Docking unit for connecting a container for a liquid medium to a drainage system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a docking unit for connecting a container for a liquid medium to a discharge line, preferably a hose, wherein the docking unit can be detachably fastened to an opening of the container so that a liquid medium can flow through the docking unit.

[0002] The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a docking unit and an insert for a container, a dosing device and a method for attaching a docking unit to a container.

[0003] EP 2 868 622 A1 shows a suction lance with a level sensor at the distal end of the suction pipe. A disadvantage is that the level sensor comes into contact with the medium, which exposes it to its potentially corrosive properties. Furthermore, a level sensor in direct contact with the medium becomes contaminated and therefore requires regular cleaning. This requires additional effort.

[0004] WO 2021 / 239260 A1 describes a level measuring device for use in the technical field of process automation and logistics, which comprises an optical time-of-flight sensor and a radar time-of-flight sensor. A disadvantage of this level measuring device is that it requires an additional step for attaching it to the container, for example, by gluing. Furthermore, the level measuring device requires additional cabling or an additional wireless connection.

[0005] Further prior art is known from the following documents, wherein US 2014 / 266864 A1, US 9 151 838 B2, US 7 619 581 B2 and DE 10 2019 132 397 A1 disclose measuring arrangements for measuring a fill level and US 11 142 449 B2 discloses a docking unit with a measuring arrangement for measuring a fill level.

[0006] A container's top wall is often not parallel to the liquid surface. Especially with plastic containers, the container's top wall may have pronounced curvatures or handles, for example. This makes it difficult to find a suitable location for a level gauge on the container, since the level gauge should essentially be aligned horizontally.

[0007] The invention is intended to remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0008] The invention aims to create a docking unit with level measurement that is low-maintenance and easy to position.

[0009] The object is achieved by a docking unit according to claim 1, an arrangement according to claim 8, a container according to claim 10, a dosing device according to claim 11 and a method according to claim 14.

[0010] According to the invention, it is therefore provided that at least one fill level sensor designed as a transit time sensor, in particular a RADAR sensor, is arranged in the docking unit.

[0011] The transit time sensor allows for contactless measurement of the tank's fill level. This prevents the sensor from being contaminated by the liquid in the tank, making it particularly low-maintenance.

[0012] Because the transit time sensor is located in the docking unit, the transit time sensor is integrated with the detachable attachment of the docking unit to the container. Additional cabling or the provision of a wireless connection is therefore obsolete.

[0013] "Arranged in the docking unit" can mean that the time-of-flight sensor forms a single unit with the docking unit. In particular, the time-of-flight sensor can be arranged in or on the housing of the docking unit.

[0014] In addition, the docking unit can be reliably positioned in a straight line because it is located in the container opening. Therefore, no additional suitable space for the transit time sensor needs to be found on the container's top wall.

[0015] The time-of-flight sensor is generally designed to send signals, receive a reflected signal and calculate a distance by determining a time difference between the transmission time of the signal and the arrival time of the reflected signal.

[0016] The transit time sensor can be designed to calculate the distance from the liquid surface in the container to the transit time sensor.

[0017] According to the invention, the at least one transit time sensor is arranged outside the container when the docking unit is attached to the container. Signals, preferably electromagnetic waves, particularly preferably microwaves, can be transmitted from the at least one transit time sensor through a container wall into the interior of the container. Contact of the sensor with the medium is therefore excluded. The transit time sensor therefore does not require regular cleaning.

[0018] The docking unit may include at least one lens for the at least one time-of-flight sensor, with the signals emitted by the at least one time-of-flight sensor being transmitted through the lens. The signals can thus be shaped, preferably focused, by the lens.

[0019] At very low fill levels, the level measurement with the time-of-flight sensor can be inaccurate, especially since the time-of-flight sensor can no longer adequately distinguish between the echo reflected from the surface of the medium and the echo reflected from the bottom. Therefore, it is difficult to detect an empty container.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the docking unit has at least one empty level sensor for detecting whether medium or air is present in the fluid channel of the docking unit. This combines a fill level sensor and an empty level sensor in the docking unit, with the sensors advantageously complementing each other.

[0021] Preferably, the vacancy sensor is designed as an optical sensor, whereby the air can be optically detected by the optical sensor. In particular, the air can refract light differently in a distinguishable way, which can be detected.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the empty level sensor can comprise a float. Depending on the position of the float, an electronic switch can be actuated by the float. The electronic switch, in particular a reed switch, can be arranged in an area free of liquid medium.

[0023] In one embodiment, the docking unit can have a reader for contactless reading of a data carrier. It is preferably provided that the reader is designed as an RFID reader. This allows data about the container to be read. Furthermore, data can be written into the RFID tag in the container, in particular also regarding the fill level in the container.

[0024] It can be provided that the docking unit has a logic unit, wherein the logic unit is in data communication with the at least one fill level sensor. Preferably, the logic unit can be connected to a data transmission system, preferably a bus system, via a data connection and / or an antenna.

[0025] The logic unit acts as a central point of contact for data from the fill level sensor, the empty level sensor, and / or the reader. Data can be processed and / or forwarded.

[0026] Other units of the dosing device can be integrated into the BUS system, for example a central control unit.

[0027] The docking unit can have a check valve in a fluid channel between a fluid inlet for the intake of medium from the container and a fluid outlet. Preferably, a ball of the check valve can be lifted by a negative pressure in the docking unit, or the check valve can be mechanically pushed open by the docking. This allows the liquid medium to flow into the docking unit. The check valve prevents dripping.

[0028] The docking unit can have a liquid outlet, wherein the liquid outlet is communicatively connected to the liquid inlet via a liquid channel. A discharge line, in particular a hose, can preferably be attached to the liquid outlet. The hose can then lead to a pump, by means of which a liquid medium can be conveyed through the hose and through the docking unit from the container toward at least one target device.

[0029] The docking unit may have a liquid inlet for introducing medium into the container, wherein the liquid inlet is arranged at the bottom when the docking unit is attached.

[0030] The docking unit can have at least one fastening projection and / or a counter-thread for engaging a recess or a container closure thread in or on the container or in or on an insert secured in the container. This allows the docking unit to be attached to the container detachably and without tools.

[0031] The docking unit can be releasably attached to the container by plugging and / or docking it into or onto a sealing point of an insert or the container.

[0032] An arrangement according to the invention comprises a described docking unit and an insert for the container, wherein the insert can be fastened, in particular welded, or detachably fastened, in particular pressed in, screwed in, or fastened by means of a union nut, in an opening of the container. Detachable fastening has the advantage that the container is reusable and recyclable after the insert has been removed.

[0033] It can be provided that the insert can be connected, in particular latched, to a locking hook, wherein the locking hook can be placed against the inside of the container. The locking hook can press against the inside of the container and thus hold the insert in the opening of the container.

[0034] The locking hook can be an elongated component which can be inserted lengthwise through the opening of the container into the container and can bridge the opening crosswise so that the locking hook can be applied to the inside of the container.

[0035] The insert can have a fastening part for attachment in an opening of the container. The fastening part can have a suitable shape or fastening means. It is preferably provided that a data carrier, in particular an RFID tag, is arranged on or in the fastening part. The data carrier can be read with a reader, which can be arranged in the docking unit.

[0036] Furthermore, the insert can be provided with a suction tube, wherein the suction tube is connected to the fastening part and extends into the interior of the container. By means of the suction tube, liquid medium can be sucked into the docking unit and further toward a target device.

[0037] A docking unit is detachably attached to a container according to the invention. It is preferably provided that the at least one docking unit is arranged on the top side of the container.

[0038] In particular, it is preferably provided that an insert is fastened in the container, in particular in the opening of the container.

[0039] A dosing device according to the invention comprises at least one container with a docking unit and insert, wherein the liquid medium can be conveyed by at least one pump from the at least one container through the docking unit toward at least one target device, in particular at least one washing machine or at least one dishwasher. Preferably, the at least one pump is arranged downstream of the docking unit in the conveying path. However, the at least one pump can also be arranged in the docking unit.

[0040] In one embodiment of the dosing device, the docking unit, in particular the logic unit of the docking unit, is in data communication with a central control unit for controlling the dosing device. The central control unit can also be in data communication with, among other things, the pump and the target device.

[0041] In a further embodiment, at least two containers with a docking unit and / or insert and at least two pumps are provided, with one pump being provided for each container. Preferably, the liquid medium can be conveyed by means of the pumps into a dispensing manifold, preferably wherein the liquid medium can be conveyed from the dispensing manifold via a rinsing medium, in particular water, to at least one target device.

[0042] With the dosing device, several different liquid media can be mixed together and fed together or one after the other to a target device.

[0043] A method according to the invention for attaching a docking unit to a container with the following method steps: Pressing in an insert and / or welding in an insert and / or fastening an insert by means of a union nut and / or fastening an insert (22) to a locking hook that can be placed on the inner wall of the container in the opening of the container, releasably fastening the docking unit to the insert, preferably wherein the docking unit can be releasably fastened by means of a rotation or by hooking onto a container closure thread of the container and / or by inserting and / or docking into or onto a sealing point.

[0044] Further embodiments are described in the figures. They show: Fig. 1aDosing device with a pump, a container and a docking unit Fig. 1bDosing device with several pumps, containers and docking units Fig. 2Docking unit in a schematic sectional view Fig. 3aInsert for a container in a schematic sectional view Fig. 3bContainer with an insert in a schematic sectional view Fig. 3cContainer with an alternative embodiment of an insert in a schematic sectional view Fig. 4Container with a docking unit and an insert in a schematic sectional view.

[0045] The Fig. 1a shows a dosing device 32 for dosing a liquid medium 9, which is located in a container 3. The liquid medium 9 can be sucked in by means of a pump 1 through a docking unit 2, which is detachably attached to an opening of the container 3. The liquid medium 9 can be conveyed by the pump 1 in the direction of a target device, in particular a washing machine or a dishwasher (arrows in the Figuren 1a und 1b ). It may be provided that the liquid medium 9 is not conveyed directly to the target device by means of the pump. Instead, a dispensing distributor may be provided upstream of the flushing device, in which various media 9 are mixed and conveyed further to a target device by means of a flushing medium.

[0046] Both the pump 1 and the docking unit 2 are connected to a central control unit 4 via a data line. The central control unit 4 can control the entire dosing device 32 and serves as the central processing unit for the dosing device 32. For this purpose, the central control unit 4 is in data communication with the pump 1 and the docking unit 2 via data lines 12.

[0047] The docking unit 2 has a time-of-flight sensor 5, in particular a radar sensor. The time-of-flight sensor 5 can emit signals 13, which are reflected, among other things, by the surface of the liquid medium 9 located in the container 3. The reflected echo can be received by the time-of-flight sensor 5.

[0048] This allows the distance between the transit time sensor 5 and the surface of the liquid medium 9 to be determined. From this information, the fill level 7 of the container 3 can be determined. In particular, continuous fill level measurement is possible.

[0049] In the Fig. 1a In particular, two different fill levels 7 and 8 are shown: a first, upper fill level 7 and a second, lower fill level 8. This allows a volume difference between the first and second fill levels to be determined by increasing information about the container 3. This volume difference can be used as a reference volume for calibrating the pump 1. The calibration calculation preferably takes place in the central control unit 4.

[0050] Since the transit time sensor 5 can measure any fill level 7, the reference volume can be freely selected. This enables virtually continuous level measurement and also virtually continuous calibration.

[0051] A logic unit 11 is also arranged in the docking unit 2, which, among other things, forwards the data from the runtime sensor 5.

[0052] The Fig. 1b shows a dosing device 32 with several containers 3, which can contain different liquid media 9. A separate docking unit 2 with a transit time sensor 5 is arranged on each container 3, with each docking unit 2 being communicatively connected to a pump 1 via a discharge line 10.

[0053] All docking units 2 and all pumps 1 are connected to a central control unit 4 via data lines 12.

[0054] To the Figuren 1a und 1b It should be noted that the data lines 12 can also be designed wirelessly via radio.

[0055] The Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a docking unit 2 in a schematic sectional view.

[0056] A liquid outlet 17 is provided on the top side of the docking unit 2, which is suitable for connecting a hose as a drain line 10.

[0057] The sectional view also shows the liquid inlet 16, through which a liquid medium 9 can enter the docking unit 2. The liquid inlet 16 is formed on an extension on the underside of the docking unit 2, so that the liquid inlet can be inserted into an insert 22 and / or a container 3.

[0058] A fluid channel 31 connects the fluid inlet 16 to the fluid outlet 17. A check valve 18 is arranged in the fluid channel 31. The check valve 18 has a sealing ball 19. The ball 19 can be sealingly pressed against a tapered part of the fluid channel 31 by means of a spring (not shown) or by gravity. If a negative pressure is applied by the pump 1, the ball 19 is lifted and fluid can flow through the fluid channel 31. Alternatively, the check valve 18 can be mechanically pressed open during docking.

[0059] Also visible is the time-of-flight sensor 5, which is arranged on the underside of the docking unit 2. When the docking unit 2 is attached, the time-of-flight sensor 5 can thus transmit signals 13 through the container wall into the interior of the container 3. A lens 29 can be arranged in the signal path, although the lens 29 is not absolutely necessary for the function.

[0060] Also provided is an empty level sensor 15, which can measure the empty level in the container 3. In particular, the empty level sensor 15 can detect air in the sucked-in liquid medium 9. The air enters the liquid medium when the container 3 is almost empty.

[0061] In this embodiment of the docking unit 2, the empty level sensor 15 is designed as an optical sensor. In particular, a translucent section of the liquid channel 31 is illuminated by light from one side using a light source. A sensor capable of detecting the light is mounted on the opposite side of the liquid channel. The air in the liquid medium changes the refraction behavior of the light, allowing the presence of air to be detected.

[0062] A logic unit 11 is also schematically shown in the docking unit 2. This unit is in data communication with the runtime sensor 5 and the empty level sensor 15. The logic unit 11 can also be in data communication with a reader for reading RFID data from an RFID tag located in the container 3 or in the insert 22, although the reader is not shown.

[0063] The data can be forwarded to an antenna 24 for wireless data transmission and / or a data port 30 for connecting a cable for wired data transmission. The docking unit can communicate with other units via these interfaces. In particular, the docking unit 2 can be connected to a central control unit 4 in this way.

[0064] For releasably attaching the docking unit 2 to a container 3 and / or an insert 22, a counter thread 20 is provided on the underside of the docking unit. For example, the counter thread 20 can be designed to engage a container closure thread 21.

[0065] The Fig. 3a shows an insert 22 in a schematic sectional view. The Fig. 3b shows an insert 22 detachably attached to a container 3.

[0066] The insert 22 has a suction tube 6 and a fastening part 23. With the fastening part 23, the insert 22 can be releasably fastened in a container opening, preferably by pressing it in. Because the insert 22 is releasably fastened in the container 3, the container 3 can be recycled or reused separately from the insert 22 after use.

[0067] A seal 26 is also arranged on the fastening part 23, which can seal the insert 22 against an inserted docking unit 2.

[0068] By means of the suction pipe 6, which is preferably made of a softer material than the fastening part 23, the liquid medium 9 can be sucked out of the container 3.

[0069] In the Fig. 3b It can be seen that the insert 22 is inserted into the container opening and is preferably pressed in there.

[0070] A data carrier, in particular an RFID tag, can be arranged on the insert 22, which can be read by means of a reading device arranged on the docking unit 2.

[0071] The Fig. 3c shows an alternative embodiment of an insert 22. In this embodiment, the insert 33 can be connected to a locking hook 25. The locking hook 25 is an additional component that can be applied to the inside of the container 3. In particular, the locking hook 25 can be designed such that it can be inserted lengthwise through the container opening into the container 3 and can bridge the container opening transversely. The locking hook 25 can thus press against the inside of the container 3 and hold the insert 22 in the opening of the container 3.

[0072] The connection between the insert 22 and the locking hook 25 is preferably achieved by locking with a locking device 27, but other connections are also possible. A locking device 27 can have several locking teeth.

[0073] The Fig. 4 shows a container 3 with an insert 22, which is fastened in the container opening, and a docking unit 2, which is detachably fastened in the insert 22 and on the container 3.

[0074] The docking unit 2 can be releasably fastened to the container closure thread 21 of the container 3 by rotation or by hooking by means of a counter thread 20 arranged on the docking unit 2.

[0075] The liquid inlet 16 is thereby brought into communicative connection with the interior of the insert 22 and the suction tube 6, so that liquid medium 9 can be sucked from the container 3 into the docking unit 2. A seal 26, which can be formed as a sealing lip, seals the docking unit from the insert 22; in particular, the extension of the docking unit, on which the liquid inlet 16 is arranged, is sealed from the insert 22.

[0076] When the docking unit 2 is attached, the transit time sensor 5 is directed downward toward the container 3 to measure the fill level. The signals 13 of the transit time sensor 5 are transmitted through the upper container wall 14 into the interior of the container 3. The echo reflected by the liquid medium 9, in particular the surface of the liquid medium 9 at a certain fill level 7, also passes through the container wall 14 and is detected by the transit time sensor 5.

[0077] By measuring the running time, the fill level 7 in the container 3 can be determined. At very low fill levels 7, the runtime sensor 5 is no longer reliable. Therefore, the additional empty level sensor 15 can be used to detect whether air is being sucked in through the intake manifold 6. List of reference symbols:

[0078] 1 Pump 2 Docking unit 3 Tank 4 Central control unit 5 Runtime sensor 6 Suction pipe 7 Fill level 8 Second fill level 9 Liquid medium 10 Drain 11 Logic unit 12 Data line 13 Signal 14 Tank wall 15 Empty level sensor 16 Liquid inlet 17 Liquid outlet 18 Check valve 19 Ball 20 Counter thread 21 Tank closure thread 22 Insert 23 Fastening part 24 Antenna 25 Locking hook 26 Seal 27 Locking device 29 Lens 30 Data connection 31 Liquid channel 32 Dosing device

Claims

1. Docking unit (2) for connecting a container (3) for a liquid medium (9) to a discharge line (10), preferably a hose, wherein the docking unit (2) can be releasably attached to an opening of the container (3) so that the liquid medium (9) can flow through the docking unit (2), wherein in the docketing unit (2) there is arranged at least one filling level sensor, which is designed as a runtime sensor (5), in particular a radar sensor, for measuring the filling level (7) in the container (3), characterized in that the at least one runtime sensor (5) is arranged outside the container (3) in the state of the docking unit (2) being attached to the container (3) and / or signals (13), preferably electromagnetic waves, particularly preferably microwaves, can be transmitted from the at least one filling level sensor through a container wall (14) into the interior of the container (3).

2. Docking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (2) has at least one lens (29) for the at least one runtime sensor (5), wherein the signals (13) emitted by the at least one runtime sensor (5) are transmitted through the lens (29), preferably wherein the signals (13) can be focused by the lens (29).

3. Docking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (2) has at least one empty-status sensor (15) for detecting whether medium or air is located in the liquid channel (31) of the docking unit, preferably wherein - the empty-status sensor (15) is formed as an optical sensor, wherein air can be detected optically by means of the optical sensor, and / or - the empty-status sensor (15) comprises a float, particularly preferably wherein an electronic switch can be actuated by the float depending on the position of the float.

4. Docking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (2) - has a reader for contactless reading of a data carrier, preferably wherein the reader is formed as an RFID reader, and / or - has a logic unit (11), wherein the logic unit (11) is in data communication with the at least one runtime sensor (5), preferably wherein the logic unit (11) can be connected to a data transmission system, preferably a bus system, via a data connection (30) and / or an antenna (24).

5. Docking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (2) has a non-return valve (18) in a liquid channel (31) between a liquid inlet (16) for the admission of medium from the container (3) and a liquid outlet (17), preferably wherein a ball (19) of the non-return valve (18) can be lifted by a negative pressure in the docking unit (2) or the non-return valve (18) can be mechanically pushed open by the docking and thus the liquid medium (9) can flow into the docking unit (2).

6. Docking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (2) has a liquid outlet (17), wherein the liquid outlet (17) is in communicative connection with the liquid inlet (16) via a liquid channel (31), preferably wherein a discharge line (10), in particular a hose, can be attached to the liquid outlet (17), and / or wherein the docking unit has a liquid inlet (16) for the admission of medium into the container (3), wherein in the attached state of the docking unit (2), the liquid inlet is arranged at the bottom.

7. Docking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking unit (2) has at least one fastening projection and / or a mating thread (20) for engaging in a guide or a container closure thread (21) in the container (3) or in an insert (22) fastened in the container (3).

8. Arrangement comprising a docking unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims and an insert (22) for the container (3), wherein in an opening of the container (3) the insert (22) - can be fastened, in particular welded in, and / or - can be releasably attached, in particular press-fitted, screw-fitted or attached by means of a cap nut, and / or - can be connected, in particular latched, to a latching hook (25), wherein the latching hook(25) can be placed against the inside of the container (3).

9. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the insert (22) has a fastening part (23) for fastening in an opening of the container (3), preferably - wherein a data carrier, in particular a RFID tag, is arranged on or in the fastening part (23), and / or - wherein the insert (22) has a suction tube (6), wherein the suction tube (6) is connected to the fastening part (23) and projects into the interior of the container (3).

10. Container (3), to which a docking unit (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 is releasably attached, preferably wherein - the at least one docking unit (2) is arranged on the upper side of the container (3), and / or - at least one insert (22) from claim 8 or 9 is fastened in the container.

11. Dosing device (32) with at least one container (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the liquid medium (9) can be conveyed by at least one pump (1) from the at least one container (3) through the docking unit (2) in the direction of at least one target device, in particular at least one washing machine or at least one dishwasher, preferably wherein the at least one pump (1) is arranged after the docking unit (2).

12. Dosing device (32) according to the preceding claim, wherein the docking unit (2), in particular the logic unit (11) of the docking unit (2), is in data communication with a central control unit (4) for open-loop controlling the dosing device (32).

13. Dosing device (32) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least two containers (3) according to claim 10 and at least two pumps (1) are provided and one pump (1) per container (3) is provided, preferably wherein the liquid medium (9) can be conveyed by means of the pumps (1) into a flushing distributor, particularly preferably wherein the liquid medium (9) can be conveyed from the flushing distributor via a flushing medium, in particular water, to the at least one target device.

14. Method for attaching a docking unit (2) to a container (3) comprising the following method steps: - press-fitting an insert (22) and / or welding in an insert (22) and / or fastening an insert (22) by means of a cap nut and / or fastening an insert (22) to a latching hook (25) that can be placed against the inner wall of the container (3), in particular of an insert (22) according to claim 8 or 9, into the opening of the container (3), - releasably fastening the docking unit (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 to the insert (22), preferably wherein the docking unit (2) is releasably fastened by means of a rotation or by hooking onto a container closure thread (21) of the container (3) and / or by inserting and / or docking into or onto a sealing point.