GB2586090A

GB2586090A - Dispensing device

Info

Publication number: GB2586090A
Application number: GB2008632.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Miller Austen; Dobson William
Original assignee: Handi Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Handi Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-08
Filing date: 2020-06-08
Publication date: 2021-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-08
Also published as: GB202008632D0; GB2586090B

Abstract

A dispensing device 1 for dispensing fluid, the dispensing device 1 comprises a reservoir 3 for containing the fluid, a nozzle 4 for dispensing the fluid, and a dispensing pump 5 configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir 3 to the nozzle 4. The dispensing device 1 comprises an inlet 25 arranged to receive the fluid and to deliver the fluid into the reservoir 3. The fluid may be delivered into a lower end of the reservoir. The lower end of the reservoir may comprise and inlet port for receiving the fluid. The invention is particularly related to a dispensing device for hand sanitising fluid.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICE

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a dispensing device for dispensing fluid. In particular, the disclosure relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a hand sanitising solution.

Background

Hand sanitising solution (also commonly known as hand sanitise'', antibacterial gel, and disinfectant liquid, among other terms) is becoming increasingly widely used for the cleaning and disinfecting of hands (and/or of other skin) when soap and water are not available. Hand sanitising solution typically contains alcohol as a disinfectant, preferably at a concentration of at least 60%. However, alcohol-free hand sanitising solutions are also available.

Dispensing devices for hand sanitising solution may be provided for convenient dispensing of hand sanitising solution to a user. Hands-free dispensing devices may enable the dispensing of hand sanitising solution without requiring the user to touch the dispensing device, thereby minimising the risk of transmission of microbes such as bacteria and viruses.

EP-A-3153081 discloses a known hand sanitising solution dispensing device. The dispensing device is configured to receive a replaceable container of hand sanitising solution. When the container is empty, it is removed and replaced by a new, full container. If the container is replaced after it has been fully emptied, there may be a period between the container becoming fully empty and the replacement of the container when the dispensing device is unable to dispense hand sanitising solution, and therefore cannot be used. Conversely, if the container is replaced before the container is fully empty (that is, when some hand sanitising solution remains therein), then the remaining hand sanitising solution in the replaced container may come to waste. Furthermore, the replaced container itself may come to waste.

It is an object of the disclosure to provide a refillable dispensing device, in which a level of hand sanitising solution in the dispensing device may be maintained. In doing so, the usable operating time of the dispensing device may be extended. Furthermore, waste of hand sanitising solution may be avoided.

Summary

There is described herein a dispensing device for dispensing fluid, comprising: a reservoir for containing the fluid; a nozzle for dispensing the fluid; and a dispensing pump configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle; wherein the dispensing device comprises an inlet arranged to receive the fluid and to deliver the fluid into the reservoir.

Optionally, the fluid is delivered into a lower end of the reservoir. Optionally, the lower end of the reservoir comprises an inlet port for receiving the fluid.

Optionally, the fluid is discharged from a/the lower end of the reservoir. Optionally, the lower end of the reservoir comprises an outlet port for discharging the fluid.

Optionally, the dispensing device further comprises a filling pump configured to drive the fluid from the inlet into the reservoir.

Optionally, the reservoir is permanently mounted in the dispensing device.

Optionally, an upper end of the reservoir comprises an opening. Optionally, the opening is operable to close when the dispensing device is tipped beyond a predetermined angle to a vertical axis.

Optionally, the reservoir comprises at least one sensor for sensing a level of the fluid within the reservoir. Optionally, the at least one sensor comprises at least one capacitive sensor. Optionally, the at least one sensor comprises at least three sensors.

Optionally, the dispensing device further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to estimate a level of the fluid in the reservoir based on data provided by the at least three sensors.

Optionally, the inlet comprises a connector for connecting a refill vessel to the dispensing device. Optionally, the connector comprises a valve, and wherein the valve is configured to open upon engagement with a complementary connector.

Optionally, the dispensing device further comprises a drip tray for receiving the fluid discharged through the nozzle.

Optionally, the fluid comprises hand sanitising solution.

Enabling the reservoir to be filled without removing it from the dispensing device may simplify the process of filling of the reservoir. Furthermore, the reservoir may be filled at any time, whether the reservoir is part-filled or empty, which may result in reduced wastage of hand sanitising solution and/or of packaging.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a dispensing device according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the dispensing device of Figure 1, in a first configuration; Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the dispensing device of Figure 1, in a second configuration; Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the dispensing device of Figure 1 when connected to a refill vessel; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first connector for use with the dispensing device of the present disclosure; 10 15 20 Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second connector for use with the dispensing device of the present disclosure; and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a further connector for use with the dispensing

device of the present disclosure.

All drawings are schematic in nature. Identical components are illustrated in different drawings using the same reference numerals.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

With reference to Figures 1-5, there is illustrated a dispensing device 1 for dispensing a fluid, in particular for dispensing a hand sanitising solution (also commonly known as hand sanitiser, antibacterial gel, and disinfectant liquid, among other terms). The hand sanitising solution may take varying forms. For example, the hand sanitising solution may comprise a liquid, which may be a gel. As another example, the hand sanitising solution may comprise a liquid which may be dispensed in the form of a foam by entraining air therein. The dispensing device 1 may generally comprise a housing 2 comprising a reservoir 3 for containing hand sanitising solution, a nozzle 4 for dispensing the hand sanitising solution from the reservoir 3, and a dispensing pump 5 configured to discharge the hand sanitising solution from the reservoir 3 to the nozzle 4.

The reservoir 3 may be configured to be filled or refilled (the terms 'fill' and 'refill' being used interchangeably herein) without requiring the reservoir 3 to be removed from the housing 2. As such, the reservoir 3 may be permanently mounted in the housing 2. As a non-limiting example of a permanent mounting, the reservoir may be welded into the housing 2. Alternatively, the reservoir 3 may be semi-permanently mounted in the housing 2, such that it may be removable for maintenance or part replacement. As a non-limiting example of a semi-permanent mounting, the reservoir 3 may be bolted into the housing 2.

The reservoir 3 may be made from any suitable material, such as polyethylene. The reservoir 3 may be fabricated by blow moulding. The capacity of the reservoir 3 may be selected according to various factors, such as an overall size of the dispensing device 1. As a non-limiting example, the capacity of the reservoir 3 may be between 1 litre and 10 litres.

The reservoir 3 may have a first end 10 and a second end 11, wherein, in use, the first end 10 may be oriented vertically lower than the second end 11 (that is, the first end 10 may be a lower end of the reservoir 3, and the second end 11 may be an upper end of the reservoir 3). The first end 10 may be provided with an inlet port 12 for receiving hand sanitising solution to fill the reservoir 3. The first end 10 may further be provided with an outlet port 13 for discharging hand sanitising solution from the reservoir 3. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the first end 10 may instead be provided with a single inleVoutlet port, which may bifurcate (or which may have an associated tube that bifurcates) to provide an inlet path for filling the reservoir 3 and an outlet path for discharging (or dispensing) from the reservoir 3. In both arrangements, filling of the reservoir 3 and dispensing from the reservoir 3 may be from its lower end. Dispensing from the lower end of the reservoir may be advantageous, as gravity may encourage egress of the hand sanitising solution from the reservoir 3.

The second end 11 may be provided with an opening 14 through which air (or other gases) may enter and exit the reservoir 3. In particular, air may be pushed out of the reservoir 3 through the opening 14 when the reservoir 3 is being filled with hand sanitising solution. Conversely, air may be sucked into the reservoir 3 through the opening 14 when hand sanitising solution is discharged from the reservoir 3. The opening 14 may be configured to close when the dispensing device 1 is not in an upright position (that is, when the dispensing device 1 is oriented at a predetermined angle to a vertical axis). This may prevent hand sanitising solution from discharging through the opening 14 if the dispensing device 1 falls over, or when the dispensing device 1 is being moved or transported. The opening 14 may additionally be configured to close when the dispensing device 1 is powered down. The opening 14 may comprise a valve 26, having a default open state. In particular, the valve 26 may comprise a solenoid valve. A tilt switch 15, which may be a mechanical tilt switch, may be associated with the valve 26, the tilt switch 15 being configured to close the valve 26 when the dispensing device 1 is tilted beyond a predetermined angle to a vertical axis. The predetermined angle may be in a range of from 10 to 20 degrees to a vertical axis. The tilt switch 15 may be positioned relatively high in the dispensing device 1, for example at or towards an upper end of the dispensing device The reservoir 3 may be provided with one or more sensors 16 for sensing a level of hand sanitising solution within the reservoir 3. The one or more sensors 16 may comprise one or more fluid sensors. Optionally, the one or more sensors 16 may comprise one or more capacitive sensors configured to detect the presence of sanitising solution at the location of each capacitive sensor. A plurality of sensors 16 may be spaced lengthwise between the first end 10 and the second end 11 of the reservoir 3. An uppermost sensor 17 may denote a maximum fill level. A lowermost sensor 18 may denote a minimum fill level.

In particular, three or more sensors 16 may be provided, optionally four or more sensors 16. Data from the three or more sensors 16 relating to the presence of hand sanitising solution at each of the sensors 16 in the reservoir 3 over time may be interpolated to estimate a current level of hand sanitising solution in the reservoir 3 (which may be between two of the sensors 16), to provide a fill status of the reservoir 3, and/or to provide a forecast as to when the reservoir 3 is likely to need to be refilled.

Dispensing tubing 20 may be arranged between the reservoir 3 outlet port 13 and the nozzle 4, to provide a path for dispensing the hand sanitising solution from the reservoir 3 to the nozzle 4. The dispensing pump 5 may be positioned along this path, to provide a driving force for dispensing the hand sanitising solution. The dispensing pump 5 may be configured to pump, and therefore to dispense, a predetermined volume of hand sanitising solution in a single dispensing action. If the hand sanitising solution is to be dispensed in the form of a foam, the dispensing pump 5 may entrain air into the hand sanitising solution.

The flow rate of the dispensing pump 5 may be determined by the fluid being dispensed.

For example, if the hand sanitising solution is to be dispensed as a foam, the gas flow rate of the dispensing pump 5 may be in a range of from 1 litre per minute to 2 litres per minute, optionally in a range of from 1.3 litres per minute to 1.5 litres per minute, optionally 1.4 litres per minute. For a gel hand sanitising solution, the liquid flow rate of the dispensing pump may be in a range of from 0.05 litres per minute to 0.15 litres per minute, optionally in a range of from 0.08 litres per minute to 0.1 litres per minute, optionally 0.09 litres per minute.

An actuator 21 may be provided to trigger the dispensing of hand sanitising solution. As indicated in the schematic of the illustrated arrangement in Figure 5, the actuator 21 may take the form of a sensor 22, such as a reflective object sensor, which may be configured to detect the presence of an object in front of the sensor 22. The sensor 22 may be provided in the nozzle 4, such that it may detect the presence of an object (in particular, a hand) below the nozzle 4. For example, the sensor 22 may be positioned around an orifice in the nozzle 4 through which the hand sanitising solution is dispensed. A hands-free actuator 21 such as this may be advantageous in that it may obviate the risk of a transfer of microbes such as bacteria and viruses between users. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), an alternative type of actuator 21 may be provided, such as a push-button. The actuator 21 may be configured to dispense a predetermined volume of hand sanitising solution with each actuation. A purge button (not shown) may be provided to enable continuous pumping by the dispensing pump 5 (in contrast to the pumping of a discrete volume of hand sanitising solution by the actuator 21). The purge button may be used to prime the dispensing device after the reservoir 3 has received its initial fill, in order to drive hand sanitising solution through the dispensing tubing 20 to the nozzle 4.

The dispensing device 1 may be provided with an inlet 25 arranged to receive hand sanitising solution and deliver it into the reservoir 3 through the inlet port 12. The inlet 25 may comprise a first connector 31, for connecting the inlet 25 to a refill vessel 40. A filling pump 30 configured to fill the reservoir 3 with hand sanitising solution may be arranged between the inlet 25 and the inlet port 12 of the reservoir 3. The filling pump 30 may have a flow rate of 4 litres per minute. An example of a suitable filling pump 30 is the KLP40 Diaphragm Pump available from Kamoer Fluid Tech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. A fill button 41 may be provided to initiate the filling pump 30. Depending on the positioning of the inlet 25, fill tubing 32 may be provided between the inlet port 12 and the inlet 25.

The refill vessel 40 may take any suitable form. In one arrangement, the refill vessel may comprise a flexible pouch or bag (as illustrated in Figure 5). In an alternative arrangement, the refill vessel 40 may comprise a rigid container. The refill vessel 40 may have any suitable capacity. The capacity of the refill vessel 40 may be between 1 litre and 100 litres, preferably between 3 litres and 55 litres. The refill vessel 40 may be provided with a second connector 42.

An extension hose 50 may be provided to facilitate the connection between the second connector 42 of the refill vessel 40 and the first connector 31 of the dispensing device 1. A first end of the extension hose 50 may be provided with a third connector 51, wherein the third connector 51 is configured to engage with the first connector 31. A second, opposing end of the extension hose 50 may be provided with a fourth connector 52, wherein the fourth connector 52 is configured to engage with the second connector 42.

The first connector 31 on the dispensing device 1 and the second connector 42 on the refill vessel 40 may be male or female connectors, with the third connector 51 and the fourth connector 52 on the extension hose 50 respectively being complementary female or male connectors. Alternatively, the first connector 31 on the dispensing device 1 and the fourth connector 52 on the extension hose 50 may be female or male connectors, with the second connector 42 on the refill vessel 40 and the third connector 51 on the extension hose 50 respectively being male or female connectors.

A suitable first connector 31 is illustrated in Figure 5, a suitable second connector 42 is illustrated in Figure 6, and suitable third and fourth connectors 51,52 are illustrated in Figure 7 (the third and fourth connectors 51,52 in the illustrated arrangement being identical). The first, second, third, and fourth connectors 31,42,51,52 may be quick-connect fittings (also known as push fittings), meaning that they may be engaged and disengaged without requiring the use of additional tools. The quick connect fittings may comprise a spring-biased locking mechanism, which may be biased into a locked position. For example, the female connector may comprise a spring-biased protrusion 53, which may be configured to engage with a complementary groove 54 on the male connector. A tab 55 on the female connector may be configured to displace the protrusion 53 when the tab 55 is depressed. The female and male connectors may be engaged by depressing the tab 55 on the female connector to displace the spring-biased protrusion 53, such that the male connector is free to pass into the female connector. The tab 55 may then be released such that the protrusion 53 on the female connector may engage with the groove 54 on the male connector such that they become locked together. To release the male connector from the female connector, the tab 55 on the female connector may be depressed to disengage the protrusion 53 on the female connector from the groove 54 on the male connector, to allow the male connector to be removed.

The first connector 31, second connector 42, third connector 51, and fourth connector 52 may be provided with valves which may be configured to open (and to allow fluid therethrough) upon engagement with a complementary connector. The male connector may be provided with a depressable extension 56 (not shown on the second connector 42), which may be operable to open the valve in the male and/or female connector when the male and female connector are engaged.

The housing 2 may take any suitable form. In the illustrated arrangement, the housing 2 comprises a tower-like form, in that it is relatively tall and narrow. Such a form may allow the dispensing device 1 to be a freestanding device having its nozzle 4 at an ergonomic height for use, whilst minimising its footprint. However, the housing 2 may have an alternative form, which may be informed by its intended location. A base plate 60 may be connected to a lower end of the housing 2, to act as a stabilising member. The base plate 60 may be detachable, to allow for the use of an alternative stabilising (or support) mechanism. The reservoir 3 may be positioned relatively low in the housing 2, to lower a centre of gravity of the dispensing device 1. External surfaces of the housing 2 may be smooth and without compound curves, to facilitate wrapping of the housing 2 with a substrate having a surface design.

The nozzle 4 may extend from the housing at an ergonomic height for access by a user. For example, the height of the nozzle may be between 850mm and 1100mm from the ground. A drip tray 61 may be provided below the nozzle, such that it may receive any dispensed hand sanitising solution not caught by a user (for example, if the dispensing function is actuated but a hand is not present under the nozzle 4 when the hand sanitising solution is dispensed). In some arrangements, the drip tray 61 may function as a handle for aiding in lifting and moving the dispensing device 1. The drip tray 61 may be detachable A power source 62 may be provided for powering the various electronic components of the dispensing device 1. For example, the power source 62 may power the dispensing pump 5, the filling pump 30, the valve 26 associated with the opening 14, and such like. In the illustrated arrangement, the power source 62 comprises an internal power pack. The internal power pack may be replaceable and/or rechargeable. As a non-limiting example, a suitable power pack may be a 12v 10Ahr Lithium ion power pack. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), an external power source may be used instead of an internal power source. A printed circuit board 63 for connecting the various electronic components may be provided in the housing 2. The printed circuit board 63 may be located towards a top end of the housing 2. One or more transceivers (not shown) may be provided for transmitting status data (for example, relating to the fill status and/or a power source 62 status) to an external controller.

A service door 64 may be provided on the housing 2 to cover, and provide access to, various service elements. For example, the service door 64 may provide access to the first connector 31, the fill button 41, the power source 62, and/or the purge button. Status lamps (not shown) relating to the fill status and/or a power source 62 status, and/or a user interface panel or screen (not shown), may be provided behind the service door 64. The -10 -service door 64 may be located away from the nozzle 4, such as at the rear of the dispensing device 1. As access to the reservoir 3 is not required to fill the dispensing device 1 (only access to the inlet 25 is required), the service door 64 may be offset from the reservoir 3. The housing 2 may further comprise securing means 65 for securing the dispensing device 1 to a structure to prevent theft. As shown in the illustrated arrangement, the securing means 65 may comprise a D-ring through which a securing cable may be attached.

To commission the dispensing device 1 for use, the reservoir 3 may receive an initial fill. The service door 64 may be opened to access the inlet 25. The refill vessel 40 may be coupled to the dispensing device 1 by connecting the second connector 42 of the refill vessel 40 to the first connector 31 at the inlet 25. An extension hose 50 may be connected between the refill vessel 40 and the reservoir 3, by connecting the second connector 42 of the refill vessel 40 to the third connector 51 of the extension hose 50, and connecting the fourth connector 52 of the extension hose 50 to the first connector 31 at the inlet 25. This may enable the refill vessel 40 to be positioned in a convenient location (such as on the ground) when connected to the reservoir 3. The fill button 41 may then be pressed to initiate the filling pump 30. The filling pump 30 may drive hand sanitising solution from the refill vessel 40 into the reservoir 3. Where the refill vessel 40 comprises a flexible pouch, the pouch may collapse as hand sanitising solution is sucked out of it. The filling pump 30 may fill the reservoir 3 until the uppermost capacitive sensor 17 detects the presence of hand sanitising solution, indicating that the level of the hand sanitising solution in the reservoir 3 has reached the uppermost capacitive sensor 17, which may cause the filling pump 30 to stop pumping. Audio and/or visual feedback may be provided when the filling pump 30 has stopped. For example, visual feedback may be provided via a status lamp or on a user interface behind the service door 64. When the uppermost capacitive sensor 17 detects the presence of hand sanitising solution, the opening 14 may momentarily be closed; this may cause the filling pump 30 to detect a load, which may again cause the filling pump 30 to cease pumping, thereby acting as a redundancy feature to ensure that the filling pump 30 ceases pumping. Additionally, closing the opening 14 at this time may prevent excess hand sanitising solution from discharging from the reservoir 3 through the opening 14 if the filling pump 30 fails to cease pumping. If the refill vessel 40 becomes empty during the filling process, the filling pump 30 may detect a load, which may cause it to stop pumping. After the filling process has been completed, the refill vessel 40 (and, if relevant, the extension hose 50) may be disconnected from the reservoir 3 by disconnecting the second connector 42 of the refill vessel 40 (or, if it has been used, the third connector 51 of the extension hose 50) from the first connector 31 of the dispensing device 1 at the inlet 25. Finally, the service door 64 may be closed. The same process may be repeated for refilling the reservoir 3.

Following the initial fill, the dispensing device 1 may be primed by driving hand sanitising solution through the dispensing tubing 20 from the outlet port 13 to the nozzle 4, such that the dispensing device 1 may be ready for use. The priming process may be effected by activating the purge button until hand sanitising solution is discharged through the nozzle 4. Alternatively, if no purge button is provided, the priming process may be effected by repeatedly activating the actuator 21 (that is, where the actuator 21 is a reflective object sensor in the nozzle 4, repeatedly placing a hand or another object under the nozzle 4) until hand sanitising solution is discharged through the nozzle 4.

To operate the dispensing device 1, a user may place a hand below the nozzle 4, where it may be detected by the object sensor 22, causing the dispensing pump 5 to discharge a predetermined volume of hand sanitising solution through the nozzle 4. Through repeated use of the dispensing device 1, the level of hand sanitising solution in the reservoir 3 may be depleted. The dispensing device 1 may cease dispensing hand sanitising solution when the fill level reaches the lowermost capacitive sensor 18. A forecast of the depletion of the hand sanitising solution may be calculated by the controller, based on the changing level of hand sanitising solution in the reservoir 3 as detected by the sensors 16, to enable the operator to determine when to refill the reservoir 3. The controller may also provide information with respect to a charge level of the internal power source 62, to enable the operator to determine when to charge and/or replace the power source 62.

Advantageously, the reservoir 3 may be refilled when the level of hand sanitising solution therein is at anything below a maximum fill level (which may correspond to the level of the uppermost capacitive sensor 17). Therefore, if a plurality of dispensing devices 1 are located within a common vicinity, a service technician may refill the reservoirs 3 of the plurality of dispensing devices 1 in a single session, regardless of the individual fill level of each dispensing device 1. This may result in an overall more efficient refilling process, without requiring wastage of hand sanitising solution.

-12 -Although specific arrangements have been described, the skilled person will appreciate that various modifications and alterations are possible.

In particular, the dispensing device 1 may be used for any type of fluid. Use of the dispensing device 1 for dispensing hand sanitising solution is purely exemplary, and is in no way limiting.

Moreover, instead of the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 13 being provided in the first end 10 of the reservoir 3 (which may be the lower end of the reservoir 3), the inlet port 12 and/or the outlet port 13 may be provided in the second end 11 of the reservoir 3 (which may be the top end of the reservoir 3). Where the outlet port 13 is provided in the top end of the reservoir 3, a dip tube may extend within the reservoir 3 from the outlet port 13 to the bottom of the reservoir 3.

Furthermore, instead of the filling pump 30 being provided in the dispensing device 1, a mechanical or electric filling pump may be associated with the refill vessel 40. For example, the refill vessel 40 may be provided with a stirrup pump.

All of the features disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in nonessential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

Claims

-13 -CLAIMS: 1. A dispensing device for dispensing fluid, comprising: a reservoir for containing the fluid; a nozzle for dispensing the fluid; and a dispensing pump configured to discharge the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle; wherein the dispensing device comprises an inlet arranged to receive the fluid and to deliver the fluid into the reservoir.
2. A dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is delivered into a lower end of the reservoir.
3. A dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the lower end of the reservoir comprises an inlet port for receiving the fluid.
4. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid is discharged from a/the lower end of the reservoir.
5. A dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the lower end of the reservoir comprises an outlet port for discharging the fluid.
6. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a filling pump configured to drive the fluid from the inlet into the reservoir.
7. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is permanently mounted in the dispensing device.
8. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper end of the reservoir comprises an opening.
9. A dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein the opening is operable to close when the dispensing device is tipped beyond a predetermined angle to a vertical axis.
-14 - 10. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir comprises at least one sensor for sensing a level of the fluid within the reservoir.
11. A dispensing device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one capacitive sensor.
12. A dispensing device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least three sensors.
13. A dispensing device according to claim 12, further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to estimate a level of the fluid in the reservoir based on data provided by the at least three sensors.
14. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet comprises a connector for connecting a refill vessel to the dispensing device.
15. A dispensing device according to claim 14, wherein the connector comprises a valve, and wherein the valve is configured to open upon engagement with a complementary connector.
16. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drip tray for receiving the fluid discharged through the nozzle.
17. A dispensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid comprises hand sanitising solution.