Dosing device for the production of a cleaning agent

Abstract

A device (300) for providing a cleaning agent comprises a reaction vessel (205) for receiving a liquid (350) and a storage vessel (305) mounted above the reaction vessel (205) for receiving a granular substance (310). Electrodes (210) for the electrolytic generation of the cleaning agent are mounted in the reaction vessel (205). The storage vessel (305) has a bottom with a first recess (315) through which the substance (310) can pass. Furthermore, a drive device (335) is provided, which is configured to rotate the storage vessel (305) about a vertical axis (330).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the electrolytic provision of a cleaning agent at the point of application. In particular, the invention relates to the dosing of chemicals into a reaction vessel, a device and method for providing a cleaning agent, and a cleaning device.

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

[0003] To remove contaminants, cleaning agents contain so-called active chemical components. These can include surfactants, acids, or bases, for example. When used correctly and dosed correctly, cleaning agents can lead to good and hygienic cleaning results. However, users can also overdose, allowing unused cleaning agents to enter the wastewater and then 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] CN 216135784 U describes a device for providing a cleaning agent with a storage vessel and a reaction vessel, wherein a substance can be emptied from the storage vessel into the reaction vessel through an opening.

[0006] CN 215272534 U shows a water tank for a cleaning device for mixing water and salt. A cleaning agent can be produced from the resulting aqueous solution of the salt by electrolysis.

[0007] Dosing salt into a reaction vessel can be difficult. The salt can be hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air or leaks, causing it to clump together. An opening between a storage vessel and a reaction container can quickly become clogged, making controlled delivery of cleaning agent difficult.

[0008] 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.

[0009] A device for providing a cleaning agent comprises a reaction vessel for holding a liquid and a storage vessel mounted above the reaction vessel for holding a granular substance. Electrodes for electrolytically generating the cleaning agent are mounted in the reaction vessel. The storage vessel has a bottom with a first recess through which the substance can pass, so that a portion of the substance falls through the first recess into the reaction vessel mounted below the storage vessel. Furthermore, a drive device is provided, which is configured to rotate the storage vessel about a vertical axis.

[0010] Rotating the container allows the substance to be shaken and distributed throughout the storage vessel. The substance can be more easily released from the container walls and collected evenly at the bottom. In the recess area, the rotating motion can prevent individual grains of the substance from becoming stuck together.

[0011] A control disc with a second recess can be mounted between the storage vessel and the reaction vessel. The first and second recesses can overlap each other in a first rotational position of the storage vessel and be offset from each other in a second rotational position.

[0012] In the second rotational position, a passage between the storage vessel and the reaction vessel can be blocked. The offset recesses can prevent water or moisture from entering the storage vessel. The device can remain in this position for an extended period without moisture penetrating the storage vessel. In the second rotational position, grains can pass through the first recess and only fall to the upper surface of the control disc. Only when the storage vessel is turned to the first rotational position can grains fall through the second recess into the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel contains water or an aqueous liquid in which the grains can dissolve. The liquid becomes salty in the process. The more of the substance is dissolved in the liquid, the greater its salinity can be.

[0013] By appropriately controlling the drive device, the addition of the substance into the reaction vessel can be controlled. The concentration of the substance in the liquid in the reaction vessel can be better controlled. The supply of cleaning agent for a cleaning process can be better controlled.

[0014] Preferably, the clear width of the first recess is smaller than the clear width of the second recess. This prevents grains from accumulating or wedging in the recess area.

[0015] A radial seal can be provided between the storage vessel and the control disk, which surrounds the recesses. The seal can be designed, for example, as a labyrinth seal; alternatively, a sealing material such as felt or rubber can be used. The seal can also act in an axial direction. In one embodiment, the seal also surrounds the vertical axis. The seal can help prevent the substance from escaping or moisture from entering. The risk of the substance clumping in the storage vessel or in a passage to the reaction vessel can be reduced.

[0016] The storage vessel may have a plurality of first recesses and / or the control disc may have a plurality of second recesses. In one embodiment, the first and second recesses are offset from one another such that in each rotational position, no more than one first recess and one second recess overlap. Preferably, there is a rotational position in which all of the first or all of the second recesses are closed. In another embodiment, a rotational position may also be provided in which more than one pair of first and second recesses overlap one another. This allows a larger amount of substance to flow from the storage vessel into the reaction vessel at a time.

[0017] Multiple rotational positions can also be provided, in which the number of overlapping first and second recesses is different. The recesses are further preferably arranged such that, upon rotation from a rotational position in which no aligned recesses exist, an increasing number of pairs of first and second recesses successively overlap each other. Thus, the passage of the substance from the storage vessel into the reaction vessel can be controlled via the angle of rotation of the storage container. In effect, a proportional valve can be formed that can control the passage of the substance in multiple steps or linearly.

[0018] In a first variant, the drive device is configured to continuously rotate the storage vessel around its vertical axis. A direction of rotation can optionally be selected. In a second variant, the drive device is configured to oscillate the storage vessel through a predetermined angle. Oscillation allows for improved homogenization of the substance in the storage vessel. Furthermore, it is possible to control or sweep over predetermined rotational positions in which a predetermined passage of the substance can occur.

[0019] The drive device can comprise an electric motor, which can cause the storage container to rotate, for example, by means of a traction drive. Oscillating control can be achieved by rotating the electric motor in alternating directions. A mechanical transmission can also be provided between the electric motor and the storage container, for example, a crank mechanism or an eccentric arrangement, so that a constant rotation of the electric motor leads to an oscillating rotation of the storage container.

[0020] The angle of the oscillating rotation is also optionally controllable. In the case of a direct drive, the extent to which the electric motor rotates in one direction or the other can be controlled. If a conversion is planned, geometric relationships can be controlled to change the angle, for example, the length of an effective lever of the crank drive on the storage vessel.

[0021] The drive device can be controlled to rotate the storage vessel at a predetermined speed. For this purpose, in particular, the rotational speed of the electric motor can be controlled. In the case of continuous rotation, the rotational speed of the storage vessel can be controlled; in the case of oscillating rotation, an oscillation frequency can be controlled. The angle of rotation can be controlled independently of the oscillation frequency.

[0022] The substance preferably comprises grains of a predetermined salt. The grains more preferably have at least approximately uniform grain sizes. Grains larger than a predetermined size can be kept away from the first recess, for example, by means of a sieve. In one embodiment, the salt comprises table salt (NaCl). Grains of the salt can comprise crystals or form more rounded shapes.

[0023] A device for agitating the liquid may be installed in the reaction vessel to promote dissolution of the substance in the liquid. The device may comprise a stirrer, an agitator, or a mechanical oscillator, such as an ultrasonic transducer.

[0024] A cleaning device comprises a device described herein, furthermore a power source for connection to the electrodes, and a dosing device for delivering liquid containing cleaning agent to a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning device is preferably designed for cleaning a floor surface in a household. For this purpose, the cleaning device can perform wet cleaning by applying liquid containing cleaning agent to the floor surface, optionally applying it mechanically there, and preferably removing it again together with loosened dirt by means of a suction device. The cleaning device is further preferably guided on a handle and can comprise a multi-use handstick (MUH).

[0025] The purification device may further comprise a water supply device for the reaction vessel. The ratio of water to salt in the reaction vessel may be controlled such that an electrolytic reaction can proceed in a predetermined manner. The strength of a current flowing through the water in the reaction vessel may provide an indication of the availability of reactive substances. A control device may be provided to control the supply of water and / or the substance into the reaction vessel and / or the discharge of liquid from the reaction vessel.

[0026] A method for providing a cleaning agent comprises the steps of rotating a storage vessel into which a granular substance is filled about its vertical axis; the storage vessel having a bottom with a first recess through which the substance can pass; such that a portion of the substance falls through the first recess into a reaction vessel arranged below the storage vessel; and electrolytically generating the cleaning agent in the reaction vessel.

[0027] Generating cleaning agent may include controlling an electric current through a liquid in the reaction vessel.

[0028] The method can be implemented using a device described herein. For this purpose, the device can comprise a preferably electronically implemented control device that implements the method completely or partially. The control device can comprise 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 also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device, or vice versa.

[0029] 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 generator for cleaning agents; Fig. 3 a device; Fig. 4 views of a device; and Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram of a procedure.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device 100 for use in a household, in particular for cleaning a floor surface 105. The cleaning device 100 comprises, for example, a wheel 110 with which it can be supported against the floor surface 105. A handle 115 can be attached in this area; by means of the handle 115, the cleaning device 100 can be guided by a person across the floor surface 105.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning device 100 comprises a cleaning textile 120 that can be moved across the floor surface 105 to clean it. Optionally, a drive 125 is provided that can move the cleaning textile 120 relative to the floor surface 105, for example, by driving the cleaning textile 120 in an orbital motion, on an epicycle, or in a circular motion.

[0032] For wet cleaning, a generator 130 is provided, which is configured to dispense a liquid containing a cleaning agent in the area of ​​the cleaning textile 120. The liquid can be distributed over the floor surface 105 by means of the cleaning textile 120, and dirt can be loosened and bound by the liquid. However, contaminated liquid can also be removed from the floor surface 105 through a suction port 135. The suction port 135 is connected to a suction unit 140, which can create an airflow from the floor surface 105 through a separator in which the liquid can be collected.

[0033] In a conventional cleaning device 100, a user fills a tank with a mixture of water and a cleaning agent and treats the floor surface 105 with this mixture. It is proposed to first generate the cleaning agent in the water, specifically by means of an electrolytic redox reaction. For this purpose, an electric current can flow through water and a salt, in particular table salt, so that the following chemical reactions can occur: 2NaCl+2H2O→2NaOH+H2+Cl2 2haOH+Cl2→NaOCl+NaCl+H2O

[0034] The NaOCl formed in the second reaction equation is also known as sodium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite and is used herein as the primary cleaning agent. It is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid HClO. NaOCl has good cleaning and dirt-binding properties and can inactivate microorganisms. Other reaction products or an intermediate product can support the cleaning process. For example, the chlorine gas formed in small amounts can contribute to the disinfection of floor surface 105.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a generator 130 for cleaning agents, preferably for use in a cleaning device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the generator 130 comprises a reaction vessel 205 with electrodes 210, a first container 215, a first addition device 220, a second container 225, and a second addition device 230. Optionally, a dispensing device 235 is provided to convey liquid from the reaction vessel 205 to a dispensing opening 240. Further optionally, a DC voltage source 245 is provided to effect an electrical current between the electrodes 210 in the liquid in the reaction vessel 205.

[0036] The first container 215 is intended for holding water. Preferably, clear water is used, which can be taken, for example, from a water pipe. Purified water, boiled water, or distilled water can also be added. A filling opening of the first container 215 is preferably designed such that filling a liquid is easy, but filling a solid is difficult. For this purpose, the filling opening can comprise, for example, a sieve, a grid, or a labyrinth seal. The first addition device 220 is preferably designed as a valve or a pump.

[0037] The second container 225 is designed to hold granular salt, in particular table salt (NaCl). The table salt can be spreadable and preferably does not contain excessively large and / or small grains. The filling opening can be designed to be appropriately large to facilitate clean filling of the salt. The second supply device 230 is designed to control the transfer of salt into the reaction vessel 205 and, if possible, to prevent the transfer of water toward the second container 225. The supply of salt preferably comprises dosing, so that only a predetermined amount or a predetermined amount per unit of time is introduced into the reaction vessel 205. Furthermore, it is preferably possible to block a connection between the second container 225 and the reaction vessel 205, for example, when the cleaning device 100 is not in operation.

[0038] The second addition device 230 is preferably according to the following description of the Fig. 3. A control device 250 can each control the addition devices 220 and 230 to move a predetermined amount or a predetermined volume flow of liquid or salt from the respective container 215, 225 into the reaction vessel 205. The dispensing device 235 can also comprise a positive displacement pump and, more preferably, a peristaltic pump.

[0039] The control device 250 can control the addition of salt and water to the reaction vessel 205, the generation of cleaning agent in the reaction vessel 205, and the discharge of cleaning agent from the reaction vessel 205. It is preferred that the control device controls a ratio of water and salt in the reaction vessel 205 based on an electric current flowing between the electrodes 210. If the current is low, only a few reactive ions are present at the electrodes 210, and the salinity can be increased to further provide cleaning agent. If the current is high, many reactive ions are present at the electrodes 210.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a device 300 for providing cleaning agent according to the method described in Fig. 2. The device 300 comprises a storage vessel 305 which is mounted above the reaction vessel 205. The storage vessel 305 can be connected to the second container 225 in a generator 130 according to Fig. 2. The electrodes 210 are not shown.

[0041] The storage vessel 305 contains scatterable salt 310; by way of example, the salt 310 is shown in crystal form. A first recess 315 is provided in the bottom of the storage vessel 305, through which the salt 310 can pass. It should be noted that the storage vessel 305 can also have side walls that taper downwards, so that the bottom occupies a smaller area than an upper opening. A control disk 320 is mounted between the storage vessel 305 and the reaction vessel 205. In this case, this control disk is fastened to the reaction vessel 205 and can close the top of the reaction vessel 205 like a lid. A second recess 325 is provided in the control disk 320, which, in the position shown, overlaps the first recess 315 or is aligned with it. Preferably, a clear width or diameter of the second recess 325 is greater than the clear width or diameter of the first recess 315.

[0042] The storage vessel 305 has a vertical axis 330 about which it can be rotated by means of a drive device 335. The drive device 335 comprises, for example, an electric motor, which may include a reduction gear. A rotational movement of the drive device 335 is transmitted to the storage vessel 305 by means of a traction drive 340. A rotational speed, a direction of rotation, or a rotational angle can be controlled by appropriately controlling the drive device 335, for example, by the control device 250.

[0043] In another embodiment, a different type of drive device 335 may be provided, which provides an oscillating rotary movement about the vertical axis 330. For example, the drive device 335 may comprise a coil operated with an alternating voltage and a magnetic armature that is pulled into a predetermined rotary position depending on a magnetic field in the region of the coil. In yet another embodiment, the drive device 335 is configured to provide a revolving rotary movement, and instead of the traction drive 340, another mechanical conversion is provided, which converts the free rotary movement into an oscillating rotary movement. The conversion may, for example, comprise a crank drive or an eccentric.

[0044] The storage vessel 305 can be rotated from the illustrated first rotational position into a second rotational position, in which the recesses 315 and 325 no longer overlap, thus preventing the passage of salt 310 from the storage vessel 305 into the reaction vessel 205. If the storage vessel 305 is rotated in a rotating or oscillating manner about the vertical axis 330, the first or second rotational position is present at different time intervals. Salt 310 can thus be conveyed evenly and without jamming through the recesses 315, 325.

[0045] To prevent salt 310 from leaking between the vessels 205 and 305 or from liquid or moisture entering the storage vessel 305, a seal 345 may be provided, which is located axially between the storage vessel 305 and the reaction vessel 205 and surrounds the recesses 315, 325. The seal 345 is shown as an O-ring, which in another embodiment can be received on an axial section in a groove in the bottom of the storage vessel 305 and / or in a groove in the control disk 320.

[0046] The salt 310 conveyed into the reaction vessel 205 can dissolve there in an aqueous liquid 350, which can primarily comprise water from the first container 215. To make this process faster or more thorough, an agitator 355 can be provided to agitate the liquid. The salt 310 dissolved in the water can be converted into cleaning agent by means of an electric current through the electrodes. Liquid containing cleaning agent can then be dispensed through the dispensing opening 240 to assist a cleaning process.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows axial views of a bottom of the storage container 305 relative to the vertical axis 330. In an upper region, the storage container 305 is shown in a first rotational position 405 and in a lower region in a second rotational position 410. The control disc 320 is mounted on a side remote from the bottom of the storage container 305.

[0048] In the first rotational position 405, first recesses 315 in the bottom of the storage container 305 and second recesses 325 in the control disk 320 are aligned with each other in pairs, so that grains of the salt 310 can fall through the recesses 315, 325 into the reaction vessel 205.

[0049] In the second rotational position 410, a portion of the control disc 320 covers a first recess 315 and a portion of the bottom of the storage vessel 305 covers a second recess 325. Grains of the salt 310 are retained in the storage vessel 305 and liquid or moist gas from the reaction vessel 205 is kept away from the storage vessel.

[0050] Fig.5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 for providing cleaning agent in a device 300, preferably in a cleaning appliance 100. In a step 505, a request for providing cleaning agent can be detected. The request can be provided by a user of the cleaning appliance 100 or determined based on a condition or event.

[0051] In a step 510, the strength of an electric current flowing between the electrodes 210 can be determined. Based on the current, the ratio of salt and water to be fed into the reaction vessel 205 can be determined to enable or accelerate the provision of cleaning agent.

[0052] To control the addition of salt 310, a rotational frequency of the storage container 305 can be determined in a step 515. A rotational angle can be determined in a step 520. In a step 525, the storage container 305 can be rotated about its vertical axis 330. A rotational speed can be predetermined by the rotational frequency and the rotational angle. Alternatively, continuous rotation can be controlled; in this case, a rotational speed can be selected. The determinations of steps 515, 520, and 525 can be determined depending on a desired volume flow of salt 310 into the reaction vessel 205.

[0053] In parallel, in a step 530, the addition of water from the first container 215 can be controlled, if necessary. In a step 535, an electric current between the electrodes 210 can be controlled so that cleaning agent is provided in the reaction vessel 205 via an electrolytic redox reaction. Provided cleaning agent can be provided to the outside, for example, through a dispensing opening 240 and into the area of ​​a floor surface 105 to be cleaned. Reference symbol 100 cleaning devices 105 floor area 110 wheel 115 handle 120 cleaning textiles 125 drive 130 Generator 135 Suction mouth 140 suction unit 205 Reaction vessel 210 electrodes 215 first container 220 first addition device 225 second container 230 second addition device 235 Dispensing device 240 Dispensing opening 245 DC voltage source 250 control device 300 device 305 storage vessel 310 Salt 315 first recess 320 control disc 325 second recess 330 vertical axis 335 drive device 340 traction drive 345 Seal 350 liquid 405 first rotation position 410 second rotation position 500 procedures 505 Record requirement 510 Determine current 515 Determine rotation frequency 520 Determine angle of rotation 525 Rotate storage vessel 530 Add water 535 Provide cleaning supplies

Claims

[1] Device (300) for providing a cleaning agent, the device (300) comprising the following elements: - a reaction vessel (205) for receiving a liquid (350); - wherein electrodes (210) for electrolytically generating the cleaning agent are mounted in the reaction vessel (205); - a storage vessel (305) mounted above the reaction vessel (205) for receiving a granular substance (310); - wherein the storage vessel (305) has a bottom with a first recess (315) through which the substance (310) can pass, so that a part of the substance (310) falls through the first recess (315) into the reaction vessel (205) mounted below the storage vessel (305); and - a drive device (335) which is designed to rotate the storage vessel (305) about a vertical axis (330). [2] Device (300) according to claim 1, wherein a control disc (320) with a second recess (325) is mounted between the storage vessel (305) and the reaction vessel (205); wherein the first and the second recess (325) overlap one another in a first rotational position of the storage vessel (305) and are offset from one another in a second rotational position. [3] Device (300) according to claim 2, wherein a clear width of the first recess (315) is smaller than a clear width of the second recess (325). [4] Device (300) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a radial seal is provided between the storage vessel (305) and the control disc (320), which seal runs around the recesses (315, 325). [5] Device (300) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the storage vessel (305) has a plurality of first recesses (315) and / or the control disc (320) has a plurality of second recesses (325), wherein the first (315) and second recesses (325) are offset from one another such that in each rotational position no more than one first recess (315) and one second recess (325) overlap one another. [6] Device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (335) is arranged to rotate the storage vessel (305) in an oscillating manner by a predetermined angle. [7] Device (300) according to claim 6, wherein the angle is controllable. [8] Device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (335) can be controlled to rotate the storage vessel (305) at a predetermined speed. [9] Device (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substance (310) comprises grains of a predetermined salt. [10] Device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a device for moving the liquid (350) is mounted in the reaction vessel (205) to promote dissolution of the substance (310) in the liquid (350). [11] Cleaning device (100) comprising a device (300) according to one of the preceding claims, a power source (245) for connection to the electrodes (210) and a dosing device (235) for providing liquid (350) with cleaning agent to a surface (105) to be cleaned. [12] Cleaning device (100) according to claim 11, further comprising a supply device (220) for water into the reaction vessel (205). [13] A method (500) for providing a cleaning agent, the method comprising the following steps: - rotating (525) a storage vessel (305) into which a granular substance (310) is filled around its vertical axis (330); - wherein the storage vessel (305) has a bottom with a first recess (315) through which the substance (310) can pass; - so that a part of the substance (310) falls through the first recess (315) into a reaction vessel (205) arranged below the storage vessel (305); and - electrolytic generation (535) of the cleaning agent in the reaction vessel (205).

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