CLEANING INSTRUMENT, CORRESPONDING CLEANING ELEMENT, USE OF A CLEANING ELEMENT, AND METHOD FOR CLEANING

Abstract

A cleaning instrument (1) is provided according to which, in a distal receiving portion (6), a dimensionally stable cleaning element (7) consisting of cellulose material, particularly tissue or recycled paper, is arranged such that it can be ejected, and this cleaning element (7) is ejected from the receiving portion once cleaning has been completed, disposed of using wastewater from a toilet, and replaced with a new cleaning element (7).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning instrument, in particular for toilet bowls, having a rod which has a distal end, that is to say an end facing away from a user in the position of use, and a proximal end, that is to say an end facing the user in the position of use, wherein a handle is formed at the proximal end.

[0002] Such cleaning instruments are known, for example, as toilet brushes and are used to clean toilet bowls. For hygienic reasons, the toilet brushes must frequently be replaced.

[0003] The invention also relates to a cleaning element, to a use of the cleaning element and to a method for cleaning a toilet bowl.

SUMMARY

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of improving the properties of use of a cleaning instrument.

[0005] In particular, in order to meet the specified objective according to the invention it is therefore provided in a cleaning instrument of the type described at the beginning that a receptacle for a replaceable cleaning element is formed at the distal end, and that an ejection device is formed for ejecting a cleaning element which is inserted into the receptacle.

[0006] In other words, the receptacle has an insertion opening into which/through which a replaceable cleaning element can be inserted into the receptacle, wherein after use has taken place the cleaning element can be ejected from the receptacle through the insertion opening by the ejection device. As a result of the configuration of the receptacle for the insertion of a cleaning element, a secure hold can be ensured even when the cleaning element swells up during use. In particular, swelling up of the cleaning element leads, with such a receptacle, to a situation in which the holding force between the receptacle and the cleaning element is even increased.

[0007] It is advantageous here that after use the cleaning element can easily be exchanged and replaced for a new cleaning element, in particular one which has not yet been used. In this context, the ejection device permits the used cleaning element to be removed from the receptacle without having to touch it.

[0008] In one refinement there can be provision that the receptacle has a cross section which remains constant in an insertion direction. A cleaning element having the corresponding cross section, which also remains constant, can therefore easily be inserted and ejected. In particular, the cross section is embodied in each case in a cylindrical shape or prism shape. Insertion is thus made possible by pushing in or plugging in.

[0009] A particularly preferred refinement provides that an insertion aid is formed, with the result that a cleaning element can already be easily inserted into the receptacle by pushing it in axially, that is to say in particular without introducing transverse compression. It is advantageous here that a user has to touch the cleaning element only at its proximal end in order to insert it into the receptacle. Contact with the distal end of the cleaning element which is inserted into the possibly dirty receptacle can therefore be avoided. In addition, the configuration of an insertion aid makes it possible to cost-effectively manufacture a cleaning element which is to be used with the cleaning instrument, since it is possible to dispense with additional post-processing steps. For example, no rounded portions have to be formed at one end of the cleaning element, since due to the insertion aid, cleaning elements with a constant external diameter can also be inserted without difficulty into the receptacle according to the invention.

[0010] An insertion aid according to the invention can be formed, for example, by virtue of the fact that the receptacle has a distal insertion region and a proximal holding region, wherein the receptacle forms a larger internal diameter in the insertion region than in the holding region. The transition between the insertion region and the holding region is preferably embodied in such a way that internal diameter is always larger in a transition region between the insertion region and holding region than the internal diameter in the holding region.

[0011] A particularly preferred refinement provides that an internal diameter of the receptacle decreases monotonously from the insertion region toward the holding region, and particularly preferably that an internal diameter of the receptacle is made larger in the insertion region, in particular at the location of an insertion opening, than a distal external diameter of a cleaning element which is to be inserted, and/or an internal diameter of the receptacle in the holding region is made smaller than a distal external diameter of a cleaning element which is to be inserted. A monotonously decreasing internal diameter makes it possible to avoid steps or projections which can impede the insertion or the ejection of the cleaning element. The provision of an insertion opening diameter which is larger than an external diameter of a cleaning element which is to be inserted has the advantage that the cleaning element can be inserted through the insertion opening of the receptacle without resistance, with the result that an internal wall of the receptacle can subsequently guide the cleaning element as it is pushed forward further. As a result of the provision of an internal diameter which is made smaller in the holding region, an inserted cleaning element can be held firmly in a particularly stable fashion by the receptacle.

[0012] In one refinement there can be provision that the receptacle is closed off at its end facing away from the distal end of the cleaning instrument, with the exception of a passage opening for the ejection device, for example an ejection plunger. It is therefore possible to avoid the entry of soiling from the receptacle into the other parts of the rod, in particular in the proximal direction.

[0013] In one refinement there can be provision that the ejection device can be activated from the proximal end. Comfortable ejection of the cleaning element after use is therefore made possible. There is preferably provision that the ejection device can be activated by a bar which runs in the rod. Proximal activation can therefore be communicated easily to the distal end. For example, the rod can be guided in the already mentioned passage opening of the receptacle.

[0014] It is also possible to guide a plunger in the already mentioned passage opening of the receptacle, with the result that an activation force which is applied to the handle can be transmitted directly to the cleaning element. In particular, manual actuation of the handle can therefore make available an activation force which is necessary to eject the cleaning element. It is advantageous here that additional ejection springs or the like can be dispensed with, with the result that cost-effective manufacturing of the cleaning instrument can be achieved.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally there is preferably provision that the ejection device can be activated counter to a restoring force. Automatic reversion of the ejection device into a position of rest after each activation can therefore be achieved. The spring is preferably supported on the rod, preferably at an edge about the already mentioned passage opening.

[0016] In one refinement there can be provision that the ejection device is accommodated in the rod. The ejection device can therefore be protected against soiling.

[0017] In one refinement there can be provision that the ejection device has a plunger which can be moved, in particular axially, in the receptacle in order to eject the cleaning element. It is therefore possible to bring about bearing on the cleaning element over a surface, in order to be able to eject said cleaning element completely and preferably without destroying it. The plunger can in this context preferably be configured in such a way that it bears over a surface on a cleaning element which is located in the receptacle. For this purpose, the end face of the plunger can be embodied in a planar or else convex fashion, for example in the shape of a mushroom, or in a concave fashion. This is because, due to the elasticity of the cleaning element, it adapts itself to the shape of the plunger within certain limits. However, it is preferred if the end face of the plunger bears in its entirety on the cleaning element and in particular covers the entire cross section of the cleaning element. This ensures that the plunger can eject the cleaning element completely and preferably without destroying it, wherein it is possible to avoid, in particular, a situation in which the plunger penetrates the cleaning element and therefore destroys its dimensional stability.

[0018] The plunger preferably seals the receptacle. It is therefore possible to prevent substances penetrating behind the plunger. In addition, in this case the plunger can wipe out the entire receptacle during the ejection process. In this context it is preferred if an axial movement of the plunger is structurally limited in such a way that even in a maximum ejection position the plunger still seals the receptacle and therefore prevents penetration of water into the ejection device/the interior of the cleaning element.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if an elastic sealing element is formed for this purpose on the plunger, in particular on its outer circumference. With this sealing element it is possible to compensate variations in the internal diameter of the receptacle, with the result that the sealing element always bears on an internal wall of the receptacle in order to seal it. In particular, in this way it can be ensured that even in a maximum ejection position of the plunger the receptacle is tightly sealed. For these purposes, the sealing element can have, in particular, a flexible sealing lip whose external diameter is embodied so as to correspond to an internal diameter of the receptacle.

[0020] According to the invention, in the case of a cleaning element the features of the coordinate claim which are directed to a cleaning element are provided in order to solve the problem. In particular, according to the invention in the case of a cleaning element it is therefore proposed that said cleaning element is manufactured from cellulose, in particular from tissue paper and is embodied in a dimensional stable fashion. In addition, the cleaning element can also be fabricated from recycled paper, such as for example eco natural paper.

[0021] In addition, it is advantageous if the cleaning element is manufactured so as to be free from wet strength firming agents, in order to permit use in WC systems which are connected to the public sewage system. Wet strength firming agents are chemicals which are used during the fabrication of paper handkerchiefs, kitchen rolls or, for example, banknotes in order to make these products resistant to liquids (in particular machine washable).

[0022] Tissue paper can be characterized here, for example, as being an absorbent, finely pleated hygienic paper made of cellulose. Such tissue paper is usually used in multiple layers for toilet paper, kitchen wipes, paper serviettes or paper handkerchiefs.

[0023] Dimensional stability can be understood here as meaning, in particular, that the cleaning element essentially maintains its external shape during use, that is to say, in particular, after absorbing water and subsequently swelling, in particular with the result that a continuous external surface of the cleaning element is retained during the cleaning process. This is advantageous since the inventive use of the cleaning element provides, inter alia, the cleaning of faces by the external surface, in particular by the end face, of the cleaning element. With respect to the dimensional stability which is outlined here, it is, of course, necessary to discount the unavoidable increase in volume due to the swelling of the cellulose.

[0024] Likewise, it is to be understood that an inventive cleaning element which is made of cellulose has, in a way which is comparable with a sponge, a certain elasticity. It is advantageous here that the external shape of the cleaning element can be adapted to the surfaces to be cleaned as soon as the user transmits contact pressure, necessary therefor, to the cleaning element by the cleaning instrument according to the invention.

[0025] In summary, the inventive dimensional stability of the cleaning element therefore permits thorough cleaning with the cleaning element, since due to the stability and elasticity of the cleaning element forces which are necessary therefor can be applied to a processing point.

[0026] The cleaning element can therefore be disposed of in accordance with the specifications of the water treatment companies by the sewer connected to the toilet bowl. Additional disposal systems can be dispensed with.

[0027] The dimensional stability permits thorough cleaning with the cleaning element, during which necessary forces can be applied to a processing point. Tissue paper can be characterized here as being, for example, an absorbent, finely pleated hygienic paper made of cellulose. Such tissue paper is usually used in multiple layers for toilet paper, kitchen wipes, paper serviettes and paper towels.

[0028] In one refinement there can be provision that the cleaning element has a cross section which remains constant in an insertion direction. Therefore, the receptacle can be embodied with a simple geometric shape. The cross section is preferably cylindrical or prism-shaped, in order to permit plugging in or pushing into a suitable receptacle.

[0029] In particular, the cleaning element can be embodied without rounded portions at the ends. In addition, it is sufficient according to the invention if the cross section remains constant over a distal length of the cleaning element, which length corresponds to a plugging in depth into a receptacle of a cleaning instrument which is to be used with the cleaning element.

[0030] A further advantage of a cross section which remains constant is the simplified manufacture of such a cleaning element by simple winding on of a relatively long web of cellulose, preferably of constant width.

[0031] Therefore, in one refinement there can be provision that the cleaning element is manufactured from cellulose, in particular from toilet paper and/or rolled and/or pressed. A cleaning element according to the invention can therefore be fabricated, in particular, from a long web of material (for example from cellulose) of constant width by rolling on or winding, preferably wherein the web of material has a constant thickness. Therefore, a plurality of simple manufacturing variants for a cleaning element according to the invention are described.

[0032] The rolling on or winding on of a cleaning element according to the invention can be carried out according to the invention either using a core or without using a core, wherein in the first case the core is preferably removed after or during the winding on/rolling on. If a core is used, the cleaning element according to the invention can thus consequently have a circular-ring-shaped cross section, in particular with a hole in the center. If, on the other hand, a core is dispensed with, the cleaning element can thus have a completely or virtually completely disk-shaped cross section.

[0033] In order to permit a particularly stable shape of the cleaning element, it is advantageous if the cleaning element according to the invention is wound from a web of material which is embodied without slits in at least one section, preferably in a plurality of sections whose length(s) is in each case at least the circumferential length of the completely wound-on cleaning element. The at least one section can be, in particular, an end section, that is to say for example the end section lying on the outside, of the web of material. In this context, according to the invention slits, perforations or other longitudinal and/or transverse indents can be made into the web of material in other sections of the web of material, in order to influence or predefine a desired final shape of the cleaning element, in particular after seeeeeeeeeeeewelling in water. It is particularly favorable if the entire web of material is embodied without slits.

[0034] In one refinement there can be provision that the cleaning element is manufactured essentially or even completely without adhesive. For example, a cleaning element which is made of toilet paper on a roll can be free of adhesive with the exception of an adhesive attachment of a loose end or even completely free of an adhesive for example when the loose end is attached in a positively locking fashion. It is therefore possible to reduce or even avoid a waste water load as a result of the disposed-of cleaning elements owing to adhesive.

[0035] By these refinements, it is possible, in particular, to achieve manufacture of the cleaning element which is as economic as possible.

[0036] In order to achieve essentially adhesive-free manufacture, there can be provision according to the invention that a web of material which is used to manufacture a cleaning element by winding or rolling is secured only at one end section with an adhesive which is preferably only very slowly soluble in water. In other words, there can therefore be provision that the cleaning element is wound without adhesive with the exception of a last winding around, that is to say is manufactured essentially without adhesive. In this context, the adhesive can be applied in the end section preferably over the entire width of the web of material. This refinement permits a particularly stable shape of the cleaning element even when mechanical stressing occurs during cleaning.

[0037] In order to achieve completely adhesive-free manufacture of the cleaning element, according to the invention a positively locking and adhesive-free attachment of the loose end of a web of material which is used to manufacture the cleaning element can be achieved by tacking by steam and pressure, that is to say, in particular, by microscopic interlocking of a web of cellulose. In other words, there can therefore be provision that the cleaning element is wound completely without adhesive.

[0038] Due to the large degree of freedom, or complete freedom from adhesive, according to the invention, of the cleaning element a waste water load as a result of the disposed-of cleaning elements owing to adhesive can be reduced or even avoided.

[0039] In one refinement there can be provision that the cleaning element is manufactured from cellulose, in particular from toilet paper, and/or rolled and/or pressed. Therefore, simple manufacturing variants for a cleaning element according to the invention are described.

[0040] The cleaning instrument according to the invention can therefore be provided with a cleaning element according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or according to one of the claims directed to a cleaning element, wherein the cleaning element is inserted in a removable fashion into the receptacle and protrudes, in particular in the completely inserted state, from the receptacle. The rod-shaped cleaning instrument can therefore be used to generate a cleaning movement of the cleaning element and/or to apply a required cleaning pressure. In this context, only the inventive dimensional stability of the cleaning element permits efficient cleaning.

[0041] The cleaning element which is inserted into the receptacle preferably protrudes from the receptacle by at most a half and/or at least a third of its overall length. This permits a secure hold in the receptacle with a sufficient surface of the cleaning element which can be accessed from the outside, during cleaning.

[0042] In one refinement there can be provision here that the cleaning element seals the receptacle. Penetration of soiling in the receptacle can therefore be reduced or even avoided. The receptacle can be cleaned, for example, by ejecting the cleaning element. The invention makes use of the fact that the cleaning element swells up in the receptacle when contact occurs with water, and therefore tightly seals the receptacle. The receptacle can therefore be filled by the cleaning element. This avoids an undesired collection of soiling in the receptacle.

[0043] In one refinement there can be provision here that the cleaning element is fabricated with an excess dimension with respect to the receptacle, in particular with respect to a minimum internal diameter of the receptacle. The cleaning element can therefore be held firmly in the receptacle.

[0044] In order to solve the specified problem, according to the invention when a cleaning element is used the features of the coordinate claim which is directed to a use are provided. In particular, it is therefore proposed according to the invention that a cleaning element according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or according to one of the claims directed to a cleaning element, is used, in the case of a cleaning instrument according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or according to one of the claims directed to a cleaning instrument.

[0045] In the case of a cleaning instrument according to the invention, the cleaning element can therefore be renewed by replacement, in order to place the cleaning instrument in a usable state. The use is implemented preferably by inserting the cleaning element into the receptacle of the cleaning instrument.

[0046] A particularly preferred use according to the invention provides that an external diameter of the cleaning element is between a smallest internal diameter of the receptacle of the cleaning instrument and a largest internal diameter of the receptacle. In the case of such a use, both insertion of the cleaning element into the receptacle without difficulty and secure holding of the cleaning element in the receptacle can be ensured.

[0047] In order to meet the specified objective, according to the invention in the case of a method for cleaning a toilet bowl the features of the coordinate claim which is directed to a method for cleaning a toilet bowl are provided. In particular, in the case of a method for cleaning a toilet bowl it is therefore provided according to the invention that a cleaning element according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or according to one of the claims which are directed to a cleaning element is used in a cleaning instrument according to the invention, in particular as described above and/or according to one of the claims which are directed to a cleaning instrument, that the toilet bowl is cleaned with the cleaning element, and that the cleaning element is ejected from the cleaning instrument and is disposed of via the toilet bowl. It is advantageous here that that part of the cleaning instrument which is soiled during cleaning, specifically the cleaning element, can be disposed of and renewed by replacing. In this context, the cleaning element can be inserted into the receptacle of the cleaning instrument and ejected therefrom, preferably with the ejection device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The invention will now be described in more detail on the basis of an exemplary embodiment, but is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments are obtained by combining the features of individual or of a plurality of features of the protection claims with one another and/or with individual or a plurality of features of the exemplary embodiment.

[0049] In the drawings:

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a cleaning instrument according to the invention in an exterior view from the side, a longitudinal section and a front view of the distal end, in each case with the cleaning element removed,

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a cleaning element according to the invention for use in a cleaning instrument according to FIG. 1 in an exterior view from the side and a front view of the distal end,

[0052] FIG. 3 shows the cleaning instrument according to FIG. 1 in an exterior view from the side, a longitudinal section and a front view of the distal end with the ejection device removed,

[0053] FIG. 4 shows the removed ejection device (without a spring) of the cleaning instrument according to FIG. 1 in an exterior view from the side, a longitudinal section and a front view of the distal end, and

[0054] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a receptacle according to the invention for a cleaning element on a cleaning instrument according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In the text which follows, the figures are described together.

[0056] A cleaning instrument, denoted in its entirety by 1, for toilet bowls has a rod 2.

[0057] The rod 2 extends in a longitudinal direction between a distal end 3 and a proximal end 4.

[0058] A handle 5 is formed as a grip region at the proximal end 4.

[0059] A receptacle 6 is present at the distal end 5. A cleaning element 7 (illustrated in FIG. 2) which is to be described in more detail can be inserted into the receptacle 6 in such a way that it can be removed and replaced.

[0060] An ejection device 8, which is described in more detail, is designed for ejection of a cleaning element 7 which is inserted into the receptacle 6.

[0061] The receptacle 6 has a cylindrical cross section which remains constant in an insertion direction of the cleaning element 7. Matching the above, the cleaning element 7 has a cylindrical cross section which remains constant. The diameter of the cleaning element 7 is adapted to an internal diameter of the receptacle 6 in such a way that the receptacle 6 is filled and sealed by the cleaning element 7.

[0062] The ejection device 8 can be activated from the proximal end 4. For this purpose, the ejection device 8 has a bar 9 which runs in the hollow rod 2 between the distal end 3 and the proximal end 4. A spring 10 develops a restoring force counter to the activation of the ejection device 8 and guides the ejection device 8 back into the illustrated position of rest. The bar 9 fills the rod 2, as a result of which linear guidance is brought about.

[0063] The ejection device 8 has a plunger 11 which can be moved in the receptacle 6 to eject the cleaning element 7. The plunger 11 makes contact with the cleaning element 7 over a surface and seals the receptacle 6.

[0064] The receptacle 6 is closed off at its end 12, facing rearward away from the distal end 3, with the exception of a passage opening 13. In the passage opening 13 the bar 9 of the ejection device 8 is guided in a displaceable fashion. The plunger 11 is fitted as a plug onto the bar 9, in order to permit subsequent mounting in the illustrated position of use.

[0065] The spring 10 is supported at the edge 14 of the passage opening 13, which is integrally formed on the rod 2, in order to bring about the abovementioned resetting. A shoulder 15, on which the spring 10 engages, is formed on the bar 9.

[0066] An annular elevation, which serves as a stop 16 for the bar 9, is applied on the edge 14. This stop 16 has the effect that in the case of a proximal activation the bar 9 is at maximum flush at the distal end 3 with the receptacle 6 and therefore the entry of soiling into the receptacle 6 during the ejection process can be prevented.

[0067] An annular stop 16 for the shoulder 15 is therefore preferably formed integrally or as a sleeve with the rod 2 above the edge 14.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section through a cleaning instrument 1 according to the invention, in which the receptacle 6 is formed in a conical fashion. In the region of the insertion opening 18, a chamfer 17 is formed which has the effect that the internal diameter of the receptacle 6 is made larger in the insertion region, in particular at the location of the insertion opening 18, than a distal external diameter of a cleaning element which is to be inserted into the receptacle 6. Furthermore, the internal diameter of the receptacle 6 has a larger internal diameter in the distal insertion region 19 than in the proximal holding region 20. Due to the conical configuration of the receptacle 6, the internal diameter of the receptacle 6 additionally decreases monotonously from the insertion region 19 toward the holding region 20. In this context, a minimum internal diameter in the holding region 20 is made smaller than a maximum external diameter of a cleaning element 7 which is to be used with the cleaning instrument 1.

[0069] The cleaning element 7 is manufactured from cellulose, in particular from tissue paper, and is embodied in a dimensionally stable fashion. In this context, the dimensional stability is achieved by dense packing of the cellulose, in particular tissue paper, for example by winding on (rolling) or pressing.

[0070] The cleaning element 7 is manufactured essentially without adhesive, wherein the cleaning element 7 made of cellulose, for example from toilet paper, is rolled and/or pressed.

[0071] During use, the cleaning element 7 is inserted into the receptacle 6 in a removable fashion and protrudes from the receptacle 6 by at most a half and by at least a third of its overall length.

[0072] The cleaning element 7 is therefore used in the case of the cleaning instrument 1 to execute a method for cleaning a toilet bowl. In this context, the dried cleaning element 7 is inserted into the receptacle 6 of the cleaning instrument 1. The toilet bowl is now cleaned with the cleaning element 7, wherein the cleaning element 7 is directed with the cleaning instrument 1. As a result of contact with water, the cleaning element 7 swells in the receptacle 6 in this context and is held therein. After the termination of the cleaning processing, the plunger 11 moves the cleaning element 7 out of the receptacle 6 of the cleaning instrument 1 through proximal pressure on the bar 9. The cleaning element 7 is therefore ejected, drops into the toilet bowl and is disposed of via the toilet bowl.

[0073] An insertion aid for the cleaning element 7 which is fabricated with an excess dimension is formed by a chamfer 17. As a result, the cleaning element 7 is held in the receptacle.

[0074] In the case of a cleaning instrument 1 it is provided to arrange, in a distal receptacle 6, a dimensionally stable cleaning element 7 made of cellulose, in particular tissue paper or recycled paper, in such a way that it can be ejected and to eject the cleaning element 7 from the receptacle after cleaning has been terminated, to dispose of it via waste water of a toilet and to replace it with a new cleaning element 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0075] 1 cleaning instrument

[0076] 2 rod

[0077] 3 distal end

[0078] 4 proximal

[0079] 5 handle

[0080] 6 receptacle

[0081] 7 cleaning element

[0082] 8 ejection device

[0083] 9 bar

[0084] 10 spring

[0085] 11 plunger

[0086] 12 end of 6

[0087] 13 passage opening

[0088] 14 edge of 13

[0089] 15 shoulder

[0090] 16 stop

[0091] 17 chamfer

[0092] 18 insertion opening

[0093] 19 insertion region

[0094] 20 holding region

Claims

1. A cleaning instrument (1), comprising: a rod (2) which has a distal end (3) and a proximal end (4); a handle (5) formed at the proximal end (4); a receptacle (6) for an exchangeable cleaning element (7) formed at the distal end (3); and an ejection device (8) on or in the rod that is configured to eject a cleaning element (7) inserted into the receptacle (6).

2. The cleaning instrument (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle (6) has a cross section which remains constant in an insertion direction, and the receptacle (6) is closed off at an end (12) thereof facing away from the distal end (3) of the cleaning instrument (1), with the exception of a passage opening (13) for the ejection device (8).

3. The cleaning instrument (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ejection device (8) is operable from the proximal end (4) by a bar (9) which runs in the rod (2) and is biased to a rest position via a restoring force of an elastic element.

4. A cleaning element (7), comprising cellulose formed at least one of in a dimensionally stable fashion, rolled, or pressed.

5. The cleaning element (7) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cleaning element (7) has a cross section which remains constant in an insertion direction, and is formed essentially without adhesive, with a wound a web of material which is secured with an adhesive only at one end section, or completely without adhesive.

6. The cleaning element (7) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cleaning element (7) comprises a wound web of material which is formed without slits in at least one section having a length that is at least a circumferential length of the cleaning element.

7. The combination of the cleaning instrument (1) as claimed in claim 1 and a cleaning element (7), comprising cellulose formed at least one of in a dimensionally stable fashion, rolled, or pressed, wherein the cleaning element (7) is inserted in a removable fashion into the receptacle (6) and protrudes from the receptacle (6).

8. The combination as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cleaning element (7) at least one of seals the receptacle (6) or is fabricated with an excess dimension with respect to the receptacle (6).

9. The combination as claimed in claim 7, wherein the combination forms a toilet bowl cleaning instrument.

10. The combination as claimed in claim 9, wherein an external diameter of the cleaning element (7) is between a smallest internal diameter of the receptacle (6) of the cleaning instrument (7) and a largest internal diameter of the receptacle (6).

11. A method for cleaning a toilet bowl, comprising: providing a cleaning element (7) formed of cellulose in at least one of a dimensionally stable, rolled, or pressed arrangement; inserting the cleaning element into a cleaning instrument (1) having a rod (2) which has a distal end (3) and a proximal end (4), a handle (5) formed at the proximal end (4), a receptacle (6) configured to receive the cleaning element (7) formed at the distal end (3), and an ejection device (8) on or in the rod that is configured to eject the cleaning element (7) inserted into the receptacle (6); cleaning the toilet bowl with the cleaning element (7) held in the cleaning instrument; and ejecting the cleaning element from the cleaning instrument (7) after cleaning, and disposing of the cleaning element via the toilet bowl.

12. The cleaning instrument of claim 1, wherein the cleaning instrument is a toilet bowl cleaner.

13. The cleaning instrument of claim 1, further comprising an insertion aid formed at the receptacle that is configured to allow insertion of the cleaning element into the receptacle by pushing the cleaning element in axially, without applying transverse compression, the receptacle has a distal insertion region and a proximal holding region, and the receptacle includes a larger internal diameter in the insertion region than in the holding region as the insertion aid.

14. The cleaning instrument of claim 1, wherein the ejection device (8) includes a plunger (11) which is moveable in the receptacle (6) in order to eject the cleaning element (7).

15. The cleaning instrument of claim 14, wherein the plunger (11) seals the receptacle via an elastic sealing element formed on the plunger (11).

16. The combination of claim 8, wherein the cleaning element (7) has a greater outer diameter than a minimum internal diameter of the receptacle.

17. The combination of claim 7, wherein the cleaning element (7) inserted in the receptacle (6) protrudes by at least a third of an overall length thereof from the receptacle (6).