WO2015090356A1

WO2015090356A1 - Apparatus and method for reconditioning cleaning textiles

Info

Publication number: WO2015090356A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/076765
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dirk Salmon
Original assignee: Vermop Salmon Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-12-16
Filing date: 2013-12-16
Publication date: 2015-06-25

Abstract

A mobile apparatus (10) for reconditioning cleaning textiles, especially mops (90; 90a, 90b), comprises a rinsing device (28; 40) with a receptacle (40) for holding a desired amount of washing liquid for soaking a cleaning textile therein; a wringing device (30) for a cleaning textile with means (48) for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure to act on the cleaning textile being in a wringing position, the means preferably being a suction pump (48) in flow connection with a suction surface (58) for supporting the cleaning textile; and a dosing device (72, 66, 68) with means (68) for applying a predetermined, metered amount of cleaning agent to at least one surface of the cleaning textile (50; 50a, 50b).

Description

Apparatus and Method for Reconditioning Cleaning Textiles

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for

reconditioning cleaning textiles, especially mops, and a method for reconditioning a used cleaning textile, preferably a mop, in such an apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

In the conditioning and reconditioning of cleaning textiles and especially floor cleaning mops, currently the traditional bucket and wringer are used. When a mop or cleaning textile is clean and ready to use, it will either be used dry for dusting or wet. If the mop or cleaning textile should be used wet, it needs to be dosed or wetted. In order to achieve this, mops are first wetted in a bucket filled with water and chemicals .

Another system for floor cleaning mops uses water and

chemicals in the handle of the mop. The mops are wetted by spraying the water and chemicals directly on the floor.

Further still systems have been suggested where mops are wetted by spraying solution directly onto the mops.

After the dosing or wetting of a mop or cleaning textile, it is usually placed in a wringer which is typically arranged above the bucket. The mops or cleaning textiles are then wrung forcing water out until the textile has a desired amount of solution of water and chemicals remaining in the fibers. However, a user can only tell how much of such solution remains in the textile through trial and error experience. Further, it is a common problem that often floor mops and other cleaning textiles are used when they are too wet which might have a negative effect on the cleaning surfaces and leads to an increased consumption of cleaning chemicals. The management which has to guaranty and control the desired cleaning operation cannot judge whether correct amounts of water and chemicals are being applied for the best cleaning performance.

There are three main methods by which a mop can typically be wrung of water. The first method is to compress the fibers of the mop or cleaning textile to squeeze out water and soil. The compression can either be achieved by means of a pressure plate, which is the most widely used method, or the mop is directed through the nip between squeeze out rollers. This method of squeezing the mop or cleaning textile can be ineffective at removing soil and bacteria, as these can be compressed even further into the space between the mop fibers . There is even the danger that the pressure plates might use too much force . Too much force can break the wringer. In order to avoid this, wringers are often designed such that mops cannot be fully wrung out to the desired level of residual moisture.

The second method to remove water, soil and bacteria from cleaning textiles is the traditional washing machine. Such washing machine uses centrifugal force to spin the water and soil from the textile's fibers. Such washing appliances require a. lot of space because of the large spinning drum. Further, the use of a spinning drum requires a steady, fixed position of the washing machine so that such washing

appliances are not mobile.

The third method is used in mop wringers comprising small centrifugal force vented bins, to remove water and soil, similar to a washing machine. Such bins are typically powered by the user pressing down on a lever with their foot.

However, they could also be powered by electric motors. The drawback of such centrifugal force wringers is that they require either the mop to spin 360 degrees on the handle, or the mop handle also spin together with the mop. In order to avoid this, the mop is usually removed from the handle.

None of the above-described three options give an optimal performance for the user and especially the rotation of the mop on the handle can severely affect the mechanics of the mop/handle relationship, reducing the effectiveness of the mo .

Summary of the Invention

It is the object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for reconditioning cleaning textiles and especially mops by which the working efficiency can be increased.

This object is solved by an apparatus for reconditioning cleaning textiles and especially mops with the features of claim 1 and a method for reconditioning a used cleaning textile and preferably a mop with the f atures of claim 14. Preferred embodiments follow from the further claims »

According to the invention, an apparatus for reconditioning cleaning textiles and especial mops is provided, comprising a rinsing device with a receptacle for holding a desired amount of washing liquid for soaking a cleaning textile therein, a wringing device for the cleaning textile with means for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure to act on the cleaning textile being in a wringing position, the means preferably being a suction pump in flow connection with a suction plate for supporting the cleaning textile, and a dosing device with means for applying a predetermined, metered amount of cleaning agent to at least one surface of the cleaning textile. Preferably the apparatus is a mobile apparatus . In other words, the apparatus comprises a rinsing device, a wringing device and a dosing device. The term "wringing device" is used in order to identify the technological difference over the prior art. It is in fact a dewatering device because the cleaning textile is not wrung by means of a mechanical pressure or torsional force. The use of a means for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure to act on the cleaning textile has the advantages that soil and

bacteria accompanying the watery cleaning solution on the cleaning textile can be efficiently removed. In the wringing device, the cleaning textile is in a wringing position, preferably on a suction surface for supporting the cleaning textile. Such suction surface can be a grid-like element or a plate with perforations or slits. On one side of such grid or plate, the cleaning textile is arranged. On the opposite side, the suction force created by the suction pump is applied so that, in the wringing device, a cleaning textile supported by such suction surface can be dewatered in a defined and highly reproducible way. Depending on the

structure and thickness of the cleaning textile, the suction force created by the suction pump, and the duration of the vacuum pressure acting on the cleaning textile, a

predetermined degree of residual cleaning solution remains in the cleaning textiles. In the subsequent dosing device, a predetermined, metered amount of cleaning agent is applied to either one main surface of the cleaning textile or mop or to both main surfaces. In such a way, a well-defined degree of wetness can be achieved when reconditioning the cleaning textiles. Further, the excessive consumption of cleaning agent can be prevented which is not only a cost issue but, depending on the objects and surfaces to be cleaned, might also prevent an excessive amount of aggressive cleaning agent acting on sensitive surfaces.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises means for agitating at least one surface of the cleaning textile, the means for agitating preferably comprising at least one electrically powered brush to agitate at least one surface of the cleaning textile. Such brush is preferably a scrubbing brush. The means for

agitating helps soil particles entangled in the cleaning textile to come free and to be removed from the cleaning textile. A further advantage of the means for agitating is the possibility to adjust the mechanical input of pressure and force acting on the cleaning textile such that the textile will not be damaged.

Preferably, the device comprises a plurality of chambers separated by doors, the doors preferably opening by

electronic means . Such a multi-chamber apparatus can provide the optimum local conditions in each chamber. Further, it is possible to process a plurality of cleaning textiles at the same time. When a plurality of mops is processed at the same time, the cleaning activity of a user needs only to be briefly interrupted for reconditioning the mop. Cleaning personal can work with two or more mops at the same time so that at least a part of the operations for reconditioning the mop are carried out while the cleaning personal continues to work with another cleaning mop.

According to a preferred embodiment, the wringing device and the dosing device are arranged in a common chamber. The

dewatering step using electrically powered vacuum pressure takes much more time than the application of a predetermined metered amount of cleaning agent to the dewatered cleaning textile. Therefore, there is no benefit of providing a

separate chamber which increases the overall size of the apparatus .

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a sensor to check that a cleaning textile is in the wringing position; and an actuator to activate the means for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure for a predetermined period of time. Although it is possible that the cleaning personal activates the vacuum pump for generating vacuum pressure, the provision of a sensor is beneficial because it can prevent an

unsatisfactory dewatering operation in case that the cleaning textile is not correctly arranged in the wringing position. In such a case, the actuator will not start the operation of the vacuum pressure and might instead energize a suitable indicator that the cleaning textile is not correctly arranged in the wringing position. The sensor might be an optical sensor or a sensor which determines the electrical

conductivity between two electrodes.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a means for sterilizing the cleaning textile, preferably by means of UV-radiation. Although a high proportion of the bacteria can already be removed from the cleaning textile together with the cleaning solution sucked in by the vacuum pump, there will always bacteria remain in the cleaning textile . Such residual bacteria in the cleaning textile can be treated in a suitable way to sterilize the cleaning textile. The use of UV-radiation is a possible option which proved to be highly efficient even in case of a short term application of UV-radiation.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises exchangeable supply containers for cleaning agent and/or treatment agent and/or clean water. Such supply containers might be in flow connection to a mixing and dosing system so that, depending on the specific application, the dosing device applies a predetermined composition and. amount of a cleaning agent to the cleaning textile. Depending on the specific needs, the composition of the cleaning agent can be adjusted and further treatment agents can be added, like wax- like substances to seal the surfaces after cleaning.

According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a filter unit for filtering the liquid leaving a suction pump being part of the means for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure. For a mobile apparatus, it is important to re-use the cleaning agent removed from a used cleaning textile. The reuse of the cleaning agent can be considerably improved if the soil removed from the cleaning textile is filtered out before the remaining cleaning agent is reused again, e.g. for the rinsing device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a rechargeable battery pack, wherein the means for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure and optionally other electrically powered appliances are powered by means of the rechargeable battery pack. Such optional electrically powered appliances are the sensors, a mixing and dosing device for cleaning agent and/or treatment agent and/or cleaning water taken from the exchangeable supply containers, or a processor of a central control unit

including a display. Further, the dosing device might use a pump to ej ect the cleaning agent through spraying nozzles in order to achieve a good distribution of the cleaning agent on the cleaning textile . When providing a means for agitating, at least one electrically powered brush should also be powered by means of the rechargeable battery pack. The use of a rechargeable battery pack makes the mobile apparatus independent of the provision of electrical power and further increases the working efficiency of the apparatus .

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a supply compartment on top of the wringing chamber with a suction surface for applying vacuum pressure to the cleaning textile , wherein the supply compartment and the wringing chamber are separated by a water-tight door and wherein the supply compartment,

wringing chamber and the water-tight door are designed and arranged such that a cleaning textile arranged in the supply compartment drops by gravity into the wringing chamber upon opening of the water-tight door . Such arrangement makes it possible to move the cleaning textile to be reconditioned through at least two chambers of the apparatus without any additional means for conveying the cleaning textile from one position to the subsequent wringing position. Preferably, the wringing chamber is provided with a sensor in order to check whether the wringing chamber is empty. Only in case that this question is determined to the affirmative, the water-tight door connecting the supply compartment and the wringing chamber will automatically open and the cleaning textile will drop by gravity into the wringing chamber and preferably directly onto the suction surface for supporting the cleaning textile .

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a central control unit including a display. The centrally control unit is adapted to receive data and to output data locally and/or remotely. In other words, the central control unit can serve different purposes . It can inform the user of any operational conditions, e.g. that a supply cartridge will soon have to be replaced or the loading state of a rechargeable battery pack. On the other hand, the central control unit can be remotely controlled in order to support untrained cleaning personal to correctly use and maintain the inventive apparatus .

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a rinsing chamber for receiving and soaking a cleaning textile, an agitating chamber with means for mechanically agitating at least one surface of the

cleaning textile; a wringing chamber with a suction surface, the vacuum pressure in the suction surface removing water, soil and bacteria from the cleaning textile, and a dosing device and an optional sterilizing device, the dosing device and optional sterilizing device being preferably arranged in the wringing chamber. Such apparatus performs several

functions at the same time and provides a full sequence of highly efficient reconditioning steps in order to efficiently rinse or dewater and wring the cleaning textile followed by its preparation for a repeated use by applying cleaning agent to at least one surface of the cleaning textile.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wringing chamber and agitating chamber, and the agitating chamber and rinsing chamber a separate by water-tight doors, respectively, wherein the doors are preferably operated by means of electronically controlled switches. Such

electronically controlled switches might be controlled by the central control unit receiving input from one or a plurality of sensors.

The inventive method of reconditioning a used cleaning textile, preferably mop, in an apparatus according to the invention comprises the steps of manually introducing a cleaning textile into the apparatus in a first position, rinsing the cleaning textile; wringing the cleaning textile by suction force, removing water, soil and bacteria from the cleaning textile, applying a predetermined, metered amount of cleaning agent to at least one surface of the cleaning textile, and removing the reconditioned cleaning textile from the apparatus in a second position, which is different to the first position. The key aspect of the inventive method is again the specific operation of dewatering the cleaning textile by suction force. Further, the position at which the cleaning textile is introduced into the apparatus is

preferably different to that where it is finally removed again.

In addition, to the basic method steps according to the invention, one or a plurality of the following additional steps might also be used:

Mechanically agitating, preferably scrubbing by means of at least one brush, at least one surface of the cleaning textile after rinsing the cleaning textile; Radiating at least one surface of the cleaning textile with UV- radiation for sterilizing the cleaning textile; and

Filtering the liquid removed by suction force in the step of wringing the cleaning textile by suction force, and reusing the filtered liquid for rinsing the cleaning textile .

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following, some embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings in which

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 explains a scrubbing section of the apparatus

according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is another view of the scrubbing section as shown in Fig , 2 ;

Fig. 4 schematically shows the apparatus according to the invention in a further embodiment and in a first operational step;

Fig. 5 shows a further operational step in the device

according to Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6 shows a further operational step in the device

according to Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a backside view of the device according to

Figs . 4 to 6; Fig. 8 explains the use of exchangeable containers in the device according to Figs. 4 to 6;

Fig. 9 explains the operation of the inventive device of

Fig. 4 in case that two mops are used in parallel;

Fig. 10 explains the operation of the inventive device in case that two mops are used in parallel ;

Fig. 11 explains the operation of the inventive device in case that two mops are used in parallel;

Fig. 12 schematically explains the use of a water-tight

door between different chambers of the device according to Fig. 4.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Throughout the specific embodiments and drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of an. apparatus 10 for conditioning or reconditioning of textile cleaning articles, either before or after use. The textile cleaning articles can be items such as floor cleaning mops, or surface cleaning cloths or any other cleaning article made from textiles and used with water or cleaning liquids.

In the case of floor cleaning mops, there are many styles , so-called wet mops are those where cleaning is done with a mop and cleaning liquid.

In the following, reference will be made to a specific type of mop head which is described in WO2012/100845 A. Such specific mop head is easily connected into and disconnected from a handle because of the use of a magnetic coupling between mop head and handle. The apparatus 10 comprises a dirty water tank 12 and a chemicals holder 14, the interior of which might be designed similar to that as shown with reference to Figs . 7 and 8. The dirty water tank 12 has a lid and comprises pipes and tubes for vacuum hoses that will allow the apparatus to drain water properly. Further, there is an aperture through which a water filter 16 of a conventional type extends into the dirty water tank 12. Beneath the dirty water tank 12 , there is a clean water tank 18. Further, there is a battery pack 20 with rechargeable batteries which is received in a suitable receptacle in the supporting base 22 of the apparatus 10. The use of a battery pack makes it possible to make the

apparatus 10 mobile. To this end, the supply base 22 of apparatus 10 is provided with conventional rollers 24, at least two of them being rotatable around a vertical axis as well .

In the apparatus 10_., there is provided a scrubbing tank 26 and a rinsing tank 28. Further, a wringing device and a dosing device are provided, both of which cannot be seen in Fig . 1 ,

The wringing device (not shown) is provided with a vacuum pump which is energized by means of the battery pack 20.

Further, at least one type of cleaning agent and/or at least one type of treatment agent can be provided in the chemicals holder 14 and also uses a specific pump system to remove predetermined, metered amounts of these substances from

supply containers and to direct them to the dosing device in which they are applied to at least one surface of the

cleaning textile, like a wet mo .

Further, a control unit can be provided which is used to process various operational parameters input by a user and outputs signals to various operation units of the

apparatus 10 , like the vacuum pump, a metering device or movable components of the scrubbing tank 26 which will be described with reference to Figs . 2 and 3.

The scrubbing tank as shown in Fig. 2 is filled with a liquid watery solution with suitable cleaning agents which support the removal of soil particles from a used wet mop. The scrubbing tank is provided with scrubbing brushes 34 which extend in. spaced vertical rows from plate-like holding plates 36. In the example as shown in Figs, 2 and 3 , a mop head as disclosed in O2012/100845 A is placed between the brushes 34 projecting from the holding plates 36, Further, the scrubbing tank 26 is filled with water. The scrubbing is performed by- means of reciprocating movement of one or both holding plates 36. This reciprocating movement is achieved by means of a driving motor 38, the rotation of which is translated in a conventional way into a horizontal reciprocating movement of the holding plate. In such a way, the brushes 34 scrub over the surface of the mop head 50 in order to clean it.

As an alternative to the scrubbing tank as exemplified in Fig. 2, the cleaning can also be performed by a forced movement of the water. Such forced movement can be generated by moving plates or paddles which generate a sufficient movement of the water in the tank so as to produce a

mechanical impact on the surface of the cleaning textile which loosens and removes dirt from the textile surfaces of the cleaning textile.

Fig. 4 shows a simplified version of the inventive apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. Further, Fig. 4 shows the operational step of rinsing a wet mop. The apparatus 10 is only shown in part with the rotatable rollers and a part of the supporting frame being omitted.

On the supporting base 22 of the apparatus, a rinsing tank 40 is provided which, in a variant of the invention is a bucket for holding a certain amount of rinsing water. Preferably, the bottom of the rinsing tank 40 is provided with an insert 42 which, in the specific embodiment of Fig, 4, is a gridlike insert with openings for collecting soil that is removed from the mop head during its cleaning. As shown in Fig. 4, the mop head 50 is still attached to the handle 52, which is held by a user and moved up and down in the direction of arrows A in order to remove dirt particles from the textile of the mop head 50,

The frame construction 44 of apparatus 10 is designed to hold the subunit 46 including the wringing device and dosing device ..

The wringing device of subunit 46 and its operation will be described in the following with reverence to Fig. 5.

Within subunit 46, a vacuum pump 48 is arranged. It is operated by electric energy which is supplied from the battery pack with rechargeable batteries. The vacuum pump 48 is connected to an intake duct 54 which is in airtight connection to a distribution cavity 56 similar to the

cleaning head of a vacuum cleaner. The distribution cavity 56 includes a suction plate 58 (see also Fig . 12 in which the suction plate is shown in a cross-sectional view) . The suction plate is provided with apertures like circular holes or slits and opens into a wringing chamber 60 which can be best seen in Figs . 4 and 12. The suction plate 58 supports the mop head 50. When the vacuum pump 48 is energized, vacuum pressure builds -up in the distributio cavity 56 and sucks water, soil and bacteria out of the textile of the mop head 50. A part of the removed dirt particles can already be discharged through a discharge opening 62 into the rinsing tank 40 underneath the subunit 46. However, it is likewise possible not to provide a discharge opening 62 and to provide a water filter at the downstream end of the vacuum pump 48. In the example as shown in Fig. 5, the wringing of the cleaning mop is carried out with the handle 52 attached to the mop head. However, it is likewise possible only to insert the mop head into the wringing chamber 60.

In Fig, 4, the dosing device of the apparatus as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 is shown. The dosing device comprises a hollow dosing bar 66 which is provided with several nozzles 68. The dosing bar is connected via a tube 70 with a dosing and mixing device 72 which is in fluid connection to several containers 74 for cleaning agents and/or treatment agents, and a container 76 for clean, water. The individual containers 74, 76 are provided in the chemicals holder 14 which can be closed by a cover 78. In order to prevent that unauthorized persons or small children gain access to the chemicals holder 14 and the containers 74 therein, a suitable lock 80 might be provided to lock the cover 78.

During operation, a predetermined amount of cleaning agent or cleaning agents and/or treatment agent (s) are removed from one or a plurality of the container 74 and mixed together with clean water taken from the container 76. The dosing and mixing is performed in the dosing and mixing device 72. The solution to be applied to the surface of the mop head 50 is directed to the nozzles 68 and sprayed onto the mop while it is removed in the direction of arrow B from the wringing chamber 60. It is advantageous to provide the dosing device at the exit opening of the wringing chamber in order to make the apparatus as compact as possible. However, it is also possible to provide a separate dosing chamber.

The dosing and mixing devices as well as the vacuum pump are electrically operated. The dosing and mixing device and/or the vacuum pump are preferably energized by means of a central control unit 82 which can be arranged at any suitable position within the apparatus. The control unit can receive information from one or a plurality of sensors arranged in the apparatus 10. One sensor 84 is responsive to a state in which a mop head 50 is positioned in the wringing chamber 60. When the control unit 84 receives the information from sensor 84 that a mop head rests on the suction plate 58, the vacuum pump 48 is energized and the vacuum is applied to the surface of the mop head 50.

Likewise, sensor 84 or a further sensor can be used to send the information to the control unit that the mop head is removed from the wringing chamber 60. This triggers the activation of the dosing and mixing device 72 and the application of the predetermined amount of cleaning and/or treatment solution on the mop head during its removal in the direction of arrow B as shown in Fig. 6.

Figs. 7 and 8 are just an example how the chemical holder 14 could be used for several further functions. It could hold the control unit 84 or a receptacle 86 for inserting a battery pack 20. When one of the containers 74 or 76 are emptied, a new container 74 can be inserted into a suitable receptacle in the direction of arrow C as shown in Fig. 8. An optical and/or acoustical signal can alert the user that the contents of one of the container 74 has been nearly been used up.

In the example as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and. 6 , the mop head was reconditioned while it remained attached to the handle. In the example as shown in Figs. 9 to 12, a different operation will be shown which serves to increase the working efficiency of the apparatus 10,

The rinsing step as shown in Fig. 9 is the same as that shown in Fig, 4, However, there is a difference in that the mop head 50a is rinsed, in the rinsing tank 40, while a further mop head 50b is positioned inside the wringing chamber. Further, a supply compartment 88 has been opened by the user (direction of arrow D) . After having performed the rinsing operation as shown in Fig. 9, the mop head 50a is inserted via the handle 52 into the supply compartment 88. Then, the handle 52 is removed from mop head 58 and attached to mop head 50b. While mop head 50b is removed in the direction of arrow F from the wringing chamber, the cleaning agent is applied to the mop head 50b by means of the dosing device. As soon as the mop head 50b has been removed from the wringing chamber, an electronic sensor 90 provides the control unit 82 with the information that the wringing chamber 60 is empty. Once the control unit 82 receives such information, a watertight door 92 connecting the supply compartment 88 and the wringing chamber 60 opens in the direction of arrow G and the mop head 50a drops by gravity {arrow H) into the wringing chamber where it automatically comes to rest on the suction plate 58. This triggers the closing of the water-tight door 92 and the operation of the suction pump over a predetermined period of time in order to dewater the mop head 50a.

When the user now working with mop head 50b starts to rinse the mop head 50b in the rinsing tank 50 , the sequence of steps beginning in Fig . 9 starts again.

When using two mop heads in parallel , the inefficient time not used for cleaning purposes can be largely reduced.

Besides a higher speed, the automatic dewatering in the

wringing chamber and the automatic dosing provides a higher quality of the cleaning textile, and thereby higher

productivity. Further, the apparatus according to the

invention removes the need for the strenuous physical labor of wringing wet mops . Finally, i comparison to a wringing operation, the use of vacuum pressure proves to be much more efficient for the removal of soil and bacteria from the mop head. In the above embodiments, it is likewise possible to include a sterilization device in the apparatus. This can be an

UV-lamp 94 as shown in Fig. 12. In order to increase the effectiveness of UV treatment, a further UV-lamp 94b can be provided so that both sides of a mop head are appropriately treated with UV radiation and provide a mop head as free as possible of living germs as possible prior to its re-use .

Claims

1. Apparatus for reconditioning cleaning textiles,

especially mops {90; 90a, 90b), comprising a rinsing device (28; 40) with a receptacle (40) for holding a desired amount of washing liquid for soaking a cleaning textile therein; a wringing device (30) for a cleaning textile with means ( 48 ) for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure to act on the cleaning textile being in a wringing position, the means preferably being a suction pump (48) in flow connection with a suction surface (58) for supporting the cleaning textile; and a dosing device (72, 66, 68) with means (68) for applying a predetermined, metered amount of cleaning agent to at least one surface of the cleaning textile (50_? 50a, 50b) .

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising

means (34, 36) for agitating at least one surface of the cleaning textile, the means for agitating preferably comprising at least one electrically powered brush (34) to agitate at least one surface of the cleaning textile.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the

apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of chambers (26, 28, 60, 88) separated by doors (92), the doors

preferably opening by electronic means .

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the wringing

device (30) and the dosing device (32) are arranged in a common chamber (60) .

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor (84) to check whether a cleaning

textile (50; 50a, 50b) is in the wringing position; and an actuator (82) to activate the means (48) for

generating electrically powered vacuum pressure for a predetermined period of time.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a means (94, 94b) for sterilizing the cleaning textile preferably by means of UV radiation

(94 , 94b) .

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,

further comprising exchangeable supply

containers (74, 76) for cleaning agent and/or treatment agent and/or clean water.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a filter unit (16) for filtering the liquid leaving a suction pump (48 ) being part of the means for generating electrically powered vacuum

pressure .

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a rechargeable battery pack (20) , wherein the means (48) for generating electrically powered vacuum pressure and optionally other

electrically powered appliances are powered by means of the rechargeable battery pack (20) .

10. Apparatus according to claim. 3 or any of claims 4 to 9 as dependent on claim 3, comprising a supply

compartment (88) on top of a wringing chamber (60) with a suction plate (58) for applying vacuum pressure to the cleaning textile (50; 50a, 50b) , wherein the supply compartment (88) and the wringing chamber (60) are separated by a water-tight door (92) ; wherein the supply compartment (88) , wringing chamber (60) and the water-tight door ( 92) are designed and arranged such that upon opening of the water-tight door (92) a

cleaning textile (90; 90a, 90b) arranged in the supply compartment (88} drops by gravity into the wringing chamber (60} ,

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a central control unit (92) including a display, the central control unit (82) being adapted to receive data and to output data locally and/or remotely.

12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising: a rinsing chamber (28) for receiving and soaking a cleaning textile; an agitating chamber (26) with means (34, 36) for mechanically agitating at least one surface of the cleaning textile; a wringing chamber (60) with a suction surface

(58) , the vacuum pressure in the suction surface removing water, soil and bacteria from the cleaning textile; and a dosing device (32) and an optional sterilizing device (94) , the dosing device (32) and optional sterilizing device (94) being preferably arranged in the wringing chamber (60) .

13. Apparatus according to claim 12_» wherein the wringing chamber (60) and agitating chamber (26) , and the

agitating chamber (26) and the rinsing chamber (28) are separated by water-tight doors, respectively, the doors preferably being operated by means of electronically controlled switches .

14. Method for reconditioning a used cleaning textile ,

preferably a mop, in an apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps:

(a) mechanically introducing a cleaning textile into the apparatus in a first positio ,-

(b) rinsing the cleaning textile;

(c) wringing the cleaning textile by suction force

removing water, soil and bacteria from the cleaning textile;

(d) applying a predetermined metered amount of cleaning agent to at least one surface of the cleaning textile; and

(e) removing the cleaning textile from the apparatus, preferably in a second position, which is different to the first position.

15. Method according to claim 14, further comprising one or a plurality of the following additional steps:

(b2) mechanically agitating, preferably scrubbing by

means of at least one brush, at least one surface of the cleaning textile after step (b) ; xrradiatxng at least one surface of the cleaning textile with UV- radiation for sterilizing the cleaning textile; and

(e) filtering the liquid removed by suction force in step (c) and removing the filtered liquid for rinsing the cleaning textile in step (b) ,