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 a discharge opening, a grating device for grating a solid soap and a conveying device for conveying a solid soap towards the grating device, wherein the conveying device and the grating device are arranged inside the housing and the grating device is located near the discharge opening.

[0002] Such a solid soap dispenser is previously known from GB 658 448 A. Further reference is made to DE 20 2021 003 799 U1, DE 10 2022 116 669 B3 and DE 186 5232 U.

[0003] Liquid shampoo dispensers in various designs, primarily provided in the hotel industry, are already well-known from current technology. These are usually mounted directly on the wall or on wall-mounted fixtures. In private homes, soap dispensers are often used as mobile, freestanding models at the sink.

[0004] One disadvantage of the familiar, mostly wall-mounted soap or shampoo dispensers with liquid shampoo is that their containers are made of flexible plastic, and squeezing the container releases an unpredictable amount of liquid soap. However, there are also dispenser systems with inflexible, rigid containers, usually also made of plastic, which are equipped with a pump. Pressing the pump on these systems allows for a more controlled dispensing of the liquid contents.

[0005] However, what they all have in common is that the consumption of liquid soap is still difficult to control or often too high, and therefore can lead to high expenses, especially in the hotel sector, due to high material and service costs.

[0006] Another disadvantage of liquid soap dispensers compared to bar soap dispensers is the higher amount of liquid soap required, as the liquid soap, due to the necessary addition of water, has a much larger volume than a bar of bar soap with a comparable amount of soap essence. Furthermore, most dispenser systems are made of plastic, which, especially when it comes to replacing or disposing of the product, is not truly sustainable, particularly considering the much-discussed environmental problems.

[0007] Based on this prior art and the resulting disadvantages, the invention described here aims to provide a solid soap dispenser that eliminates, in particular, the disadvantages of the prior art shown above.

[0008] This problem is solved 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.

[0009] The invention described herein relates to a solid soap dispenser comprising a housing with a housing cover and a discharge opening, a grating device for grating a solid soap and a conveying device for conveying a solid soap towards the grating device, wherein the conveying device and the grating device are arranged inside the housing and the grating device is located near the discharge opening.The solid soap dispenser according to the invention is characterized in that the conveying device consists of a threaded spindle and a feed plate mounted on the threaded spindle, wherein the threaded spindle opens into the rasping device and the rasping device is operatively connected to an actuating element for actuating the rasping device, wherein when the actuating element is actuated the threaded spindle is rotatable and the feed plate is movable along the threaded spindle, wherein the threaded spindle has at each of its two ends a connecting element for connecting the threaded spindle to the rasping device.

[0010] Through the interaction of the actuating element and the rasping device with the threaded spindle and the feed plate mounted on it, a solid soap located beneath the feed plate and inserted into the conveying device can be conveyed towards the rasping device. The solid soap used in this process has a centrally located recess or bore in its longitudinal section for the threaded spindle.

[0011] Once the bar soap is completely used up, the feed plate is located at the grating unit. To refill the bar soap dispenser, the prior art required moving the feed plate to the free end of the threaded spindle. This could be done, for example, by turning the threaded spindle in the opposite direction or by removing and manually repositioning the feed plate. Since this is quite time-consuming, especially in the hotel industry where several hundred soap dispensers may need to be changed daily, the bar soap dispenser described here proposes that the threaded spindle has a connecting element at each free end. This connecting element links the feed mechanism to the grating unit.Since, according to the invention, such a connecting element is provided at both ends 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 from the housing of the solid soap dispenser by one person after removing the housing cover, rotated, fitted with a new longitudinally perforated piece of solid soap and then reconnected to the rasping device by means of the connecting element.

[0012] In one conceivable embodiment of the connecting element, this could be a recess on the threaded spindle that is complementary to the rasping device, so that the threaded spindle is simply inserted into, for example, a groove in the rasping device. However, other complementary connection types are also conceivable, in particular those based on the lock-and-key principle, which can be easily separated again.

[0013] To ensure a specific position of the bar soap within the housing and to prevent unwanted tilting or twisting of the bar soap, the invention, in an advantageous embodiment, provides that the conveying device is integrated into a guide device with at least one guide element. This guide element prevents the bar soap from moving or tilting within the housing or along the threaded spindle when the actuating element is pressed and the bar soap is grated by the grating device. Preferably, the guide device itself is formed as a housing within the bar soap dispenser housing. Advantageously, the guide device is formed in one piece, and is particularly preferably manufactured by injection molding.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the guide device is made of a transparent plastic, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylic, polystyrene or polycarbonate.

[0014] The guiding element of the guide device can consist of at least one projecting rib, which tilts or blocks the bar soap on one side or engages in a recess provided for this purpose on the bar soap. In a simple embodiment, this projecting rib can be arranged directly on the inside of the housing of the bar soap dispenser. Preferably, the bar soap with its recesses and the guide device with its guide elements are matched to each other, so that no other bar soap can be used with the guide device. This prevents, for example, the filling or use of bar soap not intended for the bar soap dispenser, ensuring that only a suitable bar soap can be used.

[0015] During the development of the solid soap dispenser, the applicant observed that previously known grating devices often dispensed pieces of bar soap of varying sizes, which could lead to jamming or blockage of the operating element and also left the user with an unsatisfactory impression. In the search for suitable grating devices, the applicant surprisingly discovered that a grating device consisting of several ridges arranged at the dispensing opening, wherein the ridges have cutting edges and / or teeth, preferably crescent-shaped teeth, on the side facing the housing lid, could reliably dispense uniformly sized and aesthetically pleasing soap shavings. The ridges are particularly preferably arranged in a star shape around the center of the housing.This creates several triangular gaps through which the soap shavings can fall into the user's palm. The cutting edges and / or teeth of one ridge are preferably arranged offset from those of another ridge. This ensures that the entire contact surface of the bar soap is grated, guaranteeing even distribution of the soap.

[0016] 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. If metal is used, it also gives the user a high-quality impression and can be adapted to the specific location of use, such as the shower or sink. It is also conceivable that the dispensing opening has a funnel shape to direct the soap flakes into the user's palm, allowing them to slide precisely into the hand. This funnel can be integrated into the actuating element. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the actuating element can have locking tabs that allow it to be detachably connected to the housing.

[0017] To easily determine when the bar soap dispenser needs refilling, the dispenser according to the invention can also have a fill level indicator on the housing. Preferably, this fill level indicator has a transparent viewing window, which is advantageously located just before the grating mechanism. In this case, the feed plate is most preferably in a signal color, particularly red. When the bar soap is almost completely used up, the red feed plate is located just before the grating mechanism and can be seen through the transparent viewing window.

[0018] Preferably, the actuating element coupled to or functionally connected with the rasping device can be a rotary ring arranged on the housing, which particularly preferably has grip tabs. These allow for secure handling even when the user's hands are wet, should the solid soap dispenser be installed in a damp area, such as a shower. In this context, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the housing lid is designed to be watertight and theft-proof. Watertightness can be achieved, for example, by a suitable elastic seal on the housing lid, which engages in a groove provided on the housing. As an exemplary embodiment of a suitable anti-theft device, a key lock integrated into the housing lid is conceivable.However, any other suitable type of device for theft protection or sealing of the solid soap dispenser is also an option.

[0019] In In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the housing lid of the solid soap dispenser according to the invention can only be opened with a key specifically 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 on the housing, whereby the housing lid can be rotated from the closed position to an open position.

[0020] To enable use in frequently used areas, such as restrooms in train stations, airports, or hotels, it is hygienic to avoid manual operation of the actuator by a user. Therefore, in a further advantageous embodiment, the invention provides that the rasping device is equipped with an electric motor, which is connected to a motion sensor located at the outlet. When the motion sensor is triggered, the electric motor is activated by the motion sensor, and the rasping device is then operated by the electric motor. For aesthetic reasons, and also to avoid the need for 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 in the housing cover.

[0021] Furthermore, in another advantageous embodiment, the solid soap dispenser can have a mounting device for attaching the dispenser to a wall. This mounting device can advantageously consist of a fastening element arranged on the housing and a suitable bracket, the bracket being attached to a wall using common mounting hardware, such as screws and wall plugs.

[0022] Ultimately, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention for the solid soap dispenser, the holder provides a shelf for storing, for example, shower accessories. Preferably, the shelf can have a raised edge to prevent items from slipping off due to water splashing or a film of water on the shelf. The shelf can also have a slight incline towards the wall, directing any water on the shelf towards the wall. With a particularly preferred minimal gap to the wall, which can be achieved, for example, by a suitable mounting device, any excess water can drain away through this resulting opening.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to some exemplary embodiments.

[0024] 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 the rear, Fig. 3 the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 in a top view, 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 shows a detailed view of the conveying device according to the Figures 1 to 5 , Fig. 7 a detailed view of the rasping device according to Figures 1 to 5 In a perspective view, Fig. 8 shows 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 a shelf for a solid soap dispenser according to the Figures 1 to 5 , Fig. 10 the bracket with storage surface according to Figure 9 with the embodiment of a solid soap dispenser according to the invention Figures 1 to 5 In a perspective view from the front, Fig. 11, the bracket with storage surface according to Figure 9 with the embodiment of a solid soap dispenser according to the invention Figures 1 to 5 in a perspective view from the rear, as well as Fig. 12 an embodiment for a key for opening the theft-proof housing cover of the embodiment of a solid soap dispenser according to the invention. Figures 1 to 5 .

[0025] Figures 1 to 5Figure 1 shows 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 a dispensing opening 4 on the underside. Furthermore, a mounting element 7 is arranged on the housing 2, with which the solid soap dispenser 1 can be mounted on a wall using a bracket 21. An actuating element 17 in the form of a rotating ring with several gripping lugs 18 is arranged at the dispensing opening 4. With this actuating element 17, the grating device 9 can be actuated and the solid soap 10 can be grated, whereby the solid soap shavings can fall from the dispensing opening 4 into the hand of a user. The solid soap 10 has a recess running along its center in longitudinal section.The housing 2 has a bore for the threaded spindle 13 and two opposing recesses 8 into which the guide elements (not shown) of the guide device 12 engage to prevent the solid soap 10 from twisting. When installed, one side of the solid soap 10 rests against the feed plate 14 and the opposite side against the grating device 9. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 2 has a viewing window 5 with a fill level indicator 6 recessed into the housing 2. In addition, the housing cover 3 has lock symbols and a line marking so that a user can easily determine whether the housing cover 3 is in a closed or open position. To prevent unauthorized opening, the solid soap dispenser 1 can only be opened by a lock. Figure 12The special key 24 shown can be used to open the housing. This key 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 it can engage in the corresponding complementary recess 26 on the housing 2 of the solid soap dispenser 1 in order to open the housing cover 3. The housing cover 3 cannot be opened without simultaneously engaging the recess 26 while being turned. Consequently, unauthorized opening of the solid soap dispenser 1 is prevented.

[0026] Inside housing 2 of the solid soap dispenser 1 is the Figure 6The conveying device 11, shown in detail, consists of a threaded spindle 13 with a feed plate 14 mounted on it. The feed plate 14 has two opposing recesses 15 which, in addition to holding the soap, can also engage guide elements (not shown) of the guide device 12 to prevent unwanted rotation of the solid soap 10 or the feed plate 14. The conveying device 11 leads into the rasping device 9 located near the outlet opening 4. To allow the conveying device 11 to be easily refilled 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 located in the Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, a recess is provided on the threaded spindle 13, which engages in a complementary groove 27 on the rasp device 9.

[0027] In Figure 7The embodiment of the rasp device 9 according to the Figures 1 to 5The rasping device 9 shown here is composed of several star-shaped ribs 19, each with a central recess 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 continuous or stepped. The ribs 19 have cutting teeth 20 on the side facing the solid soap 10 or the feed plate 14, which are used to remove and obtain soap shavings when the solid soap 10 is rotated. The cutting teeth 20 of each rib 19 are offset from the cutting teeth 20 of the other ribs 19 arranged before or after it. In this embodiment, the ribs 19 have either four or five cutting teeth 20, with a rib 19 having four cutting teeth 20 followed by a rib 19 with five cutting teeth 20.This ensures that the solid soap 10 is removed evenly when grating, as the entire surface area of ​​the solid soap 10 is grated.

[0028] In this embodiment, the rasping device 9 is integrated into the actuating element 17. The actuating element 17 has recesses on its inner surface into which the four projecting ribs of the rasping device 9 engage, thus operatively connecting the actuating element 17 to the rasping device 9. When the actuating element 17, i.e., the rotating ring, is turned in one of the two directions, the rasping device 9 rotates in that direction as well.

[0029] Furthermore, the actuating element 17 has, as in Figure 5The actuator 17 is shown in detail below, via locking lugs, which detachably connect it to the housing 2 of the solid soap dispenser 1. This allows for easy replacement of the grating device 9, for example, if it needs to be replaced due to material fatigue. The inside of the actuator 17 can also have a conical or funnel-shaped form, so that any soap shavings produced by the grating device 9 can be directed precisely into the palm of the user's hand.

[0030] 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 illustrated embodiment of a bracket 21 is a simple bracket 21 with two projecting, semicircular surfaces at their respective ends, which can be mounted on a wall using appropriate mounting means, for example, screws and dowels. The Figure 9The bracket 21 shown also has a storage surface 22 on which drugstore or cosmetic items in particular 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 back. Since the solid soap dispenser 1 can also be used in wet rooms, the shelf 22 has a spill-proof rim 23.

[0031] The above reveals a solid soap dispenser that allows for easy refilling of solid soap and is easy to use, while simultaneously saving resources. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0032] 1 Solid soap dispenser 2 Housing 3 Housing cover 4 Dispensing opening 5 Viewing window 6 Fill level indicator 7 Mounting element 8 Recess 9 Rasp 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 tabs 19 Tabs 20 Cutting teeth 21 Bracket 22 Storage area 23 Splash guard 24 Key 25 Gripping 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 solid soap (10) and a conveyor device (11) for conveying solid soap (10) towards the grating device (9), wherein the conveyor device (11) and the grating device (9) are arranged inside the housing (2) and the grating device (9) is located near the outlet opening (4), wherein the conveyor device (11) consists of a threaded spindle (13) and a feed plate (14) seated on the threaded spindle (13), wherein the threaded spindle (13) opens into the rasping device (9) and the rasping device (9) is operatively connected to an actuating element (17) for actuating the rasping device (9), wherein, when the actuating element (17) is actuated, the threaded spindle (13) can be rotated and the feed plate (14) can be displaced along the threaded spindle (13), characterised in that the threaded spindle (13) has a connecting element (16) at each of its two ends for connecting the threaded spindle (13) to the rasping device (9).

2. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 1, characterised in that the conveyor device (11) is accommodated in a guide device (12), wherein the guide device (12) has at least one guide element which prevents the solid soap from moving with it when the actuating element (17) is actuated.

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

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

5. Solid soap dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the rasping device (9) is composed of several webs (19) arranged at the outlet opening (4) of the housing (2), wherein the webs (19) have cutting edges and / or cutting teeth (20) on the side facing the housing cover (3).

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

7. Solid soap dispenser according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterised in that the cutting edges and / or cutting teeth (20) of one bar (19) are offset relative to the cutting edges and / or cutting teeth (20) of another bar (19).

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

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

12. Solid soap dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rasping device (9) is assigned an electric motor which is 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, characterised 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, characterised in that it has a fastening device for fastening the solid soap dispenser (1) to a wall.

15. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 14, characterised in that the fastening device comprises a fastening element (7) arranged on the housing and a complementary bracket (21), wherein the bracket (21) is fastened to the wall by means of mounting means.

16. Solid soap dispenser according to claim 15, characterised in that the bracket (21) has a shelf (22) for storing shower utensils, wherein the shelf (22) preferably has a splash rim (23).

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