EP2126230B1 - Toilet flusher having substance dispensing that is activated by a sensor directed at the flush water - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a toilet freshener with an electromechanically induced release of preparations in or on a toilet bowl, wherein the toilet freshener comprises at least one sensor which allows the detection of a flushing operation without intervention in the flushing water flow in a toilet bowl.

State of the art

The exact and appropriate dosage of flowable or pourable compositions is for a variety of applications of relevance.

Especially in the household sector, the dosage of flowable substances is of increasing importance, which is primarily due to the exact and needs-controlled dosage of the corresponding active ingredients, thereby protecting the environment through resource conservation and prevention of overdoses and overdoses, on the other hand, the efficiency of the drugs so dosed is optimized.

The dosage of cleaning and fragrance compositions in the toilet area is currently primarily realized by so-called toilet flushing. These are single or multi-chamber containers that are hung in the toilet bowl so that when flushing the toilet bowl with water, a release of active ingredient from the toilet bowl into the toilet bowl.

Such devices are made, for example EP0828902 or DE10113036 known.

A major disadvantage of these toilet flushers is that the dosage depends essentially on the particular local flow conditions in the toilet bowl during the flushing process. However, the flow conditions may vary greatly depending on the type of toilet and the positioning of the toilet bowl in or on the toilet bowl. So it may happen, for example, that in some types of toilet no drug release from the toilet rinse takes place because the toilet bowl is not or not sufficiently covered with water during flushing and thus the dosing of the toilet rinser is not triggered.

Even if a toilet-rinse is overflowed according to use of rinse water, so this is so far disadvantageous as it comes to a disturbance provided by the toilet manufacturer water supply, whereby the flushing power of a toilet can be noticeably reduced.

The release of the active ingredients from such toilet flushers is usually carried out by the penetration of rinse water through openings in the toilet bowl, the drug substances are dissolved and discharged at the outlet of the rinse water through corresponding outlet openings from the toilet rinse and washed away. Depending on the arrangement of the toilet rinser in the toilet this is flowed through the often very different flow conditions of the rinse water outlet from the edge of the toilet different degrees, which can be realized only a diffuse release of the active ingredients.

Usually, the flushing water flow is influenced by the introduction of a toilet flushing device, as shown at the beginning. Due to the changed flow conditions, it can lead to a significantly changed Abspülverhalten the toilet. Frequently, the flushing water flow is influenced in such a way that spray water is sprayed upwards from the toilet bowl, so that flushing water can escape from the toilet bowl or come into contact with the user when using the toilet, which is regularly perceived as unpleasant.

Furthermore, a targeted flow guidance in the toilets attempts to further reduce the amounts of flushing water used with constant or improved flushing behavior, so that intervention in the flushing water flow in toilets optimized in this way has an even greater influence on the flushing behavior.

It would therefore be desirable to have a metering device for releasing active ingredients into a toilet bowl, which realizes an independent of the flushing of the toilet dosage of active ingredients in the toilet bowl.

For this purpose , from the prior art, for example EP1055782A1 (which shows a toilet freshener according to the preamble of claim 1) or EP579581A1 , Dispensers known that provide a drug delivery in the Spülwasserwasserleitung a toilet. In such dispensers, it is necessary to connect the dispenser with the flushing water pipe to the toilet, which regularly requires a comparatively complex sanitary installation and thus usually not be done by an average consumer sondem by a plumber.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an easily installable device which dispenses active substances during the rinsing process into a toilet bowl without influencing the flow conditions during the rinsing process in the toilet bowl.

The object is achieved with a toilet freshener according to the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a sensor unit detects a triggering of the flushing water flow without intervention in the flushing water flow and generates a sensor signal which is sent to the control unit, which converts the sensor signal into a control signal for dispensing at least one preparation.

Without intervention means that the flushing water flow is not affected, so undergoes no significant distraction. It is therefore particularly preferred that the sensor unit operates without contact with regard to the flushing water flow.

The toilet freshener according to the invention consists of various components, which in turn can be combined to form assemblies. The components of the toilet flusher comprise at least a pump, a dispensing element, a control unit, a sensor unit, a power source, a container, a fastening means and a preparation. The components pump, control unit, sensor unit and energy source are combined to form the module "dosing unit". The components and assemblies are described below.

dosing

In the metering device necessary for the operation of the toilet flusher power source, a control unit, a sensor unit and at least one pump is integrated. Preferably, the dosing device consists of a splash-proof housing that the penetration of splashing water, as it may occur in a toilet bowl when using the toilet-rinser according to the invention, in the interior of the dosing prevented.

The dosing device is arranged on the outer edge of the toilet bowl, which on the one hand protection against splash water and on the other hand a convenient operation of the dosing device is made possible. Furthermore, the dosing device does not protrude into the interior of the toilet, whereby the usable external cross-sectional area of the toilet bowl is not reduced by the arrangement on the outside edge.

Since the preparations to be dosed may have a pH between 2 and 12, depending on the intended use, all components of the toilet rinser that come into contact with the preparations should have a corresponding acid and / or alkali resistance. Furthermore, these components should be largely chemically inert by a suitable choice of material, for example against nonionic surfactants, enzymes and / or fragrances It is particularly advantageous to shed the electrical components of the WC flusher according to the invention, such as the energy source, the control unit, the sensor unit separately or together with each other in such a way that the metering device is substantially waterproof, the metering device is thus functional even when fully enclosed with liquid , As potting materials, for example, multicomponent epoxy, and acrylate potting compounds such as methacrylate esters, urethane-metha and cyanoacrylates or two-component materials can be used with polyurethanes, silicones, epoxy resins.

A significant advantage of the invention is to be seen in the separation of the toilet rinser in a dosing and in a coupled with the dispenser container, whereby the toilet freshener can be used flexibly for a variety of applications and adapted in a simple manner.

pump

A pump in the sense of this application is a fluid energy machine for moving or conveying in particular small quantities of a fluid by converting a mechanical drive power into a flow rate.

In the following, fluids are liquids and gases, as well as mixtures thereof and solids.

The pump can be selected from the group of positive displacement pumps, oscillatory pumps, diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, rotary pumps, dynamic pumps, centrifugal pumps, electrohydrodynamic pumps, electroosmotic pumps, magnetohydrodynamic pumps, surface acoustic wave pumps, capillary force pumps, electrowetting pumps , thermocapillary pumps.

The pump is connected either directly or through the intermediary of the control unit to the power source.

The pump, the sensor and the control unit are advantageously configured in such a way that a defined release amount of active ingredient preparation is dispensed into the toilet bowl irrespective of the arrangement of the toilet rinser in or on the toilet bowl and / or of the amount of flushing water acting on the toilet bowl ,

The pump also makes it possible for at least two distinct, defined delivery quantities of at least one active substance preparation to be releasable. A significant advantage of this particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is the need-based dosage of active ingredients in the toilet bowl, which can be a resource gentler and more effective use of active ingredients can be effected.

In a further, preferred embodiment of the invention, the pump is configured such that it is suitable for releasing an active compound preparation having a viscosity <5000 mPas.

micropump

The delivery rate of a micropump is usually between 50 nl and 100 ml per minute, preferably between 250 nl and 30 ml per minute, more preferably between 500 nl and 5 ml per minute.

The micropump preferably has a construction volume of less than 5 cm ³ , particularly preferably less than 3 cm ³ , particularly preferably less than 2 cm ³ .

The specific delivery rate of a micropump, formed from the ratio of delivery rate to the construction volume of a micropump, is usually less than 500 [1 / min]. The specific delivery rate is preferably between 1 and 300, more preferably between 1.5 and 200, particularly preferably between 2 and 150, with very particular preference between 2.5 and 100.

diaphragm pumps

Particularly advantageous for the dosing of cleaning and active ingredient preparations and fragrances are membrane pumps.

Diaphragm pumps usually consist of an inlet and an outlet valve in or out of a pumping chamber, which is partially formed of a pumping membrane and an actuator.

The actuator causes a compression of the pumping chamber by mechanically acting on the pump diaphragm with the inlet valve closed, whereby the fluid in the pumping chamber is conveyed out of the pumping chamber via the opened outlet valve.

When the ejection operation is completed, the outlet valve is closed and the decompression of the pumping chamber is effected by the actuator, whereby the fluid is sucked into the pumping chamber via the opened inlet valve.

It can be seen that by suitable configuration and / or control of the valves and the actuator, the conveying direction of the micropump can be influenced or reversed.

The actuator of the diaphragm pump can be selected, for example, from the group of electromotive, piezoceramic, bimetallic, memometallic, pneumatic, peristaltic, electrostatic, electromagnetic, thermal drive units.

The valves can be designed as active or passive valves. The passive valves may in particular be flapper valves, diaphragm valves or no-moving parts valves.

Depending on the field of application, the pressure-side delivery of the preparation from the dosing device can be dropwise, jet-like or spray-like, diffuse or by evaporation.

In particular, in preparations which tend to form deposits during prolonged storage, it may be advantageous to arrange containers containing the preparation on the pressure side of the pump. In this configuration, only a fluid free of deposit-forming substances is pumped by the pump. It is particularly advantageous in this case to use air as the fluid.

The fluid is pumped into the container under pressure. The container has a pressure compensation valve that releases the product flow from the container when a defined pressure in the container is exceeded.

This makes it possible in particular to use the metering device for a wide variety of preparations without jeopardizing the functionality of the pump by possible deposits or reactions between two preparations.

release elements

The delivery elements are any type of devices which are suitable for delivering an active substance to the environment of the dosing device.

The dispensing element has two nozzles for dispensing active ingredients into the toilet or on the inside toilet bowl surfaces.

To deliver active ingredient preparation in the air nozzles are suitable.

The dispensing element may have the same or different spray cone shapes when dispensing the preparations. For example, it is conceivable that one delivery element generates a jet with a rather punctiform application surface, while another delivery element generates a flat application field. Of course, various combinations of different spray cone shapes are conceivable.

In particular, the dispensing element can be movably arranged on the toilet freshener so that the user can align the spray cone that can be generated by the dispensing element with a desired application field. Also, the dispensing element may have upper means which allow adjustment of the spray cone shape.

The delivery member may further provide means for electrostatically charging drug droplets, thereby improving wetting, adherence and / or distribution of the agent on a surface and / or in the air.

In particular, the delivery member may be configured such that one or more agents are delivered in different directions from each other. In the following table, by way of example but not necessarily, some possible configurations regarding the dispensing direction are listed. Dispensing direction A Dispensing direction B Fragrance release in the toilet bowl Fragrance delivery to the environment Detergent dispensed into the toilet bowl Discharge of detergent under the edge of the toilet / During rinsing or outside the rinsing process Detergent dispensed into the toilet bowl Fragrance delivery to the environment

Of course, any other, any combination of the configurations listed in the above table is possible.

It is also advantageous to arrange the dispensing element movably on the bracket of the toilet rinser. In this way, the dispensing element and the spray cone of the preparation can be targeted by the user to wet a defined application field in or on the toilet with preparation.

The dispensing element or elements are advantageously configured in such a way that a defined dispensing quantity of at least one active substance preparation is directed and defined into the interior of a toilet bowl independently of the positioning of the toilet freshener on the toilet bowl. Advantages of such a design are u.a. the more specific exposure of toilet bowl surfaces with one or more active agents, whereby different surfaces can be treated with different active ingredients. For example, in a flat washer, the pan may be wetted with an adherence reducing agent, while an active agent for reducing limescale is applied to the funnel-shaped walls extending from the pan to the rim of the toilet.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit generates a control signal for release of active ingredient preparation when a rinse water release takes place and a control signal for ending the drug release when the flow through the toilet bowl with rinse water is completed.

In an advantageous further development of the toilet rinser according to the invention, the first delivery amount and at least the second delivery amount are from the same or different active compound preparations.

According to a further, preferred embodiment, the first delivery quantity and at least the second delivery quantity are released at mutually different points in time.

control unit

A control unit in the sense of this application is a device which is suitable for influencing the transport of material, energy and / or information. The control unit For this purpose, it influences converters with the aid of information which it processes in the sense of the control target.

The transducers can be pumps and / or valves, for example.

Since the toilet freshener in a preferred embodiment of the invention does not use mechanical control elements for product release, the toilet freshener can be miniaturized so that it can also be used in applications where the size of the toilet freshener is critical.

In particular, the control unit may be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dosing programs are stored on the microprocessor, which can be selected and executed in accordance with the container coupled to the toilet freshener. Of course, it is also conceivable that the dosing programs are manually retrievable by the user.

The control unit is also preferably arranged on the outside of the toilet bowl, from where it can be operated by the user in a simple way, especially when the user sits on the toilet.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit may comprise a dosing program for introducing at least two mutually different active compound preparations into a toilet bowl or into the environment of the toilet bowl, at least two different active substance preparations being released on at least two successive times t ₁ and t ₂ be introduced, wherein at least one active ingredient preparation is introduced into the interior of a toilet bowl.

An essential advantage of such a dosing program is, inter alia, an optimized cleaning performance by the most precise control of possible chemical reactions by a corresponding time delayed release of the corresponding preparation or preparations, of which some, but not exhaustive examples are listed in the table below. t ₁ t ₂ advantage Cleaner in toilet bowl during the flushing process Perfume in toilet bowl after rinse Optimized perfume development, as perfume is released after the rinse in the toilet bowl and so is not washed away with the rinse water. Perfume is not "decomposed" by detergent preparation. Fragrance in toilet bowl immediately before use Cleaner in toilet bowl during the flushing process Optimized perfume development, as fragrance is released before the rinse in the toilet bowl and so is not washed away with the rinse water. Perfume is not "decomposed" by detergent preparation. Cleaner A in toilet bowl immediately before use Cleaner B in toilet bowl during rinsing process Cleaner A can prevent buildup in the toilet bowl by applying a cleanser A protective film to the toilet bowl immediately prior to use of the toilet, which is then rinsed from the toilet surface during rinse B rinse operation.

Another advantage is the fact that a controlled release of one or more different fragrances can be realized, which at least diminish habituation of the sense of smell. For this purpose, a known from the prior art method of clocking and the pulse-like delivery of perfume can be used. Furthermore, a Habituation can also be reduced by a delivery of successive, different from each other fragrances.

It is also conceivable that the toilet rinse before or during the Abspülvorgangs dosed an antifoam in the toilet bowl. Frequently, excessive foaming before or during the Abspolvorgangs causes a floating of toilet paper on this foam, so that the toilet paper is not properly washed away with the rinse water, but still floats in the toilet bowl after completion of the Abspülvorgangs. This is regularly perceived by consumers as unsightly. By adding the antifoam before or during the rinsing process, excessive foaming can be prevented and a safe removal of the toilet paper can be ensured. In addition or as an alternative to the antifoam, pulp-dissolving substances can also be added.

The control unit may in particular be designed in such a way that it is possible to set parameters in the dosing programs. For example, sensor thresholds may be adjustable during pre-configuration of the toilet bowl or by the user during use to, for example, trigger drug release to cause a certain sensor threshold. The setting of one or more parameters can be realized by a correspondingly configured input device on the toilet freshener. As a result, the control of the toilet rinser can be further optimized and adapted to a particular application.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dispensing element and at least the first preparation are configured such that a foam is formed when the preparation is released into the environment.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the pump, the dispensing element and at least the first preparation are configured such that a foam is formed when the preparation is released into the environment.

Foaming has several potential advantages. On the one hand, a foam can include and minimize bad odors particularly well through its pore and cell structure. On the other hand, the foam can also be applied as a so-called "anti-caking" coating on the surface of the toilet bowl in order to reduce buildup of metabolic waste products on these surfaces.

For this purpose, it is advantageous if the dispensing element is designed as a foam spray head and the preparation has a viscosity of less than 3,000 mPas, so that a stable, well-adhering and fine-pored foam can be formed from this.

sensor unit

The sensor unit is designed as an ultrasonic sensor or infrared sensor.

The sensor is configured in such a way that the detection of a flushing process is realized without intervention in the Spülwasserdrömung in a toilet bowl. Ultrasonic sensors or infra red sensors can be used for this purpose.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that a metering process to which a defined amount of a preparation is dispensed takes less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 10 seconds, particularly preferably less than 5 seconds. By a dose interval as short as possible in which a preparation is delivered to the environment, the dosing device can be readily available for the next dosing interval and thus ensure an effective delivery of preparation even with a continuous use of a toilet.

energy

For the purposes of this application is understood as an energy source, a component of the metering device, which is expedient to provide a self-sufficient operation of the metering suitable energy.

Preferably, the energy source provides electrical energy. The energy source may be, for example, a battery, a power supply, solar cells or the like.

It is also conceivable to transmit the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the dosing device wirelessly by means of radio waves from a corresponding transmitter to a corresponding receiver in the device.

It is particularly advantageous to make the energy source replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

However, it is also conceivable in principle that the energy source is a mechanical energy source, such as a dynamo, which converts a mechanical or fluidic energy into electrical energy. This can then be stored in suitable memory elements such as a capacitor or accumulator.

container

For the purposes of this application, a container is understood to mean a packaging material which is suitable for wrapping or holding together preparations and which can be coupled to the dispensing device for dispensing the preparation.

Particularly preferred is an arrangement in which two containers are provided, which, more preferably, are separated from each other and each containing a drug fluid. But there may also be several reservoirs for multiple drug fluids. The reservoirs are separated from each other to prevent premature mixing of the drug fluids. They may be physically separate or formed as separate compartments in a contiguous body.

Preferably, the volume ratio formed from the overall volume of the metering device and the filling volume of the container <1, more preferably <0.1, particularly preferably <0.05. This ensures that, for a given total construction volume of metering device and container, the overwhelming portion of the construction volume is taken up by the container and the preparation contained therein.

The container usually has a filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, very particularly preferably <50 ml.

The invention is particularly suitable for dimensionally stable containers such as cups, cans, cartridges, cartridges, bottles, canisters, cans, boxes, drums or tubes, but can also be used for flexible containers such as bags or sacks, in particular if they are in accordance with the bag. be used in-bottle principle.

In particular, a container can also comprise a plurality of chambers which can be filled with different compositions from each other. It is also conceivable that a plurality of containers to a unit, for example, a cartridge is arranged.

Examples of possible combinations of containers or chambers with the corresponding preparations are exemplified for some applications in the following table. Container A Container B Container C cleaning supplies perfume Cleaning agent A Cleaning agent B Cleaning agent A Cleaning agent B perfume

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container has an RFID tag that contains at least information about the contents of the container and that can be read by the sensor unit.

This information can be used to select a dosing program stored in the control unit. In this way it can be ensured that an optimal dosing program is always used for a particular preparation. It can also be provided that in the absence of an RFID label or an RFID label with a false or faulty identifier, no dosage is done by the dosing and instead an optical or acoustic signal is generated that the user to the present Error indicates.

In order to prevent misuse of the container, the containers may also have structural elements which cooperate with corresponding elements of the metering device according to the key-lock principle, so that, for example, only containers of a particular type can be coupled to the metering device. Furthermore, it is possible by this configuration that information about the coupled to the dispenser container to the Control unit are transmitted, whereby a matched to the contents of the corresponding container control of the dosing device can be done.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the container may be under pressure. This is particularly advantageous if the preparation is to be sprayed or dispensed without the need for an intermediate pump. In this case, the delivery of the preparation may be controlled, for example, by a control valve operatively connected to the control unit. This embodiment has the further advantage that no energy has to be provided for the transport of the preparation from the energy source, with which the energy source can either be made smaller or have a longer life expectancy.

fastener

The toilet bowl further comprises a fastener formed as a bracket to fix the toilet bowl on the outer edge of the toilet bowl.

preparations

Preparations within the meaning of these applications are compositions containing at least one substance from the group of detergents and / or fragrances.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the preparations comprise substances for the modification of surfaces, in particular of ceramic surfaces.

Preparations suitable according to the invention are, for example, scent phases, in particular perfumed scent 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.

Likewise suitable as preparations are bleaching phases, in particular chlorine-containing bleaching phases, preferably bleaching phases based on hypochlorite, the bleaching phases usually being further apart from the actual bleaching agent and water Ingredients such as thickeners, surfactants or emulsifiers, neutralizing agents, dyes, perfumes, etc. may contain.

Further preparations which are 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 this is an organic or inorganic acid - and water optionally further ingredients such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.

Similarly, it is possible to use as preparations highly concentrated surfactant phases, so-called "foam boosters". Such highly concentrated surfactant phases may also contain other conventional ingredients in addition to the surfactants. Such foam boosters are particularly advantageous for pretreatment of the toilet bowl with a foam carpet to prevent or reduce, for example, adherence of metabolic waste products on the toilet surface and / or to cause encapsulation of bad odors.

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

It is also possible that the preparations 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 preparations 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 toilet freshener according to the invention offers the possibility of using combinations of different preparations 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 preparation 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 lime-dissolving, 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 substance phase, thickened with polyacrylate etc.

Of particular interest are viscous to gelatinous active fluids having viscosities in the range of a few thousand mPas, in particular from 200 to 5000 mPas, preferably 500 to 3500 mPas (measured with RotoVisko LVTV II, spindle 31, 5 rpm, 20 ° C).

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the preparations have a viscosity of less than 2000 mPas, in particular less than 1000 mPas (measured with RotoVisko LVTV II, spindle 31, 5 rpm, 20 ° C.). Such low-viscosity to aqueous preparations are particularly suitable if the preparation is to be sprayed in or on the toilet bowl.

Through the use of low-viscosity active compound preparations can be effected in conjunction with the toilet freshener invention a much faster and more accurate dosage and dispensed with the use of Verdickurtgssystemen. Furthermore, active ingredient systems can be used which can be prepared only with low viscosities, e.g. based on chlorine, HCl, ect ..

The preparation may be under pressure according to another embodiment of the invention. This is particularly advantageous if the preparation is to be sprayed or dispensed without the need for an intermediate pump. In this case, the delivery of the preparation may be controlled, for example, by a control valve operatively connected to the control unit. This embodiment has the further advantage that no energy has to be provided for the transport of the preparation from the energy source, with which the energy source can either be made smaller or have a longer life expectancy.

reference numeral

1 Toilet freshener 2 dosing 3 energy 4 control unit 5 sensor unit 6 pump 7 pressure line 8th suction 9 container 10 preparation 11 Pressure equalization valve 11a check valve 12 Pressure equalization valve 13 container 14 preparation 15 Valve 16 Valve 17 pressure line 18 suction 19 pump 42 RFID tag 43 dispensing element 44 Illuminant / operating display 45 actuator 46 Acoustic transducer 47 Support 48 Recording / recess 49 wall 50 fastener 51 wick 52 hanger 53 telescopic element 54 spray cones 55 toilet bowl 56 jet 57 jet 58 flap

List of Figures

Fig.1

Toilet washer with preparation container on the suction side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Fig.2

Toilet washer with preparation container on the pressure side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Figure 3

Toilet washer with two-chamber preparation container on the suction side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Figure 4

Toilet washer with passive valve-controlled two-chamber preparation container on the suction side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 4a

Toilet washer with active valve-controlled two-chamber preparation container on the suction side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Figure 5

Toilet freshener with two pump-connected preparation containers in a schematic block diagram

Figure 6

Flow chart for controlling the toilet flush with a pump

Figure 7

Flow chart for controlling the toilet flush with a pump and multi-chamber preparation container

Figure 8

Flow chart for control of toilet flush valves with several pumps and multi-chamber preparation containers

Figure 9

Toilet washer with RFID label on preparation container in a schematic block diagram

Figure 10

Toilet washer with removable refill container in a schematic block diagram

Figure 11

Toilet freshener with refill container fixed to the dispenser in a schematic block diagram

Figure 12

Toilet washer with integrated battery in the refill tank in a schematic block diagram

Figure 13

Toilet washer with 2-chamber refill and two pumps

Figure 14

Toilet washer with 2-chamber refill, a pump and a control valve in a schematic block diagram

Figure 15

Toilet freshener with individually replaceable containers in perspective view

Fig. 16

Dispensing element with integrated sensor unit and two dispensing nozzles in perspective view

Fig. 17

Dispensing element with integrated sensor unit, two dispensing nozzles and two spray cones in perspective view

Fig. 18

Toilet freshener with dispensing element and two spray cones in a perspective view of a toilet bowl

Fig. 19

Toilet freshener with discharge element arranged under the toilet rim and two differently oriented spray cones in side view

Fig. 20

Toilet freshener with discharge element arranged under the toilet rim and a spray cone directed below the edge of the toilet in side view

Fig. 21

Toilet freshener with two individually replaceable containers and a viewing flap in closed and open position in perspective view

Fig. 1 shows the efindungsgemäße toilet dishwasher 1, which consists of the dosing device 2 and a connected to the dosing device 2, a preparation 10 contained container 9.

The dosing device 2 comprises an energy source 3, a control unit 4, a sensor unit 5 and a pump 6, these components preferably being integrated in a housing. The pump 6 is connected via the control unit 4 to the power source 3. The control unit 4 in turn is connected to the sensor unit 5, which passes the control signals for controlling the pump 6 to the control unit 4.

The pump 6 has a pressure line 7 and a suction line 8, wherein the suction line 8 is connected to the container 10 containing the preparation 10. The pump 6 thus promotes the flowable preparation 10 via the suction line 8 from the container 9 into the pressure line 7 from where the preparation 10 is delivered to the environment of the toilet flusher 1. The pressure line 7 may in particular be such, e.g. by choosing a suitable diameter, be configured to counteract gelling of the dispensed preparation.

The container 9 may have a pressure compensation valve 11, which causes a pressure equalization between the environment and the interior of the container 9 when the pump 6 pumping preparation 10 out of the container 9.

The pump 6 can be controlled by the control unit 4 such that the conveying direction of the pump 6 is reversed and in the pump 6 and the lines 7 and 8 still located preparation in the container 9 are returned. This backwashing can be particularly advantageous if the preparation 10, for example, for thickening and thus for bonding the lines 7 or 8 tends.

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the Fig. 1 known metering device, in which the container 9 is connected on the pressure side with the pump 6. The pump 6 builds up a pressure in the container 9, by pumping ambient air into the container 9, so that the preparation is displaced from the container 9. On the preparation output side of the container 9, a valve 11 may be provided that releases the preparation 10 from the container 9 only when a defined pressure in the container 9 is reached. This can be particularly advantageous if no dropwise metering, but a defined spray or spray similar dosage should be made.

In addition, a check valve 11a may be arranged between the pump 6 and the container 9 in the pressure line 7, which prevents the pressure built up in the container 9 from escaping through the pressure line 7 when the pump 6 stops.

Figure 3 shows that off Fig.1 known metering device 2, in which a two-chamber container, which is formed from the container 9 and 13, is connected to the suction line 8 of the pump 6. The containers 9 and 13 each contain mutually different compositions 10 and 14.

The containers 9 and 13 may each have pressure equalizing valves 11,12.

The bottom-side discharge openings of the containers 9 and 13 are connected to the suction line 8 and the pump 6 such that the preparations 10 and 14 are pumped in defined proportions to each other through the suction line 8. For this purpose, it may be necessary to design the flow conditions in the leading to the bottom-side discharge openings of the container 9 and 13 pressure lines 8 accordingly.

When using more than two different preparations 10 and 14, it is advantageous to control the dosage such that in each case two formulations compatible with one another are conveyed in succession through the lines 7, 8 and the pump 6.

The incompatibility of two preparations may be due to an exothermic reaction, thickening, flocculation, pH change, color change or the like, for example.

Furthermore, a third container may be provided which contains a flushing fluid that cleans the lines 7, 8 and the pump 6 of at least one of the preparations 10, 14. For flushing the lines 7,8 and the pump 6 and air can be provided. By flushing the lines 7,8 and the pump 6 can be avoided that residues of incompatible preparations come into contact with each other.

Figure 4 shows a training of Figure 3 known toilet flusher 1. The leading to the bottom-side discharge openings of the containers 9 and 13 pressure lines 8 in this case each have a passive valve 15 and 16, which allow a defined setting of the Dasierverhaltnisse the preparations 10 and 14 from the containers 9 and 13.

The valves 15 and 16 may also be designed as temperature-sensitive bimetallic valves which open or close upon reaching a defined temperature. In particular, the valves 15 and 16 can be selected from bimetal valves which are different from one another, so that, for example, when a defined temperature is reached, only one preparation can be delivered by the pump 6 from one of the containers 9 or 13.

According to the dosing devices Fig.1-4 is common that the control unit 4 by processing the signals from the sensor unit 5 alone controls the pump 6.

The basic control algorithm 20 is in Fig. 6 reproduced in the form of a flowchart.

The control algorithm 20 is activated as soon as the dosing device 2 is switched on. In a first process step 22, the control unit 4 receives the signals of the sensor unit 5. In the control unit 4, the received sensor signal is compared with a threshold value stored in the control unit 4.

In the following process step 24, it is checked by means of a selection condition whether the sensor signal and the threshold value are in a defined relationship to one another. If the condition is met, the pump 6 is subsequently activated by the process step 25. If the condition is not fulfilled, further sensor signals according to process step 22 are received and evaluated by the control unit.

As can be seen from the process steps 25-29, the pump 6 remains in an activated state until a sensor signal is present that causes a switch-off of the micropump when compared with a threshold value stored in the control unit 4. According to this procedure, preparation is pumped out of the containers as long as the sensor signal moves between two predefined threshold values for switching on or off the pump 6.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to modify the control described above in such a way that a simple trigger circuit is realized in which switching on the micropump according to process step 25 causes the delivery of a defined amount of preparation in order to switch off the micropump automatically, without another one sensor signal-based switch-off condition for the pump 6 to be required.

As in Fig. 4a it is also possible to design the valves 15 and 16 as components to be actively controlled by the control unit 4. The mixing ratio of the two preparations 10 and 14 can be influenced so active and time-varying.

The control underlying this embodiment is in Fig. 7 illustrated by a flowchart 30.

Another possibility for active and time-variant influencing of the mixing ratios shows FIG. 5 , In this embodiment of the invention, each of the containers 9 and 13 is coupled to a pump 6 and 19 to be controlled individually by the control unit 4. The corresponding control algorithm is in Fig. 8 played.

Fig. 9 shows the off Fig. 1 known metering device, in which on the container 9, an RFID label 42 is arranged, which is suitable to identify the size and the content 10 of the container 9.

The sensor unit 5 comprises an RFID receiving unit which can read the information of the RFID label 42 arranged on the container 9. This information is passed as a control signal to the control unit 4 in order to effect a dosage of the preparation 10 which is coordinated with the contents of the container 9. In particular, the control signals caused by the RFID tag 42 can be used to select a metering program stored in the control unit.

This makes it possible to provide a universal dosing device for a variety of dosing applications such as the dosing of preparations in dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, toilets or living rooms.

As an alternative to the RFID tag 42, those skilled in the art may also provide other means for automatically identifying the container 9 and its contents 10 through the metering device.

Further, an additional dispenser 43 may be provided on the durckseitigen opening of the pressure line 7. This dispensing device 43 effects a distribution of the preparation which deviates from the dropwise delivery into the surroundings of the dosing device 1. This may be, for example, a jet-like or spray-like delivery of the preparation or a delivery based on evaporation or diffusion. For this purpose, the dispensing device 43 can be designed, for example, as a nozzle, atomizer, distributor plate or porous surface. In particular, the dispensing device can be designed such that it counteracts gelling of the released preparations.

Figure 10 shows that off Fig. 1 known toilet freshener with a detachable from the dosing device 2 container 9. The container 9 has at its lower, bottom end a nozzle 47 which is inserted into the receptacle 48 provided on the dosing device 1. The nozzle 47 may be closed by a closure means, so that first, in the unused state of the container 9, a leakage of preparation 10 from the container 9 is prevented, which, however, by inserting the container 9 in the metering device 2 and the nozzle 47 in the receptacle 48 is destroyed, so that a release of the preparation 10 from the container 9 by the dosing device 2 can be carried out in the environment. The toilet flusher in its assembled state is the Fig. 11 refer to.

The control unit 4 is further coupled to an acoustic transducer 46, which converts a voltage or current of the control unit into an audible acoustic signal. The Control unit 4 may comprise a memory for a plurality of acoustic signals and / or music and / or voice recordings, which are manually and sensor-triggered retrieved and executed, that is, be slid to the acoustic transducer 46.

Furthermore, a lighting means 44 is connected to the control unit 2, which is switched on or off in accordance with a predefined operating state of the dosing unit 2. The light source can be designed, for example, as an LED or LCD display.

About the actuator 45, the dosing device 2 can be switched on or off. Furthermore, it is conceivable that various programs stored in the control unit 4 are accessed and executed via the actuating element 45.

In Fig. 12 a further embodiment of the toilet-rinser according to the invention is shown, in which the energy source 3 is integrated in the form of a battery in the container 9. The battery 3 is electrically conductively connected via a correspondingly configured coupling with the dosing device 2. The capacity of the battery 3 is advantageously designed so that it feeds the dosing device 2 over the period of use until the complete emptying of the preparation 10 from the container 9 with energy.

Fig. 13 shows that off Fig. 5 principle known construction of the toilet flusher according to the invention in a more detailed schematic sketch. The chamber 9 is divided by the wall 49 into two chambers in which a first preparation 10 and a second preparation 14 are stored. Each of the chambers communicates with the environment by means of a respective pressure compensation valve 11 or 12 and has at its bottom end in each case a connection piece 47a or 47b.

Another, alternative embodiment of the e-flush toilet flushing is in Fig. 15 displayed. In this embodiment, the containers 9 and 13 are firmly connected to the dosing device 2 and can not by a in the Fig. 15 refilled opening to be refilled.

Fig. 16 shows a disposed at the distal end of the bracket 52 discharge element 43 with an integrated sensor 5 and two nozzles 56 and 57. The sensor 5 is designed in this embodiment as an infrared sensor or ultrasonic sensor.

The nozzles 56 and 57 may be configured to produce the same or different spray cones 54a, 54b, which works well in FIGS Fig. 17 is recognizable. As in Fig. 18 As shown, the spray cones 54a and 54b may be directed to the same application field inside a toilet bowl 55. From the Fig. 19 and 20 It can also be seen, however, that it is also possible to direct the two spray cones in different directions.

In the in Fig. 19 illustrated embodiment, the discharge element 43 is fixed by a hook on the inside at the bottom of the toilet bowl 55. The delivery element 43 is arranged displaceably on the bracket 52, which is indicated by the arrow in FIG Fig. 19 is symbolized. In addition, the toilet freshener 1 is fixed to the outside edge of the toilet bowl 55 by the fixing means 50 which is formed as a suction button.

The dispensing member 43 has a first nozzle 56 and a second nozzle 57 spaced apart and disposed in the dispensing member 43 such that their respective spray cones 54a and 54b are non-intersecting in different directions. That is how it is Spray cone 54a of the first nozzle 56 into the interior of the toilet bowl 55, while the spray cone 54b of the second nozzle 57 is directed to the edge of the toilet bowl. It is also possible, as shown in Fig. 24, that a spray cone 54b is directed under the rim of the toilet bowl 55. The spray cones 54a and 54b may be formed of the same or different compositions.

From the discharge element, a sensor unit 5 protrudes in the form of a capacitive sensor under the edge of the toilet 55, so that the sensor 5 is acted upon in the Spülwasserbetätigung of water. The sensor 5 is formed in such a way that it does not have a significant influence on the flushing water guide in the toilet bowl 55.

A further embodiment of the container 9 and 13 and the dosing device 2 shows the Fig. 21 , The receptacle of the containers 9 and 13 in the metering device can be closed by a flap 58 which is arranged pivotably on the metering device 2. The two containers 9 and 13 can be removed or used separately in the opened state of the flap 58 of the receptacle of the metering device 2.

Fig. 21 shows in a further embodiment of the invention, a toilet freshener 1 with two individually replaceable containers 9 and 13 and a viewing flap 58 in the closed and open position. The viewing flap 58 is articulated on the rear wall of the toilet rinser in such a manner that the viewing flap 58 preferably completely covers the containers 9 and 13 used in the toilet freshener 1. The viewing flap 58 can be equipped with closure means which allow a child-proof closure of the viewing flap 58 with the toilet freshener and thus prevent inadvertent access to the containers 9 and 13.

On the front side of the toilet flushing the lighting means 44 and the actuating element 45 are arranged, which are not covered in the closed state of the viewing flap 58, but are freely accessible.

Claims (6)

1. A toilet freshener (1) for introducing at least one active substance preparation into a toilet bowl, comprising

   - a dispenser (2),

   - an energy source (3),

   - a control unit (4),

   - a sensor unit (5),

   - a pump (6),

   - a release element (43) together with

   - at least one first container (9) which contains a first preparation (10) and which is couplable with the dispenser (2),

   the energy source (3), the control unit (4), the sensor unit (5) and the pump (6) being integrated in the dispenser (2), and
   the sensor unit (5) detecting triggering of the flush water stream and generating a sensor signal which is transmitted to the control unit (4), which converts the sensor signal into a control signal for releasing the at least one preparation if the sensor signal has exceeded a defined threshold value stored in the control unit (4), and the energy source (3), the control unit (4) and at least the first container (9) interacting in such a manner that, in the presence of the control signal which represents triggering of the flush water stream, at least the first preparation (10) is released from the first container (9) into the toilet bowl (55) by means of the pump (6) and the release element (43),
   characterised in that,
   for arrangement on the outer rim of a toilet bowl, the toilet freshener (1) comprises a fastening means taking the form of a clip (52) for fixing the toilet freshener to the toilet bowl,
   wherein detection of the flush water stream by the sensor unit (5) proceeds without intervention in the flush water flow,
   wherein the release element (43) comprises two nozzles (56, 57) and the sensor unit (5), is arranged on the distal end of the clip (52) and the clip (52) is connected to the dispenser (2) position on the outer rim of the toilet bowl, and
   wherein the sensor unit (5) takes the form of an ultrasound sensor or infrared sensor, wherein the ultrasound sensor or infrared sensor is directed into the interior of the toilet bowl (55).
2. A toilet freshener according to claim 1, characterised in that the threshold value of the sensor signal, at which the control unit (4) generates a control signal, is settable.
3. A toilet freshener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (4) is a programmable microcontroller.
4. A toilet freshener according to any claim 3, characterised in that a plurality of selectable dispensing programs are stored in the microcontroller.
5. A toilet freshener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pump (6) and/or the release element (43) and at least the first preparation (10) are configured such that a foam is formed on release of the preparation (10) into the toilet bowl (55).
6. A toilet freshener according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the release element is arranged in movable manner on the toilet freshener such that the user can orient the spray cone producible by the release element onto a desired application field.

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