System for detecting the consumption of a medium in a washing or cleaning assembly or the like.

Abstract

A system (10) for recording the consumption of a medium (25, 26, 27) in a washing or cleaning plant is shown and described, comprising a) at least one container (22, 23, 24, 24a) which can be detachably connected to a coupling point (37, 38, 39) of the washing or cleaning plant, wherein a medium is located in the container, and wherein the container holds a data carrier (31, 32, 33, 33a), e.g. B. an RFID tag, on which an information data record is written, which contains at least information about the type of medium and information about the volume of medium in the container, b) a dosing device (13) with which the medium can be dosed, c) a pump arrangement (43) with which the medium can be conveyed to a target container (42), e.g. to a washing machine or a dishwasher, d) a control unit (11) with which the pump arrangement and the dosing device can be addressed, e) a reading device (47), e.g.B. an RFID reader with which the information data set can be read, f) a counting device (61) for determining the volume of medium taken from the container, g) wherein the control unit can calculate a current fill level (28, 29, 30) of the container taking into account the volume taken, or information about the volume taken can be further processed, h) and wherein a writing device (47, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55) is provided by means of which the current fill level (28, 29, 30) can be written as information onto the data carrier (31, 32, 33), or by means of which information about the volume taken can be written onto the data carrier.

Description

[0001] The device initially relates to a washing or cleaning system for recording the consumption of a medium in the washing or cleaning system.

[0002] The applicant has been developing and distributing dosing devices, control devices and software for the operation of washing or cleaning systems for decades, particularly in the field of commercial dishwashing and commercial washing.

[0003] To enable the efficient operation of a washing or cleaning system, it would be desirable to automate dosing processes as much as possible. Furthermore, it would be desirable for a control system for a dosing unit to obtain information – especially largely automatically – about which containers are currently connected to the dosing unit.

[0004] EP 2 368 645 A1 discloses an arrangement and method for the automated cleaning of objects. This involves marking containers holding consumables with an RFID tag containing a unique identifier (UID). The document further proposes a level sensor to monitor the fill level of the consumables. If this sensor indicates that the container is empty, it must be replaced. After an empty signal from the sensor, the container can only be reused once the RFID reader has identified an RFID tag with a new UID number to ensure that a new container with consumables is indeed being connected.

[0005] US Patent 2010 / 0161143 A1 discloses a system comprising, for example, a washing machine or other household appliance, a module, and at least one container that can be accommodated within the module. The module can hold multiple containers of varying sizes, each container having its own pump and motor. Exemplary embodiments include a data storage medium in the form of an SFN module into which information can be written. Information can be read via a data connection cable. A microcontroller in the washing machine can process the information. All embodiments in the patent include fluid level sensors that measure the container's fill level, for example, using ultrasound or optical methods. The patent discloses that the number of media uses can be tracked and written to a container memory.If the number of media uses exceeds the maximum number of uses specified by the container manufacturer, a signal is generated indicating that the container is no longer usable. Furthermore, the publication discloses that the data carrier, in the form of an SFN module, can contain fill level data which is compared with the measured fill level to determine whether an invalid container has been used.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide, starting from a device of the applicant which cannot be documented in printed form, a washing plant or cleaning plant which enables intelligent, in particular largely automated, process control and management of the cleaning plant or washing plant.

[0007] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, a washing or cleaning system is provided with which the consumption of a medium in the washing or cleaning system can be recorded.

[0009] A washing plant is understood to be any plant that includes at least one washing machine, in particular a household washing machine, or a commercial washing machine, especially for washing textiles.

[0010] For the purposes of this patent application, a cleaning system is understood to be any system that includes at least one dishwasher, in particular a commercial dishwasher.

[0011] At least one container containing a medium can be connected to the washing or cleaning system.

[0012] The term "medium" is understood to mean a detergent, a dishwashing liquid, or a component thereof. For the purposes of this patent application, "medium" also includes any other medium used in connection with a washing or cleaning process at the washing or cleaning system. For example, in the case of a cleaning system comprising a dishwashing unit, the medium may also be provided by a rinse aid.

[0013] The medium is preferably in liquid form, as a concentrate, or as a solution. The invention also encompasses situations where the medium is provided in powdered or granular form.

[0014] The container can be a conventional container of any size and can be made of glass or plastic, for example.

[0015] The container can be detachably connected to a coupling point. The coupling point is an integral part of the washing or cleaning system and is spatially integrated within it. This coupling point may include a support or a receiving device for the container. However, for the purposes of this patent application, a coupling point can also be understood as a mounting position for the container where it is connected to the washing and cleaning system, for example, by means of a discharge device for the medium, such as a suction lance. The coupling point, and thus the mounting position, is then the location where the suction lance is to be inserted into the container.

[0016] According to the invention, the container comprises a data carrier, for example an RFID tag. An information data set is written into the data carrier. The information data set is written, for example, when the container is filled with the medium.

[0017] The information data record contains at least one piece of information about the type of medium, for example, the type of detergent, dishwashing liquid, cleaner, or rinse aid, as well as information about the volume of medium contained in the container. In other words, the container size is provided as part of the information data record on the data carrier.

[0018] The washing or cleaning system according to the invention further comprises a dosing device. The dosing device serves to dose the medium.

[0019] For the purposes of this application, a metering device is understood to be, in particular, a device such as that described in German patent application DE 10 2011 119 021 A1 or in DE 10 2011 108 396, both of which originate from the applicants.

[0020] The dosing device essentially serves to determine dosing quantities in order to provide the medium in the desired quantity or concentration. Typically, the invention may provide that the dosing device mixes the medium with water.

[0021] The washing or cleaning system further comprises a pump assembly, which advantageously interacts with the metering device. The pump assembly serves to supply the medium to a target container. The medium can therefore be conveyed by means of the pump assembly to at least one washing machine or at least one dishwasher.

[0022] In an advantageous arrangement according to the invention, the pump arrangement can serve both to discharge the medium from the respective container and to supply the medium, preferably mixed with water, to the target container.

[0023] The washing or cleaning system according to the invention further comprises a control unit. The control unit is connected to the pump assembly and the dosing device and can control or respond to both. One or more washing or cleaning programs can be stored in the control unit, which – in a manner known per se – determine at what time and in what sequence which quantities of which medium are to be supplied.

[0024] The car wash or cleaning system also includes a reading device, for example an RFID reader, with which the information data record can be read. The reading device can be part of the control system or arranged separately from the control unit and communicate with it.

[0025] The information contained in the data set can be made accessible to the control unit, at least in part.

[0026] The washing or cleaning system according to the invention further comprises a counting device for determining the volume of medium removed from the container.

[0027] The metering device can record or determine the consumption of the medium. This determination is based on each individual dosing process. A determination can be made for the current dosing process only, or optionally cumulatively, i.e., summed up over many dosing processes.

[0028] The consumption volume can be determined, for example, using the control information of the pump arrangement and the dosing device.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that the washing or cleaning system has a device for measuring or determining flow rates, which directly measures the respective consumption quantities.

[0030] According to the invention, the control unit can calculate the current fill level of the container, taking into account the volume dispensed. The control unit therefore knows the current fill level of the container.

[0031] According to the invention, a writing device is also provided. This can, for example, be an RFID writing device.

[0032] The writing device allows, in particular, the current fill level of the container to be written as information onto the data carrier.

[0033] In the event that the container is removed from the coupling point, the container can carry with it information about its own fill level.

[0034] If the container is subsequently used at a different location, a control system located there with a reading device located there can read the current fill level information and use it further.

[0035] The washing or cleaning system according to the invention enables the exchange of containers and flexible handling. This is particularly advantageous for larger washing or cleaning systems with multiple washing machines or dishwashers, where containers need to be repositioned.

[0036] For the purposes of this application, the term "current fill level" also includes an empty level. The writing device of the washing or cleaning system according to the invention can therefore also record information onto the data carrier indicating that the container is empty or completely emptied.

[0037] Such information can be used, for example, for refilling the container at a later date.

[0038] The invention encompasses washing or cleaning systems that continuously record the current fill level as information onto a data carrier. Such continuous recording of the fill level information onto the data carrier can occur, for example, immediately after the completion of each dosing process, or alternatively, at the beginning or during each dosing process. The fill level can thus be managed as a kind of account on the data carrier, and each individual dose consumed during a dosing process can be directly posted to the RFID tag, similar to a debit from an account.

[0039] The preceding passages explain the invention by means of an example in which the control unit can calculate the current fill level of the container taking into account the volume taken out, and in which a writing device is provided by means of which the current fill level can be written as information onto the data carrier.

[0040] The invention also includes an alternative embodiment of a washing or cleaning system in which the control unit does not necessarily have to be able to calculate the current fill level of the container, but can further process information about the volume dispensed, i.e., the amount of medium dispensed by the dosing device. According to one variant of the invention, the information about the volume dispensed can, for example, be information about the most recently dispensed volume. Further processing by the control unit can then be carried out, for example, by storing this value and, if necessary, summing it up or forwarding it to the recording device.

[0041] The invention also includes the fact that the information about the volume taken out is recorded as information about the total volume taken out, summed or accumulated over several dosing processes.

[0042] In these variants of the invention, it may further be provided that - in the course of further processing the information about the extracted volume - the writing device does not write the information about the current fill level as information onto the data carrier, but rather writes information about the extracted volume, either as a single quantity of the extracted volume, or as a cumulative total volume, onto the data carrier.

[0043] In this variant, the data carrier in the container does not contain the difference itself, but only the difference amount to be subtracted from the initial amount.

[0044] According to this version of the invention, this information is also stored on the container's data carrier. If the container, after being disconnected from the washing or cleaning system, is reconnected to the same washing or cleaning system or to a different washing or cleaning system, the data carrier can be read by the respective control unit, and the control unit can receive information about the current, actual fill level.

[0045] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the writing device records the current fill level as information onto the data carrier when the container is removed from the coupling point. In this embodiment, an operator, the user, is required to deregister the container from the washing or cleaning system when removing it from the coupling point and to ensure that the writing device records the current fill level onto the data carrier. According to the invention, this recording can also be performed automatically each time the container is removed from the coupling point.

[0046] The washing or cleaning system described above offers simplified operation, requiring only one reader or writer, even when using multiple containers. With this system, the user registers and deregisters containers with the control unit. During each deregistration process, the current fill level of each container is recorded on the respective data carrier.

[0047] In this way, reliable process control can be achieved with very little constructive effort or equipment.

[0048] The invention relates both to washing or cleaning systems that use only one container and to those washing or cleaning systems to which several containers can be connected. In particular – but not exclusively – the invention relates to washing or cleaning systems to which several containers with different media can be connected.

[0049] According to the invention, after a container is connected to a coupling point, an association is established between the container and the coupling point. This can be achieved, for example, by assigning a reading device to the coupling point, which immediately recognizes that a container with a corresponding data carrier is connected to the respective coupling point. In this case, the reading device assigned to the coupling point can also transmit this information directly to the control system – possibly even automatically.

[0050] Alternatively, the invention also includes the arrangement of a data carrier containing information about the coupling point at the coupling point. Using a mobile reader, for example a mobile RFID reader, an operator can, after coupling the container to the respective coupling point, both read the container with the data carrier attached there and scan the associated coupling point with the data carrier located there, so that the control system can automatically assign the respective container to the respective coupling point.

[0051] Finally, the invention also includes a washing or cleaning system in which the operator must register and deregister containers. For this purpose, the control system can be assigned a user interface, i.e., an interface through which it can communicate with the operator.

[0052] For example, using software, such as a drum menu or similar, the user can – possibly manually – inform the control system that a specific container is being coupled to or has been uncoupled from a specific coupling point.

[0053] For example, it is conceivable that each time a user brings a container to a connection point, the container is first scanned by an RFID reader – possibly a permanently installed, i.e., non-mobile, device – and the control system then recognizes that a new container is to be connected to the washing or cleaning system and asks the user individually which connection point, i.e., which suction lance, the scanned container should be connected to, or has already been connected to. The user can then identify the connection point, for example, suction lance no. 3, individually, for example, manually.

[0054] When a container is deregistered from the washing or cleaning system, a corresponding procedure can be followed. For example, it can be stipulated that when the user detaches the container from the respective coupling point, they then take the container to the permanently installed read / write unit, thus deregistering the container.

[0055] Once the car wash or cleaning system has recognized or accepted a specific container as registered within the system, the invention also encompasses the ability to write further information into the container's data carrier using the writing unit, indicating that the container is "in service." This may also include the identification of the "owner," i.e., the car wash or cleaning system to which the container is connected, within the container's data carrier.

[0056] Such plant identification or system identification can also be carried out using an ID number of the control unit.

[0057] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a washing or cleaning system for managing the washing or cleaning system, and in particular for recording the consumption of a medium in the washing or cleaning system, according to claim 4.

[0058] The object of the invention is, in turn, to provide a washing or cleaning system which enables intelligent, in particular largely automated, process control and management of the cleaning or washing system.

[0059] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 4.

[0060] Accordingly, the washing or cleaning system must include at least one container that can be detachably connected to a coupling point of the washing or cleaning system. This container holds a medium, i.e., a detergent or cleaning agent, a component thereof, or an agent used in a washing or cleaning process.

[0061] The container contains a data carrier, for example, an RFID tag. An information data record is written into the data carrier. This record contains at least some information about the type of medium, for example, the chemical used.

[0062] The information record is written directly or indirectly into the data carrier. Direct writing can, for example, include the name of the medium being contained directly, meaning it is immediately readable by a control unit. Indirect writing of information about the type of medium, as understood in the context of registration, refers to the use of a code, article number, or similar identifier that allows the control unit of the washing or cleaning system to identify the type of medium, for example, by comparison or with the aid of other information sources.

[0063] The washing or cleaning system includes a dosing device, a pump assembly, and a control unit.

[0064] Furthermore, the washing or cleaning system also includes a reading device and a counting device.

[0065] Finally, the control unit is able to calculate the current fill level of the container, taking into account the volume removed.

[0066] At the very least, the control unit is capable of detecting that the container is completely empty. Complete emptying of the container can be detected in any way.

[0067] According to the invention, a writing unit is also provided. The writing unit is capable of writing information onto the data carrier.

[0068] The writing device is at least capable of writing information onto the data carrier indicating that this container has already been connected to the washing or cleaning system. This information is preferably written to the data carrier by the writing device during the initial connection to the washing or cleaning system. Thus, the corresponding writing process can take place the moment the container is registered with the washing or cleaning system.

[0069] Assuming that only containers of a predetermined size are permitted at the washing or cleaning system, the system can—during the writing process and by marking the data carrier to indicate a connection or coupling to the system—assume that the container holds a specific quantity of medium. The system can then calculate, or at least determine, when the container is empty, based, for example, on the received container size information and taking into account the measured and totaled dosage quantities.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment of this invention, information can be written to the data carrier by means of the writing device, indicating which washing or cleaning system the container has been connected to. In this way, the control system can ensure or verify that only containers containing written information indicating their connection to the respective washing or cleaning system are connected. This prevents operating errors and mix-ups.

[0071] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the information data set contains information about the fill level of the container. In addition to the information that it is already connected to the washing or cleaning system, the information about the current fill level is advantageous for carrying out or verifying an automated method for consumption recording.

[0072] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit possesses information about the fill level of the container. The control unit acquires this information through the transmission of fill level data via a separate channel, independent of the process of reading the information data set. For example, the operator can manually input information about the container size via the interface, the user interface, of the control unit. Finally, according to this embodiment of the invention, the control unit can also have information indicating that only containers of a certain size are permitted for connection. In this case, the control unit can assume that the connected container is of a specific size.

[0073] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, information about the current fill level of the container can be written to the data carrier by means of the writing device when the container is removed from the coupling point. Such a writing process can either occur automatically, each time the container is removed from the coupling point. However, it can also be provided within the scope of the invention that the operator must initiate such a writing process manually each time.

[0074] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, in the event of the container being removed from the coupling point by the writing device, information can be written to the data carrier indicating that this container has been disconnected from the washing or cleaning system. This allows a kind of usage history to be stored on the data carrier attached to the container itself. This enables further improved, largely automated process control and management of a washing or cleaning system according to the invention. Containers containing this information written to the data carrier are also particularly versatile.

[0075] According to a further embodiment of the washing or cleaning system according to the invention for recording the consumption of the medium in the washing or cleaning system or of the washing or cleaning system according to the invention for managing the washing or cleaning system, a container for receiving the medium is provided.

[0076] Advantageously, a container is specified which can be used in a washing or cleaning plant, enabling intelligent and largely automated process control and management of the cleaning or washing plant.

[0077] The data carrier attached to the container contains at least one piece of information, preferably a multitude of pieces of information.

[0078] This information can be processed by the car wash or cleaning system, in particular by the control unit of the car wash or cleaning system.

[0079] For example, information that can be described as a product property, or at least related to the product (i.e., the medium), may already be embedded in the data carrier at the factory, i.e., during the manufacturing of the container or when the container is filled with the medium. For instance, a so-called hose stress factor can be embedded as information. A hose stress factor is a value that enables the calculation of maintenance intervals for a metering pump, in particular the interval for changing the hose of a peristaltic pump. The hose stress factor is chemical-dependent. Therefore, different hose stress factors may be relevant depending on the type of medium.

[0080] If the control system knows the connected media and their consumption quantities, it can automatically initiate a change of a hose on a peristaltic pump and, for example, alert an operator to the need for maintenance.

[0081] The information about the number of dosing operations can be used by the control unit of the washing or cleaning system, for example, for statistical purposes, to determine and improve the service life of containers.

[0082] Information about the number of times a container has been filled can be particularly important in a reusable container system. For example, it may be stipulated that a container may not exceed a certain number of filling cycles.

[0083] Information about other product properties such as viscosity, density, permissible temperature, processing range, etc., of the medium can be used by the control unit of the washing or cleaning system to optimize process control or at least to make it safer or ensure its operation. For example, if the permissible temperature processing range is known, an emergency shutdown can be initiated if operational risks arise due to a temperature measurement outside the permissible range.

[0084] By knowing the viscosity or density of the medium contained in the container, the control unit of the washing or cleaning system can adjust the processing.

[0085] The control unit can also take into account information about the expiration date of the medium or a minimum shelf life date of the chemical.

[0086] In the event that the expiration date is exceeded, the control system can, for example, issue appropriate warning messages.

[0087] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the information is stored in the data carrier in encoded or encrypted form. This enables protection against unauthorized access and unauthorized manipulation of the information.

[0088] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data carrier is an RFID tag.

[0089] Furthermore, a suction lance is provided, which is advantageous.

[0090] It is advantageous to provide a suction lance suitable for use in a washing or cleaning plant for managing the washing or cleaning plant, or in a washing or cleaning plant for recording the consumption of a medium in the washing or cleaning plant.

[0091] A reading device is advantageously attached to the suction lance.

[0092] The reading device can be, for example, an RFID reader. This reading device can also include a writing device that allows access to the data record on the container and the writing of additional information to the data carrier on the container.

[0093] The reading device is advantageously arranged directly on the suction lance.

[0094] Furthermore, the suction lance also advantageously has an electrical or electronic interface for the purpose of connecting to the control unit of a washing or cleaning system for consumption recording or for managing the washing or cleaning system.

[0095] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the uncited dependent claims and from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic, circuit diagram-like view of a first embodiment of a washing or cleaning system according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a corresponding view of a second embodiment of the washing or cleaning system according to the invention, Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a washing or cleaning system according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a suction lance according to the invention, and Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention.

[0096] The washing or cleaning system designated in its entirety by 10 for recording the consumption of a medium of the washing or cleaning system, which can also be called a washing or cleaning system for managing the washing or cleaning system, will first be explained using an exemplary embodiment in which, according to Fig. 1 Only one washing machine (size 42) is connected. The one in Fig. 1 The washing machine shown schematically can be a conventional household washing machine or a conventional commercial textile washing machine.

[0097] However, the invention also includes washing systems or cleaning systems in which several washing machines or alternatively one or more dishwashers are provided as target containers.

[0098] It should be noted at this point that in the following description of the figures, identical or comparable parts or elements, even if they are shown in different embodiments, have been designated with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters.

[0099] It should also be noted at this point that features which are only described in one embodiment can be considered essential features of the invention, which can also be arranged in any other embodiment within the scope of the invention.

[0100] The exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 shows a control unit 11, a dosing device 13, three different containers 22, 23, 24, a pump 43, optionally a flow meter 44, an RFID read / write device 47, and an interface (the so-called user interface) 49.

[0101] Control unit 11 is shown only schematically, in a circuit diagram-like manner. It includes at least one processor or a computing unit.

[0102] The control unit 11 is connected to the aforementioned elements via schematically depicted electrical lines. These can actually be signal lines or control lines, which are typically two-wire or multi-wire. Operating voltages for the individual components 12, 43, 44, 49, 47 of the car wash or cleaning system can also be transmitted via the indicated lines.

[0103] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 is connected to the motor 12 of the dosing device 13 via a connecting line 51, and to the pump 43 via a connecting line 45. It is further connected to the flow measuring device 44 via a connecting line 46, to the user interface 49 via a connecting line 50, and finally to the RFID read / write device 47 via a connecting line 48.

[0104] Each of the three containers 22, 23, and 24 – shown here only as examples with regard to geometry and number – is equipped with a data carrier 31, 32, 33, in all embodiments with an RFID tag. The RFID tag 31, 32, 33 is permanently attached to each container 22, 23, 24.

[0105] In embodiments not shown, the data carrier 31, 32, 33 can also be provided by another medium from which the stored information can be read electronically or optically. The data carrier is writable or rewritable so that information can also be written to the data carrier using the RFID writing device 47.

[0106] The data carrier is preferably arranged on a wall of the container 22, 23, 24.

[0107] For example, in order to connect the container 24 to the washing or cleaning system 10, the container 24 can be brought to the associated coupling point 39 according to one variant of the invention.

[0108] The RFID reader 47 can then communicate with the RFID tag 33. This communication can occur either automatically, for example by the reader 47 continuously or periodically sending signals or receiving signals from the RFID tag 33, or alternatively, it can be user-controlled.

[0109] The reading device 47 can recognize the RFID tag 33 as such and recognize or read the information, in particular about the container type and container size, and forward it to the control unit 11. In particular, information about the container size, i.e., about the quantity of medium 27 in the container 24, and about the type of medium can be output and, for example, transmitted in coded form via the connecting line 48 to the control unit 11.

[0110] The control unit 11 thus receives the information that the container 24, containing the medium 27, with a certain fill level 30, has been coupled to the coupling point 39, and thus to the suction lance 36 of the connecting line 21.

[0111] A corresponding coupling process is carried out successively with containers 23 and 22.

[0112] For a washing process in the washing machine 42, different media 25, 26, 27 are now required at different times and in different quantities - corresponding, for example, to a program selection by addressing the program selector switch 52.

[0113] The control unit 11 can address the dosing device 13 via the motor 12. The dosing device 13 comprises – as shown in Fig. 1 The diagram shows, only schematically, an inlet disk 14 and an outlet disk 15. In this embodiment, the outlet disk 15 is rotatable by the motor 12 about the axis of rotation 53 (also only schematically indicated) relative to the fixed inlet disk 14. Three inlets 16, 17, 18 for the three different media are arranged on the inlet disk.

[0114] It is also conceivable that a different number of entrances is provided, for example corresponding to the number of different media.

[0115] It is also conceivable that an additional inlet for a cleaning agent, for example water, is provided.

[0116] By rotating the output disk 15, the outlet 40 of the output disk 15 can be brought into communication with different inlets 16, 17, 18, depending on the rotational position of the output disk 15.

[0117] Regarding the possible design of a dosing device, reference is made to the previously published prior art documents described at the beginning, which originate from the applicants, also for the purpose of referring to individual features.

[0118] The pump 43 can also be controlled by the control unit 11 and, for example, by generating a vacuum, ensure that a corresponding quantity, i.e., a specific volume, of medium is discharged from the respective container 22, 23, 24 through the corresponding connecting line 19, 20, 21 and passes through the dosing device 13. The pump 43 further ensures that the medium, possibly together with added water, is supplied to the washing machine 42 via the connecting line 41.

[0119] The control unit 11 can determine the respective dosing quantity from the control signals of the pump 43 or additionally or alternatively also from the motor control signals, in conjunction with information about the rotational position of the output disc 15.

[0120] Alternatively, or optionally additionally, at least one flow measuring device 44 can also be provided, which determines the flow rates and transmits them directly to the control unit 11.

[0121] The control unit 11 preferably includes a counting device 61 as a component. This counting device need not be designed as a separate physical unit, but can be part of a processor of the control unit 11 or even just an algorithm of the control unit 11. In any case, the counting device serves to determine the consumption values ​​of the individual media in the connected containers.

[0122] Knowing the consumption values ​​of the corresponding media, the control unit 11 can transmit a signal via the control line 48 to the RFID writing device, which causes the writing device 47 to write information about the current fill level into the corresponding RFID tag 31, 32, 33 on the corresponding container 24, 23, 22.

[0123] In this context, it should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 Device 47 is designed as a combined RFID read and write device. The write device can therefore both read and write RFID tags 31, 32, 33.

[0124] However, the invention also includes washing or cleaning systems in which a reading device for the data carriers 31, 32, 33 and a writing device for the data carriers 31, 32, 33 are formed by different components.

[0125] The reading of the corresponding RFID tags 31, 32, 33 by the unit 47 can be carried out automatically whenever a container 22, 23, 24 has been brought to a corresponding coupling point 37, 38, 39.

[0126] However, it is also conceivable that the reading process of the RFID tags 31, 32, 33 is user-controlled, for example through interaction with interface 49. Interface 49 can, for example, contain a display, as well as a keyboard, a touchscreen or another means for an operator to transmit information to the control system.

[0127] The writing process, i.e., the writing of the RFID tags 31, 32, 33 by the RFID writing device 47, can be carried out in different ways according to the invention: Firstly, the RFID tag 31, 32, 33 can be written to each time the medium is dispensed. This approach can be used, for example, to continuously deduct sales from an RFID medium quantity account.

[0128] Alternatively, it is possible to write fill level information to the corresponding RFID tag 31, 32, 33 only when the corresponding container 22, 23, 24 is removed from the associated coupling point 37, 38, 39. The controller 11 can then transmit information to the corresponding container 22, 23, 24 via the writing device 47 indicating that, after removal from the washing or cleaning system 11, the container 22, 23, 24 contains a specific fill level 28, 29, 30 of a medium, including, for example, an empty level.

[0129] The following will focus on the exemplary implementations of the Fig. 1 bis 3 It should be explained that different variants of washing systems or cleaning systems are included in the invention.

[0130] Evidentiously Fig. 1 The washing or cleaning system 10 has only a single read / write device 47 with which the data carriers 31, 32, 33 can be read simultaneously. In this embodiment, the read / write device 47 has a sufficiently large reception range to monitor all coupling points 37, 38, 39 to determine whether or not containers are attached to them, and to be able to read the RFID tags 31, 32, 33 attached to them.

[0131] In this embodiment, it is advantageously possible to automatically register and deregister the individual containers with the control unit 11 of the washing or cleaning system 10 simply by bringing the container 22, 23, 24 to the corresponding coupling point. Deregistration preferably also occurs automatically when the corresponding container is removed from the coupling point.

[0132] In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 It is provided that each coupling point 37, 38, 39 and / or each individual suction lance 34, 35, 36 is assigned its own RFID read / write device. These permanently installed read / write devices 54a, 54b, 54c are each connected to the controller 11 via a connecting line 48a, 48b, 48c. Thus, the individual RFID read / write units 54a, 54b, 54c have already been assigned to the individual coupling points 37, 38, 39.

[0133] For example, if container 24 is brought near coupling point 39, the RFID reader 54a can immediately read the information content of the RFID tag 33. Then, after the reader 54a transmits a corresponding signal via the connecting line 48a, the controller 11 immediately knows which coupling point, namely coupling point 39, container 24 is assigned to.

[0134] In contrast, with one variant of the car wash or cleaning system 10 according to Fig. 1 It may be necessary for the user to transmit information to the control unit 11 via interface 49, indicating which of the coupling points 37, 38, 39, if there are several coupling points, the corresponding container that is currently registered or unregistered, is to be assigned.

[0135] Fig. 3 Finally, another embodiment of a washing or cleaning system 10 according to the invention is shown, in which a read / write device 55 is centrally arranged. Here, the stylized hand of a user indicates that a container 24 with the RFID tag 33 must be brought close to the read / write device 55 in order to register and / or deregister the container with the control unit 11.

[0136] Here too, the container to be registered must be assigned to the respective coupling point 37, 38, 39. This assignment can again be carried out by the user.

[0137] According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a suction lance 36 according to the invention. This can be designed as a suction pipe and, for example, connected to a hose 58 via a coupling 57. The hose 58 of the embodiment of the Fig. 4 For example, the connecting line 21 of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 are equivalent to.

[0138] In the exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 4 A reading device 54a is attached directly to the suction lance 36. The reading device 54a is preferably an RFID reading device. This is further preferably also designed as an RFID writing device 54a.

[0139] The device 54a is connected by means of an electrical or electronic interface 62 via an electrical connecting line 56, which is in Fig. 4 is only schematically indicated, and preferably runs along the hose line 58, or at least runs section by section along the hose line 58, with which in Fig. 4 The control system 11 of the washing system or cleaning system 10 is connected, but not shown.

[0140] The interface 62 can be designed, for example, as a plug, screw, or clamp connection, and in any case enables data transmission via the connecting line 56.

[0141] The read / write device 54a is preferably arranged on such a section of the suction lance 36 that does not usually protrude into the medium.

[0142] According to the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 5 A schematic representation shows an embodiment of a container according to the invention. The container 24a has a vessel wall 60 that provides an interior space in which the medium 27a is located. A lid 59 closes the container 24a. The lid can be removed or partially opened, or, if necessary, pierced by a suction lance 36. The lid can, for example, be formed from a thin film or have a predetermined opening for the suction lance.

[0143] An RFID tag 33a is arranged on the wall 60 of the container 24a. In this embodiment, numerous pieces of information are written into the tag. In particular, one or preferably several of the following pieces of information are written into the RFID tag: a) A unique serial number of the data carrier, assigned during the filling of the container with the medium; b) A product identification mark for the medium; c) A manufacturing or filling date of the medium; d) A batch number of the medium; e) Information on an expiry date or a best-before date of the medium; f) Information on the hazardous substance classification of the medium; g) Information on the container size; h) Information on the initial fill level and / or the current fill level; i) Information on a product property of the medium, in particular aa) information on the viscosity of the medium and / or bb) information on the density of the medium and / or cc) information on the permissible temperature processing range of the medium and / or dd) information on a hose loading factor;j) Information about the temperature dependence of at least one of the product properties of feature i); k) Information about the number of dosing operations carried out with the medium from this container; l) Information about the number of times this container has been filled.

[0144] The information, or preferably the multiple pieces of information, are preferably written into the RFID tag 33a during the filling of the container 24a with the medium 27a.

[0145] In the event of connecting this container 24a to one of the washing or cleaning systems 10 in accordance with the Fig. 1 bis 3 After the information has been read from data carrier 33a, the corresponding information can be processed or taken into account by control unit 11.

[0146] For example, the control system can calculate a maintenance interval based on the hose load factor of the relevant medium 27a and display it to the operator.

Claims

1. Washing or cleaning assembly (10) for detecting the consumption of a medium (25, 26, 27) in the washing or cleaning assembly, comprising a) at least one commercial washing machine (42) for washing textiles or at least one dishwasher, b) at least one receptacle (22, 23, 24, 24a), which is detachably couplable to a coupling point (37, 38, 38) of the washing or cleaning assembly, wherein a medium is located in the receptacle, and wherein the receptacle has a data storage device (31, 32, 33, 33a), e.g. an RFID tag, on which an information record is entered, which contains at least one piece of information about the nature of the medium and one piece of information about the volume of the medium that is in the receptacle, c) a dispenser (13), with which the medium can be metered, d) a pump arrangement (43), with which the medium can be pumped to a target receptacle (42), e.g. to a washing machine or to a dishwasher, e) a control unit (11), with which the pump arrangement and the dispenser can be contacted, f) a reading device (47), e.g. an RFID reading device, with which the information record can be read, g) a counting device (61) for determining the volume of the medium withdrawn from the receptacle, h) wherein, taking into account the withdrawn volume, a current fill level (28, 29, 30) of the receptacle can be calculated by the control unit, or information about the withdrawn volume can be further processed, i) and wherein a writing device (47, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55) is provided, by means of which the current fill level (28, 29, 30) can be written onto the data storage device (31, 32, 33) as information, or by means of which one piece of information about the withdrawn volume can be written onto the data storage device.

2. Washing or cleaning assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the writing device (47) continuously writes the current fill level (28, 29, 30) of the receptacle or the volume withdrawn from the receptacle onto the data storage device as information.

3. Washing or cleaning assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the writing device (47, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55) writes the current fill level (28, 29, 30) of the receptacle or the volume withdrawn from the receptacle onto the data storage device as information when the receptacle is removed from the coupling point (37, 38, 38).

4. Washing or cleaning assembly (10) for managing the washing or cleaning assembly and for recording the consumption of a medium in the washing or cleaning assembly, comprising a) at least one commercial washing machine (42) for washing textiles or at least one dishwasher, b) at least one receptacle (22, 23, 24, 24a), which is detachably couplable to a coupling point (37, 38, 38) of the washing or cleaning assembly, wherein a medium (25, 26, 26) is located in the receptacle, and wherein the receptacle has a data storage device (31, 32, 33), e.g. an RFID tag, on which an information record is entered, which indirectly or directly contains at least one piece of information about nature of the medium, c) a dispenser (13), with which the medium can be metered, d) a pump arrangement (43), with which the medium can be pumped to a target receptacle (42), e.g. to a washing machine or to a dishwasher, e) a control unit (11), with which the pump arrangement and the dispenser can be contacted, f) a reading device (47, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55), e.g. an RFID reading device, with which the information record can be read, g) a counting device (61) for determining the volume of the medium withdrawn from the receptacle, h) wherein, taking into account the withdrawn volume, a current fill level (28, 29, 30) of the receptacle can be calculated and / or a complete emptying of the receptacle can be detected by the control unit (11), i) wherein a writing device (47) is provided, by means of which at least one piece of information can be written onto the data storage device, namely that this receptacle has already been attached to the washing or cleaning assembly, j) and wherein a writing device (47, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55) is provided, by means of which the current fill level (28, 29, 30) can be written onto the data storage device (31, 32, 33) as information, or by means of which one piece of information about the withdrawn volume can be written onto the data storage device.

5. Washing or cleaning assembly according to claim 4, characterised in that information can be written onto the data storage device by means of the writing device (47, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55), said information enabling an identification of the washing or cleaning assembly (10) to which the receptacle has been coupled.

6. Washing or cleaning assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the information record contains information about the fill level (28, 29, 30) of the receptacle.

7. Washing or cleaning assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the control unit (11) is, independent of a reading-out process of the information record, in possession of the information about the fill level of the receptacle, as a result of information about the fill level (28, 29, 30) of the receptacle being transmitted across a specific path.

8. Washing or cleaning assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that information about the current fill level of the receptacle can be written onto the data storage device when the receptacle is removed from the coupling point, by means of the reading device (47, 54a, 54b, 54c, 55).

9. Washing or cleaning assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, if the receptacle is removed from the coupling point (37, 38, 39), information can be written onto the data storage device, namely that this receptacle has been uncoupled from the washing or cleaning assembly.

10. Washing or cleaning assembly according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the receptacle (22, 23, 24, 24a) for receiving the medium (25, 26, 27), in particular a washing agent or a cleaning agent or a component of an above-mentioned agent, wherein the data storage device (31, 32, 33, 33a) on which the information record is written is arranged on the receptacle, the information record comprising at least one piece of information from the following group of information: a) a unique serial number of the data storage device, which has been assigned in the course of the receptacle being filled with the medium (27a); b) a product identification reference for the medium (27a); c) a manufacturing date or bottling date of the medium (27a); d) a batch number of the medium (27a); e) information about an expiry date or a best-before date of the medium (27a); f) information about the hazardous substance classification of the medium (27a); g) information about the container size; h) information about the initial fill level and / or about the current fill level (28, 29, 30); i) information about the product characteristics of the medium, in particular aa) information about the viscosity of the medium and / or bb) information about the density of the medium and / or cc) information about the possible temperature processing range of the medium and / or dd) information about a tubing load factor; j) information about a temperature dependence of at least one of the product characteristics of feature i); k) information about the number of dispensing processes carried out of this receptable with the medium; l) information about the number of refills of this receptacle.

11. Washing or cleaning assembly according to claim 10, wherein the information is stored in the data storage device in an encoded or encrypted manner, and / or wherein the data storage device (31, 32, 33, 33a) is an RFID tag.

12. Washing or cleaning assembly according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a suction pipe (34, 35, 36) for conveying a medium that can be removed from the receptable (22, 23, 24, 24a) and for inserting into the receptacle, wherein a reading device, in particular an RFID reading device, is allocated to the suction pipe, with which an information record, which is arranged in a data storage device on the receptacle, can be read.

13. Washing or cleaning assembly according to claim 12, wherein the suction pipe (34, 35, 36) can be connected with the control unit (11) of the washing or cleaning assembly (10) by means of an electrical or electronic interface (62).

Images