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WO2024092096A1 - Distributeur d'eau électrifiée - Google Patents

Distributeur d'eau électrifiée Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024092096A1
WO2024092096A1 PCT/US2023/077863 US2023077863W WO2024092096A1 WO 2024092096 A1 WO2024092096 A1 WO 2024092096A1 US 2023077863 W US2023077863 W US 2023077863W WO 2024092096 A1 WO2024092096 A1 WO 2024092096A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
amount
controller
water
mineral
electrolyzing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2023/077863
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Seung Kim
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Techtronic Cordless GP
Original Assignee
Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Techtronic Cordless GP filed Critical Techtronic Cordless GP
Publication of WO2024092096A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024092096A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
    • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
    • C02F1/467—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction
    • C02F1/4672—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation
    • C02F1/4674—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis by electrochemical disinfection; by electrooxydation or by electroreduction by electrooxydation with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/08—Cleaning involving contact with liquid the liquid having chemical or dissolving effect
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/66—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by neutralisation; pH adjustment
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/02—Non-contaminated water, e.g. for industrial water supply
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
    • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
    • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
    • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
    • C02F2201/46125—Electrical variables
    • C02F2201/46135—Voltage
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/40—Liquid flow rate
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/04—Disinfection

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to liquid dispensers, and more particularly to electrified water dispensers.
  • An electrified water dispenser operable to dispense a cleaning solution includes a housing, a controller, a user interface, a mineral supply, an electrolyzing module, and a water supply.
  • the housing includes a dispenser configured to dispense the cleaning solution.
  • the user interface is in communication with the controller.
  • the user interface allows a user to make a user selection such as a stain type that is communicated to the controller and an amount of cleaning solution that is communicated to the controller.
  • the mineral supply is configured to include a mineral.
  • the electrolyzing module includes an anode, a cathode, and a power supply operably connected to the anode and the cathode.
  • the water supply is in fluid communication with the electrolyzing module.
  • the controller is operable to determine an amount of water based on the user selection made by the user and transfer the amount of water from the water supply to the electrolyzing module.
  • the electrolyzing module is operable to electrolyze the mixture of the amount of mineral and the amount of water to create the cleaning solution.
  • the controller is operable to dispense the cleaning solution through the dispenser.
  • a method for creating a cleaning solution includes making a user selection, the user selection includes selecting a stain type on a user interface, communicating the stain type from the user interface to a controller, selecting an amount of cleaning solution on the user interface, communicating the amount of cleaning solution to the controller; determining, with the controller, an amount of water based on the user selection and transferring the amount of water from a water supply to an electrolyzing module; determining, with the controller, an amount of mineral based on the user selection and the amount of water and transferring the amount of mineral from a mineral supply to the electrolyzing module; electrolyzing, with the electrolyzing module, a mixture of the amount of mineral and the amount of water to create the cleaning solution; and dispensing the cleaning solution from a housing that includes the electrolyzing module into a container.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an electrified water dispenser.
  • Fig. 2 is an example embodiment of the inside of the electrified water dispenser of Fig. 1.
  • Figs. 3A-3B are example embodiments of the electrolyzing module of the electrified water dispenser of Fig. 1.
  • Figs. 4A-4D are example screen views from the user interface of the electrified water dispenser of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the electrified water dispenser of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method for creating a cleaning solution.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrified water dispenser.
  • FIG. 8 is s perspective view of yet another embodiment of an electrified water dispenser.
  • Electrolyzed water can be used as a cleaning solution, particularly as a chlorine based cleaning solution.
  • Electrolyzed water is produced by the electrolysis of water (H2O) and a mineral (e.g., sodium chloride, NaCl). During electrolysis, a current splits the mineral. A first portion of the mineral interacts with an anode to from a first solution containing chlorine (e.g., hypochlorous acid, HOC1). A second portion of the mineral interacts with a cathode to form a second solution (e.g., sodium hydroxide, NaOH). The first and second solutions are then mixed to form a cleaning solution.
  • H2O water
  • a mineral e.g., sodium chloride, NaCl
  • a first portion of the mineral interacts with an anode to from a first solution containing chlorine (e.g., hypochlorous acid, HOC1).
  • a second portion of the mineral interacts with a cathode to form
  • One of the solutions may be a cleaning agent that is useful at cleaning stains
  • the other solution e.g., hypochlorous acid
  • the combination of a cleaning agent and a disinfectant allows electrolyzed water to be a useful cleaning solution.
  • An acetic acid e.g., vinegar
  • the acetic acid lowers the pH of the cleaning solution to control the formation of chlorine (Cl).
  • an acidic electrolyzed water is formed.
  • the acidic electrolyzed water has a sterilization effect and is useful in sterilizing medical products, but the acidic electrolyzed water is not ideal for some applications because it can be harmful to touch.
  • a basic electrolyzed water is formed.
  • the basic electrolyzed water has a weaker sterilization effect, but is preferred in some applications.
  • a solution with a pH around 5.0 to 8.0 forms an electrified water that has a strong disinfection ability and is preferred for some applications because it is safe to touch.
  • the amount of water, mineral, and acetic acid can all be adjusted to create a desired cleaning solution based on the needed features (e.g., strength and safety). For example, a wine stain may require a high degree of cleaning agent and less disinfectant, while a pet stain may require both a high degree of cleaning agent and of disinfectant.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an electrified water dispenser 10.
  • the electrified water dispenser 10 includes a housing 12, a user interface 14, and a dispenser 16.
  • the electrified water dispenser 10 is configured to create and dispense a customized cleaning solution into a container 18 based on user inputs to the user interface 14.
  • the container 18 may be a bottle (e.g., a spray bottle), a tank, a reservoir, or any suitable receptacle that is compatible with another cleaning device (e.g., wet mop, extractor, wet dry vacuum cleaner, etc ).
  • the electrified water dispenser 10 is configured for commercial use.
  • the electrified water dispenser 10 may be placed in a store 200 (e.g., grocery store, hardware store, etc.) or installed in a commercial property with maintenance services (e.g., hotel, office building, convention center, etc.).
  • the electrified water dispenser 10 is a standalone device and is sized such that a user can easily approach and use the electrified water dispenser 10. All the components of the electrified water dispenser 10 are sized and configured to support the commercial use of the machine. For example, the supplies, described in detail below, are large in size to support the frequent use of the electrified water dispenser 10 in a store 200.
  • FIG. 2 an example view of the inside of the electrified water dispenser 10 is shown.
  • a water supply 20, a mineral supply 22, a supply of aqueous solution (SAS) 23, a fragrance supply 24, an electrolyzing module 26, and a controller 100 are disposed in the housing 12.
  • the mineral supply 22, the supply of aqueous solution 23, and the fragrance supply 24 may be removably coupled to the housing 12 such that a maintenance worker can remove the supplies 22, 23, 24 to easily replenish the supplies 22, 23, 24.
  • the housing 12 may include a door, not shown, that allows the maintenance worker to access the supplies 22, 23, 24 to easily replenish the supplies 22, 23, 24 without removing them from the housing 12.
  • a set of fluid conduits 34 connect the water supply 20, the mineral supply 22, and the supply of aqueous solution 23 to the electrolyzing module 26.
  • a fluid conduit 36 connects the electrolyzing module 26 to the dispenser 16.
  • Another fluid conduit 37 connects the fragrance supply 24 to the dispenser 16.
  • the water supply 20 is a reservoir configured to store water.
  • the water supply 20 can be directly connected to a water source (e.g., a water supply line) by a supply hose, not shown. Connecting the water supply 20 directly to the water source allows the water supply 20 to maintain a constant amount of water and prevents the water supply 20 from running out of water.
  • the water in the water supply 20 may be tap water, distilled water, or purified water.
  • the mineral supply 22 is a container that is configured to store a mineral or a plurality of minerals.
  • the mineral is a salt.
  • the salt may be at least one of sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KC1), sodium bromide (NaBr), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), or any salt or combination of salts as would be suitable according to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the mineral supply 22 may contain a sensor, not shown, that senses the level of mineral in the mineral supply 22. Once the amount of mineral in the mineral supply 22 drops below a predetermined amount, the sensor may send a signal to the controller 100 such that a message can be displayed on the user interface 14 indicative of the amount of mineral.
  • the mineral supply 22 in the illustrated electrified water dispenser 10 is a liquid solution; however, in other embodiments the mineral supply 22 may be a tablet, a powder, or a granular supply.
  • the illustrated embodiment includes one mineral supply, however other embodiments may include a plurality of mineral supplies 22 with each mineral supply having a different mineral.
  • the supply of aqueous solution 23 is a reservoir configured to store an aqueous solution containing acid.
  • the aqueous acid is at least one of acetic acid (CFLCOOH) and hydrochloric acid (HC1).
  • the acetic acid may be vinegar.
  • the supply of aqueous solution 23 may contain a sensor, not shown, that senses the level of aqueous solution in the SAS 23. Once the amount of aqueous solution in the SAS 23 drops below a predetermined amount, the sensor may send a signal to the controller 100 such that a message can be displayed on the user interface 14 indicative of the amount of aqueous solution.
  • the fragrance supply 24 is a container that is configured to store a plurality of fragrances.
  • the fragrances may be liquid (e.g., oils), solids that can dissolve in water (e.g., fragrance beads), or powder.
  • the plurality of fragrances may include a plurality of scents such as lemon, lime, orange, lavender, or eucalyptus.
  • the fragrance supply 24 may contain one or more sensors, not shown, that sense the level of fragrance in the fragrance supply 24. Once at least one of the amount of fragrances in the fragrance supply 24 is detected to be below a predetermined amount, the sensor may send a signal to the controller 100 such that a message can be displayed on the user interface 14 indicative of the amount of fragrance.
  • the electrolyzing module 26 is configured to electrolyze a mixture to create a cleaning solution.
  • the electrolyzing module 26 is configured to electrolyze the mixture within a predetermined amount of time.
  • the electrolyzing module 26 may be configured to electrolyze the mixture within a range of two to nine minutes. In some embodiments the time range for electrolyzing the mixture may be less than two minutes.
  • the mixture contains an amount of water from the water supply 20, an amount of mineral from the mineral supply 22, and an amount of aqueous solution from the SAS 23.
  • the electrolyzing module 26 may include a first electrode 28, a second electrode 30, a power supply 32, and an agitating assembly 31.
  • the first electrode 28 is an anode.
  • the second electrode 30 is a cathode. In some embodiments there may be additional electrodes (i.e., additional anodes and cathodes). There may be an insulator or spacer, not shown, disposed between the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30.
  • the electrodes 28, 30 may be made of a suitable material such as titanium, platinum, stainless steel, nickel, or graphene. The electrodes may be shaped as plates, mesh plates, rods, or the like. There may be at least one support, not shown, that holds the electrodes 28, 30 in a fixed position within the electrolyzing module 26.
  • the power supply 32 is electrically and operably connected to the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30.
  • the power supply 32 is configured to supply a voltage to the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30.
  • the controller 100 can select a voltage based on a plurality of factors including the predetermined amount of time it takes to create the cleaning solution, the type of salt in the mineral supply 22, the type of aqueous solution in SAS 23, and the amount of cleaning solution to be created. If the user would like to decrease the amount of time it takes to create the cleaning solution, the controller 100 can select a higher voltage.
  • the power supply 32 can connect to an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet).
  • the power supply 32 can supply power to the entire electrified water dispenser 10 and to the first and second electrode 28, 30.
  • the power supply 32 may include a rechargeable battery.
  • the agitating assembly 31 includes a motor 33 and an agitating mechanism 35.
  • the motor 33 may be electrically and operably connected to the power supply 32 and drives the agitating mechanism 35.
  • the agitating mechanism 35 may be a mixer, a paddle, stirrer, or any other suitable agitating mechanism.
  • the agitating assembly 31 decreases the amount of time it takes to mix the components of the cleaning solution.
  • the controller 100 can select a mixing speed based on a plurality of factors including the predetermined amount of time it takes to create a cleaning solution.
  • the user interface 14 may be disposed on the housing 12.
  • the user interface 14 may include a display, a touch pad, a touch screen, and/or other user-actuable components (e.g., electromechanical switches or buttons) attached to the housing 12.
  • the user interface 14 is in communication with the controller 100.
  • the user interface 14 may be a remote device that wirelessly communicates with the controller 100.
  • the user interface 14 is configured to receive instructions and information (e.g., a user selection) from the user and communicate the instructions and information to the controller 100.
  • the instructions may include the amount of cleaning solution that should be produced or when the cleaning solution should be produced.
  • the information may include information about the stain type, the surface type, and the desired fragrance.
  • Figs. 4A-4D illustrate example screen displays for the remote user interface.
  • the screens can be presented in a different order then how they are currently being described. Additionally, there may be more screens that are not illustrated or discussed.
  • Fig. 4A illustrates a simplified stain selection screen.
  • the user is presented with a variety of stain types from a list of stain types.
  • the list of stains may include, but is not limited to, grape juice, wine, chocolate, mustard, coffee, ketchup, pet urine, and oily stain.
  • Fig. 4B illustrates a simplified surface selection screen.
  • the surface selection screen may be presented to the user after the stain type is selected.
  • the user is presented with a variety of surface types from a list of surfaces.
  • the list of surfaces includes, but is not limited to, wood, carpet, fabric, and tile. There may be an image associated with each surface type. Once a surface type is selected, the user interface 14 may present the next screen.
  • Fig. 4C illustrates a simplified fragrance selection screen.
  • the fragrance selection screen may be presented to the user after the surface type is selected.
  • the user is presented with a variety of fragrances from a list of fragrances.
  • the list of fragrances includes, but is not limited to, lemon, orange, lime, lavender, and eucalyptus. There may be an image associated with each fragrance.
  • the user can select a fragrance, or the user can elect to not select a fragrance. Afterwards, the user interface 14 may present the next screen.
  • Fig. 4D illustrates a simplified cleaning solution size selection screen.
  • the cleaning solution screen may be presented to the user after the fragrance type is selected or if the user elected to not select a fragrance.
  • the user is presented with a variety of cleaning solution sizes. The sizes may range from loz to 30 oz.
  • the cleaning solution size selection screen may include images that relate to the size of the cleaning solution. Alternatively, the user may be able to manually enter the desired cleaning solution amount instead of choosing from the preselected list of solution size.
  • the user may press a ‘create’ or ‘start’ button that begins the process of creating the cleaning solution.
  • the user interface 14 then communicates the selected stain type, selected surface type, selected fragrance, and cleaning solution amount to the controller 100.
  • the user interface 14 may be operable to display cleaning instructions to the user based on the selected stain type and the surface type.
  • the cleaning instructions may include a set time or a wiping method.
  • the set time relates to the amount of time the cleaning solution should be left on the stain.
  • the wiping method relates to the motion the user should make when cleaning up the stain (e.g., scrubbing, patting, dabbing, etc.).
  • Fig. 5 a simplified block diagram of the electrified water dispenser 10 is shown.
  • the controller 100 of the electrified water dispenser 10 is electrically and/or communi cably connected to a variety of modules or components of the electrified water dispenser 10.
  • the controller 100 is connected to the user interface 14, the electrolyzing module 26, the water supply 20, the mineral supply 22, the supply of aqueous solution 23, the fragrance supply 24, and the dispenser 16.
  • the controller 100 includes a combination of hardware and software configured to, among other things, determine an amount of water based on the amount of cleaning solution selected by the user.
  • the controller 100 can also determine an amount of mineral, an amount of fragrance, and an amount of aqueous solution based on the selected stain type, the selected surface type, and the amount of water.
  • the controller 100 can dispense the cleaning solution through the dispenser 16. Additionally, the controller 100 can select the fragrance if the user does not select a fragrance.
  • the controller 100 can also select a voltage to change the amount of time that the mixture is electrolyzed in the electrolyzing module 26.
  • the controller 100 may also control the transfer of the amount of water, the amount of mineral, and the amount aqueous solution through the fluid conduits 34 to form a mixture in the electrolyzing module 26.
  • the controller 100 can select a flow rate for the various fluids through the fluid conduits 34 to change the amount of time that it takes to create a cleaning solution.
  • the controller 100 can also control the transfer of the amount of fragrance from the fragrance supply 24 through fluid conduit 37 to the dispenser 16.
  • the controller 100 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to the components and modules within the controller 100 and/or electrified water dispenser 10.
  • the controller 100 includes, among other things, a processing unit 110 (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 120, input units 122, and output units 124.
  • the processing unit 110 includes, among other things, a control unit 112, an arithmetic logic unit (“ALU”) 114, and a plurality of registers 116 (shown as a group of registers in FIG. 5), and is implemented using a known computer architecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, a von Neumann architecture, etc.).
  • ALU arithmetic logic unit
  • the processing unit 110, the memory 120, the input units 112, and the output units 124, as well as the various modules connected to the controller 100 are connected by one or more control and/or data buses (e.g., a common bus 118).
  • the control and/or data buses are shown generally in FIG. 5 for illustrative purposes.
  • the memory 120 is a non-transitory computer readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area.
  • the program storage area and the data storage area can include combinations of different types of memory, such as a ROM, a RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc ), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices.
  • the processing unit 110 is connected to the memory 120 and executes software instructions that are capable of being stored in a RAM of the memory 120 (e.g., during execution), a ROM of the memory 120 (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc.
  • the software included in the implementation of the electrified water dispenser 10 can be stored in the memory 120 of the controller 100.
  • the software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, image processing software, and other executable instructions.
  • the controller 100 retrieves from the memory 120 and executes, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein. In other constructions, the controller 100 includes additional, fewer, or different components than those described herein.
  • Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 300 for creating a cleaning solution with the electrified water dispenser 10.
  • the controller 100 receives the user inputs from the user interface 14.
  • the user inputs include the selected stain type, the selected surface type, and the selected cleaning solution amount.
  • the user inputs may also include the selected fragrance.
  • the user selects the stain type, the surface type, the cleaning solution amount, and the fragrance type from predetermined lists via the user interface 14.
  • the user inputs are communicated to the controller 100.
  • the user interface 14 can wirelessly communicate the user inputs to the controller 100.
  • the controller 100 determines the cleaning solution mixture, as shown at STEP 320.
  • the cleaning solution mixture contains an amount of water, an amount of mineral, and an amount of aqueous solution.
  • the controller 100 determines the amount of each component needed based on the user inputs (e.g., the selected stain type, the selected surface type). The controller 100 determines the amount of water based on the amount of cleaning solution selected by the user. The controller 100 determines the amount of mineral based on the selected stain type, surface type, and the amount of water. The controller 100 determines the amount of aqueous solution based on the selected stain type, surface type, and the amount of water. For example, if the selected stain type is a wine stain, then the amount of mineral may be increased such that there is a higher concentration of oxidizers in the cleaning solution.
  • the controller 100 can also determine the amount of fragrance based on the amount of cleaning solution. If the user did not select a fragrance type, the controller 100 can select one of the fragrances.
  • the mineral, aqueous solution, and water are dispensed into the electrolyzing module 26 (STEP 330).
  • the amount of water is transferred from the water supply 20 to the electrolyzing module 26 via the fluid conduits 34.
  • the amount of mineral is transferred from the mineral supply 22 to the electrolyzing module 26 via the fluid conduits 34.
  • the amount of aqueous solution is transferred from the SAS 23 to the electrolyzing module 26 via the fluid conduits 34.
  • the controller 100 is configured to select the rate at which the amount of water flows from the water supply 20 to the electrolyzing module 26.
  • the selected flow rate of the water may be based on the predetermined amount of time it takes to create the cleaning solution.
  • the controller 100 may change the flow rate of the amount of mineral and the amount of aqueous solution based on the predetermined amount of time it takes to create the cleaning solution. If the user would like to decrease the amount of time it takes to create the cleaning solution, the controller 100 can select a higher flow rate for the amount of water, the amount of mineral, and the amount of aqueous solution. Furthermore, the controller 100 can select a faster mixing rate for the agitating assembly 31 to decrease the amount of time it takes to mix the components of the cleaning solution.
  • the mixture is electrolyzed.
  • the mixture of the amount of water, the amount of mineral, and the amount of aqueous solution is electrolyzed in the electrolyzing module 26.
  • the power supply 32 supplies a voltage to the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30.
  • the controller 100 can select the voltage supplied from the power supply 32 to the electrolyzing module 26 based at least in part on the user inputs received at STEP 310. Once the voltage is supplied to the electrodes 28, 30, the mixture starts to electrolyze.
  • the mineral supply includes sodium chloride (NaCl)
  • an electrical charge causes the sodium (Na) of the sodium chloride (NaCl) to separate from the chloride (Cl).
  • the chloride is negatively charged and reacts with the anode 28.
  • the chloride bonds with the oxygen (O) and the hydrogen (H) of the water to form hypochlorous acid (HC1O), hydrochloric acid, hypochlorite ion (OCl”), chlorine gas (CE), and oxygen gas (O2).
  • the sodium has a positive charge and reacts with the cathode 30.
  • the sodium bonds with oxygen and hydrogen to from sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H2).
  • the acetic acid is used to lower the pH of the solution to convert hypochlorite to hypochlorous acid.
  • the controller 100 is configured to control the power supply 32 to terminate a supply of voltage to the anode 28 and the cathode 30.
  • the hypochlorous acid and the sodium hydroxide are then combined to form the cleaning solution.
  • the sodium hydroxide acts as a cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains, while the hypochlorous acid acts as a deodorizer and a disinfectant.
  • the mineral supply includes potassium chloride (KC1)
  • potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hypochlorous acid are formed.
  • the potassium hydroxide acts as a cleaning agent, while the hypochlorous acid acts as the disinfectant and deodorizer.
  • the mineral supply includes sodium bromide (NaBr)
  • hypobromous acid (HBrO) and sodium hydroxide are formed.
  • the sodium hydroxide acts as the cleaning agent, while the hypobromous acid acts as the disinfectant.
  • the cleaning solution is dispensed (STEP 350).
  • the controller 100 is configured to dispense the cleaning solution into the container 18.
  • the cleaning solution travels from the electrolyzing module 26 to the dispenser 16 through the fluid conduit 36. Additionally, the selected fragrance and the determined amount of fragrance may travel from the fragrance supply 24 to the dispenser 16 via the fluid conduit 37. The cleaning solution and the fragrance are dispensed into the container 18 via the dispenser 16. Once the cleaning solution is dispensed into the container 18, the user interface 14 may display cleaning instructions based on the selected stain type and surface type.
  • steps of the method 300 are illustrated in an example order. However, various steps of the illustrated method 300 are capable of being removed from the method 300, of being performed in a different order than the particular order than presented, and of being performed at least partially in parallel with one another.
  • FIG. 7 another embodiment of an electrified water dispenser 10A is shown. Many features of the electrified water dispenser 10A are similar to those discussed above with reference to the first embodiment of the electrified water dispenser 10. As such, many of the features will not be discussed again below. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a ‘A.’.
  • the electrified water dispenser l OA is very similar to the electrified water dispenser 10, 10A, except electrified water dispenser 10A is more compact.
  • the electrified water dispenser 10A is configured for household use.
  • the electrified water dispenser 10A is configured such that may be used in a laundry or utility room 200A or other convenient household space.
  • the electrified water dispenser 10A may also be sized such that it can fit on a counter. Since the electrified water dispenser 10A is smaller, all of the components (e.g., power supply, mineral supply, fragrance supply, etc.) may also be smaller in size.
  • the water supply may be a refillable tank, similar to the supplies 22, 23, 24, instead of being connected to a water source.
  • the power supply 32A may be a removeable battery pack.
  • FIG. 8 yet another embodiment of an electrified water dispenser 10B is shown. Many features of the electrified water dispenser 10B are similar to those discussed above with reference to the first embodiment of the electrified water dispenser 10. As such, many of the features will not be discussed again below. Features similar to those discussed above will be labeled with a ‘B.’
  • the electrified water dispenser 10B is very similar to the electrified water dispensers 10, 10A, except that the user interface 14B is on a remote device 40.
  • the remote device 40 includes a camera 38.
  • the remote device 40 wirelessly communicates with the controller.
  • the user interface 14B allows a user to select the stain type and surface type by capturing an image of the stain and surface with the camera 38 on the remote device 40. Alternatively, the image may be uploaded to the controller via the user interface 14B.
  • the controller is then programed to determine the stain type and the surface type from the image.
  • the controller may run a program that determines the stain type and the surface type by analyzing the colors in the image.
  • the controller then uses the determined stain type and surface type to create the cleaning solution.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)

Abstract

Un distributeur d'eau électrifiée peut être utilisé pour distribuer une solution de nettoyage. Le distributeur d'eau électrifiée comprend un boîtier, un dispositif de commande, une interface utilisateur, une alimentation minérale, un module d'électrolyse et une alimentation en eau. L'interface utilisateur est en communication avec le dispositif de commande et permet à un utilisateur de réaliser une sélection d'utilisateur, telle qu'un type de tache et une quantité de solution de nettoyage. Le dispositif de commande est configuré pour déterminer une quantité d'eau et une quantité de minéral sur la base de la sélection d'utilisateur. Le module d'électrolyse est configuré pour électrolyser un mélange de la quantité d'eau et de la quantité de minéral pour créer la solution de nettoyage.
PCT/US2023/077863 2022-10-28 2023-10-26 Distributeur d'eau électrifiée Ceased WO2024092096A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263381334P 2022-10-28 2022-10-28
US63/381,334 2022-10-28

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WO2024092096A1 true WO2024092096A1 (fr) 2024-05-02

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120228145A1 (en) * 2011-03-04 2012-09-13 Tennant Company Cleaning solution generator
US20170298552A1 (en) * 2014-09-19 2017-10-19 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Electrolyzed water generating device, electrolyte for generating electrolyzed water, and electrolyzed water for disinfection
US20220248924A1 (en) * 2021-01-27 2022-08-11 Z Intellectual Property Holding Company, Llc Systems and methods for providing a cleaning apparatus having a pulsating mechanism

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120228145A1 (en) * 2011-03-04 2012-09-13 Tennant Company Cleaning solution generator
US20170298552A1 (en) * 2014-09-19 2017-10-19 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Electrolyzed water generating device, electrolyte for generating electrolyzed water, and electrolyzed water for disinfection
US20220248924A1 (en) * 2021-01-27 2022-08-11 Z Intellectual Property Holding Company, Llc Systems and methods for providing a cleaning apparatus having a pulsating mechanism

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