FR2577895A1 - DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A DOSE OF A LIQUID PRODUCT IN A LIQUID TANK, IN PARTICULAR A WATER FLUSH TANK - Google Patents

Abstract

THE DEVICE INCLUDES A BOTTLE 1, CONTAINING A LIQUID PRODUCT P, THIS BOTTLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A MOUTH 2 AND IS SUITABLE TO BE HANGED IN THE TANK R WITH ITS MOUTH 2 TURNED DOWN. THE BOTTLE 2 IS CLOSED BY A CUP 20 HAVING A BOTTOM 31 EDGED BY A SKIRT 32 DIRECTED UPWARD WHEN THE BOTTLE 1 IS INVERT. MEANS OF PASSAGE G ARE PROVIDED IN THE WALL OF THE GOULOT 2 TO ALLOW THE PRODUCT P TO FLOW INTO THE CUP 30. THE GOULOT 2 IS EQUIPPED WITH A FLOAT 4A EQUIPPED WITH RETAINING MEANS 5A SUITABLE TO ENTER, AT LEAST IN PART, IN THE ANNULAR SPACE 33 LIMITED BY THE SKIRT 32, WHEN THE LEVEL OF LIQUID L FALLS, TO EXPULSE A DOSE OF PRODUCT P.

Description

DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A DOSE OF A LIQUID PRODUCT
IN A LIQUID RESERVOIR, IN PARTICULAR A RESERVOIR FOR
FLUSH.

 The invention relates to a device for dispensing a dose of a liquid product, in particular a cleaning and / or disinfectant product, into a liquid tank, in particular a flush tank, where the level of liquid can oscillate between a maximum level and a minimum level.

 The device targeted by the invention is of the type which includes a bottle, or the like, containing the liquid product, this bottle being provided with a neck and being suitable for being hung in the tank with its neck turned downwards, the neck being immersed in the reservoir liquid when this liquid reaches its maximum level but being outside the reservoir liquid when this liquid is at its minimum level, means for dispensing the product from the bottle, sensitive to the variation in the level of liquid in the reservoir, being mounted on the neck to dispense a dose of product at each cycle of variation of the level of liquid in the reservoir, the dispensing means comprising a float, located outside the neck and intended to be below that -when the bottle is overturned, this float being equipped with retaining means capable of bringing it into a low position as a result of the descent of the liquid level in the reservoir below the neck , and to authorize the rise of the float until it comes to bear against stop means linked to the neck.

 The applicant company has already proposed such a device in patent application No. FR 84 16988 filed on November 8, 1984, in its name.

 The present invention complements the improvements provided by the aforementioned patent application.

 The object of the invention is, in particular, to enable a dose of the active product, contained in the bottle, to be released in a reduced volume of liquid (generally water), in order to obtain a maximum concentration of active product at a lower cost, while retaining the advantages of the device which is the subject of the aforementioned patent application. It will quickly be recalled that the advantages in question lie essentially in the distribution, at each cycle, of a dose that is substantially constant in volume and / or in concentration, as well as simple and economical manufacture, and easy implementation of the device.

 According to the invention, a device for dispensing a dose of a liquid product, of the kind defined above, is characterized in that the neck is closed by a cup having a transverse bottom bordered by a peripheral skirt, directed upwards when the bottle is overturned, this skirt surrounding the neck, passage means being provided in the wall of the neck to allow the product from the bottle to flow into the cup when this bottle is overturned, the upper edge of the skirt (considered when the bottle is inverted) being located at a level at least equal to that of the zone of the means of passage furthest from the transverse bottom of the cup, while the means of retaining the float are adapted to enter, at least in part, in the annular space between the peripheral skirt and the external surface of the neck, during the descent of the float, to expel a dose of the product from the flask that has passed, and pour this dose into the li what about the tank.

 The device of the invention thus makes it possible to dispense a precise and constant dose of product when the water level drops in the liquid tank. As a result, this dose is released in a smaller volume of liquid than the total volume contained by the reservoir, hence the possibility of obtaining a maximum concentration of the active product at a reduced cost.

 The float retaining means may comprise a curved part having an edge located radially inwards, in the vicinity of the wall of the neck and extending substantially parallel to the axis of the neck, this edge being suitable for entering the space between the peripheral skirt and the neck when lowering the float.

 The retaining means may have a form of revolution, admitting a meridian with a substantially U-shaped curved section, the edge of this section located radially inwards constituting a cylindrical wall suitable for entering the above-mentioned space, while the edge located radially outwardly constitutes another cylindrical wall, longer than the previous one and connected to the float, this other cylindrical wall comprising openings for the flow of the product towards the liquid in the reservoir. These openings are generally located towards the end of said wall furthest from the bottle.

 The bottle can be fitted with a sleeve whose internal diameter is greater than that of the neck, this sleeve surrounding the neck and defining an annular zone inside which the float retaining means can move, the internal surface of this sleeve serving as a guide for the aforementioned retaining means, the end of this sleeve remote from the bottle constituting the stop means for the float. Preferably, the bottle has, at the base of the neck, a cylindrical shoulder on which the above sleeve is clipped; the end of the sleeve remote from the bottle may have an external thread onto which a plug can be screwed. Advantageously, the float is blocked, in the transport position, between the transverse edge of the sleeve remote from the bottle, and the cap screwed onto this sleeve.

 The passage means provided in the neck of the bottle may comprise at least one slot, an opening or the like, extending substantially parallel to the direction of the axis of the bottle, in particular from the transverse bottom of the skirt towards the opposite bottom. from the bottle.

 The axial length of the peripheral skirt is at least equal and, zenerally, greater than the axial length of the said slot or opening.

 The float may consist of an inverted bell, opening on the liquid side of the tank.

 The cup can be provided with an annular groove in which is engaged, in particular by force, the edge of the neck.

 The invention consists, apart from the devices set out above, of certain other arrangements which will be more explicitly discussed below, in connection with a particular embodiment described with reference to the attached drawings, but which n 'is in no way limiting.

 Figure 1 of these drawings is a sectional view of a bottle equipped with a device for dispensing a dose of a liquid product, according to the invention, in the storage or transport position.

 Figure 2 is a sectional view, with parts outside, of the bottle of Figure 1 which has been inverted and placed in a flush tank, the water level in the tank then being located above above the neck and the float.

 Figure 3, finally, shows the device in a similar way to Figure 2, but the water level in the tank has dropped, and a dose of product is expelled.

 Referring to the drawings, one can see a device D for dispensing a dose of a liquid product P, in particular a cleaning and / or disinfectant product, into a reservoir-R of liquid L.

 In the example considered, the tank R is a flushing tank for a toilet bowl, the liquid L being water.

 The liquid level can oscillate, in the reservoir R, between a maximum level Nmax (figure 2) and a minimum level Nmini (figure 3).

 The device D comprises a bottle 1, or the like, in particular made of plastic material, provided with a neck 2 and equipped on the outer wall of its bottom, with a pull tab 3 capable of sliding and protruding transversely to allow attachment. of the bottle 1 on the upper edge of a wall of the reservoir R.

 The neck 2 of the bottle is then turned down as shown in Figures 2 and 3. When the liquid L is at its maximum level, the neck 2 is immersed in this liquid L (Figure 2), while when the liquid L is at its minimum level, the neck 2 is out of the liquid.

 Distribution means V of the product P, sensitive to the variation in the level of the liquid L in the reservoir, are mounted on the neck 2 to distribute a dose of product P at each cycle of variation of the level of the liquid L.

 The distribution means V comprise a float 4a located outside of the neck 2 and intended to be below it when the bottle 1 is inverted, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

 The float 4a is equipped with retaining means 5a suitable for stopping it in a low position, shown in FIG. 3, as a result of the descent of the liquid level L in the reservoir, below the neck. These retaining means 5a are further adapted to authorize the rise of the float until it comes to bear against the stop means B (FIG. 2) linked to the neck.

 The neck 2 is closed by a cup 30 having a transverse bottom 31 bordered by a peripheral skirt 32, of cylindrical shape, directed upwards when the bottle is inverted, as visible in FIGS. 2 and 3. This skirt 32 surrounds the neck 2 over part of its length. An annular space 33 is thus delimited between the skirt 32 and the neck 2.

 Passage means G are provided in the cylindrical wall of the neck 2 to allow the liquid product P of the bottle to flow into the cup 30 when this bottle is overturned. These passage means G comprise two slots 34, 35, diametrically opposite, extending substantially parallel to the direction of the axis A of the bottle, from the transverse bottom 31 of the cup, towards the opposite bottom 36 of the bottle. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the slots 34 and 35 open, at their end remote from the bottom 36, on the circular edge 37 of the neck.

 The bottom 31 of the cup is advantageously provided, on its inner surface, with an annular groove 38 in which is engaged, in particular by force, the circular edge 37 of the neck 2. The circumferential extent of the slots 34, 35 is relatively reduced .

 The zone 39, of the passage means G, the furthest from the transverse bottom 31 is located at a distance h from this bottom.

 The length 1 of the peripheral skirt 32, from the inner surface of the bottom 31, is at least equal and preferably greater than the distance h as shown in the drawings. Thus, the circular edge 40 of the skirt 32 which constitutes the upper edge of this skirt when the bottle is overturned (Figures 2 and 3) is located at a level t at least equal and, in the case of the embodiment envisaged, higher at level s of zone 39.

 The retaining means 5a are suitable for entering, at least in part, into the annular space 33 between the peripheral skirt 32 and the external surface of the neck, during the descent of the float 4a, in order to expel a dose of the product from the bottle that has passed, and pour this dose into the reservoir liquid.

 The retaining means 5a comprise a curved portion 41 having an edge 42 located radially inward, in the vicinity of the wall of the neck 2. Generally, the retaining means 5a have a shape of revolution and admit a meridian with a substantially curved section U-shaped as visible in the drawings, the inner edge 42 constituting a cylindrical wall suitable for entering the abovementioned space 33. The edge 43 located radially on the outside constitutes another cylindrical wall longer than the previous 42; the outer wall 43 is connected, at its end remote from the bottle 1, to the float 4a, this wall 43 comprising, in the vicinity of its end facing the float, openings 44 for the flow of the product P towards the liquid in the reservoir.

 The bottle 1 is equipped with a sleeve 45 whose internal diameter is greater than that of the neck 2 and slightly greater than that of the wall 43; this sleeve 45 defines, with the outer surface of the neck 2, an annular zone inside which can move in translation, parallel to the direction of the axis of the bottle, the retaining means 5a. The inner surface of the sleeve 45, the diameter of which is only slightly greater than the outer diameter of the wall 43, serves as a guide for the retaining means 5a.

The end 46 of the sleeve 45, remote from the bottle, constitutes the stop means B for the float 4a.

 This float 4a is advantageously constituted by an inverted bell 47, opening on the side of the liquid L of the reservoir when the bottle 1 has its neck turned downwards (FIGS. 2 and 3). The float 4a has a shoulder 48 forcibly engaged, or clipped, in the open end of the outer wall 43; the cross section of the float 4a is closed by a bottom 49. The interior volume of the bell constituting the float 4a is sufficient to allow this float to lift the retaining means Sa in the position shown in FIG. 2, when the float is immersed in liquid L.

 The bottle 1 comprises, at the base of the neck 2, a cylindrical part 50 of larger diameter than the neck 2, this part 50 forming an external cylindrical shoulder the sleeve 45 is fixed, in particular by clipping, on this shoulder 50, a flange inner 51 which can be provided in the sleeve 45 to abut axially against the transition surface between the shoulder 50 and the neck 2.

 The sleeve 45 is provided, at its end remote from the shoulder 50, with an external thread 52 onto which a plug 53 can be screwed (FIG. 1). In the storage and transport position, the float 4a is locked between the end 46 of the sleeve 45 and the plug 53. The part of the float 4a coming to bear axially against the end 46 is formed by a transverse annular zone 54 ensuring the transition between the cylindrical skirt of the bell 47 and the transverse bottom 49.

 However, the use and operation of the device according to the invention are as follows.

 Having a conditioned bottle as shown in Figure 1, and closed by the cap 53 screwed on the sleeve 45, and wanting to put this bottle in a flush tank, we operate as follows.

 The bottle 1 being in the vertical position with its neck 2 turned upwards, we start by unscrewing the cap 53. We then release the pull tab 3 then we position, inside the tank R, the bottle 1 with its neck 2 turned down ; fixing the bottle 1 in this inverted position is ensured using the pull tab 3 hooked on the upper edge of the tank.

 When the liquid level L is located above the neck 2 and the float 4a as shown in FIG. 2, air is trapped in the bell 47 of the float 4a which has repelled the ---- ~ --- ------------------------- means 5a in their high position shown in Figure 2. The float 4a is in abutment against the end 46 of the sleeve 45.

 Liquid product P from the bottle 1 can flow through the slots 34, 35 into the annular space 33. This flow occurs until the level of liquid in said annular space 33 reaches the level s. When this level is reached, the product P can no longer flow from the fact that any air intake inside the bottle 1 is cut off by the liquid product P which has reached the area 39 of the slots 34, 35, the further from the bottom 31.

 Thus, the volume of liquid product P flowing in the space 33 is well determined and the liquid seal which forms when the level s is reached ensures that the flow of product P in the cup 30 is stopped.

When lowering the liquid L into the tank
R, for example when the flush is drawn, the float 4a will descend when it is no longer immersed in the liquid L.

 The weight of the assembly of the float 4a and the retaining means 5a is sufficient for the inner edge 42 of these retaining means to be able to expel the liquid product P contained in the space 33, by entering this space.

The displacement of volume produced by the entry of this edge 42 into the space 33, makes the liquid product pass
P over the upper edge of the skirt 32 (seen in the inverted position). The liquid product P therefore escapes inside the sleeve 43 and, passing through the openings 44, as shown diagrammatically by the arrows f in FIG. 3, falls into the liquid L which is still in the reservoir R.

 Thus, a precise and constant dose of the active product P is released in a reduced volume of liquid L (relative to the volume of the liquid L when the level Nmax is reached), which makes it possible to obtain a maximum concentration of active product P at a lower cost. When the liquid level L rises in the tank, the float 4a and the retaining means 5a also rise and a new dose flows into the cup 30.

 The device is again ready to deliver a dose the next time the liquid level L in the reservoir drops.

Claims (9)

 1. Device for dispensing a dose of a liquid product, in particular a cleaning and / or disinfectant product, into a liquid tank, in particular a flush tank, where the level of liquid can oscillate between a maximum level and minimum level, comprising a bottle, or the like, containing the liquid product, this bottle being provided with a neck and being suitable for being hung in the tank with its neck facing downwards, the neck being immersed in the liquid in the reservoir when this liquid reaches its maximum level but being outside the liquid in the reservoir when this liquid is at its minimum level, means for dispensing the product from the bottle, sensitive to the variation in the level of liquid in the reservoir, being mounted on the neck for dispensing a dose of product at each cycle of variation of the level of liquid in the reservoir, the dispensing means comprising a float, located outside the neck and intended to be below it when the bottle is overturned, this float being fitted with retaining means capable of bringing it into a low position as a result of the descent of the liquid level in the reservoir below the neck, and of authorizing the rise of the float up to that it comes to bear against stop means linked to the neck, characterized in that the neck (2) is closed by a cup (30) having a transverse bottom (31) bordered by a peripheral skirt (32) , directed upwards when the bottle (1) is overturned, this skirt (32) surrounding the neck, passage means (G) being provided in the wall of the neck to allow the product (P) of the bottle to flow in the cup (30) when this bottle (1) is overturned, the upper edge (40) of the skirt (considered when the bottle is overturned) being located at a level (t) at least equal to that (s) of the zone (39) of the passage means (G) furthest from the transverse bottom (31) of the cup, while the retaining means ( 5a) of the float (4a) are capable of entering, at least in part, into the annular space (33) between the peripheral skirt (32) and the external surface of the neck (2), when the float is lowered, to expel a dose of the product from the bottle that has run out, and pour this dose into the liquid (L) of the reservoir.  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining means (5a) of the float (4a) comprise a curved part (41) having an edge (42) located radially inwards, in the vicinity of the wall neck (2) and extending substantially parallel to the axis of the neck, this edge (42) being able to enter the space (33) between the peripheral skirt (32) and the neck (2) float descent.  3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining means (5a) have a shape of revolution, admitting a meridian with a substantially U-shaped curved section, the edge (42) of this section located radially inwards constituting a cylindrical wall suitable for entering the abovementioned space (33), while the edge located radially outwards constitutes another cylindrical wall (43), longer than the previous one and connected to the float (4a) for the flow from the product (P) to the liquid (L) in the tank.  4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the openings (44) are located towards the end of the wall (43) furthest from the bottle (1).  5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottle (1) is equipped with a sleeve (45) whose internal diameter is greater than that of the neck (2), this sleeve (45) surrounding the neck and defining an annular zone inside which the retaining means (5a) of the float can move, the internal surface of this sleeve (45) serving as a guide for the above-mentioned retaining means (5a), the end (46) of this sleeve remote from the bottle constituting the stop means (B) for the float (4a).  6. Device according to claim S, characterized in that the bottle comprises, at the base of the neck (2), a cylindrical shoulder (50) on which the above sleeve (45) is clipped.  7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage means (G) provided in the neck (2) comprise at least one slot (34, 35), an opening or the like, extending substantially parallel to the direction of the axis of the bottle, in particular from the transverse bottom (31) of the skirt (32) towards the opposite bottom (36) of the bottle.  8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the axial length (1) of the peripheral skirt (32) is at least equal and, generally, greater than the axial length (h) of the said slot or opening ( 34, 35).  9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup (30) is provided with an annular groove (38) in which is engaged, in particular by force, the edge (37) of the neck.