EP2334878A1

EP2334878A1 - Dispenser device in particular a wc rinser with fixing means

Info

Publication number: EP2334878A1
Application number: EP10702608A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniel Frey
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2009-02-24
Filing date: 2010-01-30
Publication date: 2011-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2030-01-30
Also published as: HUE036106T2; EP2334878B1; WO2010097150A1; ES2653206T3; US20110302704A1; PL2334878T3; US8429767B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispenser device, in particular a WC rinser for dispensing at least one preparation (4) into the inside of a toilet bowl (8), comprising a dosing device (2), at least one container (3) connected to the dosing device for storing at least one preparation (4), a dispenser element (6) for dispensing preparation (4), in particular into a toilet bowl (8), wherein the dispenser element (6) is in communication with the container (3) by means of a line (9), a sensor unit (11), suitable for recording vibrations, a fixing means for detachably fixing the dosing device (2) in particular to the edge of a toilet bowl (8), wherein the fixing means (10) are at least partly in contact with in particular the toilet bowl (8) and are designed such as to transmit vibrations in particular structural sound, in particular from the toilet bowl (8) to the sensor unit (11).

Description

Abqabevorrichtunq. especially toilet flush, with Befestigungsqunqsmittel

The invention relates to a dispensing device - in particular a toilet freshener - with an electromechanically induced release of preparations, in particular in a toilet bowl.

State of the art

The exact and appropriate dosage of pourable or pourable

Compositions are of relevance to a variety of applications.

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 drug release from the toilet bowl into the toilets is done.

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.

Even if a toilet washer is used in accordance with the use of flushing water, so this is so disadvantageous as it is a disturbance of the toilet manufacturer provided water flow, whereby the flushing power of a toilet can be significantly 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 thus be desirable to have a metering device for releasing active ingredients into a toilet bowl, which realizes detection of the flushing process without intervention in the flushing flow.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a dispenser, in particular a toilet freshener, which realizes detection of the flushing water flow without intervention in the flushing water flow.

The charge is released by a dispenser, in particular a toilet freshener for dispensing at least one preparation into the interior of a toilet bowl comprising a dispenser, at least one container connected to the dispenser for storing at least one preparation, a dispensing element for dispensing preparation, in particular into the interior of a toilet bowl, wherein the dispensing element is communicatively connected to the container via a line, a sensor unit which is suitable to detect vibrations, a fastening means for releasably fixing the dispenser in particular at the edge of a toilet bowl, wherein the fastening means at least partially rests on the toilet bowl and is configured such that it absorbs vibrations, in particular structure-borne noise, in particular from the toilet bowl and transmits to the sensor unit.

The dispensing device according to the invention, in particular toilet freshener, consists of various components which in turn can be combined to form assemblies. The components of the dispenser comprise at least a dispensing element, a control unit, a sensor unit, a power source, a container, a fastening means and a preparation.

The components delivery element, control unit, sensor unit and energy source can in a preferred embodiment of the invention be combined to form the module "dosing device." The components and assemblies are described below.

dosing

In the dosing is necessary for the operation of the toilet flusher power source, a

Control unit, a sensor unit and at least one discharge element 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 basin is not reduced by the arrangement on the outside edge.

Since the preparations to be dosed may have a pH value between 2 and 12, depending on the intended use, all components of the toilet rinser which come into contact with the preparations should have a corresponding acidity. and / or have 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, in such a way that the metering device is substantially watertight, ie the metering device is able to function even when fully enclosed with liquid , As potting materials, for example, multicomponent epoxy, and acrylate potting compounds such as methacrylate esters, urethane methane 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.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of mandrels formed on the dosing device corresponds to the number of chambers of the container.

In a further possible embodiment, a plurality of mandrels are connected to a conduit. This means that at least preparations from two different chambers of the container are guided via a line. Of course, it is also possible that all mandrels are connected to a single line.

In order to prevent unwanted mixing of different preparations in a line, it is advantageous that, in the case of a plurality of spikes, each of the spikes is connected to a separate line.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, each line is connected to a separate dispensing element. As a result, any preparation - or preparation mixture - can be dispensed separately.

Alternatively, it is also possible to connect a plurality of the lines with a discharge element, whereby the number of discharge elements can be reduced. Particularly preferably, the dispensing device according to the invention comprises - in particular a toilet freshener for dispensing at least one preparation into the interior of a toilet bowl - a dosing device, at least one container coupled to the dosing device for storing at least one preparation, a dispensing element for dispensing preparation, wherein the dispensing element via a conduit communicating with the container is connected and the bottom of the container is arranged in the direction of gravity above the discharge opening of the discharge element, so that between the container bottom and the discharge opening of the discharge element a height difference Dh is formed, wherein in the coupled state of container and metering device, the line at least sections in the direction of gravity above the level of the preparation proceeds, so that in the direction of flow of the preparation through the line against the direction of gravity a difference in height of DH is formed on dosing device is arranged communicating with the line connected mandrel, which cooperates with the dockable container in such a way that when coupling the container with the dosing of the mandrel displaces a volume Dv of preparation in the container, whereby a pressure Gp is generated in the container, the the preparation is transported across the height difference DH into the pipe.

As a result, in particular during the first coupling of the dosing device with a container, the line is "primed" by the coupling process, ie filled with preparation.

It is also advantageous that the line is arranged within a bracket which connects the metering device with the discharge element, wherein the bracket is formed in particular dimensionally stable. This prevents that the line by external mechanical action, such as a toilet seat, pressed and thus reduces the flow of preparation through the line or even prevented.

Abqabeelemente

The term dispensing elements refers to any type of device which is suitable for dispensing an active substance into the environment of the toilet freshener.

The height difference Dh between the container bottom and the discharge opening of the delivery element is between 1 and 30 mm, preferably between 2 and 10 mm, particularly preferably between 3 and 5 mm.

The discharge elements may for example be selected from the group of nozzles, valves, spray heads, drop dosing, foam spray heads, piezo elements, porous Elements, wick systems, capillary systems, nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers, ionization nebulizers, etc.

For the delivery of active ingredients in the toilet or on the inside toilet bowl surfaces in particular electrically controllable nozzles, valves, spray heads, drop dispensers, Schaumsprühköpfe, piezo elements and the like are suitable.

Electrically controllable nozzles, valves, atomizers, spray heads, piezo elements, sintered plates, porous elements, wick systems and the like are particularly 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.

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 (s) are advantageously configured such that a defined dispensing quantity of at least one active substance preparation is applied to the toilet bowl independently of the positioning of the toilet freshener and defined in the interior of a 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 that is suitable, the

Transporting material, energy and / or information to influence.

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.

In particular, the dosing programs can be automatically selectable and executable 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 preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit may comprise a metering program in which a release of preparation into the toilet bowl takes place in the second half, in particular in the last third of a flushing process.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit may comprise a dosing program for introducing at least two mutually different active substance preparations into a toilet bowl or into the environment of the toilet bowl, in which at least two different active substance preparations are liberated on at least two consecutive times t1 and t2 , wherein at least one preparation of active ingredient is introduced into the interior of a toilet basin.

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.

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 rinsing process causes floating of toilet paper on this foam, so that the toilet paper is not flushed away properly with the rinse water, but still floats in the toilet bowl after completion of the rinsing process. 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. 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.

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.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one method for operating a toilet rinse is stored in the control unit, the toilet rinse a sensor unit, a control unit, a delivery element and at least one container for storing at least one preparation, wherein the delivery element and the Containers communicating with each other, includes and the flow of rinse water in the toilet bowl within a Spülwasserintervalls [M ₂ ] takes place, in which t | represents the beginning of the flushing water flow and t _{2 represents} the end of the flushing water flow and the sensor unit detects the triggering of a flushing water flow through the toilet bowl within the flushing water interval [ti -t ₂ ] at a time t _s , the sensor signal representing the release of the flushing water flow, is passed to the control unit, the control unit converts the sensor signal into a control signal for the dispensing element, so that preparation is dispensed from the container through the dispensing element into the interior of the toilet bowl, wherein the release of the preparation from the container by the dispensing member with a time delay .DELTA.t after detection of the purge flow by the sensor unit at time t _s .

In particular, the time delay Δt is between 1-10 sec, preferably between 1-5 sec, particularly preferably between 1-3 sec.

Further, it is preferable that the discharge period .DELTA.t | at preparation (4) is between 0.25-2 sec, preferably between 0.5-1, 5 sec, particularly preferably between 0.75 and 1.25 sec, whereby in the delivery period Δt, the release amount of preparation (4) preferably between 0.05-0.5 ml, preferably 0.075-0.3 ml, particularly preferably 0.1-0.2 ml.

The delivery of the preparation is preferably carried out at intervals of Δt _P , that is, it takes place after a first, at least one further release of preparation. It is particularly preferred that the distances Δtp are periodic. It is very particularly preferred for the periodic distances Δt _{P to be} between 0.5 and 10 sec, preferably between 1 and 7 sec, in particular between 1 and 5 sec.

The method for operating a toilet flusher is advantageously designed such that no release of preparation takes place when the sensor unit has detected the end of the flushing water flow t ₂ .

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the duration of a measured rinse water interval [Vt ₂ ] is stored in the control unit. This makes it possible to detect the characteristic rinsing intervals of a toilet in the control unit in order to provide, starting from it, a dispensing of preparation adapted and optimized to the characteristic rinsing intervals. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to store a plurality of measured rinse water intervals [Vt ₂ ] in the control unit.

Since there are frequently different rinsing intervals at a toilet, for example a "normal" rinsing interval and a spar rinsing interval, it is further preferred that the measured rinsing water intervals [M ₂ ] are classified with regard to their frequency distribution at least a first class Spülwasserintervalle 4-8 sec and at least a second class Spülwasserintervalle detected between 2-4 sec.

In order to achieve a good foaming at the end of the rinsing process, it is particularly preferred that the dispensing of the preparation from the container by the dispensing element takes place with a time delay Δt after the detection of the rinsing flow by the sensor unit at time t _s , whereby Δt is selected is that the delivery takes place in the last third of a rinse water interval [Vt ₂ ].

The time delay Δt with which the delivery of the preparation takes place after the detection of the purge flow t _s can be stored in particular in the control unit. However, the method can also be designed so that the time delay .DELTA.t with the delivery of the preparation after the detection of the purge flow t _s is determined by the control unit.

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.

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

Essentially 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. However, it is also conceivable that the sensor unit is brought into contact with the flushing water flow, whereby, however, the flushing water flow is not influenced. In the sensor unit, this can be realized, for example, by a thin rod or wire, which is introduced into the flushing water flow perpendicular to the direction of the flushing water flow.

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, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, ultrasonic sensors, sound sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors.

In particular, a vibration sensor for recording structure-borne noise can be configured on a toilet bowl.

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

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.

The container is preferably detachably connected to the dosing device.

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 Inhibit 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 particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet opening of the container is formed opposite to the direction of gravity at the head of the container, so that in the use and coupling position of the container gravity effect can no discharge from the outlet opening. The head-side arrangement of the outlet opening has the further advantage that in the position of use no liquid column above the Aperture is present, whereby a simpler and safer sealing of the outlet opening relative to the dosing device can be realized.

Advantageously, the container which can be coupled to the toilet freshener is closed by a closure means.

In particular, the closure means cooperates with the mandrel of the metering device in such a way that a seal is formed between the mandrel and the closure means when the metering device and the container are coupled.

As a seal in the context of this application elements are referred to, which have the task of preventing unwanted mass transfer, including pressure equalization, from one room to another or limit.

The seal may in particular be a rotary and / or a translatory seal.

The seal may in particular be selected from the group of radial shaft seals, labyrinth seals, mechanical seals, stuffing boxes, piston rings, bellows, brush seals, Axialwellendichtringe and / or rotary feedthroughs.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the seal between mandrel and closure means is formed during coupling of metering device and container such that the overpressure Dp arising during coupling does not escape from the container via the seal.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the line opens into the container, wherein it is particularly preferred that the line opens approximately at the bottom of the container.

Advantageously, the conduit and the preparation can be configured in such a way that preparation is drawn into the conduit by means of capillary action. For example, the line may be at least partially formed as a wick.

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. 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.

In particular, the fastening means for releasably fixing the dosing device can be formed on the edge of a toilet bowl such that the fastening means at least partially rests on the toilet bowl and is configured such that it absorbs vibrations, in particular structure-borne noise, from the toilet bowl and transmits it to the sensor unit. It is preferred that the fastening means form a spring, wherein it is particularly preferred that the spring is substantially V-, U-, N-, M-, or W-shaped.

In order to ensure a sufficient transmission of vibrations and / or structure-borne noise from the toilet to the attachment means, it is advantageous that the spring presses with a spring force of at least 0.5 N against a surface of the toilet bowl.

It is particularly advantageous that the spring is arranged on one of the legs of a U-shaped bracket which is vertical in the use position of the dispenser, wherein it is particularly preferred for the spring to be arranged on the leg of the U-shaped bracket directed towards the interior 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.

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 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 the pretreatment of the toilet bowl with a foam carpet, for example, an adhesion of

To prevent or reduce metabolic waste 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 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.

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 by 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 ..

For the use of a preparation with a delivery element designed as a piezo-vibrator, it is advantageous that the preparation is free from solids. It is also preferable that the preparation is not an emulsion.

applications

In addition to the use as a toilet freshener for dispensing at least one preparation into the interior of a toilet bowl, it is also conceivable to use the disclosed and claimed device for dispensing preparations, for example for introducing a preparation into a water-conducting domestic appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer , The application is therefore not limited to the application of the toilet rinser in a toilet, which has been described here by way of example to illustrate the invention. In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing illustrating only embodiments. In this case, particularly preferred embodiments and particularly preferred combinations of features are further described in detail.

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

It shows:

Fig. 1 toilet bowl in cross-sectional view

In Figure 1, designed as a toilet freshener 1 dispenser is shown. The toilet freshener 1 consists of the dosing device 2 and a container 3 which can be coupled to the dosing device 2 and which stores a preparation 4. In Fig. 1, the dosing device 2 and the container 3 are shown in the coupled state.

From the head of the dosing device 2 extends a U-shaped bracket 5, wherein in the operating position shown on the toilet bowl 8, the dosing device 2 is arranged on the outside of the toilet extending vertical leg of the bracket 5, while a delivery element 6 and a sensor unit 11 at the distal End of the running on the toilet inside vertical leg of the bracket 5 is positioned, wherein the horizontal leg of the U-shaped bracket 5 on the toilet basin 8 rests.

The bottom of the container 3 and the discharge opening of the discharge element 6 is spaced apart in the direction of gravity by height difference of Δh. The discharge element 6 and the container are communicatively connected to one another via the line 9, wherein the line 9 extends to the bottom of the container 3. Due to the height difference .DELTA.h preparation 4 is conveyed from the container 3 through the line 9 to the discharge element 6.

The dispensing element is in particular a piezo-oscillator. The sensor unit 11 is a vibration sensor, in particular a structure-borne noise sensor. The vibration sensor is, as can be clearly seen from FIG. 1, arranged on the freely movable, distal end of the extending on the toilet inside vertical leg of the bracket 5. As a result, the vibration sensor 11 experiences the greatest possible oscillation amplitude, whereby the sensitivity of the sensor 11 is improved.

The delivery element 6 and the sensor unit 11 are connected to the control unit 12 via a signal / power line 14, so that control signal to the delivery element 6 and from the sensor unit 11 are transmitted. The electrical energy required for this purpose is supplied by a battery 13 arranged in the dosing device 2 or an accumulator.

The bracket 5 is formed in particular dimensionally stable, so that the line 9 and / or the signal / power line 14, which preferably extend within the bracket 5, are protected from mechanical influences. However, it is also possible to arrange the line 9 and / or the signal / power line 14 outside of the bracket 5.

On extending on the toilet inside vertical leg of the bracket 5 a designed as a spring fastening means 10 is further arranged. The spring 10 has a substantially V-shaped configuration, wherein a leg of the V-shaped spring 10 is fixedly arranged on the bracket 5, while the free leg of the V-shaped spring 10 presses against the inside surface of the toilet bowl 8. As a result, on the one hand, a releasable fixation of the toilet rinser 1 on the toilet bowl 8 is effected, on the other hand, vibrations and / or structure-borne noise are transmitted from the toilet bowl 8 to the toilet rinse and in particular to the sensor unit 11.

Claims

claims

1. Dispensing device, in particular toilet dishwasher for dispensing at least one preparation (4) in the interior of a toilet bowl (8) comprising

^■ a dosing device (2),

At least one container (3) connected to the dosing device for storing at least one preparation (4)

^■ A dispensing element (6) for dispensing preparation (4), in particular into the interior of a toilet bowl (8)

^■ wherein the delivery element (6) communicates with the container (3) via a line (9),

^■ a sensor unit (11) capable of detecting vibrations,

^■ A fastening means for releasably fixing the dosing device (2) in particular at the edge of a toilet bowl (8), wherein the fastening means (10) at least partially rests in particular on the toilet bowl (8) and is configured such that there are vibrations, in particular structure-borne noise, in particular from the toilet bowl (8) receives and transmits to the sensor unit (11).

2. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (10) is designed as a spring.

3. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (10) is substantially V-, U-, N-, M-, or W-shaped.

4. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (10) presses with a spring force of at least 0.5 N against a surface of the toilet bowl (8).

5. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (2) is arranged on the side facing the outside of the toilet bowl (8).

6. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing device (2) and the discharge element (6) via a bracket (5) are interconnected, wherein the discharge element (6) on the inwardly directed side of the toilet bowl (8 ) is arranged on the bracket (5).

7. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bracket (5) is U-shaped.

8. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (10) is arranged on one of the in use position of the dispenser vertical leg of the U-shaped bracket (5).

9. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (10) is arranged on the inside of the toilet bowl (8) directed leg of the U-shaped bracket (5).

10. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor element (11) is a vibration sensor, in particular a structure-borne noise sensor.

11. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispensing element (6) is a piezoelectric vibrator.

12. Dispensing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor element (11) in the discharge element (6) is integrated.