Dosing device

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a metering device (10) for metering and supplying media (26a, 26b, 26c) via fluid lines (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) to at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), in particular to a textile washing machine, comprising a control unit (14), a mixing distribution device (18) with several inlets (22a, 22b, 22c), an outlet (23) and an actuator (24) respondable to the control unit (14), which switches different communication paths between the inlets (22a, 22b, 22c) and the outlet (23) in different positions, wherein the inlets (22a, 22b, 22c) are equipped with containers (25a, 25b, 25c) for the media (26a, 26b, 26c) are connectable, and wherein, as a result of a request command for a medium (26a, 26b, 26c) received from the target device (13a, 13b, 13c), a pump (11, 31) arranged downstream of the outlet (23) can be addressed by the control (14) for conveying the medium (26a, 26b, 26c),wherein a pressure sensor (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) is arranged in a fluid line section (12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k) downstream of the outlet (23) and is connected to the control unit (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dosing device for dosing and supplying media or media solutions to at least one target device according to claim 1.

[0002] The applicant has been developing and manufacturing dosing devices for supplying and dosing media to a target device for decades.

[0003] Dosing devices of the known type can successively supply different media, such as detergent components or washing / cleaning agents, to a target device, such as a washing machine. During washing or cleaning processes, a precisely metered addition of an exact predetermined quantity of medium is required at predetermined times to achieve the desired washing or cleaning effect.

[0004] The dosing device according to the invention serves to supply different media, i.e., different chemicals, to one or more target devices. Different media can have different viscosities and also different temperature-dependent viscosities.

[0005] It is known to use so-called mixing distribution devices, such as those described, for example, in the applicant's EP 2 783 142 A1.

[0006] The known mixing distribution devices comprise a movable actuator that can switch different communication paths between one of the inlets of the mixing distribution device and the outlet of the mixing distribution device. The actuator can, for example, be provided by a rotatable disc, which is made of ceramic, for example.

[0007] The known metering device comprises at least one pump, e.g. a peristaltic pump, which is arranged downstream of the outlet of the mixing distribution device in order to pump medium or rinsing medium.

[0008] The applicant has also developed dosing devices that employ several pumps downstream of the mixing distributor. For an example, reference is made to DE 10 2015 110 862 A1, which originates from the applicant.

[0009] Starting from a prior art dosing device, the object of the invention is to provide a dosing device that is simple in design and ensures reliable dosing.

[0010] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

[0011] The principle of the invention essentially consists of providing a pressure sensor that is arranged downstream of the outlet of the mixing distributor. The pressure sensor can measure the pressure prevailing in a section of the fluid line. The pressure sensor is connected to the control system and can transmit information about the measured pressure to the control system.

[0012] Knowing the prevailing line pressure downstream of the outlet, or after receiving information about the pressure, the control system can reduce the pump's delivery rate if necessary.

[0013] Increased pressure can occur, for example, if fluid lines between the mixing distribution unit and a target device are not properly installed. Specifically, dosing units might be located in the basement of a building and centrally supply several target devices, such as multiple washing machines, with media. The washing machines themselves are located on higher floors, sometimes quite far from the dosing unit, for example, several tens of meters away. The fluid line sections can therefore span several meters in elevation and follow numerous curved, kinked, or even angular routes. In cases of particularly unfavorable or incorrect pipe routing, very high pressure can develop in the fluid line sections due to the installation problems described.

[0014] If the pump operates against this high pressure, damage may occur to the metering device, the downstream fluid line sections, or even the target equipment. For example, fluid lines have burst or leaked due to the high pressure.

[0015] Similar problems can arise if there is a problem with the fluid line in the vicinity of the target device, e.g., at the device's inlet, and the fluid cannot be conveyed properly. This can also lead to a pressure increase with undesirable consequences.

[0016] Finally, the applicant found that when pumping certain media, especially those with a particularly high viscosity, which may also be temperature-dependent, plugging occurs due to the formation of phase or boundary layers, e.g., between the flushing medium and the pumped medium. Such a media plug can also cause undesirable high pressures with the described adverse consequences by obstructing the fluid path and hindering pumping.

[0017] Because a pressure sensor is provided according to the invention, the control system can regulate the pump based on information about the prevailing line pressure. For example, the control system can reduce the pump output by a specific value, e.g., by 20%, 40%, or 60%. This can particularly lead to the control system extending the pump runtime when the pump output is reduced, in order to deliver the desired, predetermined quantity of medium to the target device.

[0018] By pumping the medium at reduced pump power over a longer pumping time, the line pressure prevailing in the fluid line system is not unnecessarily increased further, but rather pumping is carried out in a controlled manner, thus preventing the problems described above from occurring.

[0019] Furthermore, the controller can document the measured high pressure value or an exceedance of a pressure threshold. For this purpose, the controller can be equipped with a memory. In particular, the controller can also access an event log and store corresponding events there. An event to be stored could, for example, include a reduction in pump delivery rate. This can indirectly indicate that a pressure threshold has been exceeded.

[0020] According to the invention, the information stored in the memory can be retrieved. For example, it can also be transferred to an external computer. It can also be retrieved, for example, to assist in searching for errors in the cable routing or to search for errors in the cable connections to the target devices.

[0021] The control system can also generate an alarm signal if necessary, in the event that a threshold value is exceeded during pressure measurement.

[0022] The mixing distribution device has a detergent inlet, which is connected to the domestic water supply, particularly via an intermediate pipe separation device.

[0023] The metering device according to the invention comprises a mixing and distribution arrangement having several inlets and at least one outlet. For example, the mixing and distribution arrangement can comprise an inlet disc and an outlet disc rotatable relative to it.

[0024] In particular, the mixing distribution arrangement includes an actuator that switches different communication paths depending on its position. Different inlets can be connected to the outlet of the mixing distribution arrangement depending on the actuator's position. The mixing distribution arrangement has several inlets on the input side. Several different containers are connected to these inlets. These containers hold, in particular, different media.

[0025] In particular, the control system can initiate a flushing of the pipework each time a medium has been conveyed through the mixing distributor. A through-channel in the mixing distributor can be flushed with a flushing medium, especially water, each time a medium has been conveyed. This ensures that no unintentional contact between different media occurs.

[0026] The dosing device according to the invention can successively supply the different media to the target device with the aid of the pump.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, a first mixing distribution arrangement and a second mixing distribution arrangement are provided and, in particular, connected in series.

[0028] The dosing device according to the invention can optionally have all the features of dosing devices as described in the following patent applications of the applicant: DE 10 2011 108 396 A1, DE 10 2011 119 021 A1, DE 10 2011 122 921 A1, DE 10 2012 012 913 A1, DE 10 2014 002 560 A1, DE 10 2014 010 126 A1, DE 10 2015 107 105 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 15 10 2017 114 665 A1, DE 10 2018 113 644 A1, DE 10 2018 122 651 A1, DE 10 2020 107 555 A1, DE 10 2020 107 558 A1, DE 10 2023 123 774 A1 and DE 10 2024 110 910 A1.

[0029] The aforementioned patent applications of the applicant are hereby included in the disclosure content of the present patent application – to avoid repetition; this is also explicitly for the purpose of including features from the referenced dosing devices of the applicant in the content of the present patent application, including the claims, if necessary.

[0030] In particular, it is pointed out that the mixing distribution arrangements described in the present patent application may have a design, construction and operating mode similar to the mixing distribution arrangements according to the referenced patent applications.

[0031] The dosing device according to the invention serves for dosing and supplying media or media solutions. These can be, in particular, chemicals, e.g., detergent components or detergents or cleaning agents, but also disinfectants or other chemicals.

[0032] The dosing device according to the invention serves to supply the medium or medium solution to one or more target devices. The target device can be, for example, a washing machine or dishwasher, or a mop reprocessing system, or another washing or cleaning system. The dosing device according to the invention can also be configured to provide a cleaning agent or disinfectant solution, or the like.

[0033] The dosing device includes at least one control unit, which may include, for example, a microprocessor or a differently designed computing unit.

[0034] The dosing system also includes a mixing and distribution system.

[0035] A mixing and distribution device suitable for use with the dosing device according to the invention is described, for example, in WO 2012 / 062265 A2. Another suitable mixing and distribution device is described in WO 2013 / 075692 A2 of the applicant. The aforementioned patent applications of the applicant are hereby incorporated into the disclosure of the present patent application – to avoid repetition – explicitly also for the purpose of including features from the referenced dosing devices of the applicant in the content of the present patent application, including the claims, if necessary.

[0036] Other mixing distribution devices are also suitable for use in the dosing device according to the invention, insofar as they can switch different communication paths between each of the several inlets of the mixing distribution device and an outlet of the mixing distribution device in the manner required according to the claim.

[0037] It is particularly advantageous if the actuator, through which a medium flows, has a passage channel that can be rinsed with the rinsing agent.

[0038] Regular flushing of this through-channel ensures the safe operation of the dosing device.

[0039] The inlets of the mixing distribution unit can be connected to containers for the media. These can be, for example, conventional containers of predetermined sizes. The inlets can be connected to the containers, for example, via hoses, particularly with the aid of suction lances.

[0040] The mixing distribution device can include, for example, two, five, seven, or any other number of inlets for connection to different media containers.

[0041] At least one of the inlets is designed as a detergent inlet. According to the invention, the detergent inlet can be connected to a domestic water network or to a detergent supply via a detergent line and a pipe separation device.

[0042] To perform a flushing cycle, the control unit of the dosing device can first move the actuator into a flushing position. With the actuator in the flushing position, the flushing agent inlet is communicatively connected to the outlet of the mixing distribution unit.

[0043] The control system can then activate the valve to open it, release the detergent line, and activate the pump to deliver detergent.

[0044] This allows for flushing of the mixing distribution system, especially the flow channels.

[0045] After a predetermined period of time, the pump can stop and the actuator can be activated, moving it to a park position.

[0046] When the dosing unit's control system receives a request command for a specific medium from a target device, the control system can first activate the actuator, move it to a product position where a communication link is established between the container holding the requested medium and the outlet of the mixing distribution unit. The control system can then initiate pump operation for a predetermined duration to deliver the requested quantity of medium.

[0047] The pump control system can then stop and initiate the actuator's movement into a flushing position. Once the actuator is in a flushing position and the flushing medium inlet and outlet of the mixing distributor are connected, the pump control system can restart and operate the pump for a predetermined duration. A predetermined quantity of flushing medium can then be pumped through the mixing distributor, corresponding to this duration. Following this, the actuator moves to a park position.

[0048] A pressure sensor according to the present patent application is configured to transmit different information about different pressure levels in the fluid line to the control system. In particular, according to the invention, the pressure sensor is configured to transmit information about the prevailing line pressure to the control system, which can be taken into account by the control system when activating the pump during a metering process.

[0049] The pressure sensor is specifically designed to transmit information to the controller that enables the controller to reduce the pump output. Furthermore, the pressure sensor is designed to transmit information to the controller that allows the controller to document and store the received information.

[0050] The pressure sensor according to the invention is particularly designed to distinguish between several different line pressures and several different pressure levels, so that the control system can define or manage several different pressure thresholds. With regard to the several different thresholds, the control system can, according to the invention, perform several different actions as a result of receiving the information transmitted by the pressure sensor.

[0051] The pressure sensor is designed to detect or measure at least one pressure such that the control system prevents further operation of the pump, and / or to detect at least one pressure that the control system can recognize as exceeding a threshold pressure, enabling the control system to reduce the pump output while still delivering medium to a target device despite the detected threshold exceedance. The pressure sensor according to the invention is not merely a switch that simply deactivates the metering device when a maximum pressure is exceeded. Rather, according to the invention, the pressure sensor is an intelligent measuring device capable of detecting and distinguishing between different pressure levels.

[0052] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor is arranged downstream of the pump, in particular immediately downstream of the pump. This embodiment of the invention enables the pressure to be measured in the pipe section immediately downstream of the pump. This allows for an optimized measured value to be obtained.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system can process information about the line pressure prevailing in the fluid line section, obtained from the pressure sensor. This embodiment of the invention enables the control system to initiate measures based on the measured line pressure. Such a measure can then, for example, include reducing the pump's delivery rate, e.g., extending the pumping time by a predetermined period, while simultaneously reducing the delivery rate. This measure can also include storing information about a measured increase in pressure or information about a reduction in the pump's delivery rate.

[0054] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system takes into account information received from the pressure sensor regarding the line pressure prevailing in the fluid line section when controlling the pump. This embodiment of the invention enables the safe operation of the metering device despite exceeding a line pressure threshold, since the pump can be controlled in such a way that the pump's delivery rate is reduced.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system reduces the pump's delivery rate when a threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded. This embodiment of the invention enables the proper delivery of the medium in a predetermined quantity and simultaneously reduces the risk of leakage or damage due to excessive pressure.

[0056] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system, upon detection or exceedance of a threshold value for the line pressure, initiates a longer delivery time when the pump's delivery rate changes. This embodiment of the invention enables proper operation and the proper delivery of the requested medium in the requested quantity.

[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system can distinguish between several different threshold values ​​for the line pressure. Upon detection or exceedance of different line pressure threshold values, the control system initiates different reductions in the pump's delivery rate. This embodiment of the invention enables the pump's delivery rate to be adapted to different threshold pressures.

[0058] According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system can define or assign several different threshold values ​​for the line pressure in relation to different target devices.

[0059] This embodiment of the invention makes it possible, for example, to take into account different lengths of cable paths between the dosing device and different target devices, or different positionings or arrangements of different target devices in relation to the dosing device.

[0060] Assuming that several target devices are connected to a dosing device according to the invention, the target devices can, for example, be arranged at different relative heights and be located at different vertical distances from the dosing device, e.g., on different floors of a building. These different positionings of different target devices can, in themselves, generate different line pressures.

[0061] For example, a target device located far vertically from the dosing device may cause high line pressures due to its positioning, so that a higher line pressure threshold may still be considered tolerable or proper in relation to this target device, while the same threshold for a target device located lower and connected to the same dosing device would be considered too high.

[0062] The possibility, according to the invention, of setting or assigning different threshold values ​​of line pressures in relation to different target devices ensures a safe operating mode of a dosing device according to the invention.

[0063] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system applies a reduction in the pump's delivery rate, dependent on a measured line pressure, for conveying the medium and / or for conveying the flushing medium. This embodiment of the invention enables both the conveying of the medium and the flushing medium with a reduced delivery rate.

[0064] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, one of the inlets is designed as a detergent inlet. This embodiment of the invention enables the safe operation of the dosing device according to the invention.

[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor measures the line pressure continuously or quasi-continuously. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly reliable operating mode of the dosing device according to the invention.

[0066] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system generates an alarm signal when a threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded. This embodiment of the invention enables rapid intervention when necessary.

[0067] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control system can store information received from the pressure sensor regarding the line pressure prevailing in the fluid line section, particularly for documentation purposes, and especially when a threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded and / or when the pump's delivery rate is reduced, in an event log. This embodiment of the invention enables troubleshooting, even at times long after the occurrence of an increased line pressure.

[0068] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outlet of the mixing distribution device is connected to an inlet of a second mixing distribution device, which has several outlets, an inlet, and an actuator controllable by the controller. In different positions, the actuator switches different communication paths between the outlets of the second mixing distribution device and the inlet of the second mixing distribution device, wherein the several outlets of the second mixing distribution device can be connected to several target devices. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly optimized design of a dosing device according to the invention.

[0069] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a pressure sensor is arranged between the outlet of the first mixing distribution device and the inlet of the second mixing distribution device. This embodiment of the invention enables the conveyance of media to a multitude of target devices using only one pressure sensor.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a pressure sensor is arranged downstream of each outlet of the second mixing distribution device. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly safe operating mode.

[0071] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pump is provided by a peristaltic pump or a diaphragm pump. This embodiment of the invention allows for the use of conventional pump designs.

[0072] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a measuring device is arranged, in particular adjacent to the pressure sensor, with which a flow in a fluid piping system can be detected and / or with which the presence of a medium in a fluid piping system can be detected. This embodiment of the invention enables the control system to take different pieces of information into account, wherein the information includes information about the pressure measured in the fluid piping section. Thus, the dosing device according to the invention can, for example, generate a POD (proof-of-delivery) signal.

[0073] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor and the measuring device are combined into a single unit. This embodiment of the invention enables particularly cost-effective manufacturing of a dosing device according to the invention.

[0074] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the metering device has a compensation device, which cooperates particularly with the control system, and which is designed to compensate for a reduced delivery rate of the pump when a first threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded.

[0075] According to this embodiment of the invention, information about the line pressure downstream of the outlet of the metering device can be used to compensate for a reduction in the pump's delivery rate associated with increased line pressure.

[0076] The invention recognizes that in a large number of pumps, particularly diaphragm pumps and peristaltic pumps, the pump's delivery rate is reduced when back pressure occurs. The delivery rate of these pumps therefore decreases with increasing back pressure.

[0077] In certain pressure ranges, particularly above a first threshold value for the line pressure, and further particularly below a second, higher threshold value for the line pressure, the reduction of the delivery pump resulting from the back pressure in the piping system can be counteracted by means of a compensation device.

[0078] The compensation device according to the invention can provide different measures for compensation.

[0079] According to one approach, if a first threshold value is detected or exceeded, a measure can be taken to increase the current delivery rate of the pump. This can be achieved, for example, by increasing the control voltage of the pump.

[0080] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a reduced delivery rate can be counteracted by increasing the delivery duration, i.e. the delivery time.

[0081] Both measures ensure that the requested quantity of medium to be pumped is actually delivered by the pump against the prevailing back pressure.

[0082] The compensation facility can initiate compensatory measures if a threshold is exceeded or if it is determined that a first threshold has been reached.

[0083] The invention also includes a situation where the compensation device can distinguish between a plurality of threshold values, wherein different compensation measures can be initiated by the compensation device when different threshold values ​​are detected or exceeded.

[0084] For example, the compensation device can cause continuous increases in the pump's delivery rate or a continuous extension of the delivery time of the medium with a continuous increase in the line pressure above a first threshold value.

[0085] Alternatively, the compensation device can increase the pump's delivery rate or delivery duration in discrete steps.

[0086] The compensation device can be part of the control system or designed as a separate electronic component and connected to the control system.

[0087] In one embodiment of the invention, information about increased line pressure in the fluid piping system is used as a measure of the pump's current delivery rate. Based on this information, a suitable compensatory measure can be initiated.

[0088] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compensation device causes an increase in the pump's delivery rate when a first threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded. This embodiment of the invention, with a simple design of the metering device according to the invention, ensures the proper delivery of a predetermined or requested volume of medium.

[0089] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compensation device, upon detection or exceedance of a first threshold value for the line pressure, causes the pump's delivery time to be increased. This embodiment of the invention, with a simple design of the metering device according to the invention, ensures the proper delivery of a predetermined volume of medium.

[0090] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compensation device is configured to initiate measures to compensate for a reduced delivery rate upon detection or exceedance of a first threshold value for the line pressure, but only if the line pressure is below a second threshold value. This second threshold value is higher than the first. This embodiment of the invention allows the compensation device to initiate measures to compensate for the delivery rates only if the line pressure is not too high. Thus, if the line pressure is too high, the delivery rate is not increased; instead, for example, an existing risk of damage to the fluid piping system is detected. The level of the second threshold value for the line pressure can be determined or adjusted depending, for example, on the type and design of an individual metering system.

[0091] The level of the second threshold also depends, for example, on the type of pump, the target devices, the pipe lengths and other physical parameters.

[0092] The compensation device can trigger different compensation measures within the scope of the invention in relation to different media to be promoted.

[0093] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 9.

[0094] The invention is based on the objective of further developing a prior art method in such a way as to ensure reliable dosing.

[0095] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 9.

[0096] The principle of the invention is best understood by explaining and evaluating claims 1 to 8, and by explaining and evaluating the above statements, which are referred to in order to avoid repetition.

[0097] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 10.

[0098] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method with which sources of error in fluid piping systems can be identified.

[0099] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 10.

[0100] The principle of the invention and the understanding of its features are best revealed to the person skilled in the art by considering the above claims 1-9, which are referred to in order to avoid repetition and which apply analogously.

[0101] The invention further relates to a construction unit according to claim 11.

[0102] The object of the invention is to provide a component that can be advantageously used on a dosing device of a dosing system.

[0103] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 11.

[0104] The principle of the invention essentially consists of providing a component comprising a pressure sensor designed to measure line pressure in a fluid piping system. The component further comprises a measuring device for detecting flow in a fluid piping system. Alternatively, the component additionally comprises a measuring device for detecting the presence of a medium in a fluid piping system.

[0105] By combining the pressure sensor and the measuring device into a single unit, a single component is sufficient to provide multiple measured values. This allows for a very simple design of a dosing device according to the invention.

[0106] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the assembly is characterized in that the assembly forms a handling unit.

[0107] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the assembly is characterized in that the assembly for the pressure sensor and for the measuring device comprises a common processor and / or a common circuit board.

[0108] The invention further relates to a pressure sensor according to claim 12.

[0109] The invention is based on the objective of providing a pressure sensor that is suitable for use in a dosing device.

[0110] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 12.

[0111] The principle of the invention essentially consists of providing a pressure sensor that includes a fluid channel.

[0112] The channel can be communicatively coupled or connected to the fluid piping system using the pressure sensor's connection points. The pressure sensor can therefore be exposed to fluid flow, namely a medium to be pumped or a flushing medium.

[0113] The channel is at least partially bordered by a section of wall. This section can be made of a plastic material, for example.

[0114] The wall section provides a bending zone. This bending zone allows the wall section to assume different bending states under varying pressures within the fluid channel. In particular, the wall section can bulge outward from the fluid channel as the pressure increases.

[0115] Different bending states can include deviations in the nano, micro, or millimeter range.

[0116] According to the invention, these deviations can be detected by a strain gauge element. The strain gauge element is arranged on the back side of the wall section. Therefore, it has no contact with the medium.

[0117] This allows different media to be conveyed along the wall section without the pressure sensor being exposed to these media.

[0118] According to the invention, a pressure measurement of the prevailing line pressure can therefore take place regardless of which medium is located in the fluid channel.

[0119] The strain gauge element is connected to conventional measuring electronics and / or to a control system for the dosing device by means of conventional means, in particular a signal and power supply line.

[0120] In particular, a change in the bending state of the wall section can cause a change in the length of the strain gauge element. This can be accompanied by a change in the electrical resistance of the strain gauge element. This resistance—or any other measurable physical quantity—can be measured easily. Any conventional measuring methods and devices can be used for this purpose, enabling electronic measuring instruments to measure the length change behavior of the strain gauge element.

[0121] By arranging a strain gauge element on the back of the wall section, the pressure sensor is advantageously designed in accordance with the invention in such a way that the fluid channel is free of dead spaces.

[0122] Except for the electronic components, such as the heating element and / or temperature sensor, if provided, no parts or elements from the wall section of the pressure sensor protrude into the fluid channel.

[0123] According to the invention, it can also be provided, in particular, that the fluid channel is designed and positioned flush with the wall sections of the fluid piping system. This facilitates fluid conveyance and the desired conveyance of media.

[0124] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wall section is formed by a printed circuit board. This embodiment of the invention offers the advantage of a compact design for the pressure sensor.

[0125] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the printed circuit board has at least one material weakening zone to provide a bending area. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly elegant and reliable provision of a bending area.

[0126] Material weakening can be achieved, for example, by placing a pocket in the circuit board or by incorporating recesses, notches, grooves, beads or the like into the circuit board.

[0127] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two electronic components are arranged on the circuit board, between which the bending section is located. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly compact design of a pressure sensor according to the invention.

[0128] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor comprises a measuring device with which a flow in a fluid piping system can be detected, and / or with which the presence of a medium in a fluid piping system can be detected. This embodiment of the invention enables a particularly compact design of a pressure sensor combined with a measuring device.

[0129] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a heating element and / or a temperature sensor are arranged on the circuit board. This embodiment of the invention advantageously enables the arrangement of a pressure sensor according to the invention on a dosing device.

[0130] The invention further relates to an arrangement according to claim 13.

[0131] The invention is based on the objective of providing an arrangement with which a metering device, with a simple design and using conventional components, can obtain numerous pieces of information required for the operation of a metering device regarding the line pressure in the fluid line system.

[0132] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 13.

[0133] The principle of the invention essentially consists in the fact that the pressure sensor and the measuring device are provided by two separate components, which are, however, directly adjacent to each other, in particular connected in series, i.e., arranged one after the other. In particular, the arrangement of these two elements is provided directly downstream of a pump of the dosing device.

[0134] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for the pressure sensor and the measuring device comprises a common processor and / or a common circuit board and / or a common computing unit. According to this embodiment of the invention, the arrangement can be mounted on a dosing device in a structurally simple manner.

[0135] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 14.

[0136] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method with which large amounts of data can be reliably and efficiently analyzed and verified.

[0137] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 14.

[0138] The principle of the invention essentially consists of providing a method for performing an analysis of measurement data, wherein the measurement data includes information about measured line pressures. The line pressures are measured in fluid lines that are arranged in or downstream of metering devices.

[0139] The method according to the invention provides that a device centrally contains information from several dosing devices, simultaneously or sequentially.

[0140] The device has a computing unit. Comparisons and checks can be carried out using this computing unit.

[0141] The information about the measured power pressures can be transmitted directly to the device as line pressure measurements, e.g. in the form of absolutely measured line pressure values.

[0142] The transfer of information from multiple dosing devices to the apparatus can occur regularly or irregularly, e.g. on demand, or continuously.

[0143] Information about line pressure can also be provided in the form of a measured anomaly, for example in the form of a measured value that indicates an exceedance or fall below a certain threshold.

[0144] In particular, pressure anomalies, e.g. in the form of so-called events, can be detected, recorded and stored by the individual dosing devices and transmitted to the device regularly, e.g. in a collected manner.

[0145] The processing unit can compare the received information with each other or with stored target values.

[0146] For example, the computing unit can perform a comparison of measured line pressures in relation to different target devices and / or in relation to different dosing devices, and / or in relation to specific media.

[0147] According to the invention, an analysis and evaluation of the information on the measured line pressures can be carried out centrally for a large number of dosing devices by the computing unit.

[0148] The ability to compare information from different dosing units allows access to a large amount of data. This enables optimized data analysis, for example, with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).

[0149] The approach according to the invention also allows a comparison of the information obtained from the multiple dosing devices with setpoints or setpoint information for line pressures, wherein these setpoints or setpoint information are stored in a memory of the device. The memory is assigned to the processing unit. The processing unit can therefore access the memory.

[0150] Because the computing unit can compare the measured line pressure values ​​obtained from the multiple dosing devices with the information stored in a memory of the device or the target values, the device can check whether the measured line pressures are within the range of usual or unusual expected values.

[0151] These comparisons make it possible, for example, to determine whether there are any anomalies on a particular dosing device or on a particular target device that could indicate technical problems or impairments, e.g. faulty routing of fluid lines or the aforementioned line blockages.

[0152] In particular, data analysis of the device can be used to determine whether a specific dosing unit, especially a dosing unit with a specific target device connected to the dosing unit, is exhibiting unusual behavior.

[0153] This dosing device can be identified or assessed as being unusual.

[0154] In the course of identifying a specific dosing device as conspicuous, a specific fluid line section and / or a specific target device connected to a dosing device identified as conspicuous may also be identified as conspicuous.

[0155] As a result of receiving the information, the device can, according to the invention, check and determine whether intervention in the dosing unit is necessary. For example, such intervention in a dosing unit can include sending service personnel to the dosing unit to carry out an on-site inspection. During the on-site inspection, a fault analysis can be performed and the problem rectified.

[0156] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method according to the invention comprises the step of monitoring and / or checking a conspicuous dosing device by comparing the information currently obtained from the conspicuous dosing device with the information obtained from the conspicuous dosing device at an earlier time.

[0157] This comparison can be made in particular taking into account the additional information that a problem has already been rectified on the conspicuous dosing device and / or what type of problem rectification has been carried out on the conspicuous dosing device.

[0158] This embodiment offers, in particular, the possibility of monitoring a detected dosing device over predefined periods of time.

[0159] For example, elevated threshold values ​​in line pressures may only be exceeded occasionally, e.g., only when using certain media and / or under specific ambient temperatures. Such increases in line pressure may, under certain circumstances, be classified as unproblematic. For example, an analysis of certain measurement data may reveal that only a temporary problem occurred, such as a plug formation that resolved itself and requires no further action.

[0160] However, if, for example, after an intervention by service personnel on a particular dosing device the problem that was noticed has been resolved, and in the course of monitoring this dosing device it is found that the anomalies in the measured line pressure still exist, or have not been reduced to an explainably satisfactory extent, the device can detect this and determine or issue a signal that a complete resolution of the problem has not yet taken place.

[0161] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a device according to claim 15.

[0162] Again, the invention is based on the objective of providing a device with which a plurality of dosing devices can be operated in an optimized manner.

[0163] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 15.

[0164] The principle of the invention essentially consists of providing a device that can centrally receive information from several metering units. The received information includes information about measured line pressures in fluid line sections. A line pressure measurement is taken at each fluid line section located either downstream of the metering unit or within the metering unit itself.

[0165] The device includes a processing unit. The processing unit is capable of comparing the received information, in particular comparing it with itself. Alternatively or additionally, it can also compare the received information with setpoints or setpoint information stored in a memory of the device.

[0166] The target values ​​refer to line pressures in fluid lines. In particular, the target values ​​can include limit values, normal ranges, or expected ranges for line pressures to be measured.

[0167] As a result of a comparison, the processing unit can determine whether the dosing devices are functioning correctly or detect irregularities, and in particular identify a dosing device that is malfunctioning. The identification of a malfunctioning dosing device also includes, in particular, the identification of a malfunctioning target device.

[0168] The computing unit can also perform a check to determine whether an intervention is necessary at a dosing device.

[0169] Further advantages of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the uncited dependent claims and from the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic, partially cutaway, block diagram-like view of a first embodiment of a dosing device according to the invention, in which a mixing distributor is connected on the inlet side to three containers and a rinsing medium and on the outlet side to a target device, wherein a pressure sensor is arranged between the mixing distributor and the target device. Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 1 , wherein the metering device comprises a first mixing distributor and a second mixing distributor, and wherein the second mixing distributor connects the metering device to three target devices, wherein a pressure sensor is arranged in each of the fluid lines between the second mixing distributor and the respective target device, Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a metering device according to the invention, in a representation according to Fig. 2, wherein a pressure sensor is arranged between the two mixing distributors, Fig. 4 in a partially cutaway, schematic view an embodiment of a peristaltic pump with an inlet, an outlet, and a rotor, wherein a pressure sensor is arranged on the housing of the peristaltic pump, adjacent to the outlet of the peristaltic pump, Fig. 5 a further embodiment of a metering device according to the invention in a representation according to Figure 1 , wherein, in addition to the pressure sensor, a measuring device for measuring a flow in the fluid line or for detecting the presence of a medium in the fluid line is arranged, Fig. 6 in a partially cutaway, schematic view shows a section of the fluid line downstream of the mixing distributor of the Fig. 5 , for example according to sub-circle VI in Fig. 5, wherein the pressure sensor and the measuring device, which are provided by a common unit, are shown in block diagram form, Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a dosing device according to the invention in a representation according to Figure 2 , wherein the metering device is designed for target flushing and, in addition to a metering pump, has a separate flushing pump, wherein the second mixing distribution device is connected to the target devices via switching devices, in particular in the form of ball valves, and wherein a pressure sensor is arranged downstream of each switching device, Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a metering device according to the invention, in a representation according to Fig. 7 , whereby a comparable design of the dosing device is provided as in Fig. 7Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention for analyzing measurement data in a block diagram and schematically depicts three metering devices. Figure 10 shows a characteristic curve field in a fluid line system of one of the previous embodiments of metering devices, showing different delivery rates of a pump depending on different control voltages applied to the pump for different back pressures measured downstream of the outlet. Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a metering device according to the invention in a representation according to Figure 11. Fig. 1 , wherein the dosing device, in addition to the embodiment of the Fig. 1a compensation device connected to the control of the dosing device, Fig. 12 in a partially cutaway schematic view a further embodiment of a pressure sensor according to the invention, which can be used in particular in combination with a dosing device according to the invention, wherein the pressure sensor comprises a strain gauge element, Fig. 13 a further embodiment of a component according to the invention with a pressure sensor and a measuring device in a representation according to Figure 6 , where this embodiment uses the pressure sensor of the Figure 12 includes, Fig. 14a in a representation according to the representation of the Figure 12A further embodiment of a pressure sensor according to the invention in a partially cutaway schematic view, wherein a strain gauge element is arranged on the back of a printed circuit board, Fig. 14bin a partially cutaway schematic view a further embodiment of a pressure sensor according to the invention in a representation approximately according to sub-circle XIV-b in Figure 14a , wherein the circuit board has a material weakening zone to form a bending area, Fig. 15 the embodiment of the pressure sensor of the Fig. 14a in a partially sectioned schematic view approximately along section line XV-XV in Figure 14a , and Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention in which a pressure sensor and a measuring instrument are connected in a series circuit.

[0170] The embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the following description of the drawings: Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or areas are designated with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0171] Features described only in relation to one embodiment can also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are included in the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0172] All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of this application also fully incorporates the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application) as well as the cited publications and the described devices of the prior art, also for the purpose of including one or more features of these documents in one or more claims of the present application.

[0173] For example, through the dashed frame shown in Fig. 1 The dosing device 10 is described.

[0174] The dosing device 10 includes a control unit 14 which is connected to various components via a variety of signal lines 17a, 17b, 17c, etc.

[0175] The core of the dosing device 10 is a mixing distribution device 18. This comprises an input disc 19 and an output disc 20 which is rotatable relative to it about a rotary axis 21.

[0176] The input disc 19 and the output disc 20 can, for example, be made of ceramic material.

[0177] The mixing distribution device 18 has four inlets 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d on the inlet side. A single outlet 23 is formed on the outlet disk 20. The outlet disk 20 constitutes an actuator 24 that is rotatable by a motor 59.

[0178] The motor 59 is connected to the control unit 14 via a signal line 17b and can be addressed by it.

[0179] The inlets 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are connected on the inlet side to containers 25a, 25b, 25c in which various media 26a, 26b, 26c are arranged. These media can be extracted from the containers 25a, 25b, 25c with the aid of suction lances 60a, 60b, 60c and conveyed via fluid lines 12a, 12b, 12c to the mixing distribution device 18 and further via a fluid line section 12d to a target device 13 in the form of a textile washing machine.

[0180] The inlet 22a is designed as a rinsing agent inlet 27 and is connected via a fluid line 12x, also referred to as a rinsing agent line 28, to a reservoir 67 for water as the rinsing medium. A pipe separator 48 ensures connection to the domestic water supply 47.

[0181] The dosing unit 10 is capable of processing request commands from the target device 13. A program selector switch 52 is arranged on the target device 13, for example, a textile washing machine 15, which allows an operator to select a washing or cleaning program. The target device 13 has a control unit 16 which, at specific times during the washing or cleaning program, can transmit information about a requested medium 26a, 26b, 26c, in particular a requested quantity, to the control unit 14 of the dosing unit via a signal line 17a. After receiving the request via signal line 17b, the control unit 14 can address the motor 59. The actuator 24 establishes the corresponding communication paths between the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c and the outlet 23 and can, for example,to ensure that the inlet 22c is communicatively connected to the outlet 23 for the promotion of the medium 26b and thus also communicatively connected to the target device 13.

[0182] The controller 14 can then control the pump 11 via the signal line 17c and operate the pump 11 for a predetermined period of time with, for example, a preset delivery rate and deliver the predetermined quantity of medium 26b to the target device 13.

[0183] A pressure sensor 30 is arranged on fluid line section 12d, particularly downstream of pump 11. This sensor can detect when an increased line pressure occurs in fluid line section 12d. The pressure sensor 30 is connected to the control unit 14 via signal line 17j.

[0184] If the controller 14 detects, based on information received from the pressure sensor 30, that a certain pressure has been exceeded, the controller 14 can cause the pump 11 to operate at a reduced flow rate, e.g., at 50% reduced flow rate. At the same time, the controller 14 can ensure that the pump runtime, i.e., the pumping duration, is extended accordingly when the flow rate is reduced. In this way, the controller can ensure that even in the event of increased pressure in the fluid line section 12d, particularly if a threshold value is exceeded, a predetermined quantity of medium 26b is delivered to the target device 13.

[0185] The controller 14 can continuously or quasi-continuously monitor the line pressure via the pressure sensor 30. It can also monitor the line pressure only periodically, e.g., at specific times.

[0186] For example, it can cause the pressure sensor 30 to measure the line pressure shortly before the pump 11 is started up, or even during the start-up of the pump 11. Information transmitted by the pressure sensor 30 can be processed directly by the controller 14 if required. This processing can also result in the pump 11 responding immediately.

[0187] Information received by the controller 14 from the pressure sensor 30 can be stored in a memory 33, which is connected to the controller 14 via a signal line 17d. The information can also be retrieved from the memory 33 as needed.

[0188] The dosing device 10 can also have a communication module 72 with which information can be transmitted via a wired connection, or, as in the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1The indicated wireless connection can be transmitted to an external computer 34 via a wireless transmission path 35.

[0189] This allows, for example, a central readout of errors occurring at multiple dosing units 10. Thus, a central computer 34 can determine, for example, that increased pressures were detected by the respective pressure sensor 30 at certain dosing units 10 at specific times, e.g., during the delivery of certain media and / or during the delivery of media to specific target devices.

[0190] According to the invention, this information can also be used to search for defects.

[0191] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1 The flushing medium depot 67 is connected to the mixing distributor 21 via a flushing line 28.

[0192] The flushing medium reservoir 67 is part of a pipe separation device 48. The pipe separation device 48 includes a solenoid valve 71, which is connected via a signal line 17i to a control unit 65 of the pipe separation device 48. The control unit 65 is also connected via signal lines 17g and 17h to two level sensors 66a and 66b. Water from the connection 47 of the domestic water supply network 29 can be used to refill the reservoir 67 via a free-fall section 64. The free-fall section 64 prevents contamination of the domestic water supply network 29 with bacteria or pollutants. The control unit 65 of the pipe separation device 48 can be connected via a signal and control line 17f to the control unit 14 of the dosing device 10.

[0193] The pipe separation device 48 can ensure that the flushing medium container 67 is always sufficiently filled and that sufficient flushing medium is always provided to the mixing distribution device 18.

[0194] The exemplary embodiment of the Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a metering device 10 according to the invention, which has a second mixing distribution device 51. The second mixing distribution device 51 comprises an inlet 54 and several outlets 55a, 55b, 55c. Here, with an identical construction to the mixing distribution device 21, the inlet disc and outlet disc are arranged in reversed positions.

[0195] Here, the input disc 53 is the actuator that can be addressed by the motor 59b.

[0196] The mixing distributor 51 is connected on the output side via three outlets 55a, 55b, 55c and three fluid lines 12e, 12f, 12g to the target devices 13a; 13b, 13c.

[0197] Each of the fluid lines 12e, 12f, 12g has its own pressure sensor 30a, 30b, 30c, which is connected to the control unit 14 via its own signal line 17j, 17k, 17l.

[0198] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 2The control unit 14 can switch communication paths between each of the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of the first mixing distributor 18 and each of the outlets 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d of the second mixing distributor 51 by addressing the actuator 24 and ensure that medium 26a, 26b, 26c can be conveyed from each of the containers 25a, 25b, 25c to one of the target devices 13a, 13b, 13c.

[0199] In the event that the controller 14 receives information from one of the pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c that a certain threshold value or line pressure is exceeded, the controller 14 can initiate a reduction in the delivery rate of the pump 11 for the delivery of at least one certain medium and / or for delivery to at least one certain target device.

[0200] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 3With a fundamentally identical design of the dosing device 10, it is provided that only one pressure sensor 30 is arranged in the fluid line section 12d between the two mixing distribution devices 21 and 51. Here, the pressure sensor 30 is connected to the control unit 14 via the signal line 17j.

[0201] While in the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 2 The controller 14 can store information indicating that a pressure threshold has been exceeded by a specific pressure sensor 30a, 30b, 30c, and thus the exceedance of a pressure threshold can be assigned to a specific target device 13a, 13b, 13c. This can also be achieved in the embodiment of the Figure 3The controller 14 stores corresponding information. When a threshold value is exceeded, as detected by the pressure sensor 30, the controller 14 can assign the detected threshold exceedance to a specific medium 26a, 26b, 26c and / or to a specific target device 13a, 13b, 13c and store this information, taking into account the position of the actuators 24 of the first mixing distributor 18 and / or 53 of the second mixing distributor 51.

[0202] Thus, in both embodiments, the Figures 2 and 3 When searching for errors in the cable routing or assigning errors occurring at a specific target device 13a, 13b, 13c, the information stored in memory 33 can be accessed.

[0203] The exemplary embodiment of the Figure 4Figure 1 shows only a schematic, enlarged, partially cutaway view of an embodiment of a peristaltic pump 31. This peristaltic pump 31 is constructed similarly to the embodiment of the Figure 5 of DE 10 2013 008 973 A1 of the applicant, the content of which is hereby included in the content of the present patent application, and to which reference is hereby made, for the purpose of avoiding repetition.

[0204] A more detailed description of this peristaltic pump 31 can therefore be omitted, with reference to the aforementioned publication.

[0205] The peristaltic pump 31 comprises a housing 32 with an inlet 36 and an outlet 37. A rotor 56 is provided, rotatable about a pivot axis 57, and includes pinch rollers 58a, 58b at each of its two ends. Each pinch roller 58a, 58b can pinch a section of hose 49 running inside the peristaltic pump 31.

[0206] Figure 4Illustrates two hose pinch points 50a, 50b.

[0207] When the rotor 56 is driven clockwise, relative to Figure 4 , the two hose pinch points 50a, 50b also propagate clockwise and, as a result of the propagation, can convey medium, or also flushing medium.

[0208] The in Fig. 4 The only indicated electric motor 61 can drive the rotor 56 in a manner not shown in detail. The motor 61 is, as in Figure 4 not shown, addressed by control unit 14 of the dosing device.

[0209] In the area of ​​outlet 37 of the peristaltic pump 31 of the Figure 4 A pressure sensor 30 is arranged. This is connected to the indicated control unit 14 via a signal line 17j.

[0210] Crucially, the pressure sensor 30 can be a component of the peristaltic pump 31 and can be arranged or attached, in particular, to the housing 32 of the peristaltic pump 32 or alternatively to a housing of the dosing device.

[0211] Based on the exemplary implementations of the Figures 5 and 6 Another aspect of the invention is described.

[0212] Figure 5 shows the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1 , wherein in addition to the pressure sensor 30 a measuring device 38 or a measuring device 39 is also arranged in the fluid line section 12d.

[0213] The measuring device 38, 39 can be configured as a flowmeter or as a POD sensor. It serves, for example, to measure the flow through the fluid line 12d or to detect the presence of a medium. In the case of a POD sensor configuration, the measuring device serves to detect the presence of a medium.

[0214] The measuring device 38, 39 can be combined with the pressure sensor 30 to form a unit 40.

[0215] Figure 6 The figure shows in an enlarged, schematic, partially cut-out block diagram-like view that the assembly unit 40 can be attached to the fluid line section 12d via two connection points 63a, 63b.

[0216] The assembly unit 40 can include a component 41 that provides wall sections for the fluid line 12d, as a hose replacement, along this section.

[0217] The assembly unit 40 includes both a pressure sensor 30, indicated by a dashed frame, and a measuring device 38, 39, indicated by a dashed-dotted frame, which is designed as a flowmeter or as a POD sensor.

[0218] First, we will use the following as a starting point Figure 6 A schematic embodiment of a pressure sensor 30 is explained.

[0219] The pressure sensor 30 according to Figure 6 The structure comprises a membrane 42, which is shown as a solid line in its resting state and extends along the wall 41. The membrane 42 is flexible, optionally stretchable, and / or exhibits a certain degree of elasticity.

[0220] The dotted line shows an extended position 43 of the membrane 42, which the membrane 42 assumes when a certain line pressure builds up in the fluid line section 12d. As a result of increasing line pressure, the membrane 42 expands increasingly.

[0221] The extent of the expansion of the membrane 42 is therefore a measure of the line pressure prevailing in the fluid line section 12d.

[0222] The pressure sensor 30 can comprise a capacitor assembly with a first, fixedly arranged capacitor plate 62, wherein the diaphragm 42, which can be provided, for example, by a metallic foil or have a metal coating, and a second capacitor plate can be provided. The diaphragm 42 and capacitor plate 62 can thus together form a capacitor assembly. This can be connected to measuring electronics 46a.

[0223] Different deflection states of the membrane 42 can result in different capacitances of the capacitor, which can be measured by the measuring device 46a.

[0224] A measured capacitance or a change in capacitance can be a measure of the deflection of the diaphragm or of a change in the deflection of the diaphragm, and this in turn can be a measure of the line pressure or pressure change prevailing in fluid line section 12d.

[0225] The measuring device 46a is connected to a computing unit 46c, which can be connected to the control unit 14 via a signal line 17j.

[0226] Figure 6 Figure 38 also shows a measuring device, which can be designed as a flowmeter. In particular, it can be a so-called calorimetric flowmeter.

[0227] The flowmeter can include a heating element 44 and a temperature sensor 45, which can protrude into the flow path of the fluid, i.e., the medium. Heating control can be performed via the measuring electronics 75, and temperature measurement via the sensor 45 can be carried out via the measuring electronics 46b. A control unit, e.g., a processor 46c, can evaluate the measurement results.

[0228] By controlling the heating element 44, a statement can be made about media promotion from the measured values, e.g. about the flow of the medium or about media presence.

[0229] To avoid repetition, reference is made to the applicant's German patent application DE 10 2022 125 425 A1, which describes such a flow sensor or a media presence sensor of this type. The content of the aforementioned patent application is hereby incorporated into the content of the present patent application to avoid repetition.

[0230] A special feature of the invention is that both the sensor 30 and the flow meter 38 or the POD sensor 39 constitute a common assembly.

[0231] This common assembly 40 offers the following advantages: Firstly, it is a handling unit, i.e., pressure sensor 30 and flow sensor 38 or POD sensor 39 are connected together to the fluid line 39a via only two common connection points 63a, 63b.

[0232] Furthermore, pressure sensor 30 and measuring device 38, 39 can share a common processing unit, e.g., a common processor 46c. This reduces the number of electronic components required and makes the dosing device inexpensive.

[0233] Finally, the two sensors 30, 38, 39 can be connected to the controller 14 via a common line 17j.

[0234] The two sensors 30, 38, 39 can also be arranged on a common circuit board.

[0235] An alternative embodiment of a pressure sensor 30 according to the invention shows Figure 12 .

[0236] The pressure sensor 30 is provided by a component that has a fluid channel 87, which is at least partially bounded by a wall section 85. A strain gauge element 86 is arranged on the back 89 of the wall section 85. This is a conventional strain gauge.

[0237] The strain gauge element is connected to a measuring electronics unit 46a via signal or power supply lines 17q, 17r. This unit can read and / or process the measured values ​​received from the strain gauge element 86 and / or forward them via a signal and / or control line 17j to a control unit 14 of the dosing device 10.

[0238] The pressure sensor 30 includes connection points 63a, 63b, which allow coupling to the fluid piping system, in particular to hose lines. The housing of the pressure sensor 30 is in Figure 12 not shown.

[0239] Depending on the pressure in the fluid channel 87, the wall section 85 can bulge, at least slightly, due to the provided bending range 88. The degree of this bulging can be in the nanometer, micrometer, or millimeter range.

[0240] Depending on the choice of material and wall thickness of the wall section 85 as well as its geometry, these different curvature states can be detected by a strain gauge element 86 attached to the back of the wall section 85, e.g. glued or otherwise fastened, which is curved along with it.

[0241] This results in a change in the length of the strain gauge element, measurable, for example, via a change in resistance. Different measured values ​​are generated in different curvature states of the bending area, which can be recorded and processed by a measuring electronics unit 46a and which provide a measure of the pressure prevailing in the fluid channel 87.

[0242] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 13 The pressure sensor 30 is combined with measuring device 38, 39 to form a unit 40.

[0243] This is therefore an embodiment of a component unit 40 similar to the embodiment of the Figure 6 , wherein the pressure sensor 30 of the embodiment of the Figure 6 by a pressure sensor 30 according to Figure 12 has been replaced.

[0244] Further details on the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 13 , which is analogous to the embodiment of the Fig. 6 Its design is therefore unnecessary.

[0245] Another embodiment is shown in the Figures 14a and 15 .

[0246] This embodiment of a pressure sensor 30 according to the invention comprises a housing 93 which provides a fluid channel 87 and a chamber 94.

[0247] Chamber 94 is in the assembled state of Fig. 14a closed by a lid 99. In one embodiment of the invention, the lid 99 can also be designed to be removable.

[0248] The fluid channel 87 and the chamber 94 are connected to each other by a breakthrough 96 in the form of an approximately elliptical or elongated oval opening 96.

[0249] Chamber 94 is laterally bounded by four chamber walls 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d.

[0250] On the bottom side, the chamber 94 is bounded by a ring-shaped collar or ring web 97 projecting inwards from the chamber walls 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d. This surrounds the opening 96.

[0251] The connection points 63a, 63b of the pressure sensor 30 are designed analogously to the connection points 63a, 63b of the previously described embodiments of a pressure sensor 30.

[0252] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 14a, 15 A printed circuit board 90 is inserted. This is rectangular in shape and has external dimensions A1, A2, which correspond to the internal dimensions I1, I2 of chamber 94.

[0253] The circuit board 90 sits with its outer edge areas on the ring collar 97.

[0254] The circuit board 90 is secured by a number of fastening elements 98, in the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 14a and the Figure 15 , screwed to the ring collar 97 by a total of six screws 98.

[0255] Advantageously, the connection between the circuit board 90 and the ring collar 97 is designed to be fluid-tight.

[0256] On the underside 100 of the circuit board 90, two electronic components are arranged that project into the fluid channel 87. These can be, in particular, the same components used in the embodiment of the Figure 6 These are designated as heating element 44 and temperature sensor 45. Fig. 14a In contrast, it merely uses a modified representation.

[0257] In particular, a DNS element 86 is arranged on the back of the circuit board 90.

[0258] The circuit board 90 has a bending area 88 in a section between the two components 44, 45.

[0259] The space available between the two electrical components 44, 45 is thus used to form a bending area 88.

[0260] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 14a and 15 It is particularly advantageous that the strain gauge element 86 is arranged on the back side 89 of the wall section 85, i.e., on the side of the wall section 85 facing away from the fluid channel 87. This ensures that the strain gauge element 86 does not come into contact with the different media flowing through the fluid channel 87.

[0261] The exemplary embodiment of the Figure 14b corresponds to the embodiment of the Figure 14a , with the difference that here in the circuit board 90 a material weakening zone 91 is provided.

[0262] This has a wall thickness W 2, which is less than the wall thickness W 1 of the printed circuit board 90. As a result of the arrangement of a material weakening zone 91, a bending area 88 can be formed, thus facilitating the bending of the printed circuit board 90. This facilitates the acquisition of measured values.

[0263] The exemplary embodiment of the Figure 16 Figure 101 shows an arrangement 101 of a pressure sensor 30 and a measuring device 38, 39. These two elements 30, 38, 39 are provided by separate components 92a, 92b. However, they are electronically and / or signal-wise connected to each other. In this way, they form a kind of common component 40. This is indicated by the dashed frame in the Figure 16 to express it.

[0264] In the embodiment according to Figure 16The pressure sensor 30 and the measuring device 38, 39 are provided by separate units 92a, 92b. Unit 92a comprises a first connection point 63a1 and a first connection point 63b1.

[0265] The second construction unit 92b comprises a first interchange 63a2 and a second interchange 63b2.

[0266] The two components 92a and 92b are connected in series. They are thus successively subjected to flow along the direction indicated by the arrows. They therefore form a serial arrangement according to the invention.

[0267] The arrangement 101 is therefore such that the two building units 92a, 92, are arranged adjacent to each other, in particular are arranged directly adjacent to each other.

[0268] Arrangement 101 comprises 40 units in relation to a construction unit according to Fig. 13the advantage that pressure sensor 30 and measuring device 38, 39 can be provided by two separately manufactured elements.

[0269] Furthermore, advantageously, the two construction units 92a, 92b comprise at least one common processor 46c and / or one common computing unit 46c, so that common electronic components can be used in any case.

[0270] The pressure sensors 30 of the embodiments of the Figures 12-16 Each dosing device can be configured with 10 units according to the embodiments shown in the Figures 1-11 be used.

[0271] The examples of implementation of Figure 7 and 8 Further embodiments of the dosing devices according to the invention are shown in Figure 10.

[0272] The special feature here is that several switching devices 70a, 70b, 70c are arranged downstream of a second mixing distribution device 51; these can, for example, be formed by ball valves. Each switching device is assigned a motor drive 73a, 73b, 73c, which can be addressed by a control unit 74. The switching devices 70a, 70b, 70c are connected to the target devices 13a, 13b, 13c.

[0273] The control unit 74 can control a separate flushing pump 68, which is designated as a dosing pump, separate from the peristaltic pump 11. The flushing pump 68 can be connected to a flushing medium reservoir 67'. The reservoir 67' can be equipped with its own pipe separation device 48a.

[0274] The flushing pump 68 can be powerful and can also bridge long cable routes between the switching devices 70a, 70b, 70c and the target devices 13a, 13b, 13c.

[0275] Regarding the basic function and operation of the dosing devices, as described in the Figure 7 and 8 To avoid repetition, reference is made to DE 10 2024 131 759 A1, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated into the content of the present patent application.

[0276] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 7 A separate pressure sensor 30a, 30b, 30c can be arranged downstream of each switching device 70a, 70b, 70c.

[0277] The invention also includes, if instead of the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 7 , an arrangement of the three pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c in the line sections 12e, 12f, 12g between the second mixing distribution device 51 and the switching devices 70a, 70b, 70c is provided.

[0278] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a metering device 10 according to the invention, which also has a flushing pump 68 separate from the metering pump 69. Here, the pressure sensor 30 is arranged between the two mixing distribution devices 18 and 51.

[0279] Fig. 9 Figure 78 shows in a block diagram-like representation an embodiment of a device 78 according to the invention, with which an analysis of measurement data can be carried out.

[0280] The device 78 comprises a communication module 80, a computing unit 77, and a memory 79.

[0281] The device 78 can be compared to the embodiments described in the Figures 1 to 8 correspond to the external computer designated with reference 34 or comprise such a computer 34.

[0282] The device 78 communicates via the communication module 80 with the communication modules 72a, 72b, 72c of several different dosing units 10a, 10b, 10c. Via the signal transmission paths shown, which can be wired or wireless, the device 78 receives information from several dosing units 10a, 10b, 10c relating to measured line pressures.

[0283] According to a variant of the invention, the device 78 can contain some or all of the line pressure information directly measured by the connected metering devices 10a, 10b, 10c.

[0284] In one variant of the invention, the device 78 receives from the connected metering devices 10a, 10b, 10c only such information about measured line pressures that can be described as an anomaly or as exceeding or falling below predetermined threshold values.

[0285] Depending on the system design, either all measured information about line pressures can be transmitted by the individual dosing devices 10a, 10b, 10c, or only information about events that have already been characterized as an anomaly or event by the dosing device 10a, 10b, 10c itself, or that have been assessed by the dosing device 10a, 10b, 10c itself as worthy of being communicated to the device 78.

[0286] The device 78 can receive and process the information obtained about measured line pressures via the communication module 80. For this purpose, a processing unit 77 is provided, to which the memory 79 is connected.

[0287] In one variant of the invention, all information obtained from the multiple dosing devices 10a, 10b, 10c can be stored in the memory 79 by the device 78.

[0288] In one embodiment of the invention, the computing unit 77 can compare the information obtained from the different metering devices 10a, 10b, 10c. In this way, the device 78 can, for example, check whether increases in line pressures in the fluid lines are generated solely as a result of the delivery of certain media.

[0289] Such data analyses can also be described as big data analysis.

[0290] For example, if it is determined that a certain increased line pressure is to be expected when pumping a particular medium, a certain measured high line pressure can be assessed as still acceptable in relation to a particular medium as a result of data analysis and a comparison of measured line pressures with each other to be carried out by the computing unit 77, possibly also by referring to information stored in the memory 78.

[0291] Furthermore, a data analysis of all information obtained by the device 78 may, for example, lead to the conclusion that certain types of target devices, e.g. certain makes or models of target devices, may cause certain higher or lower line pressures.

[0292] Furthermore, the data analysis that can be carried out by the device 78 according to the invention can conclude that when a certain target device 13a, 13b, 13c is positioned at a certain vertical height above a dosing device 10a, 10b, 10c, certain typical increases in line pressures are to be expected and are still acceptable.

[0293] The device 78 can take this information and these conclusions into account when assessing whether a dosing unit 10a, 10b, 10c or a target device 13a, 13b, 13c connected to the dosing unit is to be considered abnormal. This allows irregularities in the measured line pressure data to be detected, while also allowing higher measured line pressures to be assessed as still tolerable and acceptable.

[0294] The device 78 advantageously also includes an analysis unit 81. The analysis unit 81 can be part of the computing unit 77 or connected to the computing unit 77.

[0295] The analysis unit 81 can also be arranged at a distance from the device 78. The computing unit 77 can also be connected to the analysis unit 81 for the purpose of data exchange.

[0296] The device 78 can be configured to store setpoints, i.e., information about setpoints, in its memory 79 in a retrievable manner. These setpoints can, for example, include information about line pressures or about ranges of line pressures that can be described as tolerable or acceptable or as lying within an expected range.

[0297] The device 78 can compare the measurement data obtained from the dosing devices 10a, 10b, 10c with these target values. The computing unit 77 can perform a corresponding comparison.

[0298] When checking whether the information received from dosing units 10a, 10b, 10c is within the expected range for the target values, the processing unit 77 can, for example, determine that the measured line pressures at a specific dosing unit, e.g., at dosing unit 10b, are outside an expected range, resulting in a threshold exceedance or an expected value exceedance. The processing unit 77 can then assess or identify dosing unit 10b, from which corresponding information about a measured line pressure was received, as being anomalous.

[0299] Depending on the degree of abnormality, i.e., depending on the degree to which the measured line pressure is exceeded in relation to an expected value that is still considered tolerable, the device 78 can initiate an on-site inspection of this dosing device 10b by a service employee.

[0300] The identification of a dosing device 10a, 10b, 10c as conspicuous particularly includes, according to the invention, the identification of a specific target device 13a, 13b, 13c as conspicuous.

[0301] If a technical employee resolves or appears to resolve the problem at an identified, conspicuous dosing device 10b, the device 78 can determine, by monitoring the information received from this dosing device 10b about the measured line pressures, whether the problem has actually been permanently and properly resolved.

[0302] Centralized provision of measurement data enables centralized data evaluation. This also allows, for example, the use of artificial intelligence and efficient data processing and analysis.

[0303] According to the invention, the computing unit 77 can in particular be configured as an analysis device 81 or as an analysis tool.

[0304] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 9 An analysis tool 81 is connected to the computing unit 77. Analysis tool 81 can be a separate device, such as another computing unit, which computing unit 77 can access, or which accesses computing unit 77. Analysis tool 81 can also be provided by software.

[0305] The analysis tool 81 can also be part of the computing unit 77 and integrated into it.

[0306] The analysis tool 81 can also operate or be arranged on a device located at a distance from the device 78. In the latter case, the device 78 is advantageously connected to the analysis tool 81.

[0307] Figure 10 A characteristic curve field is shown in a schematic, diagram-like graph.

[0308] The X-axis shows the control voltage of a pump, and the Y-axis shows the current delivery rate of the pump.

[0309] It can be seen that the pump's delivery rate increases with increasing control voltage.

[0310] The diagram shows different characteristic curves for different components in the fluid piping system downstream of the outlet of the metering device 10 of the exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 Prevailing and measured line pressures are shown.

[0311] One can also see the characteristic curve designated with reference numeral 83 for a pressure of 0 bar prevailing in the fluid piping system and the characteristic curve designated with reference numeral 84 for a measured pressure of 6 bar.

[0312] Between the two characteristic curves 83 and 84 there are countless other characteristic curves, for back pressures between 0 bar and 6 bar, which are not shown individually.

[0313] The diagram is to be understood as follows: In the case that there is a pressure of 0 bar in the fluid line system, the pump 11 of the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1 Thus, since pump 11 can pump a medium without any back pressure, it has a delivery rate of approximately 0.70 I / min at a set control voltage of, for example, 3 V.

[0314] However, if pump 11 has to work against a back pressure of 6 bar at the same set control voltage of 3 V, the delivery rate of pump 11 would be significantly reduced, to about 0.35 I / min.

[0315] The diagram of Figure 10 This makes it clear that with typical pumps 11, especially diaphragm pumps or peristaltic pumps, an increased line pressure is accompanied by a reduction in the delivery capacity of the pump 11.

[0316] Does the pressure sensor 30 of the exemplary embodiment receive Figure 1For example, if the system receives information that the line pressure is 6 bar, it can forward this information to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 can then initiate measures to compensate for the measured back pressure, either directly or via a compensation device 82.

[0317] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 11 A compensation device 82 is connected to the control unit 14 via a signal line 17p.

[0318] The compensation device 82 can, for example, access tabulated stored values ​​or characteristic curve fields or other information and determine, for example, that in order to maintain the desired delivery rate of 0.7 l / min at the measured line pressure of 6 bar, the control voltage would have to be increased to 5.5 V or to an even higher control voltage in order to maintain or almost maintain the desired delivery rate of the pump 11 despite the prevailing line pressure of 6 bar.

[0319] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 11 The compensation facility 82 is trained and able to do so.

[0320] The compensation device 82, in cooperation with the control unit 14, can control the pump 11 accordingly, for example with an increased control voltage, in order to adjust the delivery rate of the pump 11 to the desired range or to the desired value.

[0321] Alternatively – and / or additionally – the compensation device 82, particularly in cooperation with the control unit 14, can cause the delivery time of the pump 11 to be increased. Thus, the requested medium is delivered for a longer period, taking into account the reduced delivery rate of the pump 11. This ensures that the required delivery rates of the medium can be precisely maintained.

[0322] The compensation device 82 can therefore use information about an increased line pressure, particularly when a first threshold value is detected or exceeded, to initiate appropriate measures to compensate for the reduction in the delivery rate of the pump 11. These measures can include increasing the delivery rate of the pump 11 and / or extending the delivery time.

[0323] These measures can also be combined.

[0324] The measures may be of a different nature or vary depending on the media being promoted.

[0325] In the event that the control unit 14 detects via pressure sensor 30 that a second threshold value of the line pressure, which is above the first threshold value, has been reached or exceeded, the measures described above can be initiated, including a reduction in the delivery rate in order to avoid the risks of damage to the fluid line system described above.

[0326] The compensation device 82, which in the embodiment of the Figure 11 As illustrated, this can also be achieved within the scope of the invention in any other embodiment of the Figures 1-9 be provided for.

[0327] The compensation device 82 can be a separate device from the controller 14. Alternatively, it can also be integrated into the controller 14. The compensation device 82 can comprise a computing unit or a microprocessor. In particular, it can also include software.

[0328] The compensation device 82 is in particular a component of the metering device 10. The invention also includes situations where the compensation device 82 is arranged at a distance from the metering device 10, but is connected to it.

Claims

1. Metering device (10) for metering and supplying media (26a, 26b, 26c) via fluid lines (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) to at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), in particular to a textile washing machine, comprising a control unit (14), a mixing distribution device (18) with several inlets (22a, 22b, 22c), an outlet (23) and an actuator (24) respondable to the control unit (14), which switches different communication paths between the inlets (22a, 22b, 22c) and the outlet (23) in different positions, wherein the inlets (22a, 22b, 22c) are equipped with containers (25a, 25b, 25c) for the media (26a, 26b, 26c) are connectable, and wherein, as a result of a request command for a medium (26a, 26b, 26c) received from the target device (13a, 13b, 13c), a pump (11, 31) arranged downstream of the outlet (23) can be addressed by the control (14) for pumping the medium (26a, 26b, 26c), wherein in a fluid line section (12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h,12i, 12j, 12k) downstream of the outlet (23) a pressure sensor (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) is arranged and connected to the control unit (14).

2. Dosing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the pressure sensor (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) is arranged downstream of the pump (11, 31), in particular immediately downstream of the pump (11, 31).

3. Dosing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The controller (14) can process information received from the pressure sensor (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) about the line pressure prevailing in the fluid line section (12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k).

4. Dosing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The control unit (14) takes into account information received from the pressure sensor (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) about the line pressure prevailing in the fluid line section (12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k) when controlling the pump (11, 31).

5. Dosing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The control unit (14) initiates a reduction in the delivery rate of the pump (11, 31) when a threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded.

6. Dosing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The control unit (14) initiates a longer delivery time when a threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded due to a change in the delivery capacity of the pump (11, 31).

7. Metering device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatseveral different threshold values ​​for the line pressure can be distinguished from the control unit (14), and that the control unit (14) initiates different reductions in the delivery rate of the pump (11, 31) when different threshold values ​​for the line pressure are detected or exceeded, and / or that several different threshold values ​​for the line pressure can be set by the control unit (14) in relation to different target devices (13a, 13b, 13c) or can be assigned to different target devices (13a, 13b, 13c).

8. Dosing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the control (14) applies a reduction in the delivery rate of the pump (11, 31) depending on a measured line pressure for media delivery and / or for delivery of flushing medium (26a, 26b, 26c).

9. Method for operating a dosing device (10), in particular for operating a dosing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) Receiving a request command for a medium (26a, 26b, 26c) from a target device (13a, 13b, 13c), in particular a textile washing machine, by a controller (14) of the dosing device (10), b) Addressing an actuator (24) of a mixing distribution device (18), which has several inlets (22a, 22b, 22c) and an outlet (23), by the controller (14) in order to switch a communication path between an inlet (22a, 22b, 22c) of the mixing distribution device (18), which is connected to a container (25b) with the selected medium (26b), and the outlet (23) of the mixing distribution device (18), c) Obtaining information about a fluid line section (12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j,12k) the line pressure prevailing downstream of the mixing distribution device (18) by the controller (14) from a pressure sensor (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) arranged in a fluid line section (12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, 12k) downstream of the outlet (23). d) Response of a pump (11, 31) arranged downstream of the outlet (23) of the mixing distribution device (18) by the controller (14) taking into account the received information, in particular reducing the delivery rate of the pump (11, 31) when a threshold value for the line pressure is detected or exceeded, e) Delivery of the medium (26b) in the requested quantity to the target device (13a, 13b, 13c).

10. Methods for inspecting fluid piping systems, in particular for identifying faults or problems in fluid piping systems, characterized bythe following steps: a) Performing a method according to claim 9, b) Storing information about detections or exceedances of threshold values ​​for line pressure, or information about reductions in pump delivery rates (11, 31) carried out, in particular in relation to information about a target device (13a, 13b, 13c) and / or in relation to information about a requested medium (26b), c) Identifying a fluid line path in which a detection or exceedance of a threshold value has occurred and / or identifying a target device in relation to which a detection or exceedance of a threshold value has occurred.

11. Assembly (40) in particular for a metering device (10), comprising a pressure sensor (30) for measuring a line pressure in a fluid piping system and comprising a measuring instrument (38, 39) with which a flow in a fluid piping system can be detected, and / or with which the presence of a medium (26a, 26b, 26c) in a fluid piping system can be detected, wherein the pressure sensor (30, 30a, 30b, 30c) and the measuring instrument (38, 39) are combined to form an assembly (40).

12. Pressure sensor (30), in particular for a metering device (10), in particular for a metering device according to one of claims 1-8, for measuring a line pressure in a fluid line system, comprising a fluid channel (87) which is at least partially bounded by a wall section (85) providing a bending area (88), on the rear side (89) of which a strain gauge element (86) is arranged.

13. Arrangement (101) of a pressure sensor (30), in particular a pressure sensor according to claim 12, for measuring a line pressure in a fluid piping system, in combination with a measuring instrument (38, 39) with which a flow in a fluid piping system can be detected, and / or with which the presence of a medium (26a, 26b, 26c) in a fluid piping system can be detected, wherein the pressure sensor (30) and the measuring instrument (38, 39) are provided by separate units (92a, 92b) which are arranged in series with each other, in particular immediately adjacent to each other.

14. Method for analyzing measurement data obtained during dosing processes by means of a computing unit (77), comprising the following steps: a) Obtaining information by means of a device (78) having a computing unit (77) centrally from a plurality of dosing devices (10a, 10b, 10c), wherein the information relates to measured line pressures in fluid lines in the vicinity of the respective dosing device (10a, 10b, 10c) or in fluid lines arranged downstream of the respective dosing device (10a, 10b, 10c), in particular in the form of information about a threshold pressure exceedance and / or in the form of information about a pressure anomaly that has occurred, b) Comparing the data obtained from the multiple dosing devices (10a, 10b,10c) information obtained by the computing unit (77) with each other and / or with setpoint values ​​or setpoint information for line pressures in fluid lines stored in a memory (79) assigned to the computing unit (77), in particular for the identification of a faulty metering device (10b), c) checking and / or determining the necessity of intervention on a metering device, in particular on a faulty metering device, by the computing unit (77), in particular initiating an on-site inspection of a faulty metering device (10b).

15. Device (78) for analyzing measurement data obtained during dosing processes, wherein the device (78) is configured for centrally receiving information from a plurality of dosing devices (10a, 10b, 10c), wherein the information relates to measured line pressures in fluid lines in the respective dosing device (10a, 10b, 10c) or in fluid lines arranged downstream of the respective dosing device (10a, 10b, 10c), in particular in the form of information about a threshold pressure exceedance and / or in the form of information about a pressure anomaly that has occurred, wherein the device (78) comprises a processing unit (77) with which a comparison of the information obtained from the several dosing devices (10a, 10b, 10c) with each other and / or with setpoint values ​​for line pressures in fluid lines stored in a memory (79) assigned to the processing unit (77). is feasiblewherein, as a result of performing the comparison, a conspicuous dosing device (10b) can be identified by the computing unit (77), and wherein, in particular, a check of the necessity of an intervention on the conspicuous dosing device (10b) can be carried out by the computing unit (77).

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