DE102006050467A1 - Storage container for a cleaning utensil, especially a toilet brush, comprises a main chamber and a closing device comprising two mutually pivotable half-shells - Google Patents

Abstract

Storage container for a cleaning utensil (4) comprising a handle (6) and a cleaning head (5) comprises a main chamber (3) and a closing device comprising two mutually pivotable half-shells (28a, 28b) mounted on the outside of the container.

Description

Technical area

The The invention relates to a storage container for a cleaning device, which a handle and a cleaning head, in particular for a toilet brush, wherein the storage box at least one main chamber for cleaning and storing the cleaning device as well a device for closing and sealing, which on the outer wall of the storage container so hinged is that they pivot from an open position to a closed position is.

State of the art

A storage container of the generic type is from the US 2004/0159330 A1 known. The known storage container has a main chamber for inserting and storing a toilet brush. The storage container is closable and sealable by means of a laterally arranged on the container from an open position to a closed position pivotable lid member. To insert the toilet brush, the cover member is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, and the toilet brush is inserted through the lateral opening in an inclined position, erected and fixed in the container in the vertical.

adversely on the known cleaning container is that when inserting The usually after use still wet toilet brush in the container through the relatively narrow opening in a weird way Position contamination of the environment as well as the container wall inside and outside by dripping water residues or impurity residues at the brush not be ruled out is. In particular, in the upper region of the insertion are in touch and thus contamination of the container outer wall by the bristles the toilet brush hard to avoid.

Presentation of the invention

Of the Invention is based on the object, a storage container of generic type so evolve that inserting the cleaner also immediately after use easy and possible without contamination in particular the outer container wall and the environment easily possible is.

These Task is with a storage box with all the features of the Patent claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

According to the invention is at a storage box for a Cleaner, which has a handle and a cleaning head, in particular for one Toilet brush, the storage box at least one main chamber for inserting and storing the cleaning device as well a device for closing and sealing, which on the outer wall of the storage container so hinged is that they move from an open position to a closed position is pivotable, provided that the device for closing and Sealing by two, mutually pivotable, half-shell elements is formed.

By this relatively simple constructive measure is achieved when open Half-shell elements the entrance opening is large enough that insertion of the cleaning device in vertical position is easily possible from above. Since the half-shell elements in open Position a kind of funnel with it upwards substantially conically widening walls may become trapped falling drops and into the container interior directed. In no case it comes to an undesirable and unaesthetic Contamination of the outer wall of the Storage container.

The Symmetrical arrangement of the half-shell elements also allows easier Way of installing an automatic locking mechanism, for example via a Lever arrangement, which automatically to a pivoting of the half-shells in the closed position when inserting the cleaning device in the storage box leads.

In a preferred embodiment the invention is the main chamber as a separate container element is formed, which from the top of a like a pedestal trained second container element with the two mutually pivotable half shells placed is.

This embodiment has the advantage of enabling emptying and cleaning of the storage container in a simple and hygienic manner. For emptying and cleaning the container element is lifted with the main chamber in a simple manner from the container element formed as a base and cleaned separately. Other parts do not have to be disassembled or removed. After cleaning, both container elements can be easily reconnected. Another advantage of the described embodiment is that the container element with the main chamber can be made geometrically very simple, for example in the manner of a pot, so that it is very easy to clean. As well as the size of the container element to achieve If the amount of cleaning fluid in the main chamber is as high as possible while the dosage is as sparing as possible, the size of a brush head will not significantly exceed that, even swiveling in a bath with a cleaning liquid is easily possible.

advantageously, Both container elements are over one Plug connection connected. Then both parts can be left very easily with minimal effort solve each other or again connect with each other.

Farther can trained as a base container element significantly wider as the container element be designed with the main chamber, thus ensuring a safe and to ensure firm footing of the entire storage container, without the visual impression suffers or the entire storage container too voluminous fails.

In a preferred embodiment The invention includes means for applying the cleaning device with a Cleaning fluid provided. These allow a thorough Cleaning and disinfecting the cleaning device immediately after each use. Even after longer periods without use, there is no undesirable odor development. The mentioned facilities can for example, are in a side chamber of the storage container, which over a passage opening connected to the main chamber.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the invention is the auxiliary chamber with the device for applying a cleaning fluid to the cleaning device in the container element formed as a base. Such an arrangement is characterized by a simple and compact structure. One Another advantage is that a change, for example, a container with the cleaning fluid in a simple manner by lifting the container element can be done with the main chamber.

The Facilities for applying cleaning fluid to the cleaning device preferably comprise, as known from the prior art, a spray bottle, a cartridge or a dispenser with cleaning fluid. The storage and targeted addition of the cleaning fluid is in these cases especially easy.

The Spray bottle or the cartridge or the dispenser must be in the storage container, For example, in a side chamber, be arranged so that the cleaning fluid over the common passage opening get into the main chamber to the cleaning device to be cleaned can. Further restrictions with respect to the geometric arrangement do not exist. So can the arrangement of the secondary chamber, for example, both centric as well as not centric with respect to the main axis of the cleaning tank. advantageously, However, the cleaning head of the cleaning element, as out known from the prior art, applied from below with cleaning fluid, for the best possible To achieve cleaning result.

The Metering of the cleaning fluid can be done in a simple manner by triggering the with spray bottles, cartridges or dispensers tour available opening mechanisms take place, for example, by depressing the head of the spray bottle or the cartridge or the dispenser.

The Actuate The spray bottle, the cartridge or the dispenser can be easier Done by hand.

advantageously, is in a storage container according to the invention, however an actuating mechanism for automatically actuating the Spray bottle, the cartridge or the dispenser or any other Device for applying cleaning fluid to the cleaning device, for example, by inserting the cleaning device in the Storage containers triggered is. Such automatic operating mechanisms are known per se. They are usually based on the fact that the storage container projections, lever etc. are provided, which are arranged so that they are inserted of the cleaning device in the storage box to a trigger the opening mechanism, for example, the spray bottle, the cartridge or the dispenser, especially by depression of the head of the spray bottle of the cartridge or the dispenser.

Farther is advantageously also an automatic return mechanism for closing the Spray bottle, the cartridge or the dispenser after a short time Outlet of cleaning fluid or other means for Charging the cleaning device provided with cleaning fluid. Even such return mechanisms are in themselves known. For the sake of simplicity, spring elements will be used for this purpose used, which counteract the movement to trigger the actuating mechanism.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a timer for actuating the opening mechanism is provided. In this way, in particular during prolonged storage times without the use of the cleaning device in regular, freely adjustable Zei intervals to perform a cleaning. If the cleaning fluid used also contains fragrances, a regular room fragrance is also achieved as a side effect due to the non-hermetic sealing of the cleaning tank.

Next the device described above for applying a cleaning fluid to the cleaning device can even more facilities, such as lamps for fluorescent Light to kill of bacteria or the like, for cleaning the cleaning device be.

Of the Storage container described above is intended in particular in the area the sanitary applications find its use, particularly preferred for storage and if necessary cleaning of toilet brushes.

As a general rule However, the storage container according to the invention suitable for storing and possibly cleaning all types of cleaning equipment, which are characterized by a handle and a cleaning head, for example, for storing and cleaning toothbrushes.

Of the Storage container according to the invention can not only used for storing and possibly cleaning brushes principle, it is also suitable for such cleaning devices, in which the cleaning head not as a brush, but as a molded body a foam or a nonwoven fabric or the like is.

When Cleaning fluid are all conceivable in sanitary cleaning agent suitable.

Especially for the In the WC area, cleaning fluids containing so-called "drying accelerators" are preferred, ie. H. for example liquids, which mix with water to form an azeotrope. As such Drying accelerators are, for example, alcohols, in particular Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol suitable.

Farther can the usable in the context of the invention cleaning fluids in known manner antibacterial / antimicrobial substances in particular quaternary ammonium salts, e.g. octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinates, as well as phenols, such as, for example, o-phenylphenol, o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol, triclosan, Silver and silver salts, hydrogen peroxide free or bound Form, hypochlorite, chlorine, free and bound.

As mentioned above, The cleaning fluid may also contain additives to perfumes.

A particularly preferred cleaning agent contains:
0.1% alkyl [50% C (14), 40% C (12), 10% C (16)] dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate
79% ethanol
20.9% other and inert additives;

following the invention with reference to the embodiment shown in the figure explained in more detail:

It shows:

1 in a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a storage container according to the invention.

One recognizes in 1 a storage box 1 with a first container element 2 with a main chamber 3 in which there is a cleaning device 4 with a cleaning head 5 and a handle 6 located. At the cleaning device 4 In the illustrated embodiment, without limiting the generality, this is a toilet brush with bristles 7 , With the reference number 12 is referred to in the figure, a second container element. In the second container element 12 is a side chamber with a spray bottle 15 arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage container 1 formed in two pieces without restriction of generality. This has the advantage that the container element 2 with the main chamber 3 for emptying and cleaning in a simple manner from the second container element 12 lifted and after cleaning can be put back on.

In the illustrated embodiment, further, the sub-chamber 13 for the spray bottle 15 by a centrally arranged hollow cylindrical receptacle 22 in the container element 12 educated. To the hollow cylindrical receptacle 22 closes at the top of a radial extension 23 for receiving the container element 2 at. The passage opening 16 to the main chamber 3 of the container element 2 is located in the bottom of the container element 2 directly above the head 17 the spray bottle 15 , so that when operating the opening mechanism for the spray bottle 15 the cleaning fluid from below into the main chamber 3 with the cleaning head 5 is sprayed into it.

The hollow cylindrical receptacle 22 for the spray bottle 15 as well as the radial extension 23 for inserting the container element 2 be by an actuator 24 limited, in a corresponding recording 26 in the container element 12 can be used and against this against the force of a at the bottom of the container element 12 arranged spring element 27 is displaceable downwards in the vertical direction. This arrangement allows as will be described below, automatically closing the container 2 when inserting the cleaning device 4 ,

For closing and sealing in the illustrated embodiment, two are at the upper peripheral portion of the container member 12 hinged, mutually pivotable, half-shell elements 28a . 28b intended. Both are in the figure in an open position. For automatic pivoting into the closed position when inserting the cleaning device 4 in the main chamber 3 are with the half-shell elements 28a . 28b firmly connected lever elements 29a . 29b provided on both the container element 12 in the area of the radial expansion on the inner wall 30 as well as on the actuator 24 are articulated.

When exerting pressure on the container element from above 2 For example, when adjusting the cleaning device 4 in the main chamber 3 this is moved downwards and exerts in the same way corresponding pressure on the actuator 24 out, which also against the spring force of the spring element 27 is moved down with. By this movement of the actuating element, the lever elements 29a . 29b attached to the actuator 24 hinged, tilted down, resulting in a pivoting movement of the half-shell elements 28a . 28b leads in the direction of its closed position. Ideally, the spring force of the spring element 27 and the weight of the cleaner 4 matched so that the insertion of the cleaning device 4 only for closing the container element 2 leads, so it only with further exercise of pressure on the handle 6 of the cleaning device to trigger the opening mechanism of the spray bottle 15 comes. This has the advantage that the cleaning device 4 in the closed container element 2 can be stored without it automatically triggering the opening mechanism of the spray bottle 15 comes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spray bottle protrudes 15 so far into the receptacle for the container element 2 in the field of radial expansion 23 in that by further brief depression after adjusting the cleaning device 4 in the main chamber 3 and pivoting the half-shell elements 28a . 28b in the closed position of the spray head is briefly depressed with the result that briefly cleaning fluid up into the main chamber 3 is sprayed.

Not only in the illustrated embodiment, but in general it is advantageous if the two half-shell elements are constructed and arranged so that they are removed when removing the cleaner and thus eliminating the pressure force on the lever elements due of gravity to swing apart again in their open position.

Claims (12)

Storage container ( 1 ) for a cleaning device ( 4 ), which is a handle ( 6 ) and a cleaning head ( 5 ), in particular for a toilet brush, wherein the storage container ( 1 ) at least one main chamber ( 3 ) for inserting and storing the cleaning device ( 4 ) as well as a closure and sealing device, which on the outer wall of the storage container ( 1 ) is hinged such that it is pivotable from an open position to a closed position, characterized in that the means for closing and sealing by two, mutually pivotable, half-shell elements ( 28a . 29a ) is formed. Storage container according to claim 1, characterized. in that devices are provided which allow automatic pivoting of the two half-shells ( 28a . 28b ) in its closed position when inserting the cleaning device in the main chamber ( 3 ) to lead. Storage container according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for automatic pivoting lever elements ( 29a . 29b ). Storage container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main chamber ( 3 ) as a separate container element ( 2 ) is formed, which from the top of a manner designed in the manner of a base second container element ( 12 ) with the two mutually pivotable half-shells ( 28a . 28b ) can be placed. Storage container according to claim 4, characterized in that the two container elements ( 2 . 12 ) are connected to each other by means of a plug connection. Storage containers according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a means for applying of the cleaning device provided with a cleaning fluid. Storage container according to claim 6, characterized in that it has a secondary chamber ( 13 ), in which the device for charging the cleaning device ( 4 ) is located with a cleaning fluid and which via a passage opening ( 16 ) with the main chamber ( 3 ) connected is. Storage container according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the secondary chamber ( 13 ) with the device for applying the cleaning device ( 4 ) with a cleaning fluid in the container element formed as a base ( 12 ) is located. Storage container according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the means for applying the cleaning device ( 4 ) with cleaning liquid a spray bottle ( 15 ), a cartridge or a dispenser with cleaning fluid. Storage container according to claim 9, characterized in that an actuating mechanism for actuating the spray bottle ( 15 ), the cartridge or the dispenser, which by inserting the cleaning device ( 4 ) in the storage container ( 1 ) is triggered. Storage container according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a return mechanism for closing the spray bottle ( 15 ), the cartridge or the dispenser is provided after a brief discharge of cleaning fluid. Storage containers according to claim 11, characterized in that the return mechanism based on the use of spring force.