Detergent Dispensers

Detergent Dispensers

The MX2150 Vending Unit can be equipped with an integrated detergent dispensing system for supplying detergent to the customer.

Depending on the machine configuration, the dispenser can be designed for different detergent combinations:

• Detergent Dispenser Liquid/Powder
• Detergent Dispenser Liquid/Liquid

Both variants use two independently controlled dispensing channels. Each channel can be configured separately and assigned to a detergent dispensing program.

The exact mechanical implementation of a channel depends on the type of detergent to be dispensed.

Operating Principle

The detergent dispenser is controlled by the Vending Unit.

When the customer selects a detergent product, the Vending Unit starts the corresponding dispensing program. The program determines:

• which dispensing channel is activated;
• whether one or both channels are used;
• how long each channel remains active.

The primary dosing parameter is therefore the dispensing time in seconds.

Different detergents have different physical properties and flow characteristics. For this reason, the relationship between dispensing time and actual dispensed quantity must be determined during calibration.

For example, if a detergent product requires 100 ml of liquid detergent, the corresponding channel must be calibrated so that the configured operating time produces approximately this quantity under normal operating conditions.

The actual dispensing quantity depends on the detergent, the dispensing mechanism, the condition of the tubing and other physical characteristics of the dosing system. Calibration must therefore be performed using the detergent actually used in the machine.

System Architecture

A typical detergent dispensing system consists of:

1. Detergent storage

   • container or reservoir for liquid detergent;
   • container or hopper for powder detergent.

2. Dispensing channels

   • Channel 0;
   • Channel 1.

3. Dispensing mechanism

   • liquid dispensing mechanism for liquid detergent;
   • powder dispensing mechanism for dry detergent, depending on the dispenser version.

4. Outlet

   • delivers the detergent into the customer’s container.

5. Control system

   • receives commands from the Vending Unit;
   • starts and stops individual dispensing channels according to the selected program.

6. Software configuration

   • program template;
   • channel assignment;
   • dispensing time for each active channel.

[Detergent Dispenser - Functional Diagram]

Dispensing Channels

The dispenser provides two separately controlled channels:

Channel	Function	Configuration
Channel 0	Detergent dispensing	Depends on dispenser type
Channel 1	Detergent dispensing	Depends on dispenser type

A dispensing program can use:

• Channel 0 only;
• Channel 1 only;
• both channels.

If both channels are enabled in the same program, each channel has its own independently configurable dispensing time.

Program Control

The detergent dispenser operates according to the program template assigned to the device in the backend.

Each program defines the dispensing sequence for the selected detergent product.

For each active channel, the main configurable parameter is:

Dispensing time [s]

This value determines how long the corresponding dispensing mechanism remains active.

The actual delivered quantity is established by calibration and depends on the detergent used in the machine.

Detergent Dispenser Liquid/Powder

The Liquid/Powder Detergent Dispenser is a two-channel dispensing system designed for installations where liquid and dry detergent products are supplied from the same Vending Unit.

A typical configuration is:

Channel	Detergent type
Channel 0	Liquid detergent
Channel 1	Powder / dry detergent

The final channel assignment depends on the specific machine configuration and must be verified for the installed dispenser.

Functional Principle

The two channels use separate dispensing mechanisms.

Liquid Channel

The liquid channel transfers detergent from its storage container to the dispensing outlet.

The amount supplied is controlled by the operating time configured for the corresponding program.

Powder Channel

The powder channel supplies a defined quantity of dry detergent from its storage compartment to the dispensing outlet.

The amount supplied is controlled by the operating time configured for the corresponding program.

Because dry products can differ significantly in density, particle size and flow properties, the powder channel must be calibrated with the actual detergent used in the machine.

[Liquid/Powder Dispenser Principle]

Programs

A program can activate:

• only the liquid channel;
• only the powder channel;
• both channels, depending on the machine configuration.

Each active channel has an individual dispensing time.

Technical Data

Parameter	Value
Number of channels	2
Supported media	Liquid detergent + powder/dry detergent
Liquid channel mechanism	TBD
Powder channel mechanism	TBD
Liquid storage capacity	TBD
Powder storage capacity	TBD
Dispensing outlet	TBD
Supply voltage	TBD

Maintenance Notes

Pay particular attention to:

• deposits in the powder dispensing path;
• moisture entering the powder storage area;
• caking or bridging of powder;
• contamination of the dispensing outlet;
• leakage from liquid lines;
• hardened or damaged liquid tubing.

Never mix incompatible detergents or refill a compartment with a different chemical without cleaning it according to the detergent manufacturer’s instructions.

Both channels must be calibrated separately.

Detergent Dispenser Liquid/Liquid

The Liquid/Liquid Detergent Dispenser provides two independently controlled channels for dispensing liquid detergent products.

A typical configuration is:

Channel	Detergent type
Channel 0	Liquid detergent A
Channel 1	Liquid detergent B

The two channels may contain different detergent products and must therefore be configured and calibrated independently.

Functional Principle

Each channel transfers liquid detergent from its respective storage container to the dispensing outlet.

The quantity dispensed is controlled by the operating time configured for the selected detergent program.

Because viscosity and other physical characteristics differ between detergent products, equal operating times do not necessarily produce equal dispensing quantities.

[Liquid/Liquid Dispenser Principle]

Programs

A program can use:

• Channel 0 only;
• Channel 1 only;
• both channels.

When both channels are enabled, a separate dispensing time is stored for each channel.

Example:

Program	Channel 0	Channel 1
Program 1	8.0 s	—
Program 2	—	12.5 s
Program 3	10.0 s	6.5 s

The values above are examples only.

Technical Data

Parameter	Value
Number of channels	2
Supported media	Liquid detergent
Channel control	Independent
Pump / dispensing mechanism	TBD
Tube type and dimensions	TBD
Container capacity	TBD
Supply voltage	TBD

Maintenance Notes

Regularly inspect:

• detergent containers;
• suction lines;
• dispensing lines;
• connections;
• tubing condition;
• dispensing outlet;
• leakage;
• air bubbles or interrupted detergent flow.

When changing the detergent product, the affected channel should be cleaned or flushed as required and recalibrated before returning the dispenser to normal operation.

Technical Data

The following values must be confirmed for the final dispenser configuration.

Parameter	Value
Number of dispensing channels	2
Supported configurations	Liquid/Powder, Liquid/Liquid
Channel control	Individually controlled
Primary dosing parameter	Dispensing time
Time adjustment resolution	0.1 s
Supply voltage	TBD
Maximum power consumption	TBD
Liquid pump type	TBD
Powder dispensing mechanism	TBD
Hose / tube dimensions	TBD
Maximum recommended dispensing time	TBD
Operating temperature	TBD
Storage temperature	TBD
Protection class	TBD

Safety

Only trained service personnel should perform installation, maintenance or calibration of the detergent dispenser.

Before opening the dispenser or working on internal components:

1. Stop the current dispensing operation.
2. Disconnect the Vending Unit from the mains supply when work on electrical components is required.
3. Prevent accidental activation of the dispensing mechanism.
4. Wear personal protective equipment appropriate for the detergent being used.
5. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s safety instructions and Safety Data Sheet.

⚠️ Chemical hazard: Detergents may be corrosive, irritating or otherwise hazardous. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes and immediately clean any leakage or spillage according to the chemical manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintenance

Regular inspection and maintenance help ensure reliable and repeatable detergent dispensing.

Routine Inspection

Check the dispenser regularly for:

• sufficient detergent level;
• leakage;
• damaged or disconnected hoses;
• blocked dispensing outlets;
• detergent deposits;
• contamination inside the dispenser;
• correct operation of each dispensing channel.

The exact maintenance interval depends on operating intensity and the detergent products used.

Cleaning

Clean detergent residues before they harden or accumulate.

When cleaning the dispenser:

1. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet.
2. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
3. Do not mix different chemical products.
4. Prevent liquid from entering electrical components.
5. Ensure that all cleaned components are correctly reinstalled before returning the dispenser to operation.

For powder dispensing systems, pay particular attention to areas where detergent can absorb moisture and form deposits.

For liquid systems, inspect tubing and connections for deposits, leakage, hardening or deterioration.

Changing Detergent

If a different detergent product is installed:

1. Remove or isolate the previous product.
2. Clean or flush the affected dispensing path where required.
3. Install the new detergent.
4. Prime the dispensing path if necessary.
5. Perform a new calibration.
6. Run a test dispensing cycle and verify the delivered quantity.

A calibration value established for one detergent should not automatically be assumed to be correct for another detergent.

Calibration

The dispenser must be calibrated so that the configured operating time corresponds to the required quantity of detergent.

Different detergent products can have different physical properties. Therefore, the dispensing time must be adjusted to the detergent actually installed in the machine.

Opening the Calibration Interface

Enter Service Mode on the Vending Unit and select the Detergent Dispenser.

Select the program that you want to calibrate.

The calibration interface for the selected program opens.

The header identifies the selected dispenser and program, for example:

Calibration: Dispenser machine 13 — Program 1

For every channel used by the selected program, the interface provides:

• channel number;
• current dispensing time in seconds;
• − and + buttons for adjusting the dispensing time;
• Start and Stop for measuring the dispensing time;
• Test for testing the configured value;
• Save for storing the calibrated value.

Determining the Dispensing Time

To calibrate a channel:

1. Place a suitable measuring container under the corresponding detergent outlet of the Vending Unit.
2. Press Start.
3. The dispenser starts dispensing detergent. At the same time, the time counter between the − and + buttons starts counting the dispensing time in seconds.
4. Monitor the quantity collected in the measuring container.
5. When the required quantity is reached, press Stop.
6. The timer stops and displays the measured dispensing time.
7. Press Save.

The measured value is stored as the dispensing time for the selected program and channel.

The calibration must be performed using the detergent actually installed in the dispenser.

Testing the Calibration

After saving the value, verify the calibration using Test.

1. Press Test for the channel to be checked.
2. Place the measuring container under the corresponding outlet.
3. Start detergent dispensing on the Vending Unit.
4. Wait until the complete dispensing program has finished.
5. Check the quantity collected in the measuring container.

If the quantity is not correct, adjust the dispensing time using − or +.

Each button press changes the dispensing time by 0.1 seconds.

Repeat the test until the required quantity is dispensed and press Save.

Two-Channel Programs

A detergent program can use both dispensing channels.

If both channels are active, the calibration interface displays separate settings for Channel 0 and Channel 1.

Each channel can be measured, adjusted, tested and saved independently.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible cause	Action
No detergent is dispensed	Empty container, blocked line, channel not operating	Check detergent supply, line and channel operation
Dispensed quantity is too low	Incorrect calibration, restriction, changed detergent characteristics	Inspect the line and recalibrate
Dispensed quantity is too high	Incorrect dispensing time	Recalibrate and reduce dispensing time
Irregular liquid flow	Air in line, deteriorated tubing, connection problem	Inspect and prime the line; replace damaged components
Powder dispensing is irregular	Moisture, caking or blockage	Clean and dry the powder path
One channel works, the other does not	Channel-specific mechanical or configuration problem	Check the affected channel and program configuration

If the cause cannot be identified during routine maintenance, stop using the affected dispensing channel and contact technical support.