DE102020106311A1 - Arrangement for storing and disinfecting toilet brushes - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement for the storage and disinfection of toilet brushes comprising a container or a housing for receiving the complete toilet brush, the container or the housing having an opening for removing the toilet brush; one or more UV light sources for irradiating the handle of the toilet brush with UV light, the wavelength range and intensity of which is suitable for disinfecting the irradiated surfaces; and an energy supply for the UV light source in the form of accumulators and / or batteries or other mobile exchangeable and / or rechargeable energy sources; is characterized by optics that concentrate the radiation from the UV light source in the area of the handle.

Description

Technical area

1. (a) einen Behälter oder ein Gehäuse zum Aufnehmen der vollständigen Toilettenbürste, wobei der Behälter oder das Gehäuse eine Öffnung zum Entnehmen der Toilettenbürste aufweist;
2. (b) eine oder mehrere UV-Lichtquellen zur Bestrahlung des Griffs der Toilettenbürste mit UV-Licht, dessen Wellenlängenbereich und Intensität zur Desinfektion der bestrahlten Oberflächen geeignet ist; und
3. (c) eine Energieversorgung der UV-Lichtquelle in Form von Akkumulatoren und/oder Batterien oder anderen mobilen austauschbaren und/oder nachladbaren Energiequellen.

The invention relates to an arrangement for storing and disinfecting toilet brushes

1. (a) a container or housing for receiving the complete toilet brush, the container or housing having an opening for removing the toilet brush;
2. (b) one or more UV light sources for irradiating the handle of the toilet brush with UV light, the wavelength range and intensity of which is suitable for disinfecting the irradiated surfaces; and
3. (c) an energy supply for the UV light source in the form of accumulators and / or batteries or other mobile exchangeable and / or rechargeable energy sources.

Toilet brushes are used to clean the inside of the toilet after use. They are usually provided as a simple round brush in the immediate vicinity of a toilet. However, there are also multi-part brushes in which the brush head remains in the toilet and only the handle is provided next to the toilet and cleaning devices that do not have a brush but, for example, a scraper as a head. For the sake of simplicity, all of these configurations are referred to here as “toilet brushes”. The brush is used several times. The brushes are usually made of plastic and have to be disinfected and renewed regularly. Nevertheless, a toilet brush is a constant source of germs and unsightly.

A particular problem is the transmission of germs via the handle of the toilet brush. The toilet brush is usually used after going to the toilet but before washing your hands. This means that the handle of the toilet brush will be grasped with unwashed hands. Germs can be transmitted in the process. It is uncomfortable for the user to pick up a handle that has previously been used by possibly unknown people with unwashed hands.

State of the art

A large number of publications deal with the question of hygiene in toilet brushes. The solutions proposed in the patent literature include disinfection with liquid disinfectants, replaceable parts of the toilet brushes and disposable brushes. None of the known solutions could convince on the market because they are either complex to manufacture or not economically and / or ecologically feasible in practice. A large number of the known arrangements deal with the hygiene of the brush head, but not with the hygiene of the brush handle.

It is also known to disinfect utensils with UV radiation. US 2004/0159330 A1 discloses an arrangement in which the brush head, but not the brush handle of a toilet brush, is disinfected with UV radiation. DE 20 2010 010 910 U1 discloses an apparatus for providing a toilet brush with a disinfected handle. The arrangement provides a disinfection chamber for the handle, in which a UV lamp can be arranged. The arrangement is structurally complex and unsecured to the outside against, for example, child access. It is not disclosed how the UV lamp is supplied with energy. EP 0 356 896 B1 also discloses a device for disinfecting toilet instruments with ultraviolet radiation. The arrangement is complex and unwieldy.

DE 10 2018 110 887 A1 discloses an arrangement in which a toilet brush is stored in a container which can be opened without contact. The handle of the toilet brush, which is also located in the container, is disinfected with UV radiation. This works well when the power is supplied via a power grid that can continuously and permanently provide high performance. This is the case in private applications, for example, when the container is integrated into a wall and can be permanently wired. The retrofitting of existing bathrooms or toilet rooms with such containers is associated with great effort and high costs.

A power supply via exposed cabling and socket in public areas, where disinfection is even more important than in private areas, is usually not permitted or at least undesirable. A free-standing container therefore requires a power supply via batteries or accumulators. The power required to generate UV radiation is high. If the power is too low, a long exposure time is required. If the power is higher, the batteries or accumulators have to be replaced very frequently. Both are unfavorable when used in public areas, for example in hotels, rest stops or other public toilets. If many batteries or accumulators are used in order to achieve high performance and at the same time to keep the maintenance intervals long, the arrangement becomes expensive, heavy and bulky.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the invention is to create an arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset which allows the handle of the toilet brush to be disinfected quickly with little energy consumption.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in an arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning by an optical system which concentrates the radiation from the UV light source in the area of the handle. Such an optical system has the effect that practically all of the radiation from the UV light source shines on the handle and is not absorbed in other places or shines out of the container or vessel. The radiation emitted by the UV light source can consequently be better used. Less UV radiation has to be generated for the same disinfection performance.

It is preferably provided that the optics are reflective. With a polished, reflective optic, each surface curvature has a focus that can be directed towards the handle. If the handle is not exactly in focus, the radiation density drops considerably. In the case of diffuse reflecting optics, such precise positioning is not necessary. The radiation remains in the container and, with a suitable reflector shape, hits the handle after a few reflections.

It is preferably provided that the optics comprise a cylindrical or conical reflector which extends coaxially around the handle. It can be provided in particular that the reflector forms a floor in the area below the handle, so that radiation is reflected back into the area around the handle.

With such a reflector it is preferably provided that the reflector has a lateral slot, the width of which is greater than the diameter of the handle. The handle can then be moved through the slot and the toilet brush removed from the side. If the reflector has no base or the base can be removed from the rest of the reflector when opening the container or the housing, for example, no slot is required. Then the brush can also be removed from the reflector upwards, for example. This is also the case if only the handle is provided in the housing or in the container and the brush remains in the toilet or at another location.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the handle or the toilet brush extends below the handle through an opening in the bottom of the reflector and the handle or the toilet brush is provided with an upwardly reflective ring projection with which the handle or the toilet brush can be suspended in the reflector is.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the container or the housing has a foot in which the mobile energy sources for supplying the UV light sources can be connected. Batteries and accumulators are usually heavy. With their weight they form a base with a low center of gravity, through which they ensure that the arrangement stands securely. The container or the housing can then be made of lightweight plastic, metal or the like. It goes without saying that the batteries and / or accumulators can also be arranged on the side of the housing or above the base with a suitable weight distribution.

In the private sector in particular, it is advantageous if the energy supply has accumulators which can be charged inductively and the container or the housing can be placed on an induction charging station. The use of accumulators enables the energy source to have a long service life and is particularly ecological.

In the public area, the arrangements must be regularly maintained by, as a rule, untrained personnel. Time-consuming recharging of batteries or a multi-part arrangement is then disadvantageous. With these uses, it makes sense if the energy supply has several batteries which can be removed together in a modular manner and reused. The batteries can then be removed and reinserted or exchanged with a single movement. That hardly requires any skills and little time. There is no risk of batteries being inserted incorrectly.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a lid, a flap or another closure part is provided for closing the opening, the toilet brush being connected to the lid or the flap so that the handle is moved out of the optics when it is opened. For example, it can be provided that the toilet brush can be inserted into an insert which is firmly connected to the flap, so that the handle, when the toilet brush is inserted, is moved out of the lens when it is opened. But it can also be provided that the handle or the toilet brush extends below the handle through an opening in the bottom of the reflector and the handle or the toilet brush is provided with an upwardly reflecting ring projection with which the handle or the toilet brush in the reflector can be attached. Then the handle is gripped if it is still inside the reflector.

The invention can in particular provide that means for opening the container or housing without touching the hand. The means can be formed by a motion sensor which controls a motor to open. However, this requires additional electrical energy. It is therefore advantageous if the means for opening is formed by a pedal via which the cover, the flap or the closure element can be moved with the foot into an open position. Here, too, nothing needs to be touched by hand. The opening takes place mechanically, however, so that the energy supply of the arrangement is spared.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention results when the pedal is molded onto a flap which extends above the handle and which can be folded out about a horizontal axis just above the bottom area of the container or housing. As a result, a large segment of the container can be opened and the toilet brush or the handle are exposed so that the handle can be grasped without the risk of touching other parts of the arrangement.

In this variant, a wedge-shaped or differently shaped stopper is preferably arranged below the pedal, which limits the folding movement. This reduces the risk of the arrangement tipping over if the pedal is stepped in a clumsy or too violent manner.

To avoid the transmission of germs, means are particularly preferably provided for opening the container or housing without touching the hand and control means for controlling the UV light source in such a way that the UV light source only emits UV light when the container or housing is closed, like this at DE 10 2018 110 887 A1 is already revealed. It is advantageously short-wave ultraviolet radiation, which is also referred to as UVC radiation. The radiation has a comparatively high intensity for a good disinfection result. The irradiation is preferably carried out only when the container is completely closed. In contrast to the known arrangement, however, the radiation is not absorbed on the container but practically only on the handle and cannot penetrate to the outside.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the container has a detachable insert for the toilet brush which is connected to the flap. The insert can be easily removed and cleaned.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the UV light source and the control means are arranged in the container lid. The lid is part of the container and usually does not come into contact with the brush or water. The cover can in particular have a further base, so that the control means are also additionally protected. The UV radiation can be directed into the interior of the container directly or through a window with high UV permeability. The window can be made of quartz glass or borosilicate glass, for example.

Refinements of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. An exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure list

• 1 is a perspective view of an opened, operated with rechargeable batteries container for receiving and disinfecting a toilet brush with an inserted toilet brush.
• 2 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container from FIG 1 when closed.
• 3 FIG. 14 is a side view of the container opened with the toilet brush inserted from FIG 1 .
• 4th FIG. 13 is a view of the arrangement in FIG 2 from the front.
• 5 FIG. 14 is a side view of the closed container with the toilet brush inserted from FIG 2 .
• 6th FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the closed container of FIG 2 .
• 7th is a longitudinal section through the container 2 along a first vertical sectional plane.
• 8th is a longitudinal section through the container 2 along a second, vertical section plane, which is opposite to the section plane from 7th is offset by 90 °.
• 9 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery operated container for holding and disinfecting toilet brushes.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

1 until 8th show a toilet brush, indicated generally at 10. The toilet brush 10 sits in an insert 28 . The use 28 is in a container 38 arranged. The container has a flap 40 , which can be pivoted downwards about a horizontal axis in the lower area. The use 28 is with the flap 40 connected and is moved outwards when the container is opened, so that the toilet brush 10 is available for removal.

The flap 40 is using a pedal 48 opened. The pedal 48 is at the bottom of the flap 40 molded so that between the base and the pedal a movement space is formed. At the bottom of the container is a wedge-shaped stopper 52 molded. The stopper 52 limits the angular movement of the flap 40 such that the container 38 when opening the flap 40 does not tip over, but the toilet brush 10 is easy to see.

The toilet brush 10 has a brush head 12th and a stem 14th . The upper part 16 of the stem 14th forms the handle. The stem 14th is elongated and rod-shaped. The brush head 12th consists of silicone cloth 18th , which are formed in a star shape on a ring in the form of an annular receptacle. The ring is on the lower stem end of the style 14th attached and fixed there.

The rag 18th protrude in the off-axis area of the brush head 12th with a narrower appendix 22nd upwards a little beyond the rest of the brush head. This is in 8th to recognize. The extension can also be used to reach and clean the area under the toilet rim. A mission 28 serves to hold the toilet brush 10 when not used for cleaning.

The insert forms at the top 28 a radially outwardly projecting edge 32 . With the edge 32 is the stake 28 with an edge 36 connected, the one on the flap 40 of the container 38 connected is. This is in 8th to recognize.

The container 38 is essentially cylindrical and on top with the lid 20th locked. In the container lid 20th UVC light sources are arranged, the radiation of which radiates downwards. One in the lid 20th embedded ring 58 Made of acrylic, for example, converts the UVC radiation into visible light. The ring lights up when the light sources are switched on 58 .

The flap 40 extends in the present embodiment over almost the entire height of the container 38 . The one in use 28 inserted toilet brush 10 protrudes with the handle 16 to just below the top edge. The container 38 so it's not much bigger than the toilet brush 10 and requires comparatively little space.

Above the stake 28 is about the handle 16 around a reflector 24 arranged. The reflector 24 can on the lid 20th and / or on the inner wall of the container 38 be attached. The reflector 24 is essentially pot-shaped with an approximately cylindrical wall and has a bottom 26th on. This is in 7th and 8th clearly visible. The floor 26th runs slightly conically downwards. The floor points in the axis area 26th an opening 30th on. Through the opening 30th is the stem 14th the toilet brush 10 guided. The handle 16 is therefore located in the interior 34 of the reflector 24 . The brush head 12th is located outside the reflector 24 and under.

The reflector 24 is tight to the container 38 and / or the lid 20th tied together. The reflector 24 will not go with the flap 40 folded outwards. The reflector 24 points in the direction of the flap 40 a slot 42 on who in 1 is easy to see. When the flap 40 is opened outwards, the handle becomes 16 through the slot 42 moved outwards. No additional movement or opening of the reflector is required. The slot takes up a comparatively small part of the reflector surface, so that the radiation loss is kept low.

The reflector 24 is up towards the lid 20th open minded. The one in the lid 20th The arranged UV lamps are arranged and designed in such a way that their emitted UV radiation almost completely enters the reflector 24 entry. The inside of the reflector 24 is not reflective, but has a scattering coating. The incoming radiation is reflected accordingly in an undirected manner. In this way, a radiation field without a focus is generated. The handle 16 is therefore exposed to UV radiation evenly from all sides when the container is closed, regardless of its position in the reflector 24 . No adjustment is therefore required and no precautions need to be taken to bring the toilet brush into a certain position.

The opening 30th is comparatively small and its diameter corresponds approximately to the width of the slot 42 . Because the vast majority of the opening 30th from the handle 16 is filled, little or no radiation can enter the lower part of the container 38 penetration. All radiation remains in the area of the handle 16 . In contrast to known arrangements, comparatively little time and energy is required for disinfection.

The UV lamps are powered by one or more accumulators in the bottom area of the container 38 supplied with electrical energy. The container 38 sits on one foot 44 . About the foot 44 the accumulators are charged inductively. Depending on whether an electrical power supply, such as a socket, is available in the area of use, the container can 38 permanent or just for charging on the foot 44 be put on.

9 shows an alternative embodiment. Here is a module 46 with one or more batteries to supply the UV lamps on the back of the housing 38 attached. The module 46 can be easily removed and reloaded or exchanged for a module of the same type. This speeds up maintenance of the arrangement. An additional foot is then not required.

Although the one used to disinfect the handle 16 The reflector enables the required irradiation power to be high 24 the use of commercially available, readily available batteries or accumulators.

Instead of a standing container 38 , a wall-mounted version can also be selected. Then fastening means are provided on the back, which can be hung in a hook or the like on the wall.

The exemplary embodiments explained above serve to illustrate the invention as claimed in the claims. Features that are disclosed together with other features can generally also be used alone or in combination with other features that are explicitly or implicitly disclosed in the exemplary embodiments in the text or in the drawings. Dimensions and sizes are only given as examples. Suitable areas arise for the person skilled in the art from his specialist knowledge and therefore do not need to be explained in more detail here. The disclosure of a specific embodiment of a feature does not mean that the invention is to be restricted to this specific embodiment. Rather, such a feature can be implemented by a large number of other configurations familiar to the person skilled in the art. The invention can therefore not only be implemented in the form of the configurations explained, but rather by all configurations which are covered by the scope of protection of the appended claims.

The terms “above”, “below”, “right” and “left” refer exclusively to the attached drawings. It goes without saying that the devices claimed can also assume a different orientation. The term “containing” and the term “comprising” mean that further components not mentioned can be provided. The terms “essentially”, “predominantly” and “predominantly” include all features that have a majority of a property or content, i.e. more than all the other components or properties of the feature mentioned, i.e. more than 50% for two components, for example.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 2004/0159330 A1 [0005]
• DE 202010010910 U1 [0005]
• EP 0356896 B1 [0005]
• DE 102018110887 A1 [0006, 0021]

Claims (16)

An arrangement for storing and disinfecting toilet brushes comprising (a) a container or a housing for receiving the complete toilet brush, the container or the housing having an opening for removing the toilet brush, (b) one or more UV light sources for irradiating the handle of the Toilet brush with UV light, the wavelength range and intensity of which is suitable for disinfecting the irradiated surfaces; and (c) an energy supply for the UV light source in the form of accumulators and / or batteries or other mobile exchangeable and / or rechargeable energy sources; characterized by (d) optics which concentrate the radiation from the UV light source in the area of the handle. Arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the optics are reflective. Arrangement according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the optics reflect diffusely. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optics comprise a cylindrical or conical reflector which extends coaxially around the handle. Arrangement according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the reflector forms a floor in the area below the handle, so that radiation is reflected back into the area around the handle. Arrangement according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the reflector has a lateral slot, the width of which is greater than the diameter of the handle. Arrangement according to Claim 5 or 6th , characterized in that the handle or the toilet brush extends below the handle through an opening in the bottom of the reflector and the handle or the toilet brush is provided with an upwardly reflective ring projection with which the handle or the toilet brush can be suspended in the reflector. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container or the housing has a foot in which the mobile energy sources for supplying the UV light sources can be connected. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy supply has accumulators which can be inductively charged and the container or the housing can be placed on an induction charging station. Arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the power supply has a plurality of batteries which can be removed together in a modular fashion and re-usable. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lid, a flap or another closure part for closing the opening, the toilet brush being connected to the lid or the flap so that the handle is moved out of the optics when it is opened. Arrangement according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the toilet brush can be inserted into an insert which is firmly connected to the flap, so that the handle, when the toilet brush is inserted, is moved out of the optics when it is opened. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by means for opening the container or housing without touching the hand. Arrangement according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the means for opening is formed by a pedal, via which the cover, the flap or the closure element can be moved with the foot into an open position. Arrangement according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the pedal is molded onto a flap which extends to above the handle and which can be folded out about a horizontal axis just above the bottom area of the container or housing. Arrangement according to Claim 15 , characterized in that a wedge-shaped or differently shaped stopper is arranged below the pedal, which limits the folding movement.

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