EP2511227A1

EP2511227A1 - Apparatus for managing cleaning activities

Info

Publication number: EP2511227A1
Application number: EP11425097A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Davide Fornasari
Original assignee: E' COSI' Srl; COSI Srl E
Current assignee: E' COSI' Srl
Priority date: 2011-04-11
Filing date: 2011-04-11
Publication date: 2012-10-17

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for managing cleaning activities, comprising at least one tank (2) for a substance, preferably selected from a component of a detergent and a detergent ready for use; the tank (2) is associated with a control and monitoring unit (3) for means for drawing and distributing the substance, to allow its controlled dispensing in at least one container (A), following the request of at least one operator. The control and monitoring unit (3) is further provided with a reader (5) for the automatic acquisition and processing of at least one first data set and at least one second data set: the first set is contained in a first transponder device that can be carried by a specific operator and conveys information regarding the specific operator, so as to store it in the control and monitoring unit (3). The second set is contained in a second transponder device, which is fixed to a specific container (A) and conveys information related to it, for the automatic recognition of the type of container (A) and the controlled dispensing of a predefined quantity of substance, associated with the specific type of container (A).

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for managing cleaning activities.
Currently, a growing need is observed to harmonize activities for cleaning and sanitizing large enclosed spaces of the industrial or sanitary type and/or used for catering with the desire to increase the organization and reduce the environmental impact and the costs linked to these activities (especially regarding the consumption and disposal of detergents and of the wastewater produced by cleaning floors and other surfaces).
More precisely, there is an increasingly frequent demand (by recipients of cleaning services, and/or of institutions, which impose compliance with regulations that are often very strict) for guarantees regarding the correct type of detergents to be used, so as to ensure the use of the specific detergent that is most suitable for the specific application (and for the specific type of dirt of the surface to be cleaned). This in fact ensures maximum effectiveness in cleaning and sanitizing activities and prevents the risk of waste due to an incorrect choice of the type and/or quantity of detergent to be used in relation to the expected specific use.
Moreover, it should be noted that nowadays Local Health Authorities and/or more generally the various health operators insert in tender specifications the specific demand that detergents be prepared directly at the site of the use, and in a period of time that is close to the period of actual use, in order to avoid the risk of a deterioration of the chemical principles assigned to cleaning/sanitizing.
The aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for managing cleaning and sanitizing activities that makes it possible to minimize the waste and costs linked to these activities.
Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a kit for managing cleaning and sanitizing activities that allows minimization of the waste and costs linked to these activities.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that ensures the use of the most suitable detergents in the correct quantities for the specific cleaning activities to be performed.
Anther object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can constitute an aid for the operators and workers assigned to activities for cleaning and washing enclosed spaces.
Another object is to provide an apparatus that offers the final customer the possibility of monitoring effectively the consumption of detergent.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that ensures high reliability in operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has low costs and is safe in application.
This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an apparatus for managing cleaning activities, characterized in that it comprises at least one tank for a substance, preferably chosen between a component of a detergent and a detergent ready for use, said tank being associated with a control and monitoring unit for means for drawing and distributing said at least one substance, for its controlled dispensing in at least one container, following the request of at least one operator, said control and monitoring unit being provided with a reader for the automatic acquisition and processing of at least one first data set and at least one second data set, the first set being contained in a first transponder device that can be carried by a specific operator and conveying information regarding the specific operator, so as to be stored in said control and monitoring unit, the second set being contained in a second transponder device, which is fixed to a specific container and conveying information related to it, for the automatic recognition of the type of container and the controlled dispensing of a predefined quantity of substance, associated with the specific type of container.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of various preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the apparatus and of the kit according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, in a first embodiment;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a possible configuration for use of the apparatus according to the invention, in a second embodiment;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a kit according to the invention, in a first possible configuration;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention, in a second possible configuration;
Figure 5 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention, in a third possible configuration;
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention, in a fourth possible configuration;
Figure 7 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention, in a fifth possible configuration;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention, in a sixth possible configuration;
Figure 9 is a schematic view of a detail of the configuration of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention, in a seventh possible configuration;
Figure 11 is a schematic view of the kit according to the invention, in an eighth possible configuration;
Figure 12 is a schematic view of a detail of the configuration of Figure 11.

With reference to the figures, an apparatus according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, can be used, with the methods that will be described hereinafter, for managing activities for cleaning (and/or sanitizing), for example but not exclusively, industrial surfaces of factory buildings and production buildings.
More generally, it is specified that the apparatus 1 according to the invention may be used effectively in any public or private building in which activities for the production or offer of goods or services are performed and in which one wishes to keep the consumption of detergents monitored, in order to optimize their use and reduce costs (consider, for example, health facilities and/or catering buildings, which require frequent cleaning and sanitizing activities and for which the need for economy in compliance with safety and health regulations is therefore felt strongly).
According to the invention, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one tank 2 for a substance, preferably selected from a component of a detergent and a detergent ready for use (typically, but not exclusively, in the liquid state). The detergent may be of any type and beselected for example according to the specific application requirements and the particular type of dirt that usually gathers on the surfaces of the building in which the apparatus 1 is installed.
The tank is associated with a control and monitoring unit 3 (an electronic controller, for example) of means for drawing and distributing the substance, so as to allow its controlled dispensing, for example through an outlet 4, into at least one container A, following the request of at least one operator.
The control and monitoring unit 3 is provided with a reader 5 for the automatic acquisition and processing of at least one first data set and at least one second data set. The first data set is contained in a first transponder device (of the badge type, for example) that can be carried by a specific operator and conveys information about such operator (such as for example his identity and the department to which he belongs) for being stored in the control and monitoring unit 3.
The second set, instead, is contained in a second transponder device, which is fixed to a specific container A and conveys information about the container A itself, for the automatic recognition of the type of container A and the controlled dispensing of a predefined quantity of substance, associated with the specific type of container A.
As will be described in depth in the course of the present description, according to one non-limiting constructive possibility of the application of the invention, the transponder devices may be based on the technology known as RFID and therefore the reader 5 may be of the RFID reader type.
It is specified right now that the predefined quantities, like the numerous other parameters and functions that will be illustrated hereinafter, might be set, saved and/or modified directly on the controller (to make it independent in its operation), by means of an interface 6 and a monitor 7 with which the latter may be provided, and by means of an appropriate configuration software.
The interface 6, moreover, may comprise what is called a "touch-sensitive" keyboard, which has the advantage of not being subject to infiltrations of dust and humidity and at the same time ensures the absence of mechanical wear (because there are no moving parts or electrical contacts, as instead would occur if other types of keyboard were used).
This keyboard may be provided with a large display (for example 20 characters by 4 lines), which can also be backlit, so as to allow correct visualization of the messages even in case of poor lighting of the enclosed space in which the apparatus 1 is installed.
According to a first possible embodiment, upon a request to dispense detergent by the operator, who submits a container A to the reader 5, the apparatus 1 is capable of recognizing the type of container A (and especially the predefined quantity of detergent to be dispensed inside it) and dispenses a preset number of liters (optimum), avoiding the risk of waste. At the same time, the apparatus 1 is capable of storing (in a suitable memory cell comprised in the control and monitoring unit 3) the identity of the operator (and of the department) that made the request, so as to keep the consumption of detergents monitored in the period of time of interest (it will be possible, for example, to monitor consumptions on a daily basis, weekly basis, monthly basis, etcetera).
The information gathered and the trend of consumption can be visualized and collected subsequently in various formats, for example data processing formats, such as SQL databases, and/or paper formats, by means of appropriate reporting and printing forms comprised in the control and monitoring unit 3 (and/or in the above-mentioned software).
Recognition of the first data set and the second data set can be performed by the same operating module or by different operating modules contained in the control and monitoring unit 3.
According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example of the application of the invention, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of tanks 2 (for example four, as in the embodiment of Figure 2, or six) for respective substances, preferably selected among components of detergents and detergents ready for use.
The choice of making available to the operators a plurality of different detergents makes it possible to perform different sanitizing, cleaning and washing operations targeted to specific forms of dirt, bacteria or pests that might be present at the site where the apparatus 1 is installed.
According to the preferred embodiment, the reader 5 of the control and monitoring unit 3 is therefore assigned to the automatic acquisition and processing of respective second data sets contained in corresponding second transponder devices fixed to specific containers A. For example, the second data set can comprise information related to the dimensions (and above all the capacity) of the container A, to the specific detergents that it can accommodate and also to the department to which it is assigned.
The control and monitoring unit 3 is therefore capable of recognizing in an automatic manner the type of container A and therefore of dispensing in a controlled manner respective preset quantities of substance associated with the corresponding specific types of container A. More precisely, the apparatus 1 can thus ensure automatically the dispensing of the predefined quantity (associated beforehand with the specific container A) of the specific detergent assigned to the container A (or optionally, of one of the specific detergents assigned to the container A, for example by proposing the choice to the operator who requests it) and therefore supply the detergent that is most suitable for the activity that the operator intends to perform.
Usefully, the drawing and distribution means comprise at least one pump 8, associated with each tank 2, which can be actuated on command by the unit 3 to transfer and dispense in a controlled manner a predefined quantity of the substance in the container A, following the request of the operator.
In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the drawing and distribution means comprise a plurality of such pumps 8, preferably of the peristaltic pump type (or other pumps 8 with a fixed and defined flow-rate), each of which is associated with a respective tank 2 and can be actuated on command by the unit 3, so as to transfer and dispense in a controlled manner, as noted in the previous paragraph, a predefined quantity of the respective substance into a corresponding container A, following the request of the operator. Even the number of operating pumps 8 and of tanks 2 can be set by means of the above-mentioned software.
By using pumps 8 with fixed flow-rate (according to the preferred but not exclusive solution), the task to control the delivery time, in order to obtain the distribution of the desired quantity of detergent (or other substance), is assigned to the unit 3.
More in particular, according to the preferred (but not exclusive) solution, the pumps 8 have a flow-rate comprised in a range between 500 ml/min and 2000 ml/min and preferably have a flow-rate equal to 900 ml/min, and a driving voltage of 230 V AC (identical to the supply voltage of the control and monitoring unit 3) and a maximum power per output equal to 100 W.
Conveniently, the apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises at least one weighing device (a balance for example), so as to allow the measurement of any quantities of residual substances inside the container A, before the dispensing of the substance.
Preferably, the apparatus 1 is provided with a balance for each pump 8 (and for each tank 2) and with the possibility (which can be configured at will by means of the interface 6) of weighing each container A, as desired, when it is used to receive the detergents: the weighing of the container A (and therefore of the residual detergents already comprised therein) allows the unit 3 (in whose memory cell the information regarding the weight of the empty container A is stored) to dispense a number of liters that is lower than the predefined quantity, considering indeed the quantity already present in the container A (and therefore again avoiding unnecessary waste and excessive consumption).
Advantageously, the apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises, moreover, at least one level sensor, associated with each tank 2, for verifying the quantity of substance that is present and emitting an alarm signal when a preset minimum threshold is reached (thus allowing an operator to restore the level of the desired substance).
In this case also it is possible to provide, in the control and monitoring unit 3, the configuration at will (by means of the interface 6) of the minimum threshold, as well as the execution of checks of the liquid levels, if desired, by means of such sensors.
According to a first possibility, therefore, the tanks 2 are full of detergent ready for use, and the pumps 8, and/or other drawing and distribution means, merely transfer the detergent from the tanks 2 to the container A (according to the preset quantities and limits).
According to a different possible embodiment, as observed, the tanks 2 (or some of them) are filled with components of the detergents to be used (or, more simply, with water, for diluting a concentrated detergent contained in another tank 2), and the operator can thus use the same container A to collect the two or more components of the detergent that he intends to use.
As an alternative, positively, the apparatus 1 according to the invention can comprise a mixer (even of a known type) and optionally a mixing chamber: at least two of the tanks 2 that accommodate respective components of a detergent lead to this mixer, and this allows the apparatus 1 to prepare the detergent when requested by the operator (detergent that can be mixed directly in the container A or in the chamber). This possibility is of considerable interest especially for specific fields of application in which regulations require indeed the preparation of the detergent immediately before its use in order to avoid the risk of deterioration of its properties.
According to this embodiment, the unit 3 can be configured at will to regulate the operating flow-rate of the mixer (for example, again, equal to 900 ml/min), and this value can be recorded in order to allow the subsequent correct dispensing of the substances (and their correct storage in memory).
A kit 9 for managing cleaning activities comprises at least one apparatus 1 of the type described in the previous paragraphs and therefore provided with at least one tank 2, with drawing and distribution means (pumps 8, for example) and a control and monitoring unit 3, provided with the reader 5 described above.
Moreover, the kit 9 comprises a plurality of first transponder devices (for example of the badge type), which can be carried by respective operators and contain corresponding first data sets. The first data set can convey, for example, as already noted, information such as the identity of the operator to whom the corresponding first device is assigned, as well as the department to which he belongs (or the departments for which he is enabled to request detergent), so that this information can be stored in the control and monitoring unit 3 at the time of the request for detergent.
More generally, the first data set can convey information related to the type of service that the operator intends to perform.
The kit 9 also comprises a plurality of second transponder devices, which can be fixed to respective containers A and can contain corresponding second data sets, which convey information related to the containers A, such as, for example, their size (and capacity) and the type of detergent (or types of detergents) that they are designed to accommodate.
The information conveyed by the second data set also can be acquired by the reader 5, so as to ensure automatic recognition of the type of container A and thus allow the apparatus 1 to dispense in a controlled manner a predefined quantity of substance, associated with the specific type of container A.
It is noted, moreover, that the control and monitoring unit 3 can be provided with a module for acquiring the time and date, so that the information related to the requests to draw detergent can be associated with the exact moment (date and time) when they occurred, in order to create a full log of withdrawals (and consequently of consumption).
Moreover, it is noted that by providing in the control unit 3 the possibility to set, by means of the cited interface 6, a maximum threshold of withdrawals (on a daily, weekly, monthly basis etcetera and also for each type of detergent and/or department) it is possible to verify, at each withdrawal request, whether this maximum threshold (for example equal to 2.55 liters per day) has been reached or exceeded, thus blocking the dispensing.
However, the possibility is not excluded of allowing the operators (or some of them, who can be identified by means of the badge) to reset to zero the counter of the liters of delivered detergent, so as to take, if necessary, a quantity that is greater than the maximum threshold.
Moreover, the module for acquiring the time and date gives the control and monitoring unit 3, preset for this purpose, the possibility of allowing dispensing of detergent according to equal or different quantities depending on the day of the week in which the demand occurs (and optionally of preventing the dispensing on the day or days when no cleaning and washing activities are scheduled).
It is noted, however, that it is possible to configure the control and monitoring unit 3 so that each operator can request any detergent and it is possible to limit access to the various types of detergent to a limited number of operators (for example according to the department to which they belong).
Usefully, each transponder device comprises a processor capable of containing a corresponding data set and an antenna for sending the respective data set to the reader 5.
In particular, according to a possible embodiment, the processor is of the type of a programmable integrated circuit and the antenna is a source of emission of electromagnetic waves, preferably below 3 GHz.
As already stated on the preceding pages, the transponder devices can be based on the technology known as RFID (and therefore the reader 5 can be of the RFID reader type): according to this solution (which does not exclude possible embodiments that fall within the protective scope claimed herein), the transponder devices and the reader 5 comply with the ISO 15693 standard and operate on the frequency of 13.56 MHz.
Each RFID transponder device therefore will be preset (by means of suitable software, optionally the same as cited earlier and used to configure the parameters of the control and monitoring unit 3) by allocating in suitable memory areas provided therein the respective data sets, which might be modified subsequently if necessary.
It should be specified that the protective scope claimed herein also includes embodiments that use (in addition to devices of different types and based on other technologies) transponder devices operating on different frequencies, for example equal to 125 KHz, or by means of magnetic strips.
Usefully, according to a first embodiment, the kit 9 according to the invention comprises an electronic computer 10 (for example of the type of a personal computer of the known kind) located proximate to the apparatus 1 and connected thereto, by means of a local data transmission network, for its monitoring and management.
According to this solution, by means of the computer 10 an operator can monitor the trend of withdrawals and optionally configure and set the parameters of operation by means of the software introduced above, which in this case is installed directly on the personal computer (or other computer 10).
In particular, this local transmission network is preferably selected from a serial connection 11 of the RS-485 type and an Ethernet network 12.
According to an alternative embodiment, the kit 9 comprises at least one electronic computer 10 (for example, again, a personal computer of a known kind) which is located remotely with respect to the apparatus 1 and is connected thereto by means of a remote data transmission network for its monitoring and management.
According to this solution also, by means of the computer 10 an operator can monitor the use of detergents and optionally configure and set the various parameters necessary for operation, by means of the software introduced above, which in this case is installed directly on the personal computer (or other computer 10).
In particular, the remote data transmission network is preferably selected from an Internet network 13 and a GPRS network 14.
Whatever the location of the electronic computer 10 (proximate or remote), the kit 9 according to the invention can positively have a plurality of the apparatuses 1 described above, even arranged in different rooms 15 which are substantially adjacent, connected to the electronic computer 10, for their monitoring and management.
By means of even just one electronic computer 10 it is therefore possible to keep under control any desired number of controllers (which optionally can be addressed individually), arranged in different departments, in different rooms 15 of a same site 16 and/or in different sites 16: there is in fact the possibility of providing different local transmission networks or different remote data transmission networks (or combinations of the two), in order to monitor in a unified manner substantially any arbitrary number of apparatuses 1 according to the invention (for example up to 254 sites 16 and up to 254 controllers per site 16, even distributed in different departments or rooms 15 of the same site 16).
The same operator can be authorized to draw detergent for a single department or room 15, as well as for different rooms 15 and even sites 16 (settings which usually can be saved and modified by means of the appropriate software).
Merely by way of non-limiting illustration of the possible configurations that can be provided with the kit 9 and with the apparatuses 1 according to the invention, some examples and layouts that indeed illustrate some of these configurations are described hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings, without thereby exhausting the possible solutions that fall within the protective scope claimed herein.
If one wishes to use a local transmission network, it is therefore possible to refer to one of the various types shown in Figures 2 to 6.
More precisely, Figure 2 illustrates a configuration in which in a single site 16 an apparatus 1 (a controller) is connected to a personal computer for local management with connection by means of a local transmission network with the help of a serial connection 11 of the RS-485 type. This configuration uses the native connectivity of the controller, i.e., RS-485 support, and therefore no adapter is necessary because it is already preset for this type of serial connection 11. On the PC side it is instead necessary to install a suitable RS485/RS232 converter 17 if the RS232 port with which PCs are generally equipped is used.
As an alternative, it is possible to use a USB/RS485 conversion device and therefore use a USB port of the PC.
Figure 3 instead proposes a configuration in which in the same site 16 two (or more) apparatuses 1 (each provided with an appropriate and unique identification code, in order to be addressable correctly) are connected to a PC for local management by means of a local transmission network with a serial connection of the RS-485 type.
This configuration, too, uses the native connectivity of the controller, i.e., RS485 support, which therefore requires no adapter because it is already preset for this type of serial connection 11.
On the PC side it is instead necessary, as observed for the configuration of Figure 2, to install an adapted RS485/RS232 converter 17 if the port RS232 with which PCs are generally provided, or a USB/RS485 converter device for using a USB port of the PC, are used.
Figures 4 to 6 propose instead various configurations in which the local transmission network is an Ethernet network 12 and which are suitable for applications in which the apparatuses 1 are arranged in the same room 15 or in different rooms 15 (even distant ones).
Figure 4 shows a configuration (for use of the kit 9 in at least two rooms 15) in which each apparatus 1 is provided with an additional conversion block 18, which allows the interconnection of the controller to an Ethernet network 12. It is thus possible to assign to each controller an IP address that can be assigned freely by the user. If the presence of an existing Ethernet network 12 is detected, the personal computer can be connected to it, so as to reduce installation costs and activities; obviously, as an alternative, it is possible to install a new Ethernet network 12.
Figure 5 instead proposes a configuration suitable for the installation of the kit 9 in a single room 15: in this case, a single Ethernet/RS485 conversion block 18 is used to connect one or more apparatuses 1. This allows a reduction of installation costs, because it is not necessary to use a conversion block 18 for each apparatus 1.
Figure 6 proposes a mixed configuration with respect to the two configurations described previously.
If one wishes to use a remote transmission network, it is possible to refer to one of the various types shown in Figures 7 to 11 (which do not exhaust the number of possible configurations that can be provided).
If the kit 9 according to the invention is adopted to manage a plurality of sites 16 by means of a single personal computer (and therefore a single management post), reference can be made to Figure 7, which indeed shows various sites 16 connected via the Internet 13, to which in turn the personal computer is connected.
In turn, each site 16 can be configured as shown in Figure 8, with one or more apparatuses 1 arranged in various rooms 15.
Figure 9 proposes a configuration that is adapted in cases in which it is not possible to rely on an Internet network 13 (for example because of internal company policies): in this case it is possible to access the apparatuses 1 by means of a GPRS network 14, i.e., a network provided with a GPRS modem 19.
If one wishes to connect to the same personal computer both sites 16 provided with an Internet connection and sites 16 that are not provided with this possibility, it is possible to provide hybrid configurations, such as the one in Figure 10, in which each site 16 in which it is not possible to rely on an Internet network 13 can be equipped with a GPRS modem 19 and an RS485/RS232 converter 17, as in Figure 11.
The operation of the apparatus 1 according to the invention is thus clear from the previous paragraphs, in which it has indeed been shown that, in view of the need to performing activities for washing, cleaning and/or sanitizing an environment, it is possible to entrust the apparatus 1 with the management and the dispensing of the detergents.
The operator, equipped with a container A, can in fact submit to the reader 5 of the apparatus 1 his own badge (or other type of first transponder device) and the container A itself (in turn provided with a second transponder device). The reader 5 and the apparatus 1 can thus acquire automatically the first data set conveyed by the respective first transponder device and store the information related to the operator who requested detergent (for example his identity and his department). Subsequently, the reader 5 can record the second data set, carried by the second transponder device, that the operator will have passed under the viewing instrument of the reader 5.
Upon reading the second data set (tag code comprised in the second transponder device), the information is transferred to the control and monitoring unit 3, which, thanks to the preset parameters (for example by means of the above-mentioned software), enables the dispensing of the corresponding detergent, in a quantity that corresponds to the predefined quantity. For example, proximate to each pump 8 there can be a button 8a and a warning light: the warning light may thus signal to the operator that the apparatus 1 is ready to dispense, and dispensing is then started when the operator presses the button 8a.
If the specific operator is allowed to perform withdrawals for different departments, the controller, by means of the interface 6, proposes the list to such operator (who can thus choose the correct one, for example by the simple scrolling of arrows).
Moreover, it is the controller (or other control and monitoring unit 3), if conveniently configured, that signals to the operator, after the request for withdrawal, to place the container A on the balance, in order to verify and weigh any residual quantities of detergent.
Moreover, before dispensing the detergent, the controller may perform checks regarding the quantity already dispensed (with respect to the preset maximum threshold) and optionally even stop the dispensing before the distribution of the preset quantity if the minimum threshold in the level of detergent in the tank 2 is reached, avoiding the complete draining of the tank 2 and releasing to the operator a quantity that is smaller than requested.
The operator, moreover, can stop the dispensing on its own initiative, for example by means of the button 8a itself.
This ensures the dispensing of the optimum type and quantity of detergent, ensuring at the same time the possibility of storing and thus monitoring over time the withdrawals and consumption, optionally charging them to the specific operator and/or to the specific department, in order to have a constantly up-to-date and defined picture of the consumption trend.
The control and monitoring unit 3 is in fact capable of recording, for each withdrawal, the operator that performed it, the department to which he belongs, the date and time when it was performed, the exact type and quantity of detergent dispensed, thus ensuring constant monitoring of consumption.
In practice, therefore, it has been found that the apparatus 1 and the kit 9, in a practical and economical manner, are able to minimize waste and costs linked to these activities, since they ensure the controlled supply of detergent in the preset quantities (optionally, as noted, in compliance with a preset maximum threshold and taking into account residual quantities present in the container A).
The control and monitoring unit 3, moreover, has a reduced power consumption, since it is possible to use controllers whose consumption values are indeed lower than 20W (excluding the absorption of the pumps 8).
Moreover, it is possible, as shown, to associate with different containers A different detergents, contained in the various tanks 2 of the apparatus 1, and thus the latter can dispense automatically the most suitable detergent for the specific case, thus constituting an effective aid for operators and workers assigned to activities for cleaning and washing enclosed spaces.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In the exemplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.
Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

An apparatus (1) for managing cleaning activities, characterized in that it comprises at least one tank (2) for a substance, preferably selected from a component of a detergent and a detergent ready for use, said tank (2) being associated with a control and monitoring unit (3) of means for drawing and distributing said at least one substance, for its controlled dispensing in at least one container (A), following the request of at least one operator, said control and monitoring unit (3) being provided with a reader (5) for the automatic acquisition and processing of at least one first data set and at least one second data set, the first set being contained in a first transponder device that can be carried by a specific operator and conveying information regarding the specific operator, for storage of the same in said control and monitoring unit (3), the second set being contained in a second transponder device, which is fixed to a specific container (A) and conveys information related to it, for the automatic recognition of the type of container (A) and the controlled dispensing of a predefined quantity of substance, associated with the specific type of container (A).
The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of tanks (2) for respective substances, preferably selected from components of detergents and detergents ready for use, said reader (5) of said control and monitoring unit (3) being designed for the automatic acquisition and processing of respective second data sets, contained in corresponding second transponder devices fixed to specific containers (A), for the automatic recognition of the type of the container (A) and the controlled dispensing of respective preset quantities of substance, associated with the corresponding specific types of container (A).
The apparatus according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said drawing and distribution means comprise at least one pump (8), associated with each one of said tanks (2), which can be operated on command by said unit (3) to perform the controlled dispensing of a predefined quantity of the substance in a container (A), following the request of an operator.
The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said drawing and distribution means comprise a plurality of said pumps (8), each one of said pumps (8) being associated with a respective tank (2) and being able to be actuated on command by said unit (3) for the controlled delivery of a predefined quantity of the respective substance into a corresponding container (A) following the request of an operator.
The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one weighing device, to measure any quantities of residual substances inside the container (A), prior to the dispensing of the substance.
The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one level sensor, associated with each one of said tanks (2), to verify the quantity of substance present, and to emit an alarm signal when a preset minimum threshold is reached.
The apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mixer, at least two of said tanks (2), which accommodate respective components of a detergent, leading to said mixer, for preparing said detergent upon request by the operator.
A kit for managing cleaning activities, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:
- at least one of said apparatuses (1) provided with said at least one tank (2), with said drawing and distribution means and with said control and monitoring unit (3), which is provided with said reader (5);

- a plurality of first transponder devices that can be carried by respective operators and contain corresponding first data sets that convey information relating to the operators and can be acquired by said reader (5), to store it in said control and monitoring unit (3);

- a plurality of second transponder devices, which are fixed to respective containers (A) and contain corresponding second data sets, which convey information that relates to said containers (A) and can be acquired by said reader (5) for the automatic recognition of the type of container (A) and the controlled dispensing of a preset quantity of substance, associated with the specific type of container (A).
The kit according to claim 8, characterized in that each one of said transponder devices comprises a processor, which contains a respective data set, and an antenna for sending said respective data set to said reader (5).
The kit according to claim 9, characterized in that said processor is of the type of a programmable integrated circuit, said antenna being a source of emission of electromagnetic waves, preferably below 3 GHz.
The kit according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one electronic computer (10) arranged proximate to said at least one apparatus (1) and connected thereto, by means of a local data transmission network, for its monitoring and management.
The kit according to claim 11, characterized in that said local transmission network is preferably selected from a serial connection (11) of the RS-485 type and an Ethernet network (12).
The kit according to one or more of claims 8 to 10 and as an alternative to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one electronic computer (10) arranged remotely with respect to said at least one apparatus (1) and connected thereto by means of a remote data transmission network, for its monitoring and management.
The kit according to claim 13, characterized in that said remote data transmission network is preferably selected from an Internet network (13) and a GPRS network (14).
The kit according to one or more of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of said apparatuses (1), even arranged in different rooms (15) which are substantially adjacent, and connected to said electronic computer (10) for their monitoring and management.