JPS6141624B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing and discharging a fluid mixture containing a predetermined amount of additive liquid; The present invention relates to an additive liquid storage container for a dispensing device dispensing water containing additive liquid.

In many cases, it is desirable to incorporate a flow-regulated amount of an additive liquid into a fluid (which may also be a liquid) (e.g., to incorporate a pesticide into water that is sprayed on plants). like). In many cases, such as with pesticides as an example, the additive liquid is toxic or otherwise dangerous or harmful. In such cases, a less concentrated additive liquid to reduce the risk of leakage or release of the additive liquid without flowing water to dilute the additive liquid upon release. is used. Such an approach has the obvious disadvantage of increasing the amount of additive liquid that has to be used depending on the individual application, further increasing the price concomitantly, and the dilute additive liquid is difficult to transport and store. It is inconvenient. The need to use large amounts of additive liquid usually increases the problems with dispensing the mixture.

If concentrated additive liquid is used, the dispensing device will periodically require refilling or reloading of its additive liquid supply. Transferring the additive liquid from the storage container to the dispensing device requires great care so as not to endanger the user.
Furthermore, storage of concentrated additive liquids increases the risk of inadvertent release of the liquid, e.g. by children;
Increases the potential for exposure of harmful substances to the outside world.

When handling hazardous additive liquids, there is a possibility that the additive liquid may remain in the dispensing device after use, and that upon subsequent use this undiluted additive liquid may be exposed to either the user or the object being sprayed. This would pose a harmful risk. In devices that utilize the pressure of a fluid to forcibly discharge additive liquid, air pressure is applied to the fluid before the fluid for diluting the additive liquid is present in the line forcibly discharging the additive liquid. The presence of these substances poses a considerable risk.

Apart from the potential for danger, prior art devices have a number of deficiencies in their operation. For example, many conventional devices are configured for a particular additive liquid, and although they work well for that particular additive liquid, the additive liquid has a different viscosity or other different material properties. When using a liquid, a smaller amount or larger amount of additive liquid than desired may be mixed in. Furthermore, most conventional devices are configured to provide a constant flow rate of the flowing liquid. Pressure fluctuations in the water supply line will change the flow rate and therefore the concentration of the sprayed mixture. Furthermore, when the pressure of the flowing liquid is used to force the additive liquid out, the flowing liquid enters the vessel and dilutes the additive liquid before the pressure is established to force the additive liquid out. It is necessary to prevent this from happening. Although this can be achieved by providing appropriate valving, dilution of the added liquid in the container will still continue if the correct steps are not followed.

Moreover, this valving requires either manual operation or complex automatic control.

Furthermore, problems arise regarding indication when the container of added liquid is empty. Although various types of signaling techniques are available, the preferred technique is to automatically disable the dispensing device when the additive liquid has been completely used.

The container of the present invention eliminates the problems of prior art devices and provides many additional benefits and advantages not available in the prior art. This invention is for a dispensing device that enables the use of concentrated additive liquids, which has many advantages, and further facilitates the use of additive liquids and eliminates the risks normally associated with the use of concentrated additive liquids. Additive liquid storage container. This invention allows concentrated additive liquids to be used safely and
Furthermore, changes in the flow rate of water or other fluids can be automatically adjusted and very accurate metering can be performed regardless of the characteristics of the added liquid.

An important aspect of the invention is the use of a container that is biased closed for the additive fluid, usually the additive liquid. This container can be part of the dispensing device, but is preferably so that the empty container can be replaced by a filled container so that the concentrated additive liquid does not have to be handled manually. Removably attached to the distribution body. Once the container is attached to the dispensing body, the container is opened by an actuation mechanism responsive to the pressure established within the dispensing body to release the additive liquid, at least for practical applications. (Anyone with the appropriate tools and who knows how to handle the equipment could open the container, but this has little chance of success.) The container extends inward. It has a neck and at least one additive liquid drain hole is formed near the top of the neck. A closure member is slidably fitted over the inwardly extending neck to close or open the additive liquid drain hole. The closure portion of the closure member extends into the neck portion. A closing bias spring extending between the inwardly bent lip at the bottom of the neck and the head of the closure causes the outer sealing portion of the closure to close at the top of the container so as to close the added liquid drain hole. It generates a biasing force that urges it in the direction.

A control plate having a central orifice is positioned in the neck above the obturator of the closure member.
The passage for a fluid, such as water or other flowing liquid, is constituted by an orifice in the metering plate and a suitable opening in the neck below the metering plate at the bottom of the closure member. This passage communicates with a portion of the container, and water or other fluid creates pressure against a suitable flexible pressure member. This pressure member separates the water from the added liquid. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the flexible pressure member is a flexible bag attached to the closure member in a fluid-tight manner, such that water can be inserted into the interior of the bag via a passageway. This causes the bag to expand and force the added liquid out through its discharge hole. If the added liquid has a higher specific gravity than the fluid, the bag will expand toward the side of the container and block the flow of the added liquid to the discharge hole.To prevent this, for example, Suitable means are provided, such as an extension of the closure extending beyond the bottom of the closure member.
A suitable indicating means, such as a spherical ball, is placed within the container to indicate when the added liquid is gone when the flexible bag expands and prevents the ball from making noise. When the container is transparent or translucent, the absence of the additive liquid is visible, especially if the additive liquid has a color. Additionally, in such cases, the pressure bag may be of a contrasting color or may be provided with suitable markings to indicate the end of draining the added liquid.

As an example of a dispensing body to which a container according to the invention may be attached, the dispensing body may be configured to receive water or other fluid and to discharge a mixture of fluid and additive liquid, such as by spraying. It can be used in connection with a container according to the present invention. Preferably, the dispensing body is removably attached to the container, such as by threads formed in the interior surface of the skirt, to engage threads on the container.

actuating the closure member to open the container;
The pressure generated by the water or other fluid is sensed at a suitable location, such as a pressure chamber. The plunger disk is disposed within the pressure chamber and has a plunger stem aligned with the orifice of the metering plate within the vessel. The plunger stem passes through a sleeve that fits within and is spaced from the inner surface of the container neck. An actuating bias spring extends along the plunger stem from the plunger disk to an inwardly curved lip at the bottom of the sleeve to urge the plunger disk toward the top of the pressure chamber.

When the water pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum value (mainly established by the actuating bias spring), the plunger disk is driven downwards into a second, larger chamber below the pressure chamber; Water flows around the periphery of the plunger disk and through the second chamber;
Allowing flow downwardly through the sleeve and through appropriate apertures formed in the inwardly curved lip of the sleeve. At this time, the plunger stem passes through the orifice in the control plate so as to press against the closed part of the closing member, and the stem presses the closing member downward to open the added liquid discharge hole. do. The spacing between the plunger stem and the surface of the orifice of the metering plate forms a metering hole (flow adjustment hole) of a predetermined size.
A portion of the water passing through the sleeve is transferred to the interior of the flexible pressurized bag via the control holes along said water path. Most of the water passing through the sleeve is transported through the passageway formed by the outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the neck of the container. As the water in this passage flows past the additive liquid discharge holes, the additive liquid forced out of these discharge holes is mixed with this water, and the resulting mixture is passed through the distribution body for discharge. Flows to spray head or nozzle. When the additive liquid discharge hole is made very large compared to the metering hole, the resistance to the additive liquid distribution is minimized and the characteristics of the additive liquid have little effect on the amount of additive liquid dispensed. The metering is therefore determined by the water passing through the metering hole and the passage between the sleeve and the neck. This will result in variations in the flow of water through the dispensing body so as to always provide a precise metering of added liquid dispensed into the water. As long as the flow is laminar, the restriction is a wide restriction area that encompasses the restriction hole, the passage between the sleeve and the neck, and the distance between the end of the sleeve and the restriction plate. Note that it depends only on the weather. Additionally, although some amount of water enters the flexible pressurized bag through the additive liquid drain hole prior to actuation of the closure member, the additive liquid drain hole is closed until pressure is established within the flexible pressurized bag. It will be noted that the added liquid in the container may prevent any dilution.

When the fluid is a liquid such as water, it is desirable to form a relief hole in the plunger disk. This relief hole allows gas to escape from the pressure chamber without actuating the plunger so as not to interfere with the establishment of water pressure. In this configuration the possibility of dispensing the additive liquid from the container before the dilution water is present is avoided.

A plurality of guides are provided to properly position the plunger disc as it is forced into the large auxiliary chamber, and these guides guide the plunger disc as it returns to the pressure chamber. Attention should be paid to accurate alignment.

Appropriate flow regulating devices are provided to control the flow of fluid into the pressure chamber. Additionally, flow conditioning devices are utilized to direct fluid into selective passageways for rinsing the dispensing body. Directing the fluid into selective passageways prevents the fluid from establishing pressure within the pressure chamber. The flow conditioning device in the preferred embodiment disclosed herein automatically directs fluid to flow through the selective rinse passage before and after the fluid is directed into the pressure chamber. In this configuration, any additive liquid remaining within the dispensing body upon closure of the container is rinsed away and washed away by the fluid upon closure of the container and prior to opening of the container for subsequent use.

Other embodiments providing other features may also be utilized. For example, there are applications where it is desirable to use very small amounts of additive liquid. One such application is watering plants. It is known that adding small amounts of fertilizer over a period of time is preferable to adding large amounts of fertilizer at periodic intervals. This favorable result can thus be achieved by adding only a small amount of the additive liquid, which is a liquid fertilizer, to the water applied to the plants. To obtain such a very low concentration (e.g. 1 in 10,000), it is difficult to obtain an accurate metering rate, as with anything else, so water is used to meter the fertilizer from the container. It is desirable to use only a portion of the flow. A bypass is therefore provided for the majority of the water flow.

In other cases where soap or detergent is an additive liquid and it is desired to provide a clean water rinse, manual operation of the operating mode is desirable. This can be achieved by fixing the flow regulating device in either the rinse mode or the add mode in the first embodiment described above, but with the addition of means for selecting different spray modes or patterns. is desirable. Accordingly, manual selection means may be provided for directing the water to activate detergent dispensing or for directing the water to provide clean water in a variety of different spray patterns.

Another desirable feature is to deactivate the dispensing device after draining the added liquid from the container. One way to accomplish this is to separate the closure portion of the closure member into an inner portion that supports the plunger stem and an outer portion within which the inner portion is positioned. The extensions of the legs of the occlusion are formed to normally prevent passage of the inner part, but have slits or grooves at their ends to permit forced passage of the inner part. Equipped with: Such forced passage is normally prevented by a cap member that retains the slit portion of the extension. A non-resilient, flexible cable is connected from the cap to the pressure bladder such that when the pressure bladder is fully inflated, the cable allows the plunger stem to push against the inner portion through the outer portion. Pull the cap away from the occlusion extension. As a result, the plunger disk is pushed towards the bottom of the large second chamber, blocking passage of fluid through the sleeve. Even if a bypass is utilized, it will close off fluid flow through the bypass. Thus, the dispensing device is automatically deactivated at the end of the draining of the added liquid.

To ensure that the plunger disk is forced towards the bottom of the large second chamber, a ridge extending upwardly around the outer circumference of the disk allows the fluid to move toward the bottom of the auxiliary chamber. It will be noted that ensuring that the disc is forcefully pressed against the disc. Without this ridge, fluid dynamics may cause the disk to not be fully seated against the bottom of the second chamber.

Water may remain in the pressurized bag when the container is stored. Problems arise when this water freezes due to its expansion. To eliminate this possibility, special lids on the containers can be used. This lid has an isolated volume to receive the top of the container and has a special cavity in its top to receive water. Providing a separator ensures that icing occurs last at the top of the container;
As ice forms within the pressurized bag, excess water will be forced out through the top of the container.
Appropriate passageways within the lid transport water to the water receiving cavity. Air holes are formed in the lid and communicate with the cavity to prevent the establishment of undesirable air pressure that would prevent water from entering the water receiving cavity.

And if the container remains attached to the dispensing body in a frozen state and a special lid is not used, the problem with icing can be solved by using a resilient container. In order to obtain the desired strength under normal conditions of use, a rigid sleeve can be used which may only break under stress caused by freezing.
Furthermore, improvements in the device for deactivating the dispensing device upon completion of draining of the added liquid make it possible to deactivate the dispensing device under such conditions.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the present invention overcomes many of the drawbacks of prior art approaches and further provides additional features not anticipated in the prior art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments disclosed herein are capable of providing safe and precise metering of additive liquid to a fluid under a variety of conditions. Handling of the additive liquid is very simple, and the ease of access of the channels, often formed in the container and communicating with the dispensing body, facilitates cleaning in case of undesirable and inappropriate conditions. This easily accessible passage includes all the passages whose area influences the control ratio, ensuring that the control ratio is not interfered with by unsuitable conditions. Undesirable consequences caused by the introduction of air into the water supply line are avoided as well as automatic adjustment to variations in water flow rate. Dangerous or difficult conditions that may arise due to freezing of containers during storage are avoided. Other features are obtained, such as automatic prevention of dilution of the additive liquid by water entering the container, and automatic termination of operation of the dispensing body upon completion of draining the additive liquid. A dispensing device is thus provided which is very safe and has many advantageous features.

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the subsequent description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dispensing device includes a dispensing body 1
5 and a container 17 configured according to the present invention.

A distribution body 15 is provided to receive fluid. Although any fluid can be used, the preferred embodiment disclosed herein uses water as the fluid. A suitable connector 19 is provided for attaching the dispensing body 15 to a suitable water supply, such as a conventional garden hose. Filter 21 is positioned within connector 19 to prevent particulate matter above a certain particle size from being introduced into dispensing body 15 . Filter 2
The size of the mesh 1 is determined based on the shape of the passageway within the dispensing body 15, and the filter 21 prevents the entry of particulate matter that cannot freely pass through the passageway.

Connector 19 is attached to a conventional manually operated flow regulation or control device. The connector includes a manual grip 23 and a drive trigger 25 has a pivot pin 27 thereon. The drive trigger 25 has a manual lever portion 29 on one side of the pivot pin 27;
The other side of the pivot pin 27 has a short drive portion 31 connected to a flow regulating rod 33. By applying a force to lever portion 29, the position of flow regulating rod 33 is controlled. Stepped fixing member 35
are utilized to hold the flow regulating rod 33 in various predetermined positions.

The dispensing body 15 includes a skirt portion 37 to which the container 17 according to the invention is connected. Furthermore, the distribution body 15
is equipped with a suitable spray head such as nozzle 39.

Although the container 17 according to the invention may be an integral part of the dispensing body 15, it may be advantageous for the container to be removably attached to the dispensing body. This is the structure described in connection with the preferred embodiment disclosed herein. As shown in Figure 2,
Container 17 is depicted as a generally cylindrical can with an upper portion 41 configured to connect to skirt portion 37 of dispensing body 15 .

FIG. 2 shows in detail the construction of the container 17 according to the invention. Container 17 is formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or plastic.
The upper portion 41 has a projection 43 as shown and is cylindrical in shape in this preferred embodiment. The outer surface of the projection 43 is formed with a thread 45 for attachment to the dispensing body 15. Of course, the connection between container 17 and dispensing body 15 need not necessarily be a threaded engagement, but may be any other suitable type of removable fastening means.

The upper end of the projection 43 is connected to an inwardly extending neck 47 by a uniform web 49. The neck portion 47 has a first section 51 with a wide inner diameter and a second section 53 with a narrow inner diameter, and a shoulder 55 is provided between the sections 51 and 53.

Within the section 51, means are provided for discharging the additive fluid from the container 17. The additive fluid can be in any suitable form, but in this preferred embodiment it is treated as a liquid. at least 1
Although additional liquid drain holes 57 are provided in section 51, in practice more than one drain hole 57 would be used. Additive liquid drain hole 57 should be large enough to minimize resistance to additive liquid flow.

Closure member 59 has a sealing portion 61 located beyond neck portion 47. A sealing rim or lip seal 62 may be provided by adding such a rim of a suitable material or by constructing the closure member 59 of a material having sufficient resiliency to apply a sealing force to form a seal. Then, the sealed part 61
formed at the top of the Closing part 6 of closing member 59
3 is connected to the sealing part 61 by a bottom part 65. The closure 63 includes a head 67 adapted to slidably fit within the section 53 of the neck 47;
For example, it has a small diameter leg 69 attached to the bottom 65 by a pin 70 via a small diameter portion 72.
A suitable compression spring 71 is connected to the head 67 and the neck portion 47.
interposed between an inwardly flared lip 73 at the bottom of the section 53 and extending along a leg 69. Spring 71 forces closure member 59 toward the top of container 17 .

A suitable flexible pressure member is positioned within the container 17 and is adapted to insert water into the container 17 to apply pressure to force release of added liquid from the container 17. water is separated from the added liquid. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the flexible pressure member is in the form of a flexible bladder 75 connected to the sealing portion 61 of the closure member 59. This bag 75 may be made of any flexible material, but in this embodiment a polyethylene bag is used. The polyethylene bag may be connected to the closure member 59 in any suitable manner; a suitable connection would be to form a neck or aperture in the top of the bag having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the sealed portion 61 of the closure member 59. It has become clear that this can be achieved by It has been found that the elastic force obtained by placing the small diameter aperture of the bag over the closure member is sufficient to retain the bag 75 on the closure member 59.

The metering plate 77 is connected to the neck part 47.
The baffle plate 77 is positioned within the section 49 and is mounted to join the shoulder 55 and may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable plastic. In a normal state, the control plate 77 is fixedly attached to the shoulder portion 55. but,
It may be desirable to vary the metering plate 77 to obtain different concentrations of added liquid in the mixture.
In such a case, the control plate 77 can be made replaceable.

Orifice 7 having a predetermined size
9 is formed to pass through the center of the control plate 77.
The extension 80 of the head 67 of the closure portion 63 of the closure member 59 closes or occludes the orifice 79 when the closure member 59 is in or near its uppermost position as shown in FIGS. do. The orifice 79 is connected to the section 53 of the neck portion 47.
aperture 81 (one or more) and closure member 5;
9 together with the aperture(s) 83 in the bottom of the bag 9 constitute a passageway for the insertion of water into the flexible bag 75. When water is inserted into the bag 75, the bag expands forcing the added liquid outside the bag within the container to flow through the drain hole 57.

the added liquid has a specific gravity greater than that of water,
Water within bag 75 may have a tendency to float above the added liquid. As more water is inserted into the bag 75, the bag expands and comes into contact with the sides of the container 17, blocking the flow of added liquid from the container 17. Therefore, appropriate measures must be taken to prevent such situations from occurring. One way to do this is to form vertical ridges on the inner surface of the container so as to maintain a flow path for the additive liquid on the inner surface. In this preferred embodiment, a "zip stay" is established by providing an extension 85 of the small diameter portion 72 of the closure 63 extending downwardly from the bottom 65 of the sealing portion 61.
stick)” method. The extension 85 is sufficiently expanded to allow the extension 85 to engage the bottom of the flexible bag 75 before the bag expands laterally enough to contact the wall of the container. formed for a long time.

To indicate that the additive liquid has been discharged from the container 17, a spherical metal ball 87 is inserted into the container 1.
It can be placed within 7. When there is additive liquid in the container, the ball 87 is free to move and when the container 17 is shaken it makes a sound indicating that there is also additive liquid in the container. On the other hand, once all of the added liquid has been released, the flexible bag 75 expands and holds the ball 87 in place and does not make any noise when the container is shaken.

FIG. 3 shows a container 1 constructed based on the present invention.
7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the distribution body 15 for mounting. The distribution body 15 is made of a suitable material, such as metal or strong plastic.

Flow regulating rod 33, whose position is controlled by trigger 25, has a biasing spring 89 which biases rod 33 to the left in FIG. Flow adjustment rod 3
3 holds a valve body 91 provided to engage a valve seat 93 formed within the distribution body 15. Valve body 91
determines the rate of water inflow into the distribution body 15.

An enlarged flow deflection section or slide 95 is provided spaced apart from the valve body 91 along the rod 33. Slide 95 determines whether incoming water passing through valve seat 93 is transferred to passage 97 or passage 99.

The outermost end of the rod 33 is provided with an enlarged plug 101. Plug 101 is used to prevent water flow through aperture 103 under certain operating conditions. Plug 101 is rod 33
The slide 95 is connected to the valve body 91 by a small diameter shaft 105, and the slide 95 is connected to the valve body 91 by a small diameter shaft 107. Valve body 91 and slide 95
and plug 101 are preferably all formed of a material having some degree of resiliency to ensure a tight fit and prevent seizing.

The opening 109 is located in the central core 1 where the rod 33 is located.
11 to the pressure chamber 113. Pressure chamber 113
includes a plunger having a plunger disk 115 and a plunger stem 117. Opening hole 10
The water flowing in through pressure chamber 113 increases the pressure in pressure chamber 113, causing plunger disk 115 to
A second chamber 11 with a large inner diameter located below 13
Forcibly move towards 9. This pressure chamber 113
acts as a pressure sensing location. When the plunger disk 115 is located in the second chamber 119, the flow of water around the periphery of the plunger disk 115 is caused by the plunger disk 115 being stabilized in a position below the bottom of the pressure chamber 113. Reduce the downward force to balance the opposing forces. A suitable guide 121 is provided in the second chamber 119 in order to accurately position the plunger plate 115 for re-entry into the pressure chamber 113 without interfering with the flow of water around the plunger plate 115 and through the second chamber 119. located within.

A pressure relief hole 123 extends through plunger plate 115. The holes 123 are arranged such that the gas in the pressure chamber 113 does not create a sufficient force on the plunger plate 115 to actuate the plunger.
The size is such that gas can pass through the holes 123. On the other hand, the hole 123 is sufficiently small so as not to affect the force exerted on the plunger plate 115 by the water pressure developed within the pressure chamber 113. The holes 123 are further arranged in the pressure chamber 113 to prevent water from being retained in the pressure chamber 113 by siphoning after the container 17 is removed from the dispensing body 15 after the dispensing device has stopped operating. Acts as a pressure relief for use.

A ridge 125 is provided on the upper surface of plunger disk 115 around the outer circumference. Protuberance 1
The purpose of 25 is to create a cap-like effect on the upper surface of the plunger disc 115 and to generate a large force on the plunger disc 115.
5 is to break up the flow pattern around the edges. When the force on the flat plunger disk is sufficient to drive the plunger disk toward the second chamber 119, the ridge 125 is not needed. However, as will be discussed in more detail below, it is often necessary for greater forces to be exerted on the plunger disk 115. In such a case, the raised portion 125 is important.

The skirt portion 127 of the distribution body 15 has threads 129 formed on its inner surface. screw 129
are provided for mating engagement with threads 45 of container 17 to couple dispensing body 15 to container 17. A suitable sealing structure, such as gasket 131, seals container 17 when it is attached to dispensing body 15.
is positioned on top of the inner surface of skirt portion 127 to form a liquid-tight seal with the top of skirt portion 127 .

The sleeve 133 is annular and has a skirt portion 127.
It has a concentric axis. The outer surface of sleeve 133 is spaced apart from the inner surface of skirt portion 127;
In between, the protrusion 43 of the container 17 is received. Sleeve 133 is inserted into section 51 of neck 47 on container 17. At this time, the shoulder 1 on the container 17
34 limits the extent to which sleeve 133 can be inserted into neck portion 47. When the dispensing body 15 is thus coupled to the container 17, the plunger stem 117 has a lip 1 extending inwardly of the sleeve 133.
The guide hole 136 in the control plate 77 aligns the guide hole 136 to pass through the orifice 79 of the control plate 77. The desired spacing 138 (see FIG. 4) between the lip 137 and the control plate 77 is established by the contact between the shoulder 134, the skirt 127, and the bottom.

The biasing force against actuation of plunger disk 115 is provided by compression spring 135. Spring 13
5 is positioned along the plunger stem 117 at the bottom of the sleeve 133 between the inwardly extending lip 137 and the plunger disc 115. Suitable aperture(s) 139 are formed in lip 137 of sleeve 133. The water inserted into the pressure chamber 113 through the aperture 109 in this way is caused by the pressure inside the pressure chamber 113 being mainly caused by the spring 135.
and exceeds a preset minimum value determined by certain dimensions of the pressure chamber 113, plunger disk 115, relief hole 123, etc., the plunger disk 115 is pulled against the spring 135. and press downward. When this preset minimum pressure is established within the pressure chamber 113, the plunger disk 115 is pushed down into the second chamber 119. A flow of water is thus established through the pressure chamber 113, around the periphery of the plunger disk 115, into the second chamber 119 and through the sleeve 133 and the aperture 139, impinging against the metering plate 77. .

Referring to FIG. 5, a mixing passageway 104 is formed between the outer surface of sleeve 133 and the inner surface of section 51 of neck portion 47. Referring to FIG. This mixing passage 141 communicates with a passage 142 in the distribution body 15 for discharging the mixture via the spray head 39. It is also shown that the restriction hole 143 is formed by inserting the plunger stem 117 into the orifice 79 of the restriction plate 77. The dimensions of the control hole 143 are determined by appropriate selection of the diameter of the orifice 79 and the diameter of the plunger stem 117. The size or area of the restriction hole 143, passageway 141 and spacing 138 will be the primary determinant of the restriction characteristics for laminar flow conditions. By varying these sizes, the desired control ratio can be achieved, which can be maintained at all laminar flow rates.

The operation of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 and the flow conditions illustrated by the arrows. In FIG. 4, flow regulating rod 33 has been driven by trigger 25 to the rinse mode position. The dispensing device can be operated in this mode for any desired length of time by locking the locking device 35 to hold the rod 33 in the position shown in FIG.

In the cleaning mode of FIG. 4, the central deflector or slide 95 blocks the flow of water through passage 97 and allows water to flow around shaft 107 and through passage 99. As passage 99 therefore prevents the passage of clean water into pressure chamber 113, passage 99 is characterized as a selective cleaning passage. Very little water reaches the pressure chamber 113 and the flow is in the opposite direction to the direction in which it is desired to create pressure on the plunger disk 115. In fact, this flow to the underside of the plunger disk 115 serves to cause rapid closure of the container 17. The situation shown in FIG. 4 also occurs when the valve body 91 approaches the valve seat 93 and closes.

The selective cleaning passage 99 transfers incoming water directly to the mixing passage 141 so that the cleaning passage 99 removes any remaining water in the mixing passage or the remainder of the dispensing body immediately before or after each actuation of the dispenser. Used to drain added liquid. When the additive liquid is a substance that has some harmful effect, such as a pesticide, this can prevent the release of very high concentrations of pesticide. If a more clean water spray is desired, this can be accomplished by keeping the device in a rinse mode.

During this period, i.e. during the rinse cleaning mode, the extension 80 of the head 67 of the closure 63 of the closure member 59
prevents the flow of water through orifice 79.
However, water can enter the additive liquid drain hole 57, pass through the lip seal 144 and pass through the aperture 83.
It flows into the flexible bag 75 through the. This means that the flexible bag 75 is pressurized prior to opening of the container 17 to release the added liquid. The significance of this issue is that when the closure member 59 is actuated to open the discharge hole 57 for releasing the additive liquid, this additive liquid is already pressurized and any water will not dilute the additive liquid. It is impossible to enter the container. Such dilution will alter the concentration of the resulting mixture upon subsequent operation of the dispensing device.

Water flow through apertures 57 and 83 passes through lip seal 144. Lip seal 144 is flexible enough to allow this water flow during pressurization (or depressurization) of flexible bag 75, while seal 144 is flexible enough to allow this water flow during pressurization (or depressurization) of flexible bag 75, while seal 144 It is strong enough to prevent the flow of water even if it is knocked over.

In FIG. 5, the flow deflection rod 33 has been fully extended into its operative state in which additive liquid is mixed into the flowing water. This state can be referred to as mixed mode. As shown, a central deflector or slide 95 blocks flow to auxiliary cleaning passageway 99 and opens passageway 97 to allow flow through passageway 97. Water flowing through passageway 97 is blocked from flowing to spray head 39 by plug 101, and the water flows around shaft section 105 and through aperture 109 into pressure chamber 113. When the pressure in the pressure chamber 113 exceeds a preset minimum pressure (the magnitude of which is primarily established by the spring 135 for a given configuration), the plunger disk 115 moves into the second chamber 119. The plunger stem 117 is driven to close the closure part 6.
Actuation of the closure member 59 is initiated by pressing on the extension 80 of the head 67 of 3. thus,
The added liquid discharge hole 57 is opened, and the added liquid is mixed into the water flowing through the mixing passage 141. The amount of added liquid mixed into the water flows through the control hole 143 and through the openings 81 and 83 into the flexible bag 75.
Determined by the water passing through the Since the discharge hole 57 is formed sufficiently larger than the control hole 143, the amount of added liquid produced in the water is
38, in relation to the width of the passage 141, etc.) control hole 1
43 and is determined by the rate of water flow through the distribution body 15 and is substantially independent of the characteristics of the added liquid. Thus, the mixture of water and additive liquid flowing to the spray head 39 is laminar and substantially constant. In determining the concentration of mixture produced by a given metering hole 143, the dimensions of other apertures and passageways (eg, spacing 138 and passageway 141) must be considered. (All of these can be easily changed) But if these are constant, then
The metering hole 143 may be considered as a critical factor in determining the amount of added liquid that is mixed into the water.

After the flow of water to the pressure chamber 113 is stopped,
The rinse mode of operation begins again as described with respect to FIG. If there is a shortage of water, the release of water in the dispensing body caused by the water in the flexible bag 75 will pass through the lip seal 144 through the aperture 83 and open as a result of the contraction of the pressurized container 17. It will be noted that the discharge is via hole 57.

It may be desirable to use very small amounts of additive liquid relative to water. For example, continuous fertilization of lawns, golf courses, etc. The concentration of additive liquid to water to enable the use of such a technique is 1 in 10,000 or less. Although achieving such extremely low concentrations accurately is very difficult, a second example of a dispensing body that can achieve this is illustrated in FIG. For ease of reference, the members in this example are the first
If the item corresponds to the example shown in Figures 1 to 5, the reference numeral will be indicated with a prime numeral.

The example shown in FIG. 6 uses a connection 145 to a water supply, such as a conventional hose, to transfer water through a screen filter 146 in conduit 147 to pressure chamber 113'. Plunger disk 1
15' and the plunger stem 117' are operated in the first
-5 is substantially the same as described in connection with the example shown in FIGS. However, the third chamber 149 is the second chamber 1.
19'. The wall 151 of the third chamber 149 is formed to allow unrestricted passage of water entering the third chamber 149, which can be a single large aperture, but in this most suitable example: A number of apertures 153 are formed in the wall 151 to create a substantially sieve-like effect.

The sleeve 133' is attached to the bottom 155 of the third chamber 149.
Most of the water protruding from and entering the chamber 149 exits through the aperture 153, while a portion of the water exits through the sleeve 133'. By appropriately selecting the shape-related properties, this ratio can be determined and used to achieve the above-mentioned control. The water into which the additive liquid is mixed as a result of metering is passed through passage 1 to outflow conduit 159.
57. The water mixed with the added liquid joins in the outflow conduit 159 a large volume of water which flows directly into the outflow conduit 159 via the aperture 153 . Accurate metering of low concentrations with little added liquid is thus achieved.

It may be desirable for a clean water rinse to occur after or before or after the release of the water and additive liquid mixture. An example of such a use is where the additive liquid is a detergent or soapy water and the dispensing device is used for cleaning automobiles, home windows, and home wallboards. Although this is of course achieved by the examples shown in Figures 1-5, it is desirable to use a variety of different spray patterns. The example shown in FIG. 7 therefore provides such a possibility. As in the case of the second example shown in FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those described in connection with the examples of FIGS. Display with a sign.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, a special flow adjustment rotating member 161 is used. Rotary flow adjustment member 1
61 is manually adjusted by means of a suitable operating handle 163. The operation handle 163 has a fixing screw 16
6 to the shaft 165, and the operating handle 163 is connected to the adjustment member 16 via the shaft 165.
Rotate 1. As shown, an optional wash passage 99'' extends through the top of member 161 to transport water from inlet conduit 167.
Aperture 1 communicates with inflow conduit 167 via 71
69 into the pressure chamber 113''.The water mixed with the additive liquid is discharged via the passage 173.

The rotating member 161 has a plurality of discharge apertures formed in its sides for discharging the water and additive liquid mixture. Each of these discharge apertures produces a different discharge or spray pattern by using different pattern control means. Corresponding patterned apertures 175, 177, 179 and 181 are positioned on the opposite side of rotating member 161 for release of clean water for rinsing. In this example, the discharge or spray pattern of discharge apertures 175 is a large stream of water, the pattern of discharge apertures 177 is a directed spray formed by vertical narrow slots, and the pattern of discharge apertures 179 is a directed spray formed by vertical narrow slots. The horizontal narrow slots provide a directed spray, and the pattern of discharge apertures 181 provides a distributed spray around the central closure member. here are 4
Although several types of release patterns are illustrated, any desired number of release patterns can be used.

In FIG. 7, the operating member 163 is secured to provide a high volume spray pattern of discharge apertures 175 for the water and additive liquid mixture. The mixture is passed through the aperture 1 communicating with the discharge aperture 175.
85 via passage 173. The mixture then flows through the spray pattern means to be discharged through the discharge apertures 187. If it is desired to use the same pattern of rinse spray, the operating member 1 may be different in that it releases clean water passing through the rinse passage 99''.
63 can be rotated 180 degrees.

FIG. 8 relates to an improvement in the container 17 for disabling the dispensing device at the end of draining the additive liquid from the container 17. In this structure, the closure part 63 including the protrusion 85 is separated into an inner part 189 that is pressed against the plunger stem 117 and an outer part 191, and the inner part 189 is separated from the outer part 191.
It is inserted within 1. Since pins cannot be used with this construction, a retaining ring 190 is used instead. In addition, the closing member 59 closes the closing portion 63.
Other suitable fastening means can also be used.

At the end of the inner portion 186 within the projection 85, an angled joint 193 is formed between the inner portion 189 and the outer portion 191. slot 19
5 extends through the outer portion 191 from the end 192 of the inner portion 189 to the end 196 of the outer portion 191, and the slot 195 is inserted into the inner portion when sufficient downward pressure is applied to the joint 193. side part 189
the outer portion 191 so that the
Expand the end 196 of. Cap 197 is positioned on projection 85 to normally prevent expansion separation of end 196 of outer portion 191. A flexible, generally inelastic cord 199 extends from the cap 197 to the bottom of the flexible bag 75.

At the end of draining the additive liquid in the container 17, the flexible bag 75 expands towards the bottom of the container and pulls the cap 197 out of the projection 85. At this time, the pressure within pressure chamber 113 forces plunger stem 117 inwardly with sufficient force to separate ends 196 and pass inner portion 189 through outer portion 191 of closure 63. Press against portion 189. This moves the plunger disk 115 into the second chamber 19 so as to prevent the flow of water into the sleeve 133.
Press it to the bottom of No.9. This of course prevents the dispensing of the water and additive liquid mixture from the dispensing device.

It will be noted that the ridge 125 of the plunger disk 115 is utilized to ensure that water entering the pressure chamber presses against the plunger disk 115 and closes the sleeve 133. If the raised portion 125 is not used, the plunger disk 1
The pattern of water flow around 15 prevents the plunger disk from being pushed to the bottom of second chamber 119. On the other hand, it will be noted that in the embodiment of FIG. 6, operation of the device blocks the flow of water into the third chamber 149 rather than directing the flow of water directly into the sleeve 133'.

A lid 201 is illustrated in FIG. 9 to prevent rupture or ejection of water from the container 17 as a result of freezing of water within the flexible pressurized bag 75. A cavity 203 is formed in the top of the lid 201 to hold water.
This water holding cavity 203 communicates with the lower part of the lid 201 by a suitable passageway 205, which is connected to the container 17 by suitable connecting means such as screws 207. The inner surface of the neck portion 47 of the container 17 engages the sealing ring 209. The isolation part 211 of the lid made of plastic is connected to the lid 2.
01 is placed around the area occupied by the protrusion 43 and the neck 47 of the container. Separator 211 ensures that freezing occurs last at the top of vessel 17, and that freezing of water in bag 75 directs excess water to orifice 79 and passageway 20.
5 into the holding cavity 203 of the lid 201. Suitable air holes 213 are formed in the top of the lid 201 so that the pressure that builds up within the retention cavity 203 does not block the flow of water through the passageway 205.

It will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made in the structural arrangement, operation and details of the elements disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispensing device including a container constructed according to the invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the container of the invention in the device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the dispensing body of the dispensing device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 illustrates an initial operating state of the dispensing device of FIG. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4 illustrating the mixing state of the dispensing device, and FIG. FIG. 7 shows the third portion of the distribution body.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of FIG. 2 showing additional features for preventing activation of the dispensing device at the end of draining the added liquid; and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lid for use with the container of FIG. 2. 15...Dispensing body, 17...Container, 45...Coupling means (screw), 47...Network portion, 51...First section, 53...Second section, 55...Shoulder portion,
57...Additional liquid discharge hole, 59...Closing member, 6
1...Sealing part, 62...Sealing rim, 63...Closing part, 67...Head, 69...Legs, 71...
Closing biasing means (compression spring), 73... lip, 7
5... Flexible pressure bag, 77... Control plate, 79...
Orifice, 83...opening, 85...extension, 1
89...Inner part, 191...Outer part, 197
... Cap member, 199 ... Cable, 201 ...
Lid, 203...Cavity, 205...Transportation means, 21
1...Isolation section.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A container for storing an additive liquid that is mixed into flowing water to produce a desired mixture, the container being positioned within said container and, upon expansion, discharging said additive liquid into said liquid. a flexible pressurized bag adapted to be pushed out of the container; an annular neck extending inwardly from the top of the container; positioned between opposite ends of the neck;
a metering plate having an orifice extending therethrough; at least one additive liquid outlet hole formed within the neck portion adjacent to the top of the neck portion; closing the additive liquid outlet; a closing member mounted so as to be slidable back and forth on the neck for closing and opening the orifice in the control plate; and closing the added liquid outlet; and a closure biasing means for biasing the closure member to seal the orifice in the control plate. 2. Additive liquid storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with coupling means for coupling with the distribution body. 3. The neck portion includes: a first section with a wide inner diameter that is connected to the container and has the added liquid discharge hole formed therein; and a first section that is positioned below the first section and that mounts the metering plate. 2. The additive liquid storage container of claim 1, further comprising: a second section having a narrow inner diameter and connected to the first section by a shoulder. 4. The closure member includes: an outer sealing part that is fitted over the neck and has a generally annular shape with an inwardly widening bottom; an inner closure having a leg attached to the bottom of the sealing portion and a large diameter head for fitting over the orifice in the restriction plate, the closure biasing means comprising: , a compression spring extending between the head of the closure and an inwardly flared lip at the bottom of the neck. storage container. 5. the sealing part of the closure member has a sealing rim at one end of the sealing part such that it presses against the container and the neck; the remaining part of the sealing part has a The additive liquid is prevented from leaking out from the liquid outlet, and water enters from the additive liquid outlet and enters the flexible pressurized bag through a suitable opening in the bottom of the sealed part. 5. An additive liquid storage container as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that it is slightly spaced from said neck portion so as to be able to do so. 6. The leg portion of the closing portion has an extension portion for preventing the flexible pressurized bag from expanding up to the wall of the container and trapping the added liquid at the bottom of the container, and 5. An additive liquid storage container as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that an extension extends beyond the bottom of the sealing portion. 7. The closure includes an inner portion and an outer portion within which the inner portion is positioned: an extension of the closure that extends beyond the bottom of the sealing portion; the ends of the extensions are adapted to normally close the passage through the inner part and split when forced apart to provide a passage through the inner part; the closure portion has a cap portion disposed over the extension portion to prevent separation of the extension portion and movement of the inner portion; a generally inelastic, flexible cord extending from the member to the bottom of the flexible pressure bag; when the additive liquid is drained, the cap member is guided by the cord to the extension portion; 5. The additive liquid storage container according to claim 4, wherein the inner part is forced out of the outer part by being pulled from the outer part. 8. The container includes a lid for the container, the lid comprising: attachment means for coupling the lid to the container; a cavity formed in the top of the lid for retaining water; a transfer means for transferring water from the flexible pressurized bag to the cavity when a lid is coupled to the container; an isolation surrounding the top of the container when the lid is coupled to the container; The additive liquid according to claim 4, characterized in that the additive liquid comprises: and thereby freezes the water in the container so as to force excess water to drain into the cavity. storage container.