Dosing device, water circuit system for a recreational vehicle having same and dosing method
The dosing device addresses the inefficiencies in adding chemical additives to recreational vehicle toilets by automatically dispensing a precise amount of additive into the flushing water, ensuring effective decomposition and reducing waste and environmental concerns.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2024/072786
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-25
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for adding chemical additives to recreational vehicle toilets are inefficient, often resulting in either too little or too much additive being used, which can lead to ineffective decomposition of fecal matter, frequent refilling needs, and potential environmental issues.
A dosing device that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of additive into the flushing water of recreational vehicle toilets, featuring a connection structure for easy installation and removal, and a dosing structure that includes a pump and reservoir to ensure precise and consistent additive delivery.
The dosing device ensures that the correct amount of additive is consistently provided to the toilet flushing system, preventing waste and ensuring effective decomposition of fecal matter, while also simplifying user operations and reducing environmental impact.
Smart Images

Figure EP2024072786_06032025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DOSING DEVICE, WATER CIRCUIT SYSTEM FOR A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE HAVING SAME AND DOSING METHOD
[0002] The present invention relates to a dosing device for dosing an additive into a flushing system of a recreational vehicle, a water circuit system for a recreational vehicle comprising the dosing device and a method for dosing an additive into a flushing system of a recreational vehicle.
[0003] Adding chemical additives into toilets of recreational vehicles is important for multiple reasons. First, the additives help to decompose fecal matter inside the toilet. Thus, bad smells and the emergence of infections are avoided. Also, it is easier for a userto empty the tanks of the toilets after use, e.g. on a campsite or at home. Moreover, the additives can help to make the disposal water of the toilet of the recreational vehicle environment-friendly by changing its composition. Additionally, the additives can be colored and / or scented and the whole surface of the toilet bowl can be treated with them such that the toilet bowl looks and smells pleasant for the user.
[0004] So far, it is known to put the additives into the waste tank of the recreational vehicle by hand. However, by doing so it could likely happen that too few or too much additive is added into the tank. Adding too few additives would slow down the decomposition of fecal matter or even inhibit same. On the other hand, adding too much additive into the disposal water makes it necessary to refill the additive quite often such that not enough additive might be left for the rest of the trip. Moreover, too much chemical additive in the disposal water might cause environmental problems and will not be sustainable.
[0005] Alternatively, it is known that an additive reservoir is inserted into the toilet system of the recreational vehicle which then releases additive into the toilet system, for example during flushing of the toilet. Yet, the amount of additive released from said reservoir is hard to control and it is difficult to refill or replace the reservoir once it is empty.
[0006] In view of these problems, it is the scope of the present invention to provide an additive dosing device for the flushing system of a recreational vehicle which releases the correct amount of additive into the flushing water and is at the same time easy to refill respectively remove.
[0007] This scope is achieved by the dosing device according to claim 1 . Preferable modifications thereof are presented in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a dosing device for dosing an additive into a flushing system of a recreational vehicle like a camper, a caravan or a mobile home, is provided. An additive may be any chemical substance that is able to decompose fecal matter when added thereto. For example, a nonbronopol microbiological substance may be used as an additive. An additive may be chosen that complies with environmental guidelines such as RAL UZ8a or comparable. The additive may additionally contain dyes respectively fragrances. The additive is dosed, i.e., a certain amount thereof is dispensed, into water flowing through the flushing system of the recreational vehicle. A flushing system of a recreational vehicle may be an arrangement of water pipes configured to provide, i.e. flush, a toilet of the recreational vehicle with fresh, i.e., clean water. The flushing system may be fluidly connected to a source of fresh water and the toilet of the recreational vehicle. The flushing system may be activated upon pressing a flush button on the toilet respectively performing the corresponding user input on a display thereof.
[0008] The dosing device comprises a connection structure for connecting the dosing device to the flushing system. The connection structure may be composed of any kind of connection means or connection portions formed to provide a connection between the dosing device and the flushing system. For example, the connection structure may be composed of a fluid connection, e.g. a fluid pipe having at least one fluid port, for fluidly connecting the dosing device to the flushing system. Alternatively or additionally, the connection structure may be composed of a mechanical connection, e.g. a thread or flange, for mechanically connecting the dosing device to the flushing system. Alternatively or additionally, the connection structure may be composed of an electrical connection, e.g. a wiring, for electrically connecting the dosing device to the flushing system.
[0009] The dosing device further comprises a dosing structure for providing the additive to the flushing system via the connection structure. The dosing structure may be composed of any kind of dosing means or dosing portions formed to provide a certain amount of, i.e., dose the additive to the flushing system. For example, the dosing structure may be composed of an additive reservoir, a dosing means such as a pump retrieving a certain amount of additive from the reservoir and a pipe connection for providing the certain amount of additive to the connection structure. Other configurations of the dosing structure may of course also be possible with the dosing device of the first aspect.
[0010] The connection structure is configured to removably connect the dosing device to the flushing system. As such, the connection structure provides a reversible connection between the dosing device and the flushing system. Said connection can be released without requiring special tools or excessive force.
[0011] The dosing structure is configured to automatically provide an amount of additive to the flushing system. Hence, the dosing means respectively dosing portions of the dosing structure are formed to provide the amount of additive to the flushing system such that no operation of the user is required therefor. For example, the dosing structure may comprise an additive reservoir whose opening is sized such that only the amount of additive can be retrieved therefrom during a given time period. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing structure may comprise a dosing means formed such that only the amount of additive is provided therefrom to the flushing system during a given time period. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing structure may comprise a pipe connection formed such that only the amount of additive may pass therethrough during a given time period. The amount of additive automatically provided to the flushing system may be predetermined by the manufacturer respectively the user of the flushing system of the recreational vehicle. The amount of additive automatically provided to the flushing system may vary, for example overtime, for different flushing systems and / or depending on the specifics of the flushing system. Alternatively, the amount of additive may be kept fixed after it is initially determined.
[0012] With the dosing device being removably connected to the flushing system, the dosing device can be replaced with another dosing device effortlessly. Moreover, the dosing device can be removed from the flushing system, refilled and reconnected to the flushing system. Additionally, the dosing device can be retrofitted to an already existing flushing system easily. Due to the automatic dosing of an amount of additive into the flushing system, it is ensured that the flushing system is provided with the correct amount of additive during every flushing operation. Hence, the waste of additive or the lack of additive is prevented. Moreover, the additive is dosed automatically into the flushing system and thus the user is not required to fill the additive into the flushing system manually. Thus, the user will have a clean and comfortable use of additives. Moreover, the user-friendliness of the dosing device is improved.
[0013] Preferably, the connection structure is configured to fluidly and / or electronically connect the dosing device to the flushing system. For fluidly connecting the dosing device to the flushing system, the connection structure may comprise an arrangement of fluid pipes for providing a fluid connection with the flushing system. The arrangement of fluid pipes may comprise at least one fluid port. For example, the dosing device may be fluidly connected to the flushing system such that when flushing the flushing system with clean water, the dosing device may dispense the additive into said water. For electronically connecting the dosing device to the flushing system, the connection structure may comprise electronics and a wiring for connecting said electronics to an electronic system of the flushing system. For example, the dosing device may be electronically connected via cables with a power source of the flushing system respectively the recreational vehicle. In this way, the dosing device may be powered by the recreational vehicle such that no internal power source of the dosing device is necessary. Alternatively or additionally, the connection structure may be electronically connected to a display or any other input device of the flushing system. In this way, activation of the flushing system may cause activation of the dosing device. Thus, no internal activation mechanism of the dosing device is necessary. Fluidly and / or electronically connecting the dosing device to the flushing system simplifies the operation of the dosing device, reduces the number of parts and saves construction space. Preferably, the connection structure is configured such that the dosing device can be retrofitted to the flushing system. Thus, the connection structure is formed such that the dosing device can be connected to a flushing system already installed in the recreational vehicle. The dosing device may be retrofitted to the flushing system for example via access through a service door of the recreational vehicle. Retrofitting the dosing device improves the user convenience and applicability of the dosing device.
[0014] Preferably, the connection structure is configured such that the dosing device can be integrated into the flushing system. Thus, the connection structure is formed such that the dosing device can be connected to a flushing system upon installation of the same in the recreational vehicle. Integrating the dosing device into the flushing system enables dosing of additive into the flushing system from the beginning.
[0015] Preferably, the dosing structure is configured to provide a predetermined amount of additive to the flushing system. The amount of additive may be predetermined by the manufacturer of the flushing system. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of additive may be predetermined by the user. The amount of additive may be predetermined based on specific characteristics of the flushing system and / or external specifications, for example specifications for environmental protection. Dosing a predetermined amount of additive into the flushing system prevents overdosing and / or underdosing of additive and further ensures compliance with the above specifications.
[0016] Preferably, the predetermined amount of additive is provided automatically to the flushing system upon activation of the flushing system. For example, the dosing device may be electronically connected to a controller of the flushing system such that activation of the flushing system via the controller causes dosing of the predetermined amount of additive into the flushing system. Alternatively or additionally, the dosing device may be mechanically, in particular fluidly, connected to the flushing system such that mechanical activation of the flushing system causes dosing of the predetermined amount of additive into the flushing system. Automatic provision of the predetermined amount of additive upon activation of the flushing system ensures that the additive is provided to the flushing system whenever the flushing system is activated. In this way, the reliability of the dosing device is improved.
[0017] Preferably, the flushing system is fluidly connected and configured to flush a toilet of the recreational vehicle. In this case, the predetermined amount of additive is determined based on at least one of a flow rate of the toilet, a flow rate of the flushing system, a surface of a toilet bowl of the toilet, a volume of the toilet bowl, and an amount of additive needed inside the toilet. The toilet may be provided with a canister onto which the flushing system is connected to respectively into which the additive is provided to. Alternatively, the additive may be provided directly into the flushing water of the toilet respectively the toilet bowl. A flow rate of the toilet may be the ratio of the volume of water flowing inside the toilet during a given flushing time. A flow rate of the flushing system may be the ratio of the volume of water flowing through the flushing system during a given flushing time. A surface of a toilet bowl of the toilet may be the surface of the toilet which is flushed with fresh water respectively treated with additive during flushing. A volume of the toilet bowl may be the volume intended to receive fecal matter respectively flushing water. An amount of additive needed inside the toilet may for example be the amount of additive needed to decompose an average amount of fecal matter inside the toilet bowl respectively inside a canister for accommodating same after flushing. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of additive needed inside the toilet may be the amount of additive needed to provide for a sufficient wetting of the toilet bowl with additive in order to avoid infections. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of additive needed inside the toilet may be the amount of additive needed to provide for a decent coloring respectively smell of the toilet bowl in case the additive is used for this purpose. Determining the predetermined amount of additive based on the above parameters of the toilet ensures that the amount of additive corresponds to given specifications of the toilet. Hence, waste respectively lack of additive can be avoided.
[0018] Preferably, the predetermined amount of additive is set variably by a setting device, in particular a pulse- width-modulation device. For example, the setting device may be provided with one of the abovedescribed parameters of the toilet or any other parameters of the toilet respectively the flushing system. In case, one of these parameters varies, i.e. changes its value overtime, the setting device will set the corresponding amount of additive. Variably setting the predetermined amount will increase the precision of the dosing process and hence will further lower the risk of waste respectively lack of additive.
[0019] Preferably, the predetermined amount of additive is set non-variably. For example, the predetermined amount of additive may be set once by the manufacturer of the dosing device respectively the flushing system and then kept fixed. Alternatively, the predetermined amount of additive may be set once by the user of the dosing device initially and then kept fixed. The predetermined amount of additive may for example be set based on empirical data or personal preferences. Setting the predetermined amount of additive non-variably simplifies manufacturing of the dosing device and hence reduces the price of the same.
[0020] Preferably, the dosing structure comprises a pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, configured to provide the predetermined amount of additive to the flushing system. A peristaltic pump is a pump in which the medium to be transported is pressed through a hose by external mechanical deformation. A pump is an easy and cheap way fortransporting a given amount of matter. Hence, by using a pump manufacturing costs of the dosing device can be lowered.
[0021] Preferably, the dosing structure comprises a tank for accommodating the additive. Hence, the dosing device can accommodate a certain amount of additive such that no constant refill of the additive is necessary. Preferably, the tank may be removably connected to the dosing structure. As such, an empty tank can be removed and replaced with a full tank. This prolongs the lifetime of the dosing device. In this case, the dosing structure comprises a connection piece for connecting the tank to the dosing structure. The connection piece may be configured such that dripping and overflow of the additive from the tank is prevented when the tank is removed respectively replaced with another tank. With the connection piece, removably connecting the tank to the dosing structure is simplified and hence the user-friendliness of the dosing device is improved.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally to the above, the tank may be refillable with additive. For example, the tank may comprise an inlet for refilling the tank. The inlet may be oriented to the outside of the dosing device such that refilling of the tank is simplified. Alternatively or additionally, the tank may be openable to the outside of the dosing device, for example via a closing lid. When refilling the tank, it is not necessary to replace an empty tank.
[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a water circuit system for a recreational vehicle is provided. The water circuit system comprises a flushing system for a toilet of the recreational vehicle, a supply of fresh water and the dosing device according to the first aspect. The dosing device is configured to be fluidly arranged between the flushing system and the supply of fresh water. The supply of fresh water may be a water tank or the like which is regularly filled with fresh water, e.g., drinking water. The dosing device may be fluidly connected to the supply of fresh water and the flushing system via the connection structure. By arranging the dosing device in this way, it can be ensured that the fresh water coming from the supply of fresh water is provided with additive before said water enters the flushing system. Thus, it is possible to take advantage of the above described technical effects achieved with the dosing device in the water circuit of a recreational vehicle.
[0024] Preferably, according to the second aspect, the dosing device is configured to prevent a backflow from the flushing system to the supply of fresh water. For this purpose, the dosing device may be provided with a vacuum breaker. The vacuum breaker may protect the supply of fresh water from a negative pressure which would cause water from the dosing device and / or the flushing system to flow back into the supply of fresh water. By preventing a backflow, the fresh water supply can be kept clean.
[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for dosing an additive into a flushing system of a recreational vehicle is provided. The method comprises the steps of connecting a dosing device to the flushing system of the recreational vehicle; and providing the additive to the flushing system via the dosing device. The dosing device and the flushing system may be configured according to the first and / or second aspect. The connecting step of the method comprises removably connecting the dosing device to the flushing system. Moreover, the providing step comprises automatically providing an amount of additive to the flushing system. The connecting step and the providing step may be performed as described with reference to the first and second aspect.
[0026] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a dosing device for dosing an additive into a flushing system of a recreational vehicle according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic back view of the dosing device of Fig. 1 ;
[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the dosing device of Fig. 1 ;
[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the dosing device of Fig. 2;
[0031] Fig. 5a is a schematic exterior view of a connection piece for connecting a tank to the dosing device of Figs. 1 to 4; and
[0032] Fig. 5b is a schematic interior view of the connection piece of Fig. 5a.
[0033] With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, a dosing device 10 according to the present invention is described. Figs. 1 and 2 show the dosing device 10 in a schematic front respectively back view. Likewise, Figs. 3 and 4 show the dosing device 10 in a corresponding schematic perspective front respectively back view. The dosing device comprises a connection structure 20 and a dosing structure 30. Via the connection structure 20, the dosing device 10 is connected to a flushing system 40 (only schematically shown) of a recreational vehicle (not shown). The flushing system 40 is configured and designed to flush a toilet (not shown) of the recreational vehicle. The flushing system 40 can be actuated electronically, e.g. via a display, or mechanically, e.g. via a push button.
[0034] The connection structure 20 comprises a first connection port 22, a hose distributor 24, a connection pipe 26, a vacuum breaker 27 and a second connection port 28. In other words, the connection structure 20 is formed by the first connection port 22, the hose distributor 24, the connection pipe 26, the vacuum breaker 27 and the second connection port 28 in the depicted embodiment.
[0035] The first connection port 22 is configured to fluidly connect the dosing device 10 to the flushing system 40. The hose distributor 24 is configured to regulate the water flow through the dosing device 10 upstream of the first connection port 22. The connection pipe 26 is configured to provide fluid coming from a reservoir upstream of the dosing device 10, such as a supply of fresh water, to the first connection port 22. Via the second connection port 28 (see Figs. 2 and 4), the dosing device 10 can be fluidly connected to such a reservoir. The vacuum breaker 27 is arranged between the connection pipe 26 and the second connection port 28. The vacuum breaker 27 prevents a backflow from the dosing device 10 respectively the flushing system 40 connected thereto into the upstream reservoir.
[0036] In the depicted embodiment, the dosing device 30 is removably connected to the flushing system 40 via the connection structure 20. In detail, the first connection port 22 of the connection structure 20 is formed such that the dosing device 10 can be connected to and removed from the flushing system 40 in an reversible manner. The removable connection of the dosing device 10 to the flushing system 40 enables retrofitting of the dosing device 10 onto already installed flushing systems 40.
[0037] Via the dosing structure 30, the dosing device 10 provides an additive 36 to the flushing system 40. The dosing structure 30 comprises a peristaltic pump 32, a tank 34 for accommodating the additive 36, a connection piece 37 and dosing pipes 38. In other words, the dosing structure 30 is formed by the peristaltic pump 32, the tank 34 for accommodating the additive 36, the connection piece 37 and the dosing pipes 38 in the depicted embodiment.
[0038] The peristaltic pump 32 is a pump whose pipes are flexible and are compressed for transporting material therethrough. The peristaltic pump 32 transports additive 36 from the tank 34 to the connection structure 20, for example the first connection port 22 thereof. The tank 34 can for example be made of any plastic that is fluid-tight such that leakage of additive 36 thereof is prevented. The additive 36 is a chemical substance that when mixed with fecal matter is able to decompose said fecal matter. The additive 36 can exemplarily be a nonbronopol microbiological additive that complies with the RAL UZ84 environmental standard. The dosing structure 30 is configured to extract a certain amount of additive 36 from the tank 34 and to provide the certain amount of additive 36 to the flushing system 40. In particular, the additive 36 is provided to the flushing system 40 during a flushing operation thereof when the flushing system 40 is flushed with water.
[0039] In the depicted embodiment, the tank 34 is removably connected to the dosing device 10 via the connection piece 37. The connection piece 37 is configured such that dripping and overflow of the additive 36 from the tank is prevented. As such, it is possible to remove a tank 34 empty of additive 36 from the dosing device 10, via the connection piece 37, and connect another tank 34 full of additive 36 to the dosing device 10, via the connection piece 37.
[0040] The connection piece 37 is described in further detail with reference to Figs. 5a and 5b. In Fig. 5a, the connection piece 37 is depicted in an exterior view. Fig. 5b is an interior view of the connection piece 37. As shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, the connection piece 37 comprises an inlet port 371 , a thread 372, a shoulder portion 373 and an outlet port 374. The inlet port 371 is configured to be inserted into the tank 34 and allows the additive 36 to flow into the connection piece 37. Further, the connection piece 37 can be screwed into a wall of a housing of the dosing device 10 via the thread 372 (see Figs. 1 and 2). The shoulder portion 373 is formed to abut the inside of the wall of the dosing device 10. Thus, via the thread 372 and the shoulder portion 373, a fluid-tight connection between the tank 34 and dosing pipe 38 is formed. Through the outlet port 374, the additive 36 leaves the connection piece 37 and enters the dosing pipe 38 as described below.
[0041] As depicted in Fig. 5b, the connection piece 37 is formed such that dripping and overflow of the additive 36 into the housing of the dosing device 10 is prevented. For this purpose, the connection piece 37 further comprises a drain portion 375 and an overflow portion 376. The drain portion 375 is formed such that only a limited amount of additive 36 is allowed to flow into the inlet port 371 at once. The overflow portion 376 is partially formed by the inside of the shoulder portion 373 and by an opening in the tube connecting the inlet port 371 and the outlet port 374, as shown in Fig. 5b. Thus, in a case where no more additive 36 is needed inside the dosing structure 30, any additional additive 36 coming from the drain portion 375 can leave said tube and can be collected inside the shoulder portion 373. Hence, a spill-over respectively overflow of additive 36 from the connection piece 37 is avoided.
[0042] In this embodiment, the flushing system 40 is fluidly connected to and configured to flush a toilet (not depicted) of the recreational vehicle. The predetermined amount of additive 36 is determined based on at least one of a flow rate of the toilet, a flow rate of the flushing system 40, a surface of a toilet bowl of the toilet, a volume of the toilet bowl, and an amount of additive 36 needed inside the toilet. In the depicted embodiment, the predetermined amount of additive 36 is determined based on a flow rate of the toilet and an amount of additive 36 needed inside the toilet. The predetermined amount of additive 36 is set non- variably by the manufacturer of the dosing device 10. Other ways of determining the predetermined amount of additive 36 are also possible with the present invention.
[0043] The pump 32 is configured to retrieve the predetermined amount of additive 36 from the tank 34, for example via creating a pressure difference inside dosing pipe 38. Due to the pressure difference, the predetermined amount of additive 36 is retrieved from the tank 34 and transported through the pump 32. From the pump 32, the predetermined amount of additive 36 is transported through dosing pipe 38 towards the first connection port 22 of the connection structure 20. Via the first connection port 22, a mixture of fresh water and additive 36 is then provided to the flushing system 40. Providing a predetermined amount of additive 36 to the flushing system 40 has the advantage that a waste of additive, i.e. using more additive than necessary, respectively a lack of additive, i.e. using fewer additive than necessary, is prevented. In the depicted embodiment, the predetermined amount of additive 36 is provided into the flushing system 40 automatically upon activation of the flushing system. For this purpose, the dosing device 10 is connected electronically to the flushing system 40 such that actuation of the flushing system 40 activates the pump 32. The pump 32 in turn extracts the predetermined amount of additive 36 from the tank 34 and provides same to the flushing system 40 as described above. Automatically providing the predetermined amount of additive 36 into the flushing system 40 improves the user-friendliness of the device, since the user is not required to provide the additive 36 into the flushing system 40 manually.
[0044] Once the dosing device 10 is connected to the flushing system 40, it can be fastened relative to the flushing system 40 via fastenings means 50. The fastening means 50 can for example be screw holes or slits for receiving a fastening portion, as depicted. However, other possible fastening means are also possible with the invention. Alternatively, the dosing device 10 can be integrated into the flushing system 40 during manufacturing. In this case, the fastening means 50 are used to fasten the dosing device 10 relative to the flushing system 40 during manufacturing of the same.
[0045] It should be highlighted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 4. Also, other implementations are possible with the dosing device 10 according to the present invention.
[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined amount of additive 36 is set variably by a setting device. For example, a pulse-width-modulation device is used to determine the amount of additive 36 automatically retrieved from the tank 34 by the pump 32 variably. The setting device may set the predetermined amount of additive 36 based on specific parameters of the flushing system 40 or different flushing systems that vary overtime.
[0047] In another exemplary embodiment, the tank 34 is refillable with additive 36. For this purpose, the tank 34 comprises an inlet or a closing lid which allows opening of the tank 34 for refilling purposes.
[0048] In another exemplary embodiment, the connection structure 20 is configured to electronically connect the dosing device 10 to the flushing system 40. For this purpose, the connection structure 20 comprises electrical connections such as cables or wiring. With said electrical connections, the dosing device 10 can be electrically connected to the electronics of the flushing system 40. With this measure, the dosing device 10 can for example be provided with electrical energy from the flushing system 40, as well as being electrically activated upon an actuation of the flushing system 40.
[0049] The above described configurations are preferred but provide merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hence, the described configurations of the present invention do not limit the achieved scope of protection as defined by the appended set of claims. A skilled artisan will be able to imagine various modifications of the above described configurations without contravening the basic concept of the present invention and / or leaving the scope of protection as defined by the appended set of claims.
[0050] REFERENCE SIGNS
[0051] Dosing device
[0052] Connection structure
[0053] First connection port Hose distributor
[0054] Connection pipe Vacuum breaker
[0055] Second connection port Dosing structure
[0056] Peristaltic pump
[0057] Tank
[0058] Additive
[0059] Connection piece
[0060] Inlet port of connection piece
[0061] Thread of connection piece Shoulder portion of connection piece Outlet port of connection piece Drain portion of connection piece Overflow portion of connection piece
[0062] Dosing pipes Flushing system Fastening means
Claims
CLAIMS1 . A dosing device (10) for dosing an additive (36) into a flushing system (40) of a recreational vehicle, the dosing device (10) comprising: a connection structure (20) for connecting the dosing device (10) to the flushing system (40) of the recreational vehicle; and a dosing structure (30) for providing the additive (36) to the flushing system (40) via the connection structure (20), characterized in that the connection structure (20) is configured to removably connect the dosing device (10) to the flushing system (40); and that the dosing structure (30) is configured to automatically provide an amount of additive (36) to the flushing system (40).
2. The dosing device (10) of claim 1 , characterized in that the connection structure (20) is configured to fluidly and / or electronically connect the dosing device (10) to the flushing system (40).
3. The dosing device (10) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection structure (20) is configured such that the dosing device (10) can be retrofitted to the flushing system (40).
4. The dosing device (10) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection structure (20) is configured such that the dosing device (10) can be integrated into the flushing system (40).
5. The dosing device (10) of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing structure (30) is configured to provide a predetermined amount of additive (36) to the flushing system (40).
6. The dosing device (10) of claim 5, characterized in thatthe predetermined amount of additive (36) is provided automatically to the flushing system (40) upon activation of the flushing system (40).
7. The dosing device (10) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the flushing system (40) is fluidly connected to and configured to flush a toilet of the recreational vehicle, characterized in that the predetermined amount of additive (36) is determined based on at least one of a flow rate of the toilet, a flow rate of the flushing system (40), a surface of a toilet bowl of the toilet, a volume of the toilet bowl, and an amount of additive (36) needed inside the toilet.
8. The dosing device (10) of any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the predetermined amount of additive (36) is set variably by a setting device, in particular a pulse- width-modulation device.
9. The dosing device (10) of any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the predetermined amount of additive (36) is set non-variably.
10. The dosing device (10) of any of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the dosing structure (30) comprises a pump (32) , in particular a peristaltic pump, configured to provide the predetermined amount of additive (36) to the flushing system (40).11 . The dosing device (10) of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing structure (30) comprises a tank (34) for accommodating the additive (36).
12. The dosing device (10) of claim 11 , characterized in that the tank (34) is removably connected to the dosing structure (30).
13. The dosing device (10) of claim 12, characterized in that the dosing structure (30) comprises a connection piece (37) for connecting the tank (34) to the dosing structure (30).
14. The dosing device (10) of claim 11 , characterized in that the tank (34) is refillable with additive (36).
15. A water circuit system for a recreational vehicle comprising: a flushing system (40) for a toilet of the recreational vehicle; a supply of fresh water; and the dosing device (10) of any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the dosing device (10) is configured to be fluidly arranged between the flushing system (40) and the supply of fresh water.
16. The system of claim 15, characterized in that the dosing device (10) is configured to prevent a backflow from the flushing system (40) to the supply of fresh water.
17. A method for dosing an additive (36) into a flushing system (40) of a recreational vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a dosing device (10) to the flushing system (40) of the recreational vehicle; and providing the additive (36) to the flushing system (40) via the dosing device, characterized in that the connecting step comprises removably connecting the dosing device (10) to the flushing system(40); and that the providing step comprises automatically providing an amount of additive (36) to the flushing system (40).
Citation Information
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