EP2398971B1 - Discharge device, in particular toilet flusher, having a tank that can be coupled - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dispensing device - in particular a toilet freshener - in particular with an electromechanically induced release of preparations, in particular in a toilet bowl.

State of the art

The exact and appropriate dosage of flowable or pourable compositions is for a variety of applications of relevance.

In particular, in the household sector, the dosage of flowable substances is of increasing importance, which is primarily based on the exact and demand-controlled dosage of the corresponding active ingredients, which on the one hand protects the environment by conserving resources and avoidance of overdoses and overdoses, on the other hand, the efficiency of drugs so dosed is optimized.

The dosage of cleaning and fragrance compositions in the toilet area is currently primarily realized by so-called toilet flushing. These are single or multi-chamber containers that are hung in the toilet bowl so that when flushing the toilet bowl with water, a release of active ingredient from the toilet bowl into the toilet bowl.

Such devices are made, for example EP0828902 or DE10113036 known.

A major disadvantage of these toilet flushers is that the dosage depends essentially on the particular local flow conditions in the toilet bowl during the flushing process. However, the flow conditions may vary greatly depending on the type of toilet and the positioning of the toilet bowl in or on the toilet bowl. So it may happen, for example, that in some types of toilet no drug release from the toilet rinse takes place because the toilet bowl is not or not sufficiently covered with water during flushing and thus the dosing of the toilet rinser is not triggered.

Even if a toilet-rinse is overflowed according to use of rinse water, so this is so far disadvantageous as it comes to a disturbance provided by the toilet manufacturer water supply, whereby the flushing power of a toilet can be noticeably reduced.

The release of the active ingredients from such toilet flushers is usually carried out by the penetration of rinse water through openings in the toilet bowl, the drug substances are dissolved and discharged at the outlet of the rinse water through corresponding outlet openings from the toilet rinse and washed away. Depending on the arrangement of the toilet rinser in the toilet this is flowed through the often very different flow conditions of the rinse water outlet from the edge of the toilet different degrees, which can be realized only a diffuse release of the active ingredients.

Usually, the flushing water flow is influenced by the introduction of a toilet flushing device, as shown at the beginning. Due to the changed flow conditions, it can lead to a significantly changed Abspülverhalten the toilet. Frequently, the flushing water flow is influenced in such a way that spray water is sprayed upwards from the toilet bowl, so that flushing water can escape from the toilet bowl or come into contact with the user when using the toilet, which is regularly perceived as unpleasant.

Furthermore, a targeted flow guidance in the toilets attempts to further reduce the amounts of flushing water used with constant or improved flushing behavior, so that intervention in the flushing water flow in toilets optimized in this way has an even greater influence on the flushing behavior.

It would thus be desirable to have a toilet freshener for release of active ingredients into a toilet bowl that realizes a dosage of active ingredients in the toilet bowl independent of the flushing of the toilet.

Such a toilet freshener is for example off JP01097423A known, which consists of a hand-operated aerosol can, which is arranged by means of a holder on the edge of a toilet, wherein the spray of the aerosol can into the interior of the toilet bowl is directed. A similar concept also reveals US4670916A wherein the triggering of the spray from an aerosol container is effected by means of a mechanical coupling by seating a user on the toilet seat. Finally is off US3953902A a dispensing system for a water box of a WC, in which a reservoir with cleaning liquid is positioned on the outer edge of the water box and which is connected via a bracket, are arranged in the lines for transporting the cleaning liquid from the reservoir in the water tank, with the water box in combination ,

The object of the invention is to realize an electrically operated dispensing device, in particular a toilet freshener, with the lowest possible energy consumption or the longest possible battery life.

Object of the invention

The object is achieved with a dispensing device - in particular a toilet freshener - according to the features of claim 1.

The dispensing device according to the invention-in particular a toilet freshener for dispensing at least one preparation into the interior of a toilet bowl-comprises a dispensing device, at least one container which can be coupled to the dispensing device for storing at least one preparation, a dispensing element for dispensing preparation, the dispensing element being connected via a line is communicatively connected to the container and the bottom of the container is arranged in the direction of gravity above the discharge opening of the discharge element, so that between the container bottom and the discharge opening of the delivery element, a height difference .DELTA.h is formed, wherein in the coupled state of container and metering the line at least partially in Gravity direction runs above the level of the preparation, so that in the flow direction of the preparation through the line against the direction of gravity a height difference of .DELTA.H is formed on the dosing with the Conductively communicating connected mandrel is arranged, which cooperates with the dockable container in such a way that when coupling the container with the metering device, the mandrel displaces a volume .DELTA.v of preparation in the container, whereby a pressure .DELTA.p is generated in the container, the preparation over the Height difference .DELTA.H transported in the line. The toilet freshener according to the invention consists of various components, which in turn can be combined to form assemblies. The components of the toilet freshener comprise at least one dispensing element, a control unit, a sensor unit, a power source, a container, a fastening means and a preparation. The components delivery element, control unit, sensor unit and energy source can in a preferred Embodiment of the invention to the assembly "dosing" be summarized. The components and assemblies are described below.

Dosing.

In the metering device necessary for the operation of the toilet flusher power source, a control unit, a sensor unit and at least one discharge element is integrated.

Preferably, the dosing device consists of a splash-proof housing, that the penetration of splashing water, as may occur in a toilet bowl when using the toilet flushing device according to the invention, in the interior of the dosing prevented.

Further, it is preferred that the dosing device is arranged on the outer edge of the toilet bowl, whereby on the one hand protection from splash water influence and on the other hand a convenient operation of the dosing device is made possible. Furthermore, the dosing device - except for the dispensing element - does not protrude into the interior of the toilet, as a result of the outer edge side Arrangement the usable cross-sectional area of the toilet bowl is practically not reduced.

Since the preparations to be dosed may have a pH between 2 and 12, depending on the intended use, all components of the toilet rinser that come into contact with the preparations should have a corresponding acid and / or alkali resistance. Furthermore, these components should be largely chemically inert by a suitable choice of material, for example against nonionic surfactants, enzymes and / or fragrances

It is particularly advantageous to shed the electrical components of the WC flusher according to the invention, such as the energy source, the control unit, the sensor unit separately or together with each other in such a way that the metering device is substantially waterproof, the metering device is thus functional even when fully enclosed with liquid , As potting materials, for example, multicomponent epoxy, and acrylate potting compounds such as methacrylate esters, urethane-metha and cyanoacrylates or two-component materials can be used with polyurethanes, silicones, epoxy resins.

A significant advantage of the invention is to be seen in the separation of the toilet rinser in a dosing and in a coupled with the dispenser container, whereby the toilet freshener can be used flexibly for a variety of applications and adapted in a simple manner.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of mandrels formed on the dosing device corresponds to the number of chambers of the container.

In a further possible embodiment, a plurality of mandrels are connected to a conduit. This means that at least preparations from two different chambers of the container are guided via a line. Of course, it is also possible that all mandrels are connected to a single line.

In order to prevent unwanted mixing of different preparations in a line, it is advantageous that, in the case of a plurality of spikes, each of the spikes is connected to a separate line.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, each line is connected to a separate dispensing element. As a result, any preparation - or preparation mixture - can be dispensed separately.

Alternatively, it is also possible to connect a plurality of the lines with a discharge element, whereby the number of discharge elements can be reduced.

Abqabeelemente

The delivery elements are any kind of devices which are suitable for delivering a preparation to the environment of the dosing device.

The delivery elements can be selected, for example, from the group of nozzles, valves, spray heads, drop dispensers, foam spray heads, piezo elements, porous elements, wick systems, capillary systems, nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers, ionization nebulizers, etc.

For the delivery of active ingredients in the toilet or on the inside toilet bowl surfaces in particular electrically controllable nozzles, valves, spray heads, drop dispensers, Schaumsprühköpfe, piezo elements and the like are suitable.

Electrically controllable nozzles, valves, atomizers, spray heads, piezo elements, sintered plates, porous elements, wick systems and the like are particularly suitable for dispensing active compound preparation into the air.

The delivery elements may have the same or different spray cone shapes when dispensing the preparations. For example, it is conceivable that one delivery element generates a jet with a rather punctiform application surface, while another delivery element generates a flat application field. Of course, various combinations of different spray cone shapes are conceivable.

In particular, the dispensing element can be movably arranged on the toilet freshener so that the user can align the spray cone that can be generated by the dispensing element with a desired application field. Also, the dispensing element may have means that allow adjustment of the spray cone shape.

The delivery member may further provide means for electrostatically charging drug droplets, thereby improving wetting, adherence and / or distribution of the agent on a surface and / or in the air.

In particular, the delivery elements can be configured in such a way that one or more active substances are released in different directions from one another. In the following table, by way of example but not necessarily, some possible configurations regarding the dispensing direction are listed. Dispensing direction A Dispensing direction B Fragrance release in the toilet bowl Fragrance delivery to the environment Detergent dispensed into the toilet bowl Discharge of detergent under the edge of the toilet / During rinsing or outside the rinsing process Detergent dispensed into the toilet bowl Fragrance delivery to the environment

Of course, any other, any combination of the configurations listed in the above table is possible.

It is also advantageous to arrange the dispensing element movably on the bracket of the toilet rinser. In this way, the dispensing element and the spray cone of the preparation can be targeted by the user to wet a defined application field in or on the toilet with preparation.

The dispensing element or elements are advantageously configured in such a way that a defined dispensing quantity of at least one active substance preparation is directed and defined into the interior of a toilet bowl independently of the positioning of the toilet freshener on the toilet bowl. Advantages of such a design are u.a. the more specific exposure of toilet bowl surfaces with one or more active agents, whereby different surfaces can be treated with different active ingredients. For example, in a flat washer, the pan may be wetted with an adherence reducing agent, while an active agent for reducing limescale is applied to the funnel-shaped walls extending from the pan to the rim of the toilet.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit generates a control signal for release of active ingredient preparation when a rinse water release takes place and a control signal for ending the drug release when the flow through the toilet bowl with rinse water is completed.

In an advantageous further development of the toilet rinser according to the invention, the first delivery amount and at least the second delivery amount are from the same or different active compound preparations.

According to a further, preferred embodiment, the first delivery quantity and at least the second delivery quantity are released at mutually different points in time.

control unit

A control unit in the sense of this application is a device which is suitable for influencing the transport of preparation, energy and / or information.

In particular, the control unit may be a programmable microprocessor. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dosing programs are stored on the microprocessor, which can be selected and executed in accordance with the container coupled to the toilet freshener. Of course, it is also conceivable that the dosing programs are manually retrievable by the user.

The control unit is also preferably arranged on the outside of the toilet bowl, from where it can be operated by the user in a simple way, especially when the user sits on the toilet.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit may comprise a dosing program for introducing at least two mutually different active compound preparations into a toilet bowl or into the environment of the toilet bowl, at least two different active substance preparations being released on at least two consecutive times t ₁ and t ₂ be introduced, wherein at least one active ingredient preparation is introduced into the interior of a toilet bowl.

An essential advantage of such a dosing program is, inter alia, an optimized cleaning performance by the most precise control of possible chemical reactions by a corresponding time delayed release of the corresponding preparation or preparations, of which some, but not exhaustive examples are listed in the table below. t ₁ t ₂ advantage Cleaner in toilet bowl during the flushing process Perfume in toilet bowl after rinse Optimized perfume development, as perfume is released after the rinse in the toilet bowl and so is not washed away with the rinse water. Perfume is not "decomposed" by detergent preparation. Fragrance in toilet bowl immediately before use Cleaner in toilet bowl during the flushing process Optimized perfume development, as fragrance is released before the rinse in the toilet bowl and so is not washed away with the rinse water. Perfume is not "decomposed" by detergent preparation. Cleaner A in toilet bowl immediately before use Cleaner B in toilet bowl during rinsing process Cleaner A can prevent buildup in the toilet bowl by applying a cleanser A protective film to the toilet bowl immediately prior to use of the toilet, which is then rinsed from the toilet surface during rinse B rinse operation.

Another advantage is the fact that a controlled release of one or more different fragrances can be realized, which at least diminish habituation of the sense of smell. For this purpose, a known from the prior art method of clocking and the pulse-like delivery of perfume can be used. Furthermore, a Habituation can also be reduced by a delivery of successive, different from each other fragrances.

It is also conceivable that the toilet rinse before or during the Abspülvorgangs dosed an antifoam in the toilet bowl. Frequently, excessive foaming before or during the rinsing process causes floating of toilet paper on this foam, so that the toilet paper is not flushed away properly with the rinse water, but still floats in the toilet bowl after completion of the rinsing process. This is regularly perceived by consumers as unsightly. By adding the antifoam before or during the rinsing process, excessive foaming can be prevented and a safe removal of the toilet paper can be ensured. In addition or as an alternative to the antifoam, pulp-dissolving substances can also be added.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the dispensing element and at least the first preparation are configured such that a foam is formed when the preparation is released into the environment.

Foaming has several potential advantages. On the one hand, a foam can include and minimize bad odors particularly well through its pore and cell structure. On the other hand, the foam can also be applied as a so-called "anti-caking" coating on the surface of the toilet bowl in order to reduce buildup of metabolic waste products on these surfaces.

sensor unit

The sensor unit may comprise one or more active and / or passive sensors for the qualitative and / or quantitative detection of mechanical, electrical, physical and / or chemical variables, which are passed as control signals to the control unit.

In particular, the sensors of the sensor unit from the group of timers, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, sound pressure sensors, "lab-on-a-chip Sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, magnetic field sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors and / or MEMS sensors.

In particular, a vibration sensor for recording structure-borne noise can be configured on a toilet bowl.

The sensor unit can be designed in its simplest conceivable embodiment as a tilt, push or push switch.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is configured in such a way that the detection of a rinsing process is realized without significantly influencing the flow conditions in a toilet bowl. For example, ultrasound sensors can be used for this purpose.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that a dosing process to which a defined amount of a preparation is dispensed is less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 10 seconds, particularly preferably lasts less than 5 seconds. By a dose interval as short as possible in which a preparation is delivered to the environment, the dosing device can be readily available for the next dosing interval and thus ensure an effective delivery of preparation even with a continuous use of a toilet.

energy

For the purposes of this application is understood as an energy source, a component of the metering device, which is expedient to provide a self-sufficient operation of the metering suitable energy.

Preferably, the energy source provides electrical energy. The energy source may be, for example, a battery, a power supply, solar cells or the like.

It is also conceivable to transmit the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the dosing device wirelessly by means of radio waves from a corresponding transmitter to a corresponding receiver in the device.

It is particularly advantageous to make the energy source replaceable, for example in the form of a replaceable battery.

container

For the purposes of this application, a container is understood to mean a packaging material which is suitable for wrapping or holding together preparations and which can be coupled to the dispensing device for dispensing the preparation.

Particularly preferred is an arrangement in which two containers are provided, which, more preferably, are separated from each other and each containing a drug fluid. But there may also be several reservoirs for multiple drug fluids. The reservoirs are separated from each other to prevent premature mixing of the drug fluids. They may be physically separate or formed as separate compartments in a contiguous body.

The container usually has a filling volume of <5,000 ml, in particular <1,000 ml, preferably <500 ml, more preferably <250 ml, very particularly preferably <50 ml. The invention is particularly suitable for dimensionally stable containers such as cups, cans, cartridges, cartridges, bottles, canisters, cans, boxes, drums.

In particular, a container can also comprise a plurality of chambers which can be filled with different compositions from each other. It is also conceivable that a plurality of containers to a unit, for example, a cartridge is arranged.

Examples of possible combinations of containers or chambers with the corresponding preparations are exemplified for some applications in the following table. Container A Container B Container C cleaning supplies cleaning supplies perfume Cleaning agent A Cleaning agent B Cleaning agent A Cleaning agent B perfume

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet opening of the container is formed opposite to the direction of gravity at the head of the container, so that in the use and coupling position of the container gravity effect can no discharge from the outlet opening. The head-side arrangement of the outlet opening has the further advantage that in the position of use no liquid column is present above the opening, whereby a simpler and safer sealing of the outlet opening relative to the dosing device can be realized.

Advantageously, the container which can be coupled to the toilet freshener is closed by a closure means.

In particular, the closure means cooperates with the mandrel of the metering device in such a way that a seal is formed between the mandrel and the closure means when the metering device and the container are coupled.

As a seal in the context of this application elements are referred to, which have the task of preventing unwanted mass transfer, including pressure equalization, from one room to another or limit.

The seal may in particular be a rotary and / or a translatory seal.

The seal may in particular be selected from the group of radial shaft seals, labyrinth seals, mechanical seals, stuffing boxes, piston rings, bellows, brush seals, Axialwellendichtringe and / or rotary feedthroughs.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the seal between mandrel and closure means is formed when coupling metering device and container such that the overpressure Δp produced during coupling does not escape from the container via the seal.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the container has an RFID tag that contains at least information about the contents of the container and that can be read by the sensor unit.

This information can be used to select a dosing program stored in the control unit. In this way it can be ensured that an optimal dosing program is always used for a particular preparation. It can also be provided that in the absence of an RFID label or an RFID label with a false or faulty identifier, no dosage is done by the dosing and instead an optical or acoustic signal is generated that the user to the present Error indicates.

In order to prevent misuse of the container, the containers may also have structural elements which cooperate with corresponding elements of the metering device according to the key-lock principle, so that, for example, only containers of a particular type can be coupled to the metering device. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible to transmit information about the container coupled to the dosing device to the control unit, as a result of which control of the dosing device coordinated with the contents of the corresponding container can take place.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the container may be under pressure. This is particularly advantageous if the preparation is to be sprayed or dispensed without the need for an intermediate pump. In this case, the delivery of the preparation may be controlled, for example, by a control valve operatively connected to the control unit. This embodiment has the further advantage that no energy has to be provided for the transport of the preparation from the energy source, with which the energy source can either be made smaller or have a longer life expectancy.

fastener

The toilet bowl further includes attachment means to fix the toilet bowl to the toilet bowl. The fastening means may be formed, for example, as a suction cup, adhesive tape, strap or the like.

The attachment of the toilet rinser can alternatively be done on the cistern of the toilet, the toilet seat or the toilet lid. For this purpose, the well-known in the prior art fasteners can be used.

preparations

Preparations within the meaning of these applications are compositions containing at least one substance from the group of detergents and / or fragrances.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the preparations comprise substances for the modification of surfaces, in particular of ceramic surfaces.

Preparations suitable according to the invention are, for example, scent phases, in particular perfumed scent phases. Such scent phases usually comprise at least one perfume, preferably perfume oil, at least one surfactant or an emulsifier and water and optionally further ingredients such as preservatives, thickeners, complexing agents, dyes, other surfactants or emulsifiers, stabilizers, lime solubilizer etc.

Bleaching phases, in particular chlorine-containing bleaching phases, preferably bleaching phases based on hypochlorite, are also suitable according to the invention. The bleaching phases may optionally contain, in addition to the actual bleaching agent and water, further ingredients such as thickeners, surfactants or emulsifiers, neutralizing agents, dyes, fragrances, etc.

Further preparations which are suitable according to the invention are lime-dissolving active substance phases, preferably acidic lime-dissolving active substance phases. Such lime-solubilizing active ingredient phases may contain, in addition to the actual lime solubilizer - preferably this is an organic or inorganic acid - and water optionally further ingredients such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.

Similarly, it is possible to use as preparations highly concentrated surfactant phases, so-called "foam boosters". Such highly concentrated surfactant phases may also contain other conventional ingredients in addition to the surfactants. such

Foam booster are particularly advantageous for pre-treating the toilet bowl with a foam carpet to prevent or reduce, for example, adherence of metabolic excretion products on the toilet surface and / or to cause encapsulation of bad smells.

Also suitable according to the invention are preparations having an antibacterial and / or fungicidal and / or antiviral active phase, wherein the active phase, in addition to the antibacterial and / or fungicidal and / or antiviral active and water, optionally further ingredients, such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances , Preservatives, etc. may contain.

It is also possible that the preparations are enzyme-containing active substance phases. In addition to enzyme (s) and water, such enzyme-containing active substance phases may optionally contain further ingredients such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.

Likewise, it is possible that the preparations used according to the invention are absorbent, in particular odor-absorbing, active-substance phases. In addition to the absorbent, in particular odor absorbent, and water, these may optionally contain further ingredients such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.

According to a particular embodiment, the toilet freshener according to the invention offers the possibility of using combinations of different preparations in the storage containers, wherein according to a preferred embodiment one of the storage containers contains a fragrance phase, in particular as defined above.

Examples of preparation combinations to be used are perfumed fragrance phase combined with chlorine bleach (together not storage-stable), perfumed fragrance phase with highly concentrated surfactant phase (foam booster), fragrance phase with lime-dissolving, acidic active phase, fragrance phase with antibacterial active ingredient phase, different acid systems, fragrance phase combined with enzyme-containing active substance phase, perfumed Acid phase combined with water-coloring phase, fragrance phase with odor-absorbing phase, perfumed acid phase with active oxygen, perfumed acid phase with active substance phase, thickened with polyacrylate etc.

Of particular interest are viscous to gel-like active substance fluids with viscosities in the range of a few thousand mPas, in particular from 200 to 5000 mPas, preferably 500 to 3500 mPas (measured with RotoVisko LVTV II, spindle 31, 5 rpm, 20 ° C).

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the preparations have a viscosity of less than 2000 mPas, in particular less than 1000 mPas (measured with RotoVisko LVTV II, spindle 31, 5 rpm, 20 ° C.). Such low-viscosity to aqueous preparations are particularly suitable if the preparation is to be sprayed in or on the toilet bowl.

Through the use of low-viscosity active compound preparations can be effected in conjunction with the inventive toilet freshener much faster and more accurate dosage and dispensed with the use of thickening systems. Furthermore, active ingredient systems can be used which can only be prepared with low viscosities, for example based on chlorine, HCl, etc.

applications

In addition to the use as toilet flusher for dispensing at least one preparation into the interior of a toilet bowl, it is also conceivable, the disclosed and claimed device for dispensing preparations, for example for introducing a preparation into a water-conducting household appliance such. a washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer. The application is therefore not limited to the application of the toilet rinser in a toilet, which has been described here by way of example to illustrate the invention.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing illustrating only embodiments. In this case, particularly preferred embodiments and particularly preferred combinations of features are further described in detail.

Figur 1

WC-Spüler mit einem noch nicht mit dem WC-Spüler gekoppelten Behälter

Figur 2

WC-Spüler mit einem Behälter im Kopplungsvorgang

Figur 3

WC-Spüler mit einem gekoppelten Behälter

Figur 4

Verschlussmittel des Behälters

It shows:

FIG. 1

Toilet washer with a container not yet coupled with the toilet bowl

FIG. 2

Toilet washer with a container in the coupling process

FIG. 3

Toilet dishwasher with a coupled container

FIG. 4

Closure means of the container

FIG. 1 shows a toilet freshener 1 with a not yet coupled with the toilet freshener 1 container. 3

The toilet freshener 1 has a metering device 2 positioned on the outwardly directed side of the toilet bowl 8, which is communicably connected via a line 9 to the dispensing element 6 directed into the interior of the toilet bowl.

The container 3 containing a preparation 4 can be connected in a communicating manner to the dosing device 2 or the line 9 via the mandrel 15 formed on the dosing device 2. The line 9 is not filled with preparation 4 in the uncoupled with the container 3 state. In particular, the conduit 9 is unfilled at the first coupling of a container 3 to the metering device 2 or line 9.

The container 3 is formed in particular from a dimensionally stable plastic. Furthermore, the container 2 has on the side opposite the direction of gravity (head side) at least one discharge opening 16, from the preparation 4 from the container 3 to the metering device 2 and the line 9 can be supplied.

How out FIG. 1 To recognize, the volume of the container 3 in the unopened state is almost completely filled with preparation 4. The degree of filling of the container 3 with preparation 4 is preferably greater than 85%, particularly preferably greater than 90%, very particularly preferably 95%.

The coupling process between container 3 and dosing device 2 will be explained in more detail below.

Fig. 2 shows the container at the beginning of the coupling process. When coupling the container with the dosing device 2, the mandrel 15 of the dosing device 2 first penetrates into the container 3 and displaces there a volume Δv which corresponds to the volume of the penetrating mandrel 15. Due to the displaced volume Δv, a pressure Δp is effected in the substantially dimensionally stable container 3. The line 9 is not yet filled with preparation 4 in this coupling phase.

The mandrel 15 and the discharge opening 16 of the container 3 are configured such that the pressure Δp when coupling the dosing device 2 with the container 3 can not initially escape through the mandrel 15 and / or the discharge opening 16.

This can be realized for example in such a way that an opening in the upper region of the mandrel 15 is provided, which is communicatively connected to the metering device 2 or the line 9, so that only when immersing this opening in the pressurized container 3, the Pressure from the container can escape through the opening.

The opening 16 of the container 3 can be closed in particular by a closure means. By way of example, a closure means 17 in FIG Fig. 4 displayed. The closure means 17 should be pierceable by the mandrel 15. Furthermore, the closure means 17 should have a sufficient elasticity in the stitched state, so that a possible dense connection between the mandrel 15 and closure means 17 when coupling dosing device 2 and container 3 can be formed.

Particularly preferably, the closure means is designed as a silicone cap or silicone valve. Furthermore, it is conceivable to form the closure means as a sealing film.

To facilitate the coupling, the closure means 17 may have weakening lines 18 or weakening sections which substantially correspond to the contour of the mandrel 15.

Furthermore, the weakening lines 18 or weakening sections may be formed on the closure means 17 in such a way that when the closure means 17 are pierced with the mandrel 15 an elastic sealing lip 19 is formed, which nestles against the outer jacket surface of the mandrel 15.

FIG. 3 shows the container 3 and the metering device 2 in the coupled state in which the bottom of the container 3 is arranged in the direction of gravity above the discharge opening of the discharge element 6. Between the container bottom and the discharge opening of the discharge element 6 is thus formed a height difference .DELTA.h.

Furthermore, can FIG. 3 be taken that in the coupled state of container 3 and dosing device 2, the line 9 at least partially in the direction of gravity above the level of the preparation 4 runs, so that in the direction of flow of the preparation 4 through the line 9 against the direction of gravity (indicated by the arrow) a difference in height of ΔH is formed.

The mandrel 15 is now configured such that when coupling the container 3 with the dosing device 2, the mandrel 15 displaces a volume .DELTA.v of preparation in the container 3, whereby a pressure .DELTA.p is generated in the container 3, the preparation 4 across the height difference .DELTA.H across promoted to the line 9.

As a result, the line 9 - in particular the first time a container is coupled to the dosing device 2 or the line 9 - be completely filled with preparation by the coupling process.

Due to the difference in height .DELTA.h between the container bottom and the opening of the dispensing element 6 is effected by means of the functional principle of the communicating tubes that preparation 4 gravity-fed from the container 3 to the discharge element 6 is promoted. This makes it possible to dispense with an additional pumping element for conveying preparation 4 from the container 3 to the dispensing element 6.

Claims (14)

1. A dispensing apparatus, in particular an electrically operated WC basket, for dispensing at least one preparation (4) into the inside of a toilet bowl (8), comprising:

   • a dosing device (2),

   • at least one container (3) which can be coupled to the dosing device and stores at least one preparation (4),

   • a dispensing element (6) for dispensing the preparation (4),

   • the dispensing element (6) being communicatively connected to the container (3) by means of a line (9) and,

   • when the container (3) and the dosing device (2) are coupled, the line (9) extending at least in portions in the direction of gravity above the fill level of the preparation (4), such that a level difference of ΔH is formed in the flow direction of the preparation (4) through the line (9) counter to the direction of gravity,

   characterized in that

   • the bottom of the container (3) is arranged above the dispensing opening in the dispensing element (6) in the direction of gravity such that a level difference Δh is formed between the container bottom and the dispensing opening in the dispensing element (6), and

   • a pin (15) which is communicatively connected to the line (9) is arranged on the dosing device (2), which pin interacts with the coupleable container (3) in such a way that when the container (3) is being coupled to the dosing device (2), the pin (15) displaces a volume Δv of the preparation in the container (3), as a result of which a pressure Δp is produced in the container (3) which transports the preparation (4) past the level difference ΔH into the line (9).
2. The dispensing apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the preparation (4) is transported from the container (3) past the level difference ΔH into the line (9) such that the preparation (4) in the line (9) is conveyed below the fill level of the preparation (4) in the container (3) in the direction of gravity.
3. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (3) which can be coupled to the dispensing apparatus is closed by a closure means (17).
4. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure means (17) interacts with the pin (15) of the dosing device (2) in such a way that a seal is formed between the pin (15) and the closure means (17) when the dosing device (2) and the container (3) are coupled.
5. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal between the pin (15) and the closure means (17) is formed when the dosing device (2) and the container (3) are coupled in such a way that the excess pressure Δp resulting from the coupling does not escape from the container (3) via the seal.
6. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (3) consists of at least two chambers.
7. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that preparations that are different from one another are stored in the chambers.
8. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pins (15) formed on the dosing device (2) correspond to the number of chambers in the container (3).
9. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of the pins (15) are connected to one line (9).
10. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all of the pins (15) are connected to one line (9).
11. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when there is a plurality of pins (15), each of the pins (15) is connected to a separate line (9).
12. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each line (9) is connected to a separate dispensing element (6).
13. The dispensing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of the lines (9) are connected to one dispensing element (6).
14. A method for coupling a container (3) to a dosing device (2) to form a dispensing apparatus (1), in particular a WC basket, according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that

    • a pin (15) which is communicatively connected to the line (9) is arranged on the dosing device (2),

    • the container (3) that can be coupled to the dosing device (2) is coupled to the dosing device by means of the pin (15),

    • when the container (3) is being coupled to the dosing device (2), the pin (15) displaces a volume Δv of the preparation in the container (3), as a result of which a pressure Δp is produced in the container (3) which transports the preparation (4) past the level difference ΔH into the line (9).

Images