Title: Dispensing device for dispensing an active-substance fluid into the flushing liquid in a toilet bowl
Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing fluids into toilet flushing liquids. The device has a supply container for an active-substance fluid, the supply container having an outlet-side border, an outlet for dispensing active-substance fluid onto a plate-shaped distributing element. The distributing element has a region of action over which flushing liquid flows during the flushing and a connection region, in which the outlet opening of the supply container is arranged. The border is spaced a small distance from the surface of the distributing element. On the top of the distributing element, on the point of connection and directed away from the region of action, is a ventilating channel that is open on top and closed on three sides at its inner end.
Patent Number: 6,934,973 Issued on 08/30/2005 to Lehmann, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Lehmann; Detlef (Erkrath, DE);
Graesser; Lutz (Stolberg, DE);
Muehlhausen; Hans-Georg (Duesseldorf, DE);
Menke; Ronald (Mettmann, DE);
Pessel; Frank (Duesseldorf, DE);
Butter-Jentsch; Ralph (Langenfeld, DE)
|
| Assignee:
|
Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (Duesseldorf, DE)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
910678 |
| Filed:
|
August 3, 2004 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Feb 07, 2002[DE] | 102 04 928 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
4/231; 4/223 |
| Intern'l Class: |
E03D 009/02 |
| Field of Search: |
4/231,223,227.1,2274-2276,224,230
222/156,157,88,90
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 3964448 | Jun., 1976 | Sioufy.
| |
| 4096593 | Jun., 1978 | Vlahakis.
| |
| 4813084 | Mar., 1989 | Buecheler et al.
| |
| 5955415 | Sep., 1999 | Gutierrez et al.
| |
| 6178564 | Jan., 2001 | Leonard et al.
| |
| 6230334 | May., 2001 | Camp et al.
| |
| 6389610 | May., 2002 | Hautmann et al.
| |
| 6505356 | Jan., 2003 | Leonard et al.
| |
| 6651261 | Nov., 2003 | Leonard et al.
| |
| 6675396 | Jan., 2004 | Varanasi et al.
| |
| 2004/0068782 | Apr., 2004 | Butter-Jentsch et al.
| |
| 2004/0088781 | May., 2004 | Suffa.
| |
| 2004/0107484 | Jun., 2004 | Butter-Jentsch et al.
| |
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 1164141 | Sep., 1969 | DE.
| |
| 2 225 161 | Aug., 1973 | DE.
| |
| 30 02 833 | Jul., 1981 | DE.
| |
| 34 19 169 | Nov., 1985 | DE.
| |
| 299 02 066 | Jun., 1999 | DE.
| |
| 199 15 322 | Jan., 2001 | DE.
| |
| 201 16 963 | May., 2002 | DE.
| |
| 102 05 299 | Sep., 2002 | DE.
| |
| 199 12 217 | Sep., 2002 | DE.
| |
| 199 30 362 | Nov., 2003 | DE.
| |
| 0 341 035 | Nov., 1989 | EP.
| |
| 0 538 957 | Mar., 1992 | EP.
| |
| 0 775 741 | May., 1997 | EP.
| |
| 0 960 984 | Dec., 1999 | EP.
| |
| 0 785 315 | Jun., 2000 | EP.
| |
| 1 026 331 | Aug., 2000 | EP.
| |
| 0 878 586 | Mar., 2004 | EP.
| |
| 2 593 470 | Jul., 1987 | FR.
| |
| 464648 | Apr., 1937 | GB.
| |
| 2 338 496 | Feb., 1975 | GB.
| |
| 2 024 017 | Jan., 1980 | GB.
| |
| 2 098 253 | Nov., 1982 | GB.
| |
| WO 93/1624/2 | Aug., 1983 | WO.
| |
| WO 92/2087/6 | Nov., 1992 | WO.
| |
| WO 96/3836/7 | May., 1996 | WO.
| |
| WO 99/6613/9 | Dec., 1999 | WO.
| |
| WO 99/6614/0 | Dec., 1999 | WO.
| |
| WO 01/144591 | Jun., 2001 | WO.
| |
| WO 02/064898 | Aug., 2002 | WO.
| |
Other References
Claims of U.S. Appl. No. 10/416,655 pending as of May 14, 2003.
Claims of U.S. Appl. No. 10/416,681 pending as of Aug. 25, 2004.
|
Primary Examiner: Huynh; Khoa D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harper; Stephen D., Murphy; Glenn E. J.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §365(c) and 35 U.S.C.
§120 of international application PCT/EP03/00863, filed Jan. 29, 2003, and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of DE 102 04 928.9, filed Feb. 7, 2002,
both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Claims
1. A dispensing device for dispensing an active-substance fluid into the flushing
liquid in a toilet bowl, comprising
a supply container (
2) for an active-substance fluid,
the supply container (
2) having an outlet-side border (
3) and an
outlet opening (
4) via which the active-substance fluid can be dispensed
into the flushing liquid, the dispensing device further comprising
a plate-shaped distributing element (
6), the distribution element having
a region of action (
7) over which flushing liquid flows during flushing
and a connection region (
8), in which a point of connection (
9) for
the outlet opening (
4) of the supply container (
2) is arranged, wherein
the interior of the supply container (
2) is connected permanently to the
distributing element (
6) via the outlet opening (
4), and the border
(
3) is spaced apart by a small distance from the surface of the distributing
element (
6), wherein arranged on the top side of the distributing element
(
6), on a side of the point of connection (
9) that is directed away
from the region of action (
7), is a ventilating channel (
12) that
extends through beneath the border (
3) from the longitudinal border of the
distributing element (
6) and is open on the top side, and wherein
the ventilating channel (
12) has its border closed at the inner end, wherein
the ventilating channel (
12) is closed at the inner end by a channel border
(
13) projecting upwardly from the top side of the distributing element (
6),
wherein the interior of the supply container (
2) is connected to the distributing
element (
6) via the outlet opening (
4), wherein a means to impede
free flow of the active-substance fluid is provided downstream of the interior
of the supply container (
2), wherein the means to impede free flow of the
active-substance fluid has a spacer arrangement with spacers (
14) that project
upwardly from the top side of the distributing element (
6) and on which
the border (
3) of the supply container (
2) stands, and wherein the
ventilating channel (
12) abuts the spacer arrangement or is located between
two spacers (
14) of the spacer arrangement.
2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the outlet opening (
4) is
arranged in a cover (
5) forming the border (
3) and is formed in this
cover by an outlet border (
3′) that is offset inward in relation
to the border (
3).
3. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the outlet border (
3′)
of the outlet opening (
4) in the cover (
5) is spaced apart from the
top side of the distributing element (
6) by a greater distance than the
border (
3) formed by the cover (
5).
4. The dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the outlet border (
3′)
of the outlet opening (
4) in the cover (
5) is spaced apart from the
top side of the distributing element (
6) by approximately 0.5 mm more than
the border (
3) formed by the cover (
5).
5. The dispensing device of claim 1, comprises an opening spike at the point
of connection (
9).
6. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the closed end of the ventilating
channel (
12) tapers in a V-shape or U-shape.
7. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the spacers (
14) and the
channel border (
13) of the ventilating channel (
12) project upward
from the top side of the distributing element (
6) to the same extent.
8. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the spacers (
14) project
upward from the top side of the distributing element (
6) by approximately
0.7 mm.
9. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the channel border (
13) projects
upward from the top side of the distributing element (
6) by approximately
0.7 mm.
10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the channel border (
13)
projects upward from the top side of the distributing element (
6) by a greater
extent than the spacers (
14).
11. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the spacers (
14) project
upward from the top side of the distributing element (
6) by approximately
0.7 mm, and the channel border (
13) projects upward from the top side of
the distributing element (
6) by approximately 0.9 mm.
12. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein formed in the connection region
(
8), on a side of the point of connection (
9) that directed toward
a longitudinal border, is a protective border (
15) that projects slightly
upward from the top side of the distributing element (
6).
13. The dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the protective border (
15)
projects upward from the top side of the distributing element (
6) by approximately
0.9 mm.
14. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
within the border (
3) has a length of approximately 0.6 to 1.5 mm.
15. The dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
has a length of 1.0 mm.
16. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
has a maximum width of 1.0 to 5.0 mm.
17. The dispensing device of claim 16, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
has a maximum width of 2.5 mm.
18. The dispensing device of claim 17, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
has a width of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 mm.
19. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
has a width of approximately 0.5 to 2.5 mm.
20. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
within the border (
3) has a cross-sectional surface area of approximately
0.2 to 2.2 mm
2.
21. The dispensing device of claim 20, wherein the ventilating channel (
12)
within the border (
3) has a cross-sectional surface area of approximately
0.5 to 1.0 mm
2.
22. The dispensing device of claim 1, comprising a smooth-surfaced strip of the
connection region (
8) between the outer border of the point of connection
(
9) and the region of action (
7).
23. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a holder (
1)
containing at least two separate supply containers (
2), each supply container
(
2) having a dedicated outlet opening (
4) via which its content can
be dispensed into the flushing liquid, wherein
the plate-shaped distributing element (
6) is provided jointly for at least
two of the supply containers (
2), wherein the plate-shaped distributing
element (
6) has points of connection (
9) for the outlet openings
(
4) of the supply containers (
2) spaced apart one beside the other
in the connection region (
8), in the vicinity of the longitudinal border,
and wherein each point of connection (
9) has assigned a dedicated ventilating
channel (
12).
24. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the distributing element (
6),
in the region of action (
7), has depressions (
16) extending from
the border of the connection region (
8) approximately as far as the opposite
longitudinal border, these depressions serving for distributing the active-substance
fluid or the active-substance fluids into the flushing liquid.
25. The dispensing device of claim 24, wherein the depressions (
16) in
the region of action (
7) extend to just beneath the border of the front
wall (
11).
26. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a holder (
1)
having a carrier (
10) that accommodates the supply container or supply containers
(
2), a front wall (
11) directed toward the region of action (
7)
running along the transition from the connection region (
8) to the region
of action (
7).
27. The dispensing device of claim 26, wherein a small gap is present between
the uppermost border of the depressions (
16) in the region of action (
7)
and the border of the front wall (
11) of the carrier (
10).
28. The dispensing device of claim 27, wherein the gap is approximately 0.1 to
0.4 mm wide.
29. The dispensing device of claim 28, wherein the gap is approximately 0.2 to
0.3 mm wide.
30. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising one or more active-substance
fluids accommodated in the supply containers (
2) and having viscosities
of 2000 to 5000 mPas.
31. The dispensing device of claim 30, wherein the active-substance fluids have
viscosities of 2500 to 3500 mpas.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing an active-substance
fluid into the flushing liquid in a toilet bowl. The term active-substance fluid
denotes free-flowing, that is to say liquid to viscous active-substance preparations,
possibly ones which are gel-like or also paste-like or granular or pourable in
some other way, with cleaning, disinfecting, deodorizing, bleaching and similar
actions (described, in particular, in DE 199 30 362 A1, and in EP 0 775 741 A1
and EP 0 960 984 A2).
Various configurations of dispensing devices of the type in question in the
form of basket-like WC units are known. In the first place, dispensing devices
for a single active-substance fluid are known. The active-substance fluid is located
there in a supply container which is arranged firmly, or inserted in an exchangeable
manner, in a holder and has an outlet opening arranged on the base side when the
supply container is fitted on the holder.
In the case of a first known dispensing device for a single active-substance
fluid,
the active-substance fluid is added via an actuating element which can be impregnated
therewith and can be exposed to the action of the flushing liquid (e.g. an actuating
element made of an open-cell foam) (EP 785 315 A1). In this case, the outlet opening
of the supply container, once a closure part of the supply container has been pushed
out, is largely closed by a sealing element arranged in a stationary manner on
the holder, with the result that just a flow path of small cross section is available
in order for the active-substance fluid to trickle out. The device functions by
utilizing the capillary action of the open-cell foam.
A dispensing device which is similar to the dispensing device explained above
and
has as ribbed plate serving for distributing the active-substance fluid in the
flushing liquid is also known (DE 199 12 217 A1; WO 99/66140 A). In the case of
this design, the supply container has an outlet opening which is enclosed by an
annular border and via which the active-substance fluid can be dispensed into the
flushing liquid. A plate-like distributing element is provided on the holder, this
distributing element, on the one hand, having a region of action over which flushing
liquid flows during the flushing operation and, on the other hand, a connection
region, in which a piercing spike is arranged. The interior of the supply container
is connected permanently to the distributing element via the outlet opening, with
the interposition of the opening spike with lateral ribs, which prevents free flowing
active-substance fluid. For this purpose, the border of the outlet opening is spaced
apart by a small distance from the surface of the distributing element. A spacer
arrangement is provided in order to realize this distance, the spacer arrangement
having parallel ribs which form depressions between them. These depressions extend
from the connection region into the region of action, as far as the opposite border,
and serve, in the region of action, for distributing the active-substance fluid
into the flushing liquid.
A further such dispensing device is described in the international publication
WO 01/44591 A1. In the case of this design, the distributing element has on the
top side, on that side of the point of connection which is directed away from the
region of action, a ventilating channel which extends through beneath the border
from the longitudinal border of the distributing element and is open on the top side.
GB 2 338 496 A describes a dispensing device which is ventilated by an additional
valve. Different variants are illustrated for the functioning of this valve, but
the valve opening is arranged separately from the outlet opening.
In the case of all the dispensing devices which are known from the prior art,
provision has to be made for the active-substance fluid which passes out of the
supply container somehow to be replaced by air flowing into the supply container.
Ventilating channels which extend beneath the outlet opening of the supply container
are regularly realized in the prior art. This results in a dynamic interaction
of viscous active-substance fluid and air, as a result of which the exchange of
air is ensured.
The teaching is based on the problem of optimizing the known dispensing device,
for dispensing active-substance fluids, in respect of possible control of the operation
of dispensing the active-substance fluid. The basic elements of known dispensing
devices for dispensing an active-substance fluid into the flushing liquid in a
toilet bowl include a supply container (
2) for an active-substance fluid,
the supply container (
2) having an outlet-side border (
3) and an
outlet opening (
4) via which the active-substance fluid can be dispensed
into the flushing liquid. A plate-like distributing element (
6) is provided,
this having, on the one hand, a region of action (
7) over which flushing
liquid flows during the flushing operation and, on the other hand, a connection
region (
8), in which a point of connection (
9) for the outlet opening
(
4) of the supply container (
2) is arranged. The interior of the
supply container (
2) is connected permanently to the distributing element
(
6) via the outlet opening (
4), and that, for this purpose, the border
(
3) is spaced apart by a small distance from the surface of the distributing
element (
6). Arranged on the top side of the distributing element (
6),
on that side of the point of connection (
9) which is directed away from
the region of action (
7), is a ventilating channel (
12) which extends
through beneath the border (
3) from the longitudinal border of the distributing
element (
6) and is open on the top side.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problem presented above is solved, in the case of a dispensing device having
the features just described by closing the border of the ventilating channel (12)
at its inner end. In the prior art, the ventilating channel has its border open
at the inner end. The connection region located beneath the outlet opening of the
supply container thus opens laterally, on the one hand, in the direction of the
region of action and, on the other hand, toward the ventilating channel. This gives
rise to the classic, dynamic interaction of the viscous active-substance fluid
and air for the purpose of the active-substance fluid/air exchange. According to
the invention, it has been found that it is possible to optimize this typical exchange
of air, which has been known for decades, via a ventilating channel on the top
side of the distributing element by virtue of the ventilating channel being closed
laterally at the inner end. The air supply via the ventilating channel is thus
deflected upward in the critical region in the vicinity of the outlet opening.
This corresponds to the direction in which the air rises into the supply container.
The smallest possible resistance is set against the access of air into the supply
container. At the same time, surprisingly, active-substance fluid is prevented
from entering into the ventilating channel because any kind of capillary effect
is suppressed, or at any rate reduced, by the end of the ventilating channel being
closed. The active-substance fluid itself serves for sealing the ventilating channel,
but allows the access of air via the ventilating channel. The active-substance
fluid is itself dispensed in the opposite direction, toward the region of action.
Moreover, as a result of the lateral ventilating channel being closed at
the inner end downstream of the outlet opening, the flushing liquid which enters
into the connection region, dilutes the active-substance fluid and exits from the
connection region in the outward direction as intended does not enter into the
ventilation channel, or at any rate not to as pronounced an extent as was the case
before. The ventilating channel is reserved for ventilation.
A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail
herein
below with reference to the drawing. Preferred configurations and developments
of the invention are also described here.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a vertical section through a dispensing device according to the invention,
FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the distributing element of the dispensing device
from FIG. 1, the position of the section from FIG. 1 being depicted, and
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the distributing element of the dispensing
device from FIG. 1, this view clearly showing the arrangement of the ventilating channel.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The dispensing device which is illustrated in the drawing serves for dispensing
an active-substance fluid into the flushing liquid with which a toilet bowl or
the like is flushed. The meaning of active-substance fluid which is to be understood
within the context of the teaching here has been defined in the general part of
the description.
The dispensing device illustrated, in the first place, has a holder
1
which can be hung on the rim of the toilet bowl and also has a supply container
2 for an active-substance fluid provided in the holder
1. As will
be explained at a later state in the text, it is likewise possible for a plurality
of separate supply containers, in particular two supply containers
2 for
in each case one active-substance fluid, to be provided in a holder. In this case,
the active-substance fluids may be identical, different, compatible or incompatible
active-substance fluids.
Examples of active-substance fluids which are suitable according to the
invention are fragrance phases, in particular perfumed fragrance phases. Such fragrance
phases usually contain at least one fragrance, preferably perfume oil, at least
one surfactant or an emulsifier and water and possibly further contents such as
preservatives, thickeners, complexing agents, dyes, further surfactants or emulsifiers,
stabilizers, lime dissolvers, etc.
Likewise suitable as active-substance fluids according to the invention
are bleach phases, in particular chlorine-containing bleach phases, preferably
bleach phases based on hypochlorite, it usually being possible for the bleach phases
to contain, in addition to the actual bleaching agent and water, possibly further
contents such as thickeners, surfactants or emulsifiers, neutralizers, dyes, fragrances, etc.
Further active-substance fluids which are suitable according to the invention
are lime-dissolving active-substance phases, preferably acid lime-dissolving active-substance
phases. Such lime-dissolving active-substance phases may contain, in addition to
the actual lime dissolver-preferably an organic or inorganic acid-and water, possibly
further contents such as the surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances,
preservatives, etc.
It is likewise possible to use highly concentrated surfactant phases, so-called
"foam boosters", as active-substance fluids. Such highly concentrated surfactant
phases may also contain further, conventional contents in addition to the surfactants.
Likewise suitable according to the invention are active-substance fluids
with an antibacterial and/or fungicidal and/or antiviral active-ingredient phase,
it being possible for the active-ingredient phase to contain, in addition to the
antibacterial and/or fungicidal and/or antiviral active ingredient and water, possibly
further contents such as, for example, surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners,
fragrances, preservatives, etc.
It is also possible for the active-substance fluids to be enzyme-containing active-ingredient
phases. Such enzyme-containing active-ingredient phases may contain, in addition
to enzyme(s) and water, possibly further contents such as surfactants or emulsifiers,
thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.
It is likewise possible for the active-substance fluids which are used according
to the invention to be absorbent, in particular odor-absorbent, active-substance
phases. In addition to the adsorbing agents, in particular odor-absorbing agents,
and water, these active-substance phases may possibly contain further contents
such as surfactants or emulsifiers, thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, etc.
The dispensing device according to the invention makes it possible, in accordance
with a particular embodiment, to use 2 combinations of different active-substance
fluids in the supply containers
2, in which case, according to a preferred
embodiment, one of the supply containers
2 contains a fragrance phase, in
particular as defined above.
For example for active-substance-fluid combinations which can be used are perfumed
fragrance phases combined with chlorine bleach (not stable in storage together),
perfumed fragrance phase with highly concentrated surfactant phase (foam booster),
fragrance phase with lime-dissolving, acid active-substance phase, fragrance phase
with antibacterial active-substance phase, different acid systems, fragrance phase
combined with enzyme-containing active-substance phase, perfumed acid phase combined
with water-coloring phase, fragrance phase with odor-adsorbent phase, perfumed
acid phase with active oxygen, perfumed acid phase with active-substance phase,
thickened with polyacrylate, etc.
Viscous to gel-like active-substance fluids with viscosities in the range
of a few thousand mPas, in particular of 2000 to 5000 mPas, preferably 2500 to
3500 mPas (measured with a Rotovisko LVT rotary viscometer, spindle 2, 6 rpm, 20°
C.) are of particular interest here.
FIG. 1 shows that the supply container
2 has an outlet-side border
3
and an outlet opening
4 via which the active-substance fluid can be dispensed
into the flushing liquid. The exemplary embodiment which is illustrated and, to
this extent, preferred, although it is not imperative, also shows that the outlet
opening
4 is arranged here in a cover
5 forming the border
3.
The outlet opening
4 is formed in the cover
5, in turn, by an outlet
border
3′ which is offset inward in relation to the border
3
on the cover
5.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated provides an exchangeable supply container
2, of which the outlet opening
4 is firmly closed, in the first instance,
by a stopper
5′. By virtue of the supply container
2 being
inserted into the holder
1, the stopper
5′, as can be seen
in FIG. 1, is pushed upward, out of the outlet opening
4, into the interior
of the supply container
2, with the result that the outlet opening
4
is then open. Using a cover
5 with the stopper
5′ fixed therein,
with initial closing action, via a predetermined breaking point is expedient in
production terms. It is indeed desired for the supply container
2 to be
filled quickly by way of a large opening, but, thereafter, the intention is for
the outlet opening
4 to be arranged and configured in accordance with quite
different viewpoints. Moreover, the stopper
5′ is used as a lost
element, in order to make it possible for the supply container
2 simply
to be plugged on with the outlet opening
4 directed downward.
A plate-like distributing element
6 is provided on the holder
1,
that having, on the one hand, a region of action
7 over which flushing liquid
flows during the flushing operation and, on the other hand, a connection region
8, in which a point of connection
9 for the outlet opening
4
of the supply container
2 is arranged. This can easily be understood in
FIG. 2 taken together with FIG.
1.
The interior of the supply container
2 is connected permanently to the
distributing element
6 via the outlet opening
4, to be precise, in
the exemplary embodiment illustrated, with the interposition of an arrangement
which prevents free flow of the active-substance fluid and, in the exemplary embodiment
which is illustrated and preferred, has an opening spike at the point of connection
9. In order to realize this, the border
3-when the supply container
2 is fitted on the holder
1-is spaced apart by a small distance from
the surface of the distributing element
6.
By virtue of the arrangement explained above, the supply container
2 is
protected against the ingress of flushing liquid into its interior and the outlet
opening
4 of the supply container
2 is arranged such that essentially
only active-substance fluid passes out and, for replacement of the active-substance
fluid in the supply container
2, air enters into the interior of the supply
container
2. During each flushing operation, some of the active-substance
fluid is dispensed from the supply container
2 into the flushing liquid.
For the arrangement and fitting method of the supply container
2, reference
may also be made to the prior art explained in the introduction. You are also referred
to a utility model DE 201 16 963 U, which is published after the priority date
and is attributed to the applicant.
The dispensing device which is illustrated in FIG. 1 also shows that, in the
case of this embodiment, the holder
1 has a carrier
10 which accommodates
the supply container
2, a front wall
11 directed toward the region
of action
7 running along the transition from the connection region
8
to the region of action
7. The front wall
11 of the holder
1
serves for shielding the supply container
2 against undesirable ingress
of water from this side. The negative consequences of undesirable ingress of water
into the supply container
2 are known, explained above and also form the
subject matter of extensive analyses in the prior art.
The exemplary embodiment of the dispensing device which is illustrated in the
drawing, then, shows that arranged on the top side of the distributing element
6, on that side of the point of connection
9 which is directed away
from the region of action
7, is a ventilating channel
12 which extends
through beneath the border
3 from the border of the distributing element
6 and is open on the top side. The ventilating channel
12 serves
for the specific supply of air, already mentioned above, from the outside into
the interior of the supply container
2, in order to optimize the drainage
characteristics of the active-substance fluid.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated, then, is distinguished, as is shown to
good effect, in particular, by the detail in FIG. 1, that the ventilating channel
12 has its border closed at the inner end. In other words, the ventilating
channel
12 is open, on the one hand, in the direction away from the outlet
opening
4 and, on the other hand, in the upward direction. On account of
the position of the border
3 of the supply container
2 in relation
to the distributing element
6 in the connection region
8, this means
that the ventilating channel
12 forms an upwardly directed air-exit opening
in relation to the outlet opening
4. This results in the advantageous effects
in respect of the air/active-substance fluid exchange which are explained in the
general part of the description.
The ventilating channel
12 can be configured in different ways in the
distributing element
6, and this ventilating channel
12 can also
be provided in different forms. As far as the cross section is concerned, a V-shaped,
a U-shaped or even a channel formed with a plurality of tracks may prove to be
expedient here. The ventilating channel
12 can be incorporated in the material
of the distributing element
6, in the connection region
8. This gives
rise to the already mentioned advantage of the air being deflected upward. Moreover,
a direct lateral inflow of flushing liquid is prevented. The exemplary embodiment
which is illustrated and preferred is also distinguished in that the ventilating
channel
12 is closed at the inner end by means of a channel border
13
projecting upward from the top side of the distributing element
6. It is
precisely the enlarged illustration of FIG. 1 which shows, in section, the channel
border
13, which terminates the ventilating channel
12 on the inside.
By means of the channel border
13 projecting up from the surface of the
distributing element
6, the mixture of flushing liquid and active-substance
fluid is prevented particularly effectively from entering into the ventilating
channel
12.
The cross-sectional shape of the ventilating channel
12 has already been
explained to some extent. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the ventilating
channel
12 is simply of smooth configuration on the base side. However,
as FIG. 2 shows, it is provided, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, that
the closed end of the ventilating channel
12 is tapered in a V-shaped manner,
in this case with a certain amount of rounding, or a U-shaped manner. This results
in a broad ventilating channel
12 which allows easy inflow of air from the
outside, but nevertheless realizes a defined, small air-passage cross section in
the connection region
8. This air-passage cross section can expediently
be coordinated with the viscosity and the other qualities of the active-substance
fluid which is located, or is to be accommodated, in the supply container
2,
in order to guarantee the desired functioning. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view
of the position and width of the ventilating channels
12.
In specific terms, it is realized in the exemplary embodiment that the arrangement
which prevents the free flow of the active-substance fluid has a spacer arrangement
with spacers
14 which project slightly upward from the top side of the distributing
element
6 and on which the border
3 of the supply container
2
stands. The previously explained ventilating channel
12, then, interrupts
this spacer arrangement or is arranged between two spacers
14 of this spacer arrangement.
For the functioning of the dispensing device according to the invention, it has
proven to be expedient in tests, for certain viscosities, if the spacers
14
and the channel border
13 of the ventilating channel
12 project upward
from the top side of the distributing element
6 by the same extent. The
border
3 of the supply container
2 then rests both on the spacers
14 and on the channel border
13. It is only the innermost upwardly
open end of the ventilating channel
12 which then produces the air-access
cross section in a defined manner.
In specific terms, if use is made of active-substance fluids of average viscosity,
it has proven to be expedient for the spacers
14 to project upward from
the top side of the distributing element
6 by approximately 0.7 mm. The
exemplary embodiment which is illustrated and preferred here, at the same time,
shows that the channel border
13 projects upward from the top side of the
distributing element
6 by approximately 0.7 mm.
In further tests with other viscosities, it has also proven to be expedient,
in
an alternative, to allow the channel border
13 to project upward from the
top side of the distributing element
6 by a greater extent than the spacers
14, that is to say for example, with spacers
14 of 0.7 mm, by 0.9
mm. The channel border
13 thus projects into the inner region of the cover
5 within the border
3 and constitutes an even more effective barrier
for the active-substance fluid and flushing liquid mixture within the spacer arrangement.
Reference has already been made above to the fact that the supply container
2 should be protected as far as possible against the ingress of flushing
liquid into its interior. For this purpose, it is also provided in the exemplary
embodiment that formed in the connection region
8, on that side on the point
of connection
9 which is directed toward a longitudinal border, enclosing
the spacers
14 on this side, is a protective border
15 which projects
slightly upward from the top side of the distributing element
6. The exemplary
embodiment which is illustrated and preferred here shows that this protective border
15 projects somewhat further upward than the channel border
13 and
the spacers
14, namely by in this case 0.9 mm.
It has previously been explained in specific terms that the inner opening of
the
ventilating channel
12 is important. In specific terms, it may prove to
be expedient here, although this is, of course, dependent on the viscosity range
in which the active-substance fluid is found, that the free cross section of the
overlapping region of the ventilating channel
12 within the border
3,
in the longitudinal direction of the ventilating channel
12, has a dimension
of approximately 0.6 to 1.5 mm, preferably of approximately 1.0 mm. A further determinant
for the ventilating channel
12 is preferably a maximum width of 1.0 to 5.0
mm, preferably of approximately 2.5 mm. This gives rise to access of air being
easily possible, as has been explained above.
In order to maintain the balance between access of air and preventing active-substance
fluid and/or flushing liquid from passing out into the ventilating channel
12,
and thus blocking the ventilating channel
12, it is recommended, in the
case of active-substance fluids of average viscosity, that the ventilating channel
12, on the inner periphery of the border
3, has a width of approximately
0.5 to 2.5 mm, preferably of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 mm. The preferred dimensions
specified above result in a free cross section at the end of the ventilating channel
12, for the passage of air, of 0.2 to 2.2 mm
2, preferably of
0.5 to 1.0 mm
2.
The exemplary embodiment which is illustrated and, to this extent, preferred
also shows that there is a smooth-surfaced strip of the connection region
8
between the outer border of the point of connection
9 and the region of
action
7.
Reference has already been made above to the fact that the dispensing device
described is suitable particularly for dispensing a plurality of, in particular,
two, active-substance fluids from a plurality of, in particular two, supply containers
2 to a distributing element
6. FIG. 2 shows, in this respect, a distributing
element
6 for two supply containers
2, which are not themselves illustrated.
In the case of this embodiment of the dispensing device, it is provided that the
holder
1 contains at least two supply containers
2 for in each case
one active-substance fluid. The two supply containers
2 are correspondingly
protected against the ingress of flushing liquid into their interior, and the two
outlet openings
4 of the supply containers
2 are arranged such that
only active-substance fluid passes out and, as far as possible, only ventilating
air enters in again. The outlet openings
4 of the two supply containers
2 are arranged on the base side, in the used position which can be gathered
from FIG.
1. In the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated and preferred,
the supply containers
2 are fitted in an individually exchangeable manner
in the holder.
For the configuration of this multiple dispensing device, reference may also
be made to the previously explained prior art DE 201 16 963 U, which was not published
before the priority data and the disclosure contents of which are also made part
of the disclosure contents of the present patent application by reference.
FIG. 2 clearly shows that the plate-like distributing element
6 is provided
jointly for both supply containers
2, and, in the presence of a plurality
of supply containers
2, for all the supply containers
2, that the
distributing element
6 has the points of connection
9 for the outlet
openings
4 of the supply containers
2 spaced apart one beside the
other in the connection region
8, and that each point of connection
10
is assigned a dedicated ventilating channel
12.
Finally, it can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 together that the distributing
element
6 in the region of action
7, has depressions
16 extending
from the border of the connection region
8 approximately as far as the opposite
longitudinal border, the depressions serving for distributing the active-substance
fluid or the active-substance fluids into the flushing liquid. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated, the depressions
16 extend to just beneath the border
of the front wall
11. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, and in accordance
with preferred teaching, it is provided here that only a small gap, preferably
a gap of 0.1 to 0.4 mm, in particular a gap of approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mm, is
present between the uppermost border of the depressions
16 in the region
of action
7 and the border of the front wall
11 of the carrier
10.
FIG. 1 clearly shows the position of the front wall
11 of the holder
1 in relation to the depressions
16 in the region of action
7
of the distributing element
6. FIG. 1 also clearly shows that, in the exemplary
embodiment illustrated here, the carrier
10, rather than being an integral
constituent part of the holder
1, is a separate insert part which is inserted
into the holder
1. The front wall
11 here is formed on the holder
1. If the carrier
10 is an integral constituent part of the holder
1, then the front wall
11 is formed on the holder
1.
The exemplary embodiment which is illustrated also shows, in FIG. 1, that the
top side of the distributing element
6, in the connection region
8,
runs level with the lowermost point of the depressions
16 in the region
of action
7. The active-substance fluid can thus enter into the depressions
16 on the end side. At the same time, the possibility of water to gain access
beneath the border of the front wall
11 is restricted as much as possible.
It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that there is a considerable vertical distance between
the underside of the holder
1 and the surface of the distributing element
6 in the connection region
8, in the free regions.
Finally, FIG. 2 also shows that, as has already been explained, the top
side of the distributing element
6 is smooth for the active-substance fluid
in the connection region
8, but otherwise, for reasons related to fastening,
connection and sealing, may have individual elevations.
Finally, reference may also be made once again to the preferred viscosity
ranges for the active-substance fluid which have already been mentioned in the
specific part of the description. These are particularly expedient to realize.
Furthermore, FIGS. 2 and 3 clearly show that a central border
17
which projects slightly upward from the top side of the distributing element
6
is realized here, this central border, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated,
ensuring that the active-substance fluids of the two supply containers
2,
which may not be compatible with one another here, can only mix together in the
region of action
7, with the addition of flushing liquid. Furthermore, there
are a large number of further variants here for compatible and incompatible active-substance
fluids, for which purpose reference may likewise be made once again to DE 201 16
963 U, which was not published before the priority date.
As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are synonymous and used interchangeably
with at least one "one or more," disclosing or encompassing both the singular and
the plural, unless specifically defined otherwise. The conjunction "or" is used
herein in its inclusive disjunctive sense, such that phrases formed by terms conjoined
by "or" disclose or encompass each term alone as well as any combination of terms
so conjoined, unless specifically defined otherwise. All numerical quantities are
understood to be modified by the word "about," unless specifically modified otherwise
or unless an exact amount is needed to define the invention over the prior art.
*
