A dosing device for the automatic release of a cleaning liquid

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic cleaning fluid dispensing device, specifically relating to the field of bathroom equipment technology, comprising a static component, a floating component, and a fluid box assembly. The static component includes a base, a first connecting rod, and a water tank; the floating component includes a float, a second connecting rod, and a counterweight, with a piston rod on the counterweight inserted into a piston tube at the bottom of the water tank; the fluid box assembly includes a flexible bag containing the cleaning fluid, a discharge pipe, and a fluid box body, with the flexible bag located inside the fluid box body, the discharge pipe passing through the fluid box body, and an input pipe at the bottom of the fluid box body; the side of the water tank has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, each with a one-way valve, and the outlet pipe and input pipe are detachably and sealedly connected. This invention uses water as a pressure medium, which enters the fluid box body through a connecting hose and evenly presses the surface of the flexible bag, causing the paste-like cleaning fluid to be squeezed out. It is not limited by the viscosity of the cleaning fluid, achieving automatic, quantitative, and stable release of high-viscosity cleaning fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sanitary equipment technology, and more specifically, to an automatic dispensing device for toilet tanks or urinal water tanks that dispenses cleaning fluid. Background Technology

[0002] In places where regular detergent additions are required, such as toilet tanks, urinal storage tanks, and small industrial water treatment tanks, common automatic detergent dispensing devices fall into two main categories: solid detergent blocks, which dissolve slowly when directly added to the tank; and liquid detergent dispensers, which release a small amount of detergent with each flush using gravity or siphon principles. For solid detergent blocks, the dissolution rate is greatly affected by water temperature and flow, making the release uncontrollable. Often, the initial concentration is too high, leading to waste, while the later concentration is insufficient, resulting in ineffective cleaning. While liquid detergent dispensers offer relatively stable release, they are often disposable or semi-disposable, making replenishment or replacement difficult once the detergent is depleted. Furthermore, their placement is limited, potentially interfering with other components inside the tank, such as the inlet and outlet valves. Liquid detergent dispensers are widely used due to their relatively controllable release. A typical structure includes a container for storing detergent and a bracket suspended from the edge of the tank, utilizing the level difference created by the water level drop during flushing or a buoyancy valve to achieve a metered release.

[0003] However, existing mechanical automatic feeding devices have a significant problem when handling high-viscosity cleaning liquids, such as paste-like cleaning liquids: these devices, which use piston-type extrusion mechanisms, usually have the piston directly sucking up and extruding the cleaning liquid. Due to the small pipe diameter and the high flow resistance of high-viscosity liquids, it is difficult to be smoothly sucked in or extruded. The one-way valve is easily blocked by the paste-like liquid, leading to device failure or unstable discharge volume.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned technical defects, this application proposes an automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid as a further improvement, so as to solve the problems of clogging and poor drainage caused by excessive viscosity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic dispensing device for cleaning liquid to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid, comprising a static component placed at the bottom of a water tank; the static component comprises: a base, a plurality of first connecting rods vertically fixed to the top of the base, and a water tank fixed to the top of the first connecting rods; Also includes: A floating assembly includes: a float, a plurality of second connecting rods vertically fixed to the bottom of the float, and a counterweight fixed to the bottom of the second connecting rods; the first connecting rods and the second connecting rods are parallel to each other and staggered, the counterweight is located in an area enclosed by the plurality of first connecting rods and can be freely raised and lowered, and the water injection tank is located in an area enclosed by the plurality of second connecting rods; a piston column is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the counterweight, and a piston tube is provided at the bottom of the water injection tank to connect with the piston column, the piston column is slidably inserted into the piston tube, and the interior of the piston tube is connected to the interior of the water injection tank; A replaceable cartridge assembly, comprising a flexible bag for encapsulating cleaning fluid, a dispensing tube, and a cartridge body, wherein the dispensing tube is fixedly mounted on the flexible bag, the flexible bag is located inside the cartridge body, and the dispensing tube passes through the cartridge body; an input tube communicating with the interior of the cartridge body is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the cartridge body. The water tank is fixedly equipped with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe on its side; the inlet pipe, outlet pipe and discharge pipe are all equipped with a one-way flow guiding device inside; the outlet pipe and the input pipe are detachably and sealedly connected.

[0007] Furthermore, the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe are sealed together by a connecting hose.

[0008] Furthermore, the connecting hose is configured as a corrugated pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the outlet pipe is directly threaded to the inlet pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the one-way drainage device is configured as a one-way valve; a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve, and a third one-way valve are respectively fixedly installed inside the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe, and the discharge pipe. The flow direction of the first one-way valve is configured to be from the outside of the water tank to the inside of the water tank; the flow direction of the second one-way valve is configured to be from the inside of the water tank to the outside of the water tank; and the flow direction of the third one-way valve is configured to be from the inside of the flexible bag to the outside of the flexible bag.

[0011] Furthermore, the third check valve is configured as a duckbill check valve.

[0012] Furthermore, the distance between the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the water tank is set as X; the axial length of the piston tube is set as Y; and the axial length of the piston column is set as Z; then (XY) > Z, Y ≥ Z.

[0013] Furthermore, the material of the container body is made of a transparent material; the material of the flexible bag is made of a waterproof material.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom of the base is provided with a suction cup or a weight-adding block.

[0015] Furthermore, the density of the feed box assembly, the counterweight, and the base is greater than the density of water; the density of the float box is less than the density of water.

[0016] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows: 1. Compared with the existing technology, in order to address the problems of easy clogging and unstable discharge when the existing device processes high viscosity cleaning liquid, the present invention uses water as a pressure medium, which enters the material box body through the connecting hose, and evenly squeezes the surface of the flexible bag, so that the paste cleaning liquid is continuously and stably squeezed out, which is not limited by the viscosity of the cleaning liquid, and realizes the automatic, quantitative and stable release of high viscosity cleaning liquid.

[0017] 2. Compared with existing technologies, by setting up parallel and intersecting first and second connecting rods, the piston reciprocates using water level changes, eliminating the need for external power; the detachable and sealed connection between the outlet and inlet pipes allows for independent replacement of the material box assembly without damaging the water tank opening, improving versatility and ease of maintenance; the connecting hoses allow for flexible placement of the material box assembly; a unidirectional flow control device limits the flow direction to prevent backflow; limiting the stroke of the piston column and piston tube achieves safe limiting and quantitative discharge; and setting the density of each component allows for automatic sinking and floating of the corresponding components. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the material box assembly of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the piston tube and piston rod of the present invention.

[0021] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 100. Static component; 110. Base; 120. First connecting rod; 130. Water tank; 131. Piston tube; 132. Water inlet pipe; 133. Water outlet pipe; 200. Floating component; 210. Float box; 220. Second connecting rod; 230. Counterweight; 231. Piston column; 300. Material box assembly; 310. Flexible bag; 320. Discharge pipe; 330. Material box body; 331. Input pipe; 400. Connecting hose. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0023] Example 1: As attached Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 The automatic cleaning fluid dispensing device shown includes a static component 100 placed at the bottom of a water tank; the static component 100 includes: a base 110, a plurality of parallel first connecting rods 120 vertically fixed to the top of the base 110, and a water tank 130 fixed to the top of the first connecting rods 120; wherein, in order to save space, the bottom of the plurality of parallel first connecting rods 120 can be vertically fixed to the top edge of the base 110; The feeding device also includes: a floating component 200, a replaceable material box component 300, and a one-way flow device; The floating assembly 200 includes: a float 210, several parallel second connecting rods 220 vertically fixed to the bottom edge of the float 210, and a counterweight 230 fixed to the bottom of the second connecting rods 220. To save space, the tops of the parallel second connecting rods 220 can be vertically fixed to the bottom edge of the float 210. The first connecting rods 120 and the second connecting rods 220 are parallel and staggered, allowing them to move relative to each other axially without interference. The counterweight 230 is located in the area enclosed by the several first connecting rods 120 and can be freely raised and lowered. The water tank 130 is located in the area enclosed by the several second connecting rods 220. Furthermore, the counterweight 230 is located between the base 110 and the water tank 130, and the water tank 130 is located between the float 210 and the counterweight 230. That is, from top to bottom, the sequence is: float 210, water tank 130, counterweight 230, and base 110.

[0024] A piston rod 231 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the counterweight 230. A piston tube 131 that connects with the piston rod 231 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 130. The piston rod 231 is slidably inserted into the piston tube 131, and the interior of the piston tube 131 is connected to the interior of the water tank 130. When the float box 210 rises with the water level, it drives the counterweight 230 and the piston rod 231 to rise, reducing the internal volume of the water tank 130. This allows the water in the water tank 130 to be squeezed out using a one-way diversion device. When the float box 210 falls with the water level, it drives the counterweight 230 and the piston rod 231 to fall, increasing the internal volume of the water tank 130 and generating negative pressure. This allows the water to be drawn in using a one-way diversion device. The material box assembly 300 includes a flexible bag 310 for encapsulating cleaning fluid, a discharge pipe 320, and a material box body 330. The discharge pipe 320 is fixedly installed on the flexible bag 310. The connection between the flexible bag 310 and the discharge pipe 320 is integrally molded or heat-sealed to ensure no leakage. The flexible bag 310 is located inside the material box body 330, and the discharge pipe 320 passes through the discharge box body 330. An input pipe 331 communicating with the inside of the material box body 330 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the material box body 330. An inlet pipe 132 and an outlet pipe 133 are fixedly installed on the side of the water tank 130. The opening of the inlet pipe 132 of the water tank 130 is located below the liquid surface in the water tank, which can guide the water in the water tank to smoothly enter the water tank 130, and then flow into the inside of the material box body 330 through the outlet pipe 133 and the input pipe 331, and is located outside the flexible bag 310. The gradually increasing water will squeeze the flexible bag 310, and finally discharge the cleaning liquid through the discharge pipe 320. A filter screen can be installed at the inlet of the input pipe 331 to prevent impurities from entering; the inlet pipe 132, the outlet pipe 133, and the discharge pipe 320 are all equipped with a one-way flow guiding device, which is used to control the one-way flow of the liquid; the outlet pipe 133 and the input pipe 331 are detachably and sealedly connected; for example, the sealing connection is achieved by means of threads, snaps, or hose joints, which facilitates the replacement of the material box assembly 300.

[0025] In this embodiment, the feeding device is placed entirely into the water tank, with the base 110 positioned at the bottom of the water tank. When water is introduced into the water tank, the water level rises, and the float 210 floats upward. This causes the counterweight 230 and piston 231 to rise via the second connecting rod 220, reducing the internal volume of the water tank 130. Because the inlet pipe 132 and outlet pipe 133 on the side of the water tank 130 are restricted by the one-way diversion device, water enters the water tank 130 through the inlet pipe 132, and then enters the space between the material box 330 and the flexible bag 310 through the outlet pipe 133 and the input pipe 331. The water pressure squeezes the flexible bag 310, causing the cleaning liquid inside the flexible bag 310 to be discharged into the water tank through the discharge pipe 320. When the water tank drains, the water level drops, and the float 210 sinks, causing the counterweight 230 and piston 231 to descend. This increases the internal volume of the water tank 130, and the one-way diversion device allows the water tank 130 to draw water from the inlet pipe 132, preparing for the next squeezing. Even if there is gas in the water tank 130 or the connecting hose 400, it will not affect the transmission of water pressure or air pressure to the flexible bag 310, thereby achieving compression.

[0026] Example 2: Based on Example 1, the connection method between the outlet pipe 133 and the inlet pipe 331 is further defined. (See attached diagram) Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3As shown, the outlet pipe 133 and the inlet pipe 331 are sealed together by a connecting hose 400. The connecting hose 400 can be a rubber hose or a plastic hose. Both ends of the connecting hose 400 are connected to the outlet pipe 133 and the inlet pipe 331 by sealing joints, such as quick couplings or clamps, to ensure that there is no leakage during long-term use. This allows the material box assembly 300 to be flexibly placed in any position in the water tank, making it easy to install and replace.

[0027] Example 3: Based on Example 2, the specific structure of the connecting hose 400 is further defined; as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the connecting hose 400 is set as a corrugated pipe. Utilizing the good flexibility and extensibility of the corrugated pipe, it can be bent and deformed, so that the material box assembly 300 can adapt to the complex spatial layout inside the water tank and can be freely placed in any position inside the water tank, avoiding interference with other components, such as the water inlet valve and the water outlet valve, and without the need to maintain rigid alignment with the water filling tank 130.

[0028] Example 4: Based on Example 1, another connection method is provided between the outlet pipe 133 and the inlet pipe 331; the outlet pipe 133 and the inlet pipe 331 are directly threaded together. For example, the end of the inlet pipe 331 is provided with an external thread, and the end of the outlet pipe 133 is provided with an internal thread. The two are tightened by the threads and sealed by a sealing washer. This direct connection method eliminates the need for the connecting hose 400, resulting in a more compact structure, and is suitable for scenarios where the relative positions of the material box assembly 300 and the water tank 130 are fixed.

[0029] Example 5: Specific limitations were specified for the unidirectional drainage device, as shown in the attached document. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the one-way drainage device is configured as a one-way valve; the inlet pipe 132, the outlet pipe 133, and the discharge pipe 320 are respectively fixedly installed with a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve, and a third one-way valve. The flow direction of the first one-way valve is configured to be from the outside of the water tank 130 to the inside of the water tank 130, that is, only water is allowed to flow into the water tank 130 to prevent backflow; the flow direction of the second one-way valve is configured to be from the inside of the water tank 130 to the outside of the water tank 130, that is, only water is allowed to flow from the water tank 130 to the material box body 330; the flow direction of the third one-way valve is configured to be from the inside of the flexible bag 310 to the outside of the flexible bag 310, that is, only cleaning liquid is allowed to flow out from the flexible bag 310 to the water tank to prevent water from the water tank from flowing back into the flexible bag 310.

[0030] Among them, the three check valves mentioned above can adopt common structures such as ball check valves, spring-loaded check valves or duckbill check valves, as long as they can achieve one-way flow.

[0031] Example 6: Based on Example 5, the specific type of the third check valve was optimized. The third check valve was set as a duckbill type check valve. The duckbill type check valve has the characteristics of simple structure, low opening pressure, and good adaptability to high viscosity liquids, and is especially suitable for the extrusion of paste-like cleaning liquids. When the flexible bag 310 is squeezed by water pressure, the duckbill of the duckbill type check valve opens, and the cleaning liquid flows out smoothly; when the water pressure disappears, the duckbill automatically closes to prevent the cleaning liquid from flowing back or being contaminated by the water in the tank.

[0032] Example 7: The stroke of the piston rod 231 and piston tube 131 was dimensionally limited. (See attached...) Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the distance between the upper surface of the base 110 and the lower surface of the water tank 130 is set as X; the axial length of the piston tube 131 is set as Y; and the axial length of the piston column 231 is set as Z; therefore, XY>Z, Y≥Z. This dimensional limitation enables the safe limiting of the piston column 231 and quantitative discharge.

[0033] The specific safety limit principle: By setting Y ≥ Z, when the counterweight 230 rises to its highest position, the float 210 floats to its limit, and the piston rod 231 inserts to its deepest point relative to the piston tube 131. Since the length Y of the piston tube 131 is not less than the length Z of the piston rod 231, the top of the piston rod 231 is always located inside the piston tube 131 and will not penetrate the upper end of the piston tube 131 to enter the water tank 130.

[0034] By setting (XY) > Z; if the thickness of the counterweight 230 itself is ignored, the distance from the bottom of the piston tube 131 to the upper surface of the counterweight 230 is (XY); then if (XY) > Z, the piston rod 231 cannot be disengaged from the bottom of the piston tube 131, that is, it is ensured that the piston rod 231 is still inside the piston tube 131 when the top of the piston rod 231 is at its lowest point, so that the piston tube 131 provides stroke limit.

[0035] The principle behind quantitative material discharge: The water level change range of the tank is fixed each time it is flushed; for example, the water level difference of the toilet tank each flush is about 100-150mm. The float 210 rises and falls synchronously with the water level, driving the counterweight 230 and piston 231 to reciprocate with the same amplitude via the second connecting rod 220. Since (XY) > Z and Y ≥ Z, it is ensured that the piston 231 will not dislodge from the piston tube 131 at either end of its stroke, thus ensuring the continuity of the reciprocating motion.

[0036] Since the lowest position of the piston rod 231 is precisely limited by the base 110, and the highest position is precisely limited by the upward floating limit of the float box 210, the effective stroke of the piston rod 231 is fixed. This fixed stroke results in a constant amount of reduction in the internal volume of the water tank 130 each time, thereby achieving a constant amount of liquid discharged each time. Therefore, this embodiment avoids the piston rod 231 from coming out and also avoids rigid collisions, ensuring the safety of the movement.

[0037] Example 8: The materials for the material box body 330 and the flexible bag 310 were optimized; as shown in the attached document. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the material of the cartridge body 330 is transparent; for example, polycarbonate, acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, or glass. The transparent material allows the user to directly observe the remaining amount of cleaning fluid in the flexible bag 310 inside the cartridge body 330, thus enabling timely replacement of the flexible bag 310. The flexible bag 310 is made of waterproof material; preferably, the waterproof material has elastic deformation capability. Specifically, it can be thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride, etc. These materials can effectively prevent cleaning fluid leakage and can also undergo elastic deformation under external water pressure, thereby achieving stable extrusion of the cleaning fluid.

[0038] Example 9: The method of fixing the base 110 is specified. (See attached...) Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the bottom of the base 110 is equipped with a suction cup or a weight-adding block. If the base 110 has a suction cup, it can adhere to the smooth surface of the water tank bottom, preventing the device from shifting. If the base 110 has a weight-adding block, such as a metal block, it will ensure the base 110 remains stably submerged at the bottom of the water tank, preventing it from floating due to buoyancy. Users can choose different fixing methods depending on the material of the water tank bottom, making installation flexible and convenient.

[0039] Example 10: The buoyancy and sinking characteristics of the device were limited by density; as shown in the attached document. Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, the density of the feed box assembly 300, the counterweight 230, and the base 110 is greater than that of water, ensuring that these components sink to the bottom of the tank and guaranteeing their positional stability. The density of the float 210 is less than that of water; therefore, the float 210 can float on the water surface and rise and fall with changes in water level. For example, if the float 210 is made of foamed plastic or has a hollow structure, it can ensure that the float 210 always overcomes the weight of the counterweight 230 and provides sufficient buoyancy to drive the piston rod 231.

[0040] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0041] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid, comprising a static component (100) placed at the bottom of a water tank; the static component (100) comprising: The base (110), a plurality of first connecting rods (120) vertically fixed to the top of the base (110), and a water tank (130) fixed to the top of the first connecting rods (120); characterized in that it further includes: A floating assembly (200) includes: a float (210), a plurality of second connecting rods (220) vertically fixed to the bottom of the float (210), and a counterweight (230) fixed to the bottom of the second connecting rods (220); the first connecting rods (120) and the second connecting rods (220) are parallel to each other and staggered, the counterweight (230) is located in the area enclosed by the plurality of first connecting rods (120) and can be freely raised and lowered, and the water tank (130) is located in the area enclosed by the plurality of second connecting rods (220); a piston column (231) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the counterweight (230), and a piston tube (131) is provided at the bottom of the water tank (130) to connect with the piston column (231), the piston column (231) is slidably inserted into the piston tube (131), and the interior of the piston tube (131) is connected to the interior of the water tank (130); A replaceable cartridge assembly (300) includes a flexible bag (310) for encapsulating cleaning fluid, a discharge pipe (320), and a cartridge body (330). The discharge pipe (320) is fixedly installed on the flexible bag (310), which is located inside the cartridge body (330). The discharge pipe (320) passes through the cartridge body (330). An input pipe (331) communicating with the inside of the cartridge body (330) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the cartridge body (330). The side of the water tank (130) is fixedly equipped with an inlet pipe (132) and an outlet pipe (133); the inlet pipe (132), the outlet pipe (133) and the discharge pipe (320) are all equipped with a one-way flow device; the outlet pipe (133) and the input pipe (331) are detachably and sealedly connected.

2. The automatic cleaning fluid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet pipe (133) and the inlet pipe (331) are sealed together by a connecting hose (400).

3. The automatic cleaning fluid dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting hose (400) is configured as a corrugated pipe.

4. The automatic cleaning fluid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet pipe (133) is directly threaded to the inlet pipe (331).

5. The automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way flow device is configured as a one-way valve; the inlet pipe (132), outlet pipe (133) and discharge pipe (320) are respectively fixedly installed with a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve and a third one-way valve. The flow direction of the first one-way valve is configured to be from the outside of the water tank (130) to the inside of the water tank (130); the flow direction of the second one-way valve is configured to be from the inside of the water tank (130) to the outside of the water tank (130); and the flow direction of the third one-way valve is configured to be from the inside of the flexible bag (310) to the outside of the flexible bag (310).

6. The automatic cleaning fluid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The third check valve is configured as a duckbill check valve.

7. The automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the upper surface of the base (110) and the lower surface of the water tank (130) is set as X; the axial length of the piston tube (131) is set as Y; the axial length of the piston column (231) is set as Z; then (XY) > Z, Y ≥ Z.

8. The automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the box body (330) is made of transparent material; the material of the flexible bag (310) is made of waterproof material.

9. The automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (110) is provided with a suction cup or weight-adding block at its bottom.

10. The automatic dispensing device for cleaning fluid according to claim 1, characterized in that: The density of the feed box assembly (300), the counterweight (230), and the base (110) is greater than that of water; the density of the float (210) is less than that of water.

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