EP1287211B1 - Liquid dispenser for cleaning toilet bowls - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a product dispenser for toilet bowls, comprising catching means (8) on a bowl and a reservoir (1) of liquid product communicating with a tube (10). The reservoir has in its lower part a free opening (22, 15) having a size preventing the flow of liquid when there is no flushing. When flushing occurs, the liquid flow in the neighbourhood of the tube or along it, or the upflow of water in the tube causes the liquid to be dispensed outside the dispenser by hydrodynamic effect. The invention enables the dispensing of the liquid only when flushing occurs, independently of the flushing frequency, and without any mobile parts.

Description

The present invention relates to a dispenser for cleaning liquid for toilet bowls, and more specifically to a dispenser for cleaning and scouring liquid for toilets. The dispenser of the invention can be used in toilet bowls and provides a distribution of maintenance liquid.

Various solutions have been proposed for distributing cleaning or perfuming products in the toilet bowls. Thus, are sold blocks intended to be arranged in flushing water. The blocks melt slowly and diffuse a cleaning product. Such a product can satisfy in terms of cleaning, but it does not allow to diffuse a perfume. It is also known to hang on the edge of the toilet a cage, containing a block of product that is washed by the water flowing from the flush when it is actuated. Such a block of product, which is in the open air, can have no scenting effect throughout its life. In both cases, the problem arises from the fact that perfuming products are volatile, and lose their perfuming effect when exposed to the air and that the quantity of product that they release at each hunt decreases at as the block decreases in volume.

US-A-3 946 448 (El Sioufy) describes a device for disinfection and chemical purification for toilet bowls. The device is fixed on the inner rim of the bowl; it comprises a tank filled with disinfection and purification product. The tank is closed in its lower part by a plug, biased upwards by a spring located in the tank. The cap is also connected to a hinged board, covered with foam. When flushing toilets, the water flowing down the board causes it to rotate downward and temporarily opens the tank. In this way, the product contained in the tank flows on the hinged board, and in the toilet bowl. The disinfection effect is obtained thanks to the product carried by the water in the toilet bowl, and the chemical purification effect is obtained because of the product that is on the board and evaporates little by little. This device essentially has the disadvantage of being made up of a large number of articulated parts, which makes it cost prohibitive.

EP-A-0 538 957 (Sara Lee) discloses a cleaning and purification device, which like the previous clings on the rim of the toilet bowl. The device comprises a reservoir, filled with a cleaning and purification liquid, which is in constant communication with a porous mass lying in the flow path of water from the flush. To ensure constant communication, this document proposes to use a foam introduced into the neck of the tank. When flushing the water, the water flows and causes some of the product that soaks the porous mass. The chemical purification effect is obtained by the evaporation of the product impregnating the porous mass, between the flushing of water. This device has the disadvantage that the tank is empty sometimes, even when the toilet is not used. More precisely, the flow is not systematically continuous; the flow stops when the plate is saturated, depending on the viscosity, temperature, and frequency of the flushes. The operation of the device is irregular, and the service life can vary from single to double.

In addition, the device is not functional before the porous mass is soaked with liquid, which can take a long time; in case of intensive use, the liquid distribution may be insufficient, and the porous mass is washed of any liquid. Finally, the control of the liquid flow depends on the viscosity; the dispensed product has a high viscosity, of the order of 3000mPa.s. The use of thickeners to obtain such a viscosity can lead to blockages of the dispenser.

EP-A-0 785 315 (Sara Lee) proposes another device of the same kind. This device proposes to provide in the neck of the reservoir a liquid passage, opening against the porous mass; the liquid passage is provided with an air inlet opening. The viscosity of the product and the size of the passages and openings are determined such that the pressure of the liquid on the porous mass is constant and is independent of the level of liquid in the reservoir. This device provides a complex solution to the problem of the variation of the product flow depending on the level in the tank, but still has the same drawbacks, namely that the tank empties, even when the toilet is not used, and that the operation of the device is irregular.

Another similar device marketed by La Johnson Française proposes to use, in place of a porous mass, a grooved plate. In this case, as in the case of the porous mass, there is the problem of the upwellings in the tank by osmosis because of the direct contact between the water of the flush absorbed by the porous mass or captured by the grooved plate and the liquid contained in the tank. The problem of product flow between two hunts also arises.

FR-A-2,747,139 (Robertet) proposes a liquid dispensing device. The different variants of this device are complex, and involve a flow of the water of the hunt through various siphons or others. The whole is difficult to build and of low reliability.

More specifically, the device of FR-A-2,747,139 discloses a closed reservoir containing a liquid product surmounted by a volume of air. The tank comprises, in the lower part, an outlet opening which opens into the lower compartment of a second tank. In a first embodiment (Figure 1), a tube is immersed in a cavity filled with liquid product. One end of the tube opens to the bottom of the cavity and the other end opens into the upper compartment of the second tank. When the flush is fired, water enters the upper compartment of the second tank and the air in the tube is compressed. An air bubble then enters the tank and creates a pressure imbalance that pushes a portion of liquid out of the tank through the free opening.

GB-A-2 094 846 discloses a liquid dispenser in a toilet bowl comprising a reservoir containing a liquid product and air and having an opening in its lower part. The opening opens into an inverted container containing air. When the flush is drawn, the water level in the bowl increases to surround the container, which increases the pressure in said container and causes the escape of air bubbles from the pressure vessel to the tank.

When the water level in the bowl decreases, after evacuation of the flush, the pressure in the inverted container becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure while the air bubbles added to the tank cause an overpressure that pushes a certain amount of liquid out of the opening. The product dispensing device described in this document is intended to be at least partially immersed in the water of the bowl.

EP-A-0 570 326 discloses a liquid dispenser comprising a liquid reservoir provided with a nozzle for delivering product into a cuvette. A detection tube has one end that opens into the tank above the liquid and another end that opens into the liquid of the bowl. When the liquid level in the cuvette decreases, the liquid column in the detection tube also decreases by drawing air from the reservoir and air is introduced into the reservoir through the nozzle. As the liquid level in the cuvette increases, the column of liquid in the tube also increases and introduces air into the reservoir, which pushes a certain amount of liquid through the nozzle.

GB-A-03485 A.D. discloses a liquid dispenser comprising a liquid reservoir for delivering product into a cuvette. A tube has one end that opens into the tank above the liquid and another end that opens into the bowl. A dispensing tube connects an opening of the tank to the bottom of the bowl with a return avoiding the flow of the liquid without pressure. When the bowl is emptied, the end is vented, and when the bowl is full, the end is immersed in the water of the bowl, air being trapped in the tube. The rise of water in the tube when the bowl is filled pushes air trapped in the tank and causes an ejection of liquid product into the dispensing tube.

EP-A-0 878 586 discloses a device for dispensing a liquid agent into a toilet bowl. A container attached to the toilet bowl contains the liquid agent, which is dispensed drop by drop through a dispensing orifice. Because the liquid agent is continuously dispensed drop by drop, the bowl may appear dirty at the level of the liquid flow. A support plate is then provided, positioned under the opening; this plate collects the liquid agent as it flows. When the flush is drawn, the liquid agent accumulated on the support plate is entrained in the bowl. Flushing does not affect the distribution of the liquid, but simply rinses the backing plate.

• créer une surpression pour amorcer le pompage
• diffuser l'ingrédient actif entre les chasses.

WO-A-01 02653 (Globol Chemicals) provides a toilet bowl dispenser, which provides a dose of the active ingredient it contains in the bowl, each time the flush is actuated. The dispenser has a reservoir with an orifice in its interior; this orifice is surrounded by a tube of a porous material, which has a slot in its upper part, along a generator. The tube is closed at its lower end. The flow of the flush water causes a pumping action and the delivery of a dose into the porous tube. As far as one can understand the function of this device, the tube of porous material serves both to

• create an overpressure to start pumping
• spread the active ingredient between hunts.

This device is simpler than the Robertet device. However, it has disadvantages. Thus, the porous mass is expensive. The porous mass also poses a problem of impregnation, the impregnation time corresponding to the time required for the active ingredient to diffuse outside the porous mass. Frequent hunts can flush the porous mass and limit the spread. In addition, the device operates only if the water enters the slot in the porous mass; this limits the operation to a flow of water having a certain force and a certain direction. The device is therefore very sensitive to the conditions of use.

The invention provides a solution to these new problems. It offers a liquid product dispenser, without moving parts, which prevents the product from emptying when the flush is not activated. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser of the invention also avoids upwellings in the tank. The dispenser of the invention can be used in a toilet bowl, for dispensing a liquid product.

More specifically, the invention provides a dispenser for cleaning liquid for a toilet bowl, comprising means for hooking on the bowl, a reservoir of maintenance liquid, the reservoir having in its lower part a free opening of a size which prevents the flow of the maintenance liquid out of the tank in the absence of flush, the dispenser having a tube at one end of which opens the opening, the other end of the tube being open; the other end of the tube is in the vicinity of the wall of the bowl or in the vicinity of a device for guiding the water of a hunt and

the opening is of a size that allows the suction of the maintenance liquid by hydrodynamic effect when the water passes from a hunt to neighborhood of the distributor. In particular, it is possible to choose a circular opening and having a diameter of between 0.2 and 5 mm, preferably of the order of 3 mm.

Advantageously, the maintenance liquid has a viscosity of between 10 and 4000 mPa.s.

The guiding device may be in the form of a grooved plate and / or a plate with a flange, or a curved plate. He can present an opening.

In one embodiment, the reservoir is removable.

The tank may also have in its lower part a second free opening of a size that prevents the flow of maintenance liquid out of the tank in the absence of flush. The opening and the second opening of the reservoir preferably have different dimensions. A second tube extending in said tube may be provided below one of the two openings. It is also possible that the tube does not surround the second opening.

• accrochage dans la cuvette des toilettes d'un tel distributeur de liquide d'entretien;
• aspiration de liquide d'entretien hors du réservoir par effet hydrodynamique de l'eau lors d'une chasse d'eau.

The invention also proposes a method for dispensing a maintenance liquid in a toilet bowl, comprising the steps of:

• hooking in the toilet bowl of such a maintenance liquid dispenser;
• suction of maintenance liquid out of the tank by hydrodynamic effect of the water during a flush.

• la montée de l'eau de la chasse dans le tube de sorte à créer une surpression au niveau de l'ouverture et faire entrer de l'air dans le réservoir;
• la distribution de liquide hors du réservoir.

This aspiration step can include:

• the rise of the flush water in the tube so as to create an overpressure at the opening and to introduce air into the tank;
• dispensing liquid out of the reservoir.

• la montée de l'eau de la chasse autour du tube de sorte à créer une surpression au niveau de l'ouverture et faire entrer de l'air dans le réservoir;
• la distribution de liquide hors du réservoir.
  Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, l'étape de montée et l'étape de distribution peuvent être simultanées.
  L'étape d'aspiration peut encore comprendre
• le passage de l'eau de la chasse autour du tube de sorte à créer une dépression au niveau de l'ouverture;
• la distribution de liquide hors du réservoir.

It can also include:

• raising the water of the flush around the tube so as to create an overpressure at the opening and to introduce air into the tank;
• dispensing liquid out of the reservoir.
  In either case, the rise step and the distribution step can be simultaneous.
  The aspiration stage can still include
• passing the flushing water around the tube so as to create a depression at the opening;
• dispensing liquid out of the reservoir.

• figure 1, une vue schématique en coupe d'un distributeur selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention;
• figure 2, une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1, mais montrant le produit dans le réservoir;
• figures 3 à 8, des vues de principe d'autres modes de réalisation de distributeur.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings which show:

• Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2, a view similar to that of Figure 1, but showing the product in the tank;
• Figures 3 to 8, views of principle of other embodiments of the dispenser.

The invention proposes, to control the flow of the maintenance liquid contained in the dispenser according to the use of the toilet, to exploit the hydrodynamic effect caused by flushing. More specifically, the tank is provided in its lower part with an opening, which has a dimension such that it prevents the flow of the cleaning liquid in the absence of external stress. By "lower part" is meant the part of the reservoir in which the liquid is located when the dispenser is in position in the toilet bowl. This opening is free, in that it is not closed by a plug, unlike that proposed in US-A-3 946 448.

Below this opening, in the direction of use of the dispenser, is provided a tube. The lower end of the tube is open or free, unlike the solution proposed in WO-A-01 02653; this avoids the difficulty of adjustment encountered in the device of this document.

The flow of water from the flush near the end of the tube causes the hydrodynamic effect of the suction of a quantity of maintenance liquid out of the tank. The liquid may flow during the flush, or may in some embodiments of the invention, finish flowing after the end of the flush.

In any case, in the absence of flushing, the cleaning liquid does not flow out of the tank. Product distribution is therefore provided only on demand, as in US Pat. No. 3,946,448, but without moving mechanical elements. The invention is therefore both of a simple structure, of a safe operation, and avoids the disadvantages of the distributors with a permanent contact between the reservoir liquid and a diffusion mass. The dispenser of the invention does not function as that of EP-A-0 538 957 by gravity or capillarity, but by the simple hydrodynamic action of the flow of water during a flush.

• nettoyantes,
• désinfectantes,
• détartrantes,
• parfumantes, etc.

The dispenser of the invention is advantageously used for dispensing a product which is a liquid. The product may include surfactants, fragrance essences, emulsifiers, limescale removers or sequestering agents, disinfectants or dyes. The active components of the liquid may have, separately or together, properties:

• cleaning,
• disinfectant,
• descaling,
• fragrant, etc.

In the following description, the product is simply called "maintenance liquid".

Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention; 1 denotes the rim of a toilet bowl, on which the distributor 2 is fixed. The dispenser comprises a reservoir 4, the orifice 6 is located downward in the operating position of the dispenser shown in FIG. Are connected to the dispenser holding means in the bowl; in the example, it is a tab 8 of flexible plastic. In the rest position, the tongue is folded, as shown in broken lines in the figure; it is unfolded by the user to hang the dispenser in the toilet bowl, as shown in solid lines in the figure. It is advantageous that this tongue is adjustable in height, so as to ensure proper positioning of the dispenser, for different shapes of bowls and bowl rims.

The dispenser further includes a tube, referred to above as a liquid dispensing tube. This tube 10 is connected by one end 12 to the tank, and its other end 14 or free end is in the vicinity of the path of the water flush, or even in the water path; in the example of the figure, the free end of the tube is in the vicinity of the wall of the bowl; this position ensures that when the flush is actuated, the water flows near the end of it. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the distance between the end of the tube and the wall of the bowl is of the order of 3 mm. This distance may more generally be between 0.2 and 6 mm. This distance range ensures when the flow of water a vacuum sufficient to suck the maintenance liquid. It is possible that the water also flows along the tube.

The shape of the tube can be any; in the example, a round section has been chosen for the tube; this ensures that the tube has a maximum internal volume, for a given perimeter. This section also ensures that the water flushes from all sides of the tube. The tube has in the embodiment of the figure a bent shape, which allows to bring its free end of the wall of the bowl when the dispenser is in the operating position. This bent shape improves the efficiency of the dispenser. The section of the opening 15 at the end of the tube is chosen so as to prevent the flow of the maintenance liquid in the absence of flow water around the tube; in this way, when the toilet is not used, the maintenance liquid does not flow. This is an advantage over prior art dispensers in which the reservoir is in constant communication with a porous mass. The section of the opening at the end of the tube is chosen so that the maintenance liquid flows when the flush water flows along the tube or near the end of the tube. -this.

The section of the opening at the free end of the tube has a diameter of 1.5 mm in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, for a maintenance liquid having a viscosity of the order of 500 mPa. s. More generally, the maintenance liquid may have a viscosity between 10 and 4000 mPa.s, and the opening may have a diameter between 0.2 and 15 mm - the latter value corresponding to the embodiment of Figures 3 or 5. The diameter of the opening can be determined experimentally for a given maintenance liquid. Even greater viscosities are possible, especially in the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 5 or 6. Values between 2500 and 5000 mPa.s and even up to 6000 mPa.s are suitable. The diameter of the opening can then be chosen between 1.2 and 1.5 mm.

The bent shape of the tube also controls the angle between the tube and the wall of the bowl, and thus the angle α between the axis of the tube and the vertical. Preferably, this angle is between 0 and 90 °. In the example, the angle α is 75 °, so that the axis of the end of the tube is substantially perpendicular to the wall of the bowl and the direction of flow of the water. These values of the angle make it possible to improve the suction effect. In the hypothesis that the suction proceeds from a Venturi effect, the bent shape of the tube makes it possible to ensure that the axis of study is as perpendicular as possible to the flow of water; this improves the suction effect, with respect to a stream of water whose direction is inclined relative to the perpendicular to the tube.

Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, but showing the product in the tank; the liquid is in the reservoir, and also in the tube near its free end. As can be seen in the figure, there is no contact between the liquid at the end of the tube and the liquid in the reservoir; this does not affect the flow of liquid out of the dispenser, but avoids any upwelling in the tank, as explained in detail below.

The operation of the dispenser of Figures 1 and 2 is as follows. In the absence of water flow, the maintenance liquid is in the vicinity of the end of the tube, but does not flow. When the flush is actuated, the water flows along the wall of the bowl, and causes a hydrodynamic effect a depression in the vicinity of the end of the tube. The maintenance liquid flows out of the tube. After the At the end of the flush water flow, the pressure in the tank equilibrates, and the dispenser is ready for a new use.

It is understood that the invention avoids a constant flow of the maintenance liquid, and a loss of liquid in the absence of use of the toilet. It is also understood that the invention avoids the upwelling in the tank, and the dilution of the maintenance liquid. Furthermore, the device of the invention is immediately functional, unlike devices with a porous mass: from the first flush, or the second, a specific amount of maintenance liquid is distributed. The amount of maintenance fluid dispensed is independent of how often the dispenser is used.

As the operation of the dispenser of the invention is based on the suction caused by the flow of the flush, the maintenance liquid may have a lower viscosity than in the distributors of the state of the art. This prevents blocking of the dispenser by thickeners, and improves its reliability.

Embodiments of the invention are now given in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in the figure, the dispenser of the invention is in fact made of several parts; each of these parts can be made of injection molded plastic. The tank is formed of a first piece. A second part forms the body of the dispenser, and receives the reservoir; the attachment means are fixed on this second part. This second part advantageously has on the side of the tank a beveled opening tube 16, which opens the tank by tearing a closure cap. This allows the dispenser to be delivered with a sealed tank, or to provide sealed spare tanks. The lid of the tank is torn by the opening tube when the tank is inserted into the body of the distributor. On the side opposite the tank, the second piece has a cylindrical housing in which the tube 10 fits. The dispenser further comprises a fourth piece, which forms a nozzle at the end of the tube 10. Providing a fourth piece at the end of the tube, in which the opening 15 is defined, makes it possible to modify the diameter of the opening without changing the structure of the dispenser. None of the parts of the distributor is mobile, and the distributor is simpler in its structure as in its operation than the distributor of the document El Sioufy mentioned above.

As seen in the figure, the dispenser comprises in the vicinity of the end of the tube a hole 18. This hole allows the admission of air into the distributor, after the flow of the liquid under the effect of the depression created by a flush. The hole thus ensures a balancing of the pressure in the tube, between two hunts. Thus, the operation of the dispenser is independent of the level of the liquid in the reservoir.

It is particularly advantageous that the end of the tube is separated from the tank; in the example of Figures 1 and 2, the bottom of the housing which receives the tube thus has an opening 22 Like the opening 15, this second opening 22 in the tube prevents the flow of liquid in the absence of hunting. water. As shown in Figure 2, in operation, the liquid in the reservoir is retained by the opening 22; and the liquid present in the vicinity of the free end of the tube 10 is not in contact with the liquid of the reservoir. The opening 22 may have a diameter between 0.2 and 10 mm; such a diameter is sufficient to prevent in normal operation a liquid flow from the reservoir to the end of the tube. In this way, a compartment is defined between the free end of the tube 10 and the opening 22. The operation of the dispenser in this embodiment is as follows. Starting from the rest situation of FIG. 2, as explained above, the flow of water causes a depression by hydrodynamic effect, the evacuation of the liquid contained in the compartment and the distribution of the active substances in the water. of the bowl. A new quantity of liquid is sucked from the reservoir, through the opening 22, for distribution during the next flush; This suction causes a rise in air in the tank, which balances the air pressure above the liquid, and allows operation of the device independent of the liquid level.

The vacuum in the tube is then compensated by the suction of air through the hole 18. This air suction ensures a separation between the liquid in the tube, in the vicinity of the lower opening of the tube, on the one hand, and the reservoir liquid above the opening 22, on the other hand. This separation avoids any upwelling in the tank by osmosis. In fact, even if the liquid in the tube is partially diluted by water entering the tube, the liquid in the reservoir is not diluted.

The ratio between the diameter of the air hole and the opening at the free end of the tube allows a delay in the balancing of the pressures, and thus a suction of the liquid out of the tank, before the balancing of the pressures. Thus, it is preferable that the diameter of the air hole is sufficiently small to allow the formation of a vacuum in the reservoir during the evacuation of the liquid. If the diameter of the air hole is too large, it does not form depression in the tube during the distribution of the liquid by flushing, and the new amount of liquid sucked may be insufficient. Conversely, if the diameter of the hole is too small, the amount of air between the liquid of the tube and the liquid of the reservoir decreases, and the separation can no longer be ensured. In the embodiment of the figure, the hole has a diameter of 0.8 mm, which is suitable for the viscosities of liquid mentioned above. More generally, the hole may have a diameter between 0.2 and 2 mm. The hole is sufficiently far from the free end of the tube for the introduced air to rise in the tube; the fact that during the suction phase, the water of the flush passes over the hole has the advantage of also avoiding too rapid balancing of the pressures.

The figure also shows that the dispenser has a lug or projecting portion 20 in the vicinity of the opening at the free end of the tube. The lug rests on the wall of the bowl and allows to determine exactly the position of the end of the tube relative to the wall. This lug is particularly useful in the absence of a water guide plate like that of Figures 3 or 5. A length of the lug between 0.2 and 6 mm is suitable. It is advantageous that the lug does not disturb the flow of water, and in particular does not slow it down. As a result, the offset lug can be arranged with respect to the axis of the tube, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

These different characteristics are combined in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, but they can be implemented independently of each other.

Figures 3 to 9 show views of principle of other dispenser embodiments. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the dispenser has a reservoir 24, with an opening 26 which opens into a tube 28 of larger diameter than the diameter of the opening. The tube has a constant diameter. The operation of the device is similar to that described above: the flow of the liquid creates a vacuum in the tube, and a quantity of liquid is sucked. The aspirated liquid flows into the tube and is dispensed. In the absence of flushing, the liquid remains in the tank. There is no contact between the water and the reservoir liquid, and the advantages of the invention are ensured. Another explanation of the flow of the liquid is as follows: during flushing, the water rises in the tube, and created by rising in the tube 28 an overpressure. This penetration of water into the tube is favored by the grooved plate. The overpressure in the top of the tube causes air to enter the tank 24, the pressure equilibrating on both sides of the opening 26. It will be noted that the air in the tube still prevents any contact between the water rising in the tube and the maintenance liquid.

When the water flows, at the end of the flush, the water level in the tube drops, the water flush then flowing out of the tube. The pressure in the reservoir 24 is then greater than the pressure in the tube, and the pressure equilibrates by suction of maintenance liquid out of the reservoir through the opening 26. The maintenance liquid flows along the tube and then on the grooved plate.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the dispenser is similar to that of Figure 3, but has an opening 30 of smaller diameter at the end of the tube. In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the tube has no air hole. The operation of the device is similar to that described above: a quantity of liquid present at the free end of the tube is sucked by the depression caused by flushing. This creates a corresponding depression in the reservoir, and the suction of a new quantity of liquid through the opening 26 of the reservoir. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, there is a separation between the liquid of the tube and the liquid of the reservoir.

Figure 5 shows still an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the dispenser is similar to that of Figure 3, and has a reservoir 24 provided in its lower part an opening 26. This has a size - a diameter in the case of a circular opening - which prevents the flow of maintenance liquid in the absence of external stresses. As in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, it is possible to use a size of the order of 3 mm, and more generally a size of between 0.2 and 6 mm, depending on the viscosity of the maintenance liquid. The opening opens into a tube 32, with a diameter of the order of 15 mm and a length of about 8 mm. This length of the tube ensures the absence of contact between the flush water and the maintenance liquid contained in the tank; more generally a tube length greater than 2 mm would be suitable. The distributor further has a guide plate 34, which is disposed under the end of the tube 32. The distance between the free end of the tube and the grooved plate is in the embodiment of the order of 1.5 mm. More generally, this distance - or the distance between the plate and the opening in the absence of a tube - can be between 0.2 and 6 mm.

The dispenser of FIG. 5 operates as follows: in the absence of flushing, the opening 26 ensures that the liquid does not flow out of the tank. When the user triggers the flush, the water flows on the plate 34, which guides it, as symbolized by the arrow of the figure; it also flows around the tube 32, and between the end of the tube and the plate 34, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube. The flow of water causes a depression in the tube, then in the tank, which leads to a few drops of the cleaning fluid from the tank. The flow causes at the same time the rise of an air bubble in the space of the tank above the maintenance liquid. This rise in air allows the flow of the maintenance liquid out of the tank, until the equilibrium pressure is reached in the tank, and the flow of the maintenance liquid ceases.

The liquid flows through the opening 26, and falls on the plate 34; some of the liquid is carried away by the water of the hunt; the liquid, however, continues to flow for a period of about 6 s after the end of the flush, for a viscosity of the maintenance liquid of the order of 500 mPa.s; more generally, depending on the viscosity and the diameters of the various holes, this duration can be between 2 and 60 s or more. In any case, at the end of this period, the flow of liquid ceases completely. Maintenance fluid flowing after the end of flushing remains on the plate. This is advantageously grooved, which facilitates the spreading of the maintenance liquid and improves the olfactory effect of the dispenser caused by the evaporation of the maintenance liquid. The proportion of liquid flowing during the flush and after the flush thereof depends on the size of the opening 26, and more specifically, the speed of pressure equalization.

The presence of the tube 32 in which opens the opening 26 has the following advantages: on the one hand, the tube guides the water, and improves the hydrodynamic suction effect. On the other hand, the tube avoids any contact between the opening 26 and the water, in other words avoids any upwelling in the tank. It is possible to do without the tube, at the risk of reducing the hydrodynamic effect of the hunt, and allow upwelling in the maintenance liquid.

The distribution of the liquid can also be explained by the hydrodynamic effect of rising liquid in and around the tube, as in the previous figures. To promote such a rise of the liquid in the tube, it can be provided that the tube 32 and the plate 34 are in contact with each other on a part of the periphery of the tube; the contact zone, if it exists, is advantageously opposed to the direction of the incident water flow. In the example of the figure, this contact zone would be on the left side of the figure. This contact zone can be made by cutting the end of the tube, bevel or otherwise; it can also provide a projection on the plate 34, partially surrounding the tube or inside a part thereof. In all cases, the end of the tube remains open, so as to avoid the disadvantages of the device WO-A-01 02653. It is also possible for a part of the periphery of the tube to be closer to the guide device - without necessarily the touch - only the rest of the tube. One can also provide an opening at the end of the tube in the peripheral wall of the tube.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention. The dispenser is similar in principle to that of Figure 5, except for the shape of the plate 36. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the plate 36 is shaped to promote the rise of water around the tube. It is therefore placed in the path of the stream of water, and may advantageously have a rim retaining part of the water flow. The flanged plate 36 has a funnel function to raise the water level around the tube. It can be provided openings 38 in the rim. Note that the plate can also be grooved.

The operation of the dispenser of FIG. 6 can be explained as follows; if the flow of water is sufficiently strong, the plate guides the water perpendicularly to the tube, which causes a vacuum and the suction of a quantity of liquid, as in the dispenser of FIG. water is too low, the flushing time of the water allows the rise of water around the tube; this rise causes an increase in the static pressure at the bottom of the tube and inside thereof; this pressure causes the introduction of air into the tank, and therefore an overpressure above the active liquid. After the interruption of the water flow, when the water level drops by flow on the plate, the static pressure decreases and a quantity of active liquid is sucked out of the tank, until re-equilibration of the pressures and disappearance of the overpressure. The liquid arriving on the plate 36 after the interruption of the water flow, it spreads and enhances the deodorizing effect by evaporation, until the next hunt. During the next flush, the liquid previously sucked and found on the plate is driven by the water, so as to distribute the active substances in the water of the bowl. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for the deodorant effect, due to the spreading on the plate of a freshly aspirated maintenance liquid immediately after flushing.

This device also has the advantage of operating even with water flows at very low speed. From this point of view, the conformation of the plate 36 can be effected by providing openings 38 on the edges of the plate. The size of the openings is such that the water rises around the tube during the flush, but then flows after the end thereof to cause the suction of the maintenance liquid. This creates a delay effect in the suction of the liquid and ensures that the maintenance liquid is sucked out of the dispenser after the end of the flush. The emptying of the plate ensures that the tube is full of air before the next flush.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 5, it is possible to provide that the tube partially touches the plate 36, on the opposite side to the arrival of the flow of water. It could also be provided that the tube touches the plate 36, on the side of the arrival of the flow of water; this would have the effect of promoting the static operation of the device, by the rise of the water around the tube, and to disadvantage the dynamic operation of the device, by rising water in the tube during the flow of water. As described above, one can simply bring the end of the tube or a portion thereof, without contact.

Conversely, or in a complementary manner, it is possible to provide a guide plate which is not flat, but inclined, which is shown in phantom in FIG. 6. In such a case, the opening in the plate guide is in the vicinity of the free end of the tube; it does not fulfill the function of diffuser, but only serves to guide the flow of water to ensure the distribution of the maintenance liquid.

Figures 7 and 8 show partial sectional views of two further embodiments of a dispenser; these figures only show the portion of the dispenser adjacent to the opening; the two figures are examples with a removable tank, and thus show the beveled tube 40 which allows to pierce the lid of a removable tank. In the examples of these figures, the distributor has two separate openings, which serve respectively to the air inlet and the distribution of maintenance liquid.

In the example of Figure 7, there are two openings 42 and 44; the opening 42 serves for the entry of air into the reservoir, while the opening 44 serves for the distribution of the maintenance liquid; for this purpose, the tube 46 surrounds the opening 42, while there is no tube below the opening 44; it could also provide a tube below the opening 44, which would extend less than the tube 46. Due to the tube 46, the flow of water causes an air inlet into the tank through the door. opening 42, which can be explained by one of the phenomena referred to above. On the other hand, the flow of water, in the absence of a tube surrounding the opening 44, or because of the smaller size of this tube, causes no or little air entry through the opening. 44.

The liquid distribution is in the example of FIG. 7 simultaneous with the flow: it can begin through the opening 44 as soon as the air begins to enter the reservoir through the opening 42. two openings also makes it possible to independently adjust the dimensions of the two openings. The size of the opening 42 may be smaller than in the examples with a single opening, without impairing the efficiency of the distribution of the liquid. This makes it possible to reliably distribute a lower dose than in the presence of a single opening. The size of the dispensing opening 44 can then be chosen simply so as to prevent the flow of the maintenance liquid out of the tank in the absence of a flush; the size of the opening 42 is chosen according to the quantity of liquid to be dispensed. It is thus possible to dispense a smaller amount of liquid, and to extend the life of the product, for a given reservoir volume.

In the example of Figure 8, a single tube 48 surrounds the two openings 42 and 44; in order for the air to enter the opening 42 and the product to be distributed through the other opening 44, a second tube 50 is formed under the liquid dispensing opening 44, inside the single tube 48. made of the height of this second tube, there is during the flush a pressure difference at the two openings; this has the effect of promoting the entry of air through the opening 42 and the distribution of maintenance liquid through the opening 44.

In the example of Figures 7 and 8, the guide device is not shown; the guiding devices of the preceding figures can be used, or even dispensed with, depending on the nature of the water flow. Note also the shape of the end of the tube; it has a cut 52. It can thus promote the rise of water in the tube, or the opposite, as explained above, depending on the position of the cut with respect to the direction of the water flow.

In all the embodiments, distributors may be associated with other elements. It is thus possible to associate with the reservoir a porous mass soaked in perfume, which would be changed at the same time as the reservoir. In particular, it is possible to use a cellulose block soaked in perfume. This solution avoids mixing in liquid perfumes and active substances that could degrade these fragrance essences. Thus, the acids used for their descaling action can degrade the perfumes.

It is also possible to provide in the distributor a diffusing mass, for example porous or grooved. This mass could be in contact with the liquid of the tube, but would be out of the path of the water of the hunt; it could thus be provided on the lower part of the tube an opening through which flow the maintenance liquid. This solution has the advantage of improving the diffusing power of the dispenser, which is suitable for scented active substances. In such a case, the diffusing mass is in communication with the liquid of the tube, it avoids the disadvantages of the state of the art Sara Lee. It is also possible to provide a diffusing mass which is not in direct contact with the liquid, but which is in the path of the water of the flush. Part of the liquid flowing out of the dispenser is then removed by the porous mass; as in the previous case, this improves the perfuming effect, by the prolonged diffusion of the scented active substances. This solution is particularly adapted to the example of Figure 3, wherein the liquid is sucked from the tank by the depression created by the flush, but continues to flow from the tube even after the end of the hunt of water. The length of the tube and the rebalancing time thus create a delay between the suction from the reservoir, and the flow of the product, so that part of the product can be taken from a diffusing mass.

It is also possible to provide a device for guiding the water towards the free end of the tube 10; such a device, for example in the form of guide plates, or a funnel, to guide the water towards the end of the tube. It is thus possible to increase the amount of water flowing to the tube, with a possible loss of speed.

The different elements of the different embodiments of the invention can be combined. Thus, the embodiments of Figures 3, 5 and 6 use a water guide plate, from which the cleaning liquid evaporates between two flushes. Such a plate could also be used in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 or FIG. 4. The plate, as explained above, has a guiding function and a function for improving the olfactory effect. It can be used simply for the guiding effect, for example for a maintenance liquid without perfuming function, or simply for the olfactory effect without participating in guiding the water.

The tube may be rectilinear as in the embodiment of Figure 5, or bent as in the embodiments of the other figures; again, we can exchange the shapes of tubes, depending on the direction of the water flow; it is advantageous to choose the shape of the tube to maximize the hydrodynamic effect of the water. If the tube is bent, or more generally if it is not vertical, it can be used to induce a delay effect during the suction of the maintenance liquid, the latter flowing on the walls of the tube. In the case of a dispenser immersed in a flush tank, the tube is preferably of a length or more exactly of a height such that it avoids the rise of water until the opening of the distributor tank. This prevents any contact between the maintenance fluid and the water of the tank of the hunt.

The dispenser may have a removable reservoir, as already proposed for some distributors of the state of the art. In this case, the dispenser is typically provided with means for receiving and holding the dispenser, and a tip or the like for tearing a cap of the reservoir. In this case, the term "reservoir" refers to the portion of the dispenser in which the liquid is stored in the operating position of the dispenser. In other words, in the case of a removable "reservoir", the tank in the sense of the present description is not simply the removable part, but also includes the entire part of the dispenser in which the liquid is located, when the dispenser is in operating position.

Embodiments of the invention may have a tube into which the opening opens. In this case, it is advantageous that the free end of the tube - that is to say the end which is not connected to the reservoir - is itself distant from any guide device or the wall of the toilet. , so as to allow a passage of the water of the hunt. It can also be provided, as explained above, that the tube is only partially open at its lower end.

• une aspiration due à la dépression provoquée par l'écoulement de l'eau à l'extrémité du tube; celle-ci est maximale lorsque le flux d'eau est perpendiculaire à cette extrémité;
• une aspiration due à la montée puis à la descente d'eau dans le tube, comme dans la figure 3; dans ce cas, même en l'absence de pression statique autour du tube, la montée d'eau dans le tube provoque une surpression dans le réservoir; ce dispositif est plus sensible à la vitesse et à la direction du flux d'eau;
• une aspiration due à la variation de la pression statique à l'extrémité du tube.

The hydrodynamic suction effect of the maintenance liquid in the dispenser of the invention can thus be explained by three phenomena:

• suction due to the depression caused by the flow of water at the end of the tube; this is maximum when the flow of water is perpendicular to this end;
• suction due to the rise and then the descent of water into the tube, as in Figure 3; in this case, even in the absence of static pressure around the tube, the rise of water in the tube causes an overpressure in the tank; this device is more sensitive to the speed and direction of the water flow;
• suction due to the variation of the static pressure at the end of the tube.

The three phenomena can be combined according to the force and direction of the water flow. This allows the dispenser to operate for different flushing conditions. The distributor is more reliable.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described by way of example; thus, the dispensing tube could have a shape other than that which is given in the exemplary embodiments, and for example, could have an elongate opening. In such a case, the word "diameter" in the above may be replaced by the word "size". The tube of the invention may have a section different from that which is proposed; for example, a square section may be used, the tube being simply formed of four walls which surround the opening provided in the lower part of the tank. The length of the tube may vary from the embodiments, and it may well be smaller than the section. The section of the tube can also cover the entire surface of the dispenser; one could in this case call the tube "skirt" or "compartment".

Finally, the invention is described in its preferred application to the distribution of maintenance liquid in the toilet bowl; it can also be applied to the distribution of liquid of another nature in an environment with a flow of fluid.

Claims (17)

1. A dispenser for a toilet bowl care fluid, comprising:

   - means of attachment (8) onto the toilet bowl,

   - a container (4, 24) for toilet care liquid, the container having in its lower part a free opening (22, 15, 26, 42) of a size such as to prevent the fluid flowing out of the container when there is no flushing, characterized by:

   - a pipe (10, 28, 32) one end of which opens into an outlet, the other end of the pipe being open,

   in which the said other end of the pipe is in proximity to the wall of the toilet bowl or in proximity to a guiding device (34) for the flushing water and in which the opening is of a suitable size to allow the toilet care fluid to be sucked out by hydrodynamic effect when the flushing water passes in close proximity to the dispenser.
2. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening is circular and has a diameter between 0.2 and 5 mm, preferably of the order of 3 mm.
3. The dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, caracterized in that the toilet care fluid has a viscosity between 10 and 4000 mPa.s.
4. The dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guiding device is in the form of a grooved plate.
5. The dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guiding device is in the form of a plate with a flange (36).
6. The dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guiding device is in the form of a curved plate.
7. The dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the guiding device has an opening (38).
8. The dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the container has in its lower part a second free opening (44) of a suitable size to prevent the toilet care fluid flowing out of the container when there is no flush.
9. The dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that the opening (42) and the second opening (44) of the container have different dimensions.
10. The dispenser according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that it has a second pipe (50) extending into the said pipe below one of the two openings.
11. The dispenser according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the pipe does not surround the second opening.
12. The dispenser according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the container is detachable.
13. A method for dispensing a toilet care fluid in a toilet bowl, comprising the stages of :

    - attachment to the inside of the toilet bowl of a dispenser for toilet care fluid according to one of claims 1 to 12 ;

    - sucking the toilet care fluid out of the container by hydrodynamic effect of the water guided in proximity to the open end of the pipe when there is flushing.
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the suction stage comprises:

    - flushing water rising in the pipe in such a way as to create an excess pressure at the opening and forcing air to enter into the container;

    - dispensing of fluid out of the container.
15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the suction stage comprises:

    - flushing water rising around the pipe in such a way as to create an excess pressure at the opening and forcing air to enter into the container;

    - dispensing of fluid out of the container.
16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the water rising stage and the dispensing stage are simultaneous.
17. The method according to claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that the suction stage comprises:

    - passage of flushing water around the pipe in such a way as to create a reduced pressure at the opening;

    - dispensing of fluid out of the container.

Images