EP3091114A1 - System for metering media for washing and/or cleaning systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Illustrated and described is, inter alia, a system (10) for metering media (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i) for washing and / or cleaning systems and / or cleaning agent systems, comprising a plurality of metering devices (US Pat. 14a, 14b, 14c), wherein each metering device on the input side with a container (12a, 12b, 12c) or with several different media containing containers, and on the output side with at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), such as washing machine, dishwasher or device for the application or introduction of a cleaning agent, wherein the metering device performs metering processes taking into account predetermined parameters. The special feature is u.a. in that a) each metering device is assigned a control unit (15a) and a memory unit (16a) which can be addressed by the latter, in which metering information can be stored, b) a device (18) for remote data transmission of dosing information is provided, with which a remote transmission of the dosing information can be accomplished in common for the plurality of dosing devices, c) that the device for the purpose of a data Nahübertragung the dosing information with the multiple dosing devices communicatively connected.

Description

System for dosing media for washing and / or cleaning systems u. a.

The invention initially relates to a system for metering media for washing and / or cleaning systems according to the preamble of claim 1.

Dosing devices have been developed and distributed by the applicants for some time.

In professional, commercial washing and cleaning operations usually a plurality of washing machines or dishwashers operated in parallel and fed by such dosing. In particular, it also happens that in a building a plurality of washing machines and a plurality of dishwashers or other cleaning equipment is operated.

Typically, each washing machine or cleaning system, which is generally referred to as a target device in the context of this present patent application, associated with its own metering device. The metering device may comprise, for example, a peristaltic pump or a metering pump. As metering device in the sense of the present patent application, in particular those metering devices which have been developed by the applicants, and which are described, for example, in the German patent applications 10 2011 108 396.4 , or DE 10 2011 119 021.3 , or DE 10 2014 002 560.8 , or DE 10 2011 122 921.7 are described.

In such dosing a plurality of containers is provided on the input side, with different media, for example with different detergents, or detergents or with different detergent ingredients, are filled.

The metering device can accomplish a switchable, communicative connection with one of the different containers and the target device by means of a corresponding control process. A pump ensures that a predetermined amount of medium, that is, a predetermined volume of medium, at a predetermined time of a control program time the target device, ie the washing machine or the dishwasher, is supplied. A successive supply of detergent components from the different containers to the target device, in particular to a arranged in the target device or upstream of this mixing chamber, according to sophisticated washing and cleaning programs, is thus possible.

The metering processes are carried out taking into account predetermined parameters. The parameters may for example be stored in a storage unit in the metering device. Dosing programs can also be stored in the target device. Via a control line corresponding metering signals can be passed to the metering device in this case. Also, with many dosing devices, directly or via an input on the target device by an operator, it is possible to influence the dosing process or the predefined, possibly changeable parameters, and to adjust these if necessary.

The invention relates exclusively to such systems for metering of media, in which the metering devices are arranged separately from the target device, and in particular in the case of a designed as a household washing machine or household dishwasher target device is not an integral part of a Household washing machine or a household dishwasher are. The invention is in particular to systems in which the target device, ie in particular the commercial washing or cleaning system, the separately arranged metering device responds and / or controls and / or where the target device of the separately arranged metering device with a corresponding medium or with several appropriate media is charged.

The invention also includes such systems in which a plurality of target containers are connected to a metering device. Here can be effected by appropriate switching devices, for example, as they are listed in the aforementioned patent applications of the Applicants, controllably controlled in each case a connection of containers to different target devices out.

The invention also relates to a system for metering media for detergent installations. Here, the aiming device can be designed, for example, as a device for applying or for introducing a cleaning agent. For example, in a hospitality business, a device for introducing a cleaning agent into a cleaning solution may be provided for cleaning the hotel rooms in the hotel. For this purpose, z. B. a container for receiving a cleaning agent connected to the metering device, and the metering device, the container with a medium or with a plurality of media, in a predetermined mixing ratio and in a predetermined concentration, optionally in addition to provide and mix with water fill. Such a target device may also be adapted to apply a cleaning agent on a cleaning device to z. B. to moisten a mop for floor cleaning with a suitable detergent solution. For this purpose, a corresponding metering device can be formed and provided.

In systems of the prior art, it is regularly provided that an administration of the parameters for the metering processes takes place in such a way that these parameters are managed either exclusively at the metering device or exclusively at the target device.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to further develop the known, typewritten unverifiable, system according to the preamble of claim 1 such that a simplified and convenient management of dosing information, in particular of parameters for dosing, is possible.

1. a) dass jeder Dosiereinrichtung eine Steuereinheit und eine von dieser ansprechbare Speichereinheit zugeordnet ist, in der Dosierinformationen ablegbar sind,
2. b) dass eine Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung von Dosierinformationen vorgesehen ist, mit der gemeinsam für die mehreren Dosiereinrichtungen eine Fernübertragung der Dosierinformationen bewerkstelligbar ist,
3. c) und dass die Vorrichtung zum Zwecke einer Daten-Nahübertragung der Dosierinformationen mit den mehreren Dosiereinrichtungen in kommunikativer Verbindung steht.

The invention achieves this object with the features of claim 1, and is accordingly characterized

1. a) that each metering device is assigned a control unit and a memory unit that can be addressed by it, in which metering information can be stored,
2. b) that a device for data remote transmission of dosing information is provided, with which a remote transmission of the dosing information can be accomplished together for the plurality of dosing devices,
3. c) and that the device for the purpose of a data-Nahübertragung the dosing information with the multiple dosing devices communicatively connected.

The principle of the invention is essentially to provide a system comprising a plurality of metering devices. This was already not the case in the prior art, since one could not speak of a real system. In the prior art finds a Venivaltung the parameters for the metering processes in each case in the metering device or in the target device instead.

A management of parameters for dosing processes in a system in which several dosing devices are combined is not known in the prior art.

According to the invention, each metering device is assigned a control unit and a storage unit. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit and / or the storage unit is an integral part of the metering device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit and / or the storage unit is arranged on a separate component from the metering device, but operatively connected to the metering device.

Dosing information can be stored in the storage unit. The memory unit can be addressed by the control unit, that is, the control unit can fall back on the data stored in the memory unit, ie the dosing information. It can also store changed dosing information which the control unit has either automated or obtained by means of a user setting in the memory unit.

According to the invention, a device for remote data transmission of dosing information is further provided.

The device allows remote transmission of dosing information from an external computer to the device, and / or from the device to the external computer. Particularly advantageous is a bidirectional remote transmission of the dosing information can be accomplished. It is essential that the device for remote data transmission together for the multiple dosing a Data telecontrol can accomplish. It is sufficient in this respect to provide only a single device for data remote transmission for the plurality of metering devices. This allows the provision of a system at a low cost. In particular, it is not necessary to design each individual metering device with a device for remote data transmission.

The device for remote data transmission is arranged stationary. It is located in particular in the immediate vicinity of the also stationary arranged dosing, especially in the same room in which the metering devices are arranged, and / or in the same building in which the metering devices are arranged, or in the same factory, or on the same factory site on which the metering devices are arranged.

In contrast, the external computer is very far away from the device for remote data transmission, for example, several kilometers, or at an even greater distance.

As a device for remote data transmission, for example, in the context of the present invention, a device may be referred to, which has a GSM module. This can be done a telephone or data transfer to an external computer. In particular, this enables bi-directional data transmission from the device to an external computer or from the external computer to the device. As a device for remote data transmission, a device is referred to, which has an Internet connection. Any other communication interface, such as any other suitable communication module, which is suitable for performing a remote data transmission, according to the invention may be provided on the device for remote data transmission.

A data remote transmission according to the present patent application allows a transmission of dosing information over virtually arbitrary large distances over a suitable data network. The external computer with which the device for remote data transmission can communicate for remote data transmission can, for example, be arranged centrally for all dosing devices of a manufacturer, or centrally for all dosing devices of a company which operates, for example, several systems.

According to the invention, the device for data remote transmission for the purpose of a data-Nahübertragung the dosing information with the multiple dosing devices communicatively connected. Data near transmission refers to data transmission within very short distances, typically within a building, typically within a few meters, but preferably within less than 100 meters. For example, the data near-transmission between the device and the dosing devices connected to it can take place via conventional near-transmission standards such as W-LAN, Bluetooth, or LAN. In that regard, the communication between the device and the individual metering devices can be accessed using inexpensive and commercially available communication interfaces or communication modules or communication modules.

In contrast, the communication modules designed substantially more expensively, such as, for example, a GSM module, which are required to effect a data remote transmission of dosing information, are arranged in the system only once, namely in the device.

Thus, it is possible to provide a very slim architecture of a network of metering devices to provide a system that allows metering information to be transferred from an external computer to the individual metering devices, as well as from the individual metering devices to an external, central computer in a very efficient, convenient manner ,

The device for remote data transmission is in particular designed to manage the dosing information from the dosing devices connected to it or for the dosing devices connected to them.

The device for remote data transmission is in particular further configured to manage the dosing devices connected to it. For this purpose, recourse can be had to known or proprietary addressing systems and protocols, as well as to known or proprietary address allocation methods.

The plurality of metering devices can be connected to the device for remote data transmission, for example in the manner of a central, star-like circuit, or alternatively in the manner of a series connection, or a ring circuit, or alternatively in the manner of a bus system.

The inventively proposed management of the individual metering devices or the metering information from or for the individual metering devices by the device for remote data transmission allows, for example, targeted addressing, assignment and forwarding certain metering information, which has received the device for remote data transmission from the external computer , to individual metering devices. On the other hand, the device can receive the received from the individual metering devices Also allocate dosing information, store it in an orderly manner, and, for example, send it en bloc to the external computer. There, a corresponding assignment can then be achieved.

As dosing information according to the present patent application, for example, the predetermined, changeable parameters for dosing processes are referred to. For example, parameters changed via the remote data transmission device from an external computer may be received. For example, when developing new detergents or ingredients that enable or require special metering parameters, or when new knowledge about the use or dosage of the media is to be disclosed, a corresponding change in parameters can be centrally made by an external computer Device for remote data transmission to the individual metering devices are transmitted.

For example, systems can be provided at the individual metering devices which can automatically recognize which container is connected to which medium which has just been filled, and possibly also to which level. In this regard, reference may be made, for example, to the German copending patent application DE 10 2014 002 560 A1 the applicant, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in full, also for the purpose of reference to individual features, in the disclosure of the present patent application.

According to the invention, a metering device advantageously also comprises a device for detecting metering information, in particular process data. Such a device may be a direct integral part of the metering device, or externally, that is to say arranged separately from the metering device, and be operatively connected to the metering device. When Metering information in the sense of the invention is in particular considered process data to be detected, for example measured values of the metered volumes or the metered quantities, or variables used in the context of metering processes, such as the pH of the medium, conductivity of the medium, temperature of the medium. The sizes can be recorded for documentation purposes. A detection of these process parameters, which are considered within the scope of the invention as dosing information, can be done by attachments that are associated with the metering device, or by facilities that are an integral part of a metering device.

As dosing information, such process data and parameters are considered, which are detected for example by a device for detecting process data, which is arranged in or on the target device, or is associated with the target device. Thus, for example, the measurement of the conductivity of the wash liquor or liquor in a designed as a textile washing machine target device during the washing process. This information can then be transmitted as dosing information via a corresponding signal line from the target device to the metering device.

As dosing information according to the present patent application, for example, such information is then referred to, which includes data that take into account the dosing processes performed by the dosing devices. Thus, for example, simple quantity measurements can be made in order to determine, for example, which metering device used which medium with which cumulative total quantity or with which frequency or with which regularity or as part of which washing program.

As a result, statistical recordings of the dosing processes can be carried out centrally on an external computer. Also, on this

For example, documentation can be done easily and efficiently.

As metering information in the sense of the present patent application, process events are also referred to, that is to say in particular events which are directly or indirectly related to a metering process. For example, as a process event, the switching on and / or off of a dosing system or the target device and / or its time, the start of a wash program, the occurrence of a specific error on the dosing or on the target device, information on a process variable, such as PH Value of the medium, measured conductivity of the medium and / or temperature of the medium or ambient temperature of the metering device considered. Depending on the location of the measurement, a measured value which has been measured upstream of the metering device or downstream of the metering device or within the metering device is regarded as the process variable in relation to the medium.

The transmission of the dosing information from and / or to the external computer can take place via the device for remote data transmission in a simple and efficient manner.

As dosing information in the sense of the present patent application, for example, information about doses of the medium, as well as information about the number of dosing performed, or information about the Dosierzeitpunkte, or information about the dosing, on the type of media used, as well as information about an operator , which has performed the dosing, be viewed.

The dosing information can also contain location information according to the present patent application. Such location information may include, for example, information about the location of the individual metering devices, or also information about the location of the stationarily arranged device for remote data transmission. Such location information can be individually controlled, possibly also input by a user, transmitted to the external computer. The invention also includes, however, if such location information - for example, using the automatically generated with the use of a GSM module or automatically generated position data - each time then transmitted from the device for remote data transmission to an external computer when a transmission of Dosing information takes place.

The invention therefore also includes when the external computer receives position data as a result of the transmission of dosing information from the device for data remote transmission, for example due to the transmission of a GSM signal, and an assignment to the device for data transmission due to the transmission of this position data. Remote transmission can meet.

The system according to the invention serves for metering media for washing and / or cleaning systems and comprises a plurality of metering devices. For the purposes of the present patent application, the term washing and / or cleaning system is understood in particular to mean a washing machine or dishwashing machine or another cleaning or, for example, disinfection system. Accordingly, with a metering device of a system according to the invention, such a washing and / or cleaning system for the purpose of performing a washing or cleaning process with a medium or successively with a plurality of different media are charged. Of the invention is also included, if with a metering device of a According to the invention system one medium or more media are supplied to a washing or cleaning system to mix or produce cleaning or disinfecting solutions.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for data remote transmission of dosing information on a GSM module and / or an Internet connection. Alternatively, the device has another suitable for a remote data transmission communication module, or a suitable interface on. It is a communication module, which allows data transmission over long distances, in particular more than one kilometer, more particularly of unlimited range.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for remote data transmission and each device connected to this device each metering a communication module and / or a communication interface, which is suitable for data-Nahübertragung. In particular, the communication module or the communication interface can be designed as a W-LAN or LAN or Bluetooth interface. In particular, recourse can be made to commercially available, known communication modules or communication interfaces, as they are in common use. As communication module for data-Nahübertragung any suitable communication module or any suitable communication interface is called, which allows data transmission over short distances of up to a few meters, up to a maximum of about 100 meters. This takes into account that the system according to the invention is intended for use, for example, within a building, and here only short ranges are decisive for the data transmission between the device and the individual metering devices.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, with the device for data remote transmission, a transmission of dosing information from an external computer to the device can be accomplished. In particular, a transmission of parameters for metering processes to the individual metering devices can be accomplished hereby. This offers, for example, the possibility of transmitting dosing information to the individual dosing devices, which comprise parameters for dosing processes. From the external computer, the individual metering processes can be influenced to that extent. For example, certain dosages may be increased or decreased if certain washing or cleaning programs are to be performed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, metering information can be transmitted from the device to an external computer with the device for remote data transmission. In particular, dosing processes can be documented herewith. The media used in the dosing processes, and / or their quantities, and / or their sequence, and / or their times of use and / or locations can be easily and securely documented, archived, and checked if necessary in this way.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device for remote data transmission is adapted to collect metering information that it receives from the individual metering devices, and / or to save, and / or regularly, and / or on request to the external To transmit computers. Thus, the device for remote data transmission not only has a suitable communication module for remote data transmission, but also includes a control unit and / or a storage unit, with which they receive from the metering dosing information manages, in particular taking into account the assignment to the individual metering devices deposits and stores, and subsequently transmitted according to a predetermined format, regularly or on request to the external computer.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is designed to administer the metering devices connected to it and / or the metering information obtained from these and / or the metering information intended for them, or to manage. In particular, the device for remote data transmission can individually address the dosing devices connected to it individually or receive information associated with them from the dosing devices connected to them and record and store them while maintaining or ensuring the assignment and transmit them to the external computer. Also, for example, the device for data remote transmission can sort the dosing information received from an external computer and / or arrange and / or addressed to the individual dispensers. It can thus ensure, for example, that information intended for a particular metering device and obtained from the external computer reaches this particular metering device.

According to an alternative of the invention, the device for remote data transmission in a network of metering devices acts as a master, so to speak, and administers and / or manages the network of metering devices. In the course of exercising this master function of the device for remote data transmission, the dosing information can then also be received by the individual dosing devices or sent by the device for remote data transmission to the individual dosing devices.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device for remote data transmission is not designed as a master of a network of metering devices, but administers and / or manages only the metering information. For this purpose, the device for data remote transmission, for example, active, for example, regularly query or retrieve from the individual metering dosing information obtained. However, the invention also encompasses an embodiment of the system in which the device for data remote transmission, so to speak, passively waits for the corresponding dosing information to be provided by the dosing devices and, as it were, delivered.

Embodiments are also encompassed by the invention in which the remote data transmission device passively receives and actively forwards the information received from an external computer or, alternatively, upon receipt of information from an external computer, only passively holds that information, and upon request individual metering devices, for example, on request of the individual metering devices, dispenses and / or passes on to these metering devices.

Finally, the step of obtaining the dosing information from an external computer by the device for remote data transmission can be active, for example, such that the device for data remote transmission regularly, for example, at predetermined times in an external computer after receiving new dosing requests ,

The invention relates according to a further aspect to a method according to the preamble of claim 10.

The invention has for its object to provide a method with which systems for dosing of media comprising multiple dosing devices can be operated comfortably and efficiently.

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

To avoid repetition, reference may be made to the advantages and descriptions described in relation to claims 1 to 9 with regard to the details and advantages of the method according to the invention.

An essential principle of the method according to claim 10 is that metering information is transmitted from the plurality of metering devices to the device for remote data transmission, and then the metering information obtained from the plurality of metering devices is transmitted from the device for remote data transmission - jointly - to an external computer can. This special data transmission creates a possibility of efficient data collection and remote data transmission. In addition, it can be provided by this method that only a single central device for remote data transmission with a communication module, such as a GSM module, must be configured, which allows a data remote transmission.

Finally, in another aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 11.

Again, the object of the invention is to specify a method with which a system for metering media for washing or cleaning systems, which comprises a plurality of metering devices, can be operated efficiently and conveniently.

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

Again, to avoid repetition regarding the advantages and the meaning of the features of this claim, reference may be made to the claims cited to claims 1 to 10 and the description thereof relating to the features.

The principle of the method according to claim 11 consists essentially in that dosing information from an external computer to a device for remote data transmission - collected - are transmitted, and then transferred dosing information from the device to a first metering device and from the device to a second metering device or can be transmitted. In that regard, it is sufficient if a central common transmission of dosing information from an external computer only to the device, which then sends this information either in a kind of broadcast method to all connected dosing, or, specifically addressed, sent to individual dosing.

The transmission of these metering information to the connected metering devices can be actively accomplished or operated by the device for remote data transmission or passive, on request of individual metering devices.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems in einer schematischen, blockschaltbildartigen Ansicht, mit einer Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung, an die drei Dosiereinrichtungen angeschlossen sind, die jeweils mit einem Zielgerät in Form einer schematisch dargestellten Waschmaschine verbunden sind,

Fig. 2

in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems, bei dem an die Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung wiederum drei Dosiereinrichtungen angeschlossen sind, die gegenüber der Sternschaltung in Fig. 1 nun in Reihe geschaltet sind, und

Fig. 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1, bei dem drei Dosiereinrichtungen über eine drahtlose Nah-Kommunikationsverbindung mit der Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung verbunden sind.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the non-cited subclaims and with reference to the following descriptions of the embodiments illustrated in the figures. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a system according to the invention in a schematic, block diagram-like view, with a device for remote data transmission, are connected to the three metering devices, which are each connected to a target device in the form of a schematically illustrated washing machine,

Fig. 2

in a representation according to Fig. 1 a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, in which three dosing devices are connected to the device for remote data transmission again, with respect to the star connection in Fig. 1 are now connected in series, and

Fig. 3

a further embodiment of a system according to the invention in a representation according to Fig. 1 in which three metering devices are connected via a wireless local communication link to the remote data transmission device.

Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For reasons of clarity, identical or comparable parts or elements or regions with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of small letters, are also referred to - even if different embodiments are involved.

Features that are described only with respect to an embodiment can be provided in the context of the invention in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are - even if they are not shown in the drawings - of the invention with included.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application, the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application) and the cited references and the described devices of the prior art are hereby incorporated in full, also for the purpose of one or more features of these documents in one or more Claims of the present application to include.

The different embodiments of a system according to the invention for metering media for washing and / or cleaning systems are designated in their entirety by 10 in the figures.

evidenced Fig. 1 is shown in a schematic, block diagram-like representation of a first embodiment.

The system 10 of Fig. 1 comprises a device 18 for remote data transmission, to which three metering devices 14a, 14b and 14c are connected. The metering device 14a comprises in the embodiment of Fig. 1 an input disk 26a with exemplified three terminals 30a, 30b, 30c and an output disk 27a with an output terminal 31. The two disks 26a, 27a can be rotated relative to each other about an axis of rotation 32 indicated only schematically, so that either one of the three input terminals 30a , 30b, 30c can be communicated with the output 31. It is also a relative rotational position of the discs 26a, 27a possible in which any communicative connection between the inputs 30a, 30b, 30c and the output 31 is locked.

With regard to the constructive details of a metering device 14a, 14b, 14c, reference may be made to the applicant's patent applications mentioned in the introduction.

A metering device 14a with two rotatable discs 26a, 27a is to be understood merely by way of example, as an exemplary embodiment. For the use of a system according to the invention, any types of metering devices come into consideration, regardless of their structural design.

As a metering device 14a, 14b, 14c in the context of the present patent application, each device is considered, the input side is connected to at least one container, and the output side is connected to at least one target container, and the specific volume of a liquid medium at a given time to the target device can deliver.

The metering device 14a of the embodiment of Fig. 1 Input side is connected to three separate containers 12a, 12b, 12c via connecting lines 23a, 23b, 23c, which are each filled with different media 11 a, 11 b, 11 c. For example, these may be different detergents or cleaning agents or detergent ingredients.

For example, a pump 17a may be provided downstream of the metering device 14a. Via the connecting line 23d, the metering device 14a, in particular its output 31, connected to a target device 13a. In the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 to 3 are shown as target devices 13a, 13b, 13c exclusively washing machines for textile washing.

However, the invention also encompasses other target devices, for example dishwashers, or other cleaning systems or washing systems.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 is connected to the three metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c each have a target device 13a, 13b, 13c connected. The invention also includes systems in which a plurality of target containers 13 are connected to one or more metering devices 14.

Each metering device 14a, 14b, 14c, after setting a washing or cleaning program according to predetermined parameters at predetermined times for the provision of a corresponding communicative connection between input terminal 30a, 30b, 30c and the output 31 provide, and by responding to the pump 17a corresponding, predetermined Feed metered quantities of medium to the target device 13a, 13b, 13c. An adjustment of the washing program can be made, for example, by a program selector switch 33 on the washing machine 13a. The washing machine 13a may be connected thereto by means of a control device provided thereon via a signal or control line (not shown in the figures) to the metering device 14a.

At the metering device 14a is provided in the figures only indicated control unit 15a, which ensures a corresponding sequence of dosing at the predetermined times. A memory unit 16a, which in turn is only indicated, and which can also be integrally formed with the control unit 15a, as indicated, that is, provided by a single component, can store metering parameters.

The control unit 15a may receive and manage metering information from a later-described device 18. It can also write or store metering information in the storage unit 16a via metering processes carried out by this metering device 14a. Finally, the control unit 15a is also able to communicate metering information located in the storage unit 16a to the device 18.

The metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c are in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 formed analogous to each other, so that are appended to distinguish the reference numerals only other small letters.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 the device 18 for data remote transmission via a kind of star connection with the aid of individual communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c with the individual metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c is connected. The device 18 can bidirectionally exchange dosing information with the dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c via the communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c.

The device 18 also has a memory 28 in which metering information can be stored. It also includes a communication module 21, in the present case the embodiment of Fig. 1 a GSM module to thereby communicate wirelessly with an external computer 19. On the computer 19 is shown - only schematically - a screen 20 with an input option.

The device 18 can receive from the external computer 19 wireless dosing information in the context of a data remote transmission, and transmit to this.

The distance between the device 18 and the external computer 19 can be very large, and can be, for example, several kilometers. The patent application refers to this data transmission as data remote transmission.

For clarification only, it should be noted that in all embodiments of this patent application, the data remote transmission is wireless. From the invention but also embodiments are included, in which the data Femübertragung is wired.

Finally, it should be noted for clarification that the data-remote transmission between the stationarily arranged device 18 for remote data transmission and the external computer 19 over very long ranges, in particular over ranges of more than 100 meters, in particular of several kilometers takes place. However, this of course also embodiments of the invention in which between the stationary device 18 for remote data transmission and a base station of the GSM network, not shown in the figures, only small distances are present because, for example, at random, in the immediate vicinity of stationarily arranged device 18 for remote data transmission, also a base station of a GSM network is located. Even in the latter case, the connected to the GSM network computer 19, which of course also in the FIGS. 1 to 3 has not shown GSM counter module, or is connected to such a GSM counter module, far from the device 18 arranged.

On the other hand, communication between the device 18 and the individual metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c is referred to as data near transfer. The entire system 10, including all metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c of the target devices 13a, 13b, 13c and the remote data transmission device 18 are within a building, represented by a dashed line 25.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the dashed line 25 in FIG Fig. 1 a site or plant or room of a building.

The communication modules in the device 18 and in the dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c or the corresponding communication interfaces which enable data local transmission are referred to as near-communication modules 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d or as near-communication interfaces 29a, 29b, respectively. 29c, 29d.

For clarification, it should be noted that by the device 18 with the aid of the remote communication module 21 and / or the memory 28 and / or arranged on the device 18, but not shown in the figures, another control unit, a management of the device 18 connected metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c can be done.

• Über die Eingabemöglichkeit an dem Bildschirm 20 des externen Computers 19 werden in einer ersten Variante Steuerungsbefehle für Dosierinformationen oder unmittelbar Dosierinformationen eingegeben, um Dosierinformationen von einem in Fig. 1 nicht dargestellten, mit dem externen Computer 19 aber wirkverbundenen GSM-Gegenmodul zu der Vorrichtung 18 zu übertragen. Dort werden die Dosierinformationen für die an die Vorrichtung 18 angeschlossenen Dosiereinrichtungen 14a, 14b, 14c verwaltet. Die Dosierinformationen, die die Vorrichtung 18 von dem externen Computer 19 über Daten-Fernübertragung erhalten hat, werden nun zum Beispiel gleichzeitig oder sukzessive an alle angeschlossenen Dosiereinrichtungen 14a, 14c, 14c, oder gezielt an einige, das heißt, adressiert, an bestimmte Dosiereinrichtungen 14a, 14b, 14c über die Nah-Kommunikationsleitungen 24a, 24b, 24c weitergeleitet. Eine Übermittlung der Dosierinformationen kann durch die Vorrichtung zur Daten-Fernübertragung 18 aktiv erfolgen, oder passiv, auf Anforderung einer oder mehrerer Dosiereinrichtungen 14a, 14b, 14c. Beispielsweise können die erhaltenen, übermittelten Dosierinformationen die Information enthalten, dass ein bestimmtes Medium von den Dosiereinrichtungen zukünftig in einer geringeren oder höheren Dosierung - als bisher vorgesehen - verwendet werden soll. Entsprechend kann ein - neuer, geänderter - Dosierparameter an alle Dosiereinrichtungen 14a, 14b, 14c versandt werden, so dass die einzelnen Dosiereinrichtungen 14a, 14b, 14c in einem späteren Dosierprozess diesen geänderten Parameter berücksichtigen können.

The operation of the system 10 according to the invention of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is as follows:

• Via the input option on the screen 20 of the external computer 19, control commands for dosing information or direct dosing information are input in a first variant in order to supply dosing information from an in Fig. 1 not shown, but operatively connected to the external computer 19 GSM counter module to the device 18 to transmit. There, the dosing information for the metering devices 14a, 14b connected to the device 18, 14c managed. The dosing information that the device 18 has received from the external computer 19 via data remote transmission is now, for example, addressed simultaneously or successively to all connected dosing devices 14a, 14c, 14c, or specifically to some, that is, to certain dosing devices 14a , 14b, 14c are forwarded via the local communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c. A transmission of the dosing information can take place actively by the device for remote data transmission 18, or passively, at the request of one or more dosing devices 14a, 14b, 14c. By way of example, the dosing information obtained can contain the information that a specific medium is to be used by the dosing devices in future in a lower or higher dosage than previously provided. Accordingly, a new, changed metering parameter can be sent to all metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c so that the individual metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c can take account of these changed parameters in a later metering process.

In a second variant of the invention, metering information, for example information about consumption quantities of media, is transmitted from the individual metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c via the local communication lines 24a, 24b, 24c to the device 18, and there in the memory 28 stored. At a later time, for example, at the request of the external computer 19, or also regularly at predetermined times, or after predetermined intervals, this information is collected and transmitted to the external computer 19. There, this information can then be evaluated and processed.

The embodiment of Fig. 2 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 , Here is in contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1 no star-shaped network architecture is provided between the individual metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c and the device 18, but here the metering devices 14a, 14b, 14c connected in series in the manner of a - not closed - ring line.

A transmission of dosing information, for example, from the metering device 14c of Fig. 2 to the device 18 is carried out by transmitting the information via the local communication line 24c to the metering device 14b, from there via the local communication line 24b to the metering device 14a, and finally from there via the local communication line 24a to the device for data transmission. Remote transmission 18. This allows the total assembly and cabling costs are kept low.

Another embodiment finally shows Fig. 3 , Here, the near-communication links are wirelessly ensured by respective near-communication modules 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. These can be designed, for example, according to the W-LAN or Bluetooth standard. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 and 2 the near-end communication links are realized by resorting to known wired standards such as LAN or other bus systems.

Of the invention are - this is the sake of completeness noted - as targeting devices also includes dishwashers and other washing or cleaning equipment. Systems according to the invention may also comprise different types of targeting devices, for example textile washing machines and dishwashers.

It should be noted that as target devices in a system according to the invention, for example, also devices for applying a cleaning agent, eg. B. for applying a cleaning solution to a Cleaning device, such. As a mop for floor cleaning, can be included. As target devices but also devices for introducing a cleaning agent, for. B. in a designated container, together with water and / or other media, in particular for the purpose of mixing or providing a detergent solution or a disinfectant solution may be provided.

Claims (11)

System (10) for metering media (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i) for washing and / or cleaning equipment and / or cleaning equipment, comprising a plurality of metering devices (14a , 14b, 14c), wherein each metering device on the input side with a container (12a, 12b, 12c) or with several different media containing containers, and on the output side with at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), such as washing machine, dishwasher or device for Application or introduction of a cleaning agent, is connected, wherein the metering device performs taking into account predetermined parameters dosing processes,
characterized, a) that each metering device is assigned a control unit (15a) and a memory unit (16a) which can be addressed by the latter, in which metering information can be stored, b) that a device (18) for remote data transmission of dosing information is provided, with which a remote transmission of the dosing information can be accomplished in common for the plurality of dosing devices, c) and that the device for the purpose of a data-Nahübertragung the dosing information with the multiple dosing devices communicatively connected. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a communication module for remote data transmission, in particular a GSM module (21) and / or an Internet connection. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device and each metering device, a communication module (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) for data near transmission and / or a communication interface (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) for data Nahübertragung, in particular designed as a WLAN or LAN or Bluetooth interface. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (18) for remote data transmission, a transmission of dosing information from an external computer (19) to the device can be accomplished, in particular for the purpose of transmitting parameters for dosing to the individual metering devices. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the device for data remote transmission, a transmission of dosing information from the device (18) to an external computer (19) can be accomplished, in particular for the purpose of documenting dosing. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the metering information transmitted by the device (18) to the individual metering devices (14a, 14b, 14c) comprises parameters for metering processes. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the of the individual metering devices (14a, 14b, 14c) to the device (18) metering information includes data that take into account the dosing processes performed by the metering devices. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (18) collects dosing information obtained from the dosing devices, and / or stores, and / or regularly transmits to an external computer, or transmits on request to an external computer. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device to the them via a communication module (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) for data-Nahübertragung and / or a communication interface (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) for Data-Nahübertragung connected dosing managed and / or managed, and managed in particular for this purpose address information about the individual metering devices. Method for operating a system (10) for metering media (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i) for washing or cleaning installations (13a, 13b, 13c) and / or cleaning agent installations, which comprises a plurality of metering devices (14a, 14b, 14c), wherein each of the plurality of metering devices has on the input side a plurality of different media-containing containers (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i), and on the output side at least a target device (13a, 13b, 13c), such as a washing machine, dishwashing machine or device for applying or introducing a cleaning agent, wherein the metering device can perform metering processes taking into account predetermined parameters, characterized by the following steps: i) transmitting dosing information from a first dosing device (14a) to a device (18) for remote data transmission, ii) transmitting metering information from a second metering device (14b) to the remote data transfer device (18), iii) transmitting the metering information received from the two metering devices from the remote data transfer device (18) to an external computer (19). Method, in particular according to claim 10, for operating a system (10) for metering media (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i) for washing or cleaning installations (13a, 13b, 13c) and / or detergent installations, which comprises a plurality of metering devices (14a, 14b, 14c), wherein each of the plurality of metering devices has, on the input side, a plurality of different media-containing containers (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, 12h, 12i), and on the output side with at least one target device (13a, 13b, 13c), such as washing machine, dishwasher or apparatus for applying or introducing a cleaning agent, connected, wherein the metering device, taking into account predetermined parameters can perform dosing, characterized by the following Steps: I) transmitting dosing information for a plurality of dosing devices from an external computer (19) to a device (18) for remote data transmission, II) transmitting metering information from the device (18) to a first metering device (14a), III) Transferring metering information from the device (18) to a second metering device (14b).

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