Cartridge and base station

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for use in a base station for connection with a wet cleaning device, wherein the cartridge comprises: - a receiving opening (1) for receiving a liquid, - an inlet opening (2) for admitting air into the cartridge (10), - an outlet opening (3) for releasing the air from the cartridge (10), - an evaporation element (4) configured to promote evaporation of the liquid received in the cartridge. The invention further relates to a base station for connection with a wet cleaning device, wherein the base station comprises the cartridge.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cartridge and a base station. In particular, the invention relates to a cartridge for use in a base station for connection with a wet cleaning device and the base station, which includes the cartridge and is designed for connection with the wet cleaning device.

[0002] The base station is designed to supply one or more wet cleaning units. Specifically, the base station is designed to clean the cleaning media of the wet cleaning unit, supply the unit with fresh water from a tank, and collect the unit's dirty water. The dirty water is typically stored in a wastewater tank on the base station, which must be opened by the user for manual disposal. Microorganisms such as bacteria and / or fungi can quickly proliferate in the wastewater tank, making the disposal process unpleasant for the user. The entire process is unhygienic and uncomfortable.

[0003] The invention therefore addresses the problem of providing a base station where the proliferation of microorganisms is reduced to a minimum and the user does not come into contact with the dirt.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a cartridge with the features of claim 1 and a base station with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention, besides minimizing the proliferation of microorganisms and preventing user contact with the dirt, lie in the fact that the cartridge and the base station are designed to use air, or warm air, to evaporate the water on its surface and / or to expel moist air from the cartridge. In contrast, the small water surface area in the dirty water tank according to the prior art results in relatively long evaporation times, thus increasing the risk of microorganism proliferation. Furthermore, the user does not need to clean the cartridge but can dispose of it as is. This significantly extends the maintenance interval before the user needs to clean the base station. The cartridge is equivalent to a vacuum cleaner bag. The evaporation rate is significantly increased, so that a typical quantity of 450 ml is evaporated within 24 hours.The solution evaporates before the next use. This significantly reduces odor. The cartridge dries completely after a typical use, preventing any odors from developing. Dirt generated during wet mopping can, in some cases, heavily burden the wastewater system. Proper disposal of the cartridge prevents contamination of the wastewater system.

[0006] Position and direction information refers to an operational installation position of the base station and the cartridge located in the base station.

[0007] The invention relates to a cartridge for use in a base station for connection with a wet cleaning device, wherein the cartridge has a receiving opening for receiving a liquid, an inlet opening for allowing air into the cartridge, an outlet opening for releasing the air from the cartridge, an evaporation element designed to promote evaporation of the liquid received in the cartridge.

[0008] The cartridge has boundary elements, such as a base, side walls, and / or a top; preferably, the cartridge has a base, side walls, and a top. The cartridge is preferably cuboid in shape. The cartridge is preferably made of a waterproof material, such as polypropylene, so that it can permanently retain the largest possible amount of water. The cartridge is preferably designed to maximize its surface area, thereby maximizing the evaporation surface. The cartridge is preferably dimensioned so that its service life exceeds three months. The top is preferably designed as a lid.

[0009] The nonwoven material of the nonwoven element is preferably a structured natural fiber such as cellulose. The key property of the nonwoven material is its ability to absorb liquid via capillary action, thereby increasing the effective surface area for evaporation. The nonwoven material preferably consists of cellulose sheets. These can have the disadvantage of allowing insufficient airflow when wet. For this reason, the cellulose sheets are preferably cut in a predetermined manner and transformed into a stable three-dimensional shape by applying slight tensile stress. This creates openings through which air can flow. Because the structuring of the cellulose sheet allows airflow, several structured sheets can be arranged one behind the other, attached to each other at certain points, for example, by gluing.This creates the necessary capillary effect, which draws water upwards while still allowing sufficient air to pass through when moistened. Using this fleece element significantly increases the rate of evaporation per unit of time, thus greatly reducing the time available for bacterial growth in the water. Depending on the setting of the base station in which the cartridge is used, the air supply process runs continuously, ensuring that the cartridge and fleece element remain dry. This prevents bacterial growth.

[0010] Preferably, the inlet opening is designed as a perforated grid such that liquid cannot escape from the cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the outlet opening is also designed as a perforated grid such that liquid cannot escape from the cartridge. Preferably, both the inlet and outlet openings are designed as perforated grids. The grid(s) serve as a splash guard and visual barrier. The size of the holes is preferably chosen so that typical splashes generated during filling of the cartridge cannot escape, thus preventing the escape of any splashing water while simultaneously minimizing flow resistance for the airflow. The outlet opening is preferably chosen to be as large as possible to maintain the stability of the cartridge.Furthermore, the perforated grid prevents the liquids contained in the cartridge from being visible to the user.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet openings are arranged such that the air entering and exiting through them is guided along the nonwoven element. This element has a very large moist surface area. The evaporation process of the water takes place at this interface.

[0012] Preferably, the nonwoven element has a U-shape in cross-section. This shape has proven advantageous in this design, as it maximizes the evaporation rate for a given airflow during operation.

[0013] To further increase the service life of the nonwoven element and reduce microbial contamination, the nonwoven material should possess fungicidal and antibacterial properties, if these are not already inherent material properties. Preferably, the nonwoven element has fungicidal and / or antibacterial properties. Alternatively, preferably, the nonwoven element contains fungicidal and / or antibacterial agents. This can be further enhanced, preferably, by incorporating fungicidal or antibacterial materials such as inorganic materials like copper oxychloride.

[0014] Preferably, the outlet opening has a shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the nonwoven element. The outlet opening also preferably has a U-shape that corresponds to the U-shape of the nonwoven element. The size of the outlet opening is preferably larger than the cross-sectional size of the nonwoven element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge has a top surface, wherein the receiving opening, the inlet opening, and / or the outlet opening are arranged in the top surface of the cartridge. Preferably, the receiving opening, the inlet opening, and the outlet opening are arranged in the top surface of the cartridge. This ensures that water cannot slosh out of the cartridge, even when the entire station is moved. The position of the inlet opening is preferably chosen such that air can continue to flow through a large part of the cartridge without creating excessive turbulence or even water movement. On the other hand, the inlet opening is preferably small enough to leave sufficient space for the outlet opening if it is also located on the top surface of the cartridge. Preferably, the receiving opening is arranged centrally on the top surface. Due to the central position of the receiving opening, the water and, if applicable, the outlet opening can be drawn into the cartridge.Distribute any remaining dirt evenly within the cartridge. This increases the interval before the cartridge needs to be replaced by the user.

[0016] Preferably, the cartridge has seals that create an airtight seal at the inlet and outlet openings, ensuring that all the air can be used to flow through the cartridge. These two seals precisely define the air path through the cartridge, preventing any pressure drop. Air cannot escape except through the outlet opening, and no additional air is drawn in except through the inlet opening.

[0017] Preferably, the cartridge further comprises a filter arranged and configured to filter the air expelled through the outlet opening. The filter preferably consists of activated carbon. This also filters the exhaust air used to evaporate the water, removing any bacteria, viruses, or fungi already present in the air. This also prevents or at least reduces unpleasant odors. In a preferred embodiment, the filter is integrated into or onto the top of the cartridge. It then preferably has the shape of the outlet opening. In this case, all components that come into direct or indirect contact with the greywater are replaced simultaneously by the user. This has the advantage of reducing the user's rework effort, but the disadvantage of increasing the cost of the cartridge.

[0018] The invention further relates to a base station for connection with a wet cleaning device, comprising the cartridge according to one or more of the embodiments described above.

[0019] Preferably, the base station includes a pump, preferably a vacuum pump, designed to pump the wastewater from the wet cleaning device into the base station. In a preferred embodiment, the base station includes a cartridge holder in which the cartridge is removably arranged. The cartridge holder preferably includes a container. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge holder has the same contour as the cartridge. The cartridge holder is preferably fixed in the base station by a simple clamping mechanism. Additionally, the cartridge is preferably sealed watertight at its outer contour to the cartridge holder in the base station, e.g., with a gasket, so that no wastewater enters the base station except into the container and / or the cartridge. The cartridge holder, including the cartridge, is preferably designed to be manually removed from the base station by the user.The cartridge is removed from a storage element of the base station, for example, pulled out or pushed in and inserted. The user can replace the cartridge when it is dry. The old cartridge can then be disposed of and replaced with a new one. Similar to changing a vacuum cleaner bag, the user does not come into contact with the dirt. If the cartridge has perforations on its top, these act as a screen, sparing the user the sight of the dirt.

[0020] Preferably, the cartridge holder includes a container designed to collect the wastewater from the wet cleaning device. Preferably, the container is further designed to disinfect the collected wastewater, for example, by means of a UV-C LED (ultraviolet C light-emitting diode) located within it. Other methods for treating the wastewater to reduce its contamination are also conceivable, for example, by ozone or ionization. Positioning appropriately designed devices, such as an ozone generator or ionization unit, within the container is therefore also possible. Preferably, the base station is designed to drain the wastewater into the cartridge after disinfection. Preferably, the base station includes a valve that can be opened to allow the wastewater to flow out of the container and into the cartridge through the receiving opening in the cartridge.

[0021] Alternatively, the pump is preferably designed to pump the dirty water from the wet cleaning unit directly into the cartridge. An advantage of this design is that it eliminates a component, namely the container, which can become contaminated. A disadvantage is that a cost-effective vacuum pump cannot be used to pump the dirty water into the cartridge. The vacuum pump can be used cost-effectively in the base station version with the container.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the base station further features: a fan designed to generate an airflow, and a connecting piece arranged between the fan and the cartridge, designed to direct air generated by the fan to the cartridge.

[0023] This ensures proper airflow within the base station. Furthermore, it prevents or at least reduces unpleasant odors. A radial fan is preferred.

[0024] The base station preferably has an integrated wiper. Preferably, the base station is designed such that the wet cleaning device (preferably a wet mop) can be inserted into the base station by the user and / or into a predetermined location. Connections to the base station are preferably provided at this location, allowing dirty water to be drawn from the wet cleaning device and fresh water to be added. This enables the base station to operate autonomously without requiring a water connection. This gives the customer greater flexibility in choosing the location of the base station.

[0025] Preferably, the base station includes a water collection unit, which preferably comprises a Peltier element with heat sinks, preferably made of aluminum, attached to its sides. On the cold side of the water collection unit, atmospheric moisture from the air can condense and drip into a water tank located below it. Preferably, the base station includes a pump designed to pump the water from the water tank into a fresh water tank of the wet cleaning unit. Air is preferably passed over the warm side of the water collection unit to dissipate heat from the Peltier element. Preferably, the base station includes a fan that generates the necessary airflow and is preferably located directly above the warm heat sink, directing the air into the cartridge via the connecting piece.A key advantage of a radial fan for this invention is the high pressure build-up, which allows the air to flow through downstream filters. Preferably, the connecting piece has a 90° bend. This 90° bend in the airflow within the connecting piece has also proven advantageous in this component arrangement. The combination of a dehumidifier and humidifier in the base station allows for additional regulation of the room climate.

[0026] When the base station is in operation, the airflow path is preferably as follows: During operation, warm, dry air from the fan flows through the connecting piece and then downwards by a further 90° angle through the inlet opening into the cartridge interior. The air then flows through the cartridge past the standing water surface. Additionally, the air flows past the moistened fleece element, which has a very large moist surface area. The evaporation process takes place at this interface. This process is particularly efficient when the air used is warm and dry. The now water-enriched and therefore more humid air can exit the cartridge through the outlet opening. The humid air then preferably passes through the cartridge filter and / or a base station filter and is subsequently released into the outside air. The filter can be part of the cartridge or, alternatively, part of the base station, i.e., independent of the cartridge.The filter or base station filter can be enriched with activated carbon to further reduce potential odors and extend the maintenance interval. In a preferred embodiment, the filter or base station filter is selected such that the pressure differential generated by the filter or base station filter is matched to the performance of the base station fan. Furthermore, the filter area is chosen to be as large as possible to increase filtration efficiency without simultaneously increasing the pressure drop across the filter or base station filter. In another preferred embodiment, the base station filter is positioned directly above the cartridge. This would have the advantage of a more compact design but the disadvantage of allowing only a smaller filter area, which in turn necessitates a more powerful fan.This arrangement also reduces the installation space that could potentially become contaminated and, in that case, would need to be cleaned by the user.

[0027] Preferably, the base station has openings in the form of air holes through which humid air can escape, and further openings through which fresh room air can be drawn in by the fan. Both areas are preferably hermetically sealed to ensure a directed airflow through the entire base station.

[0028] Preferably, the fan is a radial fan designed to generate an airflow of 15 to 25 m³ / h during operation. This allows the base station to achieve an evaporation rate of over 500 ml per day, even under unfavorable environmental conditions, such as 32 °C and 75% relative humidity. The low airflow of, for example, 20 m³ / h minimizes the noise level of the base station. This also minimizes the energy consumption of the fan. Preferably, the base station includes a control unit designed to regulate the fan, thereby increasing the airflow and thus the evaporation rate. Additionally, by controlling the Peltier element via the control unit, the amount of heat, the temperature of the airflow, and thus the evaporation rate can be further increased.Further parameters would allow for higher evaporation rates, but these would be accompanied by higher energy consumption and higher noise levels.

[0029] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It is shown schematically and not to scale. Fig. 1 a perspective view of a cartridge according to the invention; Fig. 2 a further perspective view of the one shown in Fig. 1 shown cartouche, Fig. 3, another perspective view of the in Fig. 2 shown cartridge, Fig. 4 a top view of the in Fig. 3 shown cartridge, Fig. 5 a top view of the in Fig. 2 shown cartridge, Fig. 6 a top view of the in Fig. 1 The cartridge shown, Fig. 7 a perspective view of another cartridge according to the invention; Fig. 8 a perspective view of a cartridge holder, Fig. 9 a perspective view of a base station according to the invention, Fig. 10 a cross-sectional view of a variant of the in Fig. 9 The base station shown, Fig. 11, is a cross-sectional view of the base station shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 9 The base station shown, Fig. 12, is a cross-sectional view of the base station shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 10 shown base station with air duct; and Fig. 13 another perspective view of the in Fig. 9 shown base station.

[0030] Fig. 1 Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to the invention. The cartridge is designed for use in a base station for connection to a wet cleaning device. The cartridge has a base 5, side walls 6, and a top (not shown) made of a waterproof material. It has a receiving body 9 for receiving a nonwoven element (not shown). The top and the nonwoven element have been omitted for clarity in order to show the interior of the cartridge 10.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows another perspective view of the in Fig. 1 shown cartridge. The one in Fig. 2 Cartridge 10 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 1 The cartridge shown differs in that the fleece element 4, which has a U-shape and is held by the receiving body 9, is still shown. The fleece element 4 is designed to absorb at least some of the liquid by means of a capillary effect when it is located in the cartridge 10.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows another perspective view of the in Fig. 2 shown cartridge. The one in Fig. 3 Cartridge 10 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 2 The cartridge shown is identical, with the difference that the top 7 is shown. The cartridge 10 is cuboid. The top 7 is designed as a lid and has a receiving opening 1 for receiving a liquid, an inlet opening 2 for admitting air into the cartridge 10, and an outlet opening 3 for releasing the air from the cartridge 10. The outlet opening 3 has a U-shape corresponding to the nonwoven element (not shown). The inlet opening 2 and the outlet opening 3 are designed as a grid of holes such that leakage of liquid from the cartridge 10 is prevented. The inlet opening 2 is smaller than the outlet opening 3.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the in Fig. 3 The cartridge shown. The receiving opening 1 is located in the center of the top surface 7.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a top view of the in Fig. 2 The cartridge shown. The nonwoven element 4 has a U-shaped cross-section. The size of the in Fig. 4 The outlet opening 3 shown is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nonwoven element 4.

[0035] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the in Fig. 1 The cartridge shown. The receiving body 9 has a U-shape.

[0036] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another cartridge according to the invention. Cartridge 10 corresponds to the one shown in Figure 10. Fig. 3 shown cartridge with the difference that it continues to have a filter 8 which is arranged and designed to filter air released through the outlet opening 3.

[0037] Fig. 8 Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a cartridge holder. The cartridge holder 11 has a container. The cartridge holder 11 has the same contour as the one in Figure 11. Fig. 1 bis 7 Cartridge shown.

[0038] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a base station according to the invention. The base station has a receiving element 22 and the cartridge holder 11 for receiving and removing the cartridge 10, which is located in the Fig. 1 bis 6 The cartridge shown corresponds to the cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 is arranged in the cartridge holder 11 and can be detachably arranged from the receiving element 22. Furthermore, the base station has a water collection unit 12, which includes a Peltier element 13, a water tank 14, a heat sink (hot side) 17, and a heat sink (cold side) 18. The base station also has a fan 15 and a connector 16 for connecting the water collection unit 12 to the cartridge 10 when arranged in the base station. The base station further has a housing 20 into which base station openings 21 are integrated. The connector 16 has a 90° bend.

[0039] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a variant of the in Fig. 9 shown base station. The one in Fig. 10 The base station shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 9 shown base station with the difference that the cartridge 10 and the cartridge holder 11 are included in the receiving element 22 and that the cartridge 10 continues to have the filter 8, which is located above the outlet opening (not shown).

[0040] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 9 The base station shown. The cartridge holder 11 and the cartridge 10 are arranged in the receiving element 22.

[0041] Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 11 The base station shown includes airflow. The airflow generated during operation of the base station is indicated by arrows. During operation, particularly when the fan 15 is running, air flows into the base station via the base station openings 21, into the heat sink (cold side 18), then through the heat sink (warm side 17), through the fan 15 into the connecting piece 16, and through the inlet opening (not shown) of the cartridge 10 into the cartridge 10, along the fleece element 4, and then out of the base station through the outlet opening (not shown) of the cartridge 10 via the base station openings 21.

[0042] Fig. 13 shows another perspective view of the in Fig. 9The base station shown. The base station has the housing 20 and base station openings 21 for letting air in and out of the base station. It also has a receiving unit 19 for holding a wet cleaning device (not shown). The cartridge holder 11 with a cartridge (not shown) is arranged in the base station. Reference symbol list

[0043] 1. Intake opening 2. Inlet opening 3. Outlet opening 4. Evaporation element / fleece element 5. Base 6. Side wall 7. Top 8. Filter 9. Intake body 10. Cartridge 11. Cartridge holder 12. Water collection unit 13. Peltier element 14. Water tank 15. Fan 16. Connector 17. Heat sink or hot side 18. Heat sink or cold side 19. Intake unit 20. Housing 21. Base station openings 22. Intake element

Claims

1. Cartridge (10) for use in a base station for connection with a wet cleaning device, comprising: - a receiving opening (1) for receiving a liquid, - an inlet opening (2) for admitting air into the cartridge (10), - an outlet opening (3) for releasing the air from the cartridge (10), - an evaporation element (4) designed to promote evaporation of the liquid received in the cartridge.

2. Cartridge (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the evaporation element (4) is designed as a nonwoven element (4), wherein the nonwoven element (4) is designed to absorb at least part of the liquid by means of a capillary effect.

3. Cartridge (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the evaporation element (4) is designed as a nebulization element (4), in particular as an ultrasonic cold nebulization element.

4. Cartridge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe inlet opening (2) and / or the outlet opening (3) is or are designed as a perforated grid such that the escape of liquid from the cartridge (10) is prevented from it or them.

5. Cartridge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the inlet opening (2) and the outlet opening (3) are arranged such that the air entering and exiting through them is guided along the nonwoven element (4).

6. Cartridge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the nonwoven element (4) has a U-shape in cross-section and / or that the nonwoven element (4) has fungicidal and / or antibacterial properties, preferably fungicidal and / or antibacterial agents.

7. Cartridge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the outlet opening (3) has a shape that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the nonwoven element (4).

8. Cartridge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the receiving opening (1), the inlet opening (2) and / or the outlet opening (3) is or are arranged in a top surface of the cartridge (10) and / or that the cartridge (10) has seals which seal the inlet opening (2) and the outlet opening (3) airtight to the outside.

9. Cartridge (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a filter (8) which is arranged and designed to filter air released through the outlet opening (3), wherein the filter (8) preferably comprises activated carbon.

10. Base station for connection to a wet cleaning device, comprising the cartridge (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Base station according to claim 10, characterized by the fact thatit has a cartridge holder (11) in which the cartridge (10) is removably arranged, wherein the cartridge holder (11) has a container (11) designed to receive and optionally disinfect dirty water from the wet cleaning device.

12. Base station according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by - a fan (15) designed to generate an airflow, - a connecting piece (16) arranged between the fan (15) and the cartridge (10) and designed to direct air generated by the fan (15) to the cartridge (10).

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