EP2106486B1 - Modular system for dispensing active ingredient fluids to the flushing liquid of a toilet bowl - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system for dispensing at least two active substance fluids into the rinsing liquid or into the environment of a toilet bowl, wherein the delivery of the active substance fluids takes place from modularly composed dosing units.

State of the art

The term active ingredient fluid means flowable, that is liquid to viscous, possibly gelatinous or pasty or granular or otherwise pourable active substance preparations with cleansing, disinfecting, deodorizing, bleaching and the like. Effect (especially described in DE 199 30 362 A1 , as well as in the EP 0 775 741 A1 and the EP 0 960 984 A2 ).

A generic dispensing device for dispensing at least two active fluids in the rinsing liquid in a toilet bowl is in the US3946448 described. The device is clamped by spring elements under the toilet rim. If several valves are provided, they are fed by a common reservoir.

Dispensers of the type in question are known under the keyword "toilet bowl" in different versions. First, dispensing devices for a single active substance fluid are known. The drug fluid is there in a fixed in a holder or interchangeably inserted reservoir with a mounted on the holder reservoir bottom outlet opening arranged.

In a first known dispensing device for a single active substance fluid, the active substance fluid is added via an actuating element (eg made of an open-cell foam) which can be impregnated therewith and acted upon by the flushing fluid ( EP 785 315 A1 ). Here, the outlet opening of the reservoir after expulsion of a closure member of the reservoir of a holder fixedly arranged on the sealing member is largely closed, so that only a flow path with a small cross-section for leakage of the active ingredient fluid is available. The device works by utilizing the capillary action of the open cell foam. A similar construction is also known with a distribution ribbed plate.

When using previously explained dispensing devices of the type in question, all components that enter the rinsing fluid of the toilet bowl must be contained in the active substance fluid together. However, some active ingredient components can not be realized together in a storage-stable manner. Therefore, a multi-chamber dispenser has already been proposed ( EP 0 960 984 A2 ). This known dispensing device is used to dispense at least two different or the same solid, gel-like, pasty or liquid media in liquid or aqueous form in a toilet bowl. On a suspendable on the edge of the toilet bowl holder is a container which has for storing the media at least two juxtaposed independent chambers. Each chamber has a dispenser with a dispensing tube, which exits with its one free end over the bottom of the container into the environment and at its other free end fluid leading surrounded by a cover. The two chambers of the container can be filled via slit-like passages of a cover part of overflowing rinse water, which then exits in the manner of a siphon or overflow via the delivery tube with entrainment of the respective active ingredient in the toilet bowl. The separation of the chambers in the container has the advantage that different media can be used, which would otherwise adversely affect their desired effect in a common storage in only one chamber. The consistency of the media may vary in the different chambers.

In the previously described dispensing device, the principle of operation known "toilet bowl" is used, flows into the fluid containing chambers from the top of the flushing, parts of the drug substance dissolves and flows with this entrained from the chambers again. The problem is that with the siphon effect realized in the chambers, a considerable amount of liquid remains behind. The action of the rinsing liquid on the active substance fluid in the respective chamber therefore continues, even if the rinsing process has been completed for a long time. The consumption of active substance fluid is practically not optimal to control.

It is common that such multi-chamber systems each provide an outlet port for a drug fluid from one of the chambers. Often, therefore, either two separately formed chambers, each with an outlet opening are coupled together arranged in the toilet bowl. Alternatively, a one-piece reservoir with two chambers and two outlet openings may be provided.

Due to the formation of two separate outlet openings, it is often necessary to provide two dispensers which control the delivery of active fluid from the reservoirs into the flushing liquid of the toilet bowl. Here, for example, valve arrangements are known in which a flushing water acted upon lever is connected to a valve that causes the release of a subset of active fluid from one of the reservoir during rinsing. Other dispensing devices are realized, for example, by capillary action that forms between the drug fluids and appropriately sized dispensing channels, thus preventing free flow of active fluid from the reservoir.

Often the components of such rinsing systems are integrally molded and assembled with specialized tools so that these systems are limited to the release of two active fluids. An extension to, for example, the release of three active fluids is only feasible by a complex and costly change of the corresponding molds.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the described, known from the prior art disadvantages and to provide a delivery system for at least two active fluids, which can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner and can be assembled.

The object is achieved by a delivery system according to claim 1.

The inventive dispensing system a modular or modular principle is realized in which the dispensing system consists of individual metering modules or metering units, which can be combined and assembled differently depending on the application.

For the user, this modular principle thus has the advantage that the dispensing system according to the invention can be assembled in a simple manner. Further allows the modular principle by standardizing the dosing units and their fixation against each other a cheaper production by using the same molds.

Furthermore, it is possible through the modular concept, without the replacement of appropriate molds, one-, two- and multi-chamber systems to produce toilet flushing.

dosing

A metering unit is understood to mean a device which is suitable for storing an active ingredient substance and delivering it to the environment of a WC or into the flushing water of a WC. A metering unit is a module of the delivery system according to the invention.

A metering unit for dispensing free-flowing active substances essentially comprises a holder in which a storage container can be fixed, the storage container being connected to a flushing plate with the interposition of a device preventing free flow of the active substance fluids.

A metering unit for dispensing perfume essentially comprises a holder in which a reservoir filled with perfume can be fixed, wherein means for releasing the perfume are arranged on the reservoir.

It is particularly preferred to carry out the metering units standardized, so that they can be assembled in a simple manner into a delivery system. This means that the dosing units each consist of identical holders, storage containers, and / or rinsing plates.

possible combinations

The following table lists some possible combinations of dosing units. Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Fluid metering Fluid metering - Fluid metering Perfume dosing - Fluid metering Fluid metering Fluid metering Fluid metering Fluid metering Perfume dosing

Of course, further combinations are conceivable as well as dispensing devices which consist of more than three modules or metering units.

connecting element

A connecting element in the context of this application is any separately formed or formed on the units device which is adapted to fix the units against each other.

To fix against each other in this context means that the units are brought by the fixation in a defined, substantially stationary position or position to each other.

The connection can be force, form, and / or material fit and can be fixed or detachable.

The connecting element may be formed directly with or on a unit or be realized by a separate component from the units.

The term connecting element is also understood to mean the interaction of two or more devices, the interaction of which causes a fixation of the dosing units relative to one another. In particular, the formation of positively or non-positively co-operating connection partners is understood by connecting element, which ensure by their interaction a connection or fixation of the metering units against each other and thus form a connecting element in the context of this invention.

The dosing units can by a connecting element, for example, by a form-fitting snap, snap closure, bounce, screw, Bayonet lock, clamp closure, crimp fastener or snap closure can be fixed together.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the metering units can also be firmly bonded against each other. The cohesive connection can be configured in such a way that when the dosing units are released from one another, the cohesive connection is destroyed and can not be restored. However, the cohesive connection can also be designed such that a repeated release and adhesion of the metering units to each other is made possible.

The cohesive connection can be selected, for example, from the group of adhesive bonds, welded joints or sealing compounds.

Furthermore, it is possible to produce a firm or detachable connection between the metering units by adhesion. This can be realized for example by a press connection, friction connection, clamp connection, crimp connection, shrink connection, wedge connection, screw connection, pin connection or the like. Of course, it is also conceivable that the connecting element causes a fixation of the metering units by a combination of the above-mentioned types of connection.

With regard to a cost-effective production of the dispensing system according to the invention, it is advantageous to mold the connecting element in one piece with a dosing unit. By appropriate shaping method, in particular by injection molding, the one-piece design of the connecting element can be realized in one step with the formation of the dispensing system. This eliminates the need for a multi-piece configuration of dosing and connecting element manufacturing and joining steps, whereby the dispensing system according to the invention can be produced significantly more cost efficient.

According to the invention, a fixation of the units is effected by a connection of the holders and / or storage containers.

For example, the holder may be formed such that a positive connection, such as a snap-in connection, latching connection, plug connection or the like is formed by the shape of the holder wall, so that by joining two appropriately trained holder, they are fixed against each other , Thus, the side wall of a first holder may include a groove into which a spring of a second holder is positively inserted, wherein the tongue and groove connection is configured such that a fixing of the holder is effected against each other. Hereby, any number of metering units, aligned substantially horizontally to one another, can be connected to one another and fixed relative to one another, so that a corresponding delivery system is formed.

Of course, it is also possible to form the storage container and / or the rinsing plate accordingly.

reservoir

A storage container in the sense of this application is a container which is suitable for receiving a flowable or spreadable product. At least one of the reservoirs of the delivery system has a bottom discharge opening from which the drug fluids exit. Particularly preferably, at least two storage containers have a bottom-side discharge opening.

It is particularly preferred to form the storage container in one piece. The storage containers can be separated from each other by a partition at least in sections. However, it is also conceivable that the storage containers are formed in several pieces.

The storage containers are preferably designed as complete containers and are connected to one another only via at least one, preferably exactly one connecting web formed between the storage containers. The connecting web is preferably integrally formed on the mutually facing inner sides of the reservoir, in particular formed, for example, in the blow molding process with the reservoirs simultaneously. It is particularly useful if the connecting web is arranged approximately centrally and extends substantially - possibly with interruptions - over the full length of the reservoir.

In a further embodiment, provision is made for a storage container having a bottom-side opening to be formed on the toilet freshener. The bottom-side discharge opening can be arranged centrally or offset from the center of a metering unit.

The floors may be sloping, in particular, towards the opening in order to ensure complete emptying of the active substance fluids from the storage containers.

It is particularly preferred to form the reservoir transparent to allow a level control with respect to the stored drug fluids.

dispenser

For the purposes of this application, a dispensing device is an arrangement arranged downstream of the dispensing opening of the storage container in the direction of flow of the active substance fluids, which controls the dispensing of the active substance fluids into the rinsing liquid.

Control in this context means that a free flow of the active substance fluids is prevented by the dispensing device and a release of product by the dispensing device takes place in particular immediately before, during or after a rinsing process of the toilet.

The dispensing may be effected, for example, by the flushing water surge of the toilet bowl, for example, by the Spülwasserschwall opens a valve assembly. The dispenser may also be realized by an arrangement which prevents free flow of the active fluids from the reservoirs, for example by capillary action. For this purpose, reference is made to the dispensing devices, from the EP1334239 are known and are hereby made the subject of this application.

active fluid

The term active ingredient fluid means flowable, that is liquid to viscous, possibly gelatinous or pasty or granular or otherwise pourable active substance preparations with cleansing, disinfecting, deodorizing, bleaching and the like. Effect (especially described in DE 199 30 362 A1 , as well as in the EP 0 775 741 A1 and the EP 0 960 984 A2 ).

For the purposes of this application, different from one another means that the active substance fluids, for example, do not differ conclusively with respect to their chemical composition, their pH, color, fragrance, flow properties or the like.

The drug fluids may have substantially identical or different flow characteristics. By different flow properties, it is possible to provide different mixing ratios of the active fluids to each other.

Active substance fluids which are suitable according to the invention are, for example, fragrance phases, in particular perfumed fragrance phases. Such scent phases usually comprise at least one perfume, preferably perfume oil, at least one surfactant or an emulsifier and water and optionally further ingredients such as preservatives, thickeners, complexing agents, dyes, other surfactants or emulsifiers, stabilizers, lime solubilizer etc.

Also suitable according to the invention as active substance fluids are bleaching phases, in particular bleach phases containing chlorine, preferably bleaching phases based on hypochlorite, the bleaching phases optionally containing, in addition to the actual bleaching agent and water, optionally further ingredients such as thickeners, surfactants or emulsifiers, neutralizing agents, dyes, perfumes, etc.

Further active substance fluids suitable according to the invention are lime-dissolving active substance phases, preferably acidic lime-dissolving active substance phases. Such lime-solubilizing active ingredient phases may contain, in addition to the actual lime solubilizer, preferably an organic or inorganic acid and water, optionally further ingredients such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.

Likewise, it is possible to use highly concentrated surfactant phases, so-called "foam boosters", as active substance fluids. Such highly concentrated surfactant phases may also contain other conventional ingredients in addition to the surfactants.

Also suitable according to the invention are active-ingredient fluids having an antibacterial and / or fungicidal and / or antiviral active phase, wherein the active-substance phase, in addition to the antibacterial and / or fungicidal and / or antiviral active and water, optionally further ingredients, such as, for example, surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances , Preservatives, etc. may contain.

Furthermore, it is possible that the active substance fluids are enzyme-containing active substance phases. In addition to enzyme (s) and water, such enzyme-containing active substance phases may optionally contain further ingredients such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.

Likewise, it is possible that the active substance fluids used according to the invention are absorbent, in particular odor-absorbing, active-substance phases. These may, in addition to the absorbent, in particular odor absorbent, and water optionally further ingredients such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc. included.

According to a particular embodiment, the dispensing device according to the invention offers the possibility of using combinations of different active substance fluids in the storage containers, wherein according to a preferred embodiment one of the storage containers contains a fragrance phase, in particular as defined above.

Examples of active substance fluid combinations to be used are perfumed fragrance phase combined with chlorine bleach (together not storage-stable), perfumed fragrance phase with highly concentrated surfactant phase (foam booster), fragrance phase with limesolvent, acidic active phase, fragrance phase with antibacterial active ingredient phase, different acid systems, fragrance phase combined with enzyme-containing active substance phase, perfumed acid phase combined with water-coloring phase, fragrance phase with odor-absorbing phase, perfumed acid phase with active oxygen, perfumed acid phase with active ingredient phase, thickened with polyacrylate etc. Of particular interest are viscous to gel-like active substance fluids with viscosities in the range of a few thousand mPas, in particular 2000 up to 5000 mPas, preferably 2500 to 3500 mPas (measured with Roto-Visko LVTV II, spindle 31, 5 rpm, 20 ° C).

For the purpose of disclosing the present patent application is fully based on the contents of the prepublished document DE20116963 and the disclosure content of which is incorporated by reference into the disclosure content of the present patent application. In particular, reference is made to the disclosure in this prior art document regarding the drug fluids and combinations of drug fluids to be used in the reservoirs. The present delivery device, which will be described below, can also be used in a particularly expedient manner with the active substance fluids and combinations of active substance fluids which can be taken from the prior art.

Fig. 1

WC-Spüler mit Verbindungselement zwischen den Haltern

Fig. 2

WC-Spüler mit Verbindungssteg an den Vorratsbehältern

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing illustrating only embodiments. In this case, particularly preferred embodiments and particularly preferred combinations of features are further described in detail. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1

Toilet washer with connecting element between the holders

Fig. 2

Toilet washer with connecting bar to the storage containers

Fig. 1 shows a toilet freshener 1 with a first reservoir 2 and a second reservoir 3. The reservoir 2.3 are filled with each other different active fluids 4,5. The reservoirs 2, 3 have a bottom-side opening, which passes through the holders 6, 7 in FIG Fig.1 to be covered.

The reservoirs 2, 3, which are preferably transparent, are fixed in the holders 6, 7, preferably detachable, for this purpose. It is particularly preferred for the holders 6, 7 and the storage containers 2, 3 to be designed in such a way that the storage containers 2, 3 can be removed from the holders 6, 7 when the storage containers 2, 3 are emptied, and by new, filled storage containers 2.3 can be replaced.

The reservoirs 2, 3 fixed in the holders 6, 7 are protected against the entry of rinsing liquid from the toilet rinse.

In Fig. 1 not shown, is interposed between the bottom-side discharge opening of the reservoir 2.3 and the plate-like distribution element 9,10 a dispensing device, which prevents free flow of the active fluids 4,5 from the storage containers 2,3. The dispensing device may be, for example, valve-controlled or be realized by an arrangement which prevents free flow of the active substance fluids 4, 5, for example by capillary action.

The dispensing device is in each case connected to a plate-like distribution element 9, 10, so that the active substance fluids 4, 5 can reach the rinsing plates 9, 10 from the dispensing device, where they are dissolved and co-washed by the application of rinsing liquid.

The first storage container 2, the first holder 6 and the first distribution element 9 form the first dosing unit A, while the second storage container 3, the second holder 7 and the second distribution element 10 form the second dosing unit B. In particular, the storage containers 2, 3, the holders 6, 7 and the distribution elements 9, 10 of the first and second metering units A, B are essentially identical.

The first dosing unit A and the second dosing unit B are fixed against each other by the connecting element 11. The connecting element 11 is as a pin formed, which is insertable into the opening 12 of the holder 6,7 and forms with the opening a positive, non-positive and / or cohesive connection. The pin-like connecting element may be integrally formed on one of the holders 6, 7 or provided as a separate component, which is connected to the first holder 6 and the second holder 7.

On the connecting element 11, a bracket 13 is arranged, with which the composite dispensing device 1 can be attached to the edge of a toilet bowl.

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the connecting element 11 for fixing the metering units A, B is formed by a web between the storage containers 2.3. The storage containers 2, 3 are in this case preferably formed in one piece, for example by a blow molding process, so that the web-like connecting element 11 is formed integrally with the storage containers 2, 3.

The bracket 13 for fixing the dispenser 1 at the edge of the toilet bowl is integrally formed with the first holder 6.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Further embodiments are possible without departing from the scope defined in the claims.

reference numeral

• 1. toilet dishwasher
• 2. Reservoir
• 3. Reservoir
• 4. active substance fluid
• 5. Active fluid
• 6. Holder
• 7. Holder
• 8. n.n.
• 9. distribution element
• 10. distribution element
• 11. connecting element
• 12. opening
• 13. Temple
• A. Dosing unit
• B. Dosing unit

Claims (8)

1. A dispensing device for dispensing at least two active ingredient fluids into the flushing liquid in a toilet bowl

   • comprising at least two holders (6, 7) for each receiving one storage container (2, 3), respectively,

   • each storage container (2, 3) comprising its own outlet opening via which the respective active ingredient fluid (4, 5) can be dispensed into the flushing liquid or the region surrounding the dispensing device,

   • the storage container (2, 3) being protected from flushing liquid entering its interior,

   • at least one outlet opening in the storage containers (2, 3) being arranged at the bottom when in the use position,

   • a portion of the active ingredient fluid being dispensed from at least one of the storage containers (2, 3) into the flushing liquid when the toilet is flushed,

   • the interior of at least one of the storage containers (2, 3) being connected to a distributing element (9, 10) by means of the outlet opening, an assembly preventing the active ingredient fluids (4, 5) from flowing freely being arranged therebetween,

   • one storage container (2, 3), one holder (6, 7) and one plate-like distributing element (9, 10) forming one autonomously functional, separate dosing unit (A, B), respectively, the dosing units (A, B) of the dispensing device (1) being secured to each other by means of at least one connecting element (11),

   characterized in that

   • a bracket (13) is provided for the assembled dispensing device in order to attach the dispensing device to the rim of a toilet bowl, and the bracket (13) is either arranged on the connecting element (11) or is formed integrally with the first holder (6),
   and in that the connecting element (11) secures the dosing units (A, B) by connecting the holders (6, 7) and/or storage containers (2, 3).
2. The dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (11) is designed as a snap lock and/or press-fit connector.
3. The dispensing system according to either claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the connecting element (11) is designed as a pin on the first dosing unit (A) which, together with an opening (13) of the second dosing unit (B), connects and secures the dosing units (A, B) together in a non-positive, positive and/or integral manner.
4. The dispensing system according to claim 4, characterized in that the pin-like connecting element (11) is formed integrally with the first dosing unit (A).
5. The dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active ingredient fluids (4, 5) in the storage containers (2, 3) have a different composition from one another.
6. The dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing system comprises at least one dosing unit for dispensing an active ingredient fluid (4, 5) into the flushing liquid and at least one dosing unit for dispensing fragrance into the region surrounding the dispensing system.
7. The dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each holder (6, 7) for receiving a respective storage container (2, 3) filled with active ingredient fluid (4, 5) is provided with a separate, plate-like distributing element (9, 10), respectively, which comprises a region of action over which flushing liquid flows when the toilet is flushed.
8. The dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage containers (2, 3), the holders (6, 7) and the distributing elements (9, 10) of the first and second dosing unit (A, B) are designed in a substantially identical manner.

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