SANITIZING FLUID APPLICATOR DEVICE INTEGRATED INTO A TOILET FLUSH MECHANISM

Description

1 / 12 SANITIZING FLUID APPLICATION DEVICE INTEGRATED INTO A TOILET FLUSH MECHANISM. Technical Department.

[01] The present invention belongs to the sanitary engineering sector, more specifically to the segment of toilet flushing systems with attached cisterns, also including automatic cleaning and disinfection devices. It is related to the international patent classification that deals with accessories for flushing devices, including the addition of cleaning or disinfecting agents to the water during the flushing operation. State of the Art.

[02] Devices that promote the release of sanitizing agents in the toilet bowl are known, either by solid tablets positioned on the rim of the bowl or by systems fixed to the water inlet of the flush. However, these systems have limitations regarding dosage control, functional integration, and uniformity of agent dispersion. Cleaning tablets or holders placed on the inner rim of the toilet bowl, in addition to being aesthetically exposed, depend on the continuous action of water and do not allow precise synchronization with the flush. Furthermore, they require frequent replacement and are subject to accidental detachment, which compromises hygiene and functionality. Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 5 / 26 2 / 12

[03] Documents such as US9212476B2 reveal cleaning gel applicators positioned directly on the inner rim of the toilet bowl, without articulation with the flushing system, and with operation dependent on the occasional contact of water with the product. This solution does not guarantee uniformity in the distribution of the sanitizing agent and is limited in terms of control over the volume released. US5881396A, in turn, describes an electronic cleaner controller coupled to the flushing system, with sensors and mechanical actuators that significantly increase the cost of installation and maintenance, making it impractical for large-scale residential use.

[04] The previous application by the same author, MU8600962-1, although innovative in proposing the release of sanitizing fluid based on the introduction of air during the filling of the tank, lacks a direct functional link with the moment of flushing, which reduces the accuracy in dosing and prevents differentiation between flush volumes. The absence of a direct connection with the flush button limits its ability to respond to different user commands.

[05] In view of these limitations, the present invention offers substantial advantages, notably by: (i) promoting the automatic and synchronized release of the sanitizing fluid agent precisely at the moment of discharge, ensuring better use of the product; (ii) allowing Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 6 / 26 3 / 12 volume control released proportional to the type of actuation performed (partial or complete flush); (iii) allow multiple installation methods (internal, external, side or recessed), adapting to different configurations of toilet cisterns; (iv) offer low-cost modular construction, with the possibility of using spring or magnet return elements, without the need for electronic components or automation; (v) keep the sanitizing fluid reservoir hidden or protected, favoring aesthetics and avoiding direct contact with the user or the inside of the toilet bowl; (vi) enable wide commercial adaptability, with replaceable refills, dosing membranes or calibrated channels, for different types of sanitizing products.

[06] The integration between the flush drive system and the release of the sanitizing fluid agent represents an advance in terms of functionality, practicality, economy and hygiene, with no equivalent solution currently available in the state of the art on the market or in the patent literature. Summary of the Invention.

[07] The present invention relates to a sanitizing fluid applicator device integrated into the flushing mechanism of toilets, with or without a cistern, comprising a reservoir containing the sanitizing element, whose main characteristic is to allow the Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 7 / 26 4 / 12 synchronized release of sanitizing fluid at the exact moment of water discharge, through functional coupling between an actuating piston and a dosing channel connected to the reservoir.

[08] The device is designed in a modular way and presents constructive variations that maintain inventive unity among themselves, allowing different forms of application according to the available hydraulic and architectural structure. The constructive forms include, for example, a form in which the valve is mounted externally to the lower portion of a reservoir, being hydraulically actuated by means of the pressure of the discharge water conducted through a T-type connection, and another form in which the valve is installed internally to a reservoir coupled on the lid of conventional flush tanks or embedded in the flush tank, being mechanically actuated and synchronized with the toilet flush button.

[09] These constructive forms share the same functional principle of controlled sanitizing dosage, synchronized with the flush activation, and are characterized by their compact, efficient, low-cost construction and applicability in both new and pre-existing systems. The modularity of the invention allows its adaptation to different installation needs, maintaining the technical and functional integrity of the invention. Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 8 / 26 5 / 12 Brief Description of the Drawings.

[10] For a better understanding of the constructive and operational characteristics of the proposed device, this report includes technical figures that present schematic representations in perspective, section and exploded views of the main elements that make up the invention. The representations are illustrative, not limiting, and the reference numbers will be used in the detailed description to facilitate the functional and constructive identification of the components, where the:

[11] Figure 1 shows assembled valve 1 version, in a perspective view;

[12] Figure 1A shows valve 1 version in an exploded view;

[13] Figure 1B shows valve 1 version in a front cutaway view;

[14] Figure 2 shows a reservoir in perspective view as a possible application of valve 1 in an external reservoir coupled to a toilet;

[15] Figure 2A shows T-connection in perspective view;

[16] Figure 2B shows a side view of the reservoir equipped with valve 1 coupled to a toilet bowl and hydraulic actuation;

[17] Figure 2C shows assembled valve 1 version, with application in reservoir and hydraulic actuation in view. Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 9 / 26 6 / 12 enlarged cut;

[18] Figure 3 shows a version of valve 1.1 in a perspective view;

[19] Figure 3A shows a valve 1.1 version in an exploded view;

[20] Figure 3B shows a cutaway view of valve version 1.1;

[21] Figure 4 shows valve version 1.1 mounted in a reservoir installed in a toilet flush tank;

[22] Figure 4A shows an exploded view of the application of valve 1.1 in a reservoir integrated into the toilet bowl;

[23] Figure 4B shows a side cutaway view of valve version 1.1 mounted in a reservoir installed in a toilet flush tank;

[24] Figure 4C shows an enlarged side cutaway view of valve version 1.1 mounted in a reservoir installed in a toilet flush tank;

[25] Figure 5 shows perspective view of valve version

[26] 1.2; Figure 5A shows exploded view of valve version 1.2;

[27] Figure 5B shows cutaway view of valve version 1.2. Detailed Description of the Invention. Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 10 / 26 7 / 12

[28] The present invention relates to a sanitizing fluid applicator device that operates in synchrony with the flushing of toilet water, promoting the controlled release of sanitizing fluid directly into the flush flow, without interfering with the water stored in the cistern.

[29] In a first embodiment, represented in Figure 1, the applicator device (1) consists of an outer cylindrical body (10) that receives an axial piston (2) with translation capability inside. The piston (2) has upper and lower peripheral recesses (21, 22), in which sealing rings (3) are housed, providing tightness to the assembly. A central recess (23), arranged on the longitudinal axis of the piston (2), allows the capture and conduction of the sanitizing fluid. The assembly is completed by a return magnet (4), which promotes the return of the piston to its initial position when the hydraulic pressure ceases, and by a lower sealing cap (5), which ensures the hermetic closure of the lower end of the device.

[30] The applicator device (1) is designed to be installed inside a reservoir (6), as illustrated in Figures 2, 2B and 2C, which stores the sanitizing substance. This reservoir (6) is coupled to a T-shaped hydraulic branch (7), represented Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 11 / 26 8 / 12 in Figure 2A, which integrates the water discharge piping from the toilet tank or conventional plumbing system of the toilet bowl.

[31] The system starts to function when the water flush is activated and the consequent passage of hydraulic flow through the T-junction (7). The pressure generated by the water flow acts on the piston (2), forcing its axial movement into the body of the applicator device (1), which results in the capture of a predetermined amount of sanitizer contained in the reservoir (6) by means of the recess (23). Once the water flow ceases, the magnet (4) forces the piston (2) to return to the rest position, promoting the release of the captured portion of sanitizer to the residue of the flush flow, which continues into the toilet bowl.

[32] Figure 2C shows, in enlarged view, the interaction between the piston (2), the recess (23), and the reservoir (6), demonstrating the path of the sanitizing fluid during the activation of the system and allows visualization of the water flow in the T-junction (7), the valve housing (1) and the cooperative operation between the elements mentioned.

[33] In a second embodiment of the invention, represented by Figures 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 4A, 4B and 4C, the applicator device (1.1) is positioned inside Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 12 / 26 9 / 12 a watertight compartment (13), installed on the top cover of the flush tank (19) of a conventional toilet. This compartment (13) is intended for storing the sanitizing fluid and operates independently of the water reservoir of the tank (19), ensuring the integrity of the sanitizing liquid contained therein.

[34] The applicator device (1.1) consists of a hollow outer body (10), in which a piston (2) is mounted internally, equipped with peripheral recesses (21, 22) that accommodate sealing rings (3), responsible for ensuring tightness during piston movement. The piston (2) is fixed to an adjustable slide screw (12), visible at the top of the structure, which allows regulating the piston stroke and, consequently, the volume of fluid to be dispensed with each actuation. The middle portion of the piston contains a central recess (23), designed to capture and conduct the sanitizing fluid to the outlet channel (5.2).

[35] The lower part of the applicator device (1.1) is closed by a cover (5.1), equipped with a lateral drainage channel (5.2), through which the sanitizing fluid is conducted. A helical spring (11), housed between the bottom of the body (10) and the piston (2), promotes the automatic return of the piston to the rest position after actuation.

[36] The system is activated by pressing the button. Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 13 / 26 10 / 12 discharge (14), located on the container lid (13), as shown in Figure 4. When pressed by the user, the button acts mechanically on the slide screw (12), moving the plunger (2) downwards. This movement promotes the compression of the volume of sanitizing fluid previously housed inside the compartment (13), providing capture and release through the drain channel (5.2), as shown in detail in Figures 4B and 4C.

[37] The sanitizing fluid is then conducted through an auxiliary pipe (x) to the extruder (17) located inside the flush box (19), as illustrated in Figures 4B and 4C, promoting its release along with the water flow inside the toilet bowl.

[38] This configuration has the advantage of keeping the sanitizing reservoir isolated from the water compartment, ensuring that the main hydraulic system is not contaminated. In addition, the drive mechanism, with spring return (11) and volume adjustment by means of the slide screw (12), allows for precise and adaptable dosing to the user's needs or the characteristics of the fluid used.

[39] In a third embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figures 5 and 5A, an applicator device (1.2) with a double actuation control system is presented, characterized by a mechanism that allows the dispensing of Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 14 / 26 11 / 12 sanitizing fluid with superior volume and actuation control, adaptable to different sanitary discharge configurations.

[40] The applicator device (1.2) comprises an outer cylindrical body (10), which houses internally an axial piston (2), equipped with sealing rings (3) arranged in peripheral recesses, ensuring tightness during the linear displacement of the piston inside the body. The piston (2) is supported by a helical compression spring (11), which acts to return to the rest position after each actuation.

[41] At the lower end of the device is a sealing cap (5.1), which delimits the bottom of the body (10) and conducts the sanitizing fluid to the fluid outlet channel (5.2), which can be directed to an extruder or auxiliary piping, according to the desired sanitary application.

[42] The main innovation of this embodiment lies in the presence of two integrated adjustment mechanisms, namely, a slide screw (12), which connects directly to the piston (2) and defines the depth of its stroke, which mechanically limits the cursor's travel and allows precise calibration of the amount of fluid to be dispensed in each actuation.

[43] The applicator device (1.2) is attached to the sanitizing fluid storage compartment by Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 15 / 26 12 / 12 means of a fixing nut (8), allowing firm and watertight mounting to the reservoir (13), which can be coupled internally or externally to the toilet flush tank.

[44] The actuation can occur manually or by a mechanism linked to the flush button. The actuation of the button moves the cursor (12), pushing the plunger (2) against the force of the spring (11), capturing the sanitizing fluid and forcing its passage through the outlet (5.2). When the button pressure ceases, the spring (11) promotes the automatic return of the plunger (2), interrupting the dispensing.

[45] The combined presence of the slide screw (12) and the adjustment screw gives the applicator device (1.2) refined dosage control, allowing more precise applications of sanitizing fluid with variable volumes according to the toilet bowl model, fluid density or specific sanitary need.

[46] This constructive variation maintains the separation between the sanitizing compartment and the tank water, guaranteeing the integrity of the hydraulic system, and is compatible with both built-in and coupled configurations, and can be applied in new projects or adapted to existing systems. Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 16 / 26

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIM 1. SANITIZING FLUID APPLICATOR DEVICE INTEGRATED INTO A TOILET FLUSH MECHANISM, characterized by comprising a cylindrical outer body (10); a piston (2) mounted in an axially translatable manner inside the body (10), having peripheral recesses (21, 22) that house sealing rings (3) and a central axial recess (23) intended for capturing the sanitizing fluid; a return element (4, 11) that automatically repositions the piston (2) after actuation; an outlet channel (5.2) connected to a reservoir (6), with the piston (2) being actuated in a synchronized manner with the flush mechanism, promoting the controlled release of the sanitizing fluid into the water flow destined for the inside of the toilet bowl.

2. Applicator device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation of the piston (2) is hydraulic, caused by the water pressure coming from a T-shaped hydraulic bypass (7) integrated into the discharge pipe.

3. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation of the piston (2) is mechanical, by means of a button (14) that moves a slider screw (12) coupled to the piston (2).

4. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the return element consists of a magnet (4) positioned on the base of the device (1). Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 17 / 26 2 / 2 5. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the return element consists of a helical spring (11) disposed between the base of the piston (2) and the lower part of the body (10).

6. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a slide screw (12) that regulates the depth of stroke of the piston (2), allowing adjustment of the volume of fluid dispensed.

7. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized by being integrated into a reservoir (6) coupled externally to the toilet bowl, outside the flush tank.

8. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized by being installed inside an upper compartment (13) disposed on the lid of the flush tank (19).

9. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising slider screws (12) for volume adjustment, allowing double control of sanitizing fluid dosage.

10. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sanitizing fluid outlet channel (5.2) is connected to an extruder (17) positioned inside the discharge box (19), so as to release the fluid directly into the discharge flow. Petition 870250056557, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, pp. 18 / 26

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