EP2179099A1

EP2179099A1 - Toilet cleaner dispenser with an adjustable substance dispensing amount

Info

Publication number: EP2179099A1
Application number: EP08735925A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthias LÜKEN; Frank Pessel; Hans-George MÜHLHAUSEN; Ralph Butter-Jentsch
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2007-08-24
Filing date: 2008-04-08
Publication date: 2010-04-28
Also published as: DE102007040323A1; DE102007040323B4; RU2010110909A; RU2479694C2; US20100205728A1; DE202007018952U1; UA98805C2; WO2009027114A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet cleaner dispenser for adding at least one substance preparation to a toilet bowl, comprising at least one first container (9) having a first preparation (10) that may be coupled to the dosing device (2) of the toilet cleaner dispenser, wherein the toilet cleaner dispenser comprises at least one control unit (4) and a dispenser element (43) and/or a pump (6, 19) that cooperate such that at least two different, defined dispensing amounts of at least one substance preparation may be released.

Description

Toilet washer with adjustable Wirkstoffabqabemenqe

The invention relates to a toilet freshener with an electromechanically effected, adjustable discharge amount of preparations in or on 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 known for example from EP0828902 or DE10113036.

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.

Among other things, toilet flushers are known from the prior art, which store a solid or gel-like drug substance and which are arranged under the edge of the toilet bowl directly into the flushing water stream. 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 freshener, the active ingredient dissolved and at the outlet of the rinse water by appropriate Outlets are discharged from the toilet bowl and washed away. Depending on the arrangement of the toilet-rinser in the toilet this is flowed through the often very different local flow conditions of the rinse water outlet from the edge of the toilet, at different levels, which can not be realized a well-defined release of the active ingredients. In extreme cases, no release of active ingredient from the toilet freshener is achieved if the toilet freshener is located in a poorly or not at all flown around the Spülwasserflusses. Which areas of a toilet are particularly suitable for an arrangement of the toilet rinser, since they are sufficiently well, but not overflowed, can be practically barely recognized by the user.

Furthermore, the amount of active ingredient released can be influenced by the temperature of the rinse water, so that in the warmer months a higher release of active ingredient can be observed than in the colder months of a year.

Especially with regard to the most environmentally friendly cleaning of toilet bowl by means of toilet flusher is a defined, constant and needs-based dosage of active ingredient compositions of rapidly growing importance.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to prevent the disadvantages of the toilet freshener of the type described and to provide a toilet freshener, which realizes an adjustable release of active ingredient amounts of a toilet freshener.

A significant advantage of the toilet rinser according to the invention is the demand-based dosing of active ingredients in the toilet bowl, which can be a resource-saving and more effective use of active ingredients can be achieved.

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

According to the invention, the toilet freshener comprises at least one energy source, a control unit and a dispensing element and / or a pump which cooperate in such a way that at least two mutually different, defined dispensing amounts of at least one preparation from the toilet freshener can be released into the toilet bowl.

Defined discharge amount in this context means that the discharge amount is independent of the amount and / or the duration of Spülwasserströmung and the positioning of the toilet flusher in or on the toilet bowl and is determined exclusively by the control unit of the toilet flusher. In many toilets today there is the possibility of "normal" rinsing water release, a so-called water-saving function, in the actuation of which a smaller amount of rinsing water is released, usually over a shorter period of time To position the toilet flushing unit at the toilet bowl as desired and still achieve an optimal release of active ingredient based on the amount of flushing water and flushing time.

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 can in a preferred embodiment of the invention be combined to form the module "metering device." 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.

Further, it is preferred that the dosing device is arranged on the outer edge of the toilet bowl, whereby on the one hand protection from splash water influence 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, for example, the energy source, the control unit, the sensor unit separately or together, in such a way that the metering device essentially - A -

waterproof, the dosing 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.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the release of at least one preparation is solely gravitationally effected without the action of a pump. In this configuration, the delivery of formulation from the container to the environment is controlled, for example, by a valve that opens to release the preparation and prevent it from releasing. The valve can be controlled directly by the power source or by the interposition of the control unit.

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 flusher 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 appropriate 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 ml and 100 ml per minute, preferably between 250 ml and 30 ml per minute, more preferably between 500 ml 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, particularly preferably between 1.5 and 200, particularly preferably between 2 and 150, very particularly preferably between 2.5 and 100.

diaphragm pumps

Particularly advantageous for the dosage of cleaning and active ingredient preparations and of

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.

Abqabeelemente

As delivery elements are any kind of devices that are suitable, a

To deliver drug substance to the environment of the dosing device.

For example, the delivery elements may be selected from the group of nozzles, spray heads, drop dispensers, foam spray heads, piezo elements, porous elements, wick systems, capillary systems, nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers, ionization nebulizers, etc. In particular, nozzles, spray heads, drop dispensers, foam spray heads, piezo elements and the like are suitable for dispensing active ingredients into the toilet or on the inside of the toilet bowl surfaces.

In particular, nozzles, atomizers, spray heads, piezo elements, sintered plates, porous elements, wick systems and the like are suitable for dispensing active compound preparation into the air.

The delivery elements 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 means that 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.

Furthermore, the dispensing element can be designed as a fan, which can be configured either by suction of bad odors to improve the air or with regard to an optimized distribution of active substance in or on the toilet bowl.

In particular, the delivery elements can be configured in such a way that one or more active substances are released in different directions from one another. In the following table, by way of example but not necessarily, some possible configurations regarding the dispensing direction are listed.

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.

control unit

A control unit in the sense of this application is a device that is suitable, the

Transporting material, energy and / or information to influence. For this purpose, the control unit influences transducers 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 consecutive times ti and t ₂ , wherein at least one preparation of active ingredient is introduced into the interior of a toilet bowl.

An essential advantage of such a dosing program is u.a. an optimized cleaning performance through 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.

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 causes too much foaming before or during the Abspülvorgangs 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 Abspülvorvorgang. 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 rinser or by the user during use to cause, for example, release of the drug release at a particular 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 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.

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 very stable, well-adhering and fine-pored foam can be formed from this.

sensor unit

The sensor unit may comprise one or more active and / or passive sensors for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of mechanical, electrical, physical and / or chemical variables, which are passed as control signals to the control unit.

In particular, the sensors of the sensor unit from the group of timers, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, sound pressure sensors, "lab-on-a-chip Sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors.

The sensor unit can be designed in its simplest conceivable embodiment as a tilt, push or push switch.

Particularly in the case of preparations whose viscosity varies greatly depending on the temperature, it is advantageous for volume or mass control of the metered preparations to provide flow sensors in the metering device. Suitable flow sensors can be selected from the group of orifice flow sensors, electromagnetic flowmeters,

Mass flow measurement according to the Coriolis method, vortex meter flow measurement method, ultrasonic flow measurement method, variable area flow measurement, annular piston flow measurement, thermal mass flow measurement or differential pressure flow measurement. It is also conceivable for a temperature-dependent viscosity curve of at least one preparation to be deposited in the control unit, wherein the dosage is adjusted by the control unit according to the temperature and thus the viscosity of the preparation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for direct determination of the viscosity of the preparation is provided.

The abovementioned alternatives for determining the metered quantity or the viscosity of a preparation serve to generate a control signal which is processed by the control unit in such a way for controlling a pump that substantially a constant metering of a preparation is effected.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is configured in such a way that the detection of a rinsing process is realized without significantly influencing the flow conditions in a toilet bowl. For example, ultrasound 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.

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, this configuration makes it possible to transmit information about the container coupled to the dosing device to the control unit, as a result of which control of the dosing device coordinated with the contents of the corresponding container can take place.

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. Befestiqunqsmittel

The toilet bowl further includes attachment means to fix the toilet bowl to the toilet bowl. The fastening means may be formed, for example, as a suction cup, adhesive tape, strap or the like.

The attachment of the toilet rinser can alternatively be done on the cistern of the toilet, the toilet seat or the toilet lid. For this purpose, the well-known in the prior art fasteners can be used.

preparations

Preparations within the meaning of these applications are compositions containing at least one

Substance from the group of detergents and / or perfumes.

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.

Bleaching phases, in particular chlorine-containing bleaching phases, preferably bleaching phases based on hypochlorite, are also suitable according to the invention. The bleaching phases may optionally contain further ingredients such as thickeners, surfactants or emulsifiers, neutralizing agents, dyes, fragrances, etc. in addition to the actual bleaching agent and water.

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 pre-treatment of the toilet bowl with a foam carpet to For example, to prevent or reduce adhesion of metabolic waste products on the toilet surface and / or to effect 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 U / min, 20 ⁰ C). In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the formulations have a viscosity less than 2000 mPas, especially less than 1000 mPas, (measured with RotoVisko LVTV II, Spindle 31, 5 U / min, 20 ⁰ 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 inventive toilet freshener much faster and more accurate dosage and dispensed with the use of thickening systems. 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 CHARACTERS

1 toilet-dishwasher

2 dosing device

3 energy source

4 control unit

5 sensor unit

6 pump

7 pressure line

8 suction line

9 containers

10 preparation

11 pressure balance valve

11a check valve

12 pressure balance valve

13 containers

14 preparation

15 valve

16 valve

17 pressure line

18 suction line

19 pump

42 RFI D label

43 delivery element

44 light bulb / operating display

45 actuator

46 Acoustic transducer

47 nozzles

48 recording / deepening

49 wall

50 fasteners

51 wick

52 stirrups

53 telescopic element

54 spray cone

55 toilet bowls

56 nozzle

57 nozzle

58 flap Abbildunqsverzeichnis

Fig. 1 toilet bowl with preparation container on the suction side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 2 toilet bowl with preparation container on the pressure side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 3 toilet bowl with two-chamber preparation container on the suction side of the pump in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 4 WC flusher 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

Fig. 5 toilet bowl with two pump-connected preparation containers in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 6 Flow chart for controlling the toilet flush with a pump

Fig. 7 Flow chart for controlling the toilet flusher with a pump and multi-chamber preparation container

Fig. 8 Flow chart for controlling the toilet flusher with multiple pumps and multi-chamber preparation container

Fig. 9 WC-dishwasher with RFID label on preparation container in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 10 toilet bowl with removable refill container in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 11 toilet bowl with fixed to the dosing device refill container in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 12 toilet flush with integrated battery in the refill container in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 13 Toilet flush with 2-chamber refill and two pumps

Fig. 14 toilet bowl with 2-chamber refill, a pump and a control valve in a schematic block diagram

Fig. 15 toilet freshener with extendable bracket in a perspective view

Fig. 16 toilet bowl with removable container and wick system in perspective view

Fig. 17 toilet bowl with arranged on a strap end discharge element in side view

Fig. 18 toilet bowl with arranged at a temple end dispensing element in view of a toilet bowl

Fig. 19 toilet bowl with individually replaceable containers in a perspective view Fig.20 Dispensing element with integrated sensor unit and two dispensing nozzles in perspective view Fig.21 dispensing element with integrated sensor unit, two dispensing nozzles and two

Sprühkegeln in perspective view Fig.22 toilet bowl with dispensing element and two spray cones in perspective

View of a toilet bowl Fig. 23 Toilet freshener with discharge element arranged under the toilet rim and two differently oriented spray cones in side view Fig. 24 Toilet freshener with dispensing element located below the toilet rim and a spray cone directed below the edge of the toilet Fig.25 WC Dishwasher with two individually exchangeable containers and a viewing flap in closed and open position in perspective view

1 shows the toilet freshener 1 according to the invention, which consists of the metering device 2 and a container 9 connected to the metering device 2 and containing a preparation 10.

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 metering device known from FIG. 1, in which the container 9 is connected on the pressure side to 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, between the pump 6 and the container 9 in the pressure line 7, a check valve 1 1a may be arranged, which prevents the built-up in the container 9 pressure escapes at standstill of the pump 6 through the pressure line 7. 3 shows the metering device 2 known from FIG. 1, in which a two-chamber container, which is formed from the containers 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.

FIG. 4 shows a further development of the WC flusher 1 known from FIG. 3. The pressure lines 8 leading to the bottom-side discharge openings of the containers 9 and 13 each have a passive valve 15 and 16 which has a defined setting of the metering ratios of the preparations 10 and allow 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. The dosing devices according to FIGS. 1-4 have in common that the control unit 4 solely regulates the pump 6 by processing the signals from the sensor unit 5.

The basic control algorithm 20 is shown in FIG. 6 in the form of a flow chart.

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 shown in FIG. 4 a, 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 illustrated in FIG. 7 with reference to a flow diagram 30. A further possibility for active and time-variant influencing of the mixing ratios is shown in 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 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows the dosing device known from FIG. 1, in which an RFID label 42, which is suitable for identifying the size and the content 10 of the container 9, is arranged on 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.

Fig. 10 shows the known from Fig. 1 toilet bowl 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 recording 48 destroyed is so that a release of the preparation 10 from the container 9 can be carried out by the metering device 2 in the environment. The toilet freshener in its assembled state is shown in FIG. 11.

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 / or sensor-triggered retrieved and executed, i. 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.

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of the WC flusher according to the invention, in which the energy source 3 is integrated in the container 9 in the form of a battery. 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 the structure of the WC flusher according to the invention which is known in principle from FIG. 5 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.

FIGS. 15-17 show a further embodiment of the WC flusher according to the invention. The toilet freshener consists of the dosing device 2 and the container 9 which can be fixed detachably on the dosing device 2. The dosing device has a raised rear wall from which the fastening means 52 in the form of a bracket extends vertically. The bracket 52 is positioned between the edge of the toilet and the toilet seat, where it is fixed by the resting toilet seat on the toilet bowl. As shown in Fig. 17, in addition, a suction on the Dosing be provided which secures the toilet freshener additionally by a vacuum effect on the toilet.

On the upwardly directed head side of the fastening means 52, a pressure or strain gauge sensor is arranged as a sensor unit 5. If pressure is exerted on this sensor unit 5, for example by a toilet seat on which a toilet user takes a seat, the sensor unit 5 generates a corresponding signal that is forwarded to the control unit 4 of the dosing device 2.

The container 9 is separable from the metering device, which is clearly visible in FIG. 16. The container 9 has in its interior a wicking system 50, with the preparation by means of the discharge element 43a from the container 9 will give off by evaporation to the environment. The nozzle 47 and the receptacle 48 in the dosing device 2 form in the assembled state of the container 9 and dosing device 2 from a liquid-tight connection.

The bracket 52, a discharge element 43 is provided in the form of a nozzle head. The nozzle head 43 is movably arranged on the bracket 52 so that it can be aligned by the user. Between the nozzle head 43 and the bracket 52, a telescopic element 53 is arranged, by the length of the bracket 52 and thus the application point of the nozzle head 43 is adjustable. With the nozzle head 43, a spray cone 54 is produced from the preparation, which, as shown in FIG. 18, wets a defined application field within the toilet bowl 55.

Another, alternative embodiment of the toilet flushing device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 19. In this embodiment, the containers 9 and 13 are fixedly connected to the metering device 2 and can be refilled by an opening not shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a delivery element 43 arranged at the distal end of the stirrup 52 with an integrated sensor 5 and two nozzles 56 and 57. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor 5 is designed as an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

The nozzles 56 and 57 may be configured to produce the same or different spray cones 54a, 54b, which is clearly seen in FIG. As shown in Fig. 22, the spray cones 54a and 54b may be directed to the same application field inside a toilet bowl 55. It can also be seen from FIGS. 23 and 24, however, that it is also possible to direct the two spray cones in different directions.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the dispensing element 43 is fixed on the inside to the lower edge of the toilet bowl 55 by a hook. The delivery element 43 is for this purpose slidably disposed on the bracket 52, which is symbolized by the arrow in Fig. 23. 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. Thus, the spray cone 54a of the first nozzle 56 is inside 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.

FIG. 25 shows a further embodiment of the containers 9 and 13 and of the metering device 2. The receptacle of the containers 9 and 13 in the metering device can be closed by a flap 58 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. 25 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

claims

1. toilet freshener for introducing at least one active substance preparation in a toilet bowl, comprising at least a first container (9) with a first preparation (10) which is coupled to the dosing device (2) of the toilet rinser, characterized in that Toilet flusher at least one energy source (3), a control unit (4) and a discharge element (43) and / or a pump (6,19), which cooperate such that at least two mutually different, defined discharge amounts of at least one preparation of the Toilet dishwashers are releasable in the toilet bowl.

2. toilet freshener according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one valve (15,16) by the control unit (4) is controllable in such a way that a first control signal, an opening of the valve (15,16) and a second control signal Closing of the valve (15,16) causes, whereby a first defined discharge amount of at least one active ingredient preparation is releasable.

3. toilet freshener according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least one pump by the control unit (4) is controllable in such a way that a first control signal switching on the pump (6,19) and a second control signal off the Pump (6,19) causes, whereby a second defined discharge amount of at least one active substance preparation is releasable, which is different from the first discharge amount.

4. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one second container (13) containing a second composition (14), with the dosing device (2) can be coupled.

5. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Dispensing of preparation (10,14) by a first pump (6) which is coupled to the first container (9) and a second pump (19) which is coupled to the second container (13) is effected.

6. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Control unit generates a control signal for release of active ingredient preparation when a Spülwasserauslösung takes place and generates a control signal to terminate the drug release when the flow through the toilet bowl is finished with rinse water.

7. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first delivery amount and at least the second delivery amount of the same or different active ingredient preparations originate.

8. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first discharge amount and at least the second discharge amount are released at mutually different times.

9. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (5) detects a triggering of the flushing water flow substantially without intervention in the Spülwasserströmung and generates a sensor signal that is passed to the control unit (4), which the sensor signal into a control signal for dispensing at least one preparation and the energy source (3), the control unit (4) and at least the first container (9) cooperate in such a way that in the presence of the control signal, which represents the triggering of the flushing water flow, by means of a pump ( 6) and / or a dispensing element (43) at least the first preparation (10) from the first container (9) is discharged to the environment.

10. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Pump (6) and / or the delivery element (43) and at least the first preparation (10) are configured such that upon release of the preparation (10) into the environment, a foam is formed.

11. toilet freshener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing element is arranged so movable on the toilet freshener that the user can align the producible by the dispensing spray cone on a desired application field.