein the container (11) has an outlet opening (22) in which a sieve (23) is arranged, which hinders the medium (12) from exiting the container (11), wherein the discharge opening (19) is arranged adjoining the sieve (23), in such a way that the sieve (23) can be acted upon, in particular sprayed, with the water (50) exiting from the discharge opening (19), wherein as a result of applying the sieve (23), the medium (12) can be dissolved in the water (50), and the dissolved medium can be supplied as a solution (24) to the target device (13), and wherein the dosing device (10) also comprises a collection device (26) for receiving the solution (24) and for conveying it on, in particular with the aid of a hose line (27) to the target vessel, wherein the collection device (26) comprises a funnel (28), which is positioned below the sieve (23) and below the discharge opening (19) and is arranged spaced apart from the discharge opening (19) without contact and spaced apart from the sieve (23) without contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) having an inner diameter (30) which exceeds the dimensions (33) of the outlet opening (22) in the container (11).

2. Dosing device according to claim 1, characterised in that the discharge opening (19) is supplied by a spray nozzle (20).

3. Dosing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that that discharge opening (19) is arranged inside the inner diameter (30) of the funnel (28).

4. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a free edge (29) of the funnel (28) is arranged below the discharge opening (19).

5. Dosing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a pump (35), in particular a hose pump, is arranged between the collection device (26) and the target device (13) for conveying the cleaning solution (24) to the target device (13).

6. Method for operating a dosing device (10), in particular a dosing device according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the following steps: a. providing the dosing device (10) with a control (15), b. actuating a valve (16) on a water pipe (17) by means of the control, in order to dispense a specified amount of water (50) via a discharge opening (19), and in order to apply water exiting from the discharge opening to a sieve (23), which is arranged in an outlet opening (22) of a container (11), c. dissolving a medium arranged above the sieve (23) in the water (50) and providing a cleaning solution (24), d. collecting the cleaning solution (24) in a collection device (26) and conveying it to a target vessel (13), wherein the collecting device comprises a funnel (28) which is positioned below the sieve (23) and below the discharge opening (19) and is arranged spaced apart from the discharge opening (19) without contact and spaced apart from the sieve (23) without contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) having an inner diameter (30) which exceeds the dimensions (33) of the outlet opening (22) in the container (11).

7. System (53a, 53b) for dosing and supplying a medium (12) from a container (11) to a target device (13), comprising a dosing device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, having a control (15), a water pipe (17) with a valve (16), which can be accessed by the control (15), a discharge opening (19) to the water pipe, through which water (50) can exit through when the valve (16) is open, a holder (21) on which the container (11) can be arranged with an outlet opening (22) directed downwards, wherein a sieve (23) is arranged in the outlet opening (22) of the container, wherein the sieve hinders the medium, in particular a powder-shaped or block-shaped solid, exiting the container, wherein the discharge opening (19) of the water pipe (17) is arranged adjoining the sieve (23), and wherein water (50) exiting from the discharge opening (19) acts upon, in particular sprays, the sieve, and as a result of acting on the sieve, medium can be released in the water (50), wherein a collection device (26) is provided for receiving the supplied cleaning solution (24), wherein the collecting device comprises a funnel (28), which is positioned below the sieve (23) and below the discharge opening (19) and is arranged spaced apart from the discharge opening (19) without contact and spaced apart from the sievewithout contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) having an inner diameter (30) which exceeds the dimensions (33) of the outlet opening (22) in the container.