EP2742188A1

EP2742188A1 - Applicator for gel-like wc-cleaning products directly on the surface of the wc bowl

Info

Publication number: EP2742188A1
Application number: EP11741579.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans-Georg MÜHLHAUSEN; Detlef Lehmann
Original assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Henkel AG and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2011-08-11
Filing date: 2011-08-11
Publication date: 2014-06-18
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-11
Also published as: KR20180028529A; US20140339260A1; RU2569062C2; KR102076872B1; MX343096B; PL2742188T3; KR20140047124A; CN103717811A; UA110658C2; CN103717811B; RU2014108883A; MX2014001606A; WO2013020597A1; EP2742188B1; US9212476B2

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator (1) for gel-like products, in particular a WC-cleaning product, comprising at least one accommodating chamber (2a, 2b) for a first gel-like product (3a, 3b), wherein the accommodating chamber (2a, 2b) has a first opening (4a, 4b) and a second opening (5a, 5b), wherein the first opening (4a, 4b) is provided in order to release the gel-like product (3a, 3b) and the second opening (5a, 5b) is provided in order to accommodate a piston (6a, 6b), which can be moved in the accommodating chamber (2a, 2b) and by means of which the gel-like product (3a, 3b) can be pushed through the first opening (4a, 4b), wherein at least three spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are arranged, and configured, on the applicator (1), around the first opening (4a, 4b) of an accommodating chamber (2a, 2b), such that, when the applicator (1) is pushed onto an in particular ceramic WC surface (8) which is to be subjected to the gel-like product (3a, 3b), a spacing A is formed between the first opening (4a, 4b) and the surface (8) and the gel-like product (3a, 3b) can flow freely around the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) as it passes out.

Description

APPLICATOR FOR GELLOUS WC CLEANING PRODUCTS

DIRECTLY ON THE SURFACE OF THE WC BOWL

The invention relates to an applicator for applying at least one gel-like

Product, in particular a toilet cleaning product, on a surface, in particular a ceramic toilet surface

State of the art

The invention relates to a dispensing device for a viscous, especially gelar-term cooking preparation, in particular for household hygiene applications such as in a toilet bowl o. The like., With the features of the preamble of claim 1, both a dispenser in which the gel-like Wrkstoffzubereitung still not as well as the dispenser enclosing the gel-like active substance preparation therein.

Viscous, in particular gelatinous active substance preparations have long been known for cleaning and / or disinfecting and / or scenting, in particular, sanitary articles such as toilet sinks (DE 100 48 887 A1). Such viscous

Wort preparations are viscous gelatinous to pasty compositions

Crude compositions which are applied from a corresponding container, the dispenser, directly on the surface of the sanitary article and adhere there and are completely rinsed only after a large number of rinses. Due to the direct adhesion of the active ingredient preparation on the surface of the

Sanitary object, it is not necessary to provide additional containers, the so-called "toilet bowls" in the sanitary object, especially the

Toilet sink, must remain. Their use is perceived by the consumer, especially when replacing the product and when cleaning the toilet from time to time as unhygienic. Similar problems as with toilet bowl arise in others

Application areas, such as urinals, hand basins or

Washbasins, in industrial basins, dishwashers, etc. A special application find dispensers with such viscous, especially gel-like Wrkstoffzubereitungen in the lower edge application in toilet bowl. For applying the viscous, in particular gelatinous active ingredient preparation to the surface to be cleaned or rinsed in the rinsing of rinsing water surface is a suitable applicator, ie a corresponding dispensing device. For this purpose, one can resort to application techniques from other fields, for example, on dispensing devices to pasty Wrkstoffzubereitungen in the field of sealing and bonding technology. There it is known vorzuhalten the Wrkstoffzubereitung in a cartridge, which is provided with an application tip. The cartridge is inserted in a cylinder-piston arrangement. A feed piston formed in the cartridge containing the active ingredient is pushed by the feed end face of the piston of the cylinder-piston assembly in the direction of the application tip. The active substance preparation is pressed out of the application tip onto the application area.

Such a cylinder-piston arrangement operating in the manner of a syringe is, with proper dimensioning, also suitable as a dispensing device for the viscous-liquid, in particular gel-like, active substance preparations of this field of application (DE 100 48 887 A1, WO 02/26925 A1; 198 26 293 A2, WO 99/66017 A, WO 99/66021 A1). In such a "pelletless" dispensing device of the active ingredient preparation, for example, for a toilet bowl is possible in a spritzenar-term construction

One-hand operation appropriate. An operator then has the other hand free to rest on the toilet bowl, for example, on the wall while applying the Wrkstoffzubereitung in the toilet bowl.

In order to avoid an unhygienic contact of body parts with the edge of the toilet bowl, a suitable dimensioning of the dispensing device, that is to say a slender, somewhat elongated design of the receiving cylinder, is expedient, in particular for the lower edge application.

The teaching is based on the problem, the known, designed as a cylinder-piston arrangement syringe-like dispensing device for a viscous, especially Gelar-term Wrkstoffzubereitung and further that it improves handling and in particular with regard to the aesthetic appearance of the gel body applied to a surface is.

The above-indicated problem is solved in a dispensing device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

Due to the number and arrangement of the spacer elements, a targeted shaping of the gel product to be applied by a corresponding flow around the Distance elements are realized with the or the preparations. The in the

According to the invention, a small contact area between the applicator and the surface to be applied reduces unavoidable contamination (bacteria, germs) of the applicator or of the gel-like product during the application process to a minimum.

By realizing a distance A between the first opening of a receiving space and the surface to be acted upon and the arrangement of the spacer elements around the first opening, it is achieved that the product contact area with the surface is greater than the product exit area from the first opening. The thus different high

Adhesion forces cause a good and clean product tear of the gel product of the retraction of the applicator from the surface to be acted upon

Applicator. Characterized in that the spacer elements limit the flow of a gelatinous preparation during their application only in sections, since the gelatinous preparation the

Distance elements can flow around, is also a needs-based dosage allows, so that, for example, depending on the desired cleaning performance of the gel product within a toilet bowl more or less can be dosed to gel preparation by the user.

It is therefore possible, in particular, to apply a dosage deviating from a single metering quantity, in particular a double metering quantity, into a toilet bowl by using the flowable spacer elements according to the invention.

In particular, it is therefore also conceivable that the applicator is configured in such a way that the spacer elements are encircled only from a double dosing, so that the user can recognize directly based on the trained geometry of the applied gel body, whether a single, double or even multiple Dosiermenge was delivered. Further, in such a configuration of the applicator, it is also possible for a user to detect multiple dosing during the application process as the applied gel begins to flow around the spacer elements and thus emerge from the projection of the applicator contour.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the above teaching are

Subject of the dependent claims. For some subclaims the following may be executed.

It is preferred that at least a second receiving space is provided for a second gel-like product, wherein the first and second gel-like products are separated from each other are different and the second receiving space each having a first opening and a second opening. In particular, this makes it impossible to store each other in a storage-stable manner

Store preparations and apply to a surface. In this context, it is further preferable that the receiving spaces are arranged side by side. Of course, it is also conceivable coaxial with each other to arrange the receiving spaces as nested cylinders.

In order to provide good mold removal from an injection molding tool and the lowest possible surface wettable by the preparation during the application process, it is advantageous that the spacer elements are rod-like, in particular cylindrical. The cross section of the rod-like spacer elements, for example, but also square, rectangular, oval, triangular, cross-shaped or star-shaped. In order to ensure a good product tear and a sufficient Anhtftung of the preparation on the surface, it is advantageous that the spacer elements are configured in such a way that when pressing the applicator on one with the gel

Products to be acted upon surface, a distance between the first openings of the receiving spaces and the surface to be acted upon by 0.5mm-30mm, preferably 2mm-10mm is formed.

A particularly preferable, cloud-like gel body can be applied to a surface when six spacer elements are arranged on an applicator with two receiving spaces, wherein the spacer elements are arranged in such a way that each of the first openings of the receiving spaces is surrounded by four spacer elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spacer elements are arranged on a with the applicator positively and / or non-positively releasably or permanently detachable adapter. In this way it is possible differently positioned spacer elements, each having a different shape of the gel-like products on the zu

cause the applicating surface to offer, so that a user can for example select a preferred shape.

Finally, it is advisable to use the applicator according to the invention in conjunction with special active substance preparations in order to realize the appropriate application. For this purpose, it is provided that a cleaning agent preparation, in particular a cleaning agent preparation suitable for the sanitary sector, in particular mixed with a fragrance component is used, in particular an active substance preparation according to DE 100 48 887 A1 and / or WO 02/26925 A1 and / or DE 198 26 293 A1 and / or WO 99/66017 A1 and / or WO 99/66021 A1. Your content is going through

Reference is incorporated in the disclosure of the present application.

The applicator according to the invention is suitable for applying gel-form preparations to surfaces. In particular, the applicator is suitable for applying a toilet cleaning preparation to a ceramic WC surface. Furthermore, the

Applicator according to the invention can be used to gel formulations such as textile washing and / or washing aids on a surface, such as

for example, to be applied on the inside of a washing machine door or in a dispensing compartment of a dispensing drawer of a washing machine. Furthermore, it is conceivable to apply a dishwashing preparation by means of the applicator according to the invention, for example, to the inside of a dishwasher door, into the metering chamber of a dishwasher or the like. ^'It is particularly preferred, the applicator according to the invention with gel

Preparations from the group of cleaning preparations, perfume preparations, detergent formulations, detergent formulations, insecticide preparations to use.

For example, the following combinations of different gel-like

Preparations to be used with a two-chamber applicator:

It is also possible for the gels metered from the different chambers to have, in particular, a water solubility which is different from one another, so that, for example, a time-delayed release can take place from the gels applied in this way.

In the following, we will explain the invention with reference to a purely exemplary embodiment illustrative drawing. In the drawing shows

Fig. 1 exploded view of a two-chamber applicator Fig. 2 Ceramic surface and two-chamber applicator after application of the gel preparations

Perspective longitudinal section through an applicator

Arrangement of six spacer elements relative to the discharge openings of a two-chamber applicator

Arrangement of four spacer elements relative to the discharge openings of a two-chamber applicator

Fig. 6 gel body, which was produced with an applicator of Fig. 5.

Fig. 1 shows the applicator 1 in a perspective exploded view. The applicator 1 is provided in the embodiment shown with two receiving spaces 2a, 2b for mutually different gel preparations 3a, 3b (not shown). These

Embodiment is also referred to as a two-chamber applicator. The two

Receptacles 2a, 2b are arranged side by side and integrally connected to each other via a web.

The cylindrically shaped receiving spaces 2a, 2b each have first substantially circular openings 4a, 4b and second circular openings 5a, 5b respectively, the first openings 4a, 4b being provided to release the gel products 3a, 3b and the second openings 5a , 5b are provided to receive in the receiving space 2a, 2b each movable piston 6a, 6b, by means of which the gel-like products 3a, 3b can be pressed through the first openings 4a, 4b. At the applicator 1 are about the first openings 4a, 4b of the receiving spaces 2a, 2b a total of 6 spacer elements 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f in the form of cylindrical rods which are parallel to the flow direction of the preparations 3a, 3b from the plane of Openings 4a, 4b extend out, so that when pressing the applicator 1 to be acted upon by the gel-like product 3a, 3b, in particular ceramic WC surface 8, a distance A between the openings 4a, 4b and the surface 8 is formed and the gel-like products 3a, 3b can freely flow around the spacer elements 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f upon exiting. This can also be seen well in FIG. 2. The openings 4a, 4b can be closed by means of the closure cap 10 and thus protected against dehydration of the gelatinous preparations 3a, 3b.

The in the receiving spaces 2a, 2b movable piston 6a, 6b are provided with a

Piston receptacle 9 connected. The pistons 6a, 6b are respectively mounted on cylindrical receiving elements 13a, 13b, which run within the piston seat 9. Characterized in that a piston seat 9 is provided for both pistons 6a, 6b, it is ensured that the same proportions of gel products 3a, 3b are released from the openings 4a, 4b during the advance of the piston seat 9.

The piston receptacle 9 is designed such that the receiving elements 13a, 13b engage with the pistons 6a, 6b in the corresponding receiving spaces 2a, 2b and the outer shell of the piston receptacle 9 surrounds the receiving spaces 2a, 2b on the outside. Thus, a good guidance of the piston seat 9 is ensured relative to the receiving spaces 2a, 2b during the feed.

Furthermore, the piston seat 9 has a circumferential collar 12, the function of which will be explained below. The applicator 1 has between the two receiving spaces 2a, 2b parallel to

Flow direction of the preparations 3a, 3b arranged outwardly projecting, resilient portion markings 1 1, which abut against the collar 12 of the piston seat 9 during advancement of the piston seat 9. The portion marks 1 1 are executed in the feed direction of the piston seat 9 ramped or arcuate.

The portion markers 1 1 are limited by transverse slots, which are configured so that they form resilient tongues in the plastic material, limited own mobility. This is used in the illustrated embodiment for a further measure, namely for the assignment of Wderständen to the individual portion marks 1 1 when advancing the piston seat 9 in the direction of the openings 4a, 4b. When inserting the piston seat 9 into the receiving spaces 2a, 2b, therefore, one senses a slight heat resistance on reaching the respective portion mark 11. Due to the springy storage of

Portion marks 1 1, the portion marker 1 1 through the collar 12 of

Piston retainer 9 pressed against the spring resistance into the interior of one of the receiving spaces 2a, 2b. The user therefore does not have to look at the applicator 1 when applying the preparation of the active ingredient, but can simply feel by inserting the piston receptacle 9 whether the complete application of a portion has taken place. Of course, the person skilled in the art can also use any other suitable type of locking and means for the portioned delivery of the gels for the applicator shown.

The operation of the two-chamber applicator known from FIG. 1 will be explained further with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a ceramic surface 8 and a two-chamber applicator 1 after application of the gelatinous preparations 3a, 3b on the surface 8.

The two-chamber applicator 1 was placed on the surface 8, so that the

Spacers 7 touch the surface 8. Between the openings 4a, 4b and the surface 8 while a distance A is formed. The gel-like preparations 3a, 3b were subsequently applied to the surface 8 by advancing the piston receptacle 9 in the direction of the openings 4a, 4b out of the applicator 1. In this case, the spacer elements 7 were freely flowed around by the preparations 3a, 3b, so that, as a result, an approximately cloud-like gel adhesion was formed on the surface, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective longitudinal section through a chamber of the two-chamber applicator known from FIGS. 1-2.

It can be seen that the piston 6a is movably disposed through the opening 5a within the cylindrical receiving space 2a. The piston 6a is designed to be sealed against the receiving space 2a. For this purpose, the piston 6a may be formed, for example, of an elastic and / or conformable material, such as an elastomer. The piston 6a is mounted on the receiving element 13a of the piston seat 9. The outer jacket of the piston seat 9 encloses the receiving space 2a.

When advancing the piston seat 9 to release preparation from the applicator 1, the collar 12 is moved against the spring-mounted position markings 1 1. Due to their ramp- or arcuate training, the position marks 1 1 are pressed by the advance of the piston seat 9 into the interior of the receiving space 2a. The user senses a resistance indicating that a portion of the preparation has been released. By a further feed, it is also possible to release several portions of preparation from the applicator 1.

Fig. 4 shows a preferred arrangement of 6 spacer elements 7a-f relative to the

Dispensing openings 4a, 4b of a two-chamber applicator. The discharge openings 4a, 4b are surrounded by four spacer elements, wherein the arrangement of each 4 a Dispensing opening surrounding spacer elements staked out a square or rectangular area, within which one of the discharge openings 4a, 4b is arranged.

Such a configuration can create cloudy gel adhesions on a surface.

Fig. 5 shows a possible arrangement of four spacer elements relative to the

Delivery openings of a two-chamber applicator. The spacer elements 7a-d lie opposite each other in pairs (7a-7c; 7b-7d), their connecting lines forming a cross whose intersection point lies approximately centrally between the delivery openings 4a, 4b. The butterfly-like gel body produced in this configuration of the spacers 7a-d is shown in FIG.

Claims

claims

1 . Applicator (1) for gel products, in particular a toilet cleaning product,

full

At least one receiving space (2a, 2b) for a first gel-like product (3a, 3b),

Wherein the receiving space (2a, 2b) has a first opening (4a, 4b) and a second opening (5a, 5b), wherein the first opening (4a, 4b) is provided to release the gel product (3a, 3b) and the second opening (5a, 5b) is provided to receive a piston (6a, 6b) movable in the receiving space (2a, 2b), by means of which the gel product (3a, 3b) is forced through the first opening (4a, 4b) characterized in that the applicator (1) around the first opening (4a, 4b) of a receiving space (2a, 2b) at least two, preferably at least three spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) in the Art are arranged and configured that when pressing the applicator (1) on a to be acted upon by the gel-like product (3a, 3b), in particular ceramic WC surface (8), a distance A between the first opening (4a, 4b) and Surface (8) is formed and the gel-like product (3a, 3b) when exiting freely around the

Spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) can flow around.

2. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

at least one second receiving space (2a, 2b) is provided for a second gel product (3a, 3b), wherein the first and the second gel product (3a, 3b) are different from one another and the second receiving space (2a, 2b) is a first one Opening (4a, 4b) and a second opening (5a, 5b).

3. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) are arranged side by side.

4. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) are interconnected via at least one web.

Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are rod-like, in particular cylindrically shaped

6. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are configured in such a way that upon pressing the applicator (1) on one with the gel-like products (3a , 3b) to be acted upon surface (8), a distance between the first openings (4a, 4b) of the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) and the surface to be acted upon (8) of 0.5mm-30mm, preferably 2mm

10mm is formed.

7. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that six spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) on an applicator (1) with two receiving spaces (2a, 2b) are arranged, wherein the spacer elements (7a , 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are arranged in such a way that each of the first openings (4a, 4b) of the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) is surrounded by four spacer elements.

8. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are arranged on a with the applicator (1) positive and / or non-positively releasably or non-detachably fixable adapter.

9. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) form or force-releasably or permanently connected to the applicator (1) are connectable.

10. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are formed integrally with the applicator (1).

1 1. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

at least one of the in the receiving space (2a, 2b) movable piston (6a, 6b) is arranged in a piston receptacle (9) which is formed so that it comprises the receiving space (2a, 2b) on the outside at least in sections.

12. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a piston receptacle (9) for at least two pistons (6a, 6b) is provided, wherein the piston receptacle (9) is formed so that it the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) on the outside at least in sections.

13. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

at least at a receiving space (2a, 2b) outwardly projecting, resilient

Portion marks (1 1) are formed, which abut against the collar (12) during advancement of the piston seat (9).

14. An applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion marks (1 1) in the feed direction of the piston seat (9) are ramped or arcuate.