CN104602586A

CN104602586A - System and method for generating and dispensing electrolyzed solutions

Info

Publication number: CN104602586A
Application number: CN201380034615.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丹尼尔·P·朗亨利; 丹尼尔·L·乔恩特
Original assignee: Tennant Co
Current assignee: Tennant Co
Priority date: 2012-06-29
Filing date: 2013-06-28
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: EP2866634A4; US20140001054A1; WO2014004977A1; EP2866634A1

Abstract

A system (16) and method for generating and dispensing a diluted electrolyzed solution, where the system (16) includes a solution generator (18), one or more containers (20), and one or more dispensing stations (22) separate from the solution generator (18). The solution generator (18)generates and dispenses a concentrated electrolyzed solution to the container(s) (20). The dispensing station(s) (22) draw the concentrated electrolyzed solution from the container(s) (20), dilutes the drawn concentrated electrolyzed solution, and dispenses the diluted electrolyzed solution.

Description

For generating and distribute the system and method for electrolytic solution

Technical field

The present invention relates to washing and decontamination system, particularly relating to cleaning and decontamination system for adopting cell reaction generation and distribution wash solution (e.g., alkaline detergent solution) and/or antiseptic solution (e.g., acid antiseptic solution).

Background technology

Electrolytic cell is used in the various different application for one or more features of alter.Such as, electrolytic cell has been used in washing/sterilization application, medical industries and semiconductor fabrication process.Electrolytic cell be also used in various other application in and there is different structures.For washing/sterilization application, electrolytic cell is used to generate anode liquid and negative electrode liquid.Anode liquid has known sterilization character, and negative electrode liquid has known washing character.

Summary of the invention

One aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of system of the electrolytic solution (e.g., the alkaline detergent solution of dilution and/or the acidity sterilization/sterile solution of dilution) for generating and distribute dilution.This system comprises for electrochemically generating and distributing the solution generator of electrolytic solution and to separate with this solution generator and for diluting this electrolytic solution and distributing the distribution station of the electrolytic solution diluted.This system also comprises container, and this container is used for: engage to receive the electrolytic solution distributed with this solution generator, transport between this solution generator and this distribution station, and engages that this electrolytic solution is drawn to this distribution station from this container with this distribution station.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of system for generating and distribute wash solution, wherein this system one or more distribution stations of comprising solution generator, one or more container and separating with this solution generator.This solution generator comprises the electrolytic cell for generating alkaline solution and the one or more filling distributors for distributing this alkaline solution.Each container in one or more container comprises container casing and the import through this container casing, and this import is used for receiving the concentrated alkaline solution from this filling distributor when this import of this container engages with a filling distributor in this filling distributor.At least one distribution station in this distribution station comprises: water pipe, for receiving water; And fluid hose, for engaging this import of this container when the container of in this container engages with this fluid hose to draw described alkaline solution from a described container.This at least one distribution station also comprises: mixed zone, and the water of reception and the alkaline solution of absorption are used in the mixing of this mixed zone with the alkaline solution providing dilution; And elementary distributor, for distributing the alkaline solution of dilution as wash solution.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of method of electrolytic solution for generating and distribute dilution.The method comprises: in solution generator, electrochemically generate electrolytic solution; This electrolytic solution of the generation of regulated quantity is assigned to the container that can remove from this solution generator from this solution generator; And this container with this electrolytic solution is transported to distribution station.The method also comprises: this electrolytic solution is drawn to this distribution station from this container; At this electrolytic solution that the dilution of this distribution station is drawn; And the electrolytic solution of this dilution is distributed from this distribution station.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Figure 1A is the schematic diagram of the first conventional system for generating and distribute alkaline detergent solution.

Figure 1B is the schematic diagram of the second conventional system for generating and distribute alkaline detergent solution.

Fig. 2 A-2C is for generating, transport and diluting concentrated electrolytic solution and the perspective view of system of the present invention for the electrolytic solution that distributes dilution.

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of the exemplary solution generator of system of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is the schematic diagram at the exemplary allocations of communication resources station of system of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to a kind of system, this system comprises solution generator, one or more moveable container and one or more long-range distribution station, and this system provides a kind of for generating, transport and distributing the convenient assembly of electrolytic solution (as alkaline detergent solution and acid sterilization/sterile solution).Portable cleaning unit (as movable floor cleaner) uses alkaline detergent solution and/or detergent use in clean surface (as floor) usually.For the cleaning unit depending on alkaline detergent solution, the alkaline solution from fixed solution generator can be adopted to fill cleaning unit, or can at cleaning unit from generating alkaline solution with it.

Have airborne generator cleaning unit (as, be 8 in the patent No. of Field etc., disclosed in the United States Patent (USP) of 156,608) alkaline solution can be generated on-demand fashion and/or can alkaline solution be generated and alkaline solution is stored in internal reservoir.The convenience of these cleaning units is that alkaline solution is generated and is transported together with each cleaning unit.But these cleaning units have higher power consumption, typically more expensive, and usually do not allow to exchange use alkaline solution between different units takes place.

The cleaning unit (e.g., the application number of Guastella etc. is disclosed in the U.S. Patent application of 13/410,535) of being filled by fixed solution generator is typically more cheap, and allows multiple cleaning unit to be filled by single fixed solution generator.But fixed solution generator requires that cleaning unit moves around between fixed solution generator (for again filling) and region to be cleaned.Such as, as shown in Figure 1A, typically require that movable floor cleaner 10 moves around by user between solution generator 12 (for again filling) and remote location to be cleaned.Be understandable that, for heavy construction, this can increase the time adopting movable floor cleaner 10 to carry out clean operation needs.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1B, user can fill conveying containers 14, and moves conveying containers 14 to and fro between movable floor cleaner 10 and solution generator 12.In this case, user can be used for filling conveying containers 14 from the alkaline solution of solution generator 12, then carries, promotes or otherwise conveying containers 14 moved to movable floor cleaner 10.Like this, movable floor cleaner 10 itself is without the need to being retracted solution generator 12 for again filling.More precisely, user can fill movable floor cleaner 10 with conveying containers 14.But in order to provide the alkaline solution of suitable volumes to movable floor cleaner 10, conveying containers 14 itself is typically large and heavy, and this also can increase the time adopting movable floor cleaner 10 to carry out clean operation needs.

Fig. 2 A-2C shows system 16 of the present invention, system 16 comprises solution generator 18, container 20 and distribution station 22, and for reduce again fill cleaning unit (as movable floor cleaner 24) and the delay that requires in addition and/or physics restriction.As shown in Figure 2 A, solution generator 18 comprises housing 26 and is connected to water pipe 28, and wherein water pipe 28 can be the supply source of any appropriate of water or other suitable liquid.As described below, solution generator 18 reconstructs the water and salt (such as, sodium chloride nacl) that receive from water pipe 28 electrically electrochemically to generate the concentrated electrolytic solution comprised as NaOH (NaOH).

Solution generator 18 may be used for the concentrated electrolytic solution generating any appropriate, as concentrated alkaline solution, concentrated acid solution, or more the two.The generation of the description reference alkaline detergent solution of lower plane system 16 and distribution.But system 16 can adopt identical technology to generate alternatively, dilute and distribute the electrolytic solution of any appropriate, as acid antiseptic solution, alkaline detergent solution, or more the two.

Housing 26 is the structure member of solution generator 18, and in an example shown, housing 26 comprises jack or slit 30 for keeping container 20.In an illustrated embodiment, solution generator 18 also comprises secondary splitter 31, as described below, and secondary splitter 31 is for distributing the concentrated alkaline solution of dilute form.

Container 20 is the removable reservoir for transporting concentrated alkaline solution between solution generator 18 and distribution station 22.Especially, container 20 and solution generator 18 (e.g., at slit 30 place) can engage the concentrated alkaline solution receiving regulated quantity, and from solution generator 18, container 20 can remove that the concentrated alkaline solution received is transported to distribution station 22.

Distribution station 22 separates with solution generator 18 physics and the dilution that can be retained in away from the position (being preferably located in the position that needs are cleaned) of solution generator 18 and allocation units.Such as, distribution station 22 can be evenly distributed in the surrounding of building to minimize the distance back and forth of again filling cleaning unit (as movable floor cleaner 24) and needing.

Distribution station 22 comprises housing 32, and each distribution station 22 is connected to water pipe 34, and wherein each water pipe 34 can be the suitable supply source of water or other suitable liquid.Housing 32 is the structure member of distribution station 22, and housing 32 comprises socket or the slit 36 of the container 20 for receiving transport.In an illustrated embodiment, distribution station 22 also comprises elementary distributor 38 and secondary splitter 40, each concentrated alkaline solution for distributing dilute form in elementary distributor 38 and secondary splitter 40, as described below.

Slit 30 and slit 36 are advantageously designed in order to engage with container 20 adaptation.Such as, slit 30 and slit 36 can have identical design and can have to hold the feature of container 20.In the present embodiment, container 20 can comprise permission container 20 with suitable direction and the directed reciprocating feature inserting slit 30 and slit 36.

As shown in Figure 2 B, in use, solution generator 18 generates concentrated alkaline solution, and the concentrated alkaline solution of regulated quantity is assigned to each container 20.When user expects to adopt a movable floor cleaner 24 clean region, a container 20 in the container 20 of filling can remove from the slit 30 of solution generator 18 by user.Then given container 20 can be transported to the distribution station 22 nearest apart from region to be cleaned by user, such as, as shown in arrow 42.Then given container 20 is inserted in the slit 36 of distribution station 22 by user.

As shown in Figure 2 C, then distribution station 22 draws concentrated alkaline solution from the container 20 inserted and adopts the water from water pipe 34 concentrated alkaline solution to be diluted to the concentration of expectation.Such as, distribution station 22 can comprise dilution assembly (not shown in Fig. 2 C), and dilution assembly is used for the water of special ratios being blended into concentrated alkaline solution (e.g., water is 9:1 with the ratio of concentrated alkaline solution).The alkalescence of concentrated alkaline solution is reduced to the suitable level being used as wash solution (as floor-scrubbing solution) by this.

As shown in arrow 44, the alkaline solution then diluted can be assigned in movable floor cleaner 24 (such as, by elementary distributor 38) for follow-up use or storage.Alkaline solution due to dilution only leaves a small amount of residue or noresidue and non-toxic, and so movable floor cleaner 24 can use the alkaline solution of dilution in various industry, business and residence industry are applied.

Be understandable that, because the concentration of the alkaline solution generated in solution generator 18 is much higher than the concentration of the alkaline solution that typical case uses in cleaning unit (as movable floor cleaner 24), is obtain from the dilution water of distribution station 22 for filling the major part of the wash solution of movable floor cleaner 24.Therefore, a small amount of concentrated alkaline solution is only had to need to be transported to distribution station 22 by from solution generator 18.This allows container 20 to be small size, particularly compared with conveying containers 14 (shown in Figure 1B), to allow between solution generator 18 and distribution station 22 easily conveying container 20 thus.

Further, in certain embodiments, each container 20 can hold abundant concentrated alkaline solution for repeatedly again filling cleaning unit, such as movable floor cleaner 24.Therefore, when movable floor cleaner 24 exhausts the supply of the wash solution of the dilution of self, movable floor cleaner 24 can be moved to nearest distribution station 22 again to fill movable floor cleaner 24 by user.If this can greatly reduce distribution station 22 unavailable time user need the distance of mobile movable floor cleaner 24 (e.g., to have solution generator 10, as shown in Figure 1A) in addition.This can to reduce accordingly during the clean operation adopting movable floor cleaner 24 and between delay.

Although system 16 is shown as have single solution generator 18, four containers 20 and four distribution stations 22, system 16 can comprise the solution generator 18 of different number, container 20 and distribution station 22 alternatively, as long as system 16 comprises at least one solution generator 18, at least one container 20 and at least one distribution station 22.Such as, system 16 can comprise single solution generator 18, one or more container 20 and one or more distribution station 22 alternatively, and wherein the number of container 20 can be identical with the number of distribution station 22.This allows each distribution station 22 to have special container 20.

Alternatively, the number of container 20 can be greater than the number of distribution station 22, as there are two containers 20 in each distribution station 22.This allows at least one distribution station 22 (and more advantageously each distribution station 22) to have multiple special container 20 to exchange use.In further alternative embodiment, the number of container 20 can be less than the number of distribution station 22.

Fig. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment of the solution generator 18 used together with container 20, and its middle shell 26 and slit 30 are omitted so that discuss.As shown, container generator 18 comprises controller 46, controller 46 is for by (e.g., electric wire, light and/or wireless, the not shown) monitoring of one or more power and order wire and one or more control circuits of the parts of working solution generator 18.The parts of controller 46 and solution generator 18 can be driven by with one or more outside and/or internal power source (not shown).

Such as, one or more controlling functions that controller 46 performs can be realized by hardware, software, firmware etc. or its combination.This software, firmware etc. can be stored on the computer-readable medium (as memory device) of non-transitory.Arbitrary computer readable storage devices can be used, as disk drive, solid-state driving, CD-ROM, DVD, flash memory, RAM, ROM, register-combinatorial etc. on the integrated.Such as, control circuit partially or completely can be realized by programmable logic controller (PLC) and/or treatment facility (as microcontroller and/or other processors performing the instruction stored in memory device), wherein, instruction is used for performing the step of control method so that treatment facility is transformed into specific object-computer when processed equipment performs.

The water entering solution generator 18 from water pipe 28 can arrive water demineralizer 50 by input filter 47 and water pipe 28.The water entering input filter 47 advantageously has suitable pressure to be maintained by the suitable flow rate of solution generator 18.Such as, the suitable inlet pressure of the water of solution generator 18 is entered in about 2 bar (about 30 pounds/square inch (psi)) to about 7 bar (about 100psi) scopes.

Water demineralizer 50 is for the water that receives from water pipe 48 and adopted center resin by water softening before transmitting water further by solution generator 18.The application number comprising Guastella etc. for the example of the suitable assembly of water demineralizer 50 and brine pit 52 be 13/410,535 U.S. Patent application disclosed in those.Such as, a part of water being incorporated into water demineralizer 50 can also be introduced into brine pit 52 to form saline solution, and saline solution is the saturated solution of sodium chloride in water.The amount introducing the water of brine pit 52 from water demineralizer 50 can control by having fluid or fluid limiting mechanism (not shown) regulates to prevent water from overflowing the controller 46 of brine pit 52.

Demineralized water flows to mixing chamber 56 from water demineralizer 50 by water pipe 54.As illustrated in addition, a part of demineralized water can also import secondary splitter 31 by dilution tube 58, as described below.Utilize pump 62, the salt solution from brine pit 52 can also import mixing chamber 56 by Brine Pipe 60.At mixing chamber 56, demineralized water and saline solution mixed and guided by solution conduit 64.

Solution generator 18 also comprises flow valve 66 and conductivity sensor 68 and conductivity sensor 70, and wherein flow valve 66 is located along water pipe 54, and conductivity sensor 68 and conductivity sensor 70 are located along water pipe 54 and solution conduit 64 respectively.The gentle conductance level flowing through the mixed solution of solution conduit 64 of conductivity water of the water of water pipe 54 is flow through in conductivity sensor 68 and conductivity sensor 70 monitoring, allows controller 46 to regulate the flow of the flow by the demineralized water of water pipe 54 (by flow valve 66) and/or the saline solution by Brine Pipe 60 (by pump 62).This allows controller 46 to keep flow through the predetermined salt concentration of the mixed solution of solution conduit 64.Although not shown, solution generator 18 can also comprise multiple additional flow controlling organization, as, additional flow valve, pressure regulator, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, pH sensor, conductivity sensor etc., often kind of additional flow controlling organization can be monitored by controller 46 and/or be operated.

Before entering electrolytic cell 76 (or afterwards), the mixed solution flowing through solution conduit 64 is divided into independent stream (at pipe 72 and pipe 74 place).Especially, Part I mixed solution can flow through pipe 72 (and through flow switch 78), and is imported into the cathode chamber 80 of electrolytic cell 76.Correspondingly, Part II mixed solution can flow through pipe 74, and is imported into the anode chamber 82 of electrolytic cell 76.

In an illustrated embodiment, electrolytic cell 76 also comprises barrier film 84, negative electrode 86 and anode 88, other diaphragms that its septation 84 comprises film (as amberplex) or separated with anode chamber 82 by cathode chamber 76.Negative electrode 86 comprise be positioned at cathode chamber 76 one or more electrodes also (as by controller 46) be connected to power source (not shown).Anode 88 comprise be positioned at anode chamber 82 one or more electrodes also (as by controller 46) be connected to power source (not shown).

During operation, voltage can be applied to negative electrode 86 and anode 88 by controller 46, induces by the electric current of electrolytic cell 76 to generate by the mixed solution flowing through cathode chamber 80 the catholyte stream comprising concentrated alkaline solution (as having the alkaline water of NaOH (as caustic soda)).This reaction also generates with the mixed solution flowing through anode chamber 82 the anolyte stream comprising chloric acid water.The concentrated alkaline solution of the generation existed in cathode chamber 80 arrives collecting pit 92 by efferent duct 90, and the acidic anolyte existed in anode chamber 82 flows through efferent duct 94.

The induced-current by electrolytic cell 76 also advantageously monitored by controller 46.Especially, controller 46 can such as adopt the measurement of current sensor (not shown) by the faradic fluctuation of electrolytic cell 76.In the present embodiment, controller 46 can flow into the flow rate of mixing chamber 56 based on the Current adjustment demineralized water (by flow valve 66) measured and/or saline solution (by pump 62).In addition, controller 46 can regulate the voltage being applied to electrolytic cell 76.These regulate assists the mixed solutions guaranteeing to flow to electrolytic cell 76 to have consistent and in check salinity, allows electrolytic cell 76 to generate in cathode chamber 80 and has the composition and property of control, high-quality concentrated alkaline solution.

The suitable composition and property of concentrated alkaline solution comprises the pH value being greater than 12.Such as, in one embodiment, the concentration of the concentrated alkaline solution generated makes when being diluted in distribution station 22 (as, the ratio of water and concentrated alkaline solution is 9:1) time, the pH that the alkaline solution of dilution generated has and is greater than about 10 (such as, the scope of pH is being greater than about 10 to being less than in about 12 scopes).

In an illustrated embodiment, solution generator 18 for concentrated alkaline solution is assigned to container 20, as mentioned above.In the present embodiment, the acidic anolyte stream from efferent duct 94 can be retained in for follow-up use in storage container (not shown), carbon filter 96 maybe can be adopted to process and abandoned in the mode of environmental protection by pipe 98.

As mentioned above, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, solution generator 18 may be used for generating concentrated acid solution.Such as, in these embodiments, the concentrated acid solution that the efferent duct 90 of solution generator 18 and efferent duct 94 can switch to make to exist in anode chamber 82 enters collecting pit 92 by efferent duct 90, and the catholyte of the alkalescence existed in cathode chamber 80 flows through efferent duct 94.

In further alternative embodiment, solution generator 18 may be used for being used alternatingly from the concentrated alkaline solution of efferent duct 90 and the acidic anolyte from efferent duct 94.In the present embodiment, efferent duct 94 can also be directed to collecting pit 92, and efferent duct 90 and efferent duct 94 can comprise the flow valve (not shown) allowing controller 46 selectively to control which kind of solution to import collecting pit 92.

Collecting pit 92 is the middle reservoir for concentrated alkaline solution, and comprises liquid-level switch 100.When concentrated alkaline solution reaches the default liquid level in collecting pit 92, liquid-level switch 100 notification controller 46 stops further filling, such as, by closing flow switch 58.This prevents the alkaline solution concentrated from overflowing collecting pit 92.

As mentioned above, in an illustrated embodiment, solution generator 18 also comprises secondary splitter 31, and secondary splitter 31 is for distributing the concentrated alkaline solution of dilute form.Therefore, when secondary splitter 31 is activated by a user, the concentrated alkaline solution (by pipe 102) of the demineralized water from dilution tube 58 and the part from collecting pit 92 is mixed and distributed by the alkaline solution as dilution.

The demineralized water from dilution tube 58 is adopted advantageously to be diluted to concentrated alkaline solution for clean desired concentration (e.g., the ratio of water and concentrated alkaline solution is 9:1).Mixing demineralized water and concentrated alkaline solution can use initiatively and/or passive mixing execution to dilute concentrated alkaline solution, can perform in secondary splitter 31 (as blended when distributing) and/or the independent reservoir (not shown) between pipe 58/ pipe 102 and secondary splitter 31.

Secondary splitter 31 provide easily structure so that the alkaline solution of a small amount of dilution is directly distributed from solution generator 18, such as, in small container.Such as, for the suitable apportionment ratio of secondary splitter 31 within the scope of about 1 liter/min to about 3 liters/min.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, collecting pit 92 and/or secondary splitter 31 can be omitted.In further alternative embodiment, solution generator 18 can also comprise the large volume distributor (not shown) that the alkaline solution for the dilution by more volume distributes from collecting pit 92, as being illustrate in the U.S. Patent application of 13/410,535 at the application number of Guastella etc.Such as, large volume distributor can be held for user and activate (e.g., adopting trigger or pull bar) with the manual nozzle distributed from solution generator 18 by the alkaline solution of dilution (e.g., being similar to gas pump nozzle).In certain embodiments, large volume distributor can need independently pump (not shown) to generate enough large fluid pressure to distribute more volume.

Concentrated alkaline solution from collecting pit 92 can also by fluid hose 104 and independently distributing pipe 106 (in fluid hose 104 and distributing pipe 106 each have independently flow switch 107) importing container 20.In an illustrated embodiment, each container 20 comprises container casing 108, interior zone 110, import 112 and liquid-level switch 114 and liquid-level switch 116.Each container 20 can also comprise for the ease of the one or more add-on assembles (as handle, not shown) operated and engage with slit 30 and slit 36 (shown in Fig. 2 A-2C).Container casing 108 is the stiff case of one or more polymeric materials formation can resisted from the chemical shock of concentrated alkaline solution, and container casing 108 limits interior zone 110.

Interior zone 110 is the internal volume of container 20, and the alkaline solution that can be concentrated partly or wholly is filled.The designated volume of interior zone 110 can depend on specific needs.The example of the suitable volume of interior zone 110 is within the scope of about 1 gallon to about 10 gallons.For the dilution ratio of the 9:1 in distribution station 22 (shown in Fig. 2 A-2C), this provide the wash solution of the dilution of all volumes within the scope of about 10 gallons to about 100 gallons.Be understandable that, this cleaning unit that may be used for again filling the reservoir with similar size once or be used to again fill less reservoir repeatedly.

Import 112 is the opening on container casing 108, and concentrated alkaline solution is imported to fill interior zone 110 from distributing pipe 106 by by import 112.When container 20 does not engage with solution generator 18 or any distribution station 22, import 112 is advantageously sealable, to avoid contacting with concentrated alkaline solution during transporting.Such as, distributing pipe 106 may be used for opening import 112 when container 20 is inserted into slit 30, and is closed import 112 when container 20 removes from slit 30.

Liquid-level switch 114 is the mechanism for communicating with controller 46 when container 20 is bonded in slit 30.As described below, liquid-level switch 116 is for when communicating with the controller of the distribution station of in distribution station 22 with the concentrated alkaline solution of inspection instrument 20 for empty or few mechanism.

For liquid-level switch 114, when concentrated alkaline solution reaches the default liquid level in container 20, liquid-level switch 114 notification controller 46 stops further filling, such as, by closing flow switch 107.This prevents the alkaline solution overflow container 20 concentrated, and allows controller 46 to regulate concentrated alkaline solution to the distribution of each container 20 independently further.

Because total allocation rule is based on the liquid level in given container 20, controller 46 can distribute appropriate concentrated alkaline solution to given container 20, and the standing crop of the alkaline solution no matter concentrated.Such as, if user to determine before emptying the concentrated alkaline solution formerly measured (such as, if container 20 is still half-full) turn back to container 20 in slit 30 a slit 30 in, given container 20 can be filled into predetermined amount based on liquid-level switch 114 by controller 46.This provide easily use and reliably, for the layout of filling containers 20 again.

Although illustrate to have flow switch 106 and liquid-level switch 114, solution generator 18 and container 20 can comprise the different institutions of the distribution regulating concentrated alkaline solution to interior zone 110 alternatively.Alternatively, liquid-level switch 114 and liquid-level switch 116 can omit, and the loading of concentrated alkaline solution in container 20 can manual monitoring.But the use of liquid-level switch 114 and liquid-level switch 116 allows to fill in an automated way and empty container 20, reduces the risk of mistake thus.

Fig. 4 illustrates the example embodiment of distribution station 22, is wherein omitted for ease of discussion housing 32 and slit 36.As shown, distribution station 22 comprises controller 118, controller 118 is the one or more computer based controllers for the assembly by (e.g., electric wire, light and/or wireless, the not shown) monitoring of one or more power and order wire and operation distribution station 22.The assembly of controller 118 and distribution station 22 can be driven by one or more outside and/or internal power source.Although not shown, distribution station 22 can also comprise various additional flow controlling organization, as, additional flow valve, pressure regulator, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, pH sensor, conductivity sensor etc., often kind of additional flow controlling organization can be monitored by controller 118 and/or be operated.

The water entering distribution station 22 from water pipe 34 can arrive water demineralizer 124 by input filter 120 and water pipe 122.The water entering input filter 120 advantageously has suitable pressure to be maintained by the suitable flow rate of distribution station 22.Such as, the suitable inlet pressure of the water of distribution station 22 is entered in about 2 bar (about 30 pounds/square inch (psi)) to about 7 bar (about 100psi) scopes.Water demineralizer 124 is for receiving water from water pipe 34 and adopting center resin by water softening before transmitting water further by distribution station 22.

Then demineralized water flows into jointing 130 from water demineralizer 124 by water pipe 126 (having flow valve 128).Distribution station 22 also comprises concentrate tube 132 (having flow valve 134 and Payload attach fitting 135), and wherein Payload attach fitting 135 is for engaging the import 112 of container 20 when container 20 is inserted into slit 36.As shown, concentrate tube 132 is combined at jointing 130 place with water pipe 126, uses the alkaline solution that demineralized water dilution is concentrated at jointing 130 place.The alkalescence of concentrated alkaline solution is reduced to the level being applicable to be used as wash solution (as floor-scrubbing solution) by this.

Water pipe 126, flow valve 128, jointing 130, concentrate tube 132 and flow valve 124 collectively can be called as dilution assembly 136, and dilution assembly 136 is an example of the suitable assembly for diluting concentrated alkaline solution.Especially, the demineralized water from water pipe 126 mixes to generate the alkaline solution diluted with concentrated alkaline solution at jointing 130 place.Mixing demineralized water and concentrated alkaline solution can carry out in the active of dilution assembly 136 place and/or passive mixing to dilute concentrated alkaline solution.The alkaline solution of dilution flows through dilution tube 137 from jointing 130, and is diverted to the distributing pipe 138 and distributing pipe 140 that are connected respectively to elementary distributor 38 and secondary splitter 40.

When user needs the alkaline solution adopting dilution to fill cleaning unit (as movable floor cleaner 24), user can operation of primary distributor 38.Elementary distributor 38 can be the large volume distributor of any appropriate, as user can hold and activate (as, there is trigger or pull bar) with the manual nozzle (e.g., being similar to gas pump) that the alkaline solution of dilution is distributed from distribution station 22.When not in use, elementary distributor 38 can be inserted into housing 32 nozzle interfacing part (not shown) in so that store and access.

When level distributor 38 is activated originally, allow the demineralized water of pressurization to flow through water pipe 126 and jointing 130, this makes the alkaline solution concentrated be drawn from container 20, arrive jointing 130 by concentrate tube 132 by Venturi effect.In an alternate embodiment of the invention, fluid is imported elementary distributor 38 and/or secondary splitter 40 with assistance by one or more fluid pumps that distribution station 22 can comprise along water pipe 126, concentrate tube 132, dilution tube 137 and/or distributing pipe 138 and distributing pipe 140 setting.Such as, the pump 142 that distribution station 22 can comprise distributing pipe 138 place distributes from elementary distributor 38 with the alkaline solution of the dilution by more volume to generate enough large fluid pressure.

In certain embodiments, Payload attach fitting 135 can extend through import 112 and enter the interior zone 110 of container 20, extends to the pipe (not shown) of the bottom of interior zone 110 as having.Alternatively, import 112 itself can comprise the pipe of the bottom extending to interior zone 110, and this pipe can be connected adapter 135.In further optional embodiment, the joint between import 112 and Payload attach fitting 135 can be the joint of sealing, to make Venturi effect, concentrated alkaline solution is drawn to concentrate tube 132 from container 20.The present embodiment is applicable to using together with comprising the container 20 of the folding inner bag with the alkaline solution keeping concentrated.

At jointing 130 place, the concentrated alkaline solution from container 20 mixes alkaline solution to be diluted to preset concentration to be used as wash solution with the demineralized water from water pipe 126.The ratio of the demineralized water (from water pipe 126) that flow valve 128 and flow valve 134 allow controller 118 to manage to be mixed together at jointing 130 place and concentrated alkaline solution (from concentrate tube 132), obtain the dilution ratio (e.g., the ratio of water and concentrated alkaline solution is 9:1) of expectation thus.In an alternate embodiment of the invention, one or two in flow valve 128 and flow valve 134 can manual adjustments (such as by user's controlling organization), to control dilution ratio.

Draw concentrated alkaline solution along with from container 20, the liquid level of concentrated alkaline solution reduces, until arrive liquid-level switch 116.As mentioned above, liquid-level switch 116 is for when communicating with controller 118 with the concentrated alkaline solution of inspection instrument 20 for empty or few mechanism.Like this, when the surface level of alkaline solution concentrated in container 20 arrive preset empty liquid level time, liquid-level switch 116 notification controller 118 stops further distribution.This prevent by cause only distributing demineralized water, distribution station 22 exhausts the supply of the concentrated alkaline solution in container 20.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, also as mentioned above, liquid-level switch 116 can be omitted, and can manually monitor from the alkaline solution that container 20 absorption is concentrated, or adopts suitable sensor (as pressure or the flow sensor) monitoring along concentrate tube 132.

In an illustrated embodiment, distribution station 22 also comprises the secondary splitter 40 of the alkaline solution of the dilution for distributing less volume.Therefore, when secondary splitter 40 is activated by a user, the alkaline solution from the dilution of dilution tube 137 is distributed by from secondary splitter 40.Secondary splitter 40 provides mechanism easily to be distributed from distribution station 22 by the alkaline solution of a small amount of dilution in the mode identical by the secondary splitter 31 with solution generator 18, as in small container.The suitable allocation proportion of secondary splitter 40 is within the scope of about 1 liter/min to about 3 liters/min.

System 16 above mentioned embodiment provide for easily and user-friendly mode generate, transport and distribute the suitable assembly of wash solution.Solution generator 18 generates concentrated alkaline solution and with concentrated alkaline solution filling containers 20, and optionally can distribute the concentrated alkaline solution of the dilute form of large and/or small size.Container 20 advantageously retains a small amount of concentrated alkaline solution so that be transported to one or more distribution station in distribution station 22.

At place of distribution station 22, the concentrated alkaline solution from each container 20 can be diluted to the concentration of expectation to be used as wash solution.The alkaline solution that then can distribute the dilution of large volume is to fill or again to fill cleaning unit (as movable floor cleaner 24) and/or optionally distribute the alkaline solution of dilution of small size.This allows each distribution station 22 to be used as the remote source of alkaline detergent solution again to fill cleaning unit.This can correspondingly reduce adopt cleaning unit cleaning operation during and between delay.

As mentioned above, system 16 may be used for generating, dilute and distribute the electrolytic solution of any appropriate, as alkaline solution, and acid solution, and combine.Generate at solution generator 18 in the embodiment of concentrated acid solution, solution also can be filled into container 20 and be transported to distribution station 22.At place of distribution station 22, the concentrated acid solution from each container 20 can be diluted to expects that concentration is to be used as sterilization/sterile solution.This allows each distribution station 22 to be used as the remote source of acid antiseptic solution again to fill disinfection unit (as sprayer) equally.

Although with reference to preferred embodiment, invention has been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that, can make the amendment of form and details under the prerequisite not exceeding the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1., for generating and distribute the system of electrolytic solution for dilution, described system comprises:

Solution generator, for electrochemically generating and distributing electrolytic solution;

Distribution station, described distribution station and described solution generator separate and also distribute the electrolytic solution diluted for diluting described electrolytic solution; With

Container, for

Engage to receive the electrolytic solution distributed with described solution generator,

Transport between described solution generator and described distribution station, and

Engage that described electrolytic solution is drawn to described distribution station from described container with described distribution station.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein, described solution generator comprises the electrolytic cell for electrochemically generating described electrolytic solution.

3. system according to claim 1, wherein, described solution generator comprises:

Distributor, for being assigned to described container by described electrolytic solution; With

Controller, for regulating the amount of the described electrolytic solution being assigned to described container by described distributor.

4. system according to claim 3, wherein, described container comprises for communicate with described controller and for the sensor of the liquid level that detects the described electrolytic solution in described container, wherein said controller is used for the described amount regulating the described electrolytic solution being assigned to described container by described distributor at least partly based on the liquid level detected.

5. system according to claim 1, wherein, described container comprises housing and the import through described housing, and described import engages described solution generator and described dilution station for separating of ground.

6. system according to claim 1, wherein said distribution station comprises:

Water pipe, for receiving water;

Mixed zone, for mixing to dilute described electrolytic solution with the described water of reception by described for part electrolytic solution.

7. system according to claim 1, wherein, described electrolytic solution comprises alkaline solution, and the electrolytic solution of described dilution comprises the alkaline solution of dilution.

8., for generating and distribute a system for wash solution, comprising:

Solution generator, comprising:

For generating the electrolytic cell of alkaline solution; With

For distributing one or more filling distributors of described alkaline solution;

One or more container, each described container comprises:

Container casing; With

Through the import of described container casing, described import is used for receiving the concentrated described alkaline solution from a described filling distributor when the described import of described container engages with a filling distributor in described filling distributor; With

The one or more distribution stations separated with described solution generator, at least one distribution station in wherein said distribution station comprises:

Water pipe, for receiving water;

Fluid hose, for engaging the described import of a described container to draw described alkaline solution from a described container when the container of in described container engages with described fluid hose;

Mixed zone, the described water of reception and the described alkaline solution of absorption are used in the mixing of described mixed zone with the alkaline solution providing dilution; With

Elementary distributor, for distributing the alkaline solution of described dilution as wash solution.

9. system according to claim 8, wherein said solution generator comprises the controller of the amount for regulating the described alkaline solution distributed from each distributor described one or more filling distributor.

10. system according to claim 9, wherein said container also comprises for communicating with described controller and detecting the sensor of the liquid level of the described alkaline solution in described container, and wherein said controller is used for the described amount regulating the described alkaline solution being assigned to described container by described distributor at least partly based on the described liquid level detected.

11. systems according to claim 8, wherein, described solution generator also comprises:

Water demineralizer, for generating demineralized water;

Brine pit, for generating saline solution; With

Mixing chamber, for mixing described demineralized water and described saline solution to provide mixed solution, wherein said electrolytic cell is used for generating described alkaline solution by described mixed solution.

12. systems according to claim 8, wherein said solution generator also comprises:

Dilution tube, for receiving water; With

Secondary splitter, for mixing from the described water of described dilution tube and described alkaline solution to provide the alkaline solution of the second dilution and to distribute the alkaline solution of described second dilution.

13. systems according to claim 8, wherein, described distribution station also comprises secondary splitter, and described secondary splitter is used for the alkaline solution distributing described dilution with the flow rate lower than the flow rate of being distributed by described elementary distributor.

14. systems according to claim 8, wherein said distribution station comprises the controller of the dilution rate of the alkaline solution for controlling described dilution.

15. 1 kinds for generating and distribute the method for electrolytic solution of dilution, described method comprises:

Electrochemically electrolytic solution is generated in solution generator;

The described electrolytic solution of the generation of regulated quantity is assigned to the container that can remove from described solution generator from described solution generator;

The described container with described electrolytic solution is transported to distribution station;

Described electrolytic solution is drawn to described distribution station from described container;

At the described electrolytic solution that the dilution of described distribution station is drawn; With

The electrolytic solution of described dilution is distributed from described distribution station.

16. methods according to claim 15, wherein electrochemically generate described electrolytic solution and comprise:

First saline solution stream is incorporated into the cathodic region of electrolytic cell;

Second saline solution stream is incorporated into the anode region of described electrolytic cell; With

Voltage is applied on described electrolytic cell to form electrolysis.

17. methods according to claim 15, also comprise:

The described electrolytic solution of the generation of the second regulated quantity is assigned to the second container that can remove from described solution generator from described solution generator;

The described second container with described electrolytic solution is transported to the second distribution station;

Described for part electrolytic solution is drawn to described second distribution station from described second container;

At the described electrolytic solution that the dilution of described second distribution station is drawn; With

The electrolytic solution of described dilution is distributed from described second distribution station.

18. methods according to claim 15, wherein, are assigned to described container by the described electrolytic solution of the generation of regulated quantity from described solution generator and comprise:

The liquid level of the fluid in described container is detected at solution generator place; With

Distribute described in the described Liquid level detected at least partly.

19. methods according to claim 15, also comprise:

The liquid level of the fluid in described container is detected at place of described distribution station; With

Described electrolytic solution is drawn from described container at least partly based on the described Liquid level detected.

20. methods according to claim 15, also comprise:

At a part of described electrolytic solution of described solution generator place dilution to provide the electrolytic solution of the second dilution; With

The electrolytic solution of described second dilution is distributed from described solution generator.