JPH0384130A - Distributing system to feed appropriate volume of chemical substance into intermittently flowing fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable efficient use by providing a fixing means in a container for storing a chemical material, allowing a fluid flow to flow in through an opening of the container and allowing the same to flow out after a certain lapse of time. CONSTITUTION: A container 1 is provided with a hook 2 to be held near a washing water channel, and a block of a chemical material 3 suitable for washing and disinfection of a toilet bowl is disposed in the container 1. Water derived from a stream of washing water is allowed to flow in the container 1 from the opening through a deflector 5. Subsequently, when a stream of water flowing in due to washing is stopped, water in the container 1 which is in contact with the block 3 in some measure is allowed to flow out into a toilet bowl through the opening 4. A small amount of water staying in a water reservoir 7 dissolves the chemical material 3 to form a solution used in the next washing. Accordingly, the chemical material can be used more efficiently.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a dispenser, and more particularly to a dispenser for dispensing a suitable amount of a chemical into an intermittent liquid stream, such as the flush water of a flush toilet. delayed released dispensing system
The chemicals delivered by the dispenser of the present invention may be cleaning agents, disinfectants, deodorants, etc.

In our industry, we use rim blocks for toilets.
Dispensing devices are known. A device of this type may, for example, include a perforated brush-like container and a hook for attaching it within the toilet bowl. The container contains a solid block of slowly dissolving cleaning agent that is continuously supplied to the sink during flushing.

The use of such brush containers eliminates the need for such inefficient devices, as most of the dispensed cleaning agent remains in the toilet bowl and is flushed directly into the sewage system instead of serving its cleaning purpose. This is undesirable from an economic and environmental point of view, as it goes against the trend of reducing the amount of chemicals fed into the sewage system; It is usually difficult to get an effective amount of chemicals into the toilet bowl because they are only supplied for a limited period of time.

It has therefore been proposed to implement a time delay in the toilet bowl dispensing system so that most of the chemical is only added to the last portion of the flushing water and most of it remains in the toilet bowl after flushing.

For example, European Patent Application No. 92,283 (Unilev
er) discloses a toilet brush dispenser equipped with a siphon system to provide a time delay during the flush cycle. This dispenser delivers a portion of the dissolved chemical at the end of the rinse, and although it works well, it is not very effective. In addition, droplet stains are sometimes observed, and the manufacturing cost is high due to the complicated structure of the siphon system.

International Patent Application No.-0-83101974 (Wellco
me) discloses a liquid distribution system for use in connection with a flush water supply pipe. The system includes a connecting pipe and a casing, within which a chamber and a float-operated valve.
lve) is arranged such that when the chamber is filled with water, a predetermined amount of liquid product is supplied into the chamber.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved delayed release dispensing system which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. The object of the present invention is to provide a distribution system that has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

These and other objects include a substantially closed container containing a chemical substance and securing means for attaching the container, the container having an opening through which a liquid such as water can be supplied. It has been found that this is achieved by the delayed release dispensing system of the present invention, which has no moving parts, in which the liquid flow enters the container and exits the container after a certain period of time.

Preferably, means are provided for directing the liquid flow in the direction of said opening of the container.

In the dispensing system of the invention, it is advantageous to arrange the opening above the lowest level of the container, so that a portion of the liquid remains in the container after the flow of liquid has stopped.

Preferably, one or more holes are further provided in the top of the container,
To equalize air pressure inside and outside a container when filling the container with liquid.

Particularly preferably when using a 6-distribution system for aqueous liquids, the openings of the container used for the inflow and outflow of the liquid are made non-wettable to the liquid, in order to alleviate the phenomenon of droplets dripping and falling. In this case, the surface of the opening may be treated with a hydrophobic treatment to reduce dripping of water droplets. Alternatively, the entire container may be made of a hydrophobic material or may be provided with a hydrophobic insert within the opening; suitable materials that can be used for these treatments include, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon, etc.
and silicone resins.

The dispensing system of the present invention can be used as an in-bowl dispensing system. In that case the liquid is water and fixing means are provided for attaching the container to the inside of the toilet bowl. Preferably,
Means are also provided for securing the dispensing system to the underside of the toilet bowl rim. For example, it may include a bottle that engages a hole under the rim of the toilet bowl.

Preferably, a second support for supporting the chemical block is also included within the container. Dispensers of the present invention may also include one or more auxiliary chambers that communicate with the atmosphere. These chambers are designed to deliver volatile ingredients such as perfumes from suitable impregnated buds, chemical blocks or gels.

The dispensing system of the present invention can be applied to a spray cleaning machine, such as a dishwasher;
More particularly, it can also be used in industrial product washers. In that case, the dispenser is a deflection funnel that directs the water toward the opening of the container.
including.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing system may be configured for use secured to the end of a pipe and faucet, in which case the dispensing system may be configured for use by securing the dispensing system to the end of a pipe and faucet. and a deflector for guiding the liquid into the container.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail by way of non-limiting examples based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an in-toilet distribution system showing a substantially closed container 1 held in the vicinity of a flushing water channel via a suitable hook 2 which can be fixed to the edge of the toilet bowl. Inside the container 1 there is placed a block of a slowly soluble chemical 3 suitable for cleaning and disinfecting toilet bowls. Blocks of this type are known to those skilled in the art. This container 1 is provided with an opening 4 so that water, which may originate from the flushing water flow, can flow into the container l via a deflector 5. Towards the end of the washing process, the pressure of the water flowing into the container 1 decreases and eventually reaches zero. At this point, the water in the container that has been in contact with the chemical block for some time will drain through the opening 4 into the toilet bowl. An optional hole 6 in the top of the device allows air to escape through this hole during the filling phase, so that more water flows into the container. The air may contain a fragrance so that the fragrance is distributed during the early stages of toilet flushing.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the opening 4 is located above the lowest level of the container 1, so that a sump 7 is formed. A small amount of water remains in this sump and dissolves the chemicals to form a solution that is used for the next flush.

Although there is only one container 1 in this example, multiple containers may be used, each container containing a separate type of chemical. This is particularly useful when multiple incompatible chemicals must be dispensed.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along the line ^--^, showing the wedge-shaped member 5 which guides the flow of rinsing water in the direction 4 of the opening of the container 1.

FIG. 3 shows the dispensing system of the present invention for use in a mechanical ware washer. In this system, an intermittent stream of water is supplied from a rotating spray arm or showerhead. The device comprises a substantially closed container 10 in which a block of slowly dissolving chemical 13, in this case a caustic detergent composition, is placed.

The device is placed in the washing machine over the water from the shower head via fixing means 12 for attaching the container. The container includes an opening 14 through which the spray water captured in the deflection funnel 15 quickly flows into the container and comes into contact with the chemical block. This inflow of spray water is facilitated by the presence of small holes 16 provided to equalize the pressure inside and outside the container. As the end of spraying approaches, the back pressure of the water in the funnel increases.
e) decreases, the chemical solution flows from opening 14 to opening 1
8 into the washer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, the opening 14 is above the lowest level of the container 10 so that a small amount of water remains in the sump 17 to dissolve the chemical and: Form the solution used.

FIG. 4 shows the dispensing system of the present invention for use on a water line or faucet. An intermittent flow of liquid, indicated by arrows, is supplied from a water supply pipe or hydrant 21. The device includes a substantially closed cylindrical container 20 containing one or more chemical blocks 23. The device is fixed to the end of the tube 21 via fixing means 22 so that liquid can flow through the device. The container 20 is provided with an opening 24 through which liquid flows until the container is full or until counter pressure prevents any further flow of liquid. This liquid is directed towards the opening 24 via the deflection means 25. When the pressure of the liquid is reduced, for example by closing a water tap, the chemical-containing liquid flows out of the container through the opening 24 into the conduit and flows downwards. In this embodiment, the opening 24 is located above the lowest level of the container so that a small amount of liquid remains to dissolve the chemical 23 and this solution is then delivered via the conduit. Become.

FIG. 5 shows a dispensing system for use with a sink that may be provided above a Japanese toilet bowl. In this type of toilet, the water used to wash hands is collected in a tank and used for the next flush. The device of the invention is placed over the drain of this sink and is used to supply the appropriate amount of cleaning or disinfectant to the flushing water in the toilet bowl. Fifth
The illustrated device includes a substantially closed container 26 containing a block 27 of a slowly soluble chemical suitable for cleaning and disinfecting toilet bowls. As mentioned above, blocks of this type are known to those skilled in the art. The device also includes two hook-like fixing means 28 for keeping it fixed over the sink drain. This device has an upwardly curved edge 29 so that water falling from the faucet can reach the hole 30.
is introduced into the container via the When the water tap is closed, water no longer falls onto the device, and the pressure of the water entering the container decreases and eventually reaches zero. At this point, water in the container that has been in contact with the chemical block for some time will flow out through the hole 30 and onto the edge 29. This edge is provided with a plurality of small holes 31 through which water flows out of the sink drain and is collected in a tank where it is stored until used for the next flush.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified vertical cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl distribution system of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl distribution system of FIG. 1 along line ^-8, and FIG. 3 is a machine product cleaning machine. FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the dispensing system of the present invention for use in a machine; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of the dispensing system of the present invention for use on a pipe or faucet; FIG. 1... Container, 2... Fixing means, 3...
...chemical substance, 4...opening.

Claims (10)

[Claims] (1) A dispensing system for supplying a quantity of a chemical in an intermittent liquid stream, the system comprising a substantially closed container containing the chemical and a securing means for holding the container in place. A dispensing system comprising no moving parts, the container having an opening through which a liquid flow enters and, after a period of time, exits. 2. The dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising means for directing the liquid flow toward the opening of the container. 3. The dispensing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening is above the lowest level of the container so that some of the liquid remains in the container after the flow of liquid has stopped. (4) According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the upper part of the container is provided with one or more holes so that the air pressure inside the container and outside the container are equal when the container is filled with liquid. Dispensing system as described. 5. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the opening of the container is non-wettable to liquid to reduce dripping. (6) The dispensing system according to claim 5, wherein the surface of the opening of the container is hydrophobically treated to reduce dripping of aqueous liquid droplets. (7) includes a securing means for attaching the container within the toilet bowl;
7. A dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for use in a toilet bowl. 8. The dispensing system of claim 7, further comprising means for securing the system in place under the rim of the toilet bowl. (9) including a deflection funnel that directs water in the direction of the opening of the container;
Dispensing system according to any one of claims 2 to 6 for use in a spray cleaning machine. (10) A dispenser according to any one of claims 2 to 6 for use on the ends of pipes and hydrants, comprising suitable clamping means and a deflector for directing the liquid in the direction of the opening of the container. system.