EP2310584B1 - Cartridge for a toilet flusher - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge (1) for coupling to a toilet flusher, comprising at least one chamber (2) for receiving at least one free-flowing toilet cleaning preparation (6). The chamber (2) has an outlet (4) that lies in the direction of gravitation such that the toilet cleaning preparation can be released from the chamber (2) due to the force of gravity. Said outlet (4) is, prior to a first coupling to the toilet flusher, secured prior to the release of the toilet cleaning preparation (6) and said preparation is released from the cartridge (1) through the outlet due to the force of gravity when the cartridge (1) is first coupled to the toilet flusher and the chamber (2) comprises a communicating bar (8), said bar and at least one other chamber (10) being designed in such a manner that they interact such that the chamber (10) can be arranged on or next to the bar (8).

Description

The invention relates to a cartridge for a toilet freshener according to the preamble of claims 1 and 2, and a method for their preparation.

State of the art

From the prior art a variety of different toilet bowls for toilet bowl is known.

There are toilet flushing agents for active substance preparations in which the active ingredients can be dissolved out of a solid matrix. Such solid active compound preparations are also referred to as so-called "rim blocks".

Also known are active compound preparations in gel and liquid form.

The toilet flushing agents in question contain at least one liquid - ie flowable - active ingredient preparation. First, toilet rinse aid for a single active ingredient preparation is known. The preparation is usually located in a holder fixedly arranged reservoir or a replaceable cartridge inserted, which in particular be designed as a refill solution, so that it can be removed after consumption from the toilet bowl and replaced by a new, filled cartridge.

With a bracket formed on the holder of the toilet bowl is attached to the edge of the toilet, the reservoir or dedicated dispensing devices, such as Abspülplatten rest on the toilet inside immediately below the toilet rim, so that the Spülwasseraustritt from the inside toilet rim of the reservoir or the corresponding Dispensers are flowed over by the rinse water. Such toilet flush are for example off EP 1 334 239 B1 known.

At a first off EP 785 315 A1 In the case of known toilet flushers for a single active substance fluid, the active substance fluid is added via an actuating element (eg made of an open-cell foam) which can be impregnated therewith and acted upon by the flushing fluid. Here, the outlet opening of the cartridge after ejection of a closure part of the cartridge is largely closed by a holder fixedly arranged on the sealing element, so that only still a flow path with a small cross section for sending out the active substance fluid is available. The device works by utilizing the capillary action of the open cell foam. A similar
Construction is also known with a distribution serving ribbed plate.

When using previously explained toilet flusher of the type in question, all components that get into the rinsing fluid of the toilet bowl must be included in the active fluid together. However, some active ingredient components can not be realized together in a storage-stable manner. Therefore, they have already proposed a multi-chamber toilet rinse ( EP 0 960 984 A2 ). This known toilet freshener is used for dispensing at least two different or the same solid, gel-like, pasty or liquid media in liquid or aqueous form in a toilet bowl. The separation of the chambers in the container has the advantage that different media can be used, which would otherwise adversely affect their desired effect in a common storage in only one chamber. The consistency of the media may vary in the different chambers.

All of these active compound preparations are usually common in that they contain one or more fragrances.

A major disadvantage of such toilet flushing it was a long time that a fragrance of the toilet bowl or the environment of the toilet bowl is essentially coupled to the flushing of the toilet, since such toilet flusher are designed so that usually only a perfume contained active ingredient is released from the toilet washers mentioned above, when the toilet bowl is overflowed with rinse water.

So the fragrance impression is intermittent and regular of short duration. In particular, no fragrance before use of a toilet is caused by the toilet freshener of the type described.

This drawback has led to the development of toilet dispensing systems of the kind set forth which allow permanent dispensing of perfume into the environment of a toilet bowl.

Out WO2005 / 093176 For example, a toilet freshener is known, in whose housing a gel-containing, perfume-containing block is firmly cast. A disadvantage of this solution is that the gel-shaped block is arranged such that it flows over flushing water and thus is gradually dissolved, which gradually creates a very unpleasant visual impression.

This problem is, for example, a toilet flush according to WO2006 / 005410 avoided. In the case of the toilet freshener known from the aforementioned disclosure, fragrance-containing chambers are arranged on the holder of the toilet freshener. By enclosing the perfume formulation in a chamber, inadvertent release of the formulation by rinse water-induced dissolution is prevented. Furthermore, the use of a chamber makes it possible to use liquids which can be loaded with higher concentrations of perfume as perfume carriers.

Out WO2008 / 080643A is a toilet flusher is known, which has a modular structure and which forms by the assembly of similar mono-rinsers by means of fasteners, multi-chamber toilet flusher. This document is considered to be the closest prior art to the subject matter of claims 1 and 2.

Thus, there is a need to provide cartridges for containing flowable preparations for coupling with toilet bowls, which are inexpensive to produce and to which in a simple way an additional - preferably fragrance emitting - chamber can be arranged.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide cartridges for receiving flowable preparations for coupling with toilet bowls, which are inexpensive to produce and to which a simple way, an additional chamber can be arranged.

This object is achieved by a cartridge with the features of claim 1, a cartridge with the features of claim 2 and by a method for producing a cartridge having the features of claim 13.

Toilet freshener

The cartridge according to the invention is provided in particular for the storage of flowable toilet cleaning preparations and for coupling with a toilet freshener.

The toilet freshener has a device which prevents free flow of toilet cleaning preparation, so that when coupled with the cartridge state, no toilet cleaning preparation can leak freely from the toilet bowl.

The device, which prevents free flow of toilet cleaning preparation, is communicatively connected to an impingement element, whereby toilet cleaning preparation from the cartridge via the intermediate, a free flow of drug-fluid-preventing device, can reach a biasing element.

The toilet freshener has a Beaufschlagungselement that can intervene in the installed state of the toilet rinser at the edge of the toilet bowl in the flushing water, so that toilet cleaning preparation is discharged from the biasing element in the flushing water stream.

cartridge

The cartridge according to the invention for coupling with a toilet freshener can be designed as a single-chamber or multi-chamber container.

As a single-chamber cartridge, the cartridge has a WC-cleaning preparation-containing chamber with a communicating web on the web and at least one other chamber is formed in such and cooperates with the web in such a way that the further chamber can be arranged on or on the web.

In an alternative embodiment, the cartridge is formed as a multi-chamber variant, wherein the first chamber and second chamber are connected to each other via a non-communicating web, wherein at least one further chamber is formed in such and cooperates with the web in such a way that the further chamber on or can be arranged on the bridge.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the web is cohesively connected to the first and the second chamber. This can be realized in particular by means of adhesive and / or welded joints. It is also preferred that the web in the molding process of the cartridge, for example in an extrusion blow, cohesively, for example by squeezing train. It is also conceivable that the web is positively and / or non-positively connected to the chambers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the web is formed integrally with the first chamber and the second chamber. This can be realized in particular by a corresponding squeezing of the web in a blow molding process. Advantage of this embodiment is that such a cartridge can be produced inexpensively in a process step.

Therefore, it is in principle preferred that the single-chamber or multi-chamber cartridge according to the invention is formed by a blow molding process.

The cartridge can be formed in particular for releasable coupling with the toilet freshener. This makes it possible to remove used cartridges from the toilet flush and to couple filled cartridge with the toilet flusher.

chamber

The cartridge according to the invention comprises a further chamber, which can be arranged on or at the web.

The further chamber may in particular be arranged on the web in a material, force and / or form-locking manner.

It is preferred that the further chamber has a fastening means that cooperates with a fixing means arranged on the web in such a way that in the assembled state of another chamber and web a positive and / or non-positive connection is formed.

It is particularly preferred that the further chamber has a fastening means that cooperates with a fastening means arranged on the web in such a way that in the assembled state of another chamber and web a snap or locking connection is formed. The fastening means arranged on the web is preferably designed as an opening.

The further chamber may in a further embodiment of the invention include a preparation which is different from the preparation of the first chamber and / or insofar as it is present - from the preparation of the second chamber.

In particular, the further chamber can be designed to receive and continuously deliver a fragrance.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the further chamber for receiving a flowable toilet cleaning preparation is formed, wherein the further chamber has a discharge opening lying in the direction of gravity, so that a gravity-induced release of the toilet cleaning preparation from the other chamber can be effected wherein the outlet opening is secured against leakage of the toilet cleaning preparation prior to first coupling with the toilet freshener and gravity induced release from the cartridge through the outlet opening upon first coupling of the cartridge to the toilet freshener.

Toilet cleaning preparation

A toilet cleaning preparations within the meaning of these applications are compositions containing at least one substance from the group of detergents and / or perfumes.

Toilet cleaning 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.

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

Also suitable according to the invention as toilet cleaning preparations are bleaching phases, in particular chlorine-containing bleaching phases, preferably bleaching phases based on hypochlorite, the bleaching phases usually containing, in addition to the actual bleaching agent and water, further ingredients such as thickeners, surfactants or emulsifiers, neutralizing agents, dyes, fragrances, etc. can.

Further toilet cleaning preparations 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.

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

Also suitable according to the invention are WC cleaning preparations with 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.

Furthermore, it is possible that the WC cleaning 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 WC cleaning 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.

The cartridge according to the invention offers the possibility of using combinations of different preparations in the chambers, wherein according to a preferred embodiment one of the chambers contains a fragrance phase.

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 limesolvent, acidic active phase, fragrance phase with antibacterial active ingredient phase, different acid systems, fragrance phase combined with enzyme-containing active ingredient 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.

manufacturing

1. a) Herstellung eines Schlauchs aus einem erwärmten, formbaren Kunststoff durch einen kontinuierlichen oder diskontinuierlichen Extrusionsprozess,
2. b) Umschließen des extrudierten Schlauchs mit einem Blaswerkzeug, welches mindestens einen ersten und einen zweiten Blasdorn aufweist, die zur Formung der Auslassöffnungen der Kartusche in den Schlauch eingefahren werden und durch die Druckluft in den Schlauch gepresst und der Schlauch so gegen die innere formgebende Kontur des Blaswerkzeugs gedrückt wird,
3. c) Abquetschen eines Stegs zwischen der ersten und zweiten Auslassöffnung der Kartusche beim Schließen der Blasform und ggf. Abstanzen des Befestigungsmittels
4. d) Anbringung einer weiteren Kammer am Steg

The multi-chamber cartridge according to the invention for coupling with a toilet freshener can be formed in particular by the manufacturing method described below.

1. a) production of a tube from a heated, moldable plastic by a continuous or discontinuous extrusion process,
2. b) enclosing the extruded tube with a blow mold having at least a first and a second mandrel, which are retracted for forming the outlet openings of the cartridge in the hose and pressed by the compressed air into the hose and the hose against the inner shaping contour of Blowing tool is pressed,
3. c) squeezing a web between the first and second outlet opening of the cartridge when closing the blow mold and possibly punching the fastener
4. d) Attaching another chamber to the bridge

It is particularly advantageous that the cartridge is blown through each of the openings. Furthermore, it is preferred that the web is designed as a non-communicating web.

reference numeral

1. 1. toilet dishwasher
2. 2nd chamber
3. 3rd chamber
4. 4. outlet opening
5. 5. outlet opening
6. 6. Preparation
7. 7. Preparation
8. 8th bridge
9. 9. Fasteners
10. 10th Chamber
11. 11. Outlet opening
12. 12. Design element
13. 13th bridge
14. 14th bridge
15. 15. Fasteners

Fig. 1

Single-chamber cartridge with communicating bridge in different views

Fig. 2

Two-chamber cartridge with bar and another chamber in front view

Fig. 3

Two-chamber cartridge with bar and another chamber in a cross-sectional view

Fig. 4

Two-chamber cartridge with bar and a two-part, disk-shaped chamber in a cross-sectional and front view

Fig. 5

Two-chamber cartridge with bar and a handle-shaped fastening element

Fig. 6

Two-chamber cartridge with bar and another, WC-cleaning substance-containing chamber

Fig. 7

Two-chamber cartridge with web and another, WC-cleaning substance-containing chamber in a cross-sectional view

Fig. 8

Two-chamber cartridge with a perfume chamber and a web and another, WC-cleaning substance-containing chamber

Fig. 9

Two-chamber cartridge with two Duftstoffkammern and a bridge and another, WC-cleaning substance-containing chamber

Fig. 1 shows in the detail views (A) and (B) a single-chamber cartridge with a chamber 2, which is filled with a flowable WC cleaning substance 6, wherein the detail view (A) shows a front view and the detail view (B) is a plan view of the cartridge. The chamber 2 has an outlet opening 4 lying in the direction of gravity, so that a gravity-induced release of the toilet cleaning preparation 6 from the chamber 2 can be effected, wherein the outlet opening 4 before a first coupling with the toilet freshener before the WC cleaning preparation 6 is secured and a gravitational release from the cartridge through the outlet opening 4 is effected during the first coupling of the cartridge with the toilet freshener.

The chamber 2 has a communicating web 8. The web 8 is formed as an area tapering from both longitudinal sides towards the center of the chamber, whereby a fluid exchange within the chamber is ensured by this region. Preferably, the taper in the plan is rectangular shaped, but it can also take any other suitable form.

In the region of the web, a fastening means 9 is provided, which is formed as a recess in the web wall. From the detailed view (B) it can be seen that one depression 9 is arranged on each of two opposing web walls.

In the detail view (C) and (D), a further chamber 10 is shown, which is arranged on or on the web 8. The detail view (C) shows the chamber 10 in a front view, the detail view (D) in a side view. The chamber has peripheral openings 11 in the upper area, through which, for example, fragrances can be released into the surroundings of the cartridge. From the side view (D) can be seen that the chamber 10 is U-shaped, wherein the legs of the U-shaped chamber 10 can be inserted over the web 8. On the inside fastening elements 15 are provided in the form of ramp-like locking lugs on the legs, which engage in the plugged on the web 8 state of the chamber 10 in the recess 9 of the web and thus fix the chamber 10 on the web 8.

An example of a two-chamber cartridge 1 is shown in FIG Fig. 2 shown. It can be seen that the cartridge consists of a first chamber 2, in which a first toilet cleaning preparation 6 is stored and a second chamber 3, in which a second toilet cleaning preparation 7 is stored. The chambers 2, 3 each have a bottom-side outlet opening 4, 5. The two chambers 2, 3 are connected to one another by the web 8. The web 8 has a length which makes it possible to arrange a further chamber 10 on or at the web between the chambers 2, 3. In the web 8, a fastening means 9 is provided, which is designed as an opening. The interaction of the fastening means 9 of the web 8 and the chamber 10 is based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 explained in more detail below.

In Fig. 3 is that out Fig. 2 known cartridge 1 shown in a section along the axis XX corresponding cross-sectional view. The chamber 10 is also shown in a side view. It can be seen that the chamber 10 is U-shaped, wherein the distance between the two opposing legs is greater than the width of the web 8, so that the chamber 10 can be inserted over the web 8. It is also conceivable to choose the distance of the two opposing legs smaller than the width of the web 8, wherein the chamber 10 is then formed in such a way that the legs can be spread apart, so that the chamber can be arranged on the web 8. To secure the chamber 10 on the web 8, the chamber 10 fastening means 15, which form a snap-lock connection with the opening 9 of the web 8.

Another mounting option for a chamber 10 on the web 8 shows Fig. 4 , Detail view (A) shows the off Fig. 3 known cross-sectional view of the cartridge. It can be seen that the chamber 10 consists of a first chamber member 10a and a second chamber member 10b, each having a cylindrical fastening means 15a, 15b, which can be passed through the opening 9 of the web. The cylindrical fastening elements can be secured in the assembled state against each other by a press fit, snap-locking connection or adhesive bonding.

A front view of the two-part container 10 can be seen in the detail view (B). It can be seen that the container is disc-shaped, wherein the diameter of the container 10 corresponds approximately to the height and / or width of the cartridge. Of course, further spatial forms of the container are conceivable, as can be seen from the examples of Fig. 5-7 results, which are explained in more detail below.

In Fig. 5 a chamber 10 is shown, which is fastened by means of a stick-shaped fastening means to the web 8. The chamber 10 is formed in such a way that it rests in the state fixed to the web 8 on the respective head of the chambers 2, 3. The chamber 10 can be as in Fig. 5 indicated, extend over the entire length of the cartridge 1.

Another embodiment of the Fig. 2 known cartridge is in Fig. 6 shown. The chamber 10 is in this case designed to receive a flowable toilet cleaning preparation 6 and has a bottom-side outlet opening 11. By arranging this chamber 10 on or on the web 8, a three-chamber cartridge is formed, which can deliver in the coupled state with a corresponding toilet flusher, three - preferably different - toilet cleaning preparations in the rinse water of the toilet bowl.

An attachment of the chamber 10 for such a configuration is the Fig. 7 refer to. As a fastening means 15, the chamber 10 has a clamp element with two opposite legs which are shaped in such a way that they can be spread out in a sprung manner. The distance between the two legs corresponds in some the height of the web 8, so that the chamber 10 can be laterally secured to the web by a snap connection.

Further design alternatives of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 known cartouche are in Fig. 8-9 shown. Like that Fig. 8-9 can be seen, both the first arranged on the web 8 chamber 2 and the second arranged on the web 8 chamber 2 can be closed on the bottom side and provided with openings 4.5, the release of a volatile substance, such as a fragrance, from the chamber 2.3 allowed in the area.

Claims (13)

1. A cartridge (1) for coupling with a toilet freshener comprising at least one first chamber (2) for accommodating at least one flowable toilet cleaning preparation (6) in which the first chamber (2) comprises an outlet orifice (4) located in the direction of gravity, such that gravity-actuated release of the toilet cleaning preparation (6) from the first chamber (2) can be effected, in which, prior to first coupling with the toilet freshener, the outlet orifice (4) is secured against leakage of the toilet cleaning preparation (6) and gravity-actuated release from the cartridge (1) through the outlet orifice (4) is effected on first coupling of the cartridge (1) with the toilet freshener, characterised in that the chamber (2) comprises a communicating web (8) which is configured as a zone which narrows in from both longitudinal sides towards the middle of the first chamber (2), in which fluid exchange within the first chamber (2) is ensured through this zone, in which the web (8) and at least one further chamber (10) are constructed such that and interact in such a manner that the further chamber (10) may be arranged on or against the web (8).
2. A cartridge (1) for coupling with a toilet freshener comprising at least one first chamber (2) for accommodating at least one first flowable toilet cleaning preparation (6) and at least one second chamber (3) for accommodating a second preparation (7), in which the first chamber (2) and the second chamber (3) in each case comprise an outlet orifice (4, 5) located in the direction of gravity, such that gravity-actuated release of the toilet cleaning preparation (6) at least from the first chamber (2) can be effected, in which, prior to first coupling with the toilet freshener, the outlet orifices (4, 5) are secured against leakage of the toilet cleaning preparations (6, 7) and gravity-actuated release from the cartridge (1) through the outlet orifice (4) is effected on first coupling of the cartridge (1) with the toilet freshener, in which the first chamber (2) and the second chamber (3) are connected to one another via a web (8), characterised in that at least one further chamber (10) and the web (8) are constructed such that and interact in such a manner that the further chamber (10) may be arranged on or against the web (8).
3. A cartridge (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the further chamber (10) is arranged on the web (8) by bonding, friction and/or interlocking.
4. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the further chamber (10) comprises a fastening means (15) which interacts with a fastening means (9) arranged on the web (8) in such a manner that, in the assembled state of chamber (10) and web (8), an interlocking and/or frictional connection is formed.
5. A cartridge (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the further chamber (10) comprises a fastening means (15) which interacts with a fastening means (9) arranged on the web (8) in such a manner that, in the assembled state of the further chamber (10) and web (8), a snap-fit or latching connection is formed.
6. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (9) arranged on the web (8) is an orifice.
7. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the further chamber (10) contains a preparation which differs from the preparation (6) of the first chamber and/or, if present, from the preparation (7) of the second chamber (3).
8. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the further chamber (10) is constructed for accommodating and continuously releasing a scent.
9. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the further chamber (10) is configured for accommodating a flowable toilet cleaning preparation (6), in which the further chamber (10) comprises an outlet orifice (11) located in the direction of gravity, such that gravity-actuated release of the toilet cleaning preparation from the further chamber (10) can be effected, in which, prior to first coupling with the toilet freshener, the outlet orifice (11) is secured against leakage of the toilet cleaning preparation and gravity-actuated release from the cartridge (1) through the outlet orifice (11) is effected on first coupling of the cartridge (1) with the toilet freshener.
10. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the web (8) is of single-part construction with the first chamber (2) and the second chamber (3).
11. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cartridge is formed by a blow moulding method.
12. A cartridge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the chamber (2, 3) is dimensionally stable,
13. A method for producing a cartridge (1) according to claim 2 for detachable coupling with a toilet freshener comprising the following method steps:

    ο producing a tube of a heated, formable plastics material by a continuous or discontinuous extrusion process,

    ο enclosing the extruded tube with a blowing mould which comprises at least one first and one second blowing mandrel which are introduced into the tube to form the first outlet orifice (4) and the second outlet orifice (5) of the cartridge (1) and through which compressed air is blown into the tube, so pressing the tube against the internal, shape-imparting contour of the blowing mould,

    ο pinching off a web (8) between the first outlet orifice (4) and the second outlet orifice (5) of the cartridge (1) on closing the blowing mould and optionally stamping out the fastening means,

    o mounting a further chamber (10) on the web (8).

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