Cleaning a floor surface

Abstract

A device (105) for cleaning a floor surface (110) comprises a first container (125) for receiving a liquid first cleaning agent (130); a second container (145) for receiving an aqueous solution of a predetermined salt; wherein the device (105) is designed such that the first cleaning agent (130) is present in the first container (125) in liquid form, in particular as a finished aqueous solution, and wherein the device (105) is designed such that a second cleaning agent (150) is dynamically formed from the aqueous solution of the second container (145) only when it is to be used to clean the floor surface (110); a control device (170) for controlling an electric current through the solution in order to form a second cleaning agent (150) by means of electrolysis; a cleaning fleece (115) which is designed to be guided over the floor surface (110); and a distribution device (140, 160) for providing cleaning agent (130, 150) from the containers (125, 145) in the region of the cleaning fleece (115).

Description

[0001] Cleaning a floor surface

[0002] The present invention relates to the cleaning of a floor surface. In particular, the invention relates to the provision of cleaning agents for cleaning the floor surface.

[0003] A cleaning device is designed to be moved by a user across a floor surface. The cleaning device comprises a cleaning fleece that is in contact with the floor surface and treats the floor. To remove dirt from the floor surface, the cleaning device may have a container containing a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent can be dispensed by a distribution device in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece to assist the cleaning process.

[0004] It has been proposed to form the cleaning agent immediately before use by passing an electric current through an aqueous solution of a predetermined salt. This allows electrolysis to occur, producing a cleaning agent as a reaction product. The cleaning agent can always be provided only in the required quantity. Providing the cleaning agent can be very cost-effective.

[0005] It has been shown that different floor surfaces or surfaces to be treated in a household can be treated with varying degrees of effectiveness using the electrolytically provided cleaning agent. One object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved device with which cleaning agent for cleaning a floor surface can be provided. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subordinate claims specify preferred embodiments.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for cleaning a floor surface comprises a first container for holding a liquid first cleaning agent; a second container for holding an aqueous solution of a predetermined salt; wherein a second cleaning agent is dynamically formed from the aqueous solution of the second container only when it is to be used to clean the floor surface, while the first cleaning agent can already be present in liquid form and preferably as an aqueous solution in the first container, for which purpose the device is accordingly configured, for which purpose two electrodes can be arranged in particular in the second container, or downstream of the second container; and a control device for controlling an electric current through the solution in order to form a second cleaning agent by means of electrolysis.Furthermore, a cleaning fleece is provided which is designed to be guided over the floor surface and a distribution device for providing cleaning agent from the containers in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece.

[0007] It has been recognized that different cleaning agents are used to clean different surfaces in a household. A cleaning device with the described device can be used to improve the cleaning of different surfaces or to treat different types of dirt on a surface. The first cleaning agent can be designed primarily to remove dirt from the surface, while the other cleaning agent primarily has disinfecting properties, or vice versa.

[0008] In a first variant, the control device is configured to control the provision of either the first cleaning agent or the second cleaning agent. This allows a floor surface to be cleaned using either the first cleaning agent or the second cleaning agent. Mixing of cleaning agents can be prevented.

[0009] In a second variant, the control device is configured to control the provision of the first cleaning agent independently of the provision of the second cleaning agent. This allows both cleaning agents to be dispensed simultaneously in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece to perform a combined cleaning process. For example, cleaning and disinfection can occur simultaneously. The ratio of dispensed cleaning agents can be varied. This allows for step-by-step or continuous determination of whether the focus of a cleaning process should be on the use of the first or second cleaning agent. The ratio of dispensed cleaning agent quantities can be maintained even if the total amount of dispensed cleaning agent is changed.

[0010] The device may comprise an operating element that can be operated, for example, by a user of the device. The control device is configured to control the provision of cleaning agent based on an input detected by the operating element. This allows a user to retain full control over the use of the cleaning agent.

[0011] In one embodiment, each container is assigned a dedicated distribution device. This prevents the two different cleaning agents from mixing with each other in the device's hydraulic system before they are dispensed into the area of ​​the cleaning fleece. A chemical reaction between the cleaning agents or a combined effect, which may include, in particular, corrosion, can be prevented.

[0012] In another embodiment, a common distribution device for liquids from both containers is provided. A hydraulic element that prevents backflow to the container is arranged between one container and the distribution device. The hydraulic element can be formed, for example, by a check valve. It is further preferred that such a backflow-preventing hydraulic element is provided both in a hydraulic connection between the first container and the distribution device and in a hydraulic connection between the second container and the distribution device. The distribution device can be designed to be resistant to both cleaning agents.

[0013] It is further preferred that a pump is provided between a container and an associated distribution device. The control device is then preferably configured to control a quantity of cleaning agent provided from the container by means of the pump. The pump can be controlled in particular with regard to a flow rate or a pumping interval. Further preferably, two pumps are provided, one of which is assigned to each of the containers. The pumps can be constructed identically or differently from one another. Instead of a pump, a controllable valve can also be provided if the associated container is arranged high enough to be able to dispense the cleaning agent by gravity.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a pump is configured to prevent a backflow of liquid to the associated container. For this purpose, the pump can be designed in particular as a positive displacement pump. In a further embodiment, the pump can comprise a check valve, which can also prevent backflow. Particularly advantageously, the control device is configured to control a concentration of provided second cleaning agent via a current flowing through the electrodes. A maximum concentration of second cleaning agent in the second container can be achieved, for example, by permanently applying a predetermined voltage to the electrodes. The concentration can be lower if the voltage is applied intermittently. The electrolytic reaction of the salt in the liquid can therefore only proceed partially.

[0015] Further preferably, a drive device is provided for moving the cleaning fleece relative to the floor surface. The cleaning fleece can in particular comprise a textile that can be guided horizontally across the floor surface in circular, orbital, or oscillating movements. A relative movement between the cleaning fleece and the floor surface can thereby be increased, and the floor surface can be more effectively freed of debris. In one embodiment, the movement of the cleaning fleece can be controlled as a function of user input. In particular, the movement can be controlled as a function of the amount of cleaning agent provided in the area of ​​the floor fleece. If a large amount of cleaning agent is provided, a stronger, faster, or larger-area movement can be controlled; if only a smaller amount of cleaning agent is provided, the movement can be weaker, slower, or smaller.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device comprises a device as described herein. The cleaning device may be stick-shaped, with a lower end in contact with the floor surface and an upper end that can be guided by a user. This type of cleaning device is known as a handstick.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the provision of a first and a second cleaning agent in a device for cleaning a floor surface, wherein the device comprises a cleaning fleece which is designed to be guided over the floor surface, comprises the following steps: detecting a user input; providing first cleaning agent from a first container in the region of the cleaning fleece in dependence on the user input; controlling electrolysis in order to form second cleaning agent in a second container in which an aqueous solution of a predetermined salt is accommodated; and providing second cleaning agent in the region of the cleaning fleece in dependence on the user input.

[0018] The method can be carried out, in particular, by means of a device described herein. For this purpose, the device can comprise a processing device that is implemented electronically and, for example, comprises 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, and vice versa.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the electrolysis is controlled depending on user input. This allows not only the amount of liquid supplied from the second container but also the concentration of the second cleaning agent contained therein to be controlled. The control can be implemented in such a way as to achieve optimal cleaning results for the floor surface.

[0020] It is also preferred that the cleaning fleece can be moved relative to the floor surface by means of a drive device. The drive device can also be controlled in response to user input. In this case, concerted control of the drive motor is particularly preferred, along with the control of the provision of the first and second cleaning agents.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a computer program [product] comprises instructions that cause a device and / or a cleaning device described herein to carry out the steps of the method described herein.

[0022] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a cleaning device with a device for providing two

[0024] cleaning agents;

[0025] Figures 2 to 4 show a symbolic representation of a cleaning device in an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 shows an exemplary control element for a cleaning device; and Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling a cleaning device.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device 100 with a device 105 for providing cleaning agent. The cleaning device 100 is configured to clean a floor surface 110. For this purpose, the device 105 comprises a cleaning fleece 115, which can be guided over the floor surface 110. The cleaning fleece 115 can be moved relative to the floor surface 110 by means of a drive device 120. Typically, a horizontal movement occurs, which can be, for example, circular, oscillating, or epicycloidal.

[0028] A first container 125 is configured to hold a first cleaning agent 130. By means of a pump 135, the first cleaning agent 130 can be dispensed through a first distribution device 140 in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece 115. A second container 145 is provided in a corresponding manner, in which a second cleaning agent 150 can be located. This can be dispensed in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece 115 by means of a second pump 155 and a second distribution device 160.

[0029] While the first cleaning agent 130 is already present in liquid form and preferably as an aqueous solution in the first container 125, the second cleaning agent 150 can only be dynamically formed when it is to be used to clean the floor surface 110.

[0030] For this purpose, two electrodes 162 can be provided in the second container 145, by means of which a direct current from a power source 165 can be controlled. The power source 165 can comprise an electrical energy storage device or a power supply for connection to an electrical grid. Water and a predetermined salt can be filled into the second container 145. The salt can in particular comprise table salt (NaCl). If a current flows between the electrodes 162, redox reactions can be forced, which form sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) from the water (H2O) and the salt (NaCl), which can be used as the second cleaning agent 150. A pump 135, 155 can be designed, for example, as a peristaltic pump, a dosing pump, or a gear pump. In another embodiment, both pumps 135, 155 can pump liquid to a common distribution device 140, 160.In this case, it is preferred that one or both pumps 135, 155 are constructed in such a way that a backflow of liquid toward the respective associated container 125, 145 is prevented. This can be an inherent property of the pump 135, 155, or the pump 135, 155 can include a corresponding valve that prevents backflow. In general, it is preferred that the pumps 135, 155 are resistant to the cleaning agent 130, 150 used and can be electrically controlled.

[0031] A control device 170 is configured to control the provision of cleaning agent 130, 150 in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece 115. Control is preferably performed as a function of user input, which can be detected by means of an operating element 175. The control device 170 can control the current through the electrodes 162, the activation of a pump 135, 155, and / or the drive of the cleaning fleece 115 by means of the drive device 120.

[0032] Figures 2 to 4 show an exemplary cleaning device 100 in a symbolic representation. The cleaning device 100 stands on the floor surface 110. A section pointing diagonally upwards can be extended with a handle, so that a person moves the cleaning device 100 across the floor surface 110 using the handle. The cleaning fleece 115 is attached to a front section facing away from the handle. Support wheels 205 are provided, for example, in the region of a rear end of the cleaning device 100. In a further embodiment, a support wheel 205 can also be driven. The operating element 175 is preferably attached to the cleaning device 100 in such a way that a user can easily operate it while guiding the cleaning device 100 across the floor surface 110. In particular, the operating element 175 can be attached to an end of the handle facing the user.

[0033] Containers 125 and 145 are mounted next to one another in a front area of ​​cleaning device 100. A flow of cleaning agents 130, 150 into the area of ​​cleaning fleece 115 can be controlled by pumps 135, 155. In the illustrated embodiment, two adjacent cleaning fleeces 115 are provided, which can preferably be driven horizontally across floor surface 110 in an orbital motion. Figure 5 shows an exemplary control element 175 in two different embodiments. A first embodiment 505 is shown in a left-hand area, and a second embodiment 510 is shown in a right-hand area.

[0034] In the first embodiment 505, an adjusting element 515 is provided, which can be moved by the user into a first position (A) and a second position (B). In the first position, only the first cleaning agent 130 is provided, and in the second position, only the second cleaning agent 150 is provided. Optionally, the adjusting element 515 can not only be controlled binary between the two positions, but a position in between can also be set. In this case, a ratio of the first cleaning agent 130 to the second cleaning agent 150 can be adjusted in several stages or continuously depending on the position of the adjusting element 515.

[0035] In the second embodiment 510, two adjusting elements 515 are provided, one of which (A) is assigned to the first cleaning agent 130 and the other (B) to the second cleaning agent 150. Each adjusting element 515 can be adjusted between at least two positions, one of which enables the supply of the cleaning agent 130, 150, and the other of which stops it. Here, too, the adjusting element 515 can be adjusted by the user in a binary, multi-position, or continuously variable manner to control the amount or volume flow of the cleaning agent 130, 150 supplied.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method 600 for controlling the provision of cleaning agent 130, 150, in particular by means of a device 105 on a cleaning device 100.

[0037] In step 605, a user input can be detected. For this purpose, the control element 175 can be scanned. One or more positions of control elements can be detected there. In another operating concept, another parameter can be detected that indicates a user request regarding which or how much cleaning agent 130, 150 should be provided.

[0038] In a step 610, the first pump 135 can be controlled to deliver a volume flow of first cleaning agent 130 depending on the user input. In a step 615, the first cleaning agent 130 can be dispensed in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece 115. To provide second cleaning agent 150, a current through the electrodes 162 can first be controlled in a step 625. The current is preferably controlled depending on the detected user input. In a step 630, analogous to step 610, the second pump 155 can be controlled to deliver second cleaning agent 150, which is formed by electrolysis due to the controlled current in the second container 145. The second cleaning agent 150 can be dispensed in the area of ​​the cleaning fleece 115 in a step 635.

[0039] In a step 640, the drive device 120 can be controlled to distribute the cleaning agents 130, 150 over the floor surface 110 and to loosen or absorb dirt there. The drive device 120 can be controlled depending on the user input and, more precisely, depending on the amount of cleaning agent 130, 150 provided.

[0040] Reference symbol

[0041] 100 cleaning devices

[0042] 105 Device

[0043] 110 floor space

[0044] 115 Cleaning fleece

[0045] 120 drive device

[0046] 125 first container

[0047] 130 first cleaning agent

[0048] 135 first pump

[0049] 140 first distribution facility

[0050] 145 second container

[0051] 150 second cleaning agent

[0052] 155 second pump

[0053] 160 second distribution device

[0054] 162 electrodes

[0055] 165 Power source

[0056] 170 Control device

[0057] 175 Control element

[0058] 205 support wheel

[0059] 505 first embodiment

[0060] 510 second embodiment

[0061] 515 Actuator

[0062] 600 procedures

[0063] 605 Capture user input

[0064] 610 control first pump

[0065] 615 provide first cleaning agent

[0066] 625 Controlling current through electrodes

[0067] 630 control second pump

[0068] 635 provide second cleaning agent

[0069] 640 Control drive cleaning fleece

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A device (105) for cleaning a floor surface (110), the device (105) comprising the following elements: a first container (125) for holding a liquid first cleaning agent (130); a second container (145) for holding an aqueous solution of a predetermined salt; - wherein the device (105) is configured such that the first cleaning agent 130 is present in liquid form, in particular as a ready-made aqueous solution, in the first container 125, and wherein the device (105) is configured such that a second cleaning agent 150 is dynamically formed from the aqueous solution of the second container (145) only when it is to be used to clean the floor surface 110; a control device (170) for controlling an electric current through the solution in order to form a second cleaning agent (150) by means of electrolysis; a cleaning fleece (115) which is configured to be guided over the floor surface (110); and a distribution device (140, 160) for providing cleaning agent (130, 150) from the containers (125, 145) in the region of the cleaning fleece (115).

2. Device (105) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (170) is configured to control a provision of either the first cleaning agent (130) or the second cleaning agent (150).

3. Device (105) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (170) is configured to control a provision of first cleaning agent (130) independently of a provision of second cleaning agent (150).

4. Device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an operating element; wherein the control device (170) is configured to control the provision of cleaning agent (130, 150) depending on an input detected by means of the operating element.

5. Device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each container (125, 145) is assigned a distribution device (140, 160).

6. Device (105) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a common distribution device (140, 160) is provided for liquids from both containers (125, 145); wherein a hydraulic element (135, 155) is arranged between a container (125, 145) and the distribution device (140, 160), which prevents backflow to the container (125, 130).

7. Device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pump (135, 155) is provided between a container (125, 145) and an associated distribution device (140, 160); wherein the control device (170) is configured to control a quantity of provided cleaning agent (130, 150) from the container (125, 145) by means of the pump (135, 155).

8. Device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (170) is configured to control a concentration of provided second cleaning agent (150) by controlling a current flowing through the electrodes (162).

9. Device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive device for moving the cleaning fleece (115) relative to the floor surface (110).

10. Cleaning device (100) comprising a device (105) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. A method (600) for controlling the provision of a first and a second cleaning agent (150) in a device (105) for cleaning a floor surface (110); wherein the device (105) comprises a cleaning fleece (115) configured to be guided over the floor surface (110); wherein the method comprises the following steps: capturing (605) a user input; Providing (615) first cleaning agent (130) from a first container (125) in the area of the cleaning fleece (115) in dependence on the user input; controlling (625) electrolysis to form second cleaning agent (150) in a second container (145), or downstream of the second container (145), in which an aqueous solution of a predetermined salt is received; Providing (635) a second cleaning agent (150) in the area of the cleaning fleece (115) depending on the user input; 12. The method (600) according to claim 11, wherein the electrolysis is controlled (625) in dependence on the user input.

13. A computer program [product] comprising instructions that cause a device (105) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a cleaning device (100) according to claim 10 carries out the steps of the method according to claim 11 or 12.

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