Solid soap dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a solid soap dispenser comprising a housing with a housing cover and an outlet opening, a grating device for grating a solid soap, and a conveying device for conveying a solid soap toward the grating device. The conveying device and the grating device are arranged within the housing, and the grating device is located near the outlet opening. The invention described here aims to provide a solid soap dispenser that is sustainable, resource-efficient, and easy to handle.This object is achieved by a solid soap dispenser which is characterized in that the conveying device is constructed from a threaded spindle and a feed plate sitting on the threaded spindle, wherein the threaded spindle opens into the rasp device and the rasp device is operatively connected to an actuating element for actuating the rasp device, wherein upon actuation of the actuating element the threaded spindle is rotatable and the feed plate is displaceable along the threaded spindle, wherein the threaded spindle has a connecting element at each of its two ends for connecting the threaded spindle to the rasp device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a solid soap dispenser, comprising a housing with a housing cover and an outlet opening, a grating device for grating a solid soap and a conveying device for conveying a solid soap in the direction of the grating device, wherein the conveying device and the grating device are arranged within the housing and the grating device is located near the outlet opening.

[0002] Liquid shampoo dispensers in various designs are well-known, especially in the hotel industry. These are usually mounted directly on the wall or on wall-mounted fixtures. In private homes, soap dispensers are often used as mobile stand-alone models next to the sink.

[0003] One disadvantage of the familiar, mostly wall-mounted soap or shampoo dispensers with liquid shampoo is that their product container is made of flexible plastic, and squeezing the container releases an indefinite amount of liquid soap. On the other hand, there are also dispenser systems with non-flexible, rigid container materials, usually also made of plastic, which are equipped with a dispensing pump. Pressing the dispensing pump at least allows for a more controlled dispensing of the liquid contents.

[0004] What they all have in common, however, is that the consumption of liquid soap is difficult to control or is often too high, and can therefore lead to high costs, especially in the hotel sector, due to the high use of materials and services.

[0005] Another disadvantage of such liquid soap dispensers compared to solid soap dispensers is the higher consumption of liquid soap, as the required addition of water results in a much larger volume than a comparable solid soap with a comparable soap essence. Furthermore, conventional dispenser systems are predominantly made of plastic, which is not truly sustainable, at least when it comes to replacing or disposing of the product, especially considering the much-discussed environmental problems.

[0006] Based on this prior art and the resulting disadvantages, the invention described here has set itself the task of providing a solid soap dispenser with which, in particular, the disadvantages of the prior art shown are eliminated.

[0007] This object is achieved with a solid soap dispenser according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the solid soap dispenser according to the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention described here is a solid soap dispenser, comprising a housing with a housing cover and an outlet opening, a grating device for grating a solid soap and a conveying device for conveying a solid soap in the direction of the grating device, wherein the conveying device and the grating device are arranged within the housing and the grating device is located near the outlet opening.The solid soap dispenser according to the invention is characterized in that the conveying device is constructed from a threaded spindle and a feed plate sitting on the threaded spindle, wherein the threaded spindle opens into the rasp device and the rasp device is operatively connected to an actuating element for actuating the rasp device, wherein upon actuation of the actuating element the threaded spindle is rotatable and the feed plate is displaceable along the threaded spindle, wherein the threaded spindle has a connecting element at each of its two ends for connecting the threaded spindle to the rasp device.

[0009] Through the interaction of the actuating element and the rasp device with the threaded spindle and the feed plate mounted on it, a solid soap located beneath the feed plate and inserted into the conveyor device can be conveyed toward the rasp device. In longitudinal section, the solid soap inserted has a recess or bore running through its center for the threaded spindle.

[0010] Once the solid soap has been completely used up, the feed plate is located on the rasping device. In order to be able to refill the solid soap dispenser with solid soap, it was previously necessary to move the feed plate to the free end of the threaded spindle. This could be achieved, for example, by turning the threaded spindle in the opposite direction or by removing and manually moving the feed plate. Since this involves a considerable amount of effort, especially in the hotel sector, where several hundred soap dispensers may have to be changed daily, the solid soap dispenser described here proposes that the threaded spindle have a connecting element at each free end. This connecting element connects the conveyor device to the rasping device.Since, according to the invention, such a connecting element is provided at each end of the threaded spindle, after the feed plate has been completely moved to one end of the threaded spindle, the threaded spindle can simply be removed by one person after removing the housing cover from the housing of the solid soap dispenser, rotated, fitted with a new longitudinally drilled piece of solid soap and then reconnected to the rasp device by means of the connecting element.

[0011] In one conceivable embodiment of the connecting element, this could be a recess on the threaded spindle that complements the rasp device, so that the threaded spindle is simply inserted into a groove in the rasp device, for example. However, other complementary connection types are also conceivable, particularly those based on the key-lock principle, which can be easily separated from each other.

[0012] In order to ensure a specific position of the solid soap within the housing and to prevent undesired tilting or twisting of the solid soap, the invention provides, in an advantageous embodiment, that the conveyor device is accommodated in a guide device with at least one guide element, with which any movement or tilting of the solid soap within the housing or along the threaded spindle upon actuation of the actuating element and grating of the solid soap on the grating device is prevented. The guide device itself is preferably designed in the form of a housing within the solid soap dispenser housing. Advantageously, the guide device is designed as a single piece, wherein the guide device is particularly preferably manufactured by injection molding.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the guide device consists of a transparent plastic, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylic, polystyrene or polycarbonate.

[0013] At least one projecting web can serve as a guide element in the guide device, which cants or blocks the solid soap on one side or engages in a recess provided for this purpose in the solid soap. In a simple embodiment, this projecting web can be arranged directly on the inside of the housing of the solid soap dispenser. Particularly preferably, the solid soap with its recesses and the guide device with its guide elements are coordinated with one another so that no other solid soap can be used with the guide device. This can, for example, prevent solid soap not intended for the solid soap dispenser from being filled or used, but rather only a suitable solid soap can be used.

[0014] During the development of the solid soap dispenser, the applicant discovered that with prior art rasping devices, pieces of solid soap of varying sizes were frequently broken off, which could potentially lead to jamming or blocking of the actuating element and also leave the user with a poorly designed feel. During the search for suitable rasping devices, the applicant surprisingly discovered that a rasping device consisting of several webs arranged at the outlet opening, wherein the webs have cutting edges and / or cutting teeth, preferably crescent-shaped cutting teeth, on the side facing the housing cover, can reliably dispense uniformly sized and aesthetically pleasing pieces of soap. Particularly preferably, the webs are arranged in a star shape toward the center of the housing.This creates several triangular gaps through which the soap shavings can fall into the palm of a user's hand. Particularly preferred is for the cutting edges and / or cutting teeth of one bar to be offset from the cutting edges and / or cutting teeth of another bar. This ensures that the entire contact surface of the bar soap is shaved, ensuring even removal of the bar soap.

[0015] The housing of the solid soap dispenser can be made of metal or plastic, preferably recycled plastic, making the soap dispenser both robust and durable. When metal is used, it also leaves a high-quality impression on the user. Furthermore, it can be adapted to the respective location of use, for example, the shower or sink. It is also conceivable for the outlet to have a funnel shape for directing the grated soap into the palm of a user's hand, allowing the formed soap flakes to slide specifically into the user's palm. This can be integrated into the actuating element. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the actuating element can have locking lugs with which the actuating element can be detachably connected to the housing.

[0016] To make it easy to determine when the solid soap dispenser needs to be refilled, the solid soap dispenser according to the invention can furthermore have a fill level indicator on the housing. This is preferably a fill level indicator with a transparent viewing window, which is advantageously arranged just before the grating device, wherein in this case the feed plate is most preferably in a signal color, in particular red. When the solid soap is almost completely used up, the red feed plate is located just before the grating device and can be seen through the transparent viewing window.

[0017] Preferably, the actuating element coupled or operatively connected to the rasping device can be a rotating ring arranged on the housing, which particularly preferably has gripping bars. The latter enable safe handling even when a user's hands are wet, should the solid soap dispenser be installed in a damp room, such as the shower. In this context, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for the housing cover to be watertight and theft-proof. Watertightness can be achieved, for example, by a corresponding elastic seal on the housing cover, which engages in a groove provided in the housing. A key lock integrated into the housing cover is conceivable as an embodiment of a suitable theft protection device.But any other suitable type of device for theft protection or sealing of the solid soap dispenser can also be considered.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the housing lid of the solid soap dispenser according to the invention can be opened only with a key specially adapted to the solid soap dispenser. This key has a shape adapted to the housing and an engagement element that engages in a recess provided in the housing, allowing the housing lid to be rotated from the closed position to an open position.

[0019] To ensure that the device can be used in frequently used spaces, such as restrooms at train stations, airports, or hotels, it is advisable for hygiene reasons to avoid mechanical actuation of the actuating element by the user. Therefore, in a further advantageous embodiment, the invention provides for an electric motor to be assigned to the rasping device, which is data-connected to a motion sensor arranged at the outlet opening, so that when the motion sensor is triggered, the electric motor is controlled by the motion sensor and the rasping device is actuated by the electric motor. For aesthetic reasons, but also to avoid the need to lay any power cables, the electric motor and the motion sensor can be powered by batteries and / or accumulators. These can be integrated, for example, into the housing, preferably on one side of the housing or into the housing cover.

[0020] Furthermore, in a further advantageous embodiment, the solid soap dispenser can have a fastening device for attaching the solid soap dispenser to a wall. This fastening device can advantageously consist of a fastening element arranged on the housing and a suitable holder, wherein the holder can be attached to a wall using conventional mounting means, for example, screws and dowels.

[0021] Finally, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention for the solid soap dispenser, the holder comprises a shelf for storing, for example, shower utensils. The shelf can preferably have a splash edge to prevent utensils placed thereon from slipping due to a splash of water or a film of water on the shelf. The shelf can also have a slight incline towards the wall, with which any water on the shelf can be directed towards the wall and, given a particularly preferably minimal distance from the wall, which can be achieved, for example, by a suitable fastening means, any excess water can be drained away through this formed passage.

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below using some exemplary embodiments.

[0023] It shows: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a solid soap dispenser according to the invention in a perspective view from the front, Fig. 2 shows the embodiment according to Figure 1 in a perspective view from behind, Fig. 3 the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 in a view from above, Fig.4 the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 3 in a view from below, Fig. 5 the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 in an exploded view, Fig. 6 a detailed view of the conveyor according to the Figures 1 to 5 , Fig. 7 a detailed view of the rasp device according to Figures 1 to 5 in a perspective view, Fig. 8 a first embodiment of a holder for a solid soap dispenser according to the Figures 1 to 5 , Fig. 9 a second embodiment of a holder with storage area for a solid soap dispenser according to the Figures 1 to 5 , Fig. 10the holder with storage area according to Figure 9 with the embodiment of a solid soap dispenser according to the invention according to the Figures 1 to 5 in a perspective view from the front, Fig. 11 the holder with storage area according to Figure 9 with the embodiment of a solid soap dispenser according to the invention according to the Figures 1 to 5 in a perspective view from behind, and Fig. 12 an embodiment of a key for opening the anti-theft housing cover of the embodiment of a solid soap dispenser according to the invention according to the Figures 1 to 5 .

[0024] Figures 1 to 5show an embodiment of a solid soap dispenser 1 according to the invention in several views. The solid soap dispenser 1 has a housing 2, which is closed at the top by a housing cover 3 and has an outlet opening 4 on the underside. Furthermore, a fastening element 7 is arranged on the housing 2, with which the solid soap dispenser 1 can be mounted on a wall using a holder 21. An actuating element 17 in the form of a rotating ring with several gripping webs 18 is arranged at the outlet opening 4. With this actuating element 17, the rasping device 9 can be actuated and the solid soap 10 can be grated, wherein the solid soap shavings can fall out of the outlet opening 4 into the hand of a user. The solid soap 10 has, in longitudinal section, a recess orHole for the threaded spindle 13 and two opposite recesses 8 into which the guide elements (not shown) of the guide device 12 engage in order to prevent the solid soap 10 from twisting. In the installed state, one side of the solid soap 10 rests on the feed plate 14 and the opposite side rests on the rasp device 9. Furthermore, the housing 2 in this embodiment has a viewing window 5 embedded in the housing 2 with a fill level indicator 6. In addition, there are lock symbols and a line identification on the housing cover 3 so that a user can easily determine whether the housing cover 3 is in a closed or open position. In order to prevent unauthorized opening, the solid soap dispenser 1 can only be opened by a . Figure 12The key 24 can be opened using the special key 24 shown. This has a contour that is complementary to the shape of the solid soap dispenser 1 and the housing cover 3. Furthermore, the key 24 has an engagement element 25 with which the key 24 can engage in the correspondingly complementary recess 26 on the housing 2 of the solid soap dispenser 1 in order to open the housing cover 3. Without simultaneously engaging in the recess 26 when turning the housing cover 3, the latter cannot be opened. This prevents unauthorized opening of the solid soap dispenser 1.

[0025] Inside the housing 2 of the solid soap dispenser 1 is the Figure 6shown in detail, the conveyor device 11, which consists of a threaded spindle 13 with a feed plate 14 placed thereon. The feed plate 14 has two opposing recesses 15, which, in addition to the soap, can also engage in guide elements (not shown) of the guide device 12 in order to prevent undesired twisting of the solid soap 10 or the feed plate 14. The conveyor device 11 opens into the rasp device 9 arranged near the outlet opening 4. In order to enable the conveyor device 11 to be easily refilled in a few simple steps after the solid soap 10 has been used up, the threaded spindle 13 has a connecting element 16 at each of its two ends. This is shown in the Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, a recess on the threaded spindle 13 engages in a complementary groove 27 on the rasp device 9.

[0026] In Figure 7is the embodiment of the rasp device 9 according to the Figures 1 to 5shown in detail. The rasp device 9 shown here, which is made up of several webs 19 arranged in a star shape, which has a recess in the center in the form of a groove 27 that is complementary to the connecting element 16 of the threaded spindle 13. The groove 27 can be a continuous or stepped groove 27. The webs 19 have cutting teeth 20 on the side facing towards the solid soap 10 or the feed plate 14, with which soap shavings are removed and obtained when the solid soap 10 rotates. The cutting teeth 20 of one web 19 are offset from the cutting teeth 20 of the other webs 19 arranged before or after the web 19. In this exemplary embodiment, the webs 19 have either four or five cutting teeth 20, with a web 19 with four cutting teeth 20 being followed by a web with five cutting teeth 20.This ensures that the solid soap 10 is removed evenly during grating, since the entire surface of the solid soap 10 is grated.

[0027] In this embodiment, the rasp device 9 is integrated into the actuating element 17. The actuating element 17 has recesses on the inside into which the four projecting webs of the rasp device 9 engage, so that the actuating element 17 is operatively connected to the rasp device 9. If the actuating element 17, i.e., the rotating ring, is rotated in one of the two directions of rotation, the rasp device 9 rotates in the same direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the actuating element 17, as shown in Figure 5As shown in detail, the actuating element 17 is detachably connected to the housing 2 of the solid soap dispenser 1 via locking lugs. This allows for easy replacement of the rasping device 9 if it needs to be replaced, for example, due to material fatigue. The inside of the actuating element 17 can also have a conical or funnel-shaped form, so that any soap shavings formed by the rasping device 9 can be directed specifically into the palm of a user's hand.

[0029] In the Figures 8 and 9 Two embodiments of holders 21 for the solid soap dispenser 1 are shown. The first in Figure 8 The embodiment of a bracket 21 shown is a simple bracket 21 with two projecting semicircular surfaces towards the respective end, which can be mounted on a wall using appropriate mounting means, for example screws and dowels. Figure 9The holder 21 shown also has a storage surface 22 on which, in particular, drugstore or cosmetic articles can be placed. Figures 10 and 11 show the combination of the bracket 21 according to Figure 9 with the solid soap dispenser according to the Figures 1 to 5 both in a perspective view from the front and from the rear. Since the solid soap dispenser 1 can also be used in wet rooms, the storage surface 22 has a splash rim 23.

[0030] The above discloses a solid soap dispenser which allows easy refilling of solid soap and is easy to use, while at the same time saving resources. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0031] 1 Solid soap dispenser 2 Housing 3 Housing cover 4 Outlet opening 5 Viewing window 6 Fill level indicator 7 Fastening element 8 Recess 9 Grating device 10 Solid soap 11 Conveyor device 12 Guide device 13 Threaded spindle 14 Feed plate 15 Recess 16 Connecting element 17 Actuating element 18 Grip bars 19 Bars 20 Cutting teeth 21 Bracket 22 Storage area 23 Splash rim 24 Key 25 Engagement element 26 Recess 27 Groove

Claims

1. Solid soap dispenser (1), comprising a housing (2) with a housing cover (3) and an outlet opening (4), a grating device (9) for grating a solid soap (10) and a conveying device (11) for conveying a solid soap (10) in the direction of the grating device (9), wherein the conveying device (11) and the grating device (9) are arranged within the housing (2) and the grating device (9) is located near the outlet opening (4), characterized in thatthe conveying device (11) is constructed from a threaded spindle (13) and a feed plate (14) sitting on the threaded spindle (13), wherein the threaded spindle (13) opens into the rasp device (9) and the rasp device (9) is operatively connected to an actuating element (17) for actuating the rasp device (9), wherein upon actuation of the actuating element (17) the threaded spindle (13) is rotatable and the feed plate (14) is displaceable along the threaded spindle (13), wherein the threaded spindle (13) has a connecting element (16) at each of its two ends for connecting the threaded spindle (13) to the rasp device (9).

2. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying device (11) is accommodated in a guide device (12), wherein the guide device (12) has at least one guide element with which a movement of the solid soap upon actuation of the actuating element (17) is prevented.

3. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one guide element is a cantilevered web.

4. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the feed plate (14) has recesses (15) for engaging in the guide element of the guide device (9).

5. Solid soap dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rasp device (9) is constructed from a plurality of webs (19) arranged at the outlet opening (4), wherein the webs (19) have cutting edges and / or cutting teeth (20) on the side facing towards the housing cover (3).

6. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the webs (19) are arranged in a star shape towards the center of the housing (2).

7. Solid soap dispenser according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in thatthe cutting edges and / or cutting teeth (20) of one web (19) are offset from the cutting edges and / or cutting teeth (20) of another web (19).

8. Solid soap dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (17) has locking lugs for connecting it to the housing (2).

9. Solid soap dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) has a fill level indicator (6), in particular with a viewing window (5).

10. Solid soap dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (17) is a rotating ring arranged on the housing (2), which preferably has gripping webs (18).

11. Solid soap dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing cover (3) is waterproof and theft-proof.

12. Solid soap dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rasping device (9) is assigned an electric motor which is data-connected to a motion sensor arranged at the outlet opening (4), so that when the motion sensor is triggered, the electric motor is controlled by the motion sensor and the rasping device (9) is actuated by the electric motor.

13. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 12, characterized in that the electric motor and the motion sensor are powered by batteries and / or accumulators.

14. Solid soap dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that which has a fastening device for fastening the solid soap dispenser (1) to a wall.

15. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 14, characterized in thatthe fastening device is composed of a fastening element (7) arranged on the housing and a holder (21) complementary thereto, the holder (21) being fastened to the wall by means of mounting means.

16. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 15, characterized in that the holder (21) has a storage surface (22) for storing shower utensils, wherein the storage surface (22) preferably has a splash edge (23).

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