Dosing device for dosing at least one additive

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (10) comprising a storage container (12) for a flushing fluid of a sanitary fixture carrying flushing fluid and a dosing device (14) for dosing at least one additive to the flushing fluid. The system offers improvements in that the additive can first treat the entire flushing fluid in the storage container (12) and then subsequently, during the flushing process, also the sanitary fixture (not shown). The additive can be supplied to the dosing device (14) very easily and quickly. The dosage form of the additive has no influence on the overflow cross-section and does not obstruct the drain assembly (18). The dosage remains constant throughout the entire service life of the additive dosage form, i.e., it is repeatable, and a large number of flushes with the additive are possible before the dosage form of the additive needs to be replaced.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising a storage container for a rinsing liquid of a rinsing liquid-carrying sanitary element and a metering device for metering at least one additive for the rinsing liquid according to the preamble of claim 1, a metering device according to the preamble of claim 12, a metering method according to the preamble of claim 13 and a sanitary element according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] Numerous sanitary fixtures are known to use a flushing fluid, usually water, for their operation. These include, for example, water closets (toilets), bidets, urinals, and the like.

[0003] It is often desirable to add one or more additives to this rinsing fluid, for example to change the color of the rinsing fluid, to change the smell of the rinsing fluid, to increase the cleaning effect of the rinsing fluid, to make the rinsing fluid antibacterial and / or antiviral, or to make the rinsing fluid prevent limescale deposits and / or biofilms.

[0004] In this context, it is already known from DE 102 46 866 A1 to place the additive in tablet form into a container of a storage tank for the rinsing liquid. The container has a base for supporting the tablet and is provided with slots through which the rinsing liquid in the storage tank can enter and exit again with the dissolved additive. The base is positioned in the area of ​​the maximum fill level of the storage tank, so that the entire tablet is not submerged in the rinsing liquid and therefore does not dissolve as quickly. However, a disadvantage of this method is that, depending on the time elapsed between two rinsing cycles, varying amounts of additive can dissolve into the rinsing liquid in the storage tank, resulting in non-repeatable dosing.Even if the base is arranged so that the tablet can only be reached by the rinsing liquid through ripples, the dosage is not repeatable because the ripples will be rather chaotic.

[0005] From WO 2005 / 106142 A1 and EP 1 970 496 A2, it is known to provide the additive in rod form in a container that is arranged directly in the overflow pipe of the drain assembly of the storage tank of a toilet. This ensures that the additive only comes into contact with the flushing fluid when a flush is initiated, because otherwise the drain valve of the drain assembly blocks access to the additive. While this allows for targeted delivery of the additive, it does not achieve any effect of the additive within the storage tank itself, for example, to prevent limescale buildup, biofilm formation, or similar issues. Furthermore, the dosage itself is not consistent because the surface area of ​​the rod will decrease randomly under the influence of the flushing fluid.Furthermore, it is questionable whether the additive is continuously released into the rinsing fluid during the rinsing process, meaning that the additive's effect is not consistent throughout the entire process. Finally, the overflow pipe is a safety feature designed to prevent the storage tank from overflowing in the event of a malfunction of the filling valve. This safety function is compromised by the container holding the additive.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution that offers improvements in this regard. Preferably, the dosage should remain constant, i.e., repeatable, throughout the entire service life of the additive dosage form. Preferably, the additive should be available not only for flushing the sanitary fixture but also for treating a storage container for the flushing fluid.

[0007] This problem is solved with the system according to claim 1, the dosing device according to claim 12, the method according to claim 13 and the sanitary element according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description together with the figures.

[0008] The inventors recognized that this problem could be solved surprisingly easily by connecting the additive container to a filling valve of the sanitary fixture's storage tank. This allows the rinsing fluid supplied with the additive to be directed straight to the additive without first being stored in the rinsing tank. As a result, the additive is consumed continuously, ensuring a consistent dosage because a constant flow of rinsing fluid is always passing by the additive.

[0009] Within the scope of the present invention, "dosage form" means the form in which the additive is contained in the container. This may be, for example, a powder, a tablet in a round, oval, rectangular or the like, or a rod-shaped form, with the rod shape being preferred.

[0010] The system according to the invention comprises a storage container for a flushing liquid of a sanitary element carrying a flushing liquid and a metering device for metering at least one additive for the flushing liquid, wherein a filling valve is provided for filling the storage container with flushing liquid, which is arranged so that a certain filling level of the flushing liquid is formed in the storage container, wherein the metering device has a container for the additive, wherein the container has a bottom in a bottom area on which the additive can be arranged, and wherein the container includes an outlet opening for the additive to exit into the flushing liquid, is characterized in that the container has a connection which is connected to the filling valve, wherein the connection is connected to an inlet opening for the flushing liquid into the container.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet opening is arranged in the storage container so that the additive is dispensed into the rinsing fluid filled in the storage container. This ensures that the rinsing fluid is completely mixed with the additive in the storage container, allowing the additive to act optimally within the container.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment, the connection at the filling valve is provided with a bypass relative to the main connection derived from the filling valve for filling the storage container. The bypass preferably discharges at most 1 / 5 to 1 / 10, and more particularly at most 1 / 10 to 1 / 20, of the flushing fluid volume relative to the main connection. This means that only a comparatively small volume of flushing fluid is used to absorb the additive from the container, thus extending the shelf life of the additive. For example, if only 0.3 L of flushing fluid is used, which is only 1 / 20 of the flushing fluid volume of up to 6 L typically stored in the container, then approximately 350 to 500 flushes with additive introduction are possible.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the base is arranged in the storage container such that the additive is located above the defined filling level. Preferably, the base is positioned above this level, and in particular, at least 10 mm above it. This ensures that the additive is reliably removed only by the rinsing fluid coming directly from the filling valve, thus extending the shelf life of the additive.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the container is designed to be cylindrical, at least in part, with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder preferably extending along the vertical. This makes it especially well-suited to a rod-shaped dosage form. This allows for particularly precise dosing when the rod is only wetted with rinsing fluid in its lower section, as it can then continuously slide down the container.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the container is provided with a filling funnel that preferably tapers downwards, at least in some areas, and the taper is particularly conical in some areas. This makes it especially easy to fill the container with the additive.

[0016] In an advantageous further development, the filling funnel is designed to be removable from the bottom of the container. This allows the container to be easily cleaned.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an opening is provided between the bottom of the container and the filling funnel, preferably forming a gap at least in some areas, and in particular extending along the circumference of the container. This opening allows any foam that forms to drain away more effectively, thus preventing the additive from sticking to the container. This allows a cylindrical additive, in particular, to continuously slide downwards within the container and be optimally converted.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet opening is arranged in the bottom region of the container, preferably at the lowest point of the bottom region. This allows the additive to be dispensed particularly effectively from the container along with the rinsing fluid introduced into the container from the filling valve.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet opening is designed as a slot, wherein the slot preferably runs vertically and / or consists of at least two, preferably at least three, and in particular four slots. This also allows the additive to be dispensed particularly well from the container along with the rinsing liquid directed into the container from the filling valve.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the container is inclined, at least in some areas, relative to the horizontal. This also allows the additive to be dispensed particularly effectively from the container along with the rinsing fluid fed into the container from the filling valve, even if there is only one outlet opening.

[0021] In a further advantageous design, the bottom is provided to be sieve-like. This also allows the additive to be dispensed particularly well with the rinsing liquid fed into the container from the filling valve. Furthermore, this prevents the formation of excess liquid that could attack the dosage form.

[0022] In an advantageous further development, the container is designed to taper downwards in the area of ​​the inlet opening, in particular to taper conically. This facilitates the continuous sliding of the dosage form containing the additive, whereby the lower part of the dosage form can be particularly well wetted with rinsing fluid because a dosage form with a cross-section corresponding to the initial conicity is held at a distance from the bottom of the container.

[0023] In a further advantageous design, the connection is located at the bottom. This allows for a very controlled dispensing of the additive, and the dosage form can slide down within the container, thus promoting a consistent dosage.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the connection is arranged above the bottom, preferably at least 1.5 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, and particularly at least 2.5 cm above the bottom. This prevents the additive from swelling in the area of ​​the bottom. The swelling occurs at a distance from the bottom, and the swollen additive can be easily removed by the rinsing fluid introduced via the connection. This ensures very controlled removal of the additive, and the dosage form can slide down within the container, promoting consistent dosing.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the connection is arranged such that the rinsing fluid enters the container laterally, preferably tangentially. This enables a ring flow around the dosage form of the additive, resulting in a particularly uniform removal of the additive.

[0026] In a further advantageous design, the connection is positioned laterally into the container. This also allows for a very controlled dispensing of the additive, and the dosage form can slide down within the container, thus promoting a consistent dosage.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, a baffle surface for the rinsing fluid is arranged between the connection and the inlet opening. This prevents the rinsing fluid from directly impacting the dosage form of the additive with high impulses, allowing the rinsing fluid to only reach the dosage form at a reduced speed. This promotes continuous dosing and ensures a particularly long service life for the dosage form.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the impact surface is designed in such a way that, at least for a portion of the rinsing fluid passing through the connection, the direct flow of rinsing fluid from the connection onto the additive is prevented. This further improves the effectiveness of the impact surface.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment, the impact surface is designed to direct at least some of the rinsing fluid flowing through the connection onto the base of the dosing device. This further improves the effectiveness of the impact surface. Additionally, the rinsing fluid is directed towards the underside of the dosage form containing the additive.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the impact surface is configured such that the incoming liquid is split into at least two partial flows, which preferably flow in opposite directions around the additive. Preferably, the incoming liquid is divided into two partial flows, wherein, in particular, one partial flow is a circumferential flow and / or one partial flow impacts the additive in such a way that it is pressed against a wall of the metering device. This results in a more uniform release of the additive.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the impact surface is provided that its longitudinal extent, relative to the longitudinal extent of the connection, has an inclination in the range of 10° to 60°, preferably 30° to 50°, and particularly 45°. This makes the impact surface particularly effective.

[0032] In an advantageous further development, the baffle surface is designed such that it has a projection in the area of ​​the inlet opening, which is arranged at an angle to the baffle surface. This prevents a sharp-edged contour and divides the flow with lower losses.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the impact surface is designed to extend vertically. "Extends vertically" in this context means that the impact surface has a horizontal longitudinal extent and no inclination over its vertical height; the inclination is therefore only horizontal. This deflects the rinsing fluid horizontally, allowing it to interact with the additive for a longer period.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one outlet opening is arranged below the impact surface. This allows the impact surface to act as a drain for the rinsing fluid enriched with additive, thus facilitating easy discharge from the container.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, a free space, preferably with a drain opening for the rinsing fluid, is arranged between the connection and the inlet opening. The drain opening directs at least a portion of the rinsing fluid reflected from the impact surface past the inlet opening, preventing this portion from coming into contact with the additive. This prevents the formation of excess fluid that could attack the dosage form. The free space provides pressure relief, allowing for very controlled wetting of the additive.

[0036] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a filling opening for the container is arranged below the flushing mechanism of the sanitary fixture. This allows the additive to be fed to the dosing device with particular ease.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, an actuating element of the actuating device is slidable within the actuating device, wherein the actuating element is slidable, in particular, into the area of ​​another actuating element when this other actuating element is preferably pressed down. This makes loading very easy without having to provide additional access openings that would detract from the overall appearance.

[0038] In an advantageous further development, it is provided that an actuating element of the actuating device is designed to be detachable from the actuating device, wherein the actuating element is held in particular magnetically on the actuating device.

[0039] This also makes loading very easy, without the need for additional access panels that would detract from the overall appearance. A tool can be provided for removing the actuator, if necessary.

[0040] Independent protection is claimed for the dosing device according to the invention for dosing at least one additive to a flushing liquid of a sanitary element containing a flushing liquid, wherein a container for the additive is provided, the container having a base on which the additive can be arranged and an outlet opening for the additive to discharge into the flushing liquid, characterized by the features relating to the dosing device of the system according to the invention. This dosing device can be easily retrofitted into existing storage containers of sanitary elements.

[0041] Furthermore, independent protection is claimed for the inventive method for dosing at least one additive for a flushing liquid of a sanitary element carrying a flushing liquid, using a storage container for the flushing liquid of the sanitary element and a dosing device, wherein a filling valve is provided for filling the storage container with flushing liquid, which is arranged so that a certain filling level of the flushing liquid is formed in the storage container, wherein the dosing device has a container for the additive, wherein the container has a bottom in a bottom region on which the additive can be arranged, and wherein the container includes an outlet opening for the additive to exit into the flushing liquid, characterized in that the container has a connection to which flushing liquid is supplied directly from the filling valve.the connection is linked to an inlet opening for the rinsing fluid into the container.

[0042] In an advantageous further development, it is provided that the system according to the invention is used for dosing.

[0043] In an advantageous further development, it is provided that at least one additive is designed to perform at least one function from the following group: changing the color of the rinsing liquid, changing the odor of the rinsing liquid, increasing the cleaning effect of the rinsing liquid, making the rinsing liquid antibacterial and / or antiviral, and making the rinsing liquid prevent limescale deposits and / or biofilms. This allows the additive to be very easily adapted to the desired application.

[0044] Furthermore, independent protection is claimed for the sanitary element according to the invention with a dosing device for dosing at least one additive for a rinsing liquid of the sanitary element, characterized in that the sanitary element has the dosing system according to the invention.

[0045] The claims submitted now, as well as those submitted later, do not prejudice the obtaining of further protection.

[0046] Should closer examination, particularly of the relevant prior art, reveal that one or more features are advantageous but not essential for the objective of the invention, a formulation is naturally being sought that no longer includes such a feature, especially in the main claim. Such a sub-combination is therefore also covered by the disclosure of this application.

[0047] The cross-references cited in the dependent claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the main claim by the features of the respective dependent claim. However, these are not to be understood as a waiver of the right to obtain independent, substantive protection for the features of the cross-referenced dependent claims.

[0048] It should also be noted that the embodiments and variants of the invention described in the various embodiments and shown in the figures can be combined with one another in any way. Individual or multiple features are interchangeable. These combinations of features are also disclosed.

[0049] Features disclosed only in the description, or individual features from claims comprising multiple features, may at any time be incorporated into the independent claim(s) as being essential to the invention for the purpose of distinguishing it from the prior art, even if such features were mentioned in connection with other features or achieve particularly favorable results in connection with other features.

[0050] Thus, all features described in the general description of the invention, the description of the exemplary embodiments, the subsequent claims, and the figures can be essential to the invention, both individually and in any combination. These features or combinations of features can each constitute an independent invention, the right to claim which is expressly reserved. Individual features from the description of an exemplary embodiment need not necessarily be combined with one, several, or all other features specified in the description of that exemplary embodiment; any sub-combination is expressly disclosed. Furthermore, material features of a device can be reformulated to also be used as process features, and vice versa.Such a reformulation is therefore automatically disclosed.

[0051] The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear below with reference to the description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. These figures show, purely schematically: Fig. 1 the system according to the invention consisting of a storage container and the dosing device according to the invention in a perspective, partial sectional view for a first preferred embodiment, Fig. 2 the system according to Fig. 1 In a first detailed view, Fig. 3, the system according to Fig. 1 in a second detailed view, Fig. 4 the system according to Fig. 1 In a third detailed view, Fig. 5a-5d, the dosing device of the system according to the invention is shown. Fig. 1 In four different views Fig. 6a-6d, the feeding of the dosing device according to the invention is shown. Fig. 5In various views, Figs. 7a-7b the system according to the invention consisting of a storage container and the metering device according to the invention in partial sectional views for a second preferred embodiment, Figs. 8a-8e the metering device according to the invention of the system according to Fig. 7 in five different views and Fig. 9 the system according to Fig. 7 in a detailed view.

[0052] In the Figs. 1 to 6 The system 10 according to the invention of a sanitary element not shown (for example, a toilet), consisting of a storage container 12 and the dosing device 14 according to the invention, is shown in various views for a first preferred embodiment.

[0053] It can be seen that, in addition to the dosing device 14, the storage tank 12 also contains, in the usual manner, a filling valve 16 and a drain assembly 18 with an actuating device 20. The filling valve 16 is controlled by a float 22, so that the water level of the water supplied through the filling valve 16 (not shown) is always set to a specific level when at rest. The water supply to the filling valve 16 is via a water connection 24, which is connected to a connecting pipe (not shown).

[0054] The drain assembly includes a drain valve 26, which is actuated by the actuating device 20. The actuating device 20 is arranged on a positioning means 28 and has two different actuating elements 30, 32.

[0055] How best to Fig. 3 and 6 dAs can be seen, the positioning means 28 has a recess 34 in which the metering device 14 is arranged. The metering device 14 has two curved arms 36, 38, each with projections 40, 42. The arms 36, 38 encompass the positioning means 28, and the projections are engaged in corresponding recesses (not shown) of the positioning means 28, thereby securely fixing the metering device 14 to the positioning means 28.

[0056] The filling valve 16 has a bypass 44 to the water inlet 46 of the storage tank 12. The filling valve 16 is designed such that as long as the float 22 does not block the filling valve 16, water is discharged into the storage tank 12 through the water inlet 46 and at the same time a certain amount of water is discharged through the bypass 44.

[0057] The amount of water discharged through the bypass 44 is approximately 1 / 20 of the amount of water discharged through the water inlet 46 into the storage tank 12, the amount of water discharged through the bypass 44 being supplied to the dosing device 14 via the hose 48, which has a hose connection 50 for this purpose (see Fig. 5 ).

[0058] In this case, hose 48 is routed freely between bypass 44 and hose connection 50. However, to facilitate its installation at hose connection 50, hose 48 could be guided through the opening 52 located on the arm 38 of the metering device 14.

[0059] The metering device 14 comprises a body 54 with a cylindrical section 56 and a funnel-shaped section 58 that narrows conically from top to bottom, both of which are connected by vertically continuous stiffening rib 60, on which the hose connection 50 is also located.

[0060] While the funnel-shaped section 58 is closed in the circumferential direction, the cylindrical section 56 has four slots 62, which are separated from each other by the stiffening rib 60 and three webs 64. To increase the stability of the metering device 14, these webs 64 thicken towards the funnel-shaped section 58.

[0061] How best to in the Fig. 5b and 5c As can be seen, the dosing device 14 has a base 66 which is perforated with openings 67 in a sieve-like manner. Above the base 66 extends a circumferential wall 68 with an edge 70 at which the slots 62 terminate. The inner contour 72 of the wall 68 tapers slightly conically downwards. The wall 68 is completely closed except for an inlet opening 74.

[0062] The inlet opening 74 is not directly connected to the hose connection 50, but rather there is a space 76 between them, which is bounded above by an impact surface 78 and below by an outlet opening 80. The impact surface 78, the outlet opening 80 and the inlet opening 74 are arranged in the stiffening rib or in the transition between the stiffening rib 60 and the wall 68.

[0063] The impact surface 78 has an inclination of 45° with respect to the longitudinal extent LA of the hose connection 50, with the inclination of the front projection 82 being even steeper, namely approximately 50°. This impact surface 78 has a longitudinal extent LA that runs inclined between the vertical V and the horizontal H.

[0064] The water connection 50 with its longitudinal extension LA and the inlet opening 74, together with the stiffening rib 60, are arranged laterally offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis L of the funnel-shaped section 58 and the cylindrical section 56, as best as possible. Fig. 5d can be removed. The connection 50 and the inlet opening 74 thus enter the cylindrical section 56 from the side.

[0065] The impact surface 78 prevents water from flowing directly from the hose connection 50 into the inlet opening 74. Instead, the water jet is deflected by the projection 82 onto the front area 84 of the base 66. From there, the water jet enters the cylindrical section 56 laterally, creating an annular flow with the aid of the closed wall 58. This flow rinses the underside 85 of a rod 86 located in the metering device 14, which contains the additive.

[0066] This causes the additive to be released from the rod 86 and the water-additive mixture can enter the rinsing container 12, mostly through the slots 62 and the sieve base 66 with its openings 67, and possibly also in small quantities through the outlet opening 80.

[0067] Due to the conical shape of the inner contour, the rod 86 is held approximately at the level of the projection 82 and can therefore be better undercut by the annular flow. This allows the removal of additive from the rod 86 to be very controlled, and the rod 86 can gradually slide down, ensuring that only the underside 85 of the rod 86 comes into contact with water at any given time.

[0068] The free space allows for pressure reduction in the supplied water, resulting in a very controlled flow of water to rod 86. The baffle surface 78 prevents spattering of the additive from rod 86, thus ensuring that the additive dissolves very smoothly from the water. Excess water that is not used to dissolve the additive or that is immediately drained away by the baffle surface 78 can easily exit through the outlet opening 80.

[0069] The dosing device 14 is positioned with its base 66 10 mm above the water line when the storage tank 12 is completely filled, so that the additive is only dissolved by water when water is supplied to the dosing device 14 through the bypass 44.

[0070] The additive from rod 86, dissolved in the water supplied to the dosing device 14, mixes with the water in the storage container 12 and can thus already exert its functional effect in the storage container 12, such as preventing limescale or biofilm formation. During the entire rinsing process, the additive can then exert its intended functional effect, such as freshening the air or coloring the rinse water.

[0071] If the storage tank has a total water volume of 6 L, the proportion that is first supplied to the dosing device 14 and then to the storage tank 12 via the bypass is approximately 0.3 L.

[0072] The rod has dimensions of approximately 75 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter.

[0073] This allows for 350 to 500 refills of the storage container 12 before the old rod 86 is used up and a new rod 86 has to be inserted.

[0074] The filling or refilling of the metering device 14 is carried out by the actuating device 20. More precisely, one actuating element 30 of the actuating device 20 is fixedly arranged, while the other actuating element 32 is detachably arranged from the actuating device 20. For this purpose, the actuating device 20 has a base 88 for the other actuating element 32, which is provided with two parallel grooves 90, 92 into which correspondingly parallel ribs (not shown) of the actuating element 32 engage. Furthermore, there is a magnet (not shown) on the base 88, which interacts with a magnet (not shown) of the actuating element such that the base 88 attracts the actuating element 32. One of the magnets could also be replaced by a magnetically attracted element. Reference numeral 93 designates a return spring by which the actuating element 32 is returned to its initial position after actuation.

[0075] By means of a suitable tool (for example, a suction cup – not shown), the actuating element 32 can be removed from the base 88, thereby exposing an opening 94 in the base 88, which is located above the funnel-shaped section 58 of the metering device 14. Through this opening 94, the rod 86 can be inserted into the funnel-shaped section 58 and further moved into the cylindrical section 56, where the underside 85 of the rod 86 comes to rest approximately at the level of the projection 82.

[0076] The actuating element 32 can then be placed back onto the base 88, making the actuating device 20 usable again.

[0077] Fig. 6a Figure 1 shows the actuating device 20 in a state with the actuating element 32 removed, with the metering device 14 being empty. Fig. 6bFigure 1 shows the actuating device 20 in a state with the actuating element 32 removed, with the metering device 14 filled with a rod 86. This state is also shown in Figure 2. Fig. 6d shown. Fig. 6c Figure 1 shows a state in which the rod 86 is inserted with its underside 85 leading through the opening 94 into the funnel-shaped section 58.

[0078] Although the actuating device 20 is shown here with rectangular actuating elements 30, 32, round or oval actuating elements can also be used, for example. The actuating elements can also be arranged one inside the other, with, for example, one actuating element at least partially encompassing the other.

[0079] Furthermore, the movable actuating element 32 need not be detachably held on the actuating device 20. Instead, it could also be slidably held on it. For example, one actuating element 30 could be pressed downwards to then move the other actuating element 32 laterally over the first actuating element 30. For this purpose, the other actuating element 32 could have lateral projections (not shown) that engage in corresponding grooves in the frame 96, the grooves being located only in the area of ​​the first actuating element 30.

[0080] In the Figs. 7 to 9 The system 100 according to the invention of a sanitary element not shown (for example, a toilet), consisting of a storage container 102 and the dosing device 104 according to the invention, is shown in various views for a second preferred embodiment.

[0081] The following will only address the essential differences.

[0082] The dosing device 104 according to the invention comprises a base part 106 and a filling funnel 108, which is designed to be detachable from the base part 106. For this purpose, a clip connection exists between the two elements 106, 108 in the form of hook elements 110 on the filling funnel 108 and recesses 112 in tabs 114 of the base part 106.

[0083] Between the base part 106 and the filling funnel 108, there is a circumferentially extending gap 116, which is interrupted only by the tabs 114 and two stabilizing supports 118, the supports 118 being supported on the upper edge 119 of the base part 106. Furthermore, there is a recess 120 in the gap 116.

[0084] The base part 106 has a bottom section 122 with a base 124 that slopes downwards towards an outlet opening 126 and is closed except for the outlet opening 126. The outlet opening 126 points away from the filling valve 128 and drain fitting 130 in the storage container 102 and towards the wall 132 of the storage container 102.

[0085] Furthermore, the dosing device 104 has a hose connection 134, which in turn is connected to the filling valve 128 via a hose (not shown).

[0086] The hose connection 134 has an inlet opening 136, which is divided into two sections 140, 142 by a baffle surface 138. The baffle surface 138 has a longitudinal extent LP that runs at an angle α of 45° with respect to a longitudinal extent LA ' of the hose connection 134. This baffle surface 138 thus extends only vertically V, i.e., it has a horizontal longitudinal extent LA ' and has no inclination over its vertical height; the inclination, however, exists only horizontally H.

[0087] In the wall 143 of the base part 106 a partial indentation 144 is provided, the surface 146 of which points into the interior of the base part 106 forms the extension of the impact surface 138, the surface 146 being arranged above the exit opening 126.

[0088] The impact surface 138 divides the flow of the rinsing fluid introduced through the hose connection 134 into two partial flows, namely a first partial flow which hits the impact surface 138 through the inlet opening 140 and from there against the wall 143 and the additive in the dosage form of a rod 148 received in the metering device 104.

[0089] The second partial flow entering through the inlet opening 142 is forced along the wall 143 into a circumferential flow directed downwards by gravity with respect to the rod 148, which washes around the rod 148 and then hits the surface 146, in order to be diverted from there to the outlet opening 126.

[0090] While the second partial flow is mainly responsible for removing the additive from the rod 148, the first partial flow causes the continuous pressure of the rod 148 against the wall 143, so that the same amount of additive can always be removed from the rod 148 by the second partial flow.

[0091] Furthermore, the impact surface 138 has a projection 150 that is aligned parallel to the longitudinal extent LA ' of the hose connection 134. The projection 150 prevents a sharp-edged contour of the impact surface 138, thus resulting in only minimal flow losses.

[0092] Through the defined gap 116 between the base part 106 and the filling funnel 108, any foam that forms can be discharged laterally, with the recess 120 providing preferential discharge away from the filling valve 128 and the drain fitting 130.

[0093] If the rod 148 should swell due to the inflowing flushing fluid, this swelling (not shown) will be continuously removed by the second partial flow, but also by the first partial flow.

[0094] Overall, this prevents the rod 148 from sticking in the metering device 104, allowing the rod 148 to continuously slide down towards the bottom 124 in the metering device 104.

[0095] Overall, this results in a very constant removal of additive from the rod 148, which also remains the same over the entire service life of the rod 148, so that the same amount of additive is provided for each rinsing process of the rinsing container 102 over the entire service life of the rod 148.

[0096] Fig. 7b The actuating device 152 is shown in a state with the actuating element 154 attached, with the metering device 104 being empty.

[0097] Fig. 9Figure 1 shows the actuating device 152 in a state with the actuating element 154 removed, using a tool 156 with a suction cup 158 for removal. This allows the actuating element 154 to be grasped and lifted off the actuating device 152. With the actuating element 154 removed, the metering device 104 can then be filled, as already described in connection with the Fig. 6 a) to d) was described.

[0098] Even though this dosing device 104 according to the invention only has one outlet opening 126, several outlet openings would also be possible.

[0099] Furthermore, the dosing device 104 according to the invention can also be designed without a filling funnel 108 that is removable from the base part 106.

[0100] As has become clear from the foregoing description, the present invention provides a solution that offers improvements in that the additive can, firstly, directly treat the entire flushing liquid in the storage container 12, 102 beforehand and then, subsequently, also the sanitary element (not shown) during the flushing process. The additive can be supplied to the dosing device 14, 104 very easily and quickly. The dosage form 86, 148 of the additive has no effect on the overflow cross-section and does not obstruct the drain fitting 18, 130. The dosage remains constant, i.e., repeatable, throughout the entire service life of the dosage form 86, 148 of the additive.Since dosage form 86, 148 is very controlled when wetted with water, this dosage form 86, 148 is consumed very slowly, thus enabling, for example, 350 to 500 rinsing cycles with the additive before dosage form 86, 148 of the additive needs to be renewed. Reference symbol list

[0101] 10. First preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention 12. Storage container 14. First preferred embodiment of the metering device according to the invention 16. Filling valve 18. Drain fitting 20. Actuating device 22. Float 24. Water connection 26. Drain valve 28. Positioning means 30, 32. Actuating elements 34. Recess 36, 38. Arms 40, 42. Projections 44. Bypass 46. Water inlet 48. Hose 50. Hose connection 52. Opening 54. Body 56. Cylindrical section 58. Funnel-shaped section 60. Stiffening rib 62. Slots 64. Webs 66. Bottom, sieve bottom 67. Openings in the bottom 66 68. Wall 70. Edge 72. Inner contour of the wall 68 74. Inlet opening 76. Clearance 78. Impact surface 80 Exit opening 82 Projection 84 Front area of ​​the base 66 85 Underside of the rod 86 86 Dosage form of the additive, rod 88 Base 9092 Grooves 93 Return spring 94 Opening 96 Frame 100 Second preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention 102 Storage container 104 Second preferred embodiment of the metering device according to the invention 106 Base part 108 Filling funnel 110 Hook elements 112 Recesses 114 Tabs 116 Gap 118 Stand 119 Upper edge of the base part 106 120 Recess 122 Bottom area 124 Bottom 126 Outlet opening 128 Filling valve 130 Drain fitting 132 Wall of the storage container 102 134 Hose connection 136 Inlet opening 138 Impact surface 140142Parts of the inlet opening 136 143Wall of the base part 106 144Partial indentation 146Area of ​​the indentation 144 148Additive in the form of a rod 150Protrusion of the impact surface 138 152Actuating device 154Actuating element 156Tool 158Suction cup αAngle of the impact surface 138 HHorizontal LCentral longitudinal axis LALongitudinal extent of the hose connection 50 LA 'Longitudinal extent of the hose connection 134 LPLongitudinal extent of the impact surface 138 VVertical,

Claims

1. System (10; 100) comprising a storage container (12; 102) for a flushing liquid of a sanitary element carrying flushing liquid and a metering device (14; 104) for metering at least one additive (86, 148) for the flushing liquid, wherein a filling valve (16, 128) is provided for filling the storage container (12; 102) with flushing liquid, which is arranged such that a certain filling level of the flushing liquid is formed in the storage container (12; 102), wherein the metering device (14; 104) has a container (54; 106, 108) for the additive (86; 148), wherein the container (54; 106, 108) has a base (66; 124) in a base area (122) on which the additive (86; 148) can be arranged, and wherein the container (54; 106,108) includes an outlet opening (62, 67; 126) for the discharge of the additive (86; 148) into the rinsing liquid, characterized by the fact thatthe container (54; 106, 108) has a connection (50; 134) which is connected to the filling valve (16, 128), wherein the connection (50; 134) is connected to an inlet opening (74; 136, 140, 142) for the rinsing liquid into the container (54; 106, 108).

2. System (10; 100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the outlet opening (62, 67, 126) is arranged in the storage container (12; 102) so that additive (86; 148) is released into the rinsing liquid filled in the storage container (12; 102).

3. System (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that The connection (50; 134) on the filling valve (16; 128) is connected to a bypass (44) with respect to the main connection derived from the filling valve (16; 128) for filling the storage tank (12; 102), wherein the bypass (44) preferably discharges at most 1 / 5 to 1 / 10, in particular at most 1 / 10 to 1 / 20 of the amount of rinsing fluid with respect to the main connection.

4. System (10; 100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that the bottom (66; 124) is arranged in the storage container (12; 102) such that the additive (86; 148) located in the container (54; 106, 108) is located above the specified filling level in the storage container (12; 102), wherein it is preferably provided that the bottom (66; 124) is arranged above the specified filling level in the storage container (12; 102), wherein the bottom (66; 124) is in particular arranged at least 10 mm above the specified filling level in the storage container (12; 102).

5. System (10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the container (54; 106, 108) is at least partially cylindrical, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cylinder preferably extends along the vertical (V), and / or thatthe container (54; 106, 108) has a filling funnel (58; 108) which preferably tapers downwards at least in some areas, wherein the taper is in particular conical at least in some areas, and / or that the container (54) in the area of ​​the inlet opening (74) is tapered downwards, in particular in a conical shape.

6. System (10; 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that An opening (62; 116) exists between the bottom area (66; 122) of the container (54; 106, 108) and the filling funnel (58; 108), which is preferably formed at least partially as a gap (62; 116), wherein the opening (116) is formed in particular along the circumference of the container (54; 106, 108), and / or that the bottom area (122) of the container (106; 108) is inclined at least in some areas relative to the horizontal (H).

7. System (10; 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filling funnel (108) is designed to be detachable from the bottom area (106, 122) of the container (54; 106, 108), and / or that the outlet opening (66; 126) is located in the bottom area (66; 122) of the container (54; 106, 108), preferably at the lowest point of the bottom area (66; 122).

8. System (10; 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connection (134) is arranged above the base (124), preferably at least 1.5 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, in particular at least 2.5 cm above the base (124) and / or that the connection (50; 134) is arranged such that the rinsing fluid enters the container (54; 106, 108) laterally and / or that the connection (50; 134) enters the container (54; 106, 108) laterally, preferably tangentially.

9. System (10; 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatA baffle surface (78; 138) for the rinsing fluid is arranged between the connection (50; 134) and the inlet opening (74; 136, 140, 142), wherein the baffle surface (78; 138) preferably has a projection (82; 150) which in particular has a different orientation than the longitudinal extent of the baffle surface (78; 138).

10. System (10; 100) according to claim 9, characterized by that the impact surface (78; 138) prevents, at least for a portion of the rinsing fluid guided through the connection (50; 134), the direct flow of rinsing fluid from the connection (54; 134) onto the additive (86; 148) and / or that the impact surface (78; 138) deflects at least a part of the flushing fluid guided through the connection (50; 134) and / or thatthe impact surface (78; 138) divides the inflowing liquid (140; 142), wherein the inflowing liquid is preferably divided into two partial flows (140; 142), wherein in particular one partial flow is a circumferential flow (142) and / or in particular one partial flow (140) impinges on the additive (148) in such a way that it is pressed against a wall (143) of the metering device (104), and / or that the impact area (78; 138) with its longitudinal extent (L P ) in relation to the longitudinal extent (L A ; L A ') of the connection (50; 134) has an inclination in the range of 10° to 60°, preferably 30° to 50°, in particular of 45°, and / or that the impact area (138) extends vertically and / or that at least one outlet opening (80; 126) is arranged below the impact surface (78; 138).

11. System (10; 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata filling opening (94) for the container (54; 106, 108) is arranged under an actuating device (20; 152) of the flushing of the sanitary element, wherein preferably a) an actuating element of the actuating device is displaceable in the actuating device, wherein the actuating element is displaceable in particular into the area of ​​another actuating element when this other actuating element is preferably pressed down, and / or b) an actuating element (32; 154) of the actuating device (20; 152) is designed to be detachable from the actuating device (20; 152), wherein the actuating element (32; 154) is held in particular magnetically on the actuating device (20; 152).

12. Metering device (14; 104) for metering at least one additive (86; 148) for a flushing liquid of a sanitary element containing a flushing liquid, wherein a container (54; 106, 108) for the additive (86; 148) is provided, wherein the container (54; 106, 108) has a base (66; 124) on which the additive (86; 148) can be arranged, and an outlet opening (62, 67; 126) for the outlet of the additive (86; 148) into the flushing liquid, characterized by the features relating to the metering device (14; 104) of one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for dosing at least one additive (86; 148) for a flushing liquid of a sanitary element containing a flushing liquid, using a storage container (12; 102) for the flushing liquid of the sanitary element and a dosing device (14; 104), wherein a filling valve (16; 128) is provided for filling the storage container (12; 102) with flushing liquid, which is arranged such that a certain filling level of the flushing liquid is formed in the storage container (12; 102), wherein the dosing device (14; 104) has a container (54; 106, 108) for the additive (86; 148), wherein the container (54; 106, 108) has a base (66; 124) in a base area (122) on which the additive (86; 148) can be arranged, and wherein the container (54; 106, 108) includes an outlet opening (62, 67; 126) for the discharge of the additive (86; 148) into the rinsing liquid, characterized by the fact thatthe container (54; 106, 108) has a connection (50; 134) to which rinsing fluid is supplied directly from the filling valve (16; 128), wherein the connection (50; 134) is connected to an inlet opening (74; 136, 140, 142) for the rinsing fluid into the container (54; 106, 108).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by that the system (10; 100) according to one of claims 2 to 11 is used and / or that which contains at least one additive (86; 148) for at least one function from the group: to change the color of the rinsing liquid, to change the odor of the rinsing liquid, to increase the cleaning effect of the rinsing liquid, to equip the rinsing liquid with antibacterial and / or antiviral properties, and to equip the rinsing liquid to prevent limescale deposits and / or biofilms.

15. Sanitary element with dosing device (14; 104) for dosing at least one additive (86; 148) for a rinsing fluid of the sanitary element, characterized by the fact that the sanitary element comprises a system (10; 100) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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