JP2008520871A - Dispensing system and method and its injector. - Google Patents

Abstract

Dispensing systems and methods and injectors thereof are disclosed. The disclosed dispensing system, when used for hand washing, is a faucet that works with water or other supply lines, and for example soap or other substances applied to make a soap and water mixture in the supply line. Includes devices to dispense. The system includes an injection that includes at least one vortex generator to create a strong vortex that effectively mixes the two solutions into a fully mixed mixture for discharge from the faucet outlet or other outlets. Provide a bowl.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 629,065, filed Nov. 18, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present invention generally relates to dispensing devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pouring device used for mixing two solutions.

  There is no general recognition that the background art disclosed in this section is legally included in the prior art.

  There are various concerns or problems associated with mixing or pouring two solutions such as liquid soap and water. For example, where there are traditional hand cleaning basins, including those in toilets and kitchens, whether at home, canteens, retail stores, hotels, hospital rooms, etc., pouring liquid hand-washing soap There are common problems with handling, storage and cleaning.

  In many commercial facilities today, infrared detector-operated non-contact faucets and non-contact liquid soap dispensing systems are installed. For both users and toilet cleaners, this helps to mitigate many aesthetic and hygienic problems. However, there are still significant drawbacks for some applications.

  When washing hands, the user often approaches the liquid soap dispenser and activates it to obtain soap. To dispense liquid soap, there are many different inconsistent actions such as pushing, lifting and lowering. If the dispenser is attached to the side of the sink (aquarium), excess soap may drip into the floor or trash can. Obtaining sufficient and not excessive amounts of liquid soap is often a problem, especially in manual systems.

  If the dispenser is on the opposite side or near the wall of the aquarium (sink), excess liquid soap may spill into the sink or wash basin, creating an unpleasant, unsightly stain. The dispenser is located on the wash basin, and excess soap may accumulate on it in an undesirable manner. In any case, in many applications, inadvertent soap spills or puddles are unsightly, causing constant cleaning and irritation.

  Concentrated liquid soaps such as Basic H (Shaklee Corp., Pleasanton, CA) are far more efficient to use and less polluting the environment. The overall cost is more economical because the volume and weight affecting manufacturing, shipping and storage are greatly reduced. Concentrated liquid soap mixes quickly with water, easily foams, and can be rinsed off much more quickly, so using concentrated liquid soap can save a lot of water and time.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the correct way to wash hands is to first wet your hands and then apply soap. Next, rub your hands and mix soap and water to clean all surfaces and remove bacteria. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly to remove soap and bacteria, and then dry your hands.
U.S. Patent No. 6,471,847 B2 U.S. Patent No. 5,961,049 U.S. Pat.No. 5,114,048 U.S. Pat.No. 5,031,258

  However, how many people wash is “wrong”. First put a soap on your hand, then flush with water, but this will cause most of the soap to drain immediately before cleaning begins.

  In both cases, the water and soap come from separate sources and are applied continuously and mixed by rubbing hands.

  At best, the general correct method has many problems, at least in some related environments. Since the surface tension of the water prevents, or at least prevents, the liquid soap from entering the rips and gaps, the initially applied water wets the surface of most hands, including under the fingernails, so It makes it difficult to penetrate through gaps that are difficult to reach. The standard test method used in the United States is to examine the effectiveness of surgical cleaning, focusing on the survival of bacteria on exposed skin surfaces. Fingernail gaps were removed from the test by careful nail cutting and cleaning. Research suggests that the lower part of the nail contains a high concentration of bacteria. Under certain circumstances, water passages in the faucet can be contaminated by pathogens, which can remain undetected and spread to the user while being washed. . Microorganisms that accumulate inside the faucet can often survive even if washed vigorously from the outside.

  In many hand wash solutions, the majority are bulking agents added to help the user control the amount of soap dispensed and to help spread and distribute it around the hand. There is also a psychological aspect that concentrated soap does not give the user a feel that they are applying enough solution to clean properly. Bulking agents that increase volume, weight and viscosity also increase manufacturing, transportation and storage costs. Bulking agents also make mixing the solution on the hand more difficult and time consuming. Some solutions do not mix well in practice, so it takes longer to wash out, resulting in wasted water. At that time, excess soap and water flows into our drainage system and is ecologically undesirable. The longer it takes to complete the process of washing the entire hand, the more inappropriately or no longer the hand will be washed. Even hospital health managers may stop washing their hands if the process takes too long. Therefore, CDC promotes supplemental use of disinfectant gels because it is much more convenient than washing with a basin. However, regular hand washing is still necessary for removal of dirt and viruses.

  Several systems have been proposed for dispensing soap and liquid into a stream of water. US Pat. No. 6,471,847 B2 entitled “Household Liquid Dispensing System” describes a system for dispensing household liquid through the outlet of a domestic water system. It is available for showers, bathtubs, laundry tubs and sinks. It has a fairly large and complex external storage unit that controls both the speed and time of adding solution or soap to the water stream.

  The central point of the system is pouring soap, which requires conscious monitoring of the process. The system utilizes either a venturi or a gravity supply system to add liquid to the water. In either case, the water pressure and flow rate strongly influence the mixing ratio of solution to water and depend on the fairly high flow rate of water through the system. Soap should not be mixed with water before exiting the spray head. Therefore, both the amount of soap introduced and the degree of mixing with water can be varied for at least some applications.

  US Pat. No. 5,961,049 entitled “Shower Spray Using a Mixture of Raw Materials and Air” achieves the same function as the patent cited above, but is limited by describing only the Venturi method. The system has a very small liquid storage chamber; however, air can be added to the mixture.

  A more general method of pouring soap and water together without mixing them together is described in US Pat. No. 5,114,048 entitled “Fauce Assembly with Built-in Liquid Product Dispenser”. As stated in the patent, the dispensing block dispenses a liquid product near the flow of water from the faucet assembly. The advantage of this system is that the discharge goes beyond the basin.

  US Pat. No. 5,031,258 entitled “Washing Process and Method of Operation” discloses a system for streamlining the overall water / soap discharge operation that allows for efficient hand washing. It also selectively releases soap and water from separate outlets at the end of the faucet. Therefore, the advantages of the current practice of using completely separate water and soap dispensers, as with the previously cited patents, are limited.

  The features of the invention and the manner in which it is accomplished will become apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the description of certain embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  It will be readily appreciated that the elements of the embodiments can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein. Therefore, as shown in the figures, the following more detailed description of embodiments, elements and methods of the system of the present invention will limit the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. It is not intended to be as such, but is merely exemplary of embodiments of the invention.

  Methods and systems are disclosed. Therefore, when used for hand washing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as well as an injector, the disclosed dispensing system can be used for faucets and soaps connected to water or other supply lines, or for example soap and water in a supply line. Including other substance dispensing equipment adopted to make a mixture of.

  The disclosed method and system includes an injector having at least one vortex generator to create a strong vortex, thereby effecting two solutions for dispensing from a faucet outlet or other outlet. Mix thoroughly to make a completely mixed solution.

  According to another disclosed embodiment of the present invention, a container for supplying soap, an injector for introducing soap into the water line of the faucet, a container for supplying soap to the injector and an injector A soap dispensing system is provided having a connected soap pump and a drive equipped to control the soap pump.

  According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the first and second solutions having compressors with holes or openings for accelerating the flow of the first solution and introducing the second solution. An injector for mixing, a first vortex generator located upstream of the compressor, and a second vortex generator located downstream of the compressor are provided.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate soap stains that are often found on a washstand. Hand washing is quick and easy: soapy water comes out of the tap when the button is pressed. If you hold your hand under the same faucet, the water will flow automatically. This also improves public health and hygiene (general health) issues by making cleaning faster, easier, more effective, and in fact more frequent cleaning. .

  When used in accordance with the disclosed embodiment, an unfamiliar user, when first approaching the faucet, notices that there is no conventional soap dispenser (not shown) and hesitates for a moment. When the user notices a clear label “soap” on a faucet or washbasin with a button or obvious sensor, the user tries to push the button or I will hold my hand up. When the soap solution comes out of the faucet, the user hesitates for a moment before trying to put a hand into the flow, but if the soap shows its appearance and feel, it can be quickly cleaned in the usual way. Is what you do. If the user inadvertently moves his hand too close to the water activation sensor on the faucet, the water will flow before it is ready to be washed with soap and washed away.

  However, there is no water coming out, and a delay of about 15 seconds is built into the system sufficient to allow the user to add soap if desired. When the user keeps his hand just below the faucet, water will come out, at which time the user is ready, rinses quickly, knows how the system will work, and hesitates the next time Or think about how to use it.

  Since the user does nothing special to quickly or skip the procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user may actually wash the 15 seconds or such time delay with soap. I can spend it. When using the system in a service facility such as a restaurant, this time delay makes it easier for employees to properly soap their hands before the washout cycle occurs.

  In actual use, this 15 seconds may be longer than desired in a home or public toilet facility. When used in such places, the time delay can be 7 or 8 seconds. However, in hospitals 15 seconds or more would be preferred.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the soap / washing process can be continuously controlled. The operation process is:
1) Drain water;
2) adjust the water flow rate and temperature;
3) Initiate automatic soap / washing process;
4) Stop running water quickly;
5) Pour soap solution at a controlled rate of water for a set time;
6) Stop the flow of soap solution for a time sufficient to wash (no water or soap solution flows); and
7) Set the adjusted water flow rate and temperature again (before pressing the soap).

  There are four stages in the above automatic process, which can only be interrupted by starting another soap / wash-out automatic process. According to one embodiment, dispensing soap is a matter of timing and the flow rate (water component) is less than the rate of water alone. Even if the flow rate of water changes, the soap dilution rate (water / soap ratio) remains the same.

  The disclosed embodiment of the present invention effectively addresses many of the problems associated with current hand washing methods. The water / soap mixture can be applied to dry hands and easily and quickly wets virtually all surfaces and is drawn by surface tension under the skin gaps and nails. It flows very easily due to its low viscosity and is well supplied. The disinfection action is much more complete and effective. The solution mixes and diffuses in an instant, so there is little or no time wastage. If used, the disinfecting handwash solution could disinfect the water passages in the faucet. Concentrated soap can be used without a filter. Abundant amounts of water / soap mixtures are psychologically satisfying on their own. The low capacity of soap used for commercial, public and household use can lead to significant economic effects in manufacturing, transportation and storage. The use of soap will be less because it can be applied more effectively. Water can also be saved by reducing the time it takes to mix, wash and rub the hands required to wash away. The whole hand washing process will be shorter, more convenient and comfortable, so you will be much more efficient and less likely to have to wash. This improves our public health and hygiene and results in health benefits.

  In some applications it is desirable to eliminate separate and often unsightly soap dispensers. It would also be desirable to replace the soap dispenser with a system that dispenses a soap / water mixture from the water faucet itself. After washing with soap, the faucet releases water in the usual way for washing away.

  Such a system eliminates liquid soap dirt and therefore eliminates the need to clean dirty washbasins and floors. A clean washbasin is preferred by users and will be used by many more people.

  In summary, using it will be more comfortable, attractive and will improve the sanitary environment. This will result in a more effective application with good cleaning action and more ecological health. In the disclosed examples, less detergent is used and little or no additive is used. For some applications, such systems and methods save water.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention as normally viewed by a user looking down on a wash basin and basin (water reservoir). The integrated soap and water dispensing system includes a faucet 20, a water activation sensor 22, and a soap activation button 24. The faucet 20 is located above the wash basin 26 and near the water reservoir 28. The water activation sensor 22 is positioned over the faucet to allow water to flow when the user holds his hand under the faucet for cleaning or flushing. The soap activation button 24 is located on the wash basin 26.

  5 and 6A, a standard system and an embodiment of the present invention are shown for comparison. The standard system of FIG. 5 includes a faucet 20 installed in a wash basin 26. The faucet 20, a standard non-contact or automatic water faucet includes a water line 38 and a fiber optic cable 40. A water line 44 for supplying water to the faucet 20 is connected to a water line 38 via a water line connector 42. Conversely, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A includes a soap injector 46 in place of the water line connector 42. The soap injector 46 connects the water line 44 to the water line 38 of the faucet 20 and also connects to the soap line 48.

  In FIG. 7A, the detailed interior of the soap injector 46 is shown. At the bottom of the soap injector is an inlet 78 coming from the water line 44 (FIG. 6A). The soap line 48 is attached on the side at the inlet 80. A soap injection port 82 is present in the immediate vicinity of the injection port 80. There is a mixing chamber 83 leading towards the head of the soap ejector 46 and towards the faucet water line 38.

  In FIG. 7B, the exploded view shows further details of the soap injector 46. At the head is a cap with a connector 52 permanently attached to the case 50. These two parts hold a counterclockwise vortex generator 60, a compressor 58, and a clockwise vortex generator 54 therein. Each of these internal parts has a position, or the parts are installed in the correct position, maintain their alignment, and have positioning grooves to prevent rotation after installation. This is accomplished by placing a positioning groove 72 on the counterclockwise vortex generator 60, a positioning groove 74 on the compressor 58 and a positioning groove 76 on the clockwise vortex generator 54. Is done.

  In FIG. 7C, the exploded cross-sectional view further shows details of the soap injector 46. The counterclockwise vortex generator 60 has a set of identical counterclockwise vortex generator vanes 66. The vanes 66 are arranged around the inner circumference of the mixing chamber 83 at equally spaced intervals. The vortex generator 60 includes four vanes separated by a 90 ° angle. The vanes 66 are placed at a constant angle with respect to the longitudinal axis through the center of the chamber. A standard angle is about 20 °. The clockwise vortex generator 54 has a set of clockwise vortex generator vanes 62. The vane 62 is the same as the vane 66 in the counterclockwise vortex generator 60 except that the vane is installed at an opposite angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vortex generator. This angle for the blades 62 is minus 20 °.

  The vanes 62 and 66 project about half of the central axis of the vortex generators 54 and 60, respectively, and have an aspect ratio (length to width) of about 1: 1 when viewed perpendicular to the sides of the vanes. have. The vanes 62 and 66 have streamlined cross sections with a thickness between about 10% and about 30%. The compressor 58 has a venturi 64, which is a smoothly shaped inner diameter that is smaller in the middle than at each end. The positioning head 68 in the cap 52 and the positioning head 70 in the case 50 are shaped to fit into positioning grooves in the vortex generator and compressor when the parts are assembled.

  7D-7F show different embodiments of the vortex generator blades. FIG. 7D shows the four blade vortex generator described above. FIG. 7E shows three alternative vane generators 61 and 63. Each vortex generator 61 and 63 includes three blades 65 and 67, respectively, which are slightly larger than the blades 62 and 66 in the four blade vortex generators 62 and 66, respectively.

  FIG. 7F shows the stator and the streak vortex generator. The vortex generator 71 includes a stator 75 having an angled blade 77 for creating a rotating flow. The vortex generator 73 includes four strakes 79 along the inner wall of the vortex generator 73. These strakes 79 interrupt or disrupt the vortex flow into various sized vortices and convert rotational energy into turbulence while slowing the overall flow rotation.

  In FIG. 8, components other than the water operation sensor and the soap operation sensor or button 98 on the faucet 20 and the faucet 22 are not on the wash basin and cannot be seen or touched by the user.

  Under pressure from outside the rapid system, the water supply 102 is drawing water. Solenoid valve 96 is connected to a water supply by water line 103 and receives a signal from water activation sensor 22, ie, a signal sent through fiber optic cable 40. Solenoid valve 96 also receives a signal from electric motor 92, such as sent from soap activated sensor or button 98 by fiber optic cable 94.

  Transformer 104 provides a low voltage current for moving solenoid valves and electric motors. Transmission cable 108 runs from the transformer to the solenoid valve, and power cable 106 runs from the transformer to the electric motor. The water line 44 runs from the solenoid valve 96 to the soap injector 46 and is connected in turn to the faucet water line 38, similar to the soap line 48. The faucet water line 38 ends at the faucet 20. The soap container 86 is connected by a soap line 88 to a soap pump 90 operated by an electric motor 92. A soap line 48 connects the pump and the injector. A soap activation sensor or button 98 sends a signal through the fiber optic cable 100 to the electric motor. The electric motor is mechanically connected to the soap pump.

In operation, the integrated water and soap dispensing system is as straight as possible and has a soap dispensing function designed to dispense as little normal water as possible. As shown in FIG. 1, the only evidence that the user can see with the function imparted to the faucet 20 would be the soap activation button 24 on the wash basin 26. The only thing a user has to do or add to using a water-only faucet is to press the soap activation button once. The user is to hold his hand under the soap water flow from the faucet, rub his hand on the water reservoir 28 and remove his hand a little from the faucet 20. For flushing, the user takes his hand near the water activation sensor 22 and flushes the water in the usual way.
As shown in FIG. 6A, water is supplied to the faucet 20 through the water line 44 under the wash basin 26 and first transports the water to the soap injector 46. It is the soap line 48 that supplies soap to the soap injector 46. Water and the soap and water mixture are carried by the water line 38 from the soap injector 46 to the faucet. The signal is sent from the tap 20 through the optical fiber cable 40. The only difference that the user can observe from the top of the sink is the soap activation button and the fact that when the button is pressed, the soap mixture comes out of the faucet for a few seconds.

  The soap injector 46 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C provides minimal resistance to the normal water flow that flows through the inlet 78, but when soap is injected into it from the inlet 80, the concentrated soap is into the water. Mix thoroughly. The water entering the soap injector 46 hits a set of clockwise vortex generators 62. The vane 62 initiates both a general clockwise swirl and turbulence of water, i.e. a vortex, which flows from the vane downstream (water flow separation) and from the vane tip towards the center of the ejector 46.

  The resulting turbulence is accompanied by both large and small vortices, breaking the laminar flow and being carried downstream into the venturi 64 where it accelerates as it passes through the soap injector hole 82. As the soap is injected into the stream, it is separated by turbulence and water vortices and further mixed while being carried through the counterclockwise vortex generator blades 66. These vanes 66 suddenly give the water vortex the opposite direction, and as is the case when it hits the first set of vanes, the water flow is already turbulent rather than laminar. The more severe turbulence caused by the set's feathers causes the soap to fall apart.

The vanes convert some of the energy contained in the water entering the soap injector under pressure into various types and sizes of rotational motion, effectively mixing soap and water.
Mixing continues in the downstream mixing chamber 83 and continues to some extent all the way to the faucet dispensing nozzle. The flow rate of water through the injector has a significant effect on the flow shape, being more intense at high speeds and slower at low speeds. At lower speeds, the slower turbulence is compensated by a more persistent vortex that accelerates the mixing, so that the flow exiting the faucet is always completely mixed.

  In the absence of a vortex generator, under certain flow conditions, the soap flow may remain intact and exit the faucet in the form of a laminar flow, with little or no mixing with water. Therefore, just putting soap in the water does not guarantee that it is completely mixed.

  Venturi accelerates the cleaning of soap from the soap spout or opening, so after soap / water flows, a minimal or small amount of soap residue remains in the water-only flow, even at the beginning of the flow .

  The system diagram of FIG. 8 shows how all the components of the system are functioning. Water enters the system with line pressure from the water source 102. On the way to the faucet, the water is squeezed by the solenoid valve 96, which is normally stopped unless the user activates the system. This occurs when the user turns off the water activation sensor 22 or activates the soap activation button or sensor 98 on the wash basin. Whether the soap activation button or sensor 98 is a button or sensor does not affect the internal function of the system, only how the user moves the system from the outside.

  When the user moves or moves the system by pressing or activating the soap button, a signal is transmitted through the fiber optic cable 100 to the electric motor 94, which in turn activates the soap pump 90. The soap is sent through the soap line to the injector 46 where it is introduced into the normal water stream towards the faucet. The soap pump receives concentrated liquid soap, disinfectant or cleaning liquid from a soap container 86 by a soap line 88. The electric motor, in conjunction with a control circuit such as a microprocessor or timing device, determines how long and how fast the motor runs when a signal from the soap activation button is received.

  The electric motor also sends an “activate” signal to the solenoid valve, which opens the solenoid valve for approximately the same time that the electric motor is active, so that water flows through the water line into the two liquid mixture injector. Flowing. When the operating time is over, the system closes. For both solenoid valves and soap pumps, the operating time and flow rate are programmed to suit a variety of usages arising from different soap usage, different usage requirements, etc. Soap / water mixtures are usually in ratios that produce an ideal mix, allowing for instant hand washing and subsequent flushing. The flow rate through the solenoid valve and soap pump is programmed to have a constant ratio of soap to water regardless of water pressure.

  The soap container can be refilled or replaced as required by the system. Another way in which the system operates is the conventional method, where the system releases water only in response to the user activating a water activation sensor on the faucet 22, i.e., this activation causes a signal to be sent to the solenoid valve. Sent and opens it, allowing water to flow through the injector and out of the tap. The water flow rate is for water only and is different from the water / soap mixture, and the mixture flow rate may be substantially lower.

  The soap activation button or sensor is positioned so that at least one hand is out of the water flow from the faucet when the system is activated. Because of the water in the faucet between the soap ejector and the faucet outlet, the first few seconds of water flow is only water and no soap. In hospital-like environments, maximum cleaning efficiency is required, so the user should not place either hand under the faucet for the first few seconds after the soap / water flow is activated . As such, the hands that come into contact with all solutions are immersed in the soap / water mixture and all surfaces and cracks are wetted with soap solution.

  Normally, the soap pump is controlled by a solenoid valve 96, so the soap pump stops briefly before the water flows, so that soap spouts out of the water line between the soap injector and the end of the tap. This is necessary because the next time the system is activated and only water is dispensed, virtually no soap solution comes out of the faucet. It is unlikely that a user who uses an individual faucet facility for cleaning will be the same as the next user who uses it to use only water. There are many reasons for the first user to leave one faucet and go to another.

  Whenever the user is activated, even if water is already flowing, the soap mixture begins to flow and is initiated by a signal from the water activation sensor 22. The signal sent from the electric motor to the solenoid valve acts as a stop signal that invalidates the signal from the water actuation sensor. Thus, both water / soap mixtures begin to flow and the water flow rate is held to a lower soap / water flow rate by the solenoid valve.

  2 and 3 show two embodiments of the present invention. The embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 due to the position of the soap activation button or sensor. Therefore, the system diagram of FIG. 8 also applies to both the embodiments of FIGS. In FIG. 2, the soap activation button 30 is on the faucet 20 and not on the wash basin as in FIG. In FIG. 3, the soap activation button 30 of FIG. 2 is replaced by a soap activation sensor 32. The position and type of the actuator, referred to as soap activation sensor or button 98 in the system diagram of FIG. 8, differs from the three embodiments shown in FIGS. As the diagram emphasizes, the three embodiments are functionally the same.

  Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, FIG. 9 also shows three embodiments of the present invention. The top wash basin components are the same in each embodiment, but some of the other components are different. For example, the feature of the system shown in FIG. 8 is an electric motor 92 that operates the soap pump 90, while the feature of the system shown in FIG. 9 is a hydraulic motor 110 that operates the soap pump 90. The system shown in FIG. 9 is also different from the system shown in FIG. 8 in that a second solenoid valve 114 is added.

  In FIG. 9, the water supply source 102 is connected to a solenoid valve 114 by a water line 116, and is sequentially connected by a water pressure motor 110 mechanically connected to a soap pump 90 and a water line 118. The water pressure motor 110 is connected by a water line 120 to a water line 101 leading into the soap injector 46. Solenoid valve 114 is connected to soap activated sensor or button 98 by fiber optic cable 112. A solenoid valve 114 is also connected to the transformer 104 by a transmission line 122. Solenoid valve 96 is connected to solenoid valve 114 by an optical fiber cable 115.

  In order to operate the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the user activates a soap activation button 30 located on the faucet 20 instead of the soap activation button 24 on the wash basin 26 as shown in FIG. Push. To operate the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the user places his hand over the sensor 32 above the faucet 20.

  In FIG. 9, the embodiment operates in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 8, but differs in several respects. When the user intervenes in the system by pressing or actuating a sensor or soap button, a signal is sent through the fiber optic cable 112 to the solenoid valve 114. Valve 114 opens and allows water from water source 102 to flow through water line 116, through valve 114, and through water line 118 to hydraulic pump 110.

  The hydraulic motor 110, mechanically connected to the soap pump 90, operates by water flow in proportion to the water flow rate, so the soap pump dispenses soap in proportion to the speed of the water flow through the water line 120. Deliver through soap line 48 to soap injector. Because it is mixed in the soap injector, the ratio of soap to water is constant and is independent of the speed of water flow through this part of the system. However, the system is programmed to work separately.

  The “smartness” of this system is in conjunction with solenoid valves, ie, solenoid valve 114 for the soap part of the system and solenoid valve 96 for the water-only part of the system. The two systems usually operate independently except for the time that the solenoid valve 114 is open and for a few seconds thereafter. This allows the user to wash his hands under the faucet without being disturbed by unwanted water coming out of the faucet. When soap is leaving the faucet for a short time (several seconds), the solenoid valve 114 sends a blocking signal to the solenoid valve 96, so it only sends water without opening. The two systems are in communication through fiber optic cable 115.

  As discussed with respect to FIG. 8, the soap mixture begins to flow whenever the user operates, even if water is already flowing and is initiated by a signal from the water activation sensor 22. However, in this case, the signal is sent from solenoid valve 114 to solenoid valve 96 and serves as a blocking signal that invalidates the signal from the water actuation sensor. In this way, both water / soap mixtures begin to flow and the water flow rate is reduced to a lower soap / water flow rate by the solenoid valve.

  FIG. 4 shows the wash basin component for a mechanical system without electrical components. In this embodiment, the faucet 20 includes a water actuated push handle 34 and a soap actuated push handle 36. The water operation push handle 34 measures water and replaces the water operation sensor 22 shown in FIGS. The soap actuation push handle 36 measures soap and replaces the soap actuation buttons or sensors 20, 30 and 32 shown in FIGS. 1-3, respectively.

  In FIG. 10, the systematic diagram regarding the Example of FIG. 4 is shown. The water source 102 is connected to the water actuated push handle 34 by a water line 126. The push handle 34 is connected to the soap injector 46 by a water line 128. The subsystem including the soap injector and faucet is the same as shown in FIG. The water supply 102 is also connected to the soap actuated push handle 36 by a water line 132. The push handle 36 is connected to the hydraulic motor 110 by a water line 136. The subsystem including the hydraulic motor, soap pump and soap container is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In operation, the user presses the soap activation push handle 36, which measures the water from the water source 102 for a few seconds. Water is sent to the hydraulic motor 110. The subsystem consisting of the hydraulic motor, soap pump, soap container and soap injector operates as described for the system of FIG. The water actuated push handle 34 measures the water from the water source 102 in the usual way for a water-only faucet. The water and soap side of the system operates independently and relies on user intervention in the system.

  11 and 13 show a soap dispensing system having a faucet with two handles. This soap dispensing system appears to the user as a standard two-handle faucet. To select the desired water temperature and flow, the user operates hot water handle 227 and cold water handle 229 in a conventional manner and flows through separate water lines 224 and 226, respectively, and hot water source 220 and cold water supply. Combine the two water streams from source 222 together. If the water handle is left as it is, hot water and cold water flow through the water lines 231 and 233, respectively, and merge at the water switch 239. The push handle 235 is concealed in the base of the cold water handle 229 and operates by pushing down on the cold water handle itself. The control function is in the water switch 239 and controls the flow of water to the hydraulic motor 110 and the injector 46 through water lines 242 and 244, respectively. When the faucet is operating strictly to dispense only water, the water switch 239 remains in the “initial position” and water flows freely to the injector 46. The subsystem consisting of hydraulic motor 110, soap pump 90, soap container 86, soap injector 46 and faucet 20 operates as described for the system shown in FIG.

  In the water switch 239, the mechanical coupler 237 pushes a spring (not shown) that activates an internal mechanism (not shown) when the user starts dispensing soap by actuating the push handle 235. This internal mechanism controls the flow of water through the water line 242 to the hydraulic motor 110 and through the water line 120 to the soap injector 46. The water switch 239 is in the latter position, measuring soap solution for a few seconds before stopping all water flow, and enough time to wash with soap before the water switch 239 returns to the initial position, eg The flow of water from the faucet is interrupted for about 15 seconds, and water is allowed to flow freely through the ejector 46 once again.

  6B, 12 and 14 show a soap dispensing system for dispensing two soaps. The soap dispensing system includes a second push handle 334, a soap container 322, a water switch 338, a soap pump 326 and a hydraulic motor 328 for introducing a second soap into the injector 46 via line 320. Yes. To select the desired water temperature and flow rate, the user operates hot water handle 228 and cold water handle 230 in a conventional manner, from hot water source 220 and cold water source 222, which flow through water lines 224 and 226, respectively. Combine two water streams into one. If the water handle is left as is, hot water and cold water flow to hot water switch 338 and cold water switch 240 through water lines 232 and 234, respectively. The water switch controls the dispensing of the water and soap mixture, ie determines the order. When the faucet is operating strictly to dispense only water, the water switches 240 and 338 are in the “initial position”, allowing hot and cold water to flow freely to the injector 46. Routing is indirect. In this “initial position”, chilled water flows from the chilled water handle through the water switch 240 and then through the water line 344 to the water switch 338, where the chilled water flows through the water line 342 before flowing to the injector 46. Mix with hot water flowing through. Similarly, hot water flows from the hot water handle through water switch 338 and then to water switch 240 through water line 346 where the hot water flows through water line 234 before flowing through water line 244 to ejector 46. And mix. This indirect path to both hot and cold water injectors flows both streams in turn through both water switches, and when either of the two soaps is dispensed, all water coming from the faucet Making it possible to control.

  When the user activates the push handle 236 to begin dispensing the first soap in the soap container 86, the mechanical coupler 238 activates the internal control mechanism in the water switch 240 and passes the water line 242 to the water pressure. Operates an internal mechanism (not shown) that controls the flow of water to the motor 110, through the water line 244 to the soap injector 46, through the water line 344 to the water switch 338, and from the water switch 338 to the water line 346. The spring to be pressed is pushed. By turning the push handle 236 to the position displayed on the dial so that it can be seen by the user, a timing function is set that determines when to stop all flow from the faucet for cleaning. The mechanical coupler 238 communicates the user-set time setting for cleaning to the water switch. The soap pouring process is as follows, and a constant water flow is started at a flow rate of hot water and cold water set by the user. After the user presses the push handle, the water flow stops for a few seconds, and then the first soapy water mixture begins to flow at the factory set flow rate for a few seconds. (The soap mixture flow is much weaker than the water flow rate set by most users.) Next, before the soap is dispensed, before the water flow resumes at the chosen speed setting, Therefore, there is a time during which water does not flow for about 0 to about 30 seconds. The timing of this pause time is determined by the position of the push handle pointer 335 on the push handle 236 as set by the user according to the dial 337. A subsystem consisting of hydraulic motor 110, soap pump 90, soap container 86, soap injector 46 and faucet 20 operates as described for the system shown in FIG.

  When the user presses push handle 334 to dispense the second soap solution, the same process and control functions are copied to the other side of the system.

  Other embodiments or improvements are contemplated. A spring-loaded valve (not shown) may be included in the mouth or gap of the soap injector to check for soap leaks. The shape of the site of the soap injector mixing chamber may vary considerably; the length and diameter may be larger or smaller than shown. Similarly, the shape, arrangement, and number of vortex generator blades may vary; the number of vortex generators may be more or less. For some applications, the venturi may be slightly modified or not.

  Pigments or dyes may be added to the soap concentrate. This is because it is clear to the user that it is a soap mixture and not just water. A fragrance may be added to the soap concentrate to improve the user's feel during use.

  To prevent contamination in very sensitive hospital facilities, soap may be enclosed in a sealed cartridge. A soap container may have two cartridges, one of which is usually spare. When the cartridge in use becomes empty, the spare automatically enters the line so that it can be serviced continuously. In many other facilities, soap from economical bulk containers is sufficient.

  The basic system design can be used in other uses and facilities besides washing hands with a basin. For purposes other than hand washing, in other environments, including commercial, industrial, or research facilities, the soap injection mechanism is separate from one solution (not necessarily liquid and the system may operate with gas) Effective and thorough mixing can be desired without the addition of separate mixing equipment or utensils that can be used to mix the solution and perform the stirring action effectively. In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the mixing mechanism is indispensable for the solution flow path, and its internal form itself acts on the mixing.

  If the motor / pump module has system control, eg with an enclosed programmable microcontroller, the same unit is for use in facilities with different types of water valves, injectors, faucets and soap Can be programmed or applied to. It can also be programmed to have different work cycles according to the type of user or environment working in it. For maximum flexibility, the system is designed to be easily reprogrammed after installation. The soap flow rate is directly related to the water flow rate so that a constant ratio of soap / water mixture is obtained regardless of changes in water pressure.

  To improve the performance of existing automatic sensor-operated water faucets, the motor / pump module can recognize the signal from the already installed faucet sensor assembly. Similarly, the signal sent from the motor / pump module is recognized by the existing solenoid valve module assembly. In this case, if it has a self-calibration procedure to automatically set the range for the faucet sensor environment, it depends on some control in the existing solenoid valve module. Yes.

  Piping cords generally require positive means to prevent soap from entering the water supply when the water supply is at negative pressure. Other than the upper model, the anti-siphon function may be incorporated in the solenoid valve module. In the higher model, it may be between the valve and the water supply. In facilities where AC line power is not available, transformers are used to reduce the operating voltage to a safe level and to make the system compatible with the operation of interchangeable DC battery packs. The water supply is a single line, whether from a chilled water line or from an automatically temperature controlled mixing valve that connects to both hot and chilled water lines.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the water does not need to go directly from the handle to the faucet as in the conventional faucet design, but is routed back to the bottom of the washbasin through the soap dispensing system. This provides greater flexibility for the selection and application of a variety of soap and water actuation sensors and schemes. There is no need for an interference mechanism between the handle and the faucet to be incorporated in the close place of the wash basin faucet.

  Thus, such a faucet controls function as a single control faucet and can be applied to an integrated soap dispensing system at any time. Such faucets typically rotate clockwise and counterclockwise to control water temperature and move toward and away from the user to control water flow and flow rate. A feature of soap dispensing is that it has a single control faucet that dispenses soap as a soap-operated push handle when pushed down.

  As can be seen from the above description, many advantages of the integrated soap dispensing system have been realized in connection with the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in at least some applications. The operation of the system by the user is simple, fast and effective to use. This is important in some applications because many users do not consider hand washing to be as comfortable as a shower. The disclosed system is a minimal obstacle both for the handwashing landscape that is more attractive to use and for those who manage it. Measurement accuracy and complete mixing of soap and water is a feature of the disclosed system and is even more important when considering public health and hygiene management. The mixing of soap and water in known systems is unplanned and has not been achieved successfully.

  The disclosed system includes a soap dispensing side of the system that interferes with and stops the water-only side of the system, so the soap dispensing mode is always used even when water is already flowing from the faucet Can be started by a person. In this way, there is a downtime after the soap has been dispensed, during which time the user cannot start the water-only flow.

  The disclosed embodiment of the faucet or the disclosed faucet discharge tube or nozzle is repeatedly washed with a water / soap solution and if the soap is a disinfectant, the faucet is disinfected from the inside and the faucet is contaminated. You can avoid it.

  While specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be understood that different embodiments are possible and fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the soaps specifically mentioned here are liquid soaps in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but it is contemplated that solid soap fines and the like may be employed. Other liquid products can also be employed and liquid carriers other than water are contemplated. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the present invention can be employed for applications other than hand washing. Such other applications include the washing of fabrics or other items and the mixing of chemicals in chemical processes. Therefore, it is not intended to be limited to the detailed summary or disclosure shown.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of an embodiment of the present invention having a soap actuation button on the wash basin and a water actuation sensor on the faucet. FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram of another embodiment of the present invention having a soap actuation button on the faucet and a water actuation sensor on the faucet. FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram of yet another embodiment of the present invention having a soap actuation sensor on the faucet and a water actuation sensor on the faucet. FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of yet another embodiment of the present invention having a soap-operated push handle on the faucet and a water-actuated push handle on the faucet. It is a side view of the conventional non-contact type faucet. FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention including a soap injector under a wash basin; FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention including a second soap line; FIG. 6B is a left cross-sectional painting view of the soap injector of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a right exploded pictorial diagram of the soap injector of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a left exploded cross-sectional pictorial view of the soap injector of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a diagram of a different embodiment of the vortex generator of the soap ejector of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a diagram of a different embodiment of the vortex generator of the soap ejector of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a diagram of a different embodiment of the vortex generator of the soap ejector of FIG. 6A. 1 is a system diagram of an embodiment of the present invention having an electric motor for operating a soap pump. FIG. FIG. 4 is a system diagram of another embodiment of the present invention having a hydraulic motor that operates a soap pump that is activated by a sensor or button. FIG. 6 is a system diagram of yet another embodiment of the present invention having a hydraulic motor for operating a soap pump operated by a soap operated push handle. FIG. 6 is a system diagram of another embodiment of the present invention having both hot and cold water handles. FIG. 6 is a system diagram of still another embodiment of the present invention that uses two types of soaps. FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of another embodiment of the present invention having a faucet with both hot and cold water handles and incorporating a soap-operated push handle in the cold water handle. FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram of yet another embodiment of the present invention having a pair of soap actuated push handles on the faucet to provide two types of soap.

Explanation of symbols

20 Faucet 22 Water Operation Sensor 24 Soap Operation Button 26 Wash Basin 28 Wash Basin (Water Tank)
30 Soap Actuation Button 32 Sensor 34 Water Actuation Push Handle 36 Soap Actuation Push Handle 38, 44 Water Line 40 Optical Fiber Cable 42 Water Line Coupler 46 Soap Injector 48 Soap Line 50 Case 52 Coupler 54 Clockwise Vortex Generator 58 Compressor 60 Counterclockwise vortex generator 62, 66 Blade 64 Venturi 68, 70 Position determining head 72, 74, 76 Position determining mechanism 78, 80 Inlet 82 Soap injector 83 Mixing chamber

Claims (27)

In an injector for mixing the first and second solutions,
A compressor comprising a first opening for accelerating the flow of the first solution and introducing the second solution;
An injector for mixing first and second solutions, comprising: a first vortex generator positioned upstream of the compressor; and a second vortex generator positioned downstream of the compressor.
The injector of claim 1, further comprising an injector body having at least three external interfaces.
The injector of claim 2, wherein the injector body includes a cap, the injector body and the cap including an internal positioning head.
The injector of claim 3, wherein the compressor, the first vortex generator and the second vortex generator each have an external positioning groove.
The first vortex generator is applied to rotate the solution flow in the first direction, and the second vortex generator is applied to rotate the turbulent flow in the second direction opposite to the first direction. The injector according to claim 1.
The injector of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second vortex generators includes fins.
The injector of claim 1, wherein the first vortex generator and the second vortex generator each have a plurality of generally wing-shaped fins.
The ejector of claim 1, wherein the first vortex generator includes a stator and the second vortex generator includes a plurality of strakes.
The injector of claim 1, wherein the compressor includes a second opening for introducing the third solution into the stream of the first solution.
In the soap dispensing system for faucets,
A container to continue supplying soap;
An injector for introducing soap into the water line of the faucet;
A soap dispensing system for a faucet, comprising: a container for supplying soap to the injector and a soap pump in conjunction with the injector; and an actuator applied to control the soap pump.
The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the injector includes a compressor and at least one vortex generator.
The soap dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the soap pump includes an electric motor.
The soap dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the soap pump includes a hydraulic motor.
The soap dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the actuator is a push button.
The soap dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the actuator is an electrical sensor.
The soap dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the actuator is a push handle.
11. The soap dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the actuator uses a fiber optic cable to control the soap pump.
The soap dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein the actuator is located on the faucet.
In hand washing system,
A faucet interlocked with a water supply via a water line; and a soap dispenser adapted to make a mixture of soap and water in the water line, the soap dispenser comprising an injector A hand washing system comprising a first soap pump and a first soap container.
The hand-washing system of claim 19, wherein the injector comprises a compressor and at least one vortex generator.
20. A hand washing system according to claim 19, wherein the faucet includes at least one sensor for controlling water flow.
20. A hand washing system according to claim 19, wherein the soap dispenser includes an actuator adapted to control the soap pump.
The hand-washing system of claim 19, wherein the water supply includes a hot water supply and a cold water supply.
20. A hand washing system according to claim 19, wherein the soap dispenser further comprises a second soap pump and a second soap container.
In the method of mixing the first and second solutions,
Accelerating the flow of the first solution using a compressor having a first opening;
Putting the second solution into the second opening;
And a method of mixing the first and second solutions, comprising creating at least one vortex to mix the first and second solutions using at least one vortex generator.
In the soap dispensing system for water taps,
An injector for introducing soap into the water line of the faucet;
Soap pump for providing soap to the injector;
An actuator applied to control the soap pump;
And a control means for moving the soap / rinse process, said process flowing a soap solution, stopping the soap solution flow for a sufficient time and causing a water flow, a soap dispensing system for a water faucet .
In the method of pouring soap,
Put the soap into the faucet's water line; and use the control means to move the soap / rinse process, the process will flow the soap solution in response to user action, stop the soap solution flow for a sufficient time, A method of pouring soap characterized by causing water flow.

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