Base station for a floor cleaner

Abstract

A hygienization station for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance includes an electrolysis cell for electrochemically producing a hypochlorite-containing solution by electrolysis of a salt-containing fluid. A supply line supplies a defined amount of the hypochlorite solution to the mopping textile, and the mopping textile is cleaned in a cleaning region in which the mopping textile is received. The cleaning region has cleaning devices for mechanically processing the mopping textile and for discharging excess fluid. There is also disclosed a hygienizing system with such a hygienization station and a cleaning appliance, and also a method for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2025 112 502.3, filed Mar. 31, 2025; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a hygienization station for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance, a hygienizing system having such a hygienization station, and also a method for hygienizing the mopping textile of the cleaning appliance.

[0003] Modern cleaning robots can vacuum as well as wet mop and usually use flat mopping textiles made of natural and / or synthetic fibers. These textiles absorb water and also dirt from the floor. In order to improve the cleaning effect, many of these robots are equipped with an actuator that sets the mopping textile in rotation or oscillation. After a certain period of use, the mopping textile becomes saturated with dirt. If it is not cleaned in time, it will only smear the absorbed dirt on the surface. Modern cleaning robots therefore return to their base station after a certain cleaning distance, where dirt is removed from the mopping textile.

[0004] Usually, base stations have a cleaning region having mechanical cleaning aids that clean the mopping textile together with fresh water. On some models, cleaning agent can be added. However, these methods eliminate only a small part of the absorbed microorganisms, in particular bacteria and mold spores. Since the mopping textile remains moist after cleaning, remaining microorganisms can multiply and cause unpleasant odors.

[0005] International publication WO 2022 / 237132 A1, for example, discloses a cleaning system for cleaning robots, which comprises an electrolysis apparatus for producing electrolyzed water having a sterilizing effect. The electrolysis takes place in a water tank of the base station, wherein the electrolyzed water is used for cleaning the mopping textile and other components of the cleaning robot.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a hygienization station, a hygienizing system, and also a method for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance, whereby microorganisms in mopping textiles of the cleaning appliance can be effectively eliminated or at least greatly reduced.

[0007] With the above and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a hygienization station for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance, the hygienization station comprising:

[0008] an electrolysis cell for electrochemically producing a hypochlorite-containing solution by electrolysis of a salt-containing fluid;

[0009] a supply line for supplying a defined amount of the hypochlorite-containing solution to the mopping textile; and

[0010] a cleaning region for receiving the mopping textile, the cleaning region having a cleaning device for mechanically processing the mopping textile and for discharging excess fluid.

[0011] In other words, the objects of the invention are achieved by a hygienization station for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance, which comprises an electrolysis cell for electrochemically producing a hypochlorite-containing solution by electrolysis of a salt-containing fluid, a supply line for supplying a defined amount of the produced solution to the mopping textile, and a cleaning region for receiving the mopping textile, wherein the cleaning region has cleaning devices for mechanically processing the mopping textile and for discharging excess fluid.

[0012] The mopping textile is the cleaning element of the cleaning appliance, which absorbs dirt and fluid during the conventional cleaning process. The mopping textile can consist of synthetic or natural fibers and is designed either as a flat mopping cloth or as a mop. The mopping textile can rotate or oscillate about a substantially vertical axis, i.e., the z axis.

[0013] The hygienization station is designed as a base station of the hygienizing system and serves for disinfecting, sanitizing and optional cleaning of the mopping textile. The hypochlorite-containing solution eliminates microorganisms, while the cleaning region removes dirt and excess fluid at the same time by means of the cleaning means. Additional functions such as automatic fluid supply in reservoirs or emptying of the wastewater collecting container can be integrated.

[0014] The electrolysis cell generates sodium hypochlorite by applying an electrical voltage to a salt-containing fluid. The electrolysis cell is preferably designed as a flow reactor, so that the salt solution is continuously passed through and thereby electrochemically converted into sodium hypochlorite. This enables demand-oriented, in-situ production without large quantities of stock.

[0015] The supply line is a line element that applies the hypochlorite-containing solution, which is produced in the electrolysis cell, in a defined amount to the mopping textile. A defined amount refers to an exactly dosed amount of fluid that is required for effective disinfection or cleaning. The hypochlorite-containing solution is also referred to below as disinfectant fluid.

[0016] The hygienization station preferably comprises a collecting facility for collecting excess fluid. The collecting facility is, for example, a watertight trough or a container that collects excess fluid and discharges it into a dirty water tank via an outlet.

[0017] The cleaning devices preferably comprise brushes, lamellae, structured surfaces, and / or mechanical structures. Brushes and lamellae are mechanical cleaning means in the cleaning region of the hygienization station. While a brush usually consists of bristles that detach or brush off dirt from the surface of the mopping textile, lamellae are usually flat, flexible structures that strip the mopping textile and drain away excess fluid. Both elements contribute to the mechanical processing of the mopping textile and support the removal of dirt as well as the uniform application of the disinfectant solution.

[0018] Mechanical structures in the hygienization station can be projections having a triangular cross section, which squeeze the mopping textile out. These projections can be mounted in a fixed or movable manner and, if appropriate, include openings for the supply of fluid. An opening for supplying fluid is to be understood as a passage within the mechanical structure, through which cleaning or disinfectant fluid is applied to the mopping textile. The fluid is applied in a targeted manner to specific contact points of the mopping textile in order to ensure uniform wetting.

[0019] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hygienization station comprises a separate facility for supplying cleaning fluid, which supplies a defined amount of cleaning fluid to the mopping textile in a cleaning process. The mopping textile can therefore be treated with fresh water or cleaning agent prior to performing the disinfection function. During the cleaning function, the disinfection function is inactive and vice versa. The cleaning function and the disinfection function run separately from each other.

[0020] The cleaning fluid can be water or a mixture of water and cleaning agent. A pump conveys or transports the cleaning fluid from a separate reservoir into the cleaning region.

[0021] The facility for supplying cleaning fluid consists of a pump or a valve system that transports the fluid from a storage container to the mopping textile. The pump can be a membrane or peristaltic pump.

[0022] The hygienization station can include a control unit that coordinates disinfection and cleaning.

[0023] The collecting facility preferably has an outlet for discharging the collected fluid into a wastewater collecting container. The outlet is accordingly fluidically connected to a wastewater collecting container, wherein a fluid draining facility is preferably provided and is designed so as to discharge fluid, which is collected in the collecting facility, into the wastewater collecting container via the outlet. The fluid draining facility is an apparatus that transports the dirty water, which is collected in the collecting facility, into the wastewater collecting container via an outlet. The fluid draining facility can be designed as an automatic suction pump or as a vacuum system. Alternatively, a gravity process with supplementary pump control can be used in order to ensure a particularly energy-saving discharge.

[0024] In accordance with a further, preferred embodiment, the wastewater collecting container is designed as a closed system in order to prevent the escape of fluid vapors. The escape of fluid vapors refers to the uncontrolled evaporation of fluid components, in particular cleaning or disinfecting fluids.

[0025] The electrolysis cell is preferably part of a facility for supplying disinfectant fluid, or disinfectant fluid supply, for short, which further comprises a reservoir for providing the salt-containing fluid and also a pump for conveying the salt-containing fluid from the reservoir to the electrolysis cell.

[0026] The term "hygienizing" refers to a process in which the mopping textile is freed from germs, bacteria or other contaminants in a targeted manner. In the context of the invention, this means that the mopping textile of the cleaning appliance is disinfected at least by using disinfectant fluid, in particular a hypochlorite-containing solution, and is optionally additionally cleaned by using cleaning fluid such as water and / or cleaning agent.

[0027] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a hygienizing system comprises a hygienization station in accordance with the above embodiments and also a cleaning appliance which is equipped with at least one movable (e.g., rotatable, oscillatable) mopping textile. It will be understood that the system may be modular and be adaptable to different cleaning appliances.

[0028] The cleaning appliance can be an autonomous cleaning robot, in particular a suction and mopping robot, which travels autonomously and independently to the hygienization station in order to clean and disinfect the mopping textile. A cleaning appliance is in particular a cleaning robot that independently cleans floors by detecting its environment with sensors and executing a predefined or adaptive cleaning strategy. The cleaning appliance is in particular an autonomous floor cleaning appliance that is intended to clean floor surfaces independently without the user having to perform or monitor the cleaning process manually. The cleaning appliance realizes multiple functions, including wet mopping, i.e. the wet cleaning of hard floors by means of a moistened mopping textile. The cleaning appliance can also realize a self-cleaning function and also a disinfecting function at the hygienization station, wherein the mopping textile is washed and / or disinfected. The cleaning appliance can adapt to different floor types and is able to detect and bypass obstacles to ensure efficient and safe cleaning.

[0029] The cleaning appliance and the hygienization station are intended in particular for use in households, i.e., in private living rooms such as apartments or single-family homes, as well as in semi-commercial environments such as hotel rooms. The hygienization station is specially designed for the requirements of the household and enables efficient cleaning and disinfection of the mopping textile without having to meet industrial or medical standards.

[0030] The hygienization station serves as a base or charging station for the cleaning appliance, wherein the cleaning appliance automatically returns to the hygienization station after a certain operating time or a completed cleaning cycle. At the hygienization station, the mopping textile is disinfected and optionally cleaned in advance, so that the cleaning appliance can then continue to work with a hygienized mopping textile.

[0031] The hygienization station serves as a base station, to which the cleaning robot automatically returns after a defined cleaning cycle. At the hygienization station, the mopping textile is disinfected and optionally cleaned in advance, so that the cleaning robot can then continue to work with a hygienized mopping textile. This creates a fully automated system that enables continuous and efficient floor cleaning without manual intervention.

[0032] With the above and other objects in view there is also provided, in accordance with the invention, a method for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance in a hygienization station. The novel method includes the following steps:

[0033] a) electrochemically producing a hypochlorite-containing solution by electrolysis of a salt-containing fluid by an electrolysis cell;

[0034] b) supplying a defined amount of the produced solution to the mopping textile; and

[0035] c) mechanically processing the mopping textile and discharging excess fluid by cleaning means in the cleaning region.

[0036] Steps a) to c) may be repeated until the desired reduction of the microorganisms is achieved.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the mopping textile is first cleaned prior to the disinfection. In this vein, prior to the first above step (step a), a defined amount of cleaning fluid is supplied to the mopping textile, wherein the mopping textile is mechanically processed by the cleaning means in the cleaning region, such that dirt and also excess fluid are squeezed out of the mopping textile and are discharged into a collecting facility. The cleaning process follows the same procedure as the disinfection, but with cleaning fluid instead of disinfecting solution.

[0038] The cleaning fluid is supplied via a pump, which is designed, for example, as a membrane or peristaltic pump. Alternatively, the amount of fluid can be regulated by a valve system. The cleaning fluid is drawn from a reservoir or storage container and conveyed to the mopping textile.

[0039] While the cleaning fluid is being supplied, the mopping textile is processed mechanically. The mechanical processing can be continued after the fluid supply in order to squeeze out excess cleaning fluid and to prepare the mopping textile as dry as possible for the subsequent disinfection. By repeatedly mechanically squeezing, the absorbed fluid is removed, whereby the mopping textile is effectively cleaned. After dosing the disinfecting solution, mechanical processing can be continued in order to remove excess fluid and minimize the consumption of the disinfecting solution.

[0040] The mopping textile is preferably moved in a rotating or oscillating manner during the mechanical processing. The movement of the mopping textile denotes its mechanical processing by the cleaning means. In this case, the mopping textile can be guided in a targeted manner via mechanical structures. The movement can be either by the entire cleaning appliance or directly by the mopping textile. During the movement, excess fluid is removed from the mopping textile by the cleaning means. Fluid is removed from the mopping textile by mechanical stress such as pressure or friction. In addition to fluid, dirt particles are also removed.

[0041] During the rotation, the mopping textile rotates continuously about a central axis. It ensures uniform processing by the cleaning means. During the oscillation, the mopping textile moves back and forth along an axis. This facilitates the removal of stuck dirt due to repeated contact with the cleaning device(s).

[0042] The fluid that is collected by means of the collecting facility is preferably discharged via an outlet into a wastewater collecting container. The outlet is preferably arranged at the lowest point of the collecting facility in order to efficiently remove fluid by gravity. The collecting facility receives the squeezed out fluid and also the dirt particles. The collecting facility is watertight and can be inclined in order to discharge the fluid in a targeted manner.

[0043] A fluid draining facility, for example designed as a pump or vacuum system, preferably drains fluid from the outlet into the wastewater collecting container. The wastewater collecting container is a, in particular closed, tank or container in which the fluid that is removed from the mopping textile is collected. The wastewater collecting container prevents uncontrolled leakage of fluid and also fluid vapors.

[0044] The hygienization station and the method enable an effective elimination of microorganisms from mopping textiles of a cleaning appliance, be it a cleaning robot or a hand mopping appliance, by the targeted application of sodium hypochlorite, which is produced, in particular in situ, by electrolysis. This leads to a significant reduction in germs and bacteria, which effectively prevents unpleasant odors caused by their metabolism. At the same time, the dirt absorption capacity of the mopping textiles is maintained, since, in contrast to conventional washing processes, high temperatures that could damage the fibers are not required.

[0045] In addition, the separation of cleaning and disinfection mode ensures optimized control of the entire hygienizing process. During cleaning with fresh water or a cleaning fluid, dirt is removed prior to disinfection with sodium hypochlorite being performed in a separate step. Due to the targeted control of the fluid supply, excess cleaning or disinfecting fluid can also be squeezed out of the mopping textile by mechanical processing, as a result of which efficient drying is supported or fluid consumption is reduced.

[0046] Overall, the method described herein significantly improves the hygienic preparation of mopping textiles, reduces the maintenance effort for the user, and contributes to the cleaning performance of the cleaning appliance remaining consistently high over a longer period of time.

[0047] Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0048] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a base station for a floor cleaner, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

[0049] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic illustration of a hygienizing system having a hygienization station; and

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram to illustrate a method for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance in the hygienization station according to FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, in particular, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown hygienizing system 100 which comprises a cleaning appliance 103 and also a hygienization station 106. The cleaning appliance 103 of the exemplary embodiment is designed as an autonomous cleaning robot, preferably as a mopping robot, for household use. The cleaning robot can additionally have a suction function. The cleaning appliance 103 has at least one mopping textile 109, which absorbs dirt from a substrate 110 during the normal cleaning process. After a defined period of use or after completion of a cleaning, the cleaning appliance 103 travels back to the hygienization station 106 in order to clean and disinfect the mopping textile 109.

[0053] The hygienization station 106 includes a facility 112 for supplying cleaning fluid, or cleaning fluid supply 112 for short, which transports cleaning fluid from a first reservoir 115 through a first supply line 121 to the mopping textile 109 via a first pump 118. The first reservoir 115 can contain water or another cleaning fluid.

[0054] For disinfection, the hygienization station 106 comprises a facility 122 for supplying disinfectant fluid, or disinfectant supply 122 for short. The facility 122 has an electrolysis cell 128, in particular a flow reactor, for the electrochemical production of sodium hypochlorite from a salt-containing solution. A second pump 127 transports the salt-containing solution from a second reservoir 124 to the electrolysis cell 128, from where the sodium hypochlorite, which is generated in the cell 128, is transported via a second supply line 130 to the mopping textile 109. The facility 122 for supplying disinfectant fluid here is therefore an in-situ production unit for disinfectant fluid, an on-site hypochlorite generator.

[0055] The pumps 118, 127 can be designed as membrane or peristaltic pumps. The pumps 118, 127 can be controlled via a control unit 131 in such a manner that the fluid supply takes place continuously or at chronologically separate intervals, i.e., in a pulsating supply.

[0056] In a cleaning region 133, the mopping textile 109 is mechanically processed by brushes, lamellae or mechanical structures 136 while rotating or oscillating. In the process, dirt and excess fluid are squeezed out and guided into a collecting facility 148.

[0057] An actuator 139 in the cleaning appliance 103 ensures the rotation or oscillation of the mopping textile 109 about a vertical axis of rotation 145. This function is used in a cleaning or disinfecting method described herein in order to clean or disinfect the mopping textile 109 by means of the mechanical structures 136 in the cleaning region 133. The mechanical structures 136 consist of tapering projections having a triangular cross section. Their flanks guide the squeezed-out fluid into the collecting facility 148.

[0058] The collecting facility 148 is designed as a watertight trough, preferably inclined at the base 151, and has an outlet 154, wherein a fluid that has been drained and collected in the collecting facility 148 is guided to and collected at the outlet 154, which is arranged at the lowest point of the trough. The excess fluid that is squeezed out of the mopping textile 109 is conveyed into a wastewater collecting container 160 via a fluid draining facility 157, which may be designed, for example, as a pump or vacuum system. The wastewater collecting container 160 is a closed system in order to prevent the escape of fluid vapors. In addition, the wastewater collecting container 160 can be provided with an activated carbon filter or a condensation system in order to bind volatile substances and to reduce odor formation.

[0059] According to FIG. 1, two of the mechanical structures 136 each have an opening 163, 166. One of the two openings (e.g., opening 163) fluidically connects the cleaning region 133 to the first supply line 121, and the other of the two openings (e.g., opening 166) fluidically connects the cleaning region 133 to the second supply line 130. Cleaning fluid is applied to the mopping textile 109 via the first opening 163, wherein the sodium hypochlorite that is produced is applied to the mopping textile 109 via the second opening 166.

[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for hygienizing a mopping textile 109 in the hygienization station 106. The method 200 comprises cleaning and subsequent disinfection.

[0061] After the cleaning appliance 103 has been docked in the hygienization station 106, in a first step 205, cleaning fluid is conveyed from the first reservoir 115 through the first pump 118 and the first supply line 121 to the mopping textile 109. At the same time or subsequently, in a second step 210, the mopping textile 109 is mechanically processed by the mechanical structures 136, i.e. the tapered projections, in order to remove dirt and excess fluid. In this case, the mopping textile 109 is rotated by the actuator 139, for example, about the axis of rotation 145. The dirt and excess fluid is guided into the collecting facility 148, where the fluid is collected.

[0062] In an optional third step 215, the supply of fluid can be stopped, while the movement of the mopping textile 109 over the mechanical structures 136 is continued for a predefined second period of time in order to achieve maximum removal of water from the mopping textile 109.

[0063] During and / or after steps 205, 210 and 215, the fluid that is collected in the collecting facility 148 is discharged by way of the fluid draining facility 157 via the outlet 154 into the wastewater collecting container 160. Optionally, the degree of contamination of the discharged fluid can be monitored during the cleaning process.

[0064] Depending on a degree of contamination of the fluid that is discharged or sucked away, steps 205 to 215 can be repeated until the contamination of the discharged fluid falls below a predetermined limit value. A sensor system can detect the degree of contamination of the discharged fluid. The control unit 131 may control the system 100 based on the collected data.

[0065] After the cleaning process is completed, the disinfection process is initiated. The control unit 131 deactivates the facility 112 for supplying cleaning fluid and activates the facility 122 for supplying disinfectant fluid.

[0066] In a fourth step 220, a salt solution is conveyed from the second reservoir 124 to the electrolysis cell 128 by means of the second pump 127 in order to obtain a hypochlorite-containing solution or sodium hypochlorite by electrolysis of the salt-containing fluid, wherein a defined amount of the produced solution is supplied to the mopping textile 109 in a fifth step 225 either continuously or in a pulsing manner for a predefined third period of time.

[0067] In a further step 230 and analogous to the above-described cleaning process, the mopping textile 109 is subsequently or simultaneously mechanically processed by the cleaning means, i.e., moved over the mechanical structures 136 or the tapered projections. Dirt and excess fluid is squeezed out of the mopping textile 109 by the structures 136 and guided into the collecting facility 148, where the fluid is collected.

[0068] Analogous to the cleaning process, if necessary and / or in order to save disinfectant fluid, the squeezing out can be continued for a fourth period of time with the supply of disinfectant fluid stopped.

[0069] Excess disinfectant fluid is guided into the collecting facility 148, collected and drawn away into the wastewater collecting container 160 analogously to the above embodiments. The term "wastewater" is an umbrella term for the excess and often contaminated fluid from the cleaning and disinfecting process, which can be collected in the wastewater collecting container 160, which is designed as a closed tank, and can be emptied at regular intervals, in particular when the container is full.

[0070] The method 200 described herein has the advantage that an effective elimination of microorganisms on mopping textiles of a cleaning appliance can be achieved, which has a positive effect on the odor development during the use of the cleaning appliance.

[0071] After the step 230, a conventional cleaning function can be performed with the cleaning appliance 103. When the cleaning function is completed, the method 200 can be implemented once more.

[0072] It is conceivable for the system 100 to be designed exclusively as a disinfecting system for disinfecting the mopping textile 109, so that the hygienization station 106 is designed as a disinfecting station. In this case, only a first part 235 of the method 200 can be performed, which comprises steps 220 to 230. A second part 240 occurring beforehand in the sequence combines the prior cleaning process. In this case, steps 205 to 215 and also associated optional steps are not performed.

[0073] It is also conceivable that, as an alternative or in addition to the mechanical structures 136, brushes, lamellae and / or structured surfaces are used as cleaning means in the cleaning region 133.

[0074] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

[0075] 100 Hygienizing system

[0076] 103 Cleaning appliance

[0077] 106 Hygienization station

[0078] 109 Mopping textile

[0079] 110 Substrate

[0080] 112 Facility for supplying cleaning fluid, cleaning fluid supply

[0081] 115 First reservoir

[0082] 118 First pump

[0083] 121 First supply line

[0084] 122 Facility for supplying disinfectant fluid, disinfectant fluid supply

[0085] 124 Second reservoir

[0086] 127 Second pump

[0087] 128 Electrolysis cell

[0088] 130 Second supply line

[0089] 131 Control unit

[0090] 133 Cleaning region

[0091] 136 Mechanical structure

[0092] 139 Actuator

[0093] 145 Axis of rotation

[0094] 148 Collecting facility

[0095] 151 Base of the collecting facility

[0096] 154 Outlet

[0097] 157 Fluid draining facility, fluid drain

[0098] 160 Wastewater collecting container

[0099] 163 Opening

[0100] 166 Opening

[0101] 200 Method

[0102] 205 Supplying cleaning fluid

[0103] 210 Mechanically processing mopping textile

[0104] 215 Stopping supply

[0105] 220 Producing sodium hypochlorite

[0106] 225 Supplying sodium hypochlorite

[0107] 230 Mechanically processing mopping textile

[0108] 235 First part

[0109] 240 Second part

Claims

1. A hygienization station for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance, the hygienization station comprising:an electrolysis cell for electrochemically producing a hypochlorite-containing solution by electrolysis of a salt-containing fluid;a supply line for supplying a defined amount of the hypochlorite-containing solution to the mopping textile; anda cleaning region for receiving the mopping textile, the cleaning region having a cleaning device for mechanically processing the mopping textile and for discharging excess fluid.

2. The hygienization station according to claim 1, further comprising a collecting facility for collecting excess fluid.

3. The hygienization station according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning device comprises one or more devices selected from the group consisting of brushes, lamellae, structured surfaces, and mechanical structures which are configured to squeeze out and discharge dirt and excess fluid during a mechanical processing of the mopping textile.

4. The hygienization station according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning fluid supply configured for supplying a defined amount of cleaning fluid to the mopping textile.

5. The hygienization station according to claim 2, wherein said collecting facility has an outlet for discharging collected fluid into a wastewater collecting container.

6. The hygienization station according to claim 5, which comprises a fluid drain configured to discharge fluid that is collected in the collecting facility into said wastewater collecting container via said outlet.

7. The hygienization station according to claim 5, wherein said wastewater collecting container is a closed system in order to prevent an escape of fluid vapors.

8. The hygienization station according to claim 1, wherein said electrolysis cell is a flow reactor.

9. The hygienization station according to claim 1, wherein said electrolysis cell forms a part of a disinfectant fluid supply, which comprises said electrolysis cell, a reservoir for providing the salt-containing fluid and a pump for conveying the salt-containing fluid from said reservoir to the electrolysis cell.

10. A hygienizing system, comprising:a hygienization station according to claim 1; anda cleaning appliance having a movable mopping textile.

11. The hygienizing system according to claim 10, wherein said mopping textile is a rotating mopping textile or an oscillating mopping textile.

12. A method for hygienizing a mopping textile of a cleaning appliance in a hygienization station, the method comprising:a) electrochemically producing a hypochlorite-containing solution by electrolysis of a salt-containing fluid by an electrolysis cell;b) supplying a defined amount of the hypochlorite-containing solution to the mopping textile; andc) mechanically processing the mopping textile and discharging excess fluid from the mopping textile in a cleaning region.

13. The method according to claim 12, which comprises moving the mopping textile over one or more devices selected from the group consisting of brushes, lamellae, structured surfaces, and mechanical structures to cause dirt and excess fluid to be squeezed out of the mopping textile and to be discharged into a collecting facility.

14. The method according to claim 12, which comprises, prior to step a), supplying a defined amount of cleaning fluid to the mopping textile, mechanically processing the mopping textile by a cleaning device in the cleaning region, to squeeze out dirt and excess fluid out of the mopping textile and discharge dirt and excess fluid into a collecting facility.

15. The method according to claim 12, which further comprises discharging the fluid collected by way of the collecting facility via an outlet into a wastewater collecting container.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein step c) further comprises moving the mopping textile by rotating or oscillating the mopping textile.

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