EP1321561A2 - Device and method for dosing a detergent paste - Google Patents

Abstract

The device is used for dosing pasty products, in particular pasty detergents, for sucking in the pasty product and for mixing with a liquid solvent, in particular water, by means of an injector (13, 15; 21). The device has a paste feed channel (6) to the injector suction chamber (15) into which a solvent inlet channel (7) opens, an outlet line (19) for the paste connected to the outlet of the injector (13, 15; 21) Solvent mixture, a shut-off element (8) for opening and closing the solvent inlet channel (7) and a shut-off element (14) for opening and closing the paste feed channel (6), the shut-off elements (8, 14) being independent of one another are to be operated. This provides a way of rinsing the injector and the lines and devices connected to the outlet of the injector, in particular the metering hose and the conductivity electrodes, but the advantage of the double control piston arrangement, namely that the paste feed channel is cleaned automatically by the piston movement, is maintained and the paste feed channel is automatically shut off when the metering device is inoperative.

Description

The invention relates to a device for dosing pasty products, in particular of pasty detergents, for sucking in the pasty product and for mixing with a liquid solvent, especially water, by means of an injector, with a paste feed channel to the injector suction chamber, in which opens a solvent inlet channel, with one with the outlet of the Injector connected outlet line for the paste-solvent mixture, with a shut-off device for opening and closing the solvent inlet channel and with a shut-off device for opening and closing the paste feed channel.

It is known to use paste-like detergents in commercial laundries use a number of advantages over powder detergents exhibit.

A corresponding detergent is described in EP 0 295 525 A1 (Henkel KGaA) proposed. It is a pasty detergent, the special Handling requirements for dosing and mixing with Provides water as a solvent. For the metered feeding and mixing in this publication a person working on the principle of the water jet pump Injector with integrated shut-off valve proposed. As a detection device the metered amount of paste is a measuring arrangement based on conductivity measurements disclosed.

A metering device of the type mentioned at the beginning is described in WO 98/15682 A1 (Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG). The water is used here Operating the injector working on the principle of a water jet pump, to create the necessary vacuum so that detergent paste is sucked in and is mixed with the water. The water pressure also serves to Convey the paste-solvent mixture obtained to the place of use, in in this case to a commercial washing machine.

The entire structure of such a metering device together with the Storage containers for the pasty product are described in detail in WO 99/12816 A1 (Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG) and shown in the figures.

Finally, DE 197 51 154 A1 (Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG) shows one another embodiment of the metering device for pasty products. The Product inlet of the dosing device is equipped with a cutting element, which pierce the outlet spout of the storage container and thus can open the storage container.

The commissioning of the injector of the known metering devices, that is Release and closure of the solvent inlet channel and the paste feed channel takes place hydraulically-mechanically. If paste is to be added, see above presses the water flowing into the injector onto one of them via hydraulic channels Disc. A bolt is attached to the disc, which is due to its movement cleans the injector and in particular the paste feed channel and with at its upper end the paste feed channel when the Dosage keeps free of the pasty product. This bolt also serves as Control piston for releasing and closing the paste feed channel. Did he Bolt due to the pressure of water, which the disc against the force presses down on a compression spring and reaches its lowest position Paste feed channel open. A shut-off valve opens at about the same time Solvent inlet channel and the inflowing water can through the Flow injector and create a vacuum at the upper open end, which the Paste sucks into the injector via the paste feed channel. In the event of an interruption dosing, the inlet channel for the water is closed and the bolt moves upwards under the force of the compression spring mentioned its upper position, with its upper end extending into the paste feed channel moves in and closes it.

This arrangement is in the prior art as a double control piston arrangement trained, because on the disc mentioned is a second piston to open and closing the solvent inlet passage which is said Shut-off device for the solvent inlet channel forms. That way ensures that the paste feed channel is only open when there is water flows through the injector with sufficient pressure.

One consequence of this double control piston arrangement is that Solvent inlet channel and the paste feed channel only more or less can be opened and closed at the same time. It is not possible to Open the solvent inlet channel without opening the paste feed channel is opened.

This known metering device works satisfactorily under many conditions and trouble-free, but there is still room for improvement in some points.

In practice, the outlet line is usually designed as a hose. On Hang this dosing hose between the injector and the washing machine can lead to a backflow of the product, especially the pasty Components of the mixture, in the metering line and thus to product deposits within the sagging hose at its lowest point ("Bellies") so that the free diameter of the hose is always more reduced until the hose is finally blocked and clogged. The Incoming water can then through the injector into the storage container for the flow pasty product so that the total water pressure of typically presses about 2 bar onto the thin plastic container wall and can open this wall.

The same problem can arise if the injector is left of product residue is blocked. The pasty detergents mentioned often have that Property that when the paste comes into contact with water without sufficient Mixing a gel-like product is formed, which over time is getting harder. Such crystallization or hardening can result in a Blockage of the injector outlet, so that it continues in this case water flowing into the storage container with the mentioned disadvantageous Follow flows.

To detect the metered amount of paste is in the known metering devices a measuring arrangement based on conductivity measurements known. If the dosing device over a longer period of time, e.g. B. longer than 5 days, not operated, it can lead to deposits of the pasty detergent on the Conductivity electrodes come. An inaccurate measurement and therefore one the result is inaccurate dosing.

Finally, to operate the known metering devices is a dynamic one Minimum water pressure of typically around 1.5 bar is required to drive the disc mentioned double control piston assembly against the pressure of the spring in the Bring open position. In some cases, however, it is desired that Dosing device even with dynamic water pressures lower than about 1.5 to operate in cash.

Finally, it is also desirable to have devices arranged behind the injector to be able to rinse with clear water. This is also with the Known metering devices are not necessary, since there is always a water flow the pasty product is also sucked into the injector and thus conveyed.

The invention is therefore based on the object in a metering device type mentioned a way to rinse the injector and the lines and devices connected to the outlet of the injector, in particular the dosing tube and the conductivity electrodes, the dosing device even at arbitrarily small dynamic water pressures to be able to operate, but the advantage of the double control piston arrangement, namely the paste feed channel automatically by the piston movement clean, maintained and with the paste feed channel in the inoperative State of the metering device is shut off automatically, in particular if neither water pressure nor electrical current at the metering device is applied.

This object is achieved in a metering device of the type mentioned solved according to the invention in that the shut-off devices for opening and Closing the solvent inlet channel and opening and closing the Paste feed channel must be operated independently of one another.

In addition to the metering operation of the metering device, both Solvent inlet and the paste feed channel open at the same time and closed at the same time, a cleaning operation is also possible. In In this case the solvent inlet channel is when the paste feed channel is closed open. Rinsing the injector, its outlet line and possibly in the outlet line or other devices arranged thereafter Clear water is easily possible according to the invention.

This also applies if a pump module is connected behind the metering device, which should be rinsed with fresh water from time to time to Avoid accumulation of paste particles in the pump module. This Product residues become hard after a certain time and can become one Block the pump module. According to the invention, this is a safe one Operation of the pump module possible without complex bypasses and Circuits for performing the rinse would be required.

The risk of water in the storage container for the pasty product flows in when the injector or its outlet line is blocked with the further development according to the invention is considerably reduced. Dosing problems too due to imprecise conductivity electrodes can be inventively avoid, because product residues are deposited on the conductivity electrodes can be easily washed away. Even with sagging Dosing hoses eliminate the previous problems, since there are also problems Dosing hoses can be rinsed, for example with every longer one Interruption of dosing operation.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the shut-off device is for opening and closing the paste feed channel as a control piston formed, which is arranged coaxially with the paste feed channel, for closing is movable into this channel and has a through hole which in closed position the flow of solvent through the injector releases.

In this embodiment, a control piston is used as in the known metering device used to close the paste feed channel, but the has a horizontal through-hole, when the paste feed channel is blocked at the level of the injector, so that water or a nonetheless other solvent can flow through the injector. The advantage of the known Dosing device that the paste feed channel simultaneously through the control piston to close this channel when this piston is cleaned moved back and forth is also retained in this embodiment according to the invention. Without the paste being sucked in, water can now flow through the injector and flow its outlet line, so that the desired cleaning effect is achieved.

So that the dosing device even at relatively low dynamic water pressures, which can in particular also be less than 1.5 bar, can be operated, it is further proposed that an electrically actuated unit, in particular a coil is arranged which, when excited, the control piston in the open position against a permanent mechanical force, in particular the power of a spring. Because the control piston is independent of the adjacent Water pressure can be opened, the metering device can also a water supply with a relatively small dynamic water pressure operate. When the dosing device is out of operation, i.e. without power automatically the paste feed channel through the permanent mechanical Force closed, so that an automatic shutoff of the paste feed in the The metering device is out of operation and an uncontrolled one slow dripping or after-running of the paste into the injector with certainty is avoided.

It is also proposed that the shut-off device for opening and closing of the solvent inlet channel as an electrically actuable valve, in particular Solenoid valve, is formed in the solvent inlet channel. In contrast to the prior art, in which a double control piston is provided the solvent inlet channel is not hydraulic-mechanical, but instead Electromechanically open and close, which opens up considerably more possibilities result for the operation of the dosing device.

The possibility according to the invention for rinsing the metering device is particularly advantageous if the outlet line of the injector for the Paste-solvent mixture is connected to a pump unit that is in this case is also rinsable and thus simple and easy Way can be cleaned.

The invention also relates to a method for dosing pasty products, in particular of pasty detergents, using the pasty product one operated with a liquid solvent, especially water Injector sucks from a paste feed channel, the pasty product with the Mixed solvent and the paste-solvent mixture by a Exhaust line of the injector promotes.

The above-mentioned object is achieved here according to the invention by that when the paste feed channel is shut off, the solvent is passed through the The injector and the outlet line flow. So you can use the injector and clean the outlet line easily.

If you also pass the solvent through an outlet line connected pump unit allows this to flow easily Rinse and clean the pump unit, as described above has been explained.

Figur 1

einen Schnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Dosiereinrichtung, wobei der Steuerkolben den Pasten-Zuführkanal schließt,

Figur 2

einen Schnitt durch den unteren Teil einer ähnlichen Dosiereinrichtung wie nach Figur 1, wobei der Steuerkolben sich hier in seiner unteren Stellung befindet und den Pasten-Zuführkanal freigibt, und

Figur 3

eine schematische Übersichtsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Dosiereinrichtung mit einer angeschlossenen Pumpeneinheit.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to drawings. Show it

Figure 1

2 shows a section through a metering device according to the invention, the control piston closing the paste feed channel,

Figure 2

a section through the lower part of a similar metering device as shown in Figure 1, wherein the control piston is here in its lower position and releases the paste feed channel, and

Figure 3

is a schematic overview of a metering device according to the invention with a connected pump unit.

In all drawings, the same reference numerals have the same meaning and may therefore only be explained once.

First of all, the structure and the mode of operation of those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 described schematically illustrated metering devices.

A storage container 1 for the pasty detergent is in the metering device used according to Figure 1. The metering device has a frame on which a dimensionally stable container 2 is fitted, which is equipped with handling handles 3 can be. In this container 2, the storage container 1 for the pasty Detergent set. At the bottom, the container 2 has a central one Provided opening 4 through which an adapter-shaped outlet opening 5 of the Storage container 1 projects into the metering device and there tightly with the Paste feed channel 6 of the metering device can be connected.

FIG. 1 also shows the inlet channel 7 for the solvent coming from the right, which is usually water. This stands with increased pressure and is shut off by the metering device 8 Cut. A 2/2-way shut-off valve has proven particularly suitable for this purpose or tap, which is designed as a solenoid valve and in which only is switched completely open and completely closed between the switching positions.

A piston plate 9 is arranged on a guide plate 10 and in the cylindrical Room 11 axially movable. Below the guide plate 10 is a spring 12 arranged against which the guide plate 10 is axially movable.

The piston rod 29 attached to the underside of the guide plate 10 can by means of an electrical coil 30 downward against the force of the compression spring 12 can be drawn, as exemplified in the figure explained in more detail below 2 is shown. In contrast, if the coil 30 is de-energized, the piston rod is located 29, the guide plate 10 and the piston plate 9 with the arranged thereon and upwardly extending spool 14 in the upper Position in which the paste feed channel 6 through the upper end of the control piston 14 is closed (Figure 1). In this position it is possible to Injector 13, 15 and the downstream lines and devices rinse with fresh water when the solenoid valve 8 enters the water inlet duct 7 opens. According to the invention is namely in the upper region of the Control piston 14 has a through bore which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the injector 13, 15 31 provided. This bore 31 is arranged such that in the uppermost position of the control piston 14 a flow for the from the Water inlet channel 7 flowing water through the injector nozzle 13, the Injector suction chamber 15 and the subsequently arranged measuring section 17 for Outlet line 19 takes place. The ones arranged in the measuring section 17 are also arranged Measuring electrodes 18 cleaned, for conductivity measurement and thus for Determination of the concentration of the pasty detergent in the water serve. If the rinsing process is to be ended, the solenoid valve is simply activated 8 closed again.

Figure 2 shows a slightly modified metering device in the lower position of the control piston 14, which releases the paste feed channel 6, so that the dosing process is possible. Here are the paste feed channel 6 compared to FIG. 1 or designed the opening and the outlet opening differently. Through the 2/2 circuit the shut-off device 8, the water is available after opening the Solenoid valve 8 immediately under full operating pressure, for example below 2.5 bar, and presses through the narrow injector nozzle 13. The injector nozzle 13 is through the cylinder space for the piston 14 through to the injector suction chamber 15 and directed to the coaxial measuring section 17. The relaxing one Water sucks in paste from the paste feed, dissolves the paste and mixes with her. The mixture is injected into the measuring section 17 in which the measuring electrodes 18 arranged at a distance in the flow direction electrical conductivity is measured. The measuring arrangement allows that in the Mixture to precisely record the amount of paste present, so that even in their Concentration of unknown or varying pastes quantified exactly can be. An integration device in a not shown here Control device determines the amount of paste dosed and adds The command to close the system is reached when the target dosing quantity is reached. After that the further transport of the paste-water mixture into the outlet line 19 interrupted.

Finally, FIG. 3 schematically shows a further development of the metering device, for which the configuration according to the invention enables particular advantages. Here too, pasty detergent is made from a storage container 1 of an injector 21, in which water is drawn in via an inlet channel 7 Inflows pressure. The paste-water mixture leaves the injector 21 via a Outlet line 19, which ends freely above a container 22. The outlet pipe 19 runs down its entire length with a slope, so that a Backflow or blockage of the line by remaining paste does not occur can. The drain 23 arranged at the lowest point of the container 22 is over a line connected to a feed pump 24, the paste-water mixture pumps to the commercial washing machine and during the dosing process runs continuously with constant conveying capacity. A two-point control device 25 opens and closes the solenoid valve 8 depending on Bath level of the product solution in container 22. The bath level reaches a maximum 26, a corresponding signal is sent to the control device via a line 25 given, which then closes the solenoid valve 8. Then sinks as a result the still running feed pump 24 the bath level to a minimum 27, the corresponding signal given to the control device 25 leads to that the control device 25 opens the solenoid valve 8 again, so that new Paste-water mixture flows into the container 22.

In this embodiment, the dotted line in FIG edged pump unit 28 except for the control of the solenoid valve 8 no any kind of influence on the operation of the injector 21, so that a fault by the pump unit 28 is excluded.

With the metering device according to Figure 3, the paste-water mixture can arbitrary and arbitrarily high locations are promoted without Faults in the operation of the injector 21 occur. So the pasty Detergent can also be dosed into relatively large washing machines, which, for example, have a loading capacity of more than 30 kg, because the Dosing device can now easily be located below the dosing point of the washing machine to be assembled. Another advantage is the easier handling for the user.

The possibility of rinsing with fresh water can block of the dosing hose connected to the outlet line 9 Product residues that are in the "bellies" of the sagging metering hose can be avoided. So dosing problems arise as a result of No more backlogs of the product solution in the dosing hose.

The main advantages of the invention are summarized below called. Although it comes in contact with common pasty detergents with water can crystallize or harden the product, so that the injector outlet could become clogged, such problems occur with the dosing device according to the invention no longer. With the invention The injector outlet can be easily rinsed out for rinsing become. This also eliminates the risk of water under full pressure flows into the storage container for the detergent.

Since the control piston 14 no longer by the force of the water pressure, but is pulled down in an electromechanical manner by means of a coil 30, In contrast to the prior art, the metering device can also be used for dynamic water pressures of less than 1.5 bar are operated so that the possible area of application of the dosing device has been considerably expanded.

Finally, the measuring electrodes used for the conductivity measurement can be 18 easy to clean. The at longer downtimes of deposits of the pasty detergent that occur for more than 5 days these electrodes, which lead to measurement errors and thus to inaccurate dosing can be caused by rinsing after each dose easy and extremely easy way to remove, so that increased dosing accuracy is achieved even with long downtimes.

Finally, particular advantages are achieved with the invention if one Pump unit is connected behind the metering device according to the invention. In In practice, it has been shown that the product solution in the case of typical pasty detergents becomes hard after a certain time. With the Dosing device according to the invention, the pump unit with fresh water be rinsed to the concentration of the pasty detergent in the pump unit to lower and thus avoid blockage of the pump unit, without complex bypasses or circuits for realizing the rinsing would be required.

The metering device according to the invention can preferably be used for dynamic Water pressures of 1.5 to 4.0 bar and a water volume of 1 to 3 l / min and particularly preferred for dynamic water pressures of approximately 2.5 bar and one Use a water volume of approximately 2 l / min.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

storage container

2

container

3

handling grips

4

opening

5

outlet

6

Paste feed

7

Solvent inlet port

8th

shutoff

9

piston plate

10

guide plate

11

room

12

feather

13

injector nozzle

14

spool

15

Injector suction chamber

17

measuring distance

18

measuring electrodes

19

outlet pipe

21

injector

22

container

23

procedure

24

feed pump

25

control device

26

maximum

27

minimum

28

pump unit

29

piston rod

30

Kitchen sink

31

Through Hole

Claims (7)

Device for dosing pasty products, in particular pasty detergents, for sucking the pasty product and for mixing with a liquid solvent, in particular water, by means of an injector (13, 15; 21), with a paste feed channel (6) to the injector Suction chamber (15), into which a solvent inlet channel (7) opens, with an outlet line (19) for the paste-solvent mixture connected to the outlet of the injector (13, 15; 21), with a shut-off device (8) Opening and closing the solvent inlet channel (7) and with a shut-off device (14) for opening and closing the paste feed channel (6),
characterized in that the shut-off elements (8, 14) can be actuated independently of one another. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the shut-off device for opening and closing the paste feed channel (6) is designed as a control piston (14) which is arranged coaxially with the paste feed channel (6), can be moved into this channel (6) for closing and has a through hole (31) which, in the closed position, enables the solvent to flow through the injector (13, 15; 21). Device according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that an electrically actuatable unit, in particular a coil (30), is arranged which, when excited, brings the control piston (14) into the open position against a continuously acting mechanical force, in particular the force of a spring (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the shut-off device (8) for opening and closing the solvent inlet channel (7) is designed as an electrically operable valve, in particular a solenoid valve, in the solvent inlet channel (7). Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the outlet line (19) of the injector (13, 15; 21) for the paste-solvent mixture is connected to a pump unit (28). Process for dosing pasty products, in particular pasty detergents, the pasty product being sucked out of a paste feed channel (6) by means of an injector (13, 15; 21) operated with a liquid solvent, in particular water, the pasty product being sucked in with the The solvent is mixed and the paste-solvent mixture is conveyed through an outlet line (19) of the injector (13, 15; 21),
characterized in that , with the paste feed channel (6) blocked, the solvent is allowed to flow through the injector (13, 15; 21) and the outlet line (19). Method according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that the solvent is also allowed to flow through a pump unit (28) connected to the outlet line (19).

Images