EP2742188B1 - Applicator for gel-like wc-cleaning products directly on the surface of the wc bowl - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an applicator for applying at least one gel-like product, in particular a toilet cleaning product, to a surface, in particular a ceramic WC surface

State of the art

The invention relates to a dispensing device for a viscous, especially gelar-term drug 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 gelatinous active substance preparation still not as well as the dispenser enclosing the gelatinous drug preparation therein.

Viscous, in particular gelatinous active substance preparations have long been known for cleaning and / or disinfecting and / or perfuming, in particular, sanitary articles such as toilet sinks ( DE 100 48 887 A1 ). Such viscous active ingredient preparations are viscous gelatinous to pasty compositions of active ingredient 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 article, it is not necessary to provide additional containers, the so-called "toilet bowls", which must remain in the sanitary article, in particular the toilet bowl. 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 in toilet bowl arise in other applications, such as urinals, hand basins or sinks, industrial sinks, dishwashers, etc .. A special application find dispensers with such viscous, especially gelatinous active ingredient preparations 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 areas, for example to feed devices to pasty active ingredient preparations in the field of sealing and bonding technology. There it is known to provide the preparation of active ingredient 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 substance preparation and formed by the bottom thereof is pressed by the feed end face of the piston of the cylinder-piston arrangement in the direction of the application tip. The preparation of active ingredient is pressed out of the application tip onto the application area.

One type of applicator to empty a capsule is from the document WO201140581 A1 known. At the top of the applicator, a spacer is also provided. After a single dispensing of the capsule contents, the capsule must be replaced with a new, thereby, for each capsule only once and only a single serving amount dosed.

EP2281756 also describes an applicator suitable for dispensing once. After dosing, the applicator returns to its original position and the product must be refilled into the applicator.

A cylinder-piston arrangement operating in the manner of a syringe is, with proper dimensioning, also suitable as a delivery device for the viscous, in particular gelatinous, active substance preparations of this field of application which are involved here. DE 100 48 887 A1 ; WO 02/26925 A1 ; DE 198 26 293 A2 ; WO 99/66017 A ; WO 99/66021 A1 EP2314522 A1 . EP2361850 A1 ). The document EP2361850 describes such an arrangement which is suitable for metering portioned quantities. In such a "pelletless" dispensing device of the active ingredient preparation, for example, a toilet bowl which is possible in a syringe-like construction single-handed operation is appropriate. An operator then has the other hand free to rest on the toilet bowl, for example, on the wall while applying the preparation of active ingredient in the toilet bowl. With the applicator off EP2361850 It is possible to perform several doses without having to refill the applicator. For dosing, a stop element must be pressed in by the user each time. Multiple dosing without the actuation of the stop element is not possible.

In order to avoid unhygienic contact of body parts with the edge of the toilet bowl is, in particular for the lower edge application, a functional dimensioning of the dispenser, so a slender, slightly elongated design of the receiving cylinder appropriate.

The teaching is based on the problem, the known, designed as a cylinder-piston arrangement syringe-like dispensing device for a viscous, especially gelatinous preparation of active ingredient and further develop that they with regard to handling and especially with regard to the aesthetic appearance of the gel body applied to a surface.

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. By the portion marks, which resiliently spring in contact of the collar of the piston seat into the receiving spaces, a resistance when inserting the piston seat with the piston can be generated in the receiving spaces, which indicates to the user that a portion of the two products was completely released and he Thus, the piston holder with the piston does not need to press further into the receiving spaces.

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 small contact area between the applicator and the surface to be applied in the embodiment according to the invention 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 from the applicator when retracting the applicator from the surface to be acted upon.

Because the spacer elements limit the flow of a gelatinous preparation during application only in sections, since the gelatinous preparation can flow around the spacer elements, a needs-based dosage is also possible, so that, for example, depending on the desired cleaning performance of the gel product within a toilet bowl more or less of the gel formulation may be dosed 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 developments of the above teaching are the 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, preparations which are not storage-stable with one another can thereby be stored and applied 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 release from an injection molding tool and a surface which is wettable as little as possible 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 breakage and a sufficient attachment 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 a surface to be acted upon by the gel-like products, a distance between the first openings 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 to offer differently positioned spacer elements, which each effect a different shaping of the gel-like products on the surface to be applied, so that a user can, for example, select a preferred shape.

Finally, it is recommended to use the applicator according to the invention in conjunction with special preparations of active compound 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 as the active ingredient preparation. Examples of active compound preparations are in the DE 100 48 887 A1 and / or the WO 02/26925 A1 and / or the DE 198 26 293 A1 and / or the WO 99/66017 A1 and / or the WO 99/66021 A1 available.

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 apply gelatinous preparations such as textile washing and / or washing aids on a surface, such as on the inside of a washing machine door or in a Einspülkammer a Einspülschublade 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 to use the applicator according to the invention with gelatinous preparations from the group of cleaning preparations, perfume preparations, detergent formulations, dishwashing detergent preparations, insecticidal preparations.

For example, the following combinations of different gel preparations with a two-chamber applicator can be used: application Chamber 1 Chamber 2 Toilet cleaning product Bleached preparation Perfume-containing preparation Toilet cleaning product Chlorine-containing preparation Perfume-containing preparation laundry detergent Enzyme-containing preparation Bleached preparation laundry detergent detergent formulation softener preparation Machine dishwashing detergent Enzyme-containing preparation Bleached preparation

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.

Fig. 1

Explosionsdarstellung eines Zweikammer-Applikators

Fig. 2

Keramische Oberfläche und Zweikammer-Applikator nach Applikation der gelförmigen Zubereitungen

Fig. 3

Perspektivischer Längsschnitt durch einen Applikator

Fig. 4

Anordnung von sechs Distanzelementen relativ zu den Abgabeöffnungen eines Zweikammer-Applikators

Fig. 5

Anordnung von vier Distanzelementen relativ zu den Abgabeöffnungen eines Zweikammer-Applikators

Fig. 6

Gelkörper, der mit einem Applikator aus Fig. 5 erzeugt wurde.

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-like preparations

Fig. 3

Perspective longitudinal section through an applicator

Fig. 4

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

Fig. 5

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

Fig. 6

Gel body made with an applicator Fig. 5 was generated.

Fig. 1 shows the applicator 1 in an exploded perspective 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). This embodiment is also referred to as a two-chamber applicator. The two receiving spaces 2a, 2b are arranged side by side and connected to each other in one piece 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 is also good in the Fig. 2 to recognize.

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 pistons 6a, 6b movable in the accommodation spaces 2a, 2b are connected to a piston receptacle 9. 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 chambers 2a, 2b parallel to the flow direction of the preparations 3a, 3b outwardly projecting, resilient portion marks 11 which abut against the collar 12 of the piston seat 9 during advancement of the piston seat 9. The portion marks 11 are executed in the feed direction of the piston seat 9 ramped or arcuate.

Portion marks 11 are limited in their own mobility by means of transverse slots which are configured to form resilient tongues in the plastic material. This is used in the illustrated embodiment for a further measure, namely for the assignment of resistors to the individual portion marks 11 during advancement of 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 resistance when reaching the respective portion mark 11. Due to the resilient mounting of the portion marks 11, the portion mark 11 through the collar 12 of the piston seat 9 against the spring resistance into the interior of one of the receiving spaces 2a, 2b pressed. 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 functioning of the Fig. 1 known two-chamber applicator is on hand of Fig. 2 further explained. 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 spacer elements 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 circulated by the preparations 3a, 3b, so that as a result an approximately cloudy gel adhesion on the surface, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 is pictured, has been trained.

In Fig. 3 is a perspective longitudinal section through a chamber of the Fig. 1-2 mapped known two-chamber applicator.

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 11. As a result of their ramp-shaped or arc-shaped design, the position markings 11 are pressed into the interior of the receiving space 2 a by the advance of the piston seat 9. 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 discharge 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 stakes 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 discharge 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-type gel body produced in this configuration of the spacers 7a-d is shown in FIG Fig. 6 played.

Claims (9)

1. An applicator (1) for gel products, in particular a toilet-cleaning product, comprising

   • a receiving space (2a) for a first gel product (3a), wherein the receiving space (2a) comprises the first gel product (3a) and a movable piston (6a);

   • a second receiving space (2b) for a second gel product (3b) that differs from the first gel product (3a), wherein the second receiving space (2b) comprises the second gel product (3b) and a second movable piston (6b);

   a piston holder (9) for the two pistons (6a, 6b), wherein the piston holder (9) is formed such that it comprises the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) on the outside thereof at least in portions; and wherein each receiving space (2a, 2b) comprises a first opening (4a, 4b) and a second opening (5a, 5b), the first opening (4a, 4b) being provided in order to release the gel product (3a, 3b) and the second opening (5a, 5b) being provided in order to receive the piston (6a, 6b) that is movable in the receiving space (2a, 2b), by means of which piston the gel product (3a, 3b) can be pushed through the first opening (4a, 4b); and
   wherein at least two, preferably at least three, spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are arranged and configured on the applicator (1) around each first opening (4a, 4b) in the relevant receiving space (2a, 2b) such that, when pressing the applicator (1) against a toilet surface (8) to which the gel product (3a, 3b) is to be applied and which is in particular ceramic, a distance A is formed between the first opening (4a, 4b) and the surface (8), and in each case the gel product (3a, 3b) can flow freely around the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) when emerging; and wherein the applicator
   comprises resilient portion markers (11) which are between the two receiving spaces (2a, 2b), are arranged so as to be in parallel with the direction of flow of the preparations (3a, 3b), project outwards, and abut a collar (12) of the piston holder (9) when the piston holder (9) is pushed forward,
   such that, when the piston holder (9) and the pistons (6a, 6b) are inserted into the receiving spaces (2a, 2b), slight resistance is generated when the relevant portion marker (11) is reached, the relevant portion marker (11) being pushed through the collar (12) of the piston holder (9) into the interior of one of the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) against the spring resistance, as a result of the spring mounting of the portion markers (11);
   wherein the portion markers (11) are designed so as to be ramp-shaped or curved in the movement direction of the piston holder (9).
2. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) are adjacent.
3. The applicator according to either one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) are interconnected by at least one web.
4. The applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are formed so as to be rod-like, in particular cylindrical.
5. The 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, when pressing the applicator (1) against a surface (8) to which the gel products (3a, 3b) are to be applied, a distance of 0.5 mm-30 mm, preferably 2 mm-10 mm, is formed between the first openings (4a, 4b) in the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) and the surface (8) to which the gel product is to be applied.
6. The applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that six spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are arranged on an applicator (1) having two receiving spaces (2a, 2b), the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) being arranged in such a way that each of the first openings (4a, 4b) in the receiving spaces (2a, 2b) is surrounded by four spacer elements.
7. The applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are arranged on an adaptor that can be fixed to the applicator (1) positively and/or non-positively so as to be detachable or non-detachable.
8. The applicator according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) can be connected to the applicator (1) positively and/or non-positively so as to be detachable or non-detachable.
9. The applicator according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spacer elements (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) are formed in one piece with the applicator (1).

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