TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to cleaning, more specifically to systems and methods for the preparation of predetermined cleaning mixtures.

In the cleaning industry there is a need to provide various types cleaning mixtures which may depend on the type of surface to be cleaned.

For example, different types of surfaces and environments may require different chemicals and/or different concentrations. While it may be possible to supply for each situation a factory-prepared optimal cleaning mixture, this may increase costs of transport and storage. For example, large tanks of cleaning mixtures would have to be supplied. So it is preferable that the user, e.g. cleaning personnel, can prepare their own cleaning mixture. For example, the user can fill a tank with water from the tap, and add an amount of cleaning concentrate to the water. Typically, this preparation may involve the user pouring an amount of the concentrate from a bottle into the tank. However, it may be difficult for the user to control the exact amount of cleaning concentrate. This may also be the case for different types of dispensers. One solution may be to first pour the concentrate in a measuring cup. However, this is still prone to mistakes. Furthermore the chemicals in the cleaning concentrate may be dangerous to handle in concentrated form.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved preparation of cleaning mixtures.

SUMMARY

Some aspects as described herein can be embodied as a dosage system for delivering a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate to a solvent inside a fluid tank. A pod holder is configured to form an inner volume for holding a pod containing the cleaning concentrate. A connector is configured to form a fluid connection between the inner volume of the pod holder and the inside of the fluid tank. A piercing means is configured to pierce the pod held by the pod holder. A push mechanism is configured to pushing the piercing means into the inner volume of the pod holder for piercing the pod. In this way the cleaning concentrate is released from the pod via the fluid connection of the connector into the inside of the fluid tank for mixing with the solvent and forming a cleaning mixture.

Other or further aspects can be embodied as an assembly of the dosage system connected to the fluid connection, or a wet cleaning machine comprising such assembly.

Some aspects as described herein can be embodied as a method for delivering a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate to a solvent inside a fluid tank. A dosage system as described herein can be connected via its connector to the fluid tank with the solvent. The pod holder can be filled with a pod comprising the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate. The push mechanism can be pushed to pierce the pod with the piercing means.

Some aspects as described herein can be embodied as a method of cleaning a target surface. Such method may e.g. include determining a type of the target surface and selecting a specific pod from a plurality of different pod types. For example, each different pod type comprises a predetermined different amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate optimized for cleaning a different type of surface. Accordingly a type of the selected pod can be optimized for cleaning the target surface. The selected type of pod can be used in the methods described herein for delivering the predetermined amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate a solvent inside a fluid tank of a wet cleaning machine to form a cleaning mixture. For example, the wet cleaning machine can be used to deliver the cleaning mixture onto the target surface for cleaning the target surface. Advantageously the present systems and methods may be used to select and accurately prepare various cleaning mixtures alleviating issues of erroneous dosing or human contact with the cleaning concentrate. It is noted that for washing machines, there exist pods with cleaning agents, wherein the pod material dissolve during use. However, the inventors find that the materials of these pods are typically unsuitable for use in a wet cleaning machine where the water is not so hot, and the partly dissolved pods can lead to clogging of the machine. By using a piercing means to pierce the pod and release the cleaning concentrate, the container of can remain in the pod holder. By allowing the pod holder to open, e.g. via a hinge mechanism, the pod can be easily placed and removed from its inner volume. By providing the dosage system with a detachable connector, it can be easily taken off the fluid tank to throw away the pod container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly with a dosage system connected to a fluid tank;

FIG 2 illustrates a cross-section view of the dosage system;

FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate cut-away and perspective views of advantageous features in the dosage system;

FIGs 4A and 4B illustrate side views of respective top and bottom piercing means;

FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate methods of operating the dosage system;

FIG 6 illustrates an assembly and various views of a dosage system. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross- section illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise. FIG 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly 100 with a dosage system 10 connected to a fluid tank 20.

In a preferred embodiment, as described herein, the dosage system 10 is configured to deliver a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate into the fluid tank 20. Most preferably, the cleaning concentrate is contained in a pod (not shown here), which can be placed inside the dosage system 10. In one embodiment, the fluid tank 20 is filled with a solvent, such as water, and the cleaning concentrate can be added to the solvent to form a cleaning mixture. Also other solvents and mixtures for cleaning can be envisaged, e.g. alcohol.

Typically, the fluid tank 20 is configured to hold a predetermined amount of liquid, e.g. water. In one embodiment, the amount of water is determined by a (near) maximum volume contents of the fluid tank 20. In another or further embodiment, a specific filling level can be used. For example, the tank comprises an indicator for filling up to a specific level, e.g. at least seventy, eighty, or ninety percent full, before adding the cleaning concentrate. It will be appreciated that variations in the much larger amount of solvent may generally be less critical than variations in the much smaller amount of cleaning concentrate. Preferably, when the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate delivered by the dosage system 10 is mixed with the predetermined amount of solvent in the fluid tank 20, a predetermined optimized cleaning mixture is formed. For example, the cleaning mixture has a predetermined concentration optimized for cleaning a specific type of surface or environment.

In some embodiments, the dosage system 10 connected to the fluid tank 20 is configured to prevent fluid from leaking from the fluid tank 20. For example, the dosage system 10 comprises a screw, snap, or other connection for fixedly connecting to the fluid tank 20. Also other types of connections can be envisaged. In one embodiment, the dosage system 10 comprises a funnel structure (not shown) for delivering a dose of cleaning concentrate into the fluid tank 20. For example, the funnel structure is configured to fit at least partly into the fluid opening of the fluid tank 20 to deliver the cleaning concentrate. In some embodiments, the funnel structure can be used in addition to, or alternatively to, a connection structure.

In some embodiments, the same opening of the fluid tank 20 is used for both filling the tank with the solvent, and for connecting the dosage system 10. This can have the advantage of providing a system that is backward compatible with existing tanks. For example, the dosage system 10 can have the same, or similar connector as a cap which is normally used to close the fluid tank 20. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the dosage system 10 is configured to connect as a cap onto a fluid opening of the fluid tank 20.

In other or further embodiments, the fluid tank 20 is specifically adapted to the dosage system 10. For example, the fluid tank 20 comprises at least two openings, e.g. including an opening for connecting the dosage system 10, and another opening for filling the tank with water. It can also be envisaged that the dosage system 10 is permanently connected to the fluid tank 20, e.g. integrated into the tank design. In some embodiments (not shown), at least one filling opening is provided on a (long) side of an elongate fluid tank. This opening on the side, instead of the top, may be more easy to fill when there is otherwise insufficient space under a water tap.

Typically, the fluid tank 20 can also have at least one further opening for extracting the cleaning mixture from the fluid tank 20. For example, the opening for extracting the cleaning mixture may comprise a valve that is opened when the fluid tank is connected to a cleaning device.

In some embodiments, the fluid tank 20 forms a separable or integrated part of a (wet) cleaning machine (not shown). Accordingly, some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a wet cleaning machine comprising the assembly 100. For example, the wet cleaning machine is configured to retrieve a cleaning mixture from the fluid tank 20 and deliver the cleaning mixture onto a target surface to be cleaned. Generally, the wet cleaning machine may also comprises other or further components such as one or more of at least one pump to deliver and/or retrieve fluids to and from the target surface, a dirty water container for holding any retrieved fluid, one or more brushes to brush the target surface, a motor to actuate, e.g. rotate, the brushes, a squeegee to mop up the fluid, wheels to move the machine, et cetera. In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture is used by a floor treatment device for cleaning surfaces such as floors.

FIG 2 illustrates a cross-section view of a the dosage system 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the dosage system 10 is configured to deliver a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate C to a solvent S inside 20v a fluid tank 20. In some embodiments, the dosage system 10 comprises a pod holder 11 configured to form an inner volume llv for holding a pod 30 containing the cleaning concentrate C. In other or further embodiments, the dosage system 10 comprises a connector 12 configured to form a fluid connection 12v between the inner volume 11 V of the pod holder 11 and the inside 20v of the fluid tank 20. In other or further embodiments, the dosage system 10 comprises a piercing means 13t,13b for piercing the pod 30 held by the pod holder 11. In other or further embodiments, the dosage system 10 comprises a push mechanism 14 for pushing the piercing means 13t,13b into the inner volume llv of the pod holder 11. In this way the pod 30 can be pierced and/or cut open to release the cleaning concentrate C from the pod 30 via the fluid connection 12v of the connector 12 into the inside 20v of the fluid tank 20.

In some embodiments, the pod holder 11 comprises interconnected sections lit, lib capable of opening the inner volume llv for receiving the pod 30, and closing the inner volume llv for keeping the pod 30 inside. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the pod holder 11 comprises at least a top section lit and a bottom section lib. Also other or further sections can be envisaged. Preferably, the interconnected sections lit, lib of the pod holder 11 are configured to hermetically seal together when the pod holder 11 is closed. For example, the interconnected sections lit, lib may seal together to prevent the cleaning concentrate C flowing between the sections and/or to exclusively allow the cleaning concentrate C to leave the inner volume llv via the fluid connection 12v of the connector 12.

In one embodiment, a first section lit of the pod holder is interconnected to a second section lib of the pod holder by a hinge mechanism llh there between. In another or further embodiment, interconnected sections lit, lib of the pod holder 11 comprise respective interlocking parts 11s configured to form a snap connection between the interconnected sections lit, lib. Preferably, the interlocking parts are provided in addition to (e.g. on an opposite side with respect to) the hinge mechanism llh, as shown. Alternatively, it can be envisaged to exclusively use a snap connection to interconnect the sections lit, lib, e.g. wherein the dosage system 10 snaps apart in two or more sections. Also other or further types of interconnections between the sections lit, lib can be envisaged, e.g. including a locking mechanism (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, wherein the connector 12 is configured to fixedly connect the dosage system 10 to the fluid tank 20. For example, the connector 12 comprises a screw thread for screwing the dosage system 10 onto the fluid tank 20 acting as a substitute cap. Also other or further types of reversible or permanent connections can be envisaged such as a (releasable) snap connection between the connector 12 of the dosage system 10 and a connector of the fluid tank 20. It can also be envisaged to fluidly connect the dosage system to the fluid tank without fixation, e.g. wherein the connector comprises a funnel which can be inserted into a fluid supply connection of the fluid tank 20. In some embodiments, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise at least one pin and/or knife to cut into or along a surface of the pod 30. For example, at least one piercing means 13b is disposed at a bottom part of the dosage system 10, i.e. at a side of the connector 12. In a preferred embodiment, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise at least two knifes configured to pierce the pod 30 from different sides. For example, the piercing means 13t,13b are configured to pierce the pod 30 from the top an bottom sides. This may help increase a flow of the cleaning concentrate C from the pod 30, e.g. by preventing vacuum formation inside the pod. For example, the cleaning concentrate C can be relatively viscous. Additionally, or alternatively, a relatively flat knife shape can have the advantage that it may cut a relatively large portion of the pod while being less prone to get stuck when the knife is retrieved.

In one embodiment, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise at least a bottom piercing means 13b. In another or further embodiment, the pod holder 11 comprises a bottom platform lip for placement of the pod 30 thereon. For example, the bottom platform lip comprises an opening through which the bottom piercing means 13b can penetrate into the pod 30. Preferably, the piercing means 13t,13b further comprises a top piercing means 13t.

In some embodiments, the bottom platform lip is moveable over a maximum first range Zllp while the top piercing means 13t is moveable over a maximum second range Z14. Preferably, the maximum second range Z14 is larger than the maximum first range Zllp. Accordingly after pushing the bottom platform lip via the pod 30 over its maximum first range Zllp, the top piercing means 13t can move further over its maximum second range Z14 to pierce the pod 30 from the top. In one embodiment, an edge of the bottom piercing means 13b can be sharper than that of the top piercing means 13t. In this way the bottom piercing means 13b may pierce the pod 30 first while the top piercing means 13t at least initially pushes the pod before piercing. Alternatively, or additionally, it can also be envisaged that the pod itself is structurally weaker at the side of the bottom piercing means 13b than at the side of the top piercing means 13t.

In some embodiments, the pod holder 11 comprises a top abutment surface 11a. For example, wherein the top abutment surface 11a comprises an opening through which the top piercing means 13t can push the pod 30 towards and into the bottom piercing means 13b. Preferably, the pod holder 11 is configured to hold the pod 30 between the bottom platform lip and the top abutment surface 11a. Advantageously, retraction of the piercing means 13t,13b from the inner volume llv of the interconnected sections lit, lib through a respective opening in the bottom platform lip and/or top abutment surface 11a may help to easily separate the pod 30 from the piercing means 13t,13b.

In a preferred embodiment, the push mechanism 14 comprises a push button, e.g. on top of the dosage system 10. For example, the push button can be manually actuated (pressed down) by a user to push one or more piercing means 13t,13b into the pod 30. In some embodiments, the dosage system 10 comprises a top resilient element 15t biased to restore a position of the push mechanism 14 (e.g. from a depressed position after pushing down on the button) and pull the top piercing means 13t from the pod 30. In other or further embodiments, the dosage system 10 comprises a bottom resilient element 15t biased to restore a position of the bottom platform lip and pull the bottom piercing means 13b from the pod 30. For example, the resilient elements comprise one or more spring elements, as shown, or other elements, e.g. resilient rubber (not shown).

FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate cut-away and perspective views of advantageous features in the dosage system 10. In some embodiments, the bottom platform lip comprises an open grate structure llg with passageways for passing the cleaning concentrate there through. Alternatively, or additionally, the concentrate may also pass through the opening llo in the bottom platform lip, e.g. after the bottom piercing means have retracted. In a preferred embodiment, the dosage system 10 comprises a funnel structure 16 between the pod holder 11 and the connector 12, wherein the funnel structure 16 is configure to direct a stream of the cleaning concentrate C towards a center 12c of the fluid connection 12v. For example, the funnel structure 16 comprises one or more funnel surfaces sloped towards and around the center 12c. Advantageously, this may help to guide the cleaning concentrate C clean through an opening of the fluid tank 20, e.g. minimally sticking to the tank opening.

FIGs 4A and 4B illustrate side views of respective top and bottom piercing means 13t,13b. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise a respective (flat top) chisel edge 13e. Advantageously, the chisel edge may provide a relatively large opening while the piercing means can still be easily retracted. Most preferably, the chisel edge 13e is asymmetric forming a sharp protrusion at one side of the chisel edge 13e (not clearly visible here). For example, this may resemble a knife point.

FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate methods of operating the dosage system 10.

Some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a method for delivering a predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate C to a solvent S inside 20v a fluid tank 20. One embodiment comprises connecting “Sc” the dosage system 10, e.g. as described herein or otherwise via its connector 12 to the fluid tank 20 with the solvent S. Another or further embodiment comprises filling “Sf” the pod holder 11 with a pod 30 comprising the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate C. Another or further embodiment comprises pushing “Sp” the push mechanism 14 to pierce the pod 30 with the piercing means 13t,13b and release the cleaning concentrate C from the pod 30 via the fluid connection 12v of the connector 12 into the inside 20v of the fluid tank 20 for mixing with the solvent and forming a cleaning mixture. In some embodiments, the pod holder 11 is opened “So” before the filling “Sf” to place the pod 30 inside. Alternatively, the pod holder 11 may be permanently open, e.g. with a slot from the top or side to insert a pod 30. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid tank 20 is used by a wet cleaning machine. For example, the cleaning mixture is used by the wet cleaning machine to clean a target surface.

In some embodiments, the pod holder comprises a top section lit connected to a bottom section lib via a hinge llh. For example, the hinge rotates in a rotation plane Pr around a rotation vector R transvers to the rotation plane. In one embodiment, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise a top piercing means 13t with a chisel edge 13e oriented in a first knife direction Xc,Xo parallel to the rotation plane Pr. In another or further embodiment, the piercing means 13t,13b comprise a bottom piercing means 13b with a chisel edge 13e oriented in a second knife direction Y parallel to the rotation vector R, transverse to the first knife direction Xc,Xo. Advantageously, the inventors find that a such configuration of transversely oriented chisel edges may allow easy retraction of the piercing means 13t,13b. In particular by having the top edge in plane with the rotation, the top section can be easily removed without inadvertently lifting the pod 30 from holder.

Some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a method of cleaning a target surface. One embodiment comprises determining a type of the target surface. Another or further embodiment comprises selecting a specific pod from a plurality of different pod types. For example, each different pod type comprises a predetermined different amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate C optimized for cleaning a different type of surface. Accordingly a type of the pod can be selected so that it is optimized for cleaning the target surface. Some embodiments comprise using the selected type of pod in the methods described herein for delivering the predetermined amount and/or type of cleaning concentrate C a solvent S inside 20v a fluid tank 20 of a wet cleaning machine to form a cleaning mixture. Other or further embodiments comprise using the wet cleaning machine to deliver the cleaning mixture onto the target surface for cleaning the target surface.

Some aspects of the present disclosure can be embodied as a pod 30 with cleaning concentrate C for use in the dosage system 10 or method according to any of the preceding claims. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning concentrate comprises one or more cleaning agents including at least one of a soap, a detergent, and/or a disinfectant. For example, cleaning agents are may generally comprise substances (e.g. liquids, powders, sprays, or granules) suitable for removing dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells, and clutter on surfaces. As described herein, preferably a liquid cleaning concentrate is used. Purposes of cleaning agents may include improving health, beauty, removing offensive odor, and avoiding the spread of dirt and contaminants to oneself and others.

In some embodiments, the pod 30 comprises a body of plastic or other pierceable material to safely contain the cleaning concentrate C therein until it is released. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown herein, the pod is shaped as a cup. For example, the cup comprises a foil covering a cup shaped body. In some embodiments, the cup has a rim which can be useful in centering the body of the cup over the piercing means. Of course also other shapes and materials can be envisaged. For example, the pod, e.g. capsule or other container, may have any shape including a cube, cylinder, disc, frustoconical, et cetera For example, the pod may comprises a bio degradable material.

In a preferred embodiment, the pod has a transparent or translucent window (not shown) to view a color of the cleaning concentrate C, wherein the color is determined in accordance a color coding standard such as HACCP for different types of pods. This may have the advantage of positively identifying the desired cleaning concentrate irrespective e.g. of the packing material. Furthermore, when using an at least partially transparent or translucent fluid tank 20 it can be easily observed by a user when the cleaning concentrate is released into and/or sufficiently mixed through the solvent. Alternatively, or additionally, the color of packing material can be adapted according to a color coding scheme. As an example of such a coding system, e.g. red may indicate high risk areas/restroom cleaning (toilets, urinals); green may indicate food processing/servicing general food and bar use; blue may indicate general lower risk areas excluding food areas; yellow may indicate washbasins, sinks, cabinets and other washroom surfaces; et cetera.

FIG 6 illustrates on the left side an assembly with a preferred embodiment of the fluid tank 20 with the dosage system 10; on the right side various views of a preferred embodiment of the dosage system 10 is shown.

In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the fluid tank 20 has at least two separate openings 21,22. The openings can be used for delivering fluids into the fluid tank 20. In some embodiments, at least a first opening 21 is provided. For example, the first opening 21 can be used for connecting the connector of the dosage system 10 to the fluid tank 20 and/or delivering the predetermined amount and type of cleaning concentrate to the fluid tank 20. In other or further embodiments, another, second a second opening 22 is provided. For example, the second opening 22 can be used for filling the fluid tank 20 with a solvent such as water via the second opening 22. Advantageously, the tank can be filled while the dosage system 10 remains connected to first opening 21 of the fluid tank 20.

In another or further embodiment, wherein the fluid tank 22 has an elongate shape with a height of the fluid tank being more than a thickness of the fluid tank, e.g. by at least a factor two, three or more. Preferably, the second opening 22 is disposed at least partly facing in a direction where the thickness of the fluid tank is less than the height. For example, the second opening at least partially faces away from an elongate (height) axis of the tank. In this way the tank can still hold plenty of solvent while is may be easier to fill, e.g. by holding the tank (tilted) between a faucet and a sink which can be a relative narrow space. Most preferably the first opening 21 is disposed on a proximal end of the elongate fluid tank, e.g. facing along the elongate axis or otherwise. In this way, when the dosage system 10 is activated, the cleaning concentrate can fall downward from the dosage system 10 into the fluid tank 20. In some embodiments, a separate closing means is provided for the first opening 22, preferably also connected to the connector of the first opening 21, e.g. via a flap, so the closing means for the second opening does not get lost.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. For example, while embodiments were shown for a specific dosage system, pod, and container, also alternative systems may be envisaged by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure for achieving a similar function and result. E.g. constructional elements may be combined or split up into one or more alternative components. The various elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages, such as delivering a precise dose of cleaning concentrate to a fluid tank with a solvent. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements in finding and matching designs and advantages. It is appreciated that this disclosure offers particular advantages in combination with a fluid tank of a wet cleaning machine, and in general can be applied for any application in the cleaning industry to prepare a predetermined cleaning mixture.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved by the combination of their respective features. But the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage. The present embodiments may thus include all working combinations of the claims wherein each claim can in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.