Device for dispensing portioned amounts

Abstract

A device (V) for discharging apportioned quantities, for example, of a WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid and/or of a fragrance, having a supply container (2) in which liquid product (1) is accommodated, the liquid product (1), associated with a closed-off space (3), forming a first free liquid level (Sp1), and, to achieve precisely reproducible apportioned quantities of liquid product, the closed-off space (3) is formed at the top of the supply container (2), and there is formed in the lower region (U) of the supply container (2) a product opening (6) which connects to a first collecting reservoir (10), in which liquid product (1), at a height which closes the product opening (6), forms a second free liquid level (Sp2), and there is provided a second collecting reservoir (11) which is connected to the first collecting reservoir (10) beneath the free liquid level (Sp2) and has an overflow (Ü) which serves for supplying quantities of liquid product in metered portions.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for discharging apportioned quantities, for example, of a WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid and/or of a fragrance, having a supply container in which liquid product is accommodated, the liquid product, associated with a closed-off space, forming a first free liquid level.

[0002] A device for discharging apportioned quantities is known from DE-A 197 20 353. In this case, use is made of a dropper bottle which is to be connected to a carrier. The dropper bottle is upside down and, alongside a discharge opening located in the lower region of the device, has an air-admission opening. Spaced apart upstream of this region is a plate-like intermediate carrier in the manner of a half-shell, so that fragrance is supplied even in the absence of the flushing operation. Reproducible apportioned quantities cannot be achieved.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to form a device of the generic type such that flushing-dependent discharge of the liquid product from a supply container is achieved.

[0004] This object is achieved first and foremost in the case of a device having the features of Claim 1, this being based on the fact that the closed-off space is formed at the top of the supply container, and that formed in the lower region of the supply container is a product opening which connects to a first collecting reservoir, in which the liquid product, at a height which closes the product opening, forms a second free liquid level, and that there is provided a second collecting reservoir which is connected to the first collecting reservoir beneath the free liquid level and has an overflow which serves for discharging quantities of liquid product in an apportioned manner.

[0005] Such a configuration achieves, on a hydromechanical basis, a device for discharging precisely reproducible apportioned quantities. It operates in accordance with the birdbath principle, although, rather than being lifted out, the apportioned quantity passes an overflow on account of a difference in pressure initiated during the flushing operation. The positive pressure produced acts on the second free liquid level. This leads to the change in height with the result of a quantity of liquid product spilling out of the second collecting reservoir. The subject matters of the rest of the claims are explained hereinbelow in relation to the subject matter of Claim 1, but may also be important in their own right. A product-protecting measure is constituted by the product opening having an openable closure. The liquid product is thus safeguarded before the use phase. It is further advantageous if the second free liquid level is acted upon by a discharging air column located in another closed-off space. This discharging air column forms a kind of “pushing member” which acts on the second free liquid level. The corresponding movement is supplied by the medium which is present anyway. The device is thus further characterized by the feature where the other closed-off space is produced by a change in closure level of a medium moved towards the first collecting reservoir. The medium is water. In the specific application case described here, the medium is water flowing during toilet flushing, be this by descending access or a rising water level. The apportioned quantity of liquid product discharged is correspondingly equalized in the closed-off space above the free liquid level, in the vacuum acting there. For this purpose, it is provided that, by virtue of the change in closure level, the medium closes the space which is initially open to the atmosphere and, at the same time, forms a first equalizing channel. Equalization is completed before the closure. The space-closing change in level results in the apportioned quantity being discharged. Depending on the viscosity of the liquid product, however, it may also be advantageous, in addition to the first equalizing channel, for a second equalizing channel to be provided, one equalizing channel constantly being open to the atmosphere. The additional equalizing channel can open closer to the liquid-product side. A further feature of the invention then consists in that the second equalizing channel opens out into a medium container which allows a level of medium which clearly exceeds the mouth opening of the closed-off space. This results in operational closing-off of the other space and in a powerful increase in flooding and in the sought-after displacement of the air column in the system. Depending on whether it is desired to have a subsequent supply of liquid-product quantity or a discharge of liquid-product quantity prior to the flushing operation, it is advantageous for the overflow to let out the apportioned quantity of liquid product right into the medium container, or for the overflow to release the apportioned quantity outside the medium container. In respect of a delayed subsequent discharge, it is expedient for the medium container to have an outflow which is substantially smaller than a filling opening in the medium container. It is possible to vary the discharging time via the hole diameter of the outflow. It is then proposed that the second equalizing channel passes through a first medium container, and that the first equalizing channel opens out into the first medium container. In the arrangement in a WC flushing cistern for example, it is thus the case, with water rising in the equalizing channel, that a pressure is produced, this pressure forcing liquid product outwards into the WC flushing cistern even before the first medium container is filled. The prior-art operation of filling the medium container from above (in order to produce the air pressure) is the other way round here.

[0006] In order for it to be possible for the agents or active substances which form the liquid product to be fed from separate sources, it is proposed that there are provided two closed-off spaces in which liquid products are accommodated separately from one another and which discharge the respective liquid product via separate first and second collecting reservoirs. These separate but equivalent dispensing paths are based on a substantially paired configuration of the device, the constituent parts of which can further be added for the sought-after continuing separated discharge of the agents or active substances. An advantageous feature then consists in that the second free liquid levels are acted upon by a discharging air column which, at least in part, is the same for both second free liquid levels. It is then possible to utilize a joint air access, merging into a branched formation. Different column heights, taking account of different viscosities of liquid products, may be used. Furthermore, a favourable configuration is provided by a joint upstream medium container with a collecting shell on the base. The collecting shell is configured in adaptation to the necessary measures in respect of disposing the device in a WC flushing cistern or in a WC bowl. Moreover, the invention provides that the outlet channels have different outlet cross-sections, in respect of an abrupt discharge of a liquid product or of a delayed discharge of a liquid product. The latter method of operation is favoured by the measure of one of the outlet channels allowing the liquid product to run onto the collecting shell. The collecting shell here has the smaller outlet cross-section. In respect of exchanging used-up supply containers or of exchanging for those with a different type of active substance, it is proposed that the liquid product is accommodated in an exchangeable refill container. This may be a continuous double container which has a partition wall and forms the two or more closed-off spaces.

[0007] It has further proved favourable, in relation to the refill container of the device, for the refill container to have a product opening with an openable closure. It is only during first use that the liquid product is transferred to the discharging system, this, in turn, having the advantage of the liquid product being held in readiness in a protected state until the first use. The means here are structurally straightforward and reliable in that the closure is formed as a piercing membrane. The invention further makes a proposal of even independent importance, which ensures that only specifically envisaged media can be attached, which, in terms of the functioning in the case of a specific viscosity, etc. is worthy of note: this is embodied in that formed on the refill container, furthermore, is a part of a labyrinth which forms the first and/or second collecting reservoir and/or of the overflow. In conjunction with the still closed closure, this part of the labyrinth forms a kind of plug for the refill container. The first and/or second collecting reservoir is formed with a base opening. As soon as this is closed, the collecting reservoirs are functional. Accordingly, the rest of the construction of the device is such that the refill container can be secured on a medium container which has an opening means for the product opening, the base part, which is necessary for the closure of the base opening in the refill container, being associated with this opening means, as a supplementary part of the labyrinth. When the said mating elements have been joined together, the labyrinth is complete and is activated, by way of medium, via the opening means. The interface between the medium and container, forming the supplementary part of the labyrinth, and the channel-forming part of the labyrinth can be felt in an extremely favourable manner for attachment purposes.

[0008] The invention then proposes, in respect of a refill container as supply container for a device for discharging apportioned quantities, for example, of a WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid and/or of a fragrance, that, in in a lower positioning region, the refill container has a product opening with an openable closure.

[0009] The device can be fitted out conveniently, in a stop-defined manner and with sufficient sealing by the refill container being configured such that it can be plugged onto an attachment cone. A measure which provides further product protection is achieved in that the refill container has a connection adapter ring which is fitted onto a container neck and has a predetermined tearing closure membrane. The material of the ring can thus be selected optimally as far as the desired sealing is concerned. A sufficiently load-bearing arrangement is achieved here if the inner attachment surface of the connection adapter ring has a height of ½ to ⅕ of the inside diameter of the same. Such a plug-in connection is fully capable of coping with the customary flow conditions, for example, in the WC bowl. For accommodation in the region of overlap of the lower border of the bowl, that is to say in order for the cross-section of the bowl not to be adversely affected, it is provided that the refill container has a fairly flat cross-section based on a rectangle. It is also favourable if the refill container has a cross-section based on a semicircle. In structural terms, it is further the case here that the cross-section of the refill container tapers, starting from its attachment base. The attachment base is the cover of the refill container which, when the latter is disposed upside down, is directed downwards. Furthermore, it is proposed that the tapering, in relation to the rectangular cross-section of the refill container, has a dimension which is less than twice the inside diameter of the adapter ring. This results in tapering in the direction of the periphery. This tapering may also terminate in convex rounding, as seen from the outside. A solution which is favourable in respect of the variability of the agents or active substance, and even of independent importance, consists in that two (or even more) refill containers are provided as individual containers which, together, supplement one another to form a cross-section based on a rectangle. As has already been indicated above, it is also practicable to have a solution where the refill container has two separate chambers. The arrangement is further such that the two refill containers have neighbouring surfaces facing one another in the vertical. Moreover, it is proposed that the neighbouring surfaces allow the containers to be disposed such that each container is prevented from rotating. The rotation-preventing proximity, moreover, accommodates the attempts to provide as compact a construction as possible. In respect of a refill container as supply container, it is proposed, as a development, that the refill container has a product opening with an openable closure. Here too, the closure is formed as a piercing membrane. The invention additionally proposes that formed on the refill container, furthermore, is a part of a labyrinth which forms the first and/or second collecting reservoir and/or of the overflow. For forming the attachment location/interface, the procedure, in relation to this part of the labyrinth, is such that the first and/or second collection reservoir is formed with a base opening. This forms the accommodating part of a plug-in part. Consequently, the procedure in this respect, furthermore, is such that the refill container can be secured on a medium container of the device, which medium container has an opening means for the product opening, the base part, which is necessary for the closure of the base opening in the refill container, being associated with this opening device, as a supplementary part of the labyrinth. In the case of a continuous refill container, the space-separating configuration, in contrast, is such that the neighbouring surfaces are formed by a common partition wall. It is further provided that the neighbouring surfaces or the partition wall, in a horizontal cross-section, run in a manner in which they are based on a straight line. Contact abutment of the neighbouring surfaces may be present, so that even slight rotations of the individual containers in relation to one another are ruled out. It is further advantageous for the container-neck opening of each individual container to be offset in the direction of the neighbouring surface in relation to a vertical centre plane of the individual container. This can advantageously be utilized even in cases where it is possible for the attachment locations to be located in close proximity to one another, which makes it possible to produce a space-saving device. It is, moreover, possible for a different offset to be present, which has the advantage of it being possible, without departing from the outline of the refill container or of the device, for the individual containers to have different volumes.

[0010] The invention then relates to a refill container, if appropriate comprising two or more individual containers, characterized by the capability for being associated with a device according to the features of the preceding claims.

[0011] The subject matter of the invention is illustrated hereinbelow with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. For the sake of clarity, it is predominantly the case that representation is as schematic as possible. In the drawing:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a supply container in vertical section with an externally located device for discharging apportioned quantities, according to a first exemplary embodiment,

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a vertical section through the supply container with the device associated with the interior of the supply container,

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a supply container in vertical section with a device for discharging apportioned quantities according to a second exemplary embodiment, in a modification according to FIG. 2 but with the association of a second equalizing channel,

[0015] FIG. 4 shows an illustration like that in FIG. 3, with the medium container with outflow disposed in the lower region of the device,

[0016] FIG. 5 shows an illustration like that in FIG. 4, but with relating to a variation of the discharge of liquid-product quantity at the beginning of the flushing or as the latter subsides,

[0017] FIG. 6 shows the supply container in vertical section with a third exemplary embodiment of the device for discharging apportioned quantities, the medium container being enclosed by a WC flushing cistern,

[0018] FIG. 7 shows an example of an arrangement variant for the channels of the device, in this case located in a row,

[0019] FIG. 8 shows an arrangement variant in which the channels are combined in two groups of three to form a block,

[0020] FIG. 9 shows an arrangement variant for the channels, maintaining an annular distribution of the channels with a central channel,

[0021] FIG. 10 shows the supply container, associated with the border of a WC bowl, with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the device incorporated therein,

[0022] FIG. 11 shows, as a fifth exemplary embodiment, a section through a supply container with a device for discharging apportioned quantities, configured for disposing in a WC flushing cistern,

[0023] FIG. 12 shows, as a sixth exemplary embodiment, a perspective representation of a device for discharging apportioned quantities, configured for disposing in a WC flushing cistern, supplied from two sources of a supply container not yet disposed there, the attachment locations being directed away from the viewer,

[0024] FIG. 13 shows the same illustration, with attachment locations directed towards the viewer,

[0025] FIG. 14 shows an illustration corresponding to FIG. 13, but now with a supply container, which in this case has two closed-off spaces and constitutes an exchangeable refill container, formed by separate individual containers,

[0026] FIG. 15 shows a front view of this device,

[0027] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the device,

[0028] FIG. 17 shows another side view of the device,

[0029] FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the device,

[0030] FIG. 19 shows the section along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 12,

[0031] FIG. 20 shows the section along line XX-XX in FIG. 12,

[0032] FIG. 20a shows an enlargement from FIG. 20 in the region of an attachment location,

[0033] FIG. 21 shows the section along line XXI-XXI in FIG. 17,

[0034] FIG. 22 shows the section along line XXII-XXII in FIG. 17,

[0035] FIG. 23 shows, as a seventh exemplary embodiment, a perspective representation of a device for discharging apportioned quantities, configured for disposing in a WC flushing cistern, supplied from two sources of a refill container in the form of a supply container,

[0036] FIG. 24 shows a plan view of this device,

[0037] FIG. 25 shows a side view of the device, coupled and ready for use,

[0038] FIG. 26 shows the section along line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 24,

[0039] FIG. 27 shows, to be precise in perspective, the closure member of the refill container formed as supply container, constituting part of a labyrinth,

[0040] FIG. 28 shows the closure member in vertical section,

[0041] FIG. 29 shows, once again in schematic representation, the medium container merging into a carrier and containing the supplementary part of the labyrinth,

[0042] FIG. 30 shows a similar illustration, showing a coupling location between the two labyrinth-forming parts of the device, (only for illustrative purposes since the labyrinth is connected to the refill container, which functions as supply container),

[0043] FIG. 31 shows a worm's eye view of the supply container, realized as a dual container,

[0044] FIG. 32 shows the device in a side view according to FIG. 25, in an initial phase of fitting the supply container,

[0045] FIG. 33 shows the same in a further-advanced fitting phase,

[0046] FIG. 34 shows the already initiated operation of the supply container being plugged in with under-engagement,

[0047] FIG. 35 shows the alignment, which is appropriate for piercing, between the supply container and a supplementary labyrinth part showing a piercer,

[0048] FIG. 36 shows the closure member or labyrinth in an enlarged perspective representation of FIG. 27,

[0049] FIG. 37 shows the section along line XXXVII-XXXVII in FIG. 36 with the labyrinth part (and schematically indicated supplementary part) associated with the supply container and also enclosed by the said medium container,

[0050] FIG. 38 shows a further vertical section through the unit comprising the closure member and labyrinth part.

[0051] The device V illustrated serves for discharging apportioned quantities of a liquid product 1 from a supply container 2.

[0052] The liquid product 1 is WC cleaning liquid, WC disinfecting liquid and, if appropriate, also a fragrance. The abovementioned agents or active substances may be combined or else come from separate sources, with a corresponding provision of a multiplicity of supply containers with flow access to the device V. In addition, monocontainers and also dual container bottles, etc. are also conceivable.

[0053] In respect of the supply container 2, it should also be pointed out that the latter may be configured in the form of a bottle, as can be gathered from FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0054] The supply container 2 or the bottle is to be inverted for operation. The space 3 accommodating the liquid product 1 here is closed at the top. The correspondingly closed cover is designated 4. The latter continues into a wall 5. This closes the space 3 apart from a product opening 6 of the supply container 2, this opening being located in the lower region U. The upper side is marked by O.

[0055] A first free liquid level Sp1 is located between the inside of the cover 4 of the supply container 2 and the liquid product 1 accommodating it. This free liquid level can be achieved intrinsically by the bottle or the supply container 2 not being filled completely and on account of the fact that, with the supply container 2 being disposed together with the device V, a quantity of liquid product 1 pours into the device, to be precise passing the abovementioned product opening 6.

[0056] The product opening 6 is located above a lower termination wall 7 of the supply container 2. This is, as it were, the shoulder of the bottle. A first wall W1 is located above this termination wall 7. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the wall W1 may be aligned with the wall 5 and, according to FIG. 2, it may be erected such that it stands vertically above the termination wall 7 of the supply container 2.

[0057] A second wall W2 is located to the right. This is followed by a third wall W3, accompanied by a fourth wall W4, alongside which a fifth wall W5 is located.

[0058] All the walls W1-W5 are spaced apart from one another both vertically and horizontally in a channel-forming manner.

[0059] In the direction facing the cover 4, the walls W1 and W5 are connected to one another. This bridge section is designated 8.

[0060] Furthermore, the second wall W2 and the fourth wall W4 are connected to one another on the cover side. The bridge section is designated 9.

[0061] The upper end of the second wall W2 terminates at a spacing from the said bridge section 9.

[0062] The third wall W3 is likewise spaced apart vertically from the bridge section 9. This structure results, overall, in a kind of labyrinth, forming a first collecting reservoir 10. This is connected, in terms of flooding and/or flow, to a second collecting reservoir 11. In this way, the one space 3, which is closed off in the supply container 2 on the top side of the free liquid level Sp1 and in which a vacuum prevails, is connected via the product opening 6, which is located to the lower region U of the supply container 2, so as to be capable of dispensing the quantities which are to be discharged in an apportioned manner. This means that the product opening 6 is connected to the first collecting reservoir 10, in which the liquid product 1, at a height which closes the product opening 6, forms a second free liquid level Sp2. In this case, the second collecting reservoir 11, which is connected to the first collecting reservoir 10 beneath the second free liquid level Sp2, is located such that this collecting reservoir 11 forms an overflow Ü which serves for discharging quantities of liquid product in an apportioned manner. The wall W1, bridge section 9 and wall W4 form an h-profile.

[0063] The liquid product 1 cannot run out since, in the supply container 2, a vacuum is located above the first free liquid level Sp1, as is indicated.

[0064] A height of the third wall W3 which clearly projects beyond the upper edge of the product opening 6 has an overflow-determining function. The intermediate opening 12, which connects the first collecting reservoir 10 and second collecting reservoir 11 to one another, terminates with its upper edge approximately halfway between the upper edge of the product opening 6 and the overflow Ü, which is defined by an upper end edge of the wall W3.

[0065] The second free liquid level Sp2 is acted upon by a discharging air column 14 (illustrated as a chain-dotted line) located in another closed-off space 13 of the device V.

[0066] The other closed-off space 13 continues, as a channel 15 which is open at the bottom, into the open. It is connected to the atmosphere and is only closed, from the downwardly oriented mouth opening end, for producing the discharging air column 14, exerting pressure on the second free liquid level Sp2.

[0067] The corresponding pressure medium is a medium 16. The medium 16 is water. The medium 16 utilized in this case is water flowing during toilet flushing, be this in the form of gravity flushing or of pressure-flushing. The latter water collects in a medium container 17 (see FIG. 4ff). This container is disposed beneath the supply container 2. Its container border is positioned such that the medium 16 can enter, for example, as descending water such that it fills the container. The filling opening is designated 18. In the case of dual-container bottles, the resulting paired devices V, that is to say two are provided, may have a joint medium container 17, or else in each case one, for example, horn-of-plenty-like container with a sufficiently large collecting opening for the medium 16, located beneath.

[0068] It can be gathered that the production of the air pressure in the channel 15 depends on the level of medium. The pressure level is designated 19.

[0069] The opening of the channel 15 is widened in the downward direction by a funnel 20 with a cylindrical end region. The compressing air located in a dome 21, formed by the cupola of the funnel 20, strikes as air pressure, as has already been explained, against the second free liquid level Sp2. This causes the level to be lowered in the first collecting reservoir 10 and to be raised in the second collecting reservoir 11, with the result that the thus divided-up quantity of liquid product, which is to be discharged in a precisely reproducible manner, spills over into a vertically oriented outlet channel 22 which is open at the bottom.

[0070] The liquid accommodated in the medium container 17 runs off via an outflow 23. The outflow 23 has a substantially smaller inside cross-section than the filling opening 18, so that this results in delayed emptying of the medium container 17. This means sustained discharge of WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid and/or of the fragrance.

[0071] Instead of being discharged with a time delay at the intended location, it is also possible for the medium 16, which has moved towards the first collecting reservoir 10 by the change in closure level in the other closed space 13, to be utilized for discharging the apportioned quantity directly. This is represented in FIG. 5. As can be gathered, rather than the overflow Ü there supplying the apportioned quantity of liquid product 1 into the medium container 17, the apportioned quantity, coming from the overflow Ü, is released outside the medium container 17. For this purpose, the outlet channel 22, which projects vertically downwards beyond the lower region U, is extended correspondingly. The channel-extending tube 24 is represented by dashed lines, the schematic construction of the device V being maintained in the process.

[0072] Referring back to the pressure equalization, that is to say the respectively discharged batch being replaced by air, this takes place at least via a first equalizing channel I. This is formed by the space 13, in which the discharging air column 14 is produced. The corresponding connection to the atmosphere takes place via the channel 15. The air passes, on the liquid-product side, into the space 3 via the product opening 6. The rising medium 16 closes the space 13, which is initially open to the atmosphere and forms the said first equalizing channel I. The corresponding change in closure level can be gathered, for example, from FIG. 4.

[0073] In certain cases, for example with different viscosities of the liquid product 1, it may be beneficial to supply the said first equalization channel I with a bypass. This is embodied in the formation of an additional channel, designated as second equalization channel II. You are referred to FIG. 4. One of the two equalizing channels I and II is constantly open to the atmosphere.

[0074] In order to realize the second equalizing channel II, the device V is supplied with a sixth wall W6. Encompassing the original structure, this covers over everything in the form of a U. Taking a section just above the product opening 6, six channel cross-sections are thus provided in a row, these constituting the channel-forming paths explained above (see FIG. 7).

[0075] The air-inlet channel of the second equalizing channel II is designated 25. Its lower mouth opening as well as that of the outlet channel 22 are located at a considerably higher level than the mouth opening of the channel 15 providing the level of the medium. It is provided here that, in particular, the second equalization channel II opens out into the medium container 17 such that it allows a level of medium which clearly exceeds the mouth opening of the closed-off other space 13, or second equalizing channel II.

[0076] The through-passage opening of the second equalizing channel II which is located on the liquid-product side is designated 26. It terminates at substantially the same height as the product opening 6, which lets out the liquid (arrow y) and lets in air (arrow x). Between the through-passage opening 26 and the product opening 6, the second equalizing channel II here forms a third collecting reservoir 27. The collecting reservoirs 11, 12 and 27 communicate with one another. The intermediate opening 12, upstream of the overflow Ü, has the greatest vertical height in FIG. 4.

[0077] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is of basically the same construction as far as the device V is concerned. The reference numerals are used analogously, in some cases without being repeated in the text. Located beneath the device V in FIG. 6, associated with the interior of the supply container 2, in turn, is the medium container 17, in this case functioning as a first medium container. This is seated in a second medium container, in this case formed by the WC flushing cistern 28. It can be gathered that the second equalizing channel II passes through the base of the first medium container 17. In contrast, the first equalizing channel I opens out in the first medium container 17. The mouth opening is a transverse opening 29, beginning directly above the base of the medium container 17.

[0078] The floodable second medium container or WC flushing cistern 28 has a medium outlet 30 on the base. The release at the medium outlet 30 of the WC flushing cistern 28 takes place by a regulating member, for example via a siphon means (not illustrated). Via this outlet, the water passes into the WC bowl.

[0079] The outlet channel 22 and the air-inlet channel 25 are of different lengths, the mouth opening of the air-inlet channel 25 projecting in relation to that of the outlet channel 22.

[0080] The functioning of the device V with supply container 2, briefly summarized, is as follows: the liquid product 1 is present in the first and second collecting reservoirs 10, 11, forming the second free liquid level Sp2, the height being determined by the product opening 6. The common-level is located beneath the overflow Ü. The liquid product 1 cannot run out since a vacuum forms in the upper closed space 3, above the first free liquid level Sp1 there. If, then, air pressure is produced, passing via the channel 15, by the rising level of the medium 16, then the second free liquid level Sp2 is acted upon via the discharging air column 14, and this results in lowering of the said level. At the same time, this leads, conversely, to the level in the second collecting reservoir 11 rising. The liquid product 1 passes over the overflow Ü. It is discharged downwards, via the outlet channel 22, as a precisely reproducible quantity. If the air pressure returns to zero, which corresponds to the falling closure level 19, the second free liquid level Sp2 fills back up again to the original level illustrated. Correspondingly, there is also equalization of the height in the second collecting reservoir 11. The next batch is thus ready for discharging. Via the space 13, which has thus been freed to the atmosphere, passing in via the channel 15, the discharged quantity is replaced in the space 3 as a quantity of air. The other closed space 13 here forms the first equalizing channel I. Equilibrium is regained.

[0081] FIG. 2 show the same arrangement, although the device is disposed in the centre of the supply container 2.

[0082] In order to overcome or to avoid, for example, external air-pressure fluctuations or viscosity-induced obstructions and resulting delays in equalization, the embodiment from FIG. 3 has the second equalizing channel II. This additional equalizing channel is installed straight into the system and allows more effective admission, that is to say intake, of air into the supply container 2. The rising medium 16 subjects the second free liquid level Sp2 to loading via the discharging air column 14. The second free liquid level drops. The liquid level in the second collecting reservoir 11 rises. This means that it is not possible for any liquid product to pass rearwards, via the through-passage opening 26 of the second equalizing channel II, into the closed space 3. This results in the second free liquid level Sp2, as well as the liquid level in the second delivery reservoir 11, rising. The apportioned quantity passes, via the overflow Ü, into the outlet channel 22. In the case of the air pressure, in turn, returning to zero, on account of the falling medium 16 under the mouth opening of the channel 22, the second free liquid level Sp2 rises again. The next batch is thus available for removal. This is then followed, in turn, by the above-explained pressure equalization with automatically establishing equilibrium. The surfaces of all three reservoirs, that is to say of the first collecting reservoir 10, the second collecting reservoir 11 and the third collecting reservoir 27, are on the same level.

[0083] The embodiment according to FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the abovementioned production of compressed air by the rising medium 16. By virtue of the different heights of the mouth openings of the channels, that is to say of the liquid-product outlet channel 22, of the channel 15, which forms the first equalizing channel I and of the air-inlet channel 25 of the second equalizing channel II, the liquid product 1 is metered specifically at the beginning or end of the flushing operation. In the concrete case of FIG. 4, the air pressure meters the liquid product 1 into the medium container 17, which runs out slowly and, following the end of the flushing operation, lets the product into the WC bowl, to be precise with a time delay via the outflow 23 of small cross-section. According to the variant of FIG. 5, the outlet channel is extended such that the liquid product 1 is metered outside, rather than into, the medium container 17. This results in a release of the liquid product 1 at the start of the flushing operation.

[0084] The embodiment according to FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the device V with supply container 2 and medium container 17 as a first medium container in a second medium container, formed by the WC flushing cistern 28. In this case, with the medium 16 rising in the first medium container 17, a pressure is produced in the second equalizing channel II, this pressure forcing liquid product 1 outwards into the WC flushing cistern 28 even before the medium container is filled. The prior-art operation of filling the first medium container 17 from above (in order to produce the air pressure) is the other way round here. The rising medium 16 first closes the second equalizing channel II, which has its mouth opening extended further downwards, produces pressure in this way and, in the manner described, discharges some liquid product 1 and closes the space 13. For this purpose, use is made of the transverse opening 29 described, this producing the flow contact with the interior of the first medium container 17. The system is closed. The water level of the WC flushing cistern may, as is illustrated, be located above the supply container 2. During the flushing operation, as has been described, some liquid product 1 has already passed into the WC flushing cistern 28. On account of the relatively large inside cross-section of the medium outlet 30, the WC flushing cistern, functioning as a second medium container, empties more quickly than the first medium container 17. If the liquid level of the flushing cistern has passed the height of the liquid-product outlet channel 22 and of the equalizing channel, this results, by way of the full medium container, in the second free liquid level Sp2 being subjected to air pressure through the lateral through-passage opening 26. The metering operation is initiated. The liquid product 1 drips into the outgoing water of the WC flushing cistern 28. It has a sustained effect.

[0085] FIG. 10 shows the WC configuration which is disposed in a closed bottle and is of round form according to FIG. 9, to be precise associated with a WC bowl 31. The bottle and device V are secured by a hook-like carrier 32 which engages over a bowl border and continues into the medium container 17, which covers over the discharge side. The same applies in relation to the embodiment according to FIG. 11, the only difference being the, there, the carrier 32 merges into a flatter hook as the hanging means.

[0086] The supply container or containers 2 is/are attached in the manner of a sealed plug-in connection. A screwed arrangement is also conceivable, as is a bayonet-closure connection. It is possible to provide here, in all cases, a transportation safeguard, and also an exposed opening aid which, depending on the arrangement, opens a defined predetermined tearing location of the supply container 2.

[0087] The idea of discharging liquid product 1 from separate sources is illustrated from FIG. 12 and described hereinbelow.

[0088] This is based on the negative-pressure level regulator discussed in detail in the introduction. If necessary for comprehension, the reference numerals have been carried over to the sixth exemplary embodiment, in some cases without being repeated in the text.

[0089] This is embodied in structural terms, in a development, predominantly in that this device V has two infeeds, realized as attachment locations 33. These may be connected in terms of flow, with supply and air equalization, to two closed-off spaces 3 of a supply container 2. A, for example, two-chamber construction formed by a partition wall is present. It is preferred, however, to have a two-part construction, that is to say by a combined refill container B comprising individual containers 2′, 2″ which each contain a liquid product 1 and, together, supplement one another to form a cross-section which has an outline based on a rectangle 34. You are referred, for example, to FIGS. 14 and 18. The rectangle 34 is indicated in FIG. 18 by supplementary chain-dotted lines. A flat construction is sought for the device V. The ratio of width to length is around 1:6, preferably 1:4.

[0090] On account of the double formation of the flow labyrinth, each product opening 6 of the refill container B or of the individual containers 2′, 2″ has a first and a second collecting reservoir 10, 11 disposed downstream of it, so that a discharging air column 14 is achieved in both infeeds. Accordingly, it is also the case here that the second free liquid level Sp2 is acted upon by the discharging air column 14 which, at least in part, is the same for both second free liquid levels Sp2.

[0091] With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, it can be gathered that the downwardly directed mouth openings of the channels 15 begin on the same level, that is to say, with medium 16 rising, also close at the same time the double-tube-like vertical space 13 from beneath and “displace” the two discharging air columns 14, with pressure being exerted in accordance with arrow x, onto the second free liquid level Sp2. The joint upstream medium container 17, in which the closure level 19 is formed (see FIG. 4), can also be gathered from the illustration here.

[0092] Comparing FIGS. 21 and 22, meanwhile, makes it clear that, in the case of the subject matter according to the development of FIG. 12ff, the two outlet channels designated 22 have different outlet cross-sections. According to FIG. 21, the batch, in the form of the reproducible sub-quantity of liquid product 1, passing via the overflow Ü flows vertically without constriction out of the device V—the flow direction is also specified here by arrow y, whereas the batch of liquid product 1 according to FIG. 22, which is forced via the overflow Ü, ultimately enters an outlet channel 22, which has a considerably smaller outlet cross-section than that according to FIG. 21. The outlet channel 22 with reduced cross-section is located as the last constriction or barrier on the base, and at the lowermost location, of the oppositely directed roof-like zone of the medium container 17.

[0093] The zone formed by the medium container 17 functions as a collecting shell 35. The latter forms the lower termination of the medium container 17 and, on the side directed away from the attachment locations 33, is connected to a shaft (passage) 36 which is open at the top. The latter runs vertically and, in the upper region O of the device V, merges into water-feeding introduction slopes 37. Parts of the flushing flow which come into contact there are fed, as a descending flow, by the introduction slope to the shaft 36, forming the regulating medium 16.

[0094] The shaft 36 and the introduction slopes 37, which project in the manner of wings and form collecting channels, lie within the flat construction of the device V and are curved at the rear, following the curvature of the wall of the WC bowl 31.

[0095] The vertically oriented shaft 36 has a window-like bottom region. The corresponding window is designated 38. It is closed at the front of the device V and, as a flow bridge, forms the operative connection both with the space 13, in which the discharging air column 14 of the two labyrinths is produced, and with the region of the equalizing channel II, which functions as an additional equalizing channel to the equalizing channel which exists on account of the space 13 and is marked I.

[0096] The sub-quantity of liquid product 1 which, on account of the relatively small cross-section, runs out in a time-delayed manner, passes into a chicane, which is located therebeneath and acts with a time delay, in the form of an angled hollow 39. Like 35, this is likewise configured in the form of an upside-down roof and is spaced apart from the outlet channel 22, which is arranged centrally above it and has a relatively small outlet cross-section. The angled hollow 39 is closed by walls on the visible side and is open on the right and left, in the slightly upwardly sloping regions. The openings are designated 40. Finally, the descending flushing water also carries away the residues of the substance still retained there. In addition, it is also favourable here, in the case of a fragrance, for this to be stored so that fragrance can be dispensed as much as possible. In contrast, the batch being released in the labyrinth plane according to FIG. 21 is preferably incorporated rapidly into the flushing operation of the WC flushing cistern.

[0097] The attachment locations 33 are based on a console 41 which projects horizontally from the vertically oriented centre zone of the housing of the device V. From the console, in each case one attachment cone 42, in the form of a tubular connector, extends in the direction of the upper region O of the device V. The tubular connector circumscribes a through-passage opening 43 in the console 41. The refill container B is plugged onto the free conical end of the attachment connector 42 in a substantially clamped and sealing manner. The connection takes place in relation to a container neck 44, which is formed indirectly as a correspondingly mating conical funnel. The indirect connection is realized by the interposition of a connection adapter ring 45. This is represented on an enlarged scale in FIG. 20a.

[0098] The connection adapter ring 45.and projecting container neck 44 are latch-connected. A U-shaped cross-section is selected as far as the ring 45 is concerned. The U-web engages over the end border of the container neck 44. The latching comprises a latching bead 44′ of the container neck 44 and a corresponding latching groove 45′ of the connection adapter ring 45.

[0099] At shoulder height and/or on the termination wall 7, which is also specified here, of the refill container B, the connection adapter ring 45 forms a closure membrane 46. This is in sealed connection in relation to the free end of the inner leg of the U-shaped adapter ring 45. It (46) is connected via a bridge section of reduced material thickness. The bridge section is capable of predetermined tearing, leaving a hinge behind. For the correspondingly film-hinge-like opening of the predetermined-tearing closure membrane 46, use is made of the free end section 42′ of the attachment cone 42, it being possible for this free end section to be introduced to an adequate depth. Apart from a remaining amount, this is reduced in height in the hinge-forming region (not illustrated, since it is easily conceivable).

[0100] The plug-in connection also has sufficient tilting stability since the inner attachment surface of the connection adapter ring 45 has an axial height of approximately ½ to ⅕ of the inside diameter D of the same. In concrete terms, the axial height is approximately a third of the said diameter.

[0101] The material of the connection adapter ring 45 is selected both in respect of good sealing and in respect of the predetermined tearing action.

[0102] Located beneath the through-passage opening 43 of the attachment cone 42 is a flow connection 47, which is oriented as a transverse channel. The flow connection slopes down in relation to the body of the device V, that is to say the fastening section of the console 41. It opens out in the product opening 6 in each case in the second equalizing channel II, which forms the direct location of connection to the atmosphere. The air-flow path in this respect is illustrated in the form of a chain-dotted line and is designated 48. The wall material of the flow connection 47 acts, at the same time, in the manner of a supporting strut in respect of the console 42.

[0103] As can be gathered from a comparison between FIGS. 19 and 20, the flow connection 47 according to FIG. 20 passes into the labyrinth of the negative-pressure level regulator which is closer to the console; in relation to FIG. 19, in contrast, an adjoining channel continuation passes through this labyrinth with the result of a flow connection to the system remote from the console 41.

[0104] In respect of the configuration of the refill container B comprising one or more parts, it should also be pointed out that the cross-section of the refill container, starting from the attachment base of the latter, the so-called termination wall 7, tapers in the direction of the upper region O. The tapering is present in both planes. You are thus referred to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, 22. In both cases, the tapering merges into narrow convex curvature. The design formula used here is one according to which the tapering, in relation to the rectangular cross-section of the refill container B, in the plane or the planes of the container neck 44, has a dimension which is less than twice the inside diameter D of the connection adapter ring 45.

[0105] In the vertical longitudinal centre plane of the device V and a corresponding dividing plane of the refill container B, the individual containers 2′, 2″, in the case of the refill container B being constructed in two parts, are directed towards one another, this forming neighbouring surfaces 49. The latter are located so closely, and of identical surface areas, in front of one another that they prevent rotation. This means that the individual containers 2′, 2″, which are thus configured substantially in the manner of direction indicators, cannot be rotated about the geometrical vertical axes of the attachment locations 33, this being the case in spite of the rotationally symmetrical construction of these attachment locations. These are located in the manner of a plate in a fixed fork formation in a securely positioned manner in the region of action of the WC flushing. In a horizontal cross-section, the neighbouring surfaces 49 run in a manner in which they are based on a straight line. The corresponding plane, a plane of symmetry, is designated E-E (see FIG. 15).

[0106] It can be gathered, for example from FIGS. 20a and 15, that the container-neck opening 50 of each individual container 2′, 2″ is offset in the direction of the respective neighbouring surface 49 in relation to a vertical centre line z-z. With a relatively large spacing between the attachment locations 33, the corresponding offset may be utilized such that individual containers 2′, 2″ of different volumes may be fitted, this with the wall region of one neighbouring surface 49 projecting to a correspondingly great extent and with the wall region of the other neighbouring surface 49 being correspondingly set back. The different offsets of the neighbouring surfaces 49 are not illustrated in the drawing.

[0107] In conjunction with plug-in identification by way of a paired configuration, which interrupts, for example, the rotation of the parts 42, 44, 45, it is, furthermore, possible to fit the individual containers 2′ and 2″ in a foolproof manner, with the effect given above of the liquid-product substance 1 being discharged in a delayed manner and in an accelerated manner. The former case preferably involves the fragrance-dispensing substance, while the latter case expediently involves a WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid.

[0108] From FIG. 23, the intention is to explain a seventh exemplary embodiment, which, in terms of its basic technical concept, is closer to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10. The solution which embodies the seventh exemplary embodiment, however, is designed for feeding from two or more sources, as has basically been described in FIG. 12ff. It is possible to make use of the arrangement variant for the channels, while maintaining an annular distribution of the channels with a now divided-off central channel (see basic diagram from FIG. 9). In this case, the basic principle described in detail above is maintained, and the labyrinth-like structure is merely realized in circle sectors.

[0109] If necessary for comprehension, the reference numerals have been carried over, in some cases without being repeated in the text.

[0110] The refill container B, used in the manner of a supply container associated in an exchangeable manner with the device V, contains the liquid product 1.

[0111] In order to be able to accommodate a different liquid product 1, the refill container B is divided into chambers. The chambers are designated 51. In the lower region U of the refill container B, the chambers 51 each have a filling opening 52. This is located in the base 53 of the refill container B.

[0112] Following the filling, the filling opening is closed. A plug-like closure member 54 is used for this purpose. This has an elastic sealing collar 55. The latter interacts with the inner surface of the filling opening 52. Located at the foot of the closure member 54, which is plugged in from the outside, is a widened stop flange 56. This can be connected firmly, for example by thermal means, to the underside of the base 53.

[0113] At the same time, the closure member 54 controls, via its product opening 6, the quantity of WC cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid and/or of fragrance which is to be discharged in an apportioned manner. For this purpose, the abovedescribed labyrinth-like channel system, which is incorporated in the closure member 54, takes effect, this channel system being realized in the section which projects upwards in a tower-like manner and is accommodated partially in the interior of the respective chamber 51.

[0114] Here, however, the product opening 6 is itself closed. It has a closure 57 which can be opened when the device is used for the first time.

[0115] The openable closure 57 is formed by a piercing membrane, realized as the thin location of a sectoral cover 58 of the closure member 54.

[0116] The structural procedure, in respect of the hydromechanical construction of the device V, then, is such that formed on the refill container B, in a development of the closure member 54 explained above, is a part T1 of a labyrinth L which forms the first and/or second collecting reservoir 10, 11 and/or of the overflow Ü. It is thus the case that, with the as yet incomplete labyrinth L in the non-fitted state, the first and/or second collecting reservoirs 10, 11 have a base opening 10′, 11′.

[0117] It is only when a mating element which closes the first collecting reservoir 10 and the second collecting reservoir 11 from beneath is involved that the functioning of the device V which controls the discharge quantities is brought into play. Accordingly, the rest of the construction is realized such that the refill container B can be secured on the medium container 17. This involves a simultaneously sealing plug-in connection. This also has an opening means 59. The base part 60, which is necessary for the closure of the base opening 10′, 11′ in the refill container B, is associated with the opening means 59 as a further part, to be more precise as a supplementary part T2 of the labyrinth L.

[0118] The base part 60 is a substantially cylindrical formation of the shell base 61 of the medium container 17 (you are referred to FIG. 26). It is a cylindrical hollow stub which is closed at the top. The hollow stub is fitted in a sealing manner in a correspondingly contoured, central plug-in cavity 62 of the labyrinth L in the region of the supplementary part T2.

[0119] As can be gathered, a peripheral, sectoral annular step 60′, which is located to the side of the plug-like base part 60 and is at a lower level; forms a defined support for the part T1 on the part T2, via an annular wall 54′ on the base of the labyrinth L and/or closure member 54. The lower end border of the same is upright.

[0120] The spike-like opening means 59, which projects upwards beyond the base part 60 such that it exposes the latter, is a cross-sectionally arcuate lance which is aligned with the lateral wall of the stub-like base part 60. The lance tapers to a point laterally and is sharpened, this resulting in the thin location of the cover 58 and labyrinth body being pierced without any difficulty. Above the cover 58, the sector-like cross-section of the cover 58 continues into a vertical column 63, via which the cut-open product opening 6 opens the flow connection of the liquid product 1 into the labyrinth L. The cover 58 is located at the lowermost location of the chamber 51. This allows discharging to take place in a residue-free manner. The closure placed correspondingly in the positioning region is thus located in an extremely favourable position.

[0121] The product opening 6, which is pierced in the lower positioning region of the labyrinth L, is produced in a functionally reliable manner even in cases where a corresponding lance may be given a cross-sectionally T-shaped configuration. The T-web is located along the angle bisector and reliably forces the cut-out tab of the thin location to the side.

[0122] In order to ensure precise coordination between the plug-in connections of T1 and T2, it is possible to define the angles of rotation of the closure member 54 and thus of the labyrinth L, as far as the towers are concerned. For this purpose, use is made of the stop flange 56. This has a notch 64 on a border zone which projects in a nose-like manner. An appropriately fitting protrusion 65 on the underside of the base 53 of the refill container B projects into the notch. In this way, the first collecting reservoir 10 and the second collecting reservoir 11 are aligned in the correct position in relation to the base part 60 which closes them, as are also the channel 15 and the outlet channel 22 aligned in the correct position in relation to the respective access location and outlet location of the device V.

[0123] In order to obtain identical parts for the closure member 54 and the labyrinth L, despite the dual version, a mirror-symmetrical formation is dispensed with. The protrusions 65 are thus located in the same directions alongside the filling openings 52.

[0124] As can be gathered from the drawings, the chambers 51 in the refill container B according to the seventh exemplary embodiment are divided by a common partition wall 66. The partition wall 66 leaves behind equally sized chambers 51 on both sides. The centre-symmetrical configuration here also has the advantage of the relatively thin-walled refill container B being stabilized centrally.

[0125] In contrast to the abovedescribed dual version of the device V, which has a rectangular cross-section (rectangle 34), the refill container B now has a cross-section based more on a semicircle. The dome-like body thus has a rear wall 67 which is flattened in circle-segment form and is directed towards the fold-out end section of the carrier 32. The partition wall 66 which helps to form the chambers is rooted in the centre of this rear wall. The chamber-bounding neighbouring surfaces 49 are integral with the partition wall (see FIG. 26).

[0126] As can be gathered, the abovedescribed vertical rear wall 67 is not located along the diameter line of the approximately semicircular cross-section. It clearly extends beyond the equator.

[0127] The foot region of the band-like, elastic carrier 32 has a seat-like step 68, forming a bottom region under which it is possible to engage. The cross-sectionally circular base region 69 of the refill container B consequently grips under this bottom region, and the latter is secured against vertical yielding and, for all practical purposes, is locked (see FIG. 25).

[0128] The intermediate phases of the corresponding plug-in angling operation can be gathered from FIGS. 32-35 combined. Upon reaching the coupling position according to FIG. 25, the closure 57 is opened.

[0129] The angling of the refill container B, which takes place until the latter engages under the step 68, is slide-guided, to be precise by a hook-in connection between the upper end of the carrier 32 and the head portion of the refill container B. For this purpose, on its side which is directed towards the rear wall 67, the refill container B has hook-in arms 70 which are directed towards one another. These are located in the open inlet of a longitudinal groove 71. The head of a vertical strip 72 is guided in the latter. The strip 72 has a T-profile and has its T-web rooted in the rear of the band-like carrier 32, which is directed towards the said rear wall 67. The strip 72 and the band section carrying it are straight. The T-legs 73 taper to a point at the top to form an intercepting protrusion 74. This is inserted and engages under the hook-in arms 70 in the process.

[0130] Upright directing-wall sections 75 extend above the shell base 61. These sections are positioned such that medium 16 which streams into the medium container 17 via the filling opening 18 is directed onto the lower inlet 15′ of the channel 15, so that the discharging air column 14 is formed in an effective manner.

[0131] The directing-wall section 75, which runs in the transverse centre and is directed away from the carrier 32, may simultaneously serve for supporting the angled-in, lowered refill container B. In this case, however, height coordination in relation to the base part 60 is necessary.

[0132] The base region 69, which basically is itself substantially circular, has, in the downward direction, an encircling plug-in border 76. This passes into vertical slots 77 of the directing-wall sections 75. These taper in the plug-in direction (see arrow in FIG. 36). This subjects the parts B and 17 to a centring action. In order to allow the abovementioned tilting position of the refill container B, the plug-in border 76 is cut away in the planar region of the rear wall 67. A downwardly projecting nose on the base region 69 has a stop-defining function.

[0133] In order to form the shell which collects the medium 16, the predominantly circular base region 69 merges into a trapezoidal outline, to be precise from the plane of the rear wall 67. The base of the trapezium is located on the outside.

[0134] The shell base 61 is provided with one or more outflows 23. The mixed cleaning liquid is discharged via these. Direct discharge of the pure substance takes place, in the manner described, via the outlet channel 22, by way of tube 24.

[0135] A deflecting wall 78 with a flow-delaying action may be disposed upstream of the outlet 22′ of the outflow 22 or of its tube 24. The deflecting wall may be attached via webs with a spacing function.

[0136] In addition to the first equalizing channel I illustrated in FIG. 37, this version of the device V may also be associated with a second channel guide, which assumes the task of the equalizing channel II explained above. This second equalizing channel would be pierced on the refill container B in the manner described.

[0137] It is, of course, possible for the metering method described also to be used advantageously in dishwashers, washing machines, wet-cleaning vacuum cleaners and service-water tanks, that is to say in all liquid containers with a changing liquid level.

[0138] This is because the labyrinth method described gives a metering result even when the labyrinth is under water and the same water pressure acts on both free openings. A thus rising water column produces a positive pressure in the supply container, by way of air forced in there, and, in the case of the water column dropping, then results in discharge/metering.

[0139] Also in the drawings:

[0140] FIG. 39 shows a supply container in an illustration like that in FIG. 26, but with a plug-in and sealing variant being represented,

[0141] FIG. 40 shows a view from beneath of the upper section of the refill container.

[0142] The reference numerals have been transferred, in some cases without being repeated in the text. In specific terms, this development consists in that each chamber 51 has a dedicated sealing lip 79. This is in the form of a round plug-in mouth and, at the same time, carries a latching rib 80. This grips beneath a mating latching rib 81. The latter extends from the inside of an upwardly projecting annular wall 82 of the labyrinth L.

[0143] Located concentrically in relation to the annular wall 82 is a likewise upwardly projecting inner annular wall 83. This butts in a sealing manner against the exposed sealing lip 79. The resulting plug-in sealing region is additionally enclosed by a bell-like border 84. Extending from the underside of the latter are fastening means (not illustrated specifically) for securing the refill container B on the base part of the device V. Latching may be used here, as is explained for the region of the reference numerals 80, 81.

[0144] Since each chamber 51 has a dedicated sealing lip 79 encircling it independently of the sealing lip 79 of the other chamber 51, it is not possible for the different types of liquid product 1 to pass over from one chamber into the other. The partition wall 66 is formed here by the double-tower housing of the chambers 51. An integral web is located between the two housings.

[0145] On the side which is directed towards the carrier 32, the bell-like border 84 merges into an integrated screen 85.

[0146] In the case of the development illustrated, the refill container may be attached in an axial plug-in arrangement. There is no need for the angling operation described above.

[0147] The outlet channel 22 and the channel to the overflow Ü, that is to say the second collecting reservoir 11, may be of shortened form. These two channels terminate with a cover like that which is designated 58, although in this case it is offset sectorally to the side in relation to the latter and is located approximately halfway up the tower-like labyrinth L. This results in an enlarged amount of space in the chambers 51 which can be used for the respective liquid product 1.

[0148] All features disclosed are (in themselves) pertinent to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated/attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Claims

1. Device (V) for discharging apportioned quantities, for example, of a WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid and/or of a fragrance, having a supply container (2) in which liquid product (1) is accommodated, the liquid product (1), associated with a closed-off space (3), forming a first free liquid level (Sp1), characterized in that the closed-off space (3) is formed at the top of the supply container (2), and in that formed in the lower region (U) of the supply container (2) is a product opening (6) which connects to a first collecting reservoir (10), in which the liquid product (1), at a height which closes the product opening (6), forms a second free liquid level (Sp2), and in that there is provided above a second collecting reservoir (11) which is connected to the first collecting reservoir (10) beneath the free liquid level (Sp2) and has an overflow (Ü) which serves for supplying quantities of liquid product in metered portions.

2. Device according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the product opening (6) has an openable closure (57).

3. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the second free liquid level (Sp2) is acted upon by a discharging air column (14) located in another closed-off space (13).

4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the other closed-off space (13) is produced by a change in closure level of a medium (16) moved towards the first collecting reservoir (10).

5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the medium (16) is water.

6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the medium (16) is water flowing during toilet flushing.

7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, by virtue of the change in closure level, the medium (16) closes the space (13), which is initially open to the atmosphere and, at the same time, forms a first equalizing channel (I).

8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, in addition to the first equalizing channel (I), a second equalizing channel (II) is provided, one equalizing channel (I or II) constantly being open to the atmosphere.

9. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the second equalizing channel (II) opens out into a medium container (17) which allows a level of medium which clearly exceeds the mouth opening of the closed-off space (13).

10. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the overflow (Ü) lets out the apportioned quantity of liquid product (1) into the medium container (17), or in that the overflow (Ü) releases the apportioned quantity outside the medium container (17).

11. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the medium container (17) has an outflow (23) which is substantially smaller than a filling opening (18) in the medium container (17).

12. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the second equalizing channel (II) passes through a first medium container (17), and the the first equalizing channel (I) opens out into the first medium container (17).

13. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that there are provided two closed-off spaces (3) in which liquid products (1) are accommodated separately from one another and which discharge of the respective liquid product (1) via separate first and second collecting reservoirs (10, 11).

14. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the second free liquid levels (Sp2) are acted upon by a discharging air column (14) which, at least in part, is the same for both second free liquid levels (Sp2).

15. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized by a joint upstream medium container (17) with a collecting shell (35) on the base.

16. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the outlet channels (22) have different outlet cross-sections.

17. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that one of the outlet channels (22) allows the liquid product (1) to run onto the collecting shell (35).

18. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the collecting shell (35) has a smaller outlet cross-section than the outlet channel (22).

19. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the liquid product (1) is accommodated in an exchangeable refill container (B).

20. Device according to claim 19 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) has a product opening (6) with an openable closure (57).

21. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure (57) is formed as a piercing membrane.

22. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that also formed on the refill container (B) is a part (T1) of a labyrinth (L) which forms the first and/or the second collecting reservoir (10, 11) and/or of the overflow (Ü).

23. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the first and/or the second collecting reservoir (10, 11) is formed with a base opening (10′, 11′).

24. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) can be secured on a medium container (17) which has an opening means (59) for the product opening (6), the base part (60), which is necessary for the closure of the base opening (10′, 11′) in the refill container (B), being associated with this opening means (59), as a supplementary part (T2) of the labyrinth (L).

25. Refill container (B) as supply container for a device (V) for discharging apportioned quantities, for example, of a WC cleaning/disinfecting liquid and/or a fragrance, characterized in that, in a lower positioning region, the refill container (B) has a product opening (6) with an openable closure (57).

26. Refill container according to claim 25 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) can be plugged onto an attachment cone (42).

27. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) has a connection adapter ring (45) which is fitted onto a container neck (44) and has a predetermined tearing closure membrane (46).

28. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the inner attachment surface of the connection adapter ring (45) has a height (H) of ½ to ⅕ of the inside diameter (D) of the same.

29. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) has a cross-section based on a rectangle (34).

30. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) has a cross-section based on a semicircle.

31. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the cross-section of the refill container (B) tapers, starting from its attachment base.

32. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the taperings, in relation to the rectangular cross-section of the refill container (B), in the plane of the container neck (44), has a dimension which is less than twice the inside diameter (D) of the connection adapter ring (45).

33. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that two refill containers (B) are provided as individual containers (2′, 2″) which, together, supplement one another to form a cross-section based on a rectangle (34).

34. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) has two separate chambers (51).

35. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the two individual containers (2′, 2″) or chambers (51) of the refill container (B) have neighbouring surfaces (49) facing one another in the vertical.

36. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the neighbouring surfaces (49) of each individual container (2′, 2″) allow the individual container to be disposed such that rotation is prevented.

37. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the neighbouring surfaces (49) are formed by a common partition wall (66).

38. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the neighbouring surfaces (49) or the partition wall (66), in a horizontal cross-section, run in a manner in which they are based on a straight line.

39. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the container-neck opening (50) of each individual container (2′, 2″) is offset in the direction of the neighbouring surface (49) in relation to a vertical centre line (z-z) of an individual container (2′, 2″).

40. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized by a different offset.

41. Refill container (B), if appropriate comprising two or more individual containers (2′, 2″), characterized by a capability for being associated with a device (V) according to the features of the preceding claims.

42. Refill container as supply container according to claim 25 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) has a product opening (6) with an openable closure (57).

43. Refill container according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure (57) is formed as a piercing membrane.

44. Refill container according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that also formed on the refill container (B) is a part (T1) of a labyrinth (L) which forms the first and/or the second collecting reservoir (10, 11) and/or the overflow (Ü).

45. Refill container according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the first and/or the second collecting reservoir (10, 11) is formed with a base opening (10′, 11′).

46. Refill container according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refill container (B) can be secured on a medium container (17) of the device (V) which has an opening means (59) for the product opening (6), the base part, which is necessary for the closure of the base opening (10′, 11′) in the refill container (B), being associated with this opening means (59), as a supplementary part (T2) of the labyrinth (L).

47. Refill container according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that each chamber (51) has a dedicated sealing lip (79) running all the way round which is independent of the sealing lip (79) of the other chamber (51).