Cleaning system for toilet brushes, and corresponding method thereof

Abstract

Proposed is an automated toilet brush cleaning system (1) for toilet brushes (2) comprising a stand or brush holder (11). The stand or brush holder (11) is mounted on a wall brush holder mount (12 / 121) or floor brush holder mount (12 / 122). An outer vessel (111) of the stand or brush holder (11) is provided with a water inlet branch (113) connecting the outer vessel (111) with the brush holder mount (12). An inner vessel (112) of the stand or brush holder (11) is concentrically arranged inside the outer vessel (111), the inner vessel (112) being provided with a waste-water outlet (114) and a plurality of boreholes or water nozzles (1122) through a wall section of the inner vessel (112). The inner vessel (112) is connected to the brush holder mount (12) by said waste-water outlet (114).

Description

[0001] P1488PC00

[0002] Cleaning System for Toilet Brushes, and Corresponding Method Thereof

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a system and method for cleaning toilet brushes as defined in the preamble of claim 1 . In particular, this invention relates to system for cleaning of reusable, i.e. non disposable, toilet or WC brushes, the toilet brushes having a brush or wipe section and a grip section for cleaning a WC bowl, with an associated toilet brush holder or stand for the non-disposable, reusable toilet brushes.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] Typically, toilet or WC bowls are cleaned with a toilet or WC brush which is put away in a stand or brush holder after use, or hung up on a hook. The user plunges the brush into the water in the WC and brushes away any feces remaining in the bowl. For the purpose of cleaning the toilet on a regular basis, a cleaning product is squirted or shaken into the bowl, and the bowl is then cleaned with the brush. The brush is then rinsed in the bowl as the WC is flushed, the water is shaken from it and the brush is then put back into its stand or hung up again. When the brush is used to brush away traces of feces in the WC bowl it is quite common, however, for feces to remain trapped in the bristles of the brush, which is then put away in this state. Thus, there is a problem with this way of handling a toilet brush, where the brush may often be not entirely clean after being used and may transfer dirt and feces including all kinds of infectious microorganisms into the receptacle of the stand. This is unsanitary, unhygienic, often malodorous and foul-smelling, but certainly unappetizing and very unaesthetic. Even if the WC brush can be put away so that the actual brush part is not visible, as is the case with many stands and hanging devices of the prior art to solve that problem, the brush still drips water and a very unsanitary, malodorous, and unappetizing pool forms in the stand or in the hanging device holding the toilet brush. This is the source of unpleasant smells and when the WC brush is taken out again, the user's attention is unavoidably drawn to this unhygienic, smelly pool. Especially, in public buildings and facilities, as school buildings, airports, restaurants and hotels, railway stations, cruise ships, hospitals etc., where publicly accessible toilets are typically used many, many times a day by different toilet users and restroom attendants, and where the toilet users may come from different cultural backgrounds, it is very difficult to ensure a sanitary and hygienic toilet brush for all toilet users during the day. A further problem arises from the fact, that once the feces have dried on the brush, it is very difficult to clean the brush and remove the feces from the brush. Dried feces form a sticky, compact mass around individual brush hairs, which technically can almost only be removed by mechanical action efficiently. For the cleaning staff, this is usually a nasty and time-consuming work. In summary, there is a wide need for an efficient cleaning environment automatically cleaning a toilet brush after use.

[0007] As outlined above, these problems have been realized also in the prior art, where many suggestions have been made to solve these problems. For example, US Patent No. 6,094,771 is representative for such prior art documents in which the solution of the problem is supposed to be to replace the brush by a pad with or without a swap that is disposed of after each use, i.e. a disposable wipe or the like. Although these disposables are mostly made of degradable material, this is still problematic under various aspects, including environment, resources or costs.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the invention to achieve the highest hygienic requirements without replacing the common toilet brush by a device with disposable wipes or brush section, or by a disposable toilet brush as such.

[0010] According to the present invention, these objects are achieved particularly through the features of the independent claims. In addition, further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the description. According to the present invention, the abovementioned objects are particularly achieved by a system and corresponding method for cleaning toilet brushes comprising a stand or brush holder, the stand or brush holder mounted on a wall brush holder mount or floor brush holder mount, in that an outer vessel is provided with a water inlet branch connecting the outer vessel with the brush holder mount, in that an inner vessel is concentrically arranged inside the outer vessel and is provided with a waste-water outlet and a plurality of boreholes or water nozzles through a wall section of the inner vessel, the inner vessel being connected to the brush holder mount by said waste-water outlet. The inventive system and method have, inter alia, the technical advantage of achieving the highest hygienic requirements without replacing the common toilet brush by a device with disposable wipes or brush section, or by a disposable toilet brush as such. The system and method have further the advantage that it allows to automatically entirely clean a toilet brush after being used by transfer dirt and feces including all kinds of infectious microorganisms into the receptacle of the stand. Thus, the inventive system and method is much more sanitary and hygienic by avoiding malodorous and foul-smelling of the toilet brush or the stand, thereby also avoiding the unappetizing and very unaesthetic appearance of prior art toilet brushes and stands.

[0011] In an embodiment variant, a solenoid valve can e.g. be arranged in the water inlet branch that is triggered by a sensor detecting the insertion of a toilet brush or otherwise electromechanically operated upon insertion of the toilet brush. As another embodiment variant, a mechanically operating valve is arranged in the water inlet branch, the mechanically operating valve being activated by a pressure sensitive element in the inner vessel upon insertion of the toilet brush and manual pressure on the pressure sensitive element via the toilet brush. These embodiment variants have, inter alia, the advantage that an automated hygienic toilet brush cleaner is provided which completely removes residue from the brush by applying pressure.

[0012] Other embodiment variants and advantages of the inventive system and / or method will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example the teachings of the disclosure, and are not restrictive. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The present invention will be explained in more detail below relying on examples and with reference to these drawings in which:

[0014] Figure 1 shows a diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary overview of an architecture of the parts of the toilet system 4 with the system or device 1 for cleaning toilet brushes 2.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary overview of an architecture of the parts of the system or device 1 for cleaning toilet brushes 2.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary overview of the outer vessel 1 1 1 of the cleaning device 1 .

[0017] Figure 4 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary overview of the inner vessel 1 12 of the cleaning device 1 .

[0018] Figure 5 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary overview of the water inlet 1 1 1 1 of the outer vessel 1 1 1 and the water outlet 1 123 of the inner vessel 444- I 12 of the cleaning device 1 . The diagram also shows exemplary measures possible for an embodiment variant. Other measures are also possible, for example depending on the used toilet brush 2. It is to be noted, that the toilet brush 2, as an embodiment variant may comprise a lid or cover 23 adapted for toilet brush holder 1 1 as a part of the cleaning device or system 1 . The toilet brush 2 itself may be part of the cleaning device or system 1 , since it may be specially adapted for the use with the toilet brush holder 1 1 .

[0019] Figure 6 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary cover plate 12121 of an exemplary wall mount 121 of the brush holder mount 12.

[0020] Figure 7 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating another exemplary overview of the outer vessel 1 1 1 of the cleaning device 1 . Figure 8 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating another exemplary overview of the inner vessel 1 12 of the cleaning device 1 .

[0021] Figure 9 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary overview of an extension piece 1 11 12 of the cleaning system 1 to equalize the water inlet 1 11 1.

[0022] Figure 10 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating another exemplary embodiment variant of the inner vessel 112 with exemplary measures. Other measures are also possible.

[0023] Figure 1 1 shows a block diagram, schematically illustrating another exemplary embodiment variant of the outer vessel 1 1 1 with exemplary measures. Other measures are also possible.

[0024] Figures 12a and 12b show block diagrams, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment variant of a brush holder mount 12 realized as wall mount 121 with flush-mounted, concealed connections 121 1.

[0025] Figures 13a and 13b show block diagrams, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment variant of a brush holder mount 12 realized as wall mount 121 with connections 1212 with a cover plate 121 1.

[0026] Figures 14a to 14d show block diagrams, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment variant of connection of the toilet brush holder 1 1 to the brush holder mount 12.

[0027] Figures 15a and 15b show block diagrams, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment variant of the device for cleaning toilet brushes 1 in operation.

[0028] Figure 16 shows a diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment variant of the connections to the device 1 for cleaning toilet brushes 2, in particular the fresh-water inlet branch 1 13, the waste-water outlet branch 1 14, and the sewage system 5. Figure 17 shows another diagram, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment variant of the connections to the device 1 for cleaning toilet brushes 2, in particular the fresh-water inlet branch 1 13, the waste-water outlet branch 1 14, and the sewage system 5. The waste-water outlet branch 1 14 showing the odor trap or siphon 1 141.

[0029] Figures 18 and 21 show diagrams, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment variant realized with a valve 123, in particular a self-closing valve 1231 with a check valve / no-return valve 1231 1 , at the fresh-water inlet branch 1 13. The water influx can be timed e.g. to 10 seconds or the like to ensure a proper cleaning of the toilet brush 2, if the embodiment variant is realized with a mechanical button or other push button. The button can also e.g. be realized in a traditional way as twist or rotary lock, where the toilet user controls the time of the water influx. Figure 18 shows an inner vessel 1 12 with a lower portion (tampering) 11212 being beveled in outlet direction and / or slanted toward outlet, while figure 21 shows an inner vessel 1 12 with a lower portion (tampering) 1 1212 being funnel-shaped / concentrically tapered 1 12121 (not shown) .

[0030] Figures 19 and 22 show diagrams, schematically illustrating another exemplary embodiment variant realized with a valve 123, in particular a solenoid / magnetic valve 1232 with a magnetic switch 12321 , a check valve / no-return valve 12322, and an electrical connection box 12323. The water influx can be timed e.g. to 10 seconds or the like to ensure a proper cleaning of the toilet brush 2. Figure 1 shows an inner vessel 1 12 with a lower portion (tampering) 1 1212 being beveled in outlet direction and / or slanted toward outlet, while figure 22 shows an inner vessel 1 12 with a lower portion (tampering) 1 1212 being funnel-shaped / concentrically tapered 1 12121 (not shown).

[0031] Figures 20 and 23 show diagrams, schematically illustrating another exemplary embodiment variant with a valve 123, in particular a sensor switch 1233 with a push-button, a wireless LAN module 12332, an electrical connection box 12333, and a check valve / no-return valve 12334. The water influx can be timed e.g. to 10 seconds or the like to ensure a proper cleaning of the toilet brush 2. Figure 20 shows an inner vessel 1 12 with a lower portion (tampering) 1 1212 being beveled in outlet direction and / or slanted toward outlet, while figure 23 shows an inner vessel 1 12 with a lower portion (tampering) 1 1212 being funnel-shaped / concentrically tapered 1 12121 (not shown) . Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0032] The system 1 , as can be seen from figure 1 , consisting of a toilet brush stand or toilet brush holder 1 1 . The stand or brush holder 1 1 is mounted on a wall brush holder mount 12 / 121 or floor brush holder mount 12 / 122. The stand or brush holder 1 1 comprises an outer vessel 1 1 1 being provided with a water inlet branch 1 13, which connects the outer vessel 1 1 1 with the brush holder mount 12.

[0033] Further, the stand or brush holder 1 1 comprises an inner vessel 1 12 concentrically arranged inside the outer vessel 1 1 1 , the inner vessel 1 12 is provided with a waste-water outlet 1 14 and a plurality of boreholes or water nozzles 1 122 through a wall section of the inner vessel 1 12. The inner vessel 1 12 is further connected to the brush holder mount 12 by said waste-water outlet 1 14.

[0034] Thus, the outer vessel 1 1 1 has a cylindrical wall and is provided with the water inlet branch 1 13 integrally connected to the vessel wall. The outer vessel 1 1 1 may consist of a plurality of materials, preferably those that are commonly used in sanitary environments such as metal, plastic, glass, ceramics etc.

[0035] The inner vessel 1 12 has a cylindrical wall portion 1 121 that comprises an upper 1 1210, a middle 1 121 1 and a lower 1 1212, the lower portion being conically reduced to the diameter of a tube portion 1 1213. The tube portion 1 1213 is bent laterally out and constitutes a waste-water outlet 1 123 of the inner vessel 1 12. The middle portion 1 121 1 of the cylindrical wall portion 1 121 of the inner vessel 1 12 is provided with a plurality of boreholes or water nozzles or water jets 1 122, allowing water to pass from the outer vessel 1 1 1 into the inner vessel 1 12. Preferably, the boreholes 1 122 are angled. The inner vessel 1 12 may also consist of the same variety of materials as the outer vessel 11 1.

[0036] Instead of cylindrical walls both, the outer and / or inner vessel 1 11 / 1 12 may be formed with various different cross sections, such as oval, square with rounded or sharp edges etc. While the cylindrical shape may be preferable for aesthetical reasons, an alternative shape with an inclined bottom 1 12122 of both, the outer and inner vessels 1 12 may be preferred for reasons of simpler and less costly construction as compared to the conical lower part 1 12121 of the inner vessel 1 12, in particular for reasons of providing a simpler manufacturing process technically more efficient to handle during the process, which may beyond that also simpler to maintain during its lifetime cycle and more sustainable in production since it needs less material and energy to be manufactured.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows the assembled system 1 with the inner vessel 1 1 1 being inserted in the outer vessel 1 12. In this assembled configuration the water inlet branch 1 13 and the waste-water outlet 1 14 of the system 1 may be connected to a water supply 3 and the waste-water outlet 1 14 is connected with respective taps (not shown) that, as usual, have to be provided by the user.

[0038] After a toilet brush 2 has been used for cleaning the toilet bowl 4, it is inserted into the cleaning system 1 and more particularly into the inner vessel 1 12. Thereafter, fresh water is entered under pressure through the water inlet branch 1 13 to flush the system 1 . Due to the pressure of the water that is spread through the boreholes 1122 onto the brush 21 of the toilet brush 2 the inserted toilet brush 2 is cleaned and decontaminated. The angled configuration of the boreholes 1122 increases the cleaning efficiency.

[0039] The flushing of the system 1 may be initiated manually by the user. To this extent a tap-type valve 1 1312 / 1231 with a check valve / no-return valve 1231 1 is arranged in the water inlet branch 1 13 and is mechanically connected to a handle 11313 / 12312 mounted on the outside of the mounting plate 1212 as shown in Fig. 18 and 21 . Alternatively, as depicted in fig.19 and 22, a solenoid valve 1232 may be activated by the user after inserting the brush 2 by means of a switch 12321 with a button arranged on the outside of the mounting plate 1212, the switchl2321 electrically activating the solenoid valve 1232 .

[0040] More preferably, an automatic flushing arrangement is provided consisting in a well- known configuration with a sensor switch 1233vthat is positioned in the water inlet branch 1 13 and operated by a sensor 1 132 detecting the insertion of the toilet brush 2 as shown in fig. 23 and 23. In this particularly preferred embodiment the flushing is automatically activated by a sensor 1 132 triggering a solenoid valve 1 131 1 arranged in the water inlet branch 113. The sensor 1 132 may be an inductive, optical, etc. type. The activation of the valve 1 131 may include a time relay for defining a certain flushing time, as e.g. 5 to 10 seconds.

[0041] As also shown in figs. 18-23, the water inlet branch 1 13 may be equipped with a check valve 1 133 (1231 1 / 12322 / 12334) . A connection box 12323 / 12333 for the connection of the electrical wiring of the solenoid valve 1232 or sensor switch 1233 is arranged on the mounting plate 12121 or the wall plastering 121 1 1 as well.

[0042] According to an equally preferred embodiment the flushing is activated mechanically by a pressure sensitive element 1231 / 1 1313 that transfers a pressure exerted by the inserted toilet brush 2 via a mechanical connection to a valve 1 131 or a pressure exerted by button via a mechanical connection to a valve 1 131. The freshwater flows until the brush 2 or the button is let loose, i.e. released. These three embodiment variants (sensor-based activation / mechanical activation / magnetic activation) have, inter alia, the advantage that an automated hygienic toilet brush cleaner 1 is provided which completely removes residue from the brush by applying pressure. As a further embodiment variant, the water influx may also be controlled by a twist lock 1 1231 1.

[0043] Again, it is to be noted that the toilet brush stand or toilet brush holder 1 1 of the inventive hygienic toilet brush cleaner system 1 is a container that can be manufactured in various geometric shapes and from a wide range of materials, such as metals, plastics (polymers), ceramic materials, glass, natural materials, composite materials, concrete and cement, textiles, paper and cardboard, insulating materials and chemical materials. The inventive hygienic toilet brush cleaner system 1 can e.g. also be available in all coatings and colors. The container contains or consists of a cleaning device 1 1 that is connected to the water connection 1 13 and drain, i.e. the waste-water outlet 1 14, and is specially designed for storing and cleaning a toilet brush 2 next to a toilet 4. As mentioned, as an option, a backwash, an automatic pressure-jet flush valve and a solenoid valve or a valve including sensors can be installed. The inventive system 1 and method have, thus, the further advantage, that it ensures that the brush 2 is stored hygienically and cleanly and that no residue is left behind after use. Some toilet brush holders 1 1 may also have additional functions, such as a cover to prevent odors or antibacterial coatings that prevent the spread of germs. A non-return valve can e.g. also be integrated to meet all hygiene standards.

[0044] The waste-water is drained through the water outlet 1 14 into a sewage system 5, as for example the public sewage system.

[0045] As shown in the enlarged view of the inlet and outlet connection piping in fig. 16 / 17, the waste-water outlet branch 1 14 may preferably be equipped with an odor trap or siphon 1 141 .

[0046] List of reference signs System or device for cleaning toilet brushes

[0047] 11 Toilet brush stand or toilet brush holder

[0048] 111 Outer vessel

[0049] 1111 Water Inlet of the outer vessel

[0050] 11111 Connecting section of the inlet

[0051] 111111 Thread / Twist lock

[0052] 111112 Clamp lock

[0053] 11112 Extension piece to equalize the water inlet

[0054] 111121 Thread / Twist lock

[0055] 111122 Clamp lock

[0056] 1112 Bottom of the outer vessel

[0057] 1113 Outer wall of the outer vessel

[0058] 112 Inner vessel

[0059] 1120 Opening for the toilet brush 2

[0060] 1121 Cylindrical wall of the inner vessel

[0061] 11210 Upper portion of the cylindrical wall

[0062] 11211 Middle portion of the cylindrical wall

[0063] 11212 Lower portion (tampering)

[0064] 112121 Funnel-shaped / concentrically tapered

[0065] 112122 Beveled in outlet direction / Slanted toward outlet

[0066] 11213 Tube portion

[0067] 1122 Boreholes or water nozzles

[0068] 11221 Waterjets produced by boreholes or water nozzles 1122

[0069] 11222 Angled water jet

[0070] 1123 Waste-water outlet

[0071] 11231 Connecting section of the outlet

[0072] 112311 Thread / Twist lock

[0073] 112312 Clamp lock

[0074] 113 Fresh water inlet branch

[0075] 1131 Valve 1 131 1 Solenoid valve

[0076] 1 1312 Mechanical operating valve

[0077] 1 1313 Pressure sensitive element

[0078] 1 132 Sensor

[0079] 1 133 Check valve

[0080] 114 Waste-water outlet branch

[0081] 1 141 Odor trap or siphon

[0082] 12 Brush holder mount

[0083] 121 Wall mount

[0084] 121 1 Flush-mounted, concealed connections

[0085] 12111 Wall plastering

[0086] 1212 Connections with mounting / cover plate

[0087] 12121 Mounting / cover / assembly plate

[0088] 12121 1 Holes for wall fastener means

[0089] 121212 Wall fastener means

[0090] 121213 Hole for fresh-water inlet

[0091] 121214 Hole for waste-water outlet

[0092] 122 Floor mount

[0093] 123 Valve

[0094] 1231 Self-closing valve

[0095] 1231 1 Check valve / No-return valve

[0096] 12312 Push button or mechanical button

[0097] 1232 Solenoid / magnetic valve

[0098] 12321 Magnetic switch

[0099] 12322 Check valve / No-return valve

[0100] 12323 Electrical connection box

[0101] 1233 Sensor switch

[0102] 12331 Push-button

[0103] 12332 Wireless LAN module

[0104] 12333 Electrical connection box

[0105] 12334 Check valve / No-return valve Toilet brush

[0106] 21 Toilet brush head

[0107] 22 Grip portion of the toilet brush

[0108] 23 Lid for toilet brush holder 3 Water supply

[0109] 4 Toilet system

[0110] 41 Toilet bowl

[0111] 42 Toilet lid 43 Toilet lever handle

[0112] 44 Toilet waste-water outlet branch

[0113] 5 Sewage system

[0114] 6 Prior art toilet brush stand or toilet brush holder

[0115] 7 Toilet paper dispenser 8 Fresh water supply line

[0116] 9 Graphical representations

[0117] 91 Longitudinal cut / view

[0118] 92 Lateral / Top view

[0119] 93 Oblique / Angled view

Claims

Claims1. A system (1) for cleaning toilet brushes (2) comprising a toilet brush stand or toilet brush holder (11), the stand or brush holder (11) being mounted on a wall brush holder mount (12 / 121) or floor brush holder mount (12 / 122) and being characterized by an outer vessel (111) being provided with a water inlet branch (113) connecting the outer vessel (111) with the brush holder mount (12), an inner vessel (112) concentrically arranged inside the outer vessel (111) and being provided with a waste-water outlet (114) and a plurality of boreholes or water nozzles (1122) through a wall section of the inner vessel (112), the inner vessel (112) being connected to the brush holder mount (12) by said waste-water outlet (114).

2. A brush cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein a solenoid valve (1131 / 11311) is arranged in the water inlet branch (113), the solenoid valve (1131 / 11311) being triggered by a sensor (1132) upon detection of the insertion of a toilet brush (2) or otherwise electromechanically operated upon insertion of the toilet brush (2).

3. A brush cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein a mechanically operating valve (1131 / 11312) is arranged in the water inlet branch (113), the mechanically operating valve (1131 / 11312) being activated by a pressure sensitive element (11313) in the inner vessel (112) upon insertion of the toilet brush (2) and manual pressure on the pressure sensitive element (11313) via the toilet brush (2).

4. A brush cleaning system (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner vessel (112) comprises an upper portion (11210), a middle portion (11211), a lower portion (11212), and a tube portion (11213) connecting to the water outlet (114), wherein the lower portion (11212) is realized funnel-shaped and / or concentrically tapered, or beveled in outlet direction and / or slanted toward outlet (112122).

5. A method for providing or manufacturing a brush cleaning system (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4.

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