Providing cleaning supplies on site

Abstract

A method (200) for providing a cleaning agent comprises steps of supplying water and a predetermined salt to a reaction vessel (120) to form an aqueous solution (125) of the salt; applying a predetermined direct electrical voltage to electrodes (130) in the reaction vessel (120) to cause an electric current to flow through the solution (125) to form the cleaning agent by means of a redox reaction; and supplying liquid in which the cleaning agent is formed from the reaction vessel (120). The strength of the electric current flowing through the reaction vessel (120) is determined; and a ratio of supplied water and supplied salt is controlled to achieve a predetermined current strength.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the provision of cleaning agents. In particular, the invention relates to the provision of cleaning agents at the point of need.

[0002] In a household, water and a cleaning agent are used to clean a floor. The cleaning agent is designed to loosen the soil on the floor, bond with it, and be removed from the surface together with the water. The floor can be cleaned manually or using an automatic floor cleaner.

[0003] To remove contaminants, cleaning agents contain so-called active ingredients. These can include surfactants, acids, or bases, for example. When used and dosed correctly, cleaning agents can lead to good and hygienic cleaning results. A user can overdose, resulting in more cleaning agent being used than necessary. Unused cleaning agent can enter the wastewater and must be removed through a complex treatment process.

[0004] It has been suggested that cleaning agents should only be provided directly at the location where they are to be used. For example, an ozone generator or a cold plasma source can produce an ionizing gas from air that contains, in addition to ozone, various nitrate and nitrite compounds. This gas can be introduced into water, forming small amounts of hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid, among other substances. The resulting cleaning solution can effectively combat dirt and inactivate microorganisms.

[0005] Existing technologies use relatively slow processes, making them impractical for use in a household. Furthermore, many approaches do not allow for the on-demand delivery of a desired amount or concentration of a cleaning agent.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved technology for providing cleaning agents on demand. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims specify preferred embodiments.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a cleaning agent comprises the steps of supplying water and a predetermined salt to a reaction vessel to form an aqueous solution of the salt; applying a predetermined DC voltage to electrodes in the reaction vessel to cause an electric current to flow through the solution to form the cleaning agent by means of a redox reaction; and supplying liquid in which the cleaning agent is formed from the reaction vessel. The strength of the electric current flowing through the reaction vessel is determined; and a ratio of supplied water and supplied salt is controlled to achieve a predetermined current strength.

[0008] Using the described method, the concentration of cleaning agent in a liquid can be controlled. The liquid can be used to clean a surface in a household and / or to deactivate microorganisms present there. For an area such as a kitchen, entryway, or bathroom, the cleaning agent can be provided at a higher concentration, as these areas are typically subject to higher levels of soiling. An area subject to less soiling, such as a bedroom or a child's room, can be treated with a lower concentration of cleaning agent in the liquid.

[0009] The cleaning agent provided can be used more effectively and directly on the surface to be treated to loosen and bind dirt. The cleaning agent provided can be utilized more effectively, and the release of unused cleaning agent can be reduced.

[0010] It is preferred that the added amounts of water and salt balance the amount of cleaning agent discharged into the liquid. To this end, just enough water and salt can be added to the reaction vessel to keep the amount of liquid absorbed in the reaction vessel constant.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cleaning agent can be provided in the reaction vessel and then gradually consumed. Only when the liquid level in the reaction vessel has fallen below a predetermined level can additional water and salt be added, and new cleaning agent provided by electrolysis.

[0012] In another embodiment, water and / or salt are continuously added, and liquid containing the cleaning agent is continuously removed. The cleaning agent can be continuously generated, allowing its concentration in the liquid to be dynamically changed. The reaction vessel can be small, and after completion of a cleaning process, only a small amount of liquid containing the cleaning agent can remain in the reaction vessel.

[0013] It is preferred that the predetermined current intensity is determined as a function of a desired concentration of cleaning agent formed in the provided liquid.

[0014] The electric current passed through the aqueous solution causes an electrolytic reaction in which electrons can be exchanged between reactants. The more redox reactions that take place at the electrodes, in which ions dissolved in the liquid give up or gain their electrons, the stronger the flowing current can be. The current can decrease again if saturation occurs due to the energy input, electrode size, electrode shape, and concentration of ions dissolved in the liquid. In this way, the concentration of cleaning agent in the liquid can be estimated from the strength of the flowing current. If more current than predetermined flows, water can be added to the solution to reduce the flowing current. Conversely, if the flowing current is too low, salt can be added to increase the current.

[0015] The predetermined current can be determined with respect to a chemically maximum current. The maximum current can depend on the type of redox reaction during electrolysis. Furthermore, the current typically depends on the material, shape, surface area, and distance between the electrodes in the reaction vessel. Such parameters can be determined in advance with respect to a reaction vessel used and used as a constant.

[0016] The current can be maximized to maximize the concentration of the cleaning agent in the liquid. It should be noted that the concentration, like the current, has an upper limit.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, several current intensities are predetermined, each of which is assigned a concentration. For example, the current intensities corresponding to each concentration can be determined analytically, stoichiometrically, or experimentally. For different applications of the cleaning agent for cleaning a surface, particularly in a household, predetermined concentrations or current intensities can be set once and subsequently easily controlled. A device for implementing the method can thus be designed simply and cost-effectively.

[0018] It is particularly preferred that the salt comprises table salt (NaCl). The cleaning agent may comprise sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), also known as sodium hypochlorite. The cleaning agent and temporary reaction products may be safe for an operator at the concentrations encountered. Water and table salt can be provided inexpensively. Both basic substances may be available in sufficient quantities in a typical household. In addition, chlorine may also be released during the electrolytically forced redox reaction to form NaOCl, which may have a cleaning or germicidal effect.

[0019] The current is controlled as a function of the effective surface area of ​​an electrode. In a further embodiment, the current is controlled as a function of the effective surface area of ​​an electrode. The larger this surface area, the faster the electrolytic conversion can occur. It can be taken into account that the electrode may be shaped differently than flat or may have a porous, fissured, or folded structure, for example, so that the effective surface area may be larger than suggested by the external dimensions of the electrode.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for providing a cleaning agent comprises a reaction vessel for holding an aqueous solution of a predetermined salt; two electrodes are mounted in the reaction vessel; a first device for adding water to the reaction vessel; a second device for adding a predetermined salt to the reaction vessel; and a DC voltage source. The DC voltage source is connected to the electrodes so that an electric current can be caused through the solution to form the cleaning agent from the aqueous solution by means of a redox reaction. Furthermore, a current sensor is provided which is configured to determine the strength of an electric current flowing through the solution; and a control device which is configured to supply water and salt to the reaction vessel in such a ratio that a predetermined current strength is established.

[0021] The predetermined current intensity can be changed depending on a user request regarding a concentration of cleaning agent in the liquid. The device and in particular the control device are preferably configured to carry out a method described herein. For this purpose, the control device can comprise an electronic processing device, which is designed, for example, in the form of a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller. The method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device, or vice versa.

[0022] It is preferred that the device comprises a dispensing device connected to the reaction vessel for providing liquid in which the cleaning agent is formed to a location to be cleaned, in particular for forming it directly at the location to be cleaned, e.g., in a floor nozzle of the cleaning device. Thus, after its formation, the cleaning agent can be used for treatment or cleaning with very little delay. A possible chemical decomposition process of the cleaning agent in the liquid can be prevented. The generation of cleaning agent that is not used or not used immediately can be reduced.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device comprises a device as described herein. The cleaning device can be intended for use in a household and can be designed in various forms as a handheld device, a stick device, or an automatic or autonomous floor cleaning robot.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a computer program [product] comprises instructions that cause the above-described device or the above-described cleaning device to carry out the steps of the above-described method.

[0025] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 a cleaning appliance for use in a household; Fig. 2 a flow diagram of a method; and Fig. 3 shows an illustration of electrolysis.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a cleaning device 100 for use in a household. The cleaning device 100 is configured to treat a substrate 105, in particular a floor surface, for example parquet, laminate, screed, or linoleum. In addition to the wiping function discussed below, the cleaning device 100 can also be used for dry cleaning, for example by vacuuming or sweeping. In the present case, the cleaning device is embodied, for example, as a hand-held floor cleaning nozzle with a handle. The cleaning device 100 can also comprise a drive device and be configured for autonomously treating a floor surface. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning device 100 can comprise a handheld device without a handle, which can also be used, for example, to clean the surface of a table, a stove, window or mirror glass, or a tile.

[0027] The cleaning device 100 comprises a device 110 for providing a cleaning agent as directly as possible at the location where cleaning is to be performed. A pad 115 for mechanically processing the substrate 105 is provided in a front area of ​​the cleaning device 100. Provided cleaning agent can be dispensed in this area. A support or drive wheel 118, for example, is provided in a rear area of ​​the cleaning device 100. Above the wheel 118, a receptacle for a handle can be seen, with which the cleaning device 100 can be guided over the substrate 105.

[0028] The device 110 comprises a reaction vessel 120 for holding an aqueous solution 125. Two electrodes 130 are arranged spaced apart in the reaction vessel 120. An electric current can be caused through the aqueous solution 125 by means of a direct current source 135. The provided direct current can be a low voltage, so that there is no danger to a person. The direct current is preferably below approximately 12 V, more preferably in the range of approximately 5 V or below. The direct current source 135 can comprise a power supply that can be connected to a power grid by means of a connecting cable. Alternatively, a local energy storage device can be used, for example in the form of a battery or an accumulator. The direct current source 135 is preferably configured to provide a direct current at a constant level. In some embodiments, the level of the provided voltage can be controllable.The control can be done in discrete steps or continuously.

[0029] A current sensor 140 is preferably provided in a supply line between one of the electrodes 130 and the DC voltage source 135. The current sensor 140 is configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of the strength of an electric current flowing through the aqueous solution 125. The current sensor 140 can be implemented in any desired manner, for example, as a shunt resistor or as a thermal measuring device. In another embodiment, a magnetic field can be determined that develops in the region of the supply line due to the flowing current. The current sensor 140 can, for example, comprise a Hall sensor.

[0030] The solution 125 can be provided by means of a dispensing device 145 in the region of the cushion 115. The dispensing device 145 can, for example, comprise a throttle or an orifice to direct a predetermined volume flow of liquid to the cushion 115. Preferably, the dispensing device 145 is controllable and, in particular, is designed as a pump or valve. In some embodiments, a volume flow of liquid flowing through the pump or valve can be controlled continuously or in multiple stages.

[0031] To provide the aqueous solution 125 in the reaction vessel 120, a first container 150 with a first addition device 155 and a second container 160 with a second addition device 165 are provided. The first container 150 contains water, and the second container 160 contains a predetermined salt, in particular table salt (NaCl). The table salt is preferably in liquid form as a highly concentrated salt solution. However, crystalline table salt, which is supplied to the reaction vessel 125 as a solid by the addition device 165, can also be used. The containers 150, 160 can be configured for refilling by a user of the cleaning device 100. The addition devices 155, 165 are each configured to convey a predetermined amount or a predetermined volume flow of water or salt into the reaction vessel 120.The addition devices 155, 165 are preferably designed as pumps, but can also be valves if the dispensing device 145 is designed as a pump.

[0032] A control device 170 is connected to the feed devices 155, 165, to the output device 145, and to the current sensor 140. Furthermore, a connection to the DC voltage source 135 may be provided. Not shown in Fig. 1 shows an optional control element with which a user can express a request regarding a quantity of cleaning fluid to be provided or a concentration of cleaning agent in the fluid.

[0033] It is proposed that the control device 170 be configured to control the supply of water and salt into the reaction vessel 120, and preferably the outflow of aqueous solution 125 from the reaction vessel 120. In the reaction vessel 120, a direct current is passed through the aqueous solution 125, forcing a redox reaction in which a predetermined cleaning agent can be formed. The water (H2O) from the first container 150 and the sodium chloride (NaCl) from the second container 160 can be converted in the reaction vessel 120, for example, by means of the following reactions: 2NaCl + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2 + Cl2 2NaOH + Cl2 → NaOCl + NaCl + H2O

[0034] The NaOCl formed by the second reaction equation is also known as sodium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite. It is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid (HClO). NaOCl has good cleaning and dirt-binding properties and can inactivate microorganisms.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for controlling a device 110, in particular in the context of a cleaning device 100.

[0036] In a step 205, electrolysis takes place, in which an aqueous solution of table salt is forced into a redox reaction to produce cleaning agent in the form of sodium hypochlorite. The strength of an actual electric current flowing through the aqueous solution 125 during the electrolysis can be determined in a step 210. The magnitude of the actual current is preferably determined by means of the current sensor 140, which can be arranged between an electrode 130 and the DC voltage source 135.

[0037] In a step 215, a desired concentration of cleaning agent in the liquid can be determined. For this purpose, a user request can be recorded, which can be expressed, for example, using an input device. Different concentrations can be predetermined, from which the user can select one. A maximum selectable concentration can be determined depending on the prevailing conditions in the area of ​​the reaction vessel 120.

[0038] In a step 220, a target current intensity can be determined that is associated with the desired concentration. This association can be determined, for example, in a table, by formula, using a characteristic map, or in another way.

[0039] In a step 225, the actual current determined in step 210 and the target current determined in step 220 can be compared. If the current intensities correspond sufficiently closely to one another, the concentration of cleaning agent in the aqueous solution 125 is at the desired level. If the actual current exceeds the target current by a predetermined amount, the concentration of cleaning agent in the aqueous solution 125 is too high. In this case, in a step 230, water can be added from the first container 150 to the reaction vessel 120. The added water can influence the electrolytic reaction in step 205, causing the actual current to drop again.

[0040] Correspondingly, in step 225, it can be determined that the target current strength is greater than the actual current strength by a predetermined amount. In this case, in a step 235, salt can be supplied from the second container 160 into the reaction vessel 120. This can increase the concentration of salt in the solution 125, so that the electrolytic reaction taking place in step 205 can be influenced. Due to the increased salinity of the aqueous solution 125, more free ions can be available to participate in the redox reaction. As a result, the actual current strength can increase. The salt can be supplied as a liquid, in particular as salt dissolved in water, or as a solid.

[0041] The method 200 can be carried out to provide a predetermined amount of aqueous solution 125 with a predetermined concentration of cleaning agent. The DC voltage source 135 can then be turned off, and the provided solution 125 can be used to clean the substrate 105 by removal in a step 240. If a provided supply of solution 125 is exhausted, the reaction vessel 120 can be refilled with water and salt, and the DC voltage source 135 can be turned on again to provide another predetermined amount of dissolved cleaning agent.

[0042] In another embodiment, the method 200 can also be carried out continuously, whereby a variable or continuous outflow of liquid 240 from the reaction vessel 120 through the dispensing device 145 can always be compensated by a corresponding inflow of water and salt. The volume flow of liquid leaving the reaction vessel 120 can be adjustable by a user. In a step 245, a requirement for a predetermined volume flow can be determined. The addition of water in step 230 and / or salt in step 235 to the reaction vessel 120 can be controlled depending on the determined volume flow. It should be noted that only a combined amount of water and salt supplied to the reaction vessel 120 is determined here, while a ratio of supplied substances is controlled depending on the comparison of current intensities in step 225.

[0043] Fig.Figure 3 shows an illustration of electrolysis. The reaction vessel 120 contains the aqueous solution 125, which initially only comprises salt dissolved in water. Negatively charged anions 305 and positively charged cations 310 are formed in the solution. If a direct current is then applied to the electrodes 130, the anions 305 are moved to one electrode 130 and the cations 310 to the other. This creates a potential difference between the electrodes 130, which is balanced by electrons 315 flowing from one electrode 130 through the direct current source 135 to the other electrode 130.

[0044] Ions 305, 310 that accumulate in the area of ​​one of the electrodes 130 are energized by the flowing electric current, enabling one or more redox reactions. In the process, the ions 305, 310 are converted into other reaction products, one of which comprises the desired cleaning agent. Reference symbol 100 cleaning devices 105 Substrat 110 Device 115 pillows 118 wheels 120 reaction vessels 125 aqueous solution 130 Electrode 135 DC voltage source 140 current sensor 145 Dispensing device 150 first containers 155 first addition device 160 second container 165 second addition device 170 Control device 200 procedures 205 Electrolysis 210 Determine actual current 215 Determine desired concentration 220 Determine the desired current Compare 225 currents Add 230 water 235 Add salt 240 Drain fluid 245 Determine desired quantity 305 Anion 310 cation 315 electron

Claims

[1] Method (200) for providing a cleaning agent, the method (200) comprising the following steps: - feeding (230, 235) water and a predetermined salt into a reaction vessel (120) so that an aqueous solution (125) of the salt is formed; - applying a predetermined electrical DC voltage to electrodes (130) in the reaction vessel (120) so that an electrical current flows through the solution (125) to form the cleaning agent by means of a redox reaction (205); - Providing (240) liquid in which the cleaning agent is formed from the reaction vessel (120); characterized by , that - the strength of the electric current flowing through the reaction vessel (120) is determined (210); and - a ratio of supplied water and supplied salt is controlled (230, 235) in such a way that a predetermined current strength is established. [2] The method (200) of claim 1, wherein supplied (230, 235) amounts of water and salt balance a discharged (240) amount of cleaning agent in liquid. [3] Method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein water and / or salt is continuously supplied and liquid with formed cleaning agent is discharged (240). [4] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined current intensity is determined (220) as a function of a desired concentration of cleaning agent formed in the provided liquid. [5] The method (200) of claim 4, wherein the predetermined current intensity is determined (220) with respect to a chemically maximum current intensity. [6] The method (200) of any of claims 4 or 5, wherein the current intensity is maximized (220) to maximize a concentration of the cleaning agent in the liquid. [7] Method (200) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a plurality of current intensities are predetermined, each of which is associated with a concentration. [8] The method (200) of any preceding claim, wherein the salt comprises table salt. [9] Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the current is controlled as a function of an effective surface of an electrode (130). [10] Device (110) for providing a cleaning agent, the device comprising the following elements: - a reaction vessel (120) for receiving an aqueous solution (125) of a predetermined salt; - wherein two electrodes (130) are mounted in the reaction vessel (120); - a first addition device (155) for water into the reaction vessel (120); - a second addition device (165) for a predetermined salt into the reaction vessel (120); - a DC voltage source (135) connected to the electrodes (130) so that an electric current can be caused through the solution (125) to form the cleaning agent by means of a redox reaction; - a current sensor configured to determine the strength of an electric current flowing through the solution (125); - a control device (170) which is arranged to supply water and salt into the reaction vessel (120) in such a ratio that a predetermined current intensity is established. [11] The device (110) of claim 10, comprising a dispensing device (145) connected to the reaction vessel (120) for providing liquid in which the cleaning agent is formed to a location to be cleaned. [12] Cleaning device (100) comprising a device (110) according to claim 11. [13] A computer program [product] comprising instructions causing a device according to any one of claims 10 to 11 or a cleaning device according to claim 12 to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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