WO1999029971A1

WO1999029971A1 - Automatic dosing device for daily human hygienic-disinfecting products

Info

Publication number: WO1999029971A1
Application number: PCT/ES1998/000319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francisco Alonso Fullola
Original assignee: Francisco Alonso Fullola
Priority date: 1997-12-04
Filing date: 1998-11-21
Publication date: 1999-06-17
Also published as: ES2137882A1; ES2137882B1; AU1235499A

Abstract

The automatic dosing device for daily human hygienic-disinfecting products relies on a venturi-type device and comprises a storage tank (1) for the liquid (1d) used as soap or disinfectant, which is built into the water installations of urinals, toilet bowls, washbasins, showers, bathtubs, bidets, cisterns (8), etc. or the like, in such a way that it automatically dosifies said liquid by means of a lever (3a), allowing said liquid to flow through the outlet (7) into the water installation depending on individual requirements. The mechanism comprises a reservoir (1) for the hygienic-disinfecting liquid and a series of assembled parts, consisting of a plunger (2), a liquid regulating member (3), a backflow preventer mechanism (4), a valve body in which the venturi effect occurs (5) and an inlet antireturn fitting (6).

Description

AUTOMATIC DOSER FOR HYGIENIC-DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS FOR EVERYDAY USE FOR

PERSONS.

TECHNICAL SECTOR: The present invention relates to a product created for a specific function, such as automatic dosing of hygienic-disinfectant products for everyday use for people in places such as urinals, toilets, sinks, showers, bathrooms, bathtubs, bidets , etc. or any other installation of this type, both in public places, hospitals, clinics, hotels, restaurants, universities, schools, barracks, etc., as well as private ones, therefore the invention belongs to the health sector, as it is an automatic dosing device for hygienic products ( soap, liquid soap, gel, disinfectant, bath oil, bath salts, etc.), which are inserted in the water outlet of the urinal, toilet, sink, shower, bath, bathtubs, bidet, etc., or any other installation of this type.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: To date, various utensils for hygienic products - disinfectants are being used, such as the typical bottle containing the product in question, to disinfect toilets, bidets, etc., where the mouth of the bottle is shaped like a hole. available in these toilets, in places where dirt and infection usually accumulate. In this solution, the bottle is normally squeezed so that the liquid flows to these places, the major inconvenience of this system being the discomfort and tediousness of the task, in addition to the fact that disinfection is not constant or sufficient in most cases, since the liquid has just been emptied, the disinfection is remarkable, but with the use and the passage of time it degrades until it disappears.

There are also some pills or pressed powder, which is encapsulated and deposited inside the cleaning water, with the added problem, that you have to be aware of its wear, in addition to the task of putting and removing these tablets, for the place where they are located it is uncomfortable and tedious. Another system used is to periodically empty with or without water, strong products such as bleach, salfumán, etc., so that it disinfects significantly until the next spray, giving off toxic odors, being harmful in the long term to the health of the people who perform this work and for those who use it.

Let us highlight as an essential note of these systems the manual nature of all of them. With the automatic dispenser for hygienic-disinfectant products object of the present invention, it is intended to avoid all these inconveniences.

The inadequacy of methods for hygienic-disinfectant products has motivated the creation of this system, since the functions that it performs, which has multiple applications, due to its automatic dosing character, which makes it different have not been found of existing solutions. Its specific function is aimed at urinals, toilets, sinks, showers, bathrooms, bathtubs, bidets, etc., or any other installation of this type, both public and private, as this tool automatically doses: gel, soap, liquid soap, disinfectant , bath oil, bath salts, etc., and is primarily essentially disinfectant for urinals, etc., and must be the liquid that contains non-corrosive and, if possible, harmless to people.

As for the devices that allow soap or other hygienic products to be added to the water supply current of a sanitary installation, we can say that the use of devices for adding products to the water supply of a sanitary installation is widely known. These devices are well coupled to taps, showers or in most cases to toilets, whose differences lie in the mechanism that allows the release of the hygienic product to the water intake. In certain cases it is simply a deposit with a product in solid form that is in contact with water, so that the product is released into the stream; in other cases a more complex device is detailed, for example: EP0261882, EP0385190, EP0039309, in which the hygienic product is stored in an inverted bottle-shaped tank at whose lower end a device is attached which when the water level drops this mechanism, due to the pressure exerted by the water, closes the outlet of the tank

As for the devices that use the venturi effect for the aspiration of hygienic products, we can say that it is widely known and has been applied in fluid mixing devices, such as WO-9738617, US-5522419, WO-9400958, WO-9404857 and WO-9302306, in which various types of eductors that are used to disperse chemical agents in tap water are detailed, they describe the mechanism with which the venturi effect is improved, but do not analyze other elements that are attach to the system such as the deposits of hygienic material or the union between the tank and the eductor, in this regard, special reference deserves the US-5522419 patent.

Finally, as for the devices that consist of exactly the same elements as those indicated in this specification are not known in the market, nor in the patent literature, and as for similar devices we can say that there are mechanisms formed by a bottle-shaped tank coupled to a stream of water, in which, as a result of the narrowing of the water line, the aspiration of the agent stored in the tank, such as US-4193520, which is limited to a shower application and the French patent FR-2,749,867 which indicates that this device can be used in all types of sanitary facilities.

Therefore, in reference to the background of the invention, we can say that there are some automatic devices placed in the water circuit of bathtubs, faucets, etc., such as that represented in the French patent FR-9607577 (the previous reference refers to the number of publication and this to the national registry number), already mentioned, which works by a set of tubes, some inserts in others and communicated with some deposits of liquid to mix.

This system has the disadvantage of a certain complexity in the installation, since it is necessary that there is an elbow in the conduction, just where a suction tube of the liquid of smaller diameter is introduced. Running the risk of a constant exit of the contents of the deposit, by the vacuum created by the liquid when it comes out of a conduit, since it does not provide means that prevent this involuntary exit.

This system also has no level signaling, to know the amount of liquid in the tank at any time, being difficult to refill, also lacking an air freshener cap. Another feature that has the device that we present is that inside it has a concave filter for impurities, which makes it usable even in places where the water is not too pure, and for its installation you do not need an expert in the field. In the mechanism of the analyzed device -FR-9607577- when no return is found, it may be the case that if the product is paralyzed in the conduction, when opening a circuit opening element it could be absorbed.

The automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, object of the present invention, is basically composed of a valve whose internal mechanism produces the "Venturi effect", plus a mechanism coupled to the non-return valve in the part where the suction tube of the liquid to be dosed is connected and subsequently the non-return mechanism is coupled with thread or another coupling system to the container where the liquid to be dosed is going. At the inlet of the valve there is another non-return mechanism to avoid that when closing the circuit it can mix with that of the water. Its water flow rate will be the one commonly used and its dosage will be consistent with the pressure and the water flow rate.

The regulation will be fixed, variable or fixed by means of a screw or variable through a lever; where both the screw and the lever are coupled to the regulating nut of the output piston of the liquid to be dosed, as desired by the user.

Due to the Venturi effect created, the water passes through the hygienic liquid - disinfectant, mixing with the water and diluting, in such a way that the water reaches the disinfectant automatically, without any other work to be filled from time to time a small tank easily accessible, also incorporating the advantage that the same tank cap serves as container of air fresheners products, coupling all these services in a single device.

Next, to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and as an integral part of it, a figure is attached in which the following has been represented by way of illustration and not limitation: FIGURE 1 .: Assembly and assembly of the dispenser (including tank ) FIGURE 2 .: Assembly and assembly of the dispenser (excluding tank) FIGURE 3 .: Exploded view of a practical embodiment of the automatic dispenser for hygienic-disinfectant products object of the present invention.

FIGURE 4 .: Example of application of the doser object of the present report.

FIGURE 5.: Another example of practical application of the dispenser (Varying the tank model and the type of tank).

Breakdown of the drawings, according to the numbering contained therein: 1. Tank, which is used to place the Wgienico-disinfectant liquid with a cross sight glass and thread that fits into the plunger or other coupling system.

1st Liquid level sight glass l.b. Cap, with cavity to place air freshener, which at the top is perforated with several holes (le). A pressure plug is inserted to close the air freshener gap and with a thread or other coupling system to close the disinfectant liquid container, l.c. Thread for coupling the plunger, l.d. Liquid contained in the tank. and. Hole that gives off aroma to the environment, l.f. Air freshener cap 2. Embolo that performs the function of aspiration and incorporates the other mechanisms detailed below.

2nd O-ring, which keeps the plunger tight to avoid losing vacuum.

2.b. Thread.

2 C. Spring whose pressure serves to prevent the plunger from turning. 2.d. Transverse hole that constitutes the exit of the liquid.

3. Bushing that regulates the movement of the piston, prepared with captive screw or lever.

3.a. Lever drive regulator which will be placed in place of the captive screw.

3.b. Teflon washer or other material that prevents friction of the bushing in its regulation.

4. Non-return adjustment mechanism, where the piston is attached

(two). 4.a. Dock.

4.b. Ball closing or adjusting the passage of liquid from the bushing (3) to the non-return body (4).

5. Valve body.

5th Calibrated body entrance screw (5), finished in cone (5c), creator of the Venturi effect (this screw has several internal recesses).

5.b. Calibrated screw with inverted cone that attaches to the anterior screw (5a), that is, that both calibrated screws, coupled to the body (5), between which there is a small separation (5d), create the "Venturi effect", with Enhanced head for easy screwdriver disassembly. The calibrated screws can have different internal calibrated measures for flow regulation.

5.c. Cone chamfer end screw. 5 d. Interstitium that is caused to create the Venturi effect between the two calibrated screws. 6. Non-return entry fitting

6.a. Dock

6.b. Non-return closing ball. 6c. Filter, (concave) 7. Exit 8. Tank, or any other destination that could be given to the hygienic-disinfectant liquid.

9. Outer box that covers the deposit.

10. Air freshener.

11. notches or lever locking system. This mechanism can be placed in a box (9) to embed the automatic dispenser, having side tabs to hold the container, so that when it is regulated it does not rotate. There are springs that press up gently so that the lever, - in the round principle, where the embedding is, and from there you can choose the model, as desired by the user -, is embedded in the desired notch of the dispenser.

As a practical embodiment of the present invention, a device is presented that is composed of a series of pieces, of which one is the liquid reservoir (1), having a sight glass (the) that must be placed longitudinally, whose function is to allow display the liquid level (Id) at all times. In the upper part it has a plug (Ib) through which the granulated, powder or similar air freshener (10) is introduced, which is also perforated (le), the thread (le) of the tank is attached to the plunger (2) closing this forms the container (1) of the disinfectant liquid. The other parts consist of a piston (2), which acts as a liquid passage control (Id), keeping tight by the spring (2c) so that it does not rotate, an O-ring (2a), so as not to lose vacuum , this piston in its lower part has a transverse hole (2d), which is where the exit of the liquid (Id) takes place, the lowering of the piston is carried out by means of a captive screw or lever (3a). Below the piston is the non-return adjustment mechanism (4), which consists of the spring (4a) and the ball (4b) that makes closing or adjustment, the base of this mechanism, which is constituted at its bottom by a valve body (5) where the "Venturi effect" is produced, composed of two cones adjusted and coupled closing the passage, according to its regulation mechanism, this coupling is produced by two calibrated screws (5a, 5b) of cone and Inverted cone respectively, the last piece being a ball (6b) and a spring (6a) of the non-return closure (6), which is called the non-return entry fitting.

A non-return valve (6) is attached to the entrance of the automatic dispenser of hygienic-disinfectant products. This valve prevents that, when closing the water circuit, the small amount that could be in the short space of the dispenser, at the exit of the product, is mixed in the conduction of the circuit general. Also, this anti-return mechanism of the automatic dispenser serves to avoid, when the circuit is closed, mixing the water with the product in the container.

Operation Explanation:

The operation is very simple, because it is based on the "Venturi effect": In the first place the suction of the liquid (Id) is caused, towards the exit (7), which can be a toilet tank (8), of urinals, bidet, as well as sinks, showers, bathrooms, bathtubs, etc., or any other installation of this type, depending on the liquid to be used, be it disinfectant, soap, liquid soap, gel, bath oil, bath salts, etc. .

Once the device object of the present invention is installed, in its corresponding water circuit, for example, the direction of circulation would be from the inlet fitting (6), to the calibrated screw (5a). If the lever (3a) is in the closed position, that is, there is no gap between the lower conicity of the piston (2) and its base seat on the non-return adjustment mechanism (4), the water passes without major incidence from a input part (6) to the other output (7).

When the lever (3a) is turned in the direction of opening of this gap, the water or fluid of the installation that passes through the mouth or inlet of the calibrated screw (5a) with inverted cone, creates a suction through the "Venturi effect" such that it attracts the liquid (Id), overcoming the action of a non-return valve, such as a spring (4a), uncovering the ball (4b) the interstitial orifice and flowing through the transverse hole (2d), which is in communication with the liquid (Id) by means of the internal passage of the plunger (2), in direct contact with the same liquid contained in the reservoir (1).

The attraction of the liquid (Id) in the main duct causes them to mix, circulating this mixture to its final destination (8), based on the use that will be given as a cleaner, disinfectant, etc. The greater quantity of liquid (Id) supplied to the final mixture will depend directly on the opening or dimensions of the interstitial hole created between the piston cone (2) and its seat on the non-return mechanism (4), which is regulated by the lever (3rd).

When the main fluid of the installation ceases to circulate, because the flow is cut off, the non-return mechanism (4a, 4b), since there is no longer any suction in this direction, plug this interstitial hole, cutting the flow of liquid (Id) from the deposit (1). At the same time, the non-return system (6a, 6b) of the inlet fitting (6) prevents the return of the soap or liquid (Id) to the installation when it is not running.

The sight glass (the) of liquid serves to control the level of the same (Id) of the tank (1). On the other hand, this tank has a plug (Ib) which inside can accommodate granules or other air freshener products (10), so that through some holes (le) its aroma is released to the environment, it can be changed or added by means of the cap (lf), which will preferably be placed, under pressure on the cap (Ib).

His way of acting both in urinals, toilets, sinks, bathrooms, bathtubs, showers, bidets, etc. or any other installation of this type in terms of automatic dosing, both soap, liquid soap, gel, bath oil, bath salts, etc. or any other hygienic-disinfectant product is also simple, since its installation is interspersed with the hot or cold water tap and in these cases the dispenser is coupled to a box that also varies in shape, depending on its installation, because whether it is built-in or it is located outside it is provided with a lever with several positions (11): at zero, where water will flow only, minimum, medium, maximum liquid outlet (Id) at the will of the user.

The automatic doser for mgurici-disinfectant products is not in contact with the air, which means a higher degree of cleaning, consisting in this aspect the improvement in greater hygiene, a fundamental issue in this type of personal applications, taking into account the innovation that this implies for health centers, such as hospitals, clinics, hotels, restaurants, universities, schools, barracks, etc. and public places in general, in addition to the advantage it has for hygiene and disinfection at the private level.

This device is very easy to install, as it is interspersed with the exit of the water from the urinal, toilet, sink, shower, bathroom, bathtub, bidet, etc. or any other installation of this type, where you want to use it, installing it in a recessed or external way, depending on whether the installation is new or already made, being able, in any case, to be carried out according to the user's desire. In the upper part there is a plug where the air freshener (10) is introduced, which is also provided with perforations (le), for the expedition of the smells of the air freshener. The installation is without work, as it can be done by any layman in terms of toilets, urinals, sinks, showers, bathrooms, bathtubs, bidets, etc., or any other installation of this type, since it is simple and does not need special knowledge.

This automatic dispenser for hygienic-disinfectant products also has application in soap, liquid soap, bath gel, bath oil, bath salts, etc. for bidets, a question that implies a different application, aspect to highlight is the dosage of soap, liquid soap, bath gel, etc. for sinks and aseptic places, having its dosage method for urinals and toilets in which the hygienic-disinfectant product is applied, however in sinks, and especially in showers, baths and bathtubs the soap-gel, oil of bath or liquid bath salts.

This device also has a level viewfinder (la), since both the regulating box (9) and all the containers (1) have a longitudinal rail that runs through the entire container, transparent indicating the capacity of the container. It is a complete dispenser if it is exterior, in line with the decoration where it is going to be installed especially for urinals, toilets, sinks, showers, bathrooms, bathtubs, bidets, etc. If it is for public urinals, it has a single container with a dispenser, which serves for several urinals, thus having centralized with a single element the dosage of one or several urinals, giving a comfort for its maintenance of recharge of hygienic-disinfectant products, an aspect that is also an improvement. This centralization system with a single dosing element is also used for one or several toilets, sinks, showers, bathrooms, bathtubs, bidets, etc. or any other installation of this type, even for batteries or dishwasher sinks, sinks, etc. .

This device allows multiple applications, such as several tanks (1), or one with several compartments that supply this mixing device, so that, at a glance, the content of the liquids (Id) can be controlled, so As your replacement. To fill several hygienic-disinfectant products to be dosed, the tank at its base will have as many exits as compartments the tank disposes, based on the installation as desired by the user, in order to control the liquid content (Id), as well as its replacement .

The fastener of the automatic dispenser for hygienic-disinfectant products for everyday use for people who are installed abroad, is that at the outlet (7) of the valve (5) it has a crazy nut, which is coupled according to measurements, to the container where it is to be dosed, with what is fixed rigidly, being at the entrance either with hose, or with rigid-flexible installation.

It should be noted that this device has a filter (6c) at the water inlet to avoid impurities in the water network and thus give a longer life to the elements that make up the valve (5)

Claims

1 .. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, characterized in that it consists of a series of parts, of which one is the liquid reservoir (1), having a sight glass (the) that must be placed longitudinally , allowing to visualize at all times the level of the liquid (Id), at the top it has a plug (Ib) through which the air freshener (10) is introduced, which also has perforations (le), the thread (le) of the reservoir is coupled to the plunger (2) thus closing the container of the disinfectant liquid. Other parts that are coupled consist of a piston (2) that performs the function of aspiration, is kept airtight through the spring so that it does not rotate (2c), an O-ring (2a), so as not to lose vacuum, this piston in its The lower part has a transverse hole (2d), which is where the liquid exit (Id) takes place, the lowering of the piston is carried out by means of a captive screw or lever (3a), below the piston is the non-return mechanism ( 4), which consists of the spring (4a) and the ball (4b) that makes closing or adjustment, there being a valve body (5) at the bottom of the base of this mechanism where the "Venturi effect" occurs , composed of two cones adjusted and coupled closing the passage, according to their mechanism of regulation, these cones are regulated at will, being easy to explode and maintenance, this coupling is produced by two calibrated screws (5a, 5b) of cone and cone inverted respectively, carrying or A ball (6b) and a spring (6a) of the non-return closure (6) with an inlet filter (6c), which is called the non-return inlet fitting.

2. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that its dosing function is activated when the water circuit is opened in the urinals, toilets, sinks, showers, bathrooms, bathtubs, bidets , etc., or any other installation of this type and this water circulates inside the valve, through the calibrated screws (5)

3.- Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one and earlier characterized in that, the dosing mechanism is connected in series with the water circuit, leaving the product (Id) expanded throughout the urinal cup, toilet, etc., disinfecting the entire cup and also serves for sinks, showers, baths, bathtubs , bidets, etc. or any other installation of this type.

4. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that, in the upper part of the device there is a plug (Ib) where the air freshener (10) is introduced, which is also provided of perforations (le), for the expedition of the smells of the air freshener.

5. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that, an anti-return valve (6) is coupled with a filter (6c) to prevent the passage of impurities, at the inlet of the dispenser, which prevents that, when closing the water circuit, the small amount that could be in the space of the dispenser at the exit of the product, is mixed in the conduction of the general circuit.

6. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that it is placed in a box (9) containing several dosing indications with a locking system for the lever (3 a) once placed in a position, it cannot move on its own if it is not at the user's discretion.

7. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that it has a level display (la), since both the regulator box (9) and all the containers (1) have a Longitudinal sight glass that runs through the entire container, allowing to visualize the level of liquid (Id) of the same.

8. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that, the rotation of the lever (3a) rotates the regulating bushing (3), displacing the plunger (2) which causes an interstitium between the end of the plunger (2) and its seat on the antirtom (4) releasing the liquid (Id) through the hole (2d).

9. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one and above, characterized in that, the piston (2) connects inside the contents (Id) of the tank (1), with the body of the check valve (4) through the hole (2d), as well as the means to connect the piston (2) to the tank (1).

10. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that, the Venturi effect is caused in the interstitium (5d) that occurs between a calibrated screw (5a) with a corneal end (5c) and another calibrated screw (5b) also of conical termination, both in the passage of water of the installation, allowing to regulate this interstitial space (5d) with the rotation of any of the calibrated screws (5a and 5b).

11. Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one characterized in that, the anti-return mechanism (4) closes the passage of the liquid (Id) through the gap between the piston (2) and the anti-back body (4), allowing the passage of liquid (Id) unidirectionally, into the interstitium (5d), also, the anti-return mechanism (4) of the automatic dispenser also prevents the water from mixing with the product in the circuit. the recipient

(i).

12.- Automatic dispenser for hygienic products - disinfectants for everyday use for people, according to claim one and earlier, characterized in that the gap (5d) is created in the water conduction, between the calibrated screw (5a) of conical seat ( 5c) and the calibrated screw (5b), being in communication with the anti-return device (4).