Powder metering device

Abstract

The illustration and description include a dosing device (10) for dosing and supplying a medium (12) from a container (11) to a target device (13), in particular a dishwasher, comprising a control unit (15) with which a valve (16) on a water line (17) can be actuated to dispense a predetermined quantity of water via a dispensing opening (19), further comprising a holder (21) for the container (11) which has an outlet opening (22) in which a sieve (23) is arranged which prevents the medium (12) from exiting the container (11), wherein the dispensing opening (19) is arranged adjacent to the sieve (23) such that the sieve (23) can be acted upon, in particular sprayed upon, by the water (50) exiting the dispensing opening (19), wherein, as a result of the actuation of the sieve (23), the medium (12) in the water (50) is soluble, and the dissolved medium can be supplied as a cleaning solution (24) to the target device (13),and further comprising a collection device (26) for receiving the cleaning solution (24) and for conveying it, in particular by means of a hose (27) to the target vessel, wherein the collection device (26) comprises a funnel (28) which is positioned below the sieve (23) and below the dispensing opening (19) and is spaced apart from the dispensing opening (19) and from the sieve (23) without contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) with a clear width (30) which exceeds the dimensions (33) of the outlet opening (22) in the container (11).

Description

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

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

[0003] By means of a dosing device, a medium, or possibly several media, can be conveyed from one container, or from several containers, to a target device, in particular to several target devices.

[0004] The present invention relates in particular to dosing 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 a cleaner cast into a block.

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

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

[0007] In the prior art, previously known dosing device, which cannot be documented in printed documents, the dosing device can activate and open a valve, e.g., a solenoid valve, via a controller, thus dispensing a predetermined amount of water through a dispensing opening. The water is brought to the sieve, in particular sprayed, so that the water can wet the medium through the sieve, in particular 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 cleaner solution.

[0008] The cleaning solution is fed to the target device via a collecting 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] Based on this, the object of the invention is to further develop the known dosing device in such a way that it achieves improved and, in particular, safer handling.

[0011] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

[0012] The principle of the invention essentially consists in providing a collecting device with a special funnel. The funnel is arranged at a free distance from the discharge opening and at a free distance from the sieve.

[0013] 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 discharge opening. The collecting device also extended to the container or the container holder. Thus, there was contact between the collecting device and the water line or container.

[0014] Due to this contact, there is a latent risk of bacterial contamination: the bacteria can, for example, creep or propagate from the target vessel or from a section of the floor on which the target vessel stands, via the hose line and the collecting device to the fresh water line and its discharge opening.

[0015] Furthermore, bacterial migration to the dispensing opening cannot be completely ruled out due to contact of the collecting device with the container via the cleaning solution and dripping onto the dispensing opening.

[0016] However, if the discharge opening comes into contact with bacteria, it cannot be ruled out that bacteria will also enter the fresh water line through the discharge opening and spread there. This poses a risk of bacterial contamination of the domestic water supply.

[0017] The solution according to the invention provides for a contact-free spacing of the collecting device both relative to the discharge 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.

[0018] This reliably prevents a possible creepage path, along which bacteria could spread, between the collection device and thus also the target device, and the discharge opening.

[0019] The solution according to the invention therefore ensures a considerably improved safety of a dosing device according to the invention.

[0020] A target device within the meaning of this patent application can be a commercial dishwasher, such as those used in canteens. However, the target device can be any suitable dishwasher that can be used to clean dishes and cutlery or other items that require cleaning.

[0021] The invention also encompasses target devices provided by a washing machine, e.g., a textile washing machine, in particular a commercial washing machine.

[0022] Other cleaning devices in which media in the form of solids are to be supplied are also encompassed by the invention as target devices.

[0023] The invention according to claim 1 enables continuous operation of a dosing device for media provided by solids without the need to provide 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.

[0024] The dosing device according to the invention can of course also be used in combination with such a pipe separating device.

[0025] The invention includes dosing devices with which only a specific medium is supplied from a specific container to a target device.

[0026] The invention also includes dosing devices with which several, possibly different, media can be conveyed from one or more containers to one or more target devices.

[0027] The controller of the dosing device may comprise a processor or be formed by a processor, or may comprise another processing unit. If the dosing device has a pump, the controller may coincide with a control unit of the pump or be provided separately from the pump but connected to it.

[0028] The control can be used to control a valve on a water pipe. The water pipe is preferably a fresh water pipe, but in some cases, a service water pipe.

[0029] The valve can be provided, for example, by a solenoid valve or a solenoid valve.

[0030] The controller can open and / or close the valve.

[0031] By controlling the valve, a predetermined amount of water can be dispensed from the water line through a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening can, for example, be provided by or include a spray nozzle.

[0032] The dosing device according to the invention can include a holder for one container, or possibly a holder for multiple containers. The holder can be mounted on the wall, for example.

[0033] The container comprises an outlet opening which, when the container is assembled, i.e. when the container is inserted into the provided holder, is oriented towards a floor.

[0034] A sieve can be arranged in the opening. The sieve can completely close the outlet opening. The sieve can have sieve openings through which the medium, if it has dissolved in the water as a result of wetting with the water, can exit as a cleaning solution.

[0035] The discharge opening is located opposite, adjacent to, the sieve.

[0036] Advantageously, the discharge opening is arranged below the sieve, but positioned laterally offset from the sieve to prevent cleaning solution from the sieve from hitting the discharge opening.

[0037] The collecting device, or funnel, can be made of any suitable material, for example plastic or metal.

[0038] According to the invention, the funnel is positioned below the sieve and below the discharge opening.

[0039] In particular, the funnel is spaced from the discharge opening without contact.

[0040] This eliminates any contact between the collection device and the discharge opening in order to prevent the migration of bacteria to the discharge opening.

[0041] Likewise, the funnel is positioned at a distance from the sieve, preventing any contact between the collecting device and the sieve, thus preventing a creepage path for bacteria between the collecting device and the sieve.

[0042] 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 designed with a clear width such that it significantly exceeds the dimensions of the outlet opening in the container.

[0043] This prevents cleaning fluid from dripping out of the sieve and hitting the floor, thus preventing it from getting into the funnel opening.

[0044] A funnel, as defined in the present patent application, is an element with a decreasing cross-section. A funnel can be rotationally symmetrical or have a cross-section that deviates from a circular cross-section, e.g., a square cross-section.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the discharge opening is provided by a spray nozzle. This allows the discharge opening to be arranged at a distance from the sieve.

[0046] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the discharge opening is arranged within the clear width of the funnel. This offers the possibility of also collecting liquids that drip from the discharge opening or from areas of the water line adjacent to the discharge opening.

[0047] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a free edge of the funnel is arranged below the discharge opening. This allows for the provision of a barrier to prevent bacteria from creeping between the collecting device and the discharge opening.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a pump for conveying the cleaning solution to the target device is arranged between the collecting device and the target device. This offers the possibility of a particularly advantageous conveyance of the cleaning fluid. In this way, compliance with minimum heights between the collecting device and an inlet for a hose line on the dishwasher or another target device is eliminated.

[0049] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 6.

[0050] The object of this invention is to provide a method which offers improved handling compared to a prior art method for operating a dosing device, which cannot be documented in printed documents.

[0051] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 6.

[0052] For the discussion and illustration of the features of the invention, reference may be made to the statements relating to claims 1 to 5 in order to avoid repetition, which statements shall apply equally and analogously to this invention.

[0053] The invention further relates to a system according to claim 7.

[0054] The object of this invention is to further develop a previously known system which cannot be documented in printed documents and which has already been described at the beginning, in such a way that it offers improved handling.

[0055] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 7.

[0056] For the discussion and illustration of the features of the invention, reference may be made to the statements relating to claims 1 to 5 in order to avoid repetition, which statements shall apply equally and analogously to this invention.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a dosing device according to claim 8.

[0058] Based on the prior art described at the outset, the object of the invention is to further develop the known dosing device in such a way that it achieves improved and, in particular, safer handling.

[0059] The invention solves the problem with the features of claim 8.

[0060] For the discussion and illustration of the features of the invention, reference may be made to the statements relating to claims 1 to 5 in order to avoid repetition, which statements shall apply equally and analogously to this invention.

[0061] The principle of the invention essentially consists in providing a pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, between the collecting device and the target device.

[0062] The prior art device required the collection device to be positioned a certain distance above the inlet of the targeting device for the hose line. Thus, a drop path for the cleaning solution had to be provided to ensure a sufficiently safe supply of the cleaning solution from the collection device to the targeting device.

[0063] In fact, such a minimum height was required by the building site.

[0064] 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 space.

[0065] With the pump arrangement according to the invention, it no longer matters whether a minimum height is provided between the collecting device and the inlet for the hose line on the target device. The pump, in particular the peristaltic pump, can reliably convey the cleaning solution to the target device regardless of the installation situation.

[0066] Furthermore, the invention according to claim 8 is to be understood with reference to the above statements, which can be referred to in order to avoid repetition.

[0067] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 11.

[0068] The invention is based on a method for operating the previously known dosing device described at the outset and not documented in printed documents.

[0069] The object of the invention is to provide a method by which handling is improved and made safer.

[0070] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 11.

[0071] For the discussion and illustration of the features of the invention, reference may be made to the statements relating to claims 1 to 10 in order to avoid repetition, which statements shall apply equally and analogously to this invention.

[0072] The invention further relates to a system according to claim 12.

[0073] The invention is based on a prior art system which uses the dosing device described at the outset, which cannot be documented in printed documents.

[0074] Based on the known system of the prior art, the object of the invention is to further develop the system in such a way that it offers simplified handling.

[0075] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 12.

[0076] For the discussion and illustration of the features of the invention, reference may be made to the statements relating to claims 1 to 11 in order to avoid repetition, which statements shall apply equally and analogously to this invention.

[0077] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the uncited subclaims and from the following description of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic, partially sectioned, block diagram-like representation of a dosing device of the prior art for dosing media in the form of solids, Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a dosing device according to the invention and of a system according to the invention in a schematic, partially sectioned, block diagram-like representation, similar to the Fig. 1 , wherein the collecting device for the cleaning liquid 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 collecting device and the target device.

[0078] Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or regions are designated by identical reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0079] Features described, illustrated, or disclosed only with reference to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified embodiments are encompassed by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0080] All disclosed features are essential to the invention in themselves. The disclosure of the application hereby fully incorporates the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application), as well as the cited publications and the described prior art devices, also for the purpose of incorporating individual or multiple features of the subject matter disclosed therein into one or more claims of the present application. Such modified embodiments are also encompassed by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0081] First, based on the 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 controller 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 discharged through a discharge opening 119.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The medium 112 is a solid, e.g., a block, for example, a pressed block, or in powder form.

[0084] The sieve 123 has a plurality of sieve openings which are dimensioned such that the medium 112 cannot pass through them.

[0085] Only when the water discharged from the discharge opening 119 impinges on the sieve 123, wets it, and the water can pass through the sieve openings, are components of the medium 112 dissolved in the water and drip into a collecting device 126. The cleaning solution or detergent solution 124 thus formed is supplied to a target device 113 via a hose line 127. The target device can be, for example, a dishwasher.

[0086] In the dosing device 110 of the prior art, the collecting device 126 comprises a funnel 128 which is guided via wall sections 198 up to the sieve 123 or up to a holder for the container or up to the container 111.

[0087] The discharge opening 119 passes through or passes through an opening in the collecting device 126.

[0088] The collecting device 126 also comprises wall sections 199 which extend up to the discharge opening 119.

[0089] In the prior art, there is therefore contact between the funnel 128 and the discharge opening 119 and contact between the funnel 128 and the outlet opening 122 via the container 111 or the holder for the container.

[0090] In the following, 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 will be explained and described. The dosing device 10 according to the invention comprises a controller 15, which is connected to a valve 16 via a control line 44a. The valve 16 can be, for example, a magnetic 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.

[0091] The valve 16 can be opened and closed.

[0092] When the valve 16 is opened by a control from the controller 15, the water line 17 can discharge water 50 via a discharge opening 19.

[0093] The water pipe 17 is fixed in the area of ​​the discharge opening 19 by means of a fastening device 40 on site, e.g. fixed to the wall.

[0094] The dosing device 10 according to the invention further comprises 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 directed downwards, toward a floor 48 of a building space. A sieve 23 or a type of grid is arranged in the outlet opening 22. The sieve 23 has sieve openings.

[0095] The 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.

[0096] With the dosing device 10 according to the invention, a desired amount of medium 12 is to be dissolved and transported to a target device 13. The target device 13 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 provided by a dishwasher 14.

[0097] Indicated on the target device 13 are a program selection switch 45a or a start switch 45b, and a target device-side control 41. The control 41 is connected to the control 15 of the dosing device 10 via a control line 44b.

[0098] In the example shown, 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 a household dishwasher or, in particular, a commercial dishwasher 14.

[0099] The invention also encompasses the case where several target devices are connected to the dosing device 10, although this is not shown in the figures.

[0100] Instead of a dishwasher 14, the target device 13 can also be provided by a washing machine or other cleaning device or cleaning machine.

[0101] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 Water 50 is dispensed from the discharge opening 19. The discharge opening 19 is in the embodiment in the Figuren 2 and 3designed as a spray nozzle 20. The discharge opening 19 is arranged below the outlet opening 22 and also below the sieve 23 and at a distance from it.

[0102] Due to the pressure in the water pipe 17, the water 50 can flow upwards and to the side, as in Fig. 2 indicated schematically.

[0103] The water 50 exiting the discharge opening 19 impinges on the sieve 23 and can partially pass through the sieve openings (not shown) and come into contact with the medium 12. The medium 12 can be dissolved as a result of the ingress of the water 50 and drip down, as represented by the drops 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d. 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 amount.

[0104] It should be noted that the control 15 of the dosing device 10 particularly activates the valve 16 to allow water 50 to escape when a corresponding command has been received from the target device 13.

[0105] How Fig. 2 shows, a collecting device 26 is arranged below the discharge opening 19 and below the outlet opening 22 of the container 11.

[0106] This comprises a funnel 28 which is connected to the aiming device 13 via a hose line 27.

[0107] A first aspect of the invention relates to the special positioning and design of the funnel 28: According to Fig. 2 a free edge of the funnel is designated overall by the reference numeral 29.

[0108] This free edge 29 of the funnel 28 is evidently Fig. 2 both at a distance 32 from the sieve 23 and at a distance 31 from the discharge opening 29.

[0109] The funnel 28 is thus arranged without contact with the discharge opening 19 and without contact with the sieve 23.

[0110] At the same time, the free edge 29 of the funnel 28, as well as the funnel 28 as a whole, is arranged so as to be non-contact with the water pipe 17 and also non-contact and spaced apart from the holder 21 for the container 11 and also spaced apart and non-contact with the container 11 and spaced apart and non-contact with the holder 21 for the container.

[0111] As a result of this spacing, any direct contact between the collecting device 26 and the discharge opening 19 is reliably prevented. Bacteria that could creep along the collecting device 26 from the target device 13 via the hose line 27, e.g., on its outside, cannot reach the discharge opening 19 and can therefore never contaminate the water line 17.

[0112] It is therefore not necessary, for example, to provide a pipe separating device upstream or downstream of the valve 16 in a metering device according to Fig. 10.

[0113] According to a further aspect of the invention, the funnel 28 in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 a funnel opening 52 with a particularly large clear width 30.

[0114] As can be seen from the presentation of the Fig. 2 the opening width or clear width 30 of the funnel 28 is dimensioned such that it

[0115] Dimensions 33 of the outlet opening 22 exceeds, in particular significantly exceeds.

[0116] A significant excess is understood to mean, in particular, 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.

[0117] This ensures that any portions of water 50 and cleaning fluid 24 actually reach the inner surfaces or inner walls 49 of the funnel 28.

[0118] A further embodiment of a dosing device 10 according to the invention and of a system 53b according to the invention is shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0119] To avoid repetition, the corresponding parts, elements and areas of the embodiment of the Fig. 3 to the corresponding previous passages to the description of the embodiment of the Fig. 2 be referred to.

[0120] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 However, there is the following difference: 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.

[0121] In the 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.

[0122] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 The pump 35 has an inlet 36 and an outlet 37. The pump has a motor 42 that drives a rotor 51, which, in a conventional manner, propagates with its rollers, pressing or squeezing the hose section 54 extending within the pump 35 and in this way conveying the cleaning solution 24 through the pump 35 to the target device 13.

[0123] The pump 35 comprises in the embodiment of the Fig. 3 a control unit 34. This is connected to the controller 15 via a control line 44c.

[0124] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 The control unit 34 of the pump 35 can also take over the tasks of the controller 15, or the controller 15 can merge with the controller 34 or be combined into a single component. The control unit 15 can also be arranged within the pump 35 or on the pump 35.

[0125] In the 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.

[0126] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 Due to the arrangement of a pump 35, such a minimum height MH can no longer be maintained.

[0127] Here, it can be provided that the lower end 55 of the funnel 28 falls below a minimum height required in the prior art with respect to the inlet 38.

[0128] The actual distance TA between the lower end 55 of the funnel 28 and the inlet 38 at the target device 13 can be determined Fig. 3 less than the minimum height according to Fig. 2 be.

[0129] The invention also encompasses the possibility of the lower end 55 of the funnel 28 being arranged below the inlet opening 38 on the target device 13 or at the same height. However, the latter is not shown in the figures.

[0130] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 the outlet 37 of the pump 35 is arranged below the inlet 38 on the target device 13.

[0131] This is also not mandatory.

[0132] The outlet 37 of the pump 35 can also be arranged above the inlet 38 or at the same or approximately the same height as the inlet 38.

[0133] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 and 3 the aiming device 13 is arranged on a base 48.

[0134] In further embodiments of the invention not shown, the target device 13 can also be arranged at a distance from the floor, possibly also mounted on the wall.

[0135] In the 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 the room, or at least spaced from the floor 48.

[0136] The invention further encompasses the fact that the dosing device 35 is arranged fixedly relative to the target device 13.

[0137] The embodiment of the Fig. 3 shows a pump 35 only schematically. The content of the present patent application is also to include the content of the following applications of the applicants, which disclose further details of pumps usable in the context of this invention and other special features of metering devices: DE 10 2011 108 396 A1, DE 10 2011 119 021 A1, DE10 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.

[0138] The disclosure content of all these patent applications is hereby included in the disclosure content of the present patent application, also for the purpose of incorporating individual or several features of the aforementioned applications into the content of the present patent application, including into the content of the patent claims of the present application, if necessary.

[0139] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 The dosing device 11 can optionally also comprise a tank (not shown) for receiving and storing cleaning fluid 24, which is arranged in particular upstream of the pump 35. Here, solid cleaner 12 can be sprayed in reserve and dissolved to provide a cleaning solution 24. The cleaning solution 24 is collected in the tank and stored until the target device 13 requests cleaning solution 24. The pump 35 can then pump the cleaning solution 24 to the target device 13 in the desired quantity.

[0140] In the examples of the Fig. 2 and 3 the collecting device 26 has a holder 56 which is provided, for example, for wall-side mounting, in particular to ensure a defined positioning of the funnel 28 relative to the holder 21 for the container 11.

[0141] In the embodiments of the invention according to the Fig. 2 and 3 the holder 21 for the container 11, the holder 56 for the collecting device 26 and the holder 40 for the discharge opening 19 can be provided separately from one another and each allow for on-site assembly.

[0142] However, the invention also encompasses the possibility that 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, comprising a control (15) with which a valve (16) on a water line (17) can be addressed in order to dispense a predetermined amount of water via a dispensing opening (19), wherein a holder (21) is provided for the container (11), which has an outlet opening (22) in which a sieve (23) is arranged, which prevents the medium (12) from escaping from the container (11), wherein the dispensing opening (19) is arranged adjacent to the sieve (23) in such a way that the sieve (23) can be acted upon, in particular sprayed, with the water (50) emerging from the dispensing opening (19), wherein as a result of the actuation of the sieve (23), medium (12) in the water (50) is soluble, and the dissolved medium can be supplied as a solution (24) to the target device (13),and further comprising a collecting device (26) for receiving the solution (24) and for conveying it, in particular with the aid of a hose line (27) to the target vessel, wherein the collecting device (26) comprises a funnel (28) which is positioned below the sieve (23) and below the discharge opening (19) and is arranged at a distance from the discharge opening (19) and from the sieve (23) without contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) with a clear width (30) which exceeds the dimensions (33) of the outlet opening (22) in the container (11).

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

3. Dosing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the discharge opening (19) is arranged within the clear width (30) of the funnel (28).

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

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

6. A 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 a controller (15) for the dosing device (10), b) activating a valve (16) on a water line (17) by means of the controller to dispense a predetermined amount of water (50) via a dispensing opening (19) and to apply the water emerging from the dispensing opening to a sieve (23) 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 collecting device (26) and forwarding 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 arranged at a distance from the discharge opening (19) and from the sieve (23) without contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) with a clear width (30) that 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) with a controller (15), a water line (17) with a valve (16) that can be addressed by the controller (15), a discharge opening (19) on the water line, through which water (50) can escape when the valve (16) is opened, 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 prevents the medium, in particular a powdery or block-shaped solid, from escaping from the container, wherein the discharge opening (19) of the water line (17) is arranged adjacent to the sieve (23), and wherein Water (50) emerging from the discharge opening (19) acts on the sieve, in particular sprays it,and as a result of the action of the sieve, the medium in the water (50) is soluble, wherein a collecting device (26) is provided for receiving the cleaning solution (24) thus provided, wherein the collecting device comprises a funnel (28) which is positioned below the sieve (23) and below the discharge opening (19) and is arranged at a distance from the discharge opening (19) and from the sieve without contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) with a clear width (30) which exceeds the dimensions (33) of the outlet opening (22) in the container.

8. Dosing device (10) for dosing and supplying a medium (12) from a container (11) to at least one target device (13), in particular to a dishwasher, comprising a control (15) with which a valve (16) on a water line (17) can be addressed in order to dispense a predetermined amount of water via a dispensing opening (19), wherein a holder (21) is provided for the container (11), which has an outlet opening (22) in which a sieve (23) is arranged, which prevents the medium (12) from escaping from the container, wherein the dispensing opening (19) is arranged adjacent to the sieve (23) so that the sieve can be acted upon, in particular sprayed, with the water (50) emerging from the dispensing opening, wherein as a result of the actuation of the sieve (23), the medium can be dissolved in the water (50), and the dissolved medium in the form a cleaning solution (24) can be supplied to the target device (13),and comprising a collecting device (26) for receiving the cleaning solution (24) and for conveying it to the target vessel (13) with the aid of a line, in particular a hose line (27), wherein a pump (35), in particular a hose pump, for conveying the cleaning solution (24) to the target device is arranged between the collecting device (26) and the target device (13).

9. Dosing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the collecting device (26) and / or a funnel (28) of the collecting device and / or an outlet (37) of the pump is arranged below an inlet (38) on the target device (13) for the hose line (27).

10. Dosing device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in thatthe collecting device (26) comprises a funnel (28) which is positioned below the sieve (23) and below the discharge opening (19) and is arranged at a distance from the discharge opening and from the sieve without contact, and which has a funnel opening (52) with a clear width (30) which exceeds the dimensions (33) of the outlet opening in the container.

11. A method for operating a dosing device (10), in particular a dosing device according to one of claims 8 to 10, comprising the following steps: a) providing a control (15) of the dosing device (10), b) activating a valve (16) on a water line (17) by means of the control in order to dispense a predetermined amount of water (50) via a dispensing opening (19) and in order to apply the water (50) emerging from the dispensing opening to a sieve arranged in an outlet opening (22) of a container (11), c) detaching parts of a medium (12) arranged above the sieve (23) and providing a cleaning solution (24), d) collecting the cleaning solution in a collecting device (26) and forwarding it to a target vessel (13), e) wherein a pump (35), in particular a peristaltic pump, is arranged between the collecting device (26) and the target device (13). for conveying the cleaning solution (24) to the target device (13).

12. System (53b) for dosing and supplying a medium (12) from a container (11) to a target device (13), comprising a dosing device (10) with a controller (15), a water line (17) with a valve (16) that can be addressed by the controller (15), a discharge opening (19) on the water line (17) through which water (50) can escape when the valve (16) is opened, a holder (21) on which a container (11) with an outlet opening (22) directed downwards can be arranged, wherein a sieve (23) is arranged in the outlet opening (22) of the container (11), wherein the sieve (23) prevents a medium (12), in particular a powdery or block-shaped solid, from escaping from the container (11), wherein the discharge opening (19) of the water line (17) Sieve (23) is arranged adjacent, and wherein water (50) emerging from the discharge opening (19) acts on the sieve (23), in particular sprays it,and as a result of the action of the sieve (23), the medium (12) in the water (50) is soluble, wherein a collecting device (26) is provided for receiving the cleaning solution (24) thus provided, wherein a pump (35), in particular a hose pump, is arranged between the collecting device (26) and the target device (13) for conveying the cleaning solution (24) to the target device (13).

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