GB2596779A

GB2596779A - Sink unit

Info

Publication number: GB2596779A
Application number: GB2008271.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rainbow Jodie
Original assignee: Mobile Sink Co
Current assignee: Mobile Sink Co
Priority date: 2020-06-02
Filing date: 2020-06-02
Publication date: 2022-01-12
Also published as: GB202008271D0

Abstract

The sink unit 100 comprises a sensor 120a,120b (e.g. optical) for determining a fluid level in a tank 122a,122b, and a controller 121 configured to provide an output (e.g. an audible or visual indication) in response to a signal from the sensor. The sensor may detect when the tank is substantially empty and/or full. A heater for the fluid may be provided. There may be a control panel, e.g. with a child lock function, which may include temperature controls. There may be a tap 102 and a pump (e.g. peristaltic) to deliver fluid in response to e.g. a sensor 114, button or switch. The controller output may include preventing pump activation. The unit may comprise a basin 104 with a drain 116. The controller may be configured to initiate processes to drain the pump and/or heater and/or clean the unit, e.g. by pumping (optionally heated) cleaning fluid, optionally holding it in the unit for a predetermined time.

Description

Sink Unit

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of sink units, and more specifically, mobile sink units suitable for temporary or semi-permanent installations.

Background

In many industries and applications it is helpful or necessary to provide running water in the form of a tap and sink unit. This may be for drinking water or sanitary purposes, amongst others. For example, in hospitals, storage space is often scarce but it remains necessary for patients, visitors, and medical professionals to wash their hands at regular intervals. Similarly, in the catering industry, it is often necessary to set-up catering facilities quickly and in limited space. This is likely to require a source of water and drainage to wash hands or catering equipment.

A mobile sink unit can alleviate such difficulties by enabling easy set-up and transportation of a source of running water. Such mobile sink units can contain means both for providing water to the user and also for draining this water away. The efficiency and ease-of-use of such a sink unit often arises from the use of a limited supply of water, for example in the form of storage tanks. Similarly, a limited waste storage tank may be provided to store the water after use. This removes the need for complex plumbing and often means that the sink unit need only be plugged into a mains electricity supply.

The use of storage tanks, however, can cause numerous difficulties for the users of such units. Since the storage tanks are often stored on the inside of the units, it is not possible for the user to see whether a supply tank is full or a waste tank is empty during use. This can lead to the user being unable to use the sink unit when required because the water has run out. In more extreme cases, this can cause more dangerous situations in which the pump may burn out when no water is supplied, or the waste water tank overflows and causes a spillage of dirty, and potentially harmful, waste water.

The present invention seeks to address such deficiencies of known sink units.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sink unit. The sink unit may comprise at least one fluid sensor. The fluid sensor may be for sensing a fluid level within a fluid tank. The sink unit may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the at least one fluid sensor. The controller may be configured to provide an output in response to the signal.

Such embodiments of a sink unit have the advantage that it is easier and simpler to use because the user is not as much or not at all required to monitor the fluid level during use. In addition, such embodiment have improved functionality, since the controller is able to respond to the fluid level as sensed by the fluid sensor.

Each of the at least one fluid sensors may be for sensing a fluid level of a separate fluid tank. For example, the sink unit may comprise two fluid sensors. Each of the two fluid sensors may be for sensing a fluid level within one of two fluid tanks.

In some embodiments the fluid is water. Alternatively, the fluid may be any fluid selected from a group consisting of: soap and surfactants; sterilising fluids; alcohols; cleaning agents; and aqueous solutions including solutions of one or more of the fluids in this group.

In some embodiments, the sink unit is connected to a fluid source. The fluid source may be a fluid tank, for example, a supply tank. Alternatively, the fluid source may be an external fluid source, for example, a mains water connection.

In some embodiments, the sink unit may comprise at least one fluid tank for storing fluid. The at least one fluid tank may be a supply tank and/or a waste tank. The supply tank may contain unused or fresh fluid for use in the sink unit. The waste tank may contain used or waste fluid already used in the sink unit. The waste fluid may be for removal and disposal from the sink unit. Any number of fluid tanks may be used. The sink unit may, for example, comprise two fluid tanks. Each of these fluid tanks may individually be a supply tank, a waste tank, or a supply and waste tank. In some embodiments, the sink unit comprises a supply tank and a separate waste tank. Such embodiments are advantageous since they minimise the risk of contamination of the fresh fluid with the waste fluid.

In some embodiments, the fluid tank may comprise a combined supply and waste tank.

Such a fluid tank may have separate compartments for fresh fluid and for waste fluid.

In some embodiments, the at least one fluid sensor may be configured to detect when a fluid tank is substantially empty and/or substantially full. The fluid sensor may be configured to detect when at least one of a plurality of fluid tanks is substantially empty and/or full.

In some embodiments, the sink unit may comprise a first fluid sensor and a second fluid sensor. The first fluid sensor may be configured to detect when a fluid tank is substantially full. The second fluid sensor may be configured to detect when a fluid tank is substantially empty. The first fluid sensor may be configured to sense a fluid level in a waste tank. The second fluid sensor may be configured to sense a fluid level in a supply tank.

By "substantially empty" it is meant that the fluid level has dropped below a pre-determined level at which the fluid tank would be considered empty or mostly empty. For example, the fluid level may have dropped below 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% or 1% of the full capacity of the fluid tank.

By "substantially full" it is meant that the fluid level has increased above a pre-determined level at which the fluid tank would be considered full or mostly full. For example, the fluid level may be above 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 99% of the full capacity of the fluid tank.

In some embodiments, the at least one fluid sensor may be an optical sensor.

Alternatively, the at least one fluid sensor may be: a non-contact ultrasonic level sensor; a contact-ultrasonic level sensor; a capacitance level sensor; a level switch; a radar level sensor; a rotary paddle level switch; or any other contact or non-contact, mechanical or non-mechanical level sensor known in the art. In some embodiments, the at least one fluid sensor may be a point level sensor. Alternatively, the at least one fluid sensor may be a continuous level sensor. It is contemplated that, in embodiments with more than one fluid sensor, a combination of more than one type of fluid sensor may be used.

The at least one fluid sensor may be position adjustable. For example, the at least one fluid sensor may be height adjustable e.g. relative to a fluid tank. The predetermined level at which the tank is considered substantially empty and/or substantially full may be adjusted by adjusting the position (e.g. height) of the at least one fluid sensor.

In some embodiments, the output may comprise an audible or visual indication. In the case of an audible indication, the output may be a beep, tone, tune, voice recording, or other sound. The output may be provided by a speaker. In the case of a visual indication, the output may be provided by a light, screen, or gauge. The light may be a Light Emitting Diode (LED). If the visual indication is provided by a light, the output may be the: activation; deactivation; flashing; or change of colour of the light. If the visual indication is provided by a screen, the output may be the activation or deactivation of the screen, or the change of visual information displayed by the screen (for example, displaying text or an icon or image, or changing a number or graph shown on the screen). If the visual indication is provided by a gauge, the output may be the moving of a needle or other indicator provided on the gauge.

In some embodiments, the audible or visual indication may be a fluid level indication. For example, the audible or visual indication may indicate when the at least one fluid sensor detects when a fluid tank is substantially empty and/or substantially full. Additionally or alternatively, the audible or visual indication may indicate how much fluid is present in the fluid tank is (e.g. as a percentage). For example, the audible or visual indication may be able to provide a continuous indication of the percentage of how much fluid is present in the fluid tank. Alternatively, the audible or visual indication may be able to provide an indication of when the fluid level of a fluid tank has reached a particular level.

In some embodiments, the controller may comprise a control panel. In some embodiments, the control panel may be configured to provide the audible or visual indication. The control panel may comprise an audible indication means configured to provide the audible indication. The control panel may comprise a visual indication means configured to provide the visual indication. For example, the control panel may comprise at least one speaker, light, screen, gauge, or other means of indication for providing the audible or visual indication. The control panel may comprise a plurality of lights. The lights may be LEDs.

In some embodiments, the control panel may comprise at least one input means. For example, the at least one input means may be a button, sensor, switch, dial, knob, lever or other input means. The control panel may be configured to provide the audible or visual indication via an indication means that is integral with the input means. For example, the control panel may comprise a touch screen that can provide the audible or visual indication and also acts as an input means. In some embodiments, the input means may comprise buttons configured to light up and/or change colour. The at least one input means may be a combination of several types of input means. For example, the control panel may comprise a touch screen and mechanical buttons.

In some embodiments, the control panel may comprise a child lock function. The child lock function may be configured to disable or temporarily disable the at least one input means. By "disable" it is meant that an attempted input by a user via the input means will not be registered or responded to by the control panel. The child lock function may be activated (i.e. the input means are disabled or temporarily disabled) upon input by a user. For example, the control panel may comprise a child lock button or other child lock input means configured to activate the child lock function when the input means is triggered by a user. Additionally or alternatively, the child lock function may be activated after a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period of time may begin from the most recent input by a user. In this way, the predetermined period of time may be considered to be a predetermined period of inactivity. The predetermined period may be a number of seconds or minutes. For example, the predetermined period may be 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or any other number of minutes or seconds.

The child lock function may be deactivated upon input by a user. For example, the control panel may comprise a child lock deactivate button or other child lock deactivation input means configured to deactivate the child lock function when the input means is triggered by a user. The child lock deactivate button may be an additional button to the child lock button or it may be the same button. The control panel may require the user to trigger the child lock button and/or the child lock deactivation button for a predetermined period of time in order to activate or deactivate the child lock. For example, a button may need to be pressed and held for a predetermined period of time to activate and/or deactivate the child lock. For example, the button may need to be pressed and held for 3 seconds in order to deactivate the child lock.

The control panel may comprise an audible or visual indication that the child lock is activated and/or deactivated. For example, a light (such as an LED) on the control panel may be lit when the child lock is activated and unlit when the child lock is deactivated.

In some embodiments, the sink unit may comprise a heater configured to heat a fluid.

The fluid may be received from the fluid source e.g. the supply tank.

The at least one input means may comprise a temperature control. The temperature control may be configured to control the heater.

The temperature control may be configured to allow user selection of one or more of a preselected range of temperatures. The temperature control may comprise one or more input means. Each of the one or more input means may correspond directly to each of the one or more of the preselected range of temperatures. For example, the user may have the choice of three different temperatures and the temperature control may comprise three input means, with each input means corresponding to each of the three different temperatures. Alternatively or additionally, each of the one or more input means may correspond with increasing and/or decreasing the currently selected temperature. For example, the user may be able to toggle the selection of one of three different temperatures and increase the selected temperature by pressing one of the input means and decrease the selected temperature by pressing another of the input means.

Alternatively, a single input means may be configured to cycle through available temperatures. The input means may comprise buttons e.g. as described above. Alternatively, the temperature control may comprise a knob, dial, or other continuous adjustment means.

The preselected range of temperatures may have a minimum temperature which corresponds with not activating the heater. In other words, the minimum temperature may correspond to the minimum possible temperature based on an ambient temperature of the fluid. The preselected range of temperatures may comprise any one of: 10°C to 60°C; 15°C to 55°C; 20°C to 50°C; 25°C to 45°C; 30°C to 40°C; or 35°C to 40°C. The preselected range may be continuous or discrete. The preselected range may comprise a plurality of discrete temperatures. In some embodiments, the preselected range of temperatures may comprise: cold; 35°C; 38°C; and 40°C, where "cold corresponds to the ambient temperature of the fluid.

The plurality of discrete temperatures may be evenly distributed. In other words, each of the plurality of discrete temperatures may be separated from the next highest and lowest temperature by the same amount. For example, the plurality of discrete temperatures may increase in multiples of 2°C.

In some embodiments, the sink unit may comprise a cooler. The cooler may be configured to cool the fluid below the ambient temperature. The cooler may be configured to cool the fluid to between 0°C and 20°C. The cooler may be configured to cool the fluid below 20°C, below 15°C, below 12°C, below 10°C, below 8°C or below 5°C.

In some embodiments, the sink unit may comprise a tap for dispensing a fluid. The sink unit may comprise a pump. The pump may be fluidically connected to the tap e.g. the pump may be configured to deliver fluid to the tap. The pump may be fluidically connected to the at least one fluid tank e.g. the pump may be configured to draw fluid from the at least one fluid tank. The pump may be fluidically connected to the at least one fluid tank via a supply pipe. The supply pipe may comprise a filter, for example, on an end of the supply pipe.

In some embodiments, the pump may be a peristaltic pump. Alternatively, the pump may be a lobe pump, a piston pump, a centrifugal pump, or any other suitable pump known to a person skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the sink unit may comprise an activation means. The activation means may be configured to activate the pump to thereby deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to the tap. The activation means may comprise a program operable by the controller. The activation means may comprise or form part of the controller. The activation means may additionally or alternatively activate the pump and simultaneously open a valve. The valve may be a solenoid valve, a motorised valve, or any other suitable valve known to a person skilled.

The predetermined volume may be any volume between: 50m1 and 500m1; 100m1 and 400m1; or 200m1 and 300m1. The predetermined volume may be, for example, 250m1. Alternatively or additionally, the activation means may be configured to activate the pump to thereby deliver fluid to the tap for a predetermined duration. The predetermined duration may be any duration between: 5 seconds and 60 seconds; 10 seconds and 30 seconds; or 15 seconds and 25 seconds. The predetermined duration may be, for example, 20 seconds.

In some embodiments, the activation means may comprise a sensor, button, or switch.

The sensor may be, for example, a motion sensor configured to detect motion in its vicinity and activate the pump in response to the motion. The sensor may be an infrared sensor. The sensor may be a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR).

In some embodiments, the controller output may comprise the activation of a shut-off mechanism. The shut-off mechanism may comprise preventing the activation means from activating the pump. Additionally or alternatively, the shut-off mechanism may comprise closing the valve and/or comprise preventing the activation means from opening the valve. The shut-off mechanism may be activated if the at least one fluid sensor detects that a fluid tank is substantially empty and/or if the at least one fluid sensor detects that a fluid tank is substantially full. The shut-off mechanism may continue to be activated until the at least one fluid sensor no longer detects that a fluid tank is substantially empty and/or substantially full.

In some embodiments, the sink unit may comprise a basin for receiving fluid. The basin may comprise a drain for draining fluid from the basin. The fluid received by the basin may be delivered by, for example, the tap. The drain may be fluidically connected to the at least one fluid tank. The drain may be fluidically connected to the at least one fluid tank via a drainage pipe.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to carry out a drainage process.

The drainage process may comprise draining residual fluid from the pump and/or heater. The drainage process may comprise draining residual fluid from the supply pipe. The drainage process may comprise activating the pump for a predetermined duration. The predetermined duration may be 15 seconds. The drainage process may comprise activating the pump to operate in a direction opposite to when the pump is delivering fluid to the tap. The at least one input means of the control panel may comprise a drainage process control configured to activate the drainage process.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to carry out a cleaning process.

The at least one input means of the control panel may comprise a cleaning process control configured to activate the cleaning process.

In some embodiments, the cleaning process may comprise pumping a cleaning fluid through the sink unit. The cleaning fluid may be water. The cleaning fluid may be a cleaning solution. For example, the cleaning fluid may be water pre-mixed with a surfactant, soap, and/or a sterilising substance. The cleaning process may comprise pumping a cleaning fluid through the sink unit for an uninterrupted period until the cleaning process is finished. The cleaning process may comprise pumping a cleaning fluid through the sink unit for a predetermined duration such that the sink unit is filled with the cleaning fluid. The cleaning process may comprise pumping a cleaning fluid through the sink unit for a predetermined duration such that one or more of the pump, supply pipe, drainage pipe, heater, tap, and/or basin are filled with the cleaning fluid. The cleaning process may comprise pumping a cleaning fluid through the sink unit by activating the pump for a certain number of cycles. A cycle may comprise the predetermined duration such that one or more of the sink unit, pump, supply pipe, drainage pipe, heater, tap, and/or basin are filled with the cleaning fluid. The certain number of cycles may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or any other number of cycles. The cleaning process may comprise pumping a cleaning fluid through the sink unit with an interruption, before continuing to pump cleaning fluid through the sink unit.

In some embodiments, the cleaning process may comprise: heating the cleaning fluid to a temperature of >45°C and/or holding the cleaning fluid in the sink unit for a predetermined period of time. Holding the cleaning fluid in the sink unit for a predetermined period of time may comprise deactivating the pump for the predetermined period of time. The temperature may be >45°C, >50°C, >55°C, >60°C, >70°C, >80°C, >90°C, or >100°C. The temperature may be 49°C. The temperature may be 55°C. The temperature may be a temperature at which bacteria or mould are destroyed or inhibited. The predetermined period of time may be in the range of 10 to 20 minutes, for example the predetermined period of time may be 15 minutes. The cleaning process may comprise pumping the cleaning fluid through the sink unit after the expiry of the predetermined period of time.

Brief Description of the Figures

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a sink unit; Figure 2 is a top view of a sink unit; Figure 3 is a front view of the interior of a sink unit; Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a mobile sink unit with some parts made transparent; Figure 5A is a front view of a first control panel; and Figure 5B is a front view of a second control panel.

Detailed Description

Turning first to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a sink unit 100 comprising a tap 102, a basin 104, a base unit 106, and a control panel 108.

The base unit 106 is cuboidal in shape. The base unit 106 comprises an uppermost face and a lowermost face which are both substantially square. The base unit 106 defines an internal region which is separated into two spaces: upper storage 110a and lower storage 110b. Upper storage 110a and lower storage 110b are separated by a divider 123 (shown in Figure 4). The upper storage 110a and lower storage 110b will be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Lower storage 110b can be accessed via a door 111 situated on the front face of the base unit 106. The base unit 106 may be made of stainless steel.

The base unit 106 comprises wheels 112 and handles 115. The wheels 112 are secured to the lowermost face of the base unit 106. The handles 115 are located on side faces of the base unit 106. In the pictured embodiment, there are two handles 115 and four wheels 112, however, other numbers of handles and wheels may be used. The wheels 112 and handles 115 improve the mobility of the sink unit 100. Advantageously, the wheels 112 allow the sink unit 100 to be transported without requiring the sink unit 100 to be picked up. The handles 115 further allow a user to move the mobile sink comfortably without having to hold onto sharp metal edges.

Situated on the uppermost face of the base unit 106 is a tap 102 and a basin 104. The tap 102 is configured to dispense fluid which is subsequently received by the basin 104. The tap 102 comprises a motion sensor 114, located at a spout end of the tap 102. As seen in Figure 2, the basin 104 comprises a drain 116. The drain 116 is configured to remove from the basin 104 the fluid received from the tap 102.

Located on the front face of the base unit 106 is a control panel 108. The control panel 108 is positioned in directly in front of upper storage 110a. The control panel 108 will be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

Turning now to Figures 3 and 4, the contents and configuration of lower storage 110b will be described. Figure 3 shows lower storage 110b as visible to a user when door 111 is open. Located at the rear of the lower storage 110b are supply pipe 118a and drainage pipe 118b. Also located at the rear of the lower storage 110b are a first fluid sensor 120a and a second fluid sensor 120b. In front of the first and second fluid sensors 120a, 120b is a space large enough to receive one or more fluid tanks. In the pictured embodiment, the sink unit 100 is configured to receive a supply fluid tank 122a and a waste fluid tank 122b (shown in Figure 4).

Supply pipe 118a is configured to be secured to or inserted into the supply fluid tank 122a. Supply pipe 118a has a screw cap fitted to allow the supply pipe 118a to be secured to an opening of the supply fluid tank 122a. The supply pipe 118a is fluidically connected to the tap 102. Drainage pipe 118b is configured to be secured to or inserted into the waste fluid tank 122b. The drainage pipe 118b is fluidically connected to the drain 116 in basin 104. These connections are most clearly seen in Figure 4.

First fluid sensor 120a and second fluid sensor 120b are optical sensors. First fluid sensor 120a and second fluid sensor 120b are configured to send a signal to a controller 121 (seen in Figure 4). First fluid sensor 120a and second fluid sensor 120b are suspended from the divider 123. The first fluid sensor 120a is located a distance X from the divider 123 and the second fluid sensor 120b is located a distance Y from the divider 123. In the pictured embodiment, distance X is greater than distance Y. The distances X and Y are important in the present invention as they define the functionality of the first and second fluid sensors 120a and 120b. Specifically, the distances X and Y define the point at which the first and second fluid sensors 120a and 120b send a signal to controller 121 that the corresponding fluid tank is full and/or empty.

First fluid sensor 120a is laterally located to be nearer to supply pipe 118a than waste pipe 118b. First fluid sensor 120a is therefore laterally located to sense the fluid level of supply fluid tank 122a. Second fluid sensor 120b is laterally located to be nearer to waste pipe 118b than supply pipe 118a. Second fluid sensor 120b is therefore laterally located to sense the fluid level of waste fluid tank 122b.

Turning to Figure 4, the contents and configuration of upper storage 110b will be described. As described above, the control panel 108 is positioned in front of upper storage 110b. Located within the upper storage 110b is the controller 121 and a heater/pump arrangement 125. The controller 121 comprises the control panel 108. The heater/pump arrangement 125 comprises both a heater and a pump. The heater/pump arrangement 125 is configured to receive a signal from controller 121. The heater/pump arrangement 125 is fluidically connected to both the supply pipe 118a and to the tap 102.

The heater is configured to heat fluid passing through the heater. The pump is configured to deliver fluid to the tap 102. The pump is a peristaltic (or roller) pump.

In an alternative embodiment, a discrete heater and pump (not shown) may be used instead of the heater/pump 125. The heater and pump are thus connected via tubing/piping as needed to provide the heating and pumping functions. In some embodiments, a bypass pipe may be provided to in parallel with the heater. Thus a single pump is able to draw cold fluid directly from the supply tank and bypass the heater. The supply pipe 118a may extend from the supply tank 122a and split into two conduits -the first connecting to the heater and the second connecting to the pump. A valve may be provided before the pump, thus controlling the supply of fluid to the pump from either the heater or from the bypass. The valve can be controlled by the controller 121 in response to the user input via the control panel to provide either heated or cold fluid. Preferably, the valve is of the type which prevents back flow of heated fluid into the supply tank. In further embodiments (not shown), the valve may be configured to supply the pump with heated fluid from the heater and cold fluid from the bypass simultaneously in order to provide further adjustment of the fluid temperature.

Turning lastly to Figure 5A, a control panel 108 is shown. The control panel 108 comprises several input means. In control panel 108, the input means are: a power button 124; a fluid override control 126; a child lock button 128; a temperature control 134; a drainage function button 136; and a clean function button 138. The control panel 108 also comprises several visual indication means. In control panel 108, the visual indication means are: a child lock light 130; an empty fluid level light 132a; a full fluid level light 132b; a temperature indication means 135; a drainage function light 137; a clean function light 139.

The power button 124 is configured to allow a user to turn the sink unit 100 "on" and "off'. In other words, power button 124 is configured to control the power supplied to the sink unit 100. Once switched "on" the pump will briefly activate to deliver a small volume of fluid to the tap 102.

In Figure 5A, the temperature control 134 is constituted by two buttons: an "up" button (corresponding to causing an increase in temperature); and a "down" button (corresponding to causing a decrease in temperature). The temperature indication means 135 is constituted by four lights. Each of the four lights correspond to a different temperature.

The sink unit 100 is capable of several different functions: a simple fluid dispensing function; fluid level detection; temperature control; a child lock functionality; a drainage function; and a clean function.

Fluid Dispensing The first function is the dispensing of fluid from the tap 102. Sink unit 100 provides two means of activating this function. One option is to activate the function via the motion sensor 114. The motion sensor 114 is configured to detect motion in the vicinity of tap 102. When a user places a hand near to motion sensor 114 the sensor will send a signal to controller 121 indicating that dispensing of fluid is required. Alternatively, for example if the motion sensor 114 has stopped working, the user may press the fluid override button 126 on control panel 108. This similarly informs the controller 121 that dispensing of fluid is required.

In response to either of these signals, controller 121 will trigger the activation of the pump. The pump will activate and draw fluid from supply tank 122a via supply pipe 118a and deliver the fluid to tap 102. The fluid is then dispensed from the tap 102 for use by the user. The motion sensor 114 or the fluid override button 126, alongside the controller 121, are configured to activate the pump to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to the tap 102. In other words, the pump is activated for a predetermined duration of 20 seconds, which will necessarily deliver a predetermined volume to the tap 102. After this duration, the pump is deactivated and no further fluid is delivered to the tap 102 until the function is triggered again (by either the motion sensor 114 or pressing the fluid override button 126).

As the user utilises the dispensed fluid, the waste fluid will fall into basin 104 and will run down drain 116. The waste fluid will travel to drainage pipe 118b, which in turn dispenses the waste fluid into waste tank 122b. In this way, the fluid dispensing process corresponds to a closed fluid cycle in which the fluid is drawn from the supply tank 122a, dispensed by the tap 102, received by the basin 104, and returned to the waste tank 122b. It is therefore understood that, with each use, the fluid level in the supply tank 122a will decrease and the fluid level in the waste tank 122b will increase. It is, however, not necessary for this increase and decrease to be equal. It is conceivable that not all of the supply fluid will return to the waste tank 122b since some of the fluid may remain in the user's hands or be dispensed into another container by the user. Similarly, it is conceivable that additional waste fluid may enter the waste tank 122b, without the level of supply tank 122a decreasing. For example, a user may dispose of some other fluid into the basin 104.

Fluid Level Detection In order to manage the increasing and decreasing of fluid levels in supply tank 122a and waste tank 122b, sink unit 100 comprises fluid level sensors 120a and 120b. As described above, first fluid level sensor 120a is located at a distance X from divider 123 and second fluid level sensor 120b is located at a distance Y from divider 123.

Consider first fluid level sensor 120a, the distance X is such that first fluid level sensor 120a is located near the bottom of lower storage 110b. When supply fluid tank 122a is provided inside the lower storage 110b, the first fluid level sensor 120a will be at a level at which the fluid level of the supply fluid tank 122a would be substantially empty. Tthe first fluid sensor 120a will detect when the fluid level of the supply fluid tank 122a has been depleted so that the fluid level is at the same distance X from the divider as the first fluid sensor 120a (i.e. the supply fluid tank 122a is substantially empty).

When this detection has occurred, first fluid sensor 120a will send a signal to controller 121 to indicate that this fluid level has been reached. The controller 121 will then activate empty fluid level light 132a to indicate to the user that the supply tank 122a is substantially empty. In addition, the controller 121 will activate a shut-off mechanism which prevents the pump from being activated (i.e. the shut-off mechanism prevents any further dispensing of fluid from the tap 102). While the present example activates both empty fluid level light 132a and the shut-off mechanism, the controller 121 could instead activate only one of these two features.

Considering now second fluid level sensor 120b, the distance Y is such that the second fluid level sensor 120b is located near the top of lower storage 110b. It is apparent that when waste fluid tank 122b is provided inside the lower storage 110b, the second fluid level sensor 120b will be at a level at which the fluid level of the waste fluid tank 122b would be substantially full. I.e. the second fluid sensor 120b will detect when the fluid level of the waste fluid tank 122b has increased so that the fluid level is at the same distance Y from the divider as the second fluid sensor 120b (i.e. the waste fluid tank 122b is substantially full).

When this detection has occurred, second fluid sensor 120b will send a signal to controller 121 to indicate that this fluid level has been reached. In response, the controller 121 will activate full fluid level light 132b to indicate to the user that the waste tank 122b is substantially full. In addition, the controller 121 will activate the shut-off mechanism as above.

This fluid level detection functionality has the clear advantage that it provides additional convenience and safety for the user. For example, the user is made aware, by the empty and full fluid level lights 132a and 132b, of when the fluid tanks 122a and 122b are nearly full or empty. This enables the user to refill, empty, or replace the fluid tanks 122a and 122b before they are completely depleted (in the case of the supply tank 122a) or overflowing On the case of the waste tank 122b). Additionally, the pump is prevented from further activation by the shut-off mechanism. This prevents pump burn out through the pump attempting to pump from an empty tank On the case of the supply tank 122a).

It also prevents the overflow of waste tank 122b by further dispensing by the tap 102. Overflow of waste tank 122b has the potential to be both inconvenient and dangerous, depending on the contents of the waste tank 122b.

It will be readily understood that the distances X and Y dictate the fluid levels at which these functionalities are activated. For example, the greater the distances, the lower the corresponding fluid level. In some embodiments, the distances X and Y may be adjustable. For example, fluid level sensors 120a and 120b may be mounted on sliding rail or ratchet mechanisms, allowing the user to vertically adjust their positioning. This would enable the corresponding fluid levels to be changed according to the needs of the user.

Temperature Control Control panel 108 is provided with a temperature control 134. The temperature control 134 allows a user to set a desired temperature for the next dose of fluid to be delivered by the tap 102. When the sink unit 100 is first switched on using power button 124, the temperature is initially set to "cold" (as shown in Figure 5A by the lighting of the lowest LED in temperature indication means 135).

Prior to the dispensing of fluid, triggered either by motion sensor 114 or fluid override button 126, the user sets the desired temperature by pressing either the "up" button or "down" button a certain number of times. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the user would press the "up" button three times in order to set the temperature to the maximum setting. When the user next triggers delivery of fluid, the controller 121 will send a signal to the heater to activate to a certain power and/or for a certain duration of time in order to heat the predetermined volume of fluid to the desired temperature prior to the dispensing of the fluid. The fluid is then subsequently dispensed by the tap 102 at the desired temperature set by the user.

Advantageously, the maximum available temperature offered by temperature control 134 may be sufficiently low so as to be safe for hand-washing purposes. For example, the maximum available temperature may be 48°C so that the user will not burn themselves even if the temperature control 134 is set to the highest available temperature. This provides improved safety assurance and prevents the user inadvertently causing injury.

The minimum available temperature offered by temperature control 134 corresponds to the controller not causing the heater to activate at all. In this way, the minimum available temperature corresponds to the ambient temperature of the fluid.

Child Lock The sink unit 100 is provided with a child lock function controlled by child lock button 128. The child lock function controls whether or not the input means on control panel 108 will register or respond to inputs. When the child lock function is active the buttons (besides child lock button 128) on control panel 108 will not respond when pressed by the user.

When the child lock function is active, child lock light 130 is lit to indicate that the buttons on the control panel 108 will not operate. When the child lock function is inactive all of the buttons on control panel 108 operate as usual and as described herein. When the child lock is inactive, child lock light 130 is unlit.

When the sink unit 100 is first switched on, the child lock function is active to prevent inadvertent activation of any features. The child lock function also activates after 5 minutes of inactivity of control panel 108. By inactivity it is meant that no buttons are pressed on the control panel 108. The child lock function can also be activated manually by pressing the child lock button 128.

In order to deactivate the child lock function, the user must press and hold the child lock button 128 for 3 seconds. This will switch the child lock function from active to inactive.

The child lock function provides enhanced safety and security to sink unit 100. For example, the child lock function prevents a child or other vulnerable person from using the sink unit 100 when unsupervised. Such a person could otherwise, for example, inadvertently set temperature control 134 to an uncomfortably high temperature. The child lock function also prevents inadvertent activation of the other functions. For example, in embodiments of the invention which are battery powered, the other functions could accidentally be triggered during transportation of the sink unit 100 if the child lock function was not active.

Drainaae Function Upon pressing of drainage function button 136, the controller 121 initiates a drainage function. The drainage function is intended to remove all residual fluid from the fluidically connected parts of the sink unit. The controller 121 will activate the pump and cause the pump to run from a short period of time (e.g. 15 seconds). The pump will run in a reverse direction relative to the pump direction when delivering fluid to the tap 102. This causes any fluid remaining in the sink unit (i.e. any fluid remaining in the heater/pump arrangement 125, supply pipe 118a, or tap 102) to be returned to the supply fluid tank 122a.

By using a peristaltic pump, the drainage function is thereby improved. A peristaltic pump ensures that any airlocks which may be present are removed and this will ensure that substantially all of the fluid is also removed. The drain function is advantageous primarily for the storage and transportation of sink unit 100. By removing all of the fluid from the sink unit 100, this reduces or removes the likelihood of damage caused to the supply pipe 118a by the freezing of residual fluid. In addition, in cases where the residual fluid is not a sterile fluid (for example, potable water) it is possible that harmful bacteria (e.g. Legionella) could develop in the sink unit 100.

Clean Function Upon pressing of cleaning function button 138, the controller 121 initiates a cleaning function. It is intended that a user will fill supply fluid tank 122a with a cleaning fluid.

Ideally, this solution may be water mixed with a sterilising tablet. When using such tablets, it is often necessary to leave the fluid to sit in the supply fluid tank 122a for a short period of time (e.g. 15 minutes) in order to fully dissolve and disinfect the supply fluid tank 122a. The user connects supply fluid tank 122a to supply pipe 118a as usual and presses cleaning function button 138.

Controller 121 send a signal to the pump to activate the pump and cause the cleaning fluid to be pumped through the fluidic components of sink unit 100. By fluidic components, it is meant any of the parts of sink unit 100 through which fluid flows when the sink unit 100 is in use 0.e. through supply pipe 118a, through the heater/pump arrangement 125, up to tap 102). The controller 121 will keep the pump activated until the pump has completed several cycles of fluid through the fluidic components. For example, the pump may pump three times the amount of fluid required to fill all of the fluidic components of the sink unit 100 (i.e. the amount of fluid which can be held by supply pipe 118a, the heater/pump arrangement 125, any additional pipes, and tap 102).

At this point, the controller 121 will control the pump to stop pumping for a period of time (e.g. 15 minutes). This allows the cleaning fluid to remain in the fluidic components and disinfect them. During this time, clean function light 139 will flash repeatedly to inform the user that the cleaning function is taking place.

After this period of time, the controller 121 controls the pump to pump a further five cycles of cleaning fluid. During these cycles, the heater will be activated to heat the fluid to the highest possible temperature, for example 55°C. Advantageously, this temperature will be sufficiently high to destroy or inhibit any bacteria or mould present in the fluidic components. The clean function light 139 will continue to flash during this stage.

At this point, it is intended that the user will remove supply fluid tank 118a and dispose of any remaining cleaning fluid. Supply fluid tank 118a is then refilled with fluid (i.e. the fluid that is usually used by the sink unit 100). The supply fluid tank 118a is reconnected and the user can run a normal cycle (i.e. by activating the motion sensor 114 or the fluid override button 126 in order to flush any remaining cleaning fluid from the fluidic components.

The clean function provides the user with an effective and simple way of cleaning the fluidic components of the sink unit 100. This is particularly important if the sink unit 100 is being used for hygiene purposes, such as hand washing. Through use of the clean function and the drain function it is possible to keep the sink unit 100 substantially free from harmful bacteria which improves the safety of the sink unit 100.

Returning now to Figure 5B, there is shown an alternative control panel 208. Control panel 208 comprises two input means: a power button 224; and a fluid override control 226. The control panel 208 also comprises two visual indication means: an empty fluid level light 232a; and a full fluid level light 232b.

Control panel 208 contains fewer input means and fewer visual indication means than control panel 108. It will be understood that any features, characteristics or functionality described herein relating to power button 124, fluid override control 126, empty fluid level light 132a, and full fluid level light 132b similarly apply to power button 224, fluid override control 226, empty fluid level light 232a, and full fluid level light 232b respectively. The skilled person will understand that a sink unit similar to sink unit 100 could instead comprise a control panel 208, in place of control panel 108. Such a sink unit could still comprise all of the same features and characteristics of sink unit 100. However, alternatively, such a sink unit need not comprise the heater to provide all of the functionality offered to the user by control panel 208.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A sink unit comprising: at least one fluid sensor for sensing a fluid level within a fluid tank; and a controller configured to receive a signal from the at least one fluid sensor and provide an output in response to the signal.
2. The sink unit according to claim 1, comprising at least one fluid tank for storing fluid.
3. The sink unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one fluid sensor is configured to detect when a fluid tank is substantially empty and/or substantially full.
4. The sink unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fluid sensor is an optical sensor.
5. The sink unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output comprises an audible or visual indication.
6. The sink unit according to claim 5, wherein the audible or visual indication is a fluid level indication.
7. The sink unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller comprises a control panel.
8. The sink unit according to claim 7 and claim 5 or 6, wherein the control panel is configured to provide the audible or visual indication.
9. The sink unit according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the control panel comprises at least one input means.
10. The sink unit according to claim 9, wherein the control panel comprises a child lock function configured to disable or temporarily disable the at least one input means.
11. The sink unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a heater configured to heat a fluid, and wherein the at least one input means comprises a temperature control configured to control the heater.
12. The sink unit according to claim 11, wherein the temperature control is configured to allow user selection of one or more of a preselected range of temperatures.
13. The sink unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tap for dispensing a fluid, and a pump configured to deliver fluid to the tap.
14. The sink unit according to claim 13, wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.
15. The sink unit according to claim 13, comprising an activation means configured to activate the pump to thereby deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to the tap.
16. The sink unit according to claim 15, wherein the activation means comprises a sensor, button or switch.
17. The sink unit according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the controller output comprises the activation of a shut-off mechanism, wherein the shut-off mechanism comprises preventing the activation means from activating the pump.
18. The sink unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a basin for receiving fluid, wherein the basin comprises a drain for draining fluid from the basin
19. The sink unit according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the controller is configured to carry out a drainage process, wherein the drainage process comprises draining residual fluid from the pump and/or heater.
20. The sink unit according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the controller is configured to carry out a cleaning process.
21. The sink unit according to claim 20, wherein the cleaning process comprises pumping a cleaning fluid through the sink unit.
22. The sink unit according to claim 21, wherein the cleaning process comprises: heating the cleaning fluid to a temperature of >50°C and/or holding the cleaning fluid in the sink unit for a predetermined period of time.