Cleaning system for one household

Abstract

A cleaning system (100) comprises a hand-held cleaning device (110) for cleaning a floor surface (105); a first tank (120) for holding water with cleaning agent; and a second tank (125) for holding water and a salt. The second tank (125) comprises a generator (170) for the electrolytic provision of cleaning agent based on water and the salt. The cleaning device (110) comprises a receptacle (115) into which the first (120) or the second tank (125) can be alternatively inserted in order to clean the floor surface (105) with liquid from the respectively inserted tank (120, 125).

Description

[0001] A cleaning device is designed to clean a floor surface in a household. Cleaning can be performed using a wet cleaning agent, and the cleaning device can have a tank into which water and cleaning agent can be poured. Liquid from the tank can be distributed over the floor surface and used with a cleaning cloth to loosen or bind dirt from the floor surface. Moisture and dirt can then be sucked away through a suction nozzle connected to a suction unit.

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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, which contains ozone and various nitrate and nitrite compounds. The ionizing 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.

[0004] Handling chemicals and a generator to deliver chemical-based cleaning agents can be overwhelming for a cleaning device operator. Furthermore, a cleaning agent delivered by a generator may not be optimal for certain processes. For example, a marble floor may be sensitive to acidic cleaning agents, which can be delivered by a generator.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved cleaning system for a household that enables simple and flexible cleaning of a floor surface. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subordinate claims specify preferred embodiments.

[0006] A proposed cleaning system comprises a handheld cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface; a first tank for holding water with cleaning agent; and a second tank for holding water and a salt. The second tank comprises a generator for electrolytically supplying cleaning agent based on water and salt. The cleaning device includes a receptacle into which the first or second tank can be inserted alternatively to clean the floor surface with liquid from the respective tank.

[0007] The first tank can be used to clean a particular type of soiling using a special cleaning agent. The second tank can be used to take advantage of the benefits of on-demand cleaning agent production. The salt can be sourced inexpensively and handled easily. The cleaning agent provided by electrolysis can achieve good cleaning results on many surfaces. The concentration of the cleaning agent in the liquid can be controlled by the electrolysis process. For example, in the case of a special cleaning process, such as cleaning a floor surface for which the electrolytically provided cleaning agent is unsuitable, the first tank on the cleaning device can be used. Overall, the cleaning system can combine increased flexibility with the advantages of on-demand cleaning agent production.

[0008] The cleaning device preferably comprises a control device configured to control the cleaning device depending on the tank used. The control device can control the electrolytic provision of cleaning agent in the second tank. Furthermore, the control device can adjust an element of the cleaning device depending on the cleaning agent that can be removed from the tank used. For example, the dosing of water and cleaning agent from the first tank can be different than the dosing of water and cleaning agent from the second tank. Other parameters, such as a contact time, a speed at which dispensed liquid is mechanically processed on the floor surface, or the strength of the suction to remove contaminated liquid from the floor surface, can also be controlled depending on the tank used.

[0009] The second tank can comprise two electrodes, between which an electric current can flow through liquid held in the second tank to electrolytically generate cleaning agent in the liquid. The generation of cleaning agent can take place entirely in the second tank, eliminating the need to transfer water and salt separately from the second tank to the cleaning device. The electrodes can be serviced or cleaned together with the tank, for example, if the electrodes become calcified. If necessary, the second tank can be replaced along with the electrodes.

[0010] The cleaning device further preferably comprises an interface for supplying the second tank with electrical energy. The electrical energy can be drawn from an energy storage device included in the cleaning device. In an embodiment in which the cleaning device is a wired device, the electrical energy can also be drawn via the cable and supplied to the second tank. A control device of the cleaning device can monitor a flow of electrical current between the electrodes and thus infer a reaction parameter during the electrolytic supply of cleaning agent. The supply can be controlled depending on the detected parameter.

[0011] In one variant, a control device for controlling the electrolytic supply of cleaning agent from the tank is included. The control device can be of simple construction and, for example, be formed by an electronic circuit. In a more advanced embodiment, the control device can comprise a processing device. In this improved manner, the second tank can be considered a closed system. A control device of the cleaning device can be no longer concerned with the details of the production of cleaning agents in the second tank.

[0012] In another variant, a control device for controlling the electrolytic supply of cleaning agent from the cleaning device is included. An interface for transmitting a sensor value or an actuator value between the cleaning device and the second tank can be provided. In this variant, the supply of cleaning agent can be more integrated into the control system of the cleaning device. Interdependent or mutually influencing subprocesses in the supply and application of cleaning agent can thus be controlled in an improved, integrated manner.

[0013] The cleaning device can include a sensor for determining an inserted tank, with the tanks being coded differently with respect to the sensor. This allows for a simple and reliable distinction to be made between a first and a second tank that may be inserted into the receptacle. The sensor can be configured to detect a predetermined feature that is either present only on one of the tanks or is expressed differently on both tanks.

[0014] In one variant, the coding is magnetic. The sensor can comprise a magnetic field sensor, for example, a Hall sensor. Multiple magnetic field sensors can be provided, each of which detects the presence of magnets at different, predetermined positions. The tanks can carry magnets in different ways at the predetermined positions. For example, a first and a second position can be predetermined, with the first tank carrying a magnet only at the first position and the second tank only at the second position. This allows for a particularly reliable distinction between the first and second tanks.

[0015] In a further variant, the coding is performed optically. An optical sensor can be provided on the cleaning device. The tanks can bear different optical markings, which are described herein with regard to magnetic coding. In another embodiment, the tanks can bear differently colored markings at the same position. The sensor can be configured to distinguish the markings by color, for example, using different color filters. Different marking colors can be assigned to the first and second tanks, so that the tanks can be differentiated from one another based on a detected marking color.

[0016] In yet another variant, the coding is done mechanically. For example, the cleaning device can be provided with a switch that checks for the presence of a haptic or mechanical feature on an inserted tank. This feature can be different on the first and second tanks, allowing the tanks to be mechanically differentiated from one another. Other options, particularly regarding the use of multiple sensors, are described herein.

[0017] In yet another variant, the coding is done electrically. Each tank can be equipped with an electrical component that can be connected to the cleaning device via two contacts when the corresponding tank is inserted into the holder. The components on the tanks can be designed differently. For example, resistors of different values ​​can be used. Alternatively, differently polarized diodes or differently dimensioned capacitors can be used.

[0018] A method for controlling a cleaning device intended for cleaning a floor surface is also proposed. The cleaning device comprises a receptacle into which a first or a second tank can be inserted alternatively. The method comprises steps of determining a tank inserted into the receptacle; controlling an electrolytic supply of cleaning agent based on water and a salt in the tank if the second tank is inserted; and controlling cleaning of the floor surface using water and cleaning agent from the inserted tank.

[0019] The method can be used to control a cleaning system described herein or a cleaning device described herein, into which either a first or a second tank is installed. The method can support flexible and targeted use of the cleaning device. Advantageously, the cleaning system can be designed such that large parts of the method are independent of whether a first or a second tank is installed in the cleaning device.

[0020] A computer program [product] is also proposed, comprising instructions that cause a cleaning system described herein to carry out the steps of the method described herein.

[0021] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 a cleaning system for use in a household; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a cleaning agent generator; Fig. 3 an illustration of an electrolytic production of cleaning agent; and Fig. 4 variants for detecting tanks on a cleaning device; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling a cleaning device.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cleaning system 100 for use in a household. The cleaning device 100 is configured to treat a floor surface 105, which may include, for example, parquet, laminate, screed, or linoleum.

[0023] The cleaning system 100 comprises a cleaning device 110 with a receptacle 115 into which either a first tank 120 or a second tank 125 can be inserted. The first tank 120 is configured to hold water and, optionally, cleaning agents, which can be filled by a user of the cleaning system 100. The second tank 125 is configured to hold water and a predetermined salt, which can be filled into the second tank 125 by a user. Furthermore, a predetermined cleaning agent can be provided in the second tank 125 by means of an electrolytic reaction based on water and the salt. Water and cleaning agent can be dispensed to the cleaning device 110 from both tanks 120, 125 in the same way.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning device 110 comprises a channel 130 for conveying liquid from an inserted tank 120, 125 toward the floor surface 105. A pump 135 can be provided for conveying and / or dosing. The liquid can be dispensed in the region of a cleaning textile 140, which is configured to process the floor surface 105 under the action of the liquid. The cleaning textile 140 can be set in a predetermined movement relative to the floor surface 105 by means of a motor 145, for example, oscillating or orbiting. In one embodiment, several cleaning textiles 140 are provided, which can be moved differently, but optionally in a coordinated manner, by means of dedicated motors 145.A load of the cleaning device 110 relative to the floor surface 105 rests partly on the cleaning textile 140 and partly on a wheel 150, which can be attached to the cleaning device 110 at a predetermined distance from the cleaning textile 140.

[0025] With respect to a predetermined cleaning movement of the cleaning device 110 over the floor surface 105, a suction mouth 155 can be provided in front of or behind the cleaning textile 140 in order to suck both dry dirt and a mixture of dirt and liquid from the floor surface 105. A fan for providing an air flow through the suction mouth 155 is provided in Fig. 1 not shown.

[0026] A function of the cleaning device 110 can be controlled depending on whether a first tank 120 or a second tank 125 is inserted into the receptacle 115. It is preferred that a sensor 160 be provided on the cleaning device 110 and configured to determine a predetermined marking 165 on the first tank 120 and / or the second tank 125. The presence, absence, or property of the marking 165 can provide an indication of which of the tanks 120, 125 is inserted into the receptacle 115.

[0027] For the electrolytic conversion of water and salt into cleaning agent, a generator 170 can be provided in the second tank 125. For the transmission of electrical energy, an interface 175 can be provided, which is formed on the second tank 125 and on the cleaning device 110. An electrical current required for the electrolytic provision of cleaning agent, a sensor value, and / or an actuator value for controlling the electrolytic provision process can be transmitted between the second tank 125 and the cleaning device 110 via the interface 175. Furthermore, a specification or a status can be transmitted between the second tank 125 and the cleaning device 110 via the interface 175. In the illustrated embodiment, a control device 180 is provided on the side of the cleaning device 110, wherein the control device 180 can also control the electrolytic provision process in the second tank 125.In another embodiment, a dedicated control device 180 may be provided on the second tank 125 side.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning agent generator 170. In the illustrated embodiment, all essential parts of the generator 170 are contained within the second tank 125; however, it should be understood that in other embodiments, one or more of the illustrated parts may also be provided by the cleaning device 110.

[0029] The generator 170 comprises a reaction vessel 205 with electrodes 210, a first container 215, and a second container 220. It should be understood that two or more of the elements 205, 215, and 220 can also be integrated with one another. The first container 215 is designed to hold clear water. The second container 220 is provided to hold a salt. The salt can, in particular, comprise table salt and, in a preferred embodiment, is dissolved in water. A first pump 225 can be controlled to pump water from the first container 215 into the reaction vessel 205. A second pump 230 can be controlled to introduce salt into the reaction vessel 205. Depending on the amounts of water and salt introduced, an aqueous solution of table salt with a predetermined salinity can be established in the reaction vessel 205.

[0030] A voltage source 235 can apply a predetermined voltage to electrodes 210 in the reaction vessel 205. This voltage is typically in a range of approximately 4 to 6 V. The voltage source 235 can be operated using electrical energy via the interface 175. The flowing current can convert the aqueous solution of salt in the reaction vessel 205, so that cleaning agent forms in the reaction vessel 205. Liquid from the reaction vessel 205, which can contain both water and cleaning agent, can be supplied to the cleaning device 110 by means of a third pump 240. For this purpose, a separable hydraulic interface 245 can be provided, which can be part of the general interface 175 between the cleaning device 110 and the second tank 125.

[0031] It should be noted that the sum of the volumes introduced into the reaction vessel 205 essentially corresponds to the sum of the volumes removed therefrom. For this reason, one or more of the pumps 225, 230, 240 can also be omitted. One or more of the pumps 225, 230, 240 can also be replaced by a controllable valve if the containers 215, 220, 205 are positioned such that the liquids contained therein can flow in the described direction by gravity. Optionally, one of the valves can also be replaced by a diaphragm. In one embodiment, the pumps 225, 230, and 240 can also be completely omitted if it is ensured that the pump 135 is implemented on the cleaning device 110.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustration of electrolysis. The reaction vessel 205 contains the aqueous solution, which initially only contains table salt dissolved in water. When the table salt dissolves in water, negatively charged anions 305 and positively charged cations 310 are formed. If a direct current is then applied to the electrodes 210, the anions 305 are moved to one electrode 210 and the cations 310 to the other electrode 210. This creates a potential difference between the electrodes 210, which is balanced by electrons 315 flowing from one electrode 210 through the direct current source 235 to the other electrode 210.

[0033] Ions 305, 310 that accumulate in the area of ​​one of the electrodes 210 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.

[0034] The water (H2O) from the first container 215 and the table salt (NaCl) from the second container 220 can be converted in the reaction vessel 205, for example, by means of the following reactions: 2NaCl + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2 + Cl2 2NaOH + Cl2 → NaOCl + NaCl + H2O

[0035] 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.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows variants for detecting tanks 120, 125 on a cleaning device 110. From top to bottom, a first variant 405, a second variant 410, a third variant 415, and a fourth variant 420 are each schematically illustrated. A tank 120, 125 is represented on the left side of a vertical dashed line, and the cleaning device 110 is represented on the right side.

[0037] The first variant 405 implements magnetic coding. Two magnetic sensors 425 are mounted on the cleaning device 110, each spaced apart from one another at predetermined positions. A magnetic sensor 425 can be implemented simply and cost-effectively using a Hall sensor. If a tank 120, 125 is inserted into the receptacle 115, predetermined positions on the tank 120, 125 are opposite the magnetic sensors 425. One of the tanks 120, 125 can carry a magnet 430 only in the area of ​​one of the magnetic sensors 425, and the other tank 120, 125 only in the area of ​​the other magnetic sensor 425. If a magnetic field is detected by one of the magnetic sensors 425, it can be concluded that a tank 120, 125 is inserted into the receptacle 115. If exactly one of the magnetic sensors 425 registers a magnet 430, it can be determined whether a first tank 120 or a second tank 125 was used.If both magnetic sensors 425 each register a magnetic field, an error condition can be concluded.

[0038] The second variant 410 implements mechanical or haptic coding. A similar structure to the first variant 405 can be selected, but the magnetic sensors 425 are replaced by switches 435 and the magnets 430 by actuating elements 440. Each actuating element 440 is assigned to one of the switches 435 and can actuate it when the tank 120, 125 is inserted into the receptacle 115. The detection of the insertion and the differentiation between the different tanks 120, 125 can be carried out as described with reference to the first variant 405.

[0039] The third variant 415 can implement electrical coding. Two contacts 445 are provided on the cleaning device 110, which can be electrically connected to terminals of an electrical or electronic component 450 on the tank 120, 125 when the tank 120, 125 is inserted into the receptacle 115. The electrical property of the component 450 can then be tested, for example, by applying a predetermined voltage to the component 450 and determining a flowing current, or vice versa. In another embodiment, testing under alternating voltage is also possible, wherein, in particular, an impedance of the component 450 can be determined. Exemplary components 450 for identifying a tank 120, 125 include an electrical resistor, a coil, a capacitor, or a diode.

[0040] The fourth variant 420 can implement optical coding. A light source 455 and a light sensor 460 can be provided on the cleaning device 110. The light source 455 can emit light onto a predetermined location on a tank 120, 125 inserted into the receptacle 115 or onto a reflective element 465 attached thereto. Reflected light can be received by the light sensor 460.

[0041] Different optical properties of the tank 120, 125 or the reflective element 465 can provide an indication of whether or which tank 120, 125 has been inserted into the receptacle 115. Different optical properties can include, for example, a degree of reflection or a color. In a further embodiment, differently colored light sources 455 or different light sensors 460 that are sensitive to different colors can be provided. Thus, the color of the reflective element 465 can be determined optically.

[0042] In a similar embodiment, the optical property can be determined as transmissive instead of reflective. The optical property need not be limited to the reflective element 465, but can also include, for example, a material property of the tank 120, 125 in question.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 for controlling a cleaning device 110. The method 500 can be carried out in particular by means of a cleaning system 100 or a cleaning device 110 and at least one tank 120, 125.

[0044] In a step 505, the presence of a tank 120, 125 in the receptacle 115 can be detected. Using a technique, several of which are described by way of example with reference to Fig.4, it can be determined in a step 510 that a conventional first tank 120 has been inserted into the receptacle 115. Alternatively, it can be determined in a step 515 that a second tank 125 configured for the electrolytic provision of cleaning agent has been inserted into the receptacle 115. In this case, a generation of cleaning agent in the second tank 125 can be controlled in a step 520. If sufficient cleaning agent is formed in the second tank 125, it can be treated essentially like a first tank 120 provided with water and cleaning agent. Following one of the steps 510 or 520, a control input can be detected in a step 525. The control input can represent a need for cleaning agent.

[0045] Depending on the control specification, the dispensing of liquid from the inserted tank 120, 125 can be controlled in a step 530. For this purpose, in particular, the pump 135 of the cleaning device 110 can be controlled.

[0046] In a step 535, a function of the cleaning device 110 can be controlled to perform the cleaning of a given floor surface 105 using the dispensed cleaning agent. The control can, for example, relate to a mechanical movement of a cleaning textile 140 on the floor surface 105 or the strength of an air flow entering through the suction nozzle 155. Other parameters of the cleaning device 110 can also be controlled. Reference symbol 100 cleaning system 105 floor area 110 cleaning device 115 recording 120 first tank 125 second tank 130 channel 135 Pump 140 cleaning textile 145 engine 150 bikes 155 Suction mouth 160 sensors 165 Marking 170 Generator 175 Interface 180 control device 205 Reaction vessel 210 electrodes 215 first container (water) 220 second container (salt) 225 first pump 230 second pump 235 voltage source 240 third pump 245 hydraulic interface 305 Anion 310 cation 315 electron 405 first variant 410 second variant 415 third variant 420 fourth variant 425 magnetic sensor 430 Magnet 435 switches 440 Actuator 445 Contact 450 electrical component 455 light source 460 light sensor 465 reflective element 500 procedures 505 Tank recording 510 determine conventional tank 515 electrolytic tank determine 520 Control the production of cleaning agents 525 Enter tax input 530 Control the dispensing of cleaning agents 535 Control cleaning

Claims

[1] Cleaning system (100) comprising: - a hand-held cleaning device (110) for cleaning a floor surface (105); - a first tank (120) for holding water with cleaning agent; - a second tank (125) for holding water and a salt; - wherein the second tank (125) comprises a generator (170) for electrolytically providing cleaning agent based on water and the salt; - wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises a receptacle (115) into which the first (120) or the second tank (125) can be inserted alternatively, - to clean the floor surface (105) with liquid from the respective tank (120, 125) used. [2] Cleaning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises a control device (180) which is configured to control the cleaning device (110) depending on the tank (120, 125) used. [3] Cleaning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second tank (125) comprises two electrodes (210) between which an electric current can flow through liquid held in the second tank (125) to electrolytically generate cleaning agent in the liquid. [4] Cleaning system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises an interface (175) for supplying the second tank (125) with electrical energy. [5] Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control device (180) for controlling the electrolytic provision of cleaning agent from the tank (120, 125) is included. [6] Cleaning system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a control device (180) for controlling the electrolytic provision of cleaning agent from the cleaning device (110) is included. [7] Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises a sensor (425, 435, 445, 460) for determining an inserted tank (120, 125) and the tanks (120, 125) are coded differently with respect to the sensor (425, 435, 445, 460). [8] Cleaning system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the coding is magnetic (405). [9] Cleaning system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the coding is optical (420). [10] Cleaning system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the coding is carried out mechanically (410). [11] Cleaning system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the coding is carried out electrically (415). [12] Method (500) for controlling a hand-held cleaning device (110) for cleaning a floor surface (105); wherein the cleaning device (110) comprises a receptacle (115) into which a first (120) or a second tank (125) can be alternatively inserted; wherein the method (500) comprises the following steps: - determining (505) a tank (120, 125) inserted into the receptacle (115); - controlling (520) an electrolytic provision of cleaning agent based on water and a salt in the tank (125), if the second tank (125) is used; and - Controlling (535) a cleaning of the floor surface (105) by means of water and cleaning agent from the respective tank (120, 125) used. [13] A computer program [product] comprising instructions that cause a cleaning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to carry out the steps of the method according to claim 12.

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