JP6717819B2 - Automatically heated fluid dispenser - Google Patents

Description

This application is a PCT application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/530,479, filed October 31, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a viscous fluid dispenser, and more particularly to a motion sensor type and/or proximity sensor type dispenser that heats a viscous fluid before discharging the viscous fluid.

Motion sensor type soap dispensers are well known. Since such a dispenser does not need to contact the dispenser, it is advantageous in suppressing the spread of bacteria and diseases. In general, automatic soap dispensers have large volumes of fluid that can flow freely. Such a dispenser is equipped with a mechanism for maintaining the remaining amount of soap liquid by a large-sized reservoir capable of receiving soap liquid. The soap solution remains in the container. Also, the soap solution is generally in contact with a dispenser mechanism outside the container.

Motion sensor dispensers can also be used to advantage with other fluids, such as personal lubricants or medically administered substances, and are ideally non-contaminating. However, other fluids, if left in the dispenser, can become dirty and unsanitary, resulting in unacceptable waste. Therefore, when discharging another fluid, the existing soap liquid discharging mechanism cannot be effectively used.

In addition, fluids such as personal lubricants are beneficial in that they can be warmed or heated before being dispensed. The system and method provide an improved dispenser mechanism that can be utilized with personal lubricants or other viscous fluids.

According to one aspect of the invention, a dispenser includes a housing, the housing having a base that rests stably on a support surface. In addition, the housing includes an upper portion located above the base, and there is a space between the base and the upper portion, the size being able to receive a human hand. The upper portion defines a cavity sized to receive a fluid reservoir and an opening through the lower surface of the upper portion and extending directly into the cavity. The pressing member is located within the cavity. The actuator is connected to the pressing member and biases the pressing member in a direction toward the opening and a direction away from the opening. The fluid reservoir is located within the cavity. The fluid reservoir includes a neck having a pressure actuated hole at its tip. Also, the neck extends through the opening. In some embodiments, the portion of the dispenser other than the base is not located in the flow path vertically below the pressure actuated hole.

According to another aspect, the dispenser comprises a controller, the controller mounted in the housing and operably connected to the actuator. The controller also selectively actuates the actuator. The dispenser includes a proximity sensor, which is mounted within the housing and detects movement within the void. The sensor can be a motion detector or other sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the proximity sensor is operably connected to the controller, which activates the actuator in response to the output of the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is mounted in the top and the controller is mounted in the base. Furthermore, the dispenser comprises a light emitting device mounted in a part of the housing, preferably in the upper part. In such an embodiment, the upper portion comprises a semi-transparent panel facing downwards, the semi-transparent panel being located below the light emitting device. In at least some other embodiments, the upper portion comprises a thin portion of the housing located below the light emitting device, the thin portion allowing at least a portion of light to pass therethrough. The controller actuates the actuator and moves the actuator to a plurality of spaced positions, including a start position and an end position, in response to the proximity sensor detecting movement in the air gap. Also, the controller operates the actuator to move it to the start position in response to detecting the position of the actuator at the end position. Further, the dispenser comprises a temperature control element arranged to make thermal contact with the cavity or to warm the fluid reservoir. The temperature control element is preferably a heating element, such as a resistance heater.

According to another aspect, the actuator biases the pressing member in the first direction. The upper portion comprises a stop surface arranged substantially transverse to the first direction (ie substantially perpendicular to the first direction), the stop surface being in an offset position with respect to the first side surface of the opening. The pressing member includes a pressing surface extending upward from the opening, and a perpendicular line of the pressing surface is substantially parallel to the first direction. The pressing member is located on the second side surface of the opening opposite to the first side surface. The actuator biases the pressing member perpendicular to the first direction. In some embodiments, the upper portion constitutes a rail extending orthogonally to the first direction, and the pressing member slidably supports the rail. The fluid reservoir is collapsible and is located within the cavity. The cavity has a first surface that contacts the stop surface and a second surface that contacts the pressing surface, and the neck contacts the first surface. The body of the collapsible reservoir has a substantially constant cross-section between the first surface and the second surface over substantially the entire extent of the body.

According to another aspect, the pressing member includes a roller rotatably connected to the actuator, and the roller constitutes a rotation axis. The actuator moves the roller across the cavity in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, toward the opening and away from the opening. The pressing member comprises a shaft extending through the roller, the upper part of which constitutes a guide which engages the end of the shaft. The actuator is connected to the end of the shaft by a flexible, but generally non-stretchable thread. A spring is connected to the end of the shaft and biases the roller to a starting position offset from the opening.

According to another aspect, the opening extends in the first direction through the lower surface of the upper portion. The pressing member can be arranged at the starting position, and a cavity is formed between the opening and the pressing member. The actuator urges the pressing member from the starting position toward the opening along the first direction. In some embodiments, the lower surface of the top defines an opening. The lid is hingedly attached to the lower surface and is selectively positionable over the opening. Also, the opening is configured within the lid. In some embodiments, one or more members extend from the cavity to positions offset from the cavity, each member rotatably mounted on the top. Each member includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm extends on the pressing member, and the pressing member is located between the first arm and the opening. The second arm engages the actuator.

According to another aspect, each of the first rod and the second rod is rotatably connected to one side of the cavity at a first end and has a second end opposite the cavity. The actuator engages the first rod and the second rod. The actuator also pulls the first rod and the second rod through the cavity towards the opening.

In various embodiments, the dispenser comprises a housing, an opening in the housing, a container within the housing, a heating element, and an actuator. The opening may be a discharge opening. The container or cavity is constructed and arranged to removably receive a reservoir. When the container receives the reservoir, the outlet of the reservoir is exposed through the opening. The heating element is constructed and arranged to provide energy to the fluid contained within the reservoir and to heat the fluid contained within the reservoir. When the actuator is actuated, the actuator provides a discharge force to induce a volume of fluid in the energized reservoir to flow through the exposed outlet of the reservoir. In response, the dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of energy provided through the opening.

The actuator comprises a converter that converts electrical energy to provide a discharge force. In at least one embodiment, the converter is a stepper motor, such as an electric stepper motor. By causing the piston of the reservoir to move in parallel for a predetermined distance by the discharge force, the flow of the energy-supplied fluid is induced, and a predetermined amount of the energy-supplied fluid is discharged.

In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is linearly proportional to the predetermined amount of energized and expelled fluid. The heating element may be constructed and arranged to induce an electric current in the heating structure. The heat generating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid contained within the reservoir. The induced current in the heating structure energizes or heats the fluid.

In various embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a sensor that provides a signal when the object is in proximity to the opening in the housing or when the object is moving relative to the opening. The signal activates the actuator. The dispenser further comprises an energy source that emits electromagnetic energy, such as light emission or waves, in a frequency band. This frequency band lies within the visible spectrum. The emitted electromagnetic energy illuminates at least a portion of the dispenser. The frequency band is based on user selection. The intensity of the emitted electromagnetic energy is based on user selection. The illuminated portion of the dispenser comprises at least an area located below the opening in the housing. In some embodiments, the energy source is a light emitting diode (LED).

In some embodiments, the housing comprises a base portion below the opening. The housing is constructed and arranged to receive a user's hand between the base and the opening. The base portion may include a storage recess or recess located directly below the opening. The storage well is constructed and arranged to store a dispensed volume of fluid.

The opening is constructed and arranged so that as the predetermined amount of fluid flows through the outlet of the reservoir, the predetermined amount of fluid is discharged without contacting the outer periphery of the opening. The predetermined amount may be based on a user selection. The heating element may be constructed and arranged to surround at least a portion of the container. As a result, the heating element applies energy to at least a part of the fluid contained in the reservoir substantially uniformly. In at least some embodiments, the container is a rotating container configured and arranged to rotate in open and closed positions. The dispenser may include a rotation assembly configured and arranged to rotatably rotate at least one of the container, the heating element, and the actuator.

In some embodiments, the fluid dispenser comprises a housing, an opening that the housing has, a container within the housing, an actuator, and a power source. The opening may be a discharge opening. The container is constructed and arranged to receive a reservoir. When the container receives the reservoir, the outlet of the reservoir is exposed through the opening. The actuator, when actuated, provides a discharge force that induces a quantity of fluid in the reservoir to flow through the outlet of the reservoir and discharges that quantity of fluid through the opening. The power supply supplies power to the actuator. The power supply includes an AC power supply.

In at least one embodiment, the dispenser further comprises a heating element. The AC power supply supplies an AC current to the heat source. The heating element may be in close proximity to the container. The dispenser may further include a motor that provides a dispensing force. The AC power supply supplies AC current to the motor. The dispenser may further comprise at least one touch sensitive sensor. The touch sensor can detect the user's hand through the housing.

The fluid reservoir includes a reservoir body, a heat generating structure, a piston, and an outlet arranged on the surface of the reservoir body. The reservoir body includes a first end, a second end, a cross section, and a translation axis. The translation axis is substantially orthogonal to the cross section. The translation axis is defined by the first end and the second end. The cross section is substantially uniform along the translation axis. The heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid as it is contained within the reservoir. A heating structure is constructed and arranged to energize at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir or to heat at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir. The piston is constructed and arranged to translate along a translation axis. The volume of the reservoir available for containing fluid is defined by the distance between the piston and the second end of the reservoir body. The second end of the reservoir may be the closed end of the reservoir. As the piston translates along the translation axis toward the second end, a quantity of fluid energized by the heating structure flows from the reservoir through the outlet. The amount of energized fluid is linearly proportional to the translation length of the piston.

In some embodiments, the heat generating structure is a conductive disc having a cross section that substantially matches the cross section of the reservoir body. The heat generating structure may be located proximate the second end of the reservoir body. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir further comprises a use knob configured and arranged to indicate whether the piston has translated from its initial position. The first end of the reservoir body is an open end for receiving a piston. The second end of the reservoir body is a closed end. The reservoir body may be a cylindrical body. The second end is a cylindrical base.

In at least one embodiment, the outlet comprises a valve. The valve is constructed and arranged such that fluid contained within the reservoir flows through the valve in response to translation of the piston toward the second end of the reservoir body. The valve is further constructed and arranged to retain fluid within the reservoir when the piston has not translated. The outlet is equipped with a valve holder. The valve retainer is configured and arranged so that the valve retainer mates with the dispenser opening when the cavity within the dispenser receives the reservoir. The valve retainer comprises a retainer circumference. The outer circumference of the holder is configured and arranged so that the fluid does not contact the outer circumference of the holder when the fluid contained in the reservoir flows through the outlet.

In various embodiments, the cross section of the outlet is oriented generally orthogonal to the translation axis. In another embodiment, the cross section of the outlet is oriented substantially parallel to the translation axis. The outlet may be located proximate to the heat generating structure such that fluid flowing through the outlet is proximate to the heat generating structure before flowing through the outlet. The piston comprises a drive structure configured and arranged to mate with a drive shaft driven by a motor. In at least one embodiment, the piston comprises a drive structure configured and arranged to mate with a drive shaft driven by pressurized gas.

In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir comprises a reservoir body, a heat generating structure, a piston, a nozzle, and at least one first valve. In some embodiments, a second valve is included. The reservoir body comprises a longitudinal axis and a volume configured and arranged to contain at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir. When the fluid is contained within the volume of the reservoir body, the heating structure thermally couples with the fluid contained within the body. The heat generating structure is also constructed and arranged to provide energy to at least a portion of the fluid contained within its body. The piston is constructed and arranged for translation along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the reservoir body. Nozzles located on the surface of the reservoir are constructed and arranged to drain the fluid contained within the reservoir. The first valve provides resistance to fluid outflow through the nozzle, unless discharge force is applied to the reservoir. In order to exceed the resistance of the first valve, the discharge force increases the internal pressure of the fluid.

In some embodiments, the reservoir comprises a bottom cap having an opening. The opening allows the drive shaft to apply a discharge force to the piston. When that discharge force is applied to the piston, the piston translates along the longitudinal axis, exceeding the resistance of the first valve and causing a portion of the fluid to flow out of the nozzle. The reservoir may further include a nozzle assembly. When a discharge force is applied to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly translates with respect to the reservoir body and when the resistance of the first valve is exceeded, a portion of the fluid flows out of the nozzle.

The nozzle may be a beveled nozzle. When the fluid dispenser receives the reservoir, the angled nozzle is oriented in a generally vertical direction. In at least one embodiment, the fluid dispenser includes an adjustment member that enables proper adjustment of the nozzle position when receiving the reservoir. The heat generating structure comprises a conductive tube shaped body that uniformly covers at least a portion of the volume of the reservoir body. In a preferred embodiment, the heat generating structure is a stainless steel heat generating structure. The first valve may be a ball valve. In another embodiment, the first valve is a spring valve. In some embodiments, the first valve and the second valve cooperate to select blocking and admission of fluid flow. In some embodiments the second valve is a ball valve, while in other embodiments the second valve is a spring valve or needle valve.

Some embodiments of the reservoir include a seal configured and arranged to visually indicate whether the piston has previously translated from its initial position. The reservoir may be an airless pump reservoir. The reservoir may be a modified bottle or a customized bottle. The cosmetic industry utilizes bottles that are similar to uncustomized or unmodified bottles. In at least one embodiment, an overcap is constructed and arranged to prevent fluid from flowing out of the nozzle when the reservoir is not in use.

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a dispenser that incorporates a compression section, which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1. It is a side sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a front view of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is an embodiment of the present invention, and is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a dispenser incorporating a rolling part. FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a dispenser having a plunger, which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the plunger mechanism of the dispenser of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a front sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a front sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is another partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the actuation assembly of the dispenser of FIG. 8 in an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a dispenser, an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the dispenser and fluid reservoir of FIG. 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the dispenser shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a dispenser, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein, showing the dispenser receiving a removable fluid reservoir and opening a lid to expose the fluid reservoir. Is. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a fluid reservoir, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 7 is an assembly view of a fluid reservoir, corresponding to embodiments disclosed herein. It is a figure which shows the induced current in a heat generating structure corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. It is a figure which shows the heat generating body of embodiment corresponding to embodiment disclosed here. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a dispenser corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 19 is a top view of a dispenser corresponding to embodiments disclosed herein, showing the dispenser receiving the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B and opening the lid to expose the fluid reservoir. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser that has received a fluid reservoir. FIG. 22B is an enlarged view of the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 22A, showing a state where the actuator of the dispenser stores the shaft. FIG. 7 is a diagram of a stepping motor included in an actuator, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. FIG. 9 is a side view of a dispenser corresponding to an embodiment disclosed herein, showing that an electromagnetic wave source included in the dispenser illuminates the dispenser. FIG. 6 is a view of the inner surface of the dispenser showing the discharge openings. FIG. 19B is a side cross-sectional view of the outlet of the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of an outlet valve of the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B, corresponding to embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 6A shows a dispenser with a rotatable fluid reservoir container assembly in another embodiment, with the rotatable container assembly rotated to a closed position. FIG. 6A shows a dispenser with a rotating fluid reservoir container assembly in another embodiment, with the rotating container assembly rotated to an open position. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a rotating assembly 2760 according to various embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with the fluid dispenser in various embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with a fluid dispenser according to various embodiments disclosed herein, showing the fluid reservoir nozzle assembly in an uncompressed state. is there. FIG. 8 is another side cross-sectional view of a fluid reservoir for use with a fluid dispenser in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein, showing the fluid reservoir nozzle assembly in a compressed state. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser including a rotation assembly, the rotation assembly receiving a fluid reservoir and rotated to a closed position. FIG. 31B is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 31A showing the rotator assembly partially rotated to the open position, showing a reasonable clearance for the tilted nozzle. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment fluid reservoir, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 32B is an isometric view of the assembled fluid reservoir of FIG. 32A. FIG. 32 is a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir of FIGS. 32A and 32B.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dispenser 10 can be grasped in a vertical direction 12, a front-back direction 14 perpendicular to the vertical direction 12, and a vertical direction 12 and a lateral direction 16 perpendicular to the front-back direction 14. The vertical direction 12 is perpendicular to a plane on which the dispenser 10 is placed. The lateral direction 16 and the front-back direction 14 are parallel to the support surface.

The dispenser 10 includes a C-shaped housing 18 in a front-rear-vertical plane. Further, the housing 18 includes an upper portion 20 and a base 22, and a vertical gap is formed between the upper portion 20 and the base 22. The upper portion 20 defines a cavity 24 that receives a reservoir 26. The reservoir 26 comprises a neck 28. The neck 28 defines an opening 30 and a body 32, which are connected to the neck 28. The neck 28 may be smaller so that the body 32 can be plugged into the opening. The body 32 cannot pass through this opening, or the body 32 cannot pass without being deformed. Cavity 24 is wider than body 32 in lateral direction 16 to facilitate removal of reservoir 26. The opening 30 is a pressure-sensitive opening. The opening 30 is closed when no pressure is applied to the body 32, but allows passage of fluid when the pressure exceeds a threshold value. For example, the opening 30 is any of the various "no-drip" systems used in seasoning dispensers known in the art.

The cavity 24 can be easily accessed by using a lid 34 that covers a portion of the upper portion 20. The lid 34 can be attached to the top 20 either vertically above the top 20, vertically below the top 20, or at an outer surface of the top 20. The lid 34 can be completely removed and attached by snap fit or other methods. The lid 34 may also be hingedly attached to the top or slid laterally in and out of the closed position. For example, the drawer structure may form part of the cavity 24 that receives the reservoir 26 and slide into and out of the side of the top 20.

The pressing member 36 can slide in and out of the cavity 24. Thereby, the pressing member 36 can compress the reservoir 26. In addition, the push member 36 can be retracted, which allows the refill reservoir 26 to be plugged in after pushing an extractable amount of fluid from the original reservoir 26. The pressing member 36 constitutes a pressing surface 38 located at a position facing a stop surface 40 formed by the wall surface of the cavity 24.

Referring to FIG. 2, the pressing member 36 is slidably attached to the housing 18. For example, the pressing member 36 constitutes one or more slots 42. The slot 42 receives a rail 44 fixed to the upper part 20. Alternatively, the rail formed on the pressing member 36 may be inserted into the slot formed by the upper portion 20. The actuator 46 engages with the pressing member 36. This causes fluid to exit reservoir 26 as actuator 46 moves pressing member 36 toward reservoir 26. The actuator 46 is a linear actuator such as an electric screw, a worm gear, a servo, and a rotary cam. In particular, the actuator 46 is advantageous in maintaining this state when there is no power supply. The actuator 46 is mounted inside one or more actuator mounts 50. The actuator mount 50 is secured to the upper portion 20 or other portion of the housing 18 including the base 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 46 is engaged with the pressure member 36 by a spreader 48, which distributes the force over a wider area of the pressure member 36.

The dispenser 10 includes a proximity sensor 52. Proximity sensor 52 is configured to sense a human hand in the gap between top 20 and bottom 22. As a form in which the proximity sensor 52 senses a human hand, detection of reflected light, blocking of light incident on the proximity sensor 52, detection of heat trace or temperature change, change of inductance or capacitance, or other method There are various means such as hand movement, hand approach, and hand presence detection. The proximity sensor 52 either projects downwardly from the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 or passes through the lower surface 54 and is exposed to light, air, or thermal energy in the air gap between the upper portion 20 and the lower portion 22. Besides the proximity sensor, a voice activated sensor may be used. Moreover, multiple sensors may be used on the same or separate parts of the device.

In some embodiments, one or more light emitting elements 56 are mounted on top 20 and illuminate the air gap between top 20 and bottom 22. For example, the lower surface 54 or a portion thereof is semi-transparent or perforated so that the light from the light emitting element reaches the air gap. The light emitting element 56 is a light emitting diode (LED), an incandescent light bulb, or another light emitting device. Alternatively, the light emitting element may emit light from the bottom surface or the side surface.

The housing 18 may be formed with various structures or shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 comprises a curved exterior 58 and a curved interior 60. When engaged, they form a curved or C-shaped cavity that supports the components of dispenser 10. The ends of the curved portions 58 and 60 are flat surfaces or include flat surfaces. In particular, the lower end of the outer curved portion 58 has a flat lower surface for installation on a flat surface, or has three or more points located in a common plane for installation on a flat surface.

The controller 62 is mounted in the housing 18, for example, in the base 22. The controller 62 is operably connected to all or some of the actuator 46, the proximity sensor 52, and the light emitting element 56. The controller 62 is wired to these components. The controller 62 is also connected to a power source (not shown) such as a battery or a power adapter. The controller 62 is implemented as a printed circuit board with electronic components attached. This electronic component is effective in exhibiting the function of the controller 62. The controller 62 has a processor, a memory, or other computing capability to perform its function.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 defines an opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the reservoir 26. As shown, the openings 30 allow the fluid to be expelled freely so that the fluid is not directed to the user's hand and to any part other than the base 22 of the dispenser. Also, as is apparent, the opening 30 and the neck 28 are located closer to the stop surface 40 than the pressing surface 38. As a result, the neck 38 inserted into the opening 30 does not hinder the progress of the pressing surface 38 when the body 32 of the reservoir 26 is crushed. The neck 28 is positioned as close as possible to the surface of the body 32 that engages the stop surface 40. If the distance between the stop surface 40 and the pressing surface 38 on the opening 66 is measured parallel to the surface of the housing that supports the reservoir 26, for example, X is defined as the stop surface 40 and the neck. The distance to the side of 28 closest to the stop surface is less than 10% of X, preferably less than 5% of X.

In addition, the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 forms an opening 68 that supports a portion of the proximity sensor 52 and allows light, vibration, thermal energy and the like to reach the proximity sensor 52. The lower surface 54 further comprises an opening for passing light emitted from the light emitting device 56 into the gap. Alternatively, the lower surface 54 is semi-transparent or transparent, or is partially provided with a semi-transparent or transparent portion for transmitting light. In some embodiments, a marker 70 is formed on the upper surface of the base 22 located vertically below the opening 66. The marker 70 indicates where the fluid is dispensed by the dispenser 10, and is, for example, a depression, a paint mark, or other visual indicator.

The pressing member 36 slides back and forth in the operating direction 72. Usually, the operating direction 72 is substantially parallel to the front-back direction within 20 degrees, for example. The pressing surface 38 is substantially perpendicular to the operating direction 72. For example, the perpendicular of the pressing surface 38 is within plus or minus 5 degrees, preferably within plus or minus 1 degree with respect to the axis along the operating direction 72. The stop surface 40 is also substantially perpendicular to the operating direction. That is, the perpendicular of the stop surface 40 is substantially parallel to the operating direction. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface 40 is beveled to facilitate insertion of the reservoir 26. For example, the perpendicular of the stop surface is tilted upward from the actuation direction 72 and the angle is between 2 and 10 degrees, or an angle other than 0 degrees.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 26 is heated directly or indirectly by the heating element 74. The heating element 74 is operably connected to the controller 62 or directly connected to a power source. Further, the heat generating element 74 includes a heat sensor capable of performing this temperature control. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 74 is connected to the pressing member 36. For example, the heating element 74 is connected to the illustrated lower surface of the pressing member, which is perpendicular to the pressing surface 38. The heating element 74 may be mounted at a position 76a immediately opposite the pressing surface 38 or at a position 76b immediately opposite the stop surface 40. In some embodiments, it is sufficient to simply warm the air around the reservoir 26, regardless of thermal contact with the reservoir 26 or the structure facing the reservoir 26. Therefore, the heating element 74 may be installed in a convenient place on the upper portion 20 or may be installed in another portion in the housing 18. Alternatively, other temperature control elements may be utilized to warm or cool the fluid or maintain the temperature of the fluid.

The controller 62 moves the pressing member 36 from the start position shown in FIG. 3 to the end position near the stop surface 40. The pressing member 36 is moved by the controller 62 to a position separated from each other between the start position and the end position. For example, the controller 62 causes the actuator 46 to move the pressing member 36 from one position to the next position in response to the detection of the motion based on the output of the proximity sensor 52. When the pressing member 36 reaches the end position and the arrival is detected, the controller 62 moves the pressing member 36 to the start position by moving the actuator 46. The arrival at the end position is detected by counting the number of times the pressing member 36 has advanced from the start position. For example, the controller 46 returns the pressing member to the start position when the pressing member advances N times. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of movement of the pressing member 36 may be adjusted by the user with the controller. In this way, an individual user can increase or decrease the amount of fluid dispensed into the user's hand beneath the opening. For this purpose, a rotation adjustment knob or other buttons such as up and down arrow buttons may be mounted.

Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments the pressure member 36 is implemented as a roller 80. Rollers 80 squeeze fluid from reservoir 26 when biased across reservoir 26. To facilitate this operation, the body 32 is flat and the length 82 and width 84 of the body 32 are substantially greater than the thickness 86. The dimension of the width 84 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller 80 arranged inside the cavity 24, and the length 82 is parallel to the running direction according to the movement of the roller 80. The thickness 86 dimension is perpendicular to both the length 82 and width 84 dimensions. The neck 28 is located at or near the end of the body 32 in the length dimension 82 of the body 32. In particular, in order to be able to insert the reservoir 26, the roller 80 is located in the starting position, as shown in FIG. When the roller 80 is located at the starting position shown in the figure, the neck 28 is located at the end of the body 32 opposite to the end close to the roller 80.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the roller 80 rotates about one or more shafts 88, the ends of the shafts 88 projecting out of the rollers 80. The shaft defines an operating direction 72 of the roller 80 and rests on a ridge 90 having an upper edge parallel to the operating direction 72. Further, the shaft 88 is held by the ridge portion 90 by a U-shaped cover 92. The cover 92 includes a cutout portion 94. The cutout portion 94 has a parallel edge 96. The roller 80 runs between the parallel edges 96. The edge 96 or other portion of the cover 92 is located opposite the ridge 90 to form a slot in which the shaft 88 slides. The cover 92 has a face 98 that slopes upwards away from the cutout 94, which allows the reservoir 26 to be introduced into the cavity 24. The cover 92 forms a passage 100 on both sides of the cutout portion 94, or forms a U-shaped passage extending on both sides of the cutout portion 94.

In some embodiments, the passageway 100 has space to accommodate the lace 102. The string 102 pulls the shaft along the slot between the edge 96 and the ridge 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the lace 102 is secured to the end of the shaft 88 and wraps around the rod 104. Further, each of the strings 102 is connected to a common pulley 106 or spool. The pulley 106 or spool is driven by an actuator 46 that includes a rotary actuator 108. The string is wound on the pulley 106 in response to the rotation of the rotary actuator 108, which pulls the roller 80 toward the rod 104 and the opening 66. The neck 28 of the reservoir 26 is passed through the opening 66. Also, a biasing member, such as a spring 110, is connected to the housing 18 and the shaft 88 on either side of the roller 80 to return the roller 80 to the starting position. When the force exerted by the rotary actuator 108 is removed, the spring 110 biases the roller back to its starting position. Alternatively, the spring biases the roller towards a forward position that causes the reservoir to compress. In addition to such an embodiment, the cord 102 and the actuator 108 serve to advance the roller by pulling a spring. In addition, the lace 102 and actuator 108 pull the roller against the spring pressure to an uncompressed starting position.

The rotary actuator maintains this state and is locked, for example, when it does not change position. This allows the roller 80 to move to various positions from the start position to the end position closest to the opening 66. As best shown in FIG. 6, the support surface 112 supports the body 32 of the reservoir 26, which is sandwiched between the roller 80 and the support surface 112 during roller movement.

The embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7 has a controller 62, a proximity sensor 52, and a light emitting element 56 that are configured similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. As another embodiment disclosed herein, the controller 62 causes the rollers 80 to travel to positions separated from each other in response to the detection by the proximity sensor 52. Similarly, the controller 62 returns or allows the roller 80 to return to the starting position when the roller 80 reaches the ending position. The embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 comprises a heating element 74 similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, wherein the heating element 74 is positioned in the upper portion 20 to fit the support surface 112, It may be placed at a position to warm the air in the upper part 20.

Referring to FIG. 8, in an embodiment, the reservoir cover 120 is hingedly secured to the lower surface 54, or snap-fitted or otherwise secured and is completely removable. An opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the reservoir 26 is formed in the reservoir cover 120. Therefore, in use, when the body 32 of the reservoir 26 is placed on the seat 122, the neck 28 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) is located in the opening 66. The seat portion 122 has a concave surface or another surface. The reservoir cover 120 is then attached to the lower surface 54.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tip of the cover 120 opposite the hinged end comprises a ridge 124 or lip 124 that engages a detent mechanism. A retention or detent mechanism is utilized to retain the cover 120 in a selectively releasable state.

With reference to FIGS. 9-11, in some embodiments, the reservoir cover 120 is hingedly and releasably mounted within the opening 126, and in the illustrated mechanism, the opening 126 is covered. The hub 128 has a registration boss 130 on its upper surface. The hub 128 has a front spring arm 132, and the front spring arm 132 extends forward from the hub 128 in the front-rear direction 14. The front spring arms 132 also spread laterally away from the hub 128. Further, the spring arm 132 is bent downward from the hub 128 and is fixed to a cross bar 134 connecting the front end portion of the front spring arm 132. As shown, the crossbar 134 hangs over a portion of the opening 126. The crossbar 134 also engages the ridge portion 124 to retain the cover 120 within the opening 126. The spring arm 132 and the crossbar 134 are elastic materials such as spring steel, and by being deformed, the ridge portion can pass over the crossbar 134. As described above, the front spring arm 132 bends downwardly from the hub 128 and provides a vertical gap between the bottom of the hub 128, the opening 128, and the top surface of the cover 120 located within the opening 126. Exists.

The rear spring arm 136 is fixed to the hub 128 and projects rearward from the hub 128 in the front-rear direction 14. Also, the rear spring arms 136 extend outwardly from each other in the lateral direction 16 and bend downward from the hub 128 in the vertical direction 12. The rear spring arm 136 is rotatably attached to the shaft portion 138. The shaft portion 138 projects outward from the cover 120 in the lateral direction 16. The shaft portion 138 is a cylinder having an axis extending in the lateral direction 16. The rear spring arm 136 has a bent end that can be inserted into the shaft 138. The rear spring arm 136 remains engaged with the shaft 138 as a result of the biasing force of the rear spring arm 136. In some embodiments, the front spring arms 132, the rear spring arms 134, and the crossbars 134 are part of a unitary metal rod or wire bent into the shape as shown.

The shaft portion 138 is fixed to the cover 120 by the arm 140, and the arm 140 extends from the outside of the upper portion 20 into the upper portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 140 is arcuate and its concave lower surface hangs on the edge of the opening 126.

The shaft portion 138 is disposed on the seat portion 142, and the seat portions 142 are located on both sides of the arm 140. As is apparent from FIGS. 9 and 10, the seat portion 142 has an open structure so that the shaft portion 138 can be inserted into and removed from the seat portion 142. The lid 34 engages the hub 128 and biases the rear spring arm 136 downward. As a result, the shaft portion 138 is biased toward the seat portion 142. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 10), lid 34 includes registration holes 144A that receive bosses 130 formed on hub 128 to keep hub 138 in place within cavity 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the registration hole 144A extends completely through the lid 124. In some embodiments, the user pushes the registration boss 130 through the hole 144A, causing the hub 128 to sink. Then, the crossbar 134 is urged to release the engagement with the ridge 124. As a result, reservoir cover 120 falls out of opening 126. In some embodiments, the hub 128 defines one or more registration holes 144A, 144B. Registration holes 144A, 144B receive one or more rods 145 (see FIG. 11). The rod 145 is fixed to the inner surface of the lid 34 or another cover of the upper portion 20.

When the plunger 146 is actuated in the generally vertical direction 12, fluid is forced out of the reservoir 26 within the cavity 24. In particular, the plunger 146 moves generally vertically within the gap between the hub 128 and the seat 122 of the cover 120 (see Figures 12A and 12B). For example, the plunger moves substantially parallel to the central axis of the opening 126 (eg, within ±5 degrees of parallel). In some embodiments, the plunger 146 is operated by the crossbar 148. The crossbar 148 hangs on the plunger 146 in the lateral direction 16 and extends laterally outwardly past the plunger 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar 148 passes through a raised rod 150 or tube formed on the top surface of the plunger 146 (see FIG. 14). The ends of the crossbar 148 slide in the vertical groove 152. The vertical groove 152 is formed in the upper portion 20 and is formed on both sides of the opening 126. As is apparent from FIGS. 9 to 11, the upper portion 20 is slightly inclined from the horizontal, for example, 2 to 10 degrees. The groove 152 is also inclined at a similar angle from the vertical. The groove 152 is parallel to the central axis of the opening 126 or the operating direction of the plunger 146. For example, the groove 152 is formed in the rod 154 located on both sides of the opening 126. In some embodiments, one or more springs 156 engage a crossbar 148, a site on the plunger 146, or other structure attached to the plunger 146 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The spring 156 biases the plunger toward the opening 126. The spring 156 includes a first arm 160 and a second arm 162.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12A, when inserting the reservoir 26 into the cavity 24, the user places the reservoir 26 on the cover 120 and then biases the cover 120 upwards to cause storage. The device 26 can be biased against the plunger 146. The configuration of FIG. 12A is the starting position of the plunger 146. As shown in FIG. 12B, when the plunger 146 is compressed toward the cover 120, the body 32 of the reservoir 26 is compressed to open the plunger 146 until it reaches the end position shown in FIG. 12B. Fluid exits section 30. In another embodiment illustrated herein, the plunger 146 is moved to a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other between the illustrated start and end positions. This causes a discrete amount of fluid to be expelled from the reservoir 126.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 156 is located on the seat 158, which is laterally outward from the rod 150, although other positions can be used to advantage. As can be seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the first arm 160 of the spring 156 presses against the crossbar 134. The second arm 162 of each spring 156 engages a portion of the upper portion 20 to counteract the torsional moment in the arm 160.

13 and 14 show an example of an actuation mechanism that moves the plunger 146. Here, the spring 156 is considered to be part of the actuating mechanism. The actuation mechanism comprises a rod 164. The rod 164 typically extends along the top in the anterior-posterior direction 14 and the top is angled upwards as well as the upward angle of the top 20. The rod 164 includes a first arm 166 fixed to the first end thereof. The first arm 166 is engaged with the linear actuator 46 by the spreader 48, and the spreader 48 is moved up and down by the linear actuator 46. The rod 164 includes a second arm 168 fixed to a second end opposite to the first end. The rod 164 can be installed in the slot 170 defined by the upper portion 20.

The second arm 168 extends above the plunger 146 and rises as the arm 166 rises. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 168 is a loop that extends around the rod 154 and further between the crossbar 134 and the plunger 146. As will be appreciated, the actuator 46 can exert a force to raise only the arm 166. Thus, the arm 168 is operable to counteract the biasing force of the spring 156, which allows the reservoir 26 to be inserted. To expel the fluid, actuator 46 lowers spreader 50 to a different position. Thereby, the fluid can be discharged from the reservoir 26 by the urging force of the spring 156. In some embodiments, the actuator 46 is connected to the arm 166, and the actuator 46 can raise and lower the arm 166 and the arm 168. In yet another embodiment, spring 156 biases plunger 146 upwards and actuator 46 is operable to bias plunger 146 downwards toward cover 120. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 14, rod 164 passes through the coil of spring 156.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 14 includes a controller 62, a proximity sensor 52, and a light emitting element 56, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4. In another embodiment illustrated herein, the controller 62 moves the plungers 146 to separate positions in response to detection by the proximity sensor 52. Similarly, the controller 62 returns the plunger 146, which has reached the end position, to the start position or allows it to return. The embodiments of FIGS. 9-14 also include a heating element 74 that is in thermal contact with the air in the reservoir 26, cavity 24, or top 20.

15 and 16, in some embodiments, the upper portion 20 and the lower portion 22 are of the structure as shown. In particular, this structure is not C-shaped, but the upper part 20 and the lower part 22 are joined at both ends to form an opening 180 through which a part of the user's hand can pass. In the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, the illustrated reservoir 26 is used. As shown, the body 32 of the reservoir 26 has a generally constant cross section along its height. The handle 182 is attached to the side of the body 32 opposite to the neck 28, which allows the reservoir 26 to be easily removed. A lip or shoulder 184 projects from the handle 182 and extends outwardly from the body 32.

The upper portion 20 defines an opening 186 for receiving the reservoir 26 and includes a beveled surface 188 surrounding the opening 186. This facilitates the introduction of reservoir 26 into opening 186. The seat 190 is shaped to engage the shoulder 184 and is located adjacent the opening 186.

With reference to FIGS. 17A-17C, in some embodiments, the opening 186 is defined by a flexible sleeve 192 secured to the top 20. The sleeve is open at both ends and the neck 28 of the reservoir 26 is inserted through the sleeve and into the opening 66. In some embodiments, a washer 194 is located above the opening 66 and the neck 28 is inserted through the washer 194.

In the illustrated embodiment, arms 196 located on opposite sides of flexible sleeve 192 force fluid from reservoir 26. An angle 198 is defined between the sleeves. The sleeve is rotatably mounted to the housing 18 at a pivot 200 located on one side of the sleeve 192. Furthermore, the sleeve extends across the sleeve 192 to the opposite side of the sleeve 192. Arm 196 is part of a unitary metal rod bent in the manner shown, including the straight sections that make up pivot 200. On the opposite side of the pivot 200, the link 202 is rotatably attached to the arm 196 by a crossbar 204 attached to both bar arms 196 within the housing 18. The actuator 46 is rotatably connected to the link 202 at a point between the point connecting the arm 196 and the link 202 and the point connecting the link 202 and the housing 18. However, the actuator 46 may be coupled to the link 202 at another point along the link 202. The actuator 46 is rotatably mounted on the housing 18 so that the actuator 46 rotates during operation.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the actuator 46 contracts to pull down the arm 196 from above the flexible sleeve 192 and push the fluid out of the opening 30. In another embodiment, the actuator 46 moves the arms 196 to positions spaced apart from each other between a start position (FIG. 17A) and an end position (FIG. 17B). The controller 62 moves the actuator 46 so as to return the arm 196 that has reached the end position to the start position. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 62 is located below the space 180.

The embodiment of FIGS. 15-17C includes a controller 62, a proximity sensor 52, and a light emitting element 56, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. In another embodiment illustrated herein, controller 62 moves arms 196 to positions spaced apart from each other in response to detection by proximity sensor 52. Similarly, the controller 62 returns the arm 196, which has reached the end position, to the start position or allows the arm 196 to return. The embodiment of FIGS. 15-17C also includes a heating element 74 that is in thermal contact with the air in the reservoir 26, cavity 24, or housing 18.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment dispenser, which corresponds to the embodiments disclosed herein. The lid 1834 opens to expose the fluid reservoir 1850. The dispenser 1800 removably receives the fluid reservoir 1850. The dispenser 1800 energizes and warms the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 1850 prior to dispensing the fluid. Warming, heating, or otherwise energizing the fluid prior to dispensing can enhance user satisfaction with the dispenser 1800.

As will be described later, the dispenser 1800 includes a heating element, and the heating element is at least close to the outlet of the fluid reservoir 1850, so that the dispenser 1800 can effectively apply energy to the fluid to be discharged. The importance of proximity depends on the nature of the fluid being heated, such as viscosity and thermal conductivity. The fluid is preferably substantially heated throughout the reservoir before being dispensed. Placing the heating element near the outlet allows the piston to move within the reservoir 1850 without interfering with the heating element. The heating structure thermally couples with the fluid.

In various embodiments, the dispenser 1800 can be energy efficient because the heating process is an induction heating process, as further described at least in FIGS. 19A, 19B and 20A, 20B. Induction heating allows more energy to be used to warm the fluid. For example, the dispenser 1800 is less likely to heat associated with induction heating of the fluid. Induction heating concentrates and warms energy in the fluid rather than warming the housing and other components of the dispenser 1800. Further, in the induction heating, there is no concern about electrical connection between the reservoir 1850 and the dispenser 1800, so that the reservoir can be easily installed in the dispenser 1800 to heat the inside of the reservoir.

Furthermore, the dispenser 1800 will exhaust all, or nearly all, of the fluid contained in the reservoir 1850 before it needs to be removed or replaced with a new fluid reservoir. This is due, at a minimum, to the interaction between the actuator of dispenser 1800 and the replaceable piston of reservoir 1850. In some embodiments, reservoir 1850 is a rigid reservoir. The rigid reservoir allows the fluid in the reservoir 1850 to be completely or almost completely depleted by the dispenser 1800. Further, the dispenser 1800 reduces waste of fluid products. The reservoir 1850 of various embodiments is described at least in FIGS. 19A, 19B and 24A, 24B. Also, as described in detail below, in some embodiments a motor actuates an actuator.

The housing of dispenser 1800 includes a cavity or container that removably receives fluid reservoir 1850. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity or container comprises finger grooves 1852 or indentations. The finger groove 1852 or indentation is a place for the user's finger to enter when the reservoir 1850 is inserted or removed from the dispenser 1800. The finger grooves 1852 make it easier to insert and remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800.

Although not shown in FIG. 18, the housing of the dispenser 1800 includes an opening exposing the outlet of the reservoir 1850, as described in FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23B below. The discharge port is, for example, the discharge port 1914 of FIGS. 19A and 19B. In the housing, the opening is located on the lower surface of the housing and above the storage well 1820. The storage well 1820 properly stores fluid that has been expelled through the opening and has not been received by the user's hand or otherwise captured. In the preferred embodiment, the storage recess 1820 is a recess or recess in the housing of the dispenser 1800. Receiving well 1820 is a recess, recess, or circle, ellipse, or other suitable shape. The storage recess 1820 allows the discharged fluid to be easily washed without being caught by the user's hand.

The dispenser 1800 includes various user controls, such as the switch 1802. The switch 1802 can switch on/off various functions of the dispenser 1800, and preferably can switch on/off of a night light described later. In other embodiments, the switch 1802 is a power button or controls the heating function. In some embodiments, the switch 1802 is a pushable button. The user pushes or pushes down the switch 1802. In at least one embodiment, the switch 1802 comprises at least one source of electromagnetic energy to indicate the current state of the dispenser 1800, which source is, for example, a light emitting diode.

The switch 1802 has a function of switching lock/unlock of the dispenser 1800. For example, when the switch 1802 is pressed for a predetermined time, for example, for 3 seconds, the dispenser 1800 shifts to the lock mode. In lock mode, dispenser 1800 is locked and does not dispense fluid. An onboard LED or another LED is located in front of or behind the switch 1802 to illuminate the surrounding environment when the user is locking the dispenser 1800. After that, when the power switch 1802 is pressed down for a predetermined time, the dispenser 1800 can be unlocked and the dispenser 1800 can discharge the fluid.

As mentioned above, FIG. 18 shows the lid 1834 in the open position. The user can insert the reservoir 1850 or remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800. In some embodiments, a user slides lid 1834 back and forth or translates on a rail embedded in the dispenser housing to open and close the compartment containing reservoir 1850. In such an embodiment, lid 1834 remains attached to rails embedded in the housing of dispenser 1800 when a user opens and closes lid 1834. In other embodiments, lid 1834 snaps on and off when a user opens and closes lid 1834. Such snaps provide tactile and/or audio feedback. In another embodiment, the lid 1834 is a hinged lid.

In at least one embodiment, magnetic force causes lid 1834 to be at least partially secured. At least one of the housing of the dispenser 1800 or the lid 1834 has one or more magnets embedded therein to supply a magnetic force. In at least one embodiment, magnetic force secures lid 1834 to the housing of dispenser 1800 when a user opens lid 1834. Such features reduce the likelihood that the lid 1834 will be lost during the useful life of the dispenser 1800. In at least one embodiment, dispenser 1800 comprises a lid sensor. The lid sensor detects opening/closing when the lid 1834 is opened/closed by the user. The operation of this sensor is based on the magnetic Hall effect. When the user opens the lid 1834, the lid sensor triggers an operation to store at least one of the drive shaft, the pressing member, and other actuator driving parts, for example, the drive shaft 2148 of FIG. 21B is stored. .. Once the drive components have been stored by the dispenser 1800, the user can remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800.

FIG. 19A is an exploded view of fluid reservoir 1950, in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. Various fluid dispensers disclosed herein, such as dispenser 1800 of FIG. 18, receive a fluid reservoir 1950. In a preferred embodiment, fluid reservoir 1950 contains fluid. The dispenser gives energy to the contained fluid and discharges it.

The fluid reservoir 1950 comprises a reservoir body 1902. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is a rigid or at least semi-rigid body. In other embodiments, without being so constrained, the reservoir body 1902 may be a flexible body. Reservoir body 1902 includes a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are defined by a single shaft. The reservoir body 1902 comprises a cross section. The axis is substantially perpendicular to the cross section. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section is substantially uniform along the axis. The axis is the translation axis.

In the embodiment of FIG. 19A, reservoir body 1902 is a cylindrical body. In various embodiments, the cylindrical body corresponds to a cylindrical cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a parabolic cylinder, a hyperbolic cylinder, or other curved cylinder surface. Thus, the cross-section of the reservoir body 1902 is substantially circular, elliptical, parabolic, hyperbolic, or any other curved shape. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second ends of the reservoir body 1902 are the base of the cylinder or the end caps of the cylinder body. The translation axis may be between the bases of the cylinders.

In other embodiments, the reservoir body 1902 can comprise a parallelepiped shape. Therefore, the cross section has a substantially parallelogram shape, for example, a rectangle or a square. In at least one embodiment, the cross-section can comprise less or more than four sides, eg, the cross-section is triangular or octagonal in shape. Alternatively, the reservoir body 1902 and corresponding cross-section may have other shapes.

The reservoir body 1902 is an optically transparent body or at least an optically translucent body. In such an embodiment, the user can visually inspect the remaining amount of fluid in the reservoir 1950. In other embodiments, reservoir body 1902 is optically opaque. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is optically opaque except for the window that indicates the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir 1950.

The fluid contained in the reservoir 1950 has optical properties. For example, when an optically transparent reservoir body 1902 is illuminated by a source of electromagnetic energy, the fluid, due to its optical properties, emits a color or frequency of the illuminated electromagnetic energy to disperse the light. In at least one embodiment, as disclosed herein, a source of electromagnet energy contained in various fluid dispensers accommodates fluid contained in reservoir 1950 upon receipt of the fluid contained in reservoir 1950. The applied fluid emits “fluorescence”. As disclosed herein, one or more electromagnetic energy sources embedded in various dispensers can illuminate the reservoir 1950 and/or at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is a body that at least partially insulates heat. In such an embodiment, the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 effectively retains thermal energy. Thus, these embodiments increase the thermal efficiency of the dispenser that receives the reservoir 1950.

In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 1950 comprises a heat generating structure 1920. As described in FIGS. 20A and 20B, induction provides energy to heat and warm the heating structure. In the preferred embodiment, the heating structure 1920 is a conductive heating disk. The heating structure 1920 is in thermal contact with the fluid contained in the reservoir 1950. In some embodiments, the heat generating structure is in physical contact with the fluid. In at least one embodiment, the heat generating structure 1920 is physically isolated from the fluid by a barrier. The barrier is, for example, a chamber wall in reservoir body 1902. In such an embodiment, the reservoir 1950 comprises a chamber that receives the heat generating structure 1920. Since the chamber receives and isolates the heat generating structure 1920, the heat generating structure 1920 does not contaminate the contained fluid.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the heat generating structure 1920 generally corresponds to the cross-section of the reservoir body 1902. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the heat generating structure 1920 is out of the cross-section of the reservoir body 1902. In the preferred embodiment, the heat generating structure 1920 is located within the reservoir body 1902.

The fluid reservoir 1950 comprises an outlet 1914. In various embodiments, the outlet 1914 comprises a valve 1910 and a valve retainer 1912. The valve 1910 is made of a flexible material such as synthetic rubber, plastic, or latex. The valve 1910 is provided with one or more slits, holes, or other openings to allow fluid contained in the reservoir to flow out of the reservoir through the valve 1910. FIG. 24B is an example of the configuration of the valve slit. In at least some embodiments, the outlet 1914 is a nozzle. In such an embodiment, the nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir 1950 comprises an outlet 1914.

The valve holder 1912 holds the valve 1910. In the preferred embodiment, the valve 1910 is concentric with the valve retainer 1912. The outer circumference of the valve 1910 is adjacent to or close to the inner circumference of the valve holder 1912. As the fluid flows through one or more slits or openings in the valve 1910, the flowing fluid contacts the valve retainer 1912, including the interior of the valve retainer 1912, as described in FIGS. 23B, 24A and 24B. Valve 1910 and valve retainer 1912 are configured and arranged so that they do not.

Further, the fluid reservoir 1950 comprises a piston 1904. The piston 1904 is a piston that can be translated or displaced. The piston 1904 translates along the translation axis. The piston 1904 includes one or more use knobs 1906 or protrusions. As shown in FIG. 19A, the first end of the reservoir body 1902 comprises one or more grooves, depressions, or other such structure. These grooves or depressions mesh with the use knob 1906. The use knob 1906 provides a signal, as described in FIG. 19B below. This signal is an indication that piston 1904 has displaced at least some amount of fluid. In at least one embodiment, the piston 1904 comprises a drive structure 1908. The drive structure 1908 engages at least a portion of the actuator, for example, a pressure member included in the various dispensers disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the pressure member is a drive shaft.

As described below, the dispenser actuator operates to translate the piston 1904 along a translation axis. When the movement of piston 1904 reduces the available storage in fluid reservoir 1950, the fluid contained in fluid reservoir 1950 flows out of reservoir 1950 through outlet 1914. The amount of storage available in the fluid reservoir 1950 depends on the cross-section of the reservoir body 1902 and the distance between the piston 1904 and the second end of the reservoir body 1902. In a preferred embodiment, the second end is a closed end.

That is, the translation of the piston 1904 towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902 induces a reduction in the available storage. The mechanical action of translating the piston 1904 displaces the contained fluid, causing some of the fluid to flow through the outlet 1914.

Piston 1904 and reservoir body 1902 are configured and configured so that the contact surface between piston 1904 and reservoir body 1902 properly retains the fluid contained in reservoir 1950 when piston 1904 is not translated. Will be placed. The physical dimensions of the piston 1904 depend on at least one of the cross sections of the reservoir body 1902, including the effective piston cross section, and the viscosity of the contained fluid. In such an embodiment, the cross section of the piston, or at least the outer circumference of the piston, corresponds substantially to the cross section of the reservoir body. Gaskets, O-rings, and similar structures can provide a seal between the displaceable piston 1904 and the inner wall of the reservoir body 1902. The hermeticity ensures that the contained fluid is properly retained. Accordingly, the reservoir 1950 does not leak the contained fluid to the outside of the first end of the reservoir body 1902 even if the piston 1904 is translated or displaced by the discharge force.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve is provided unless a force, such as a discharge force, translates the piston 1904 toward the second end of the reservoir body 1902 or reduces the available storage of the fluid reservoir 1950. 1910 holds fluid in a reservoir 1950. The slit or opening in valve 1910 may be similar to a slit in a seasoning container, such as a squeezed ketchup bottle. The valve is preferably in the shape of an upward dome towards the fluid and a force must be exerted to displace the elastic dome downwards before the valve can open and expel. One or more slits or openings in valve 1910 may differ in physical size and configuration. This variation depends on the viscosity of the fluid contained in the reservoir 1950 and the material of which the valve 1910 is made. With proper selection of the physical size and configuration of the slit, fluid will not flow through the opening unless the ejection force translates the piston 1904 or ejects the contained fluid.

The valve 1910 is made of an elastic rubber-like material. Therefore, the slit or the opening is substantially closed or automatically closed until the fluid passes through the opening by the discharge force or the displacement force. When displaced by the ejection force, the fluid flows through the slits or openings. This effect is similar to the self-sealing of rubber nipples in baby bottles. The rubber nipple has slits or holes. No fluid will flow through the slits or holes in such rubber nipples unless the infant applies a vacuum or suction or pressure to squeeze the bottle. Thus, as long as the discharge force does not exceed the discharge force threshold, the valve 1910 resists the discharge or discharge of the fluid, such that the pressure of the fluid is greater than the pressure threshold for overcoming the resistance of the valve 1910. Increase internal pressure.

FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating an assembled fluid reservoir 1950, according to embodiments disclosed herein. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 19B, when assembled, the heat generating structure 1920 is located inside the reservoir body 1902 and proximate the second end of the reservoir body 1902.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19B, the outlet 1914 is located on the surface of the reservoir body 1902. Its surface with the outlet is not located at the first and second ends of the reservoir body 1902. Rather, the outlet 1914 is located on the curved surface of the cylindrical body. The cross-section of the outlet 1914 is transverse or substantially orthogonal to the translation axis of the reservoir body 1902. However, it is not so limited in other embodiments, the outlet 1914 is located at the second end of the reservoir body 1902, and the cross section of the outlet 1914 is substantially parallel to the translation axis. The outlet 1914 is shown with the valve 1910 and valve retainer 1912 arranged concentrically. The surface of the valve 1910 with one or more slits or openings may be recessed above the portion of the valve retainer 1912. This configuration can provide additional clearance for fluid flowing through valve 1910.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet 1914 is located proximate the second end of the reservoir body 1902 to ensure that the increased volume of contained fluid flows out of the outlet 1914. This causes the piston 1904 to translate and fluid continues to flow through the outlet 1914 until the piston 1904 physically contacts the second end of the reservoir body 1902. At this point, all or at least most of the contained fluid can be displaced by the displacing piston 1904. This causes the reservoir 1950 to be properly exhausted.

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the fluid reservoir 1950 in an initial state before discharging the stored fluid. The initial position of piston 1904 is proximate the first end of reservoir body 1902. A fluid holding volume is defined by the reservoir body 1902 and is located between the piston 1904 and the second end of the reservoir body 1902. In some embodiments, the initial position of the piston 1904 is such that the use knob 1906 engages the groove or recess in the reservoir body 1902. In some embodiments, instead of a use knob, a fragile, fragile, or fragile sealing structure may indicate pre-use. Various dispenser actuators can sense actuation loads when translating piston 1904, as disclosed herein. By sensing the load, the dispenser can detect whether the use knob 1906 or the frangible seal is damaged. This allows the dispenser to determine if the reservoir 1950 has been previously used or is unused.

The drive shaft of the dispenser actuator meshes with the drive structure 1908. The translation of the drive shaft translates the piston 1904 towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902. A piston 1904 that translates toward the second end of the reservoir body 1902 induces an engagement force between the use knob 1906 and a groove or recess in the reservoir body 1902. Due to the engagement force, the use knob 1906 is bent, broken, bent, or deformed.

The use knob 1906 is deformed when it is removed from the initial position. The deformation of the use knob 1906 informs the user that the reservoir 1950 has already dispensed some amount of fluid contained in the reservoir 1950. For example, the deformed use knob 1906 indicates that the piston 1904 is not in its initial position. For hygiene or safety reasons, the user may wish to discard the reservoir 1950 that has already been used or not use it. The modified use knob 1906 indicates that another party has already used the reservoir 1950. For hygiene reasons, the user may wish to discard the already partially used reservoir.

FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating induced currents in a heat generating structure 2020, corresponding to embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the heating structure 2020 is a conductive heating disk. The AC power supply 2030 supplies an AC current 2040 to the heating element 2010. The heating element 2010 is a conductive element. As shown in FIG. 20A, the heating element 2010 includes multiple conductive coils. Alternating current 2040 produces a varying magnetic field 2050 according to Maxwell's electromagnetic equation. Further, according to Maxwell's electromagnetic equation, when a conductor such as heating structure 2020 is exposed to a fluctuating magnetic field 2050, a current such as alternating current 2060 is induced in heating structure 2020. When the alternating current 2060 is induced in the heat generating structure 2020, the heat generating structure 2020 is heated by the electric resistance of the heat generating structure 2020.

When a substance exemplified in the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B makes thermal contact with or thermally couples with the heat generating structure 2020, and a current flows through the heat generating structure 2020. The heat generating structure 2020 can give energy to the substance or heat the substance. As disclosed herein, inductive heating of the heating structure 2020 does not require physical contact between the heating element 2010 and the heating structure 2020. Accordingly, the various dispensers disclosed herein can use inductive heating to heat or energize the heating structure 2020, either indirectly or at a distance. As described above, since the heating element 2010 is physically separated from the heating structure 2020 and the material to which energy is applied by the heating structure 2020, the heating element 2010 is in a state of being in physical contact with the material to which energy is applied. do not become. Therefore, contamination of the path and user contact with heated elements is reduced.

FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a heating element 2070 that corresponds to the embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 20B, in a preferred embodiment, heating element 2070 is printed using a printed circuit board (PCB) technique. The heating element 2070 includes a plurality of printed conductive coils 2080. The conductive coil 2080 is relatively inexpensively mounted by using the PCB technology. PCBs can be mass produced using known techniques. The heating element 2070 also includes at least one terminal 2090 for supplying an alternating current to the plurality of conductive coils 2080. Thus, an algorithm or method of inductively heating a substance can change the frequency of the supplied current based on the properties of the substance.

In at least one embodiment, the supplied alternating current is a high frequency alternating current in the conductive coil 2080. The heating element can be used for applying energy or heating to a heating structure spaced apart by induction heating. The heating element is, for example, the heating element 2070, and the heating structure is, for example, the heating structure 2020 of 20A or the heating structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B. Various algorithms change the frequency of the supplied current and strategically control the AC power supply. The AC power supply is, for example, the AC power supply 2030 in FIG. 20A. Further, various algorithms can selectively control the temperature of the heat-generating structure and its heating rate, and the temperature of the substance in thermal contact with the heat-generating structure and its heating rate.

FIG. 21A is an exploded view of the dispenser described above, corresponding to embodiments disclosed herein. The dispenser 2100 includes a housing. The housing includes a front piece 2122, an upper piece 2158, and a base piece 2156. The front piece 2122 includes a void for receiving at least one hand of the user, so that at least one hand of the user captures fluid discharged from the dispenser 2100. In some embodiments, the housing of the dispenser 2100 comprises a rubber foot 2132 and a base weight 2130 attached to the base portion, the rubber foot 2132 and the base weight 2130 being mounted on a surface such as a nightstand or table. At this time, the dispenser 2100 is stabilized.

The housing also includes a removable or slidable lid 2134 for concealing a container, cavity, or compartment that removably receives the fluid reservoir 2150. The dispenser 2100 comprises a removable power cord 2104 for supplying power. The heating element 2172 inductively gives energy to or heats the fluid contained in the reservoir 2150. The heating element includes a printed circuit board 2170. The printed circuit board 2170 includes a conductive coil. The conductive coil supplies an induced current to the heating structure in the reservoir 2150. The fluid contained in the heat generating structure and the reservoir 2150 is thermally coupled.

The dispenser 2100 includes a circuit board 2162. Circuit board 2162 comprises various electronic devices and/or components for enabling dispenser 2100. Such devices and/or components may include, but are not limited to, processor devices and/or microcontroller devices, diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, voltage regulators, oscillators, memory devices, logic gates, etc. It is not something that can be done. The dispenser 2100 includes a switch 2102. The dispenser 2100 includes a night light. In at least one embodiment, the nightlight emits visible light upwardly through the switch 2102 to indicate a discharge mode or other user-selected mode. In a preferred embodiment, the nightlight illuminates at least a portion of the void in front piece 2122. The void in the front piece 2122 is a place where the user puts his/her hand into and receives the discharged fluid. As shown in FIG. 23A, in some embodiments, the nightlight illuminates downward with visible light from around the discharge opening. The ring lens 2156 or light guide focuses or splits the light to obtain the desired lighting effect. The ring lens 2156 surrounds or surrounds the outer circumference of the ejection opening. The dispenser 2100 includes an actuator. In various embodiments, the actuator comprises an electric motor 2146. However, in other embodiments, there is no such limitation.

Various fasteners and connectors couple the components of dispenser 2100. Various fasteners and couplers include, but are not limited to, fasteners 2134, 2136, and 2138. The dispenser 2100 includes a storage recess 2120. The storage well 2120 blocks or retains fluid that has been expelled and was not received by the user's hand. In the preferred embodiment, the front piece 2122 comprises a storage recess 2120.

FIG. 21B is a top view of another embodiment of a dispenser corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. The lid 2134 opens to expose the fluid reservoir illustrated in the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B. The dispenser 2100 removably receives a reservoir. The actuator of dispenser 2100 comprises a drive shaft 2148 for translating a displaceable piston. The displaceable piston is, for example, the piston 1904 of FIGS. 19A and 19B. In some embodiments, the actuator comprises a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical action. The device is, for example, an electric motor. The mechanical translation drives drive shaft 2148 and/or other components of the actuator. In other embodiments, other mechanisms may be used to drive the drive shaft 2148. In at least one embodiment, a hydraulic system is used to drive the drive shaft 2148.

The dispenser 2100 includes a heating element 2170. The heating element 2170 generates or supplies an induced current to the corresponding heating structure. The corresponding heat generating structure is, for example, the heat generating structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, which is embedded in the reservoir 2150. The induced current energizes or heats at least a portion of the fluid contained in reservoir 2150. In a preferred embodiment, when the dispenser 2100 receives the reservoir 2150, the heat generating structure within the reservoir 2150 is proximate to the heating element 2170. However, the heating element 2170 is physically separated from the heating structure. The second end of the body of the reservoir 2150 acts as a barrier between the heating element 2170 and the heating structure. Similarly, the first end of the body of the reservoir 2150 is positioned such that the drive shaft 2148 and the drive structure on the reservoir piston engage. The drive structure is, for example, the drive structure 1908 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, and the piston is, for example, the piston 1904 of 19A and 19B.

In at least one embodiment, the heating element 2170 comprises a sensor that detects the fluid type of the fluid contained within the reservoir 2150. This detection can determine the nature of the heating structure embedded within the received reservoir 2150. Properties of the heat generating structure are, for example, conductivity and magnetic dipole strength, but are not limited thereto. The determined nature of the heating structure is indicative of the type of fluid contained within the reservoir 2150. Other methods, including optical and/or mechanical methods, can be used to determine one or more properties of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2150. For example, mechanical methods are based on sensing the shape of the reservoir and the load on the actuator that translates the piston in reservoir 2150 and can be used to determine the fluid properties. Based on the nature of the detected fluid, the algorithm used to energize the fluid can be modified.

In other embodiments, the received reservoir 2150 may not include a heat generating structure. In such an embodiment, the fluid contained within the received reservoir 2150 is heated by the resistive conductor, which may be embedded in a container or cavity that receives the reservoir 2150. , Adjacent to each other. In such embodiments, direct heating rather than inductive heating energizes the fluid.

In at least one embodiment, dispenser 2100 comprises a temperature sensor that measures and senses the temperature of fluid within reservoir 2150. The dispenser 2100 may change the operation of the heating element 2170 based on the current detected by the heat generating structure or the temperature of the detected fluid. For example, when the fluid reaches a predetermined maximum temperature, the controller or processor device of the dispenser 2100 can turn off the heating element 2170 or stop the operation of the heating element 2170. The dispenser 2100 can resume operation of the heating element 2170 when the temperature of the fluid falls below a predetermined maximum temperature. The user can select the minimum and maximum temperature of the fluid with various user controls included in the dispenser 2100. In at least one embodiment, dispenser 2100 comprises a programmable thermostat.

The dispenser 2100 includes a power supply device and/or a power source. In the preferred embodiment, the power supply provides an alternating current to the dispenser 2100. In other embodiments, it is possible to operate from a DC power source, such as, but not limited to, an internal battery. The power supply device includes a power cord 2104. Power cord 2104 supplies power to dispenser 2100 from an external source. The supplied power is used for various parts of the dispenser 2100. For example, the supplied power is utilized for, but not limited to, processor devices, actuators, heating elements 2170, embedded night lights, and various user interfaces and user selected devices. The power cord 2104 comprises a wall plug AC adapter used in prongs for North America, Europe, Asia, or other regions. The finger grooves 2152 assist in inserting the reservoir 2152 and removing the reservoir 2152 from the fluid reservoir container or cavity of the dispenser 2100.

The dispenser 2100 comprises various user controls and/or user interfaces. At least one of the controls is a touch-sensitive control or sensor. The touch sensitive controls may be capacitive touch sensors. Touch-sensitive sensors, controls, or components are housed within the housing of dispenser 2100. The touch-sensitive component senses at least one of contact, proximity, or movement of the user's hand through the housing. In a preferred embodiment, sensing the proximity or movement of the user's hand under the dispensing opening turns on the heating element and prepares the dispenser for use. When the dispenser properly heats the fluid, the second positioning of the user's hand triggers to deliver a single dispense. For example, when the user places his or her hand under the dispensing opening, the proximity sensor triggers the dispensing mechanism, which dispenses a quantity of fluid into the user's hand.

The discharge operation or discharge trigger discharges a predetermined amount of fluid from the reservoir 2150 to the outside through the dispenser 2100 by translating the drive shaft 2148 by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance corresponds to a predetermined amount. In at least one embodiment, dispenser 2100 comprises a timer. The timer prevents the dispense operation from occurring unless the lockout time has elapsed since the previous dispense operation. This lockout mode limits the discharge frequency of the dispenser 2100. This minimizes the possibility that the user will accidentally cause multiple ejection operations. The lockout time or maximum firing frequency can be programmed by the user by utilizing various user controls or user selections.

Other touch-sensitive or proximity/motion-sensitive controls or sensors include a brightness selector 2118, a color selector 2116, a volume selector 2112, and an ejector 2114. Some user controls are represented by indicators or icons. The indicator or icon is, for example, the brightness icon 2128 or the color icon 2126, and is for indicating the function of the corresponding user control. Some user controls or icons may be illuminated with an electromagnetic energy source to indicate a user selection or other function, the electromagnetic energy source being an LED, for example.

At least one of the user controls, such as the brightness selector 2118 or the color selector 2116, is a touch-sensitive slide control, which touches the user selection when the user slides his finger across the slide control. Change continuously. For example, an embedded nightlight comprises multiple sources of electromagnetic energy of various frequencies to provide visible light of multiple frequencies or colors. In the preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic energy source is an LED. Some LEDs emit different colors. For example, at least one red LED, at least one green LED, and at least one blue LED are included in a night light to provide a light source. Different colors of visible light can be produced by mixing the red, green and blue (RGB) components.

Thus, the embedded nightlight may be a selectable or adjustable RGB nightlight or light source. The user can continuously mix and activate the LED selections by sliding his finger along the color selector 2116. For example, the intensity of one or more differently colored LEDs can be modified by the color selector 2116, which produces light of different colors emitted by the nightlight. Similarly, the overall brightness or brightness of the nightlight is selected by continuously changing the brightness selector 2118.

Another user selector or user control comprises a volume selector 2112. The user can select the volume of fluid to be dispensed by dispenser 2100. In the preferred embodiment, the user can select one from a plurality of predetermined dispense volumes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21B, for example, three predetermined amounts of small, medium, and large can be used as shown by the icons of three different fluid droplets of the volume selector 2112.

Since the volume selector 2112 is a touch-sensitive user control, the user can touch a drop icon having a size corresponding to a desired amount. Alternatively, each time the icon is touched, the selection of the amount for one time is changed to the next amount and the light is turned on to indicate the selected state. Each small, medium, and large drop indicator is an individual LED. The currently selected amount may be indicated by activating the appropriate LED to light the corresponding drop icon. In other embodiments, it is possible to continuously select the dispensed volume. In such an embodiment, volume selector 2112 is a slide control touch sensitive selector.

Drive shaft 2048 translates the piston within fluid reservoir 2150 by the action of the actuator. By changing the distance of this parallel movement, the amount discharged by the dispenser 2100 in one discharging operation changes. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir 2150 has a uniform cross-section, so the amount of fluid dispensed in a single dispense operation is linearly proportional to the distance the piston translates. That is, the dispenser 2100 changes the distance over which the drive shaft 2148 is driven by one ejection operation, based on the user selection made by the volume selector 2112.

The ejector 2114 is a touch-sensitive control. When the ejector 2114 is actuated, the drive shaft 2148 translates away from the drive mechanism of the reservoir 2150 and retracts from the reservoir 2150, allowing the user to remove the reservoir 2150 from the dispenser 2100. In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 includes a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically ejects the reservoir 2150 when the drive shaft 2148 passes through the body of the reservoir 2150.

In some embodiments, when the drive shaft 2148 passes through the body of the reservoir 2150, the LED included in the ejector 2114 will illuminate, indicating that the user can safely remove the reservoir 2150. In another embodiment, an LED that is embedded in or near the receiving container is activated to indicate that the reservoir 2150 can be safely removed. If the body of reservoir 2150 is transparent or translucent, the fluid remaining in reservoir 2150 is illuminated. In other embodiments, the LED embedded in the receiving container can exhibit other functionality. The user can remove the reservoir 2150 from the dispenser 2100 by utilizing the finger groove 2152.

Other indicators included on the dispenser indicate that the dispenser 2100's heating mode is operating. For example, when the dispenser is heating the fluid in the reservoir 2150, one or more LEDs may operate in a "flashing mode" or a slow pulsed lighting mode. When the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature, the flashing or pulsed LED switches to "solid" mode. Alternatively, the color of the light may be changed to indicate that it is ready. Other methods of manipulating the indicator can be used to indicate the mode or functionality of the dispenser 2100. Another indicator may indicate that the reservoir 2150 is approaching empty and needs to be refilled or replaced. Other indicators may indicate an error condition of dispenser 2100. The embedded nightlight can be used as one or more indicators.

FIG. 22A is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispenser, showing a fluid reservoir in a received condition, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. The dispenser 2200 comprises a removable power cord 2204. The dispenser 2200 includes a power switch 2202. FIG. 22A shows a void in the housing. The void defines a volume intermediate the discharge opening and the storage well 2220. The void or volume receives the user's hand, and the user's hand can receive or catch fluid dispensed from dispenser 2200 during the dispensing operation.

As disclosed herein, motion or proximity sensors detect when a user's hand is located in or moving within the volume. As shown in FIG. 23A, a night light included in dispenser 2200 illuminates a volume that receives a user's hand. The first movement of the user's hand can activate the heating element. When properly heated, further placement of the user's hand within the void acts to expel the fluid. If fluid spills into the base below the housing or is not captured by the user's hand, the fluid is stored in storage well 2220.

The housing of dispenser 2220 comprises an actuator cavity 2209. The actuator cavity 2209 receives various parts of the dispenser actuator, for example, the stepper motor 2246 of FIG. 22C. The drive shaft or push member of the actuator drives the piston 2204 of the received reservoir 2250. The deformed use knob on the piston 2204 indicates that the drive shaft of the actuator has translated the piston and that at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2250 has been expelled. The dispenser 2200 comprises a heating element 2270 for energizing and heating the fluid in the reservoir 2250. The heating element 2270 induces an electric current in the heating structure in the reservoir 2250.

FIG. 22B is an enlarged view of fluid reservoir 2250. The fluid reservoir 2250 is received in a dispenser 2200, which corresponds to the embodiments disclosed herein. In the preferred embodiment, when the dispenser 2200 receives the reservoir 2250, the heating element 2270 of the dispenser 2200 is positioned proximate to the heating structure 2220 provided within the reservoir 2250. However, the heating element 2270 and the heating structure 2220 are not in physical contact with each other because the second end wall of the reservoir 2250 separates the two conductive parts. Rather, the alternating current in the heating element 2270 induces a current in the heating structure 2220. The induced current energizes the fluid contained within the reservoir 2250.

The dispenser 2200 includes a discharge port 2280 below the dispenser 2200. The outlet 2280 is located in the front piece of the housing of the dispenser 2200. For example, the front piece is the front piece 2122 of Figure 21A. The outlet of the reservoir 2250 is recessed above the outlet of the dispenser 2200. Further, the outer circumference 2256 of the outlet 2280 is constructed and arranged such that the outer circumference 2256 does not abut the outlet valve of the reservoir 2250. Thus, a quantity of fluid flows through the slits or openings in reservoir 2250 and is dispensed from dispenser 2200.

However, the dispensed volume of fluid will not contact any part of the dispenser 2200, except possibly the storage well 2220. Therefore, in the dispenser 2200, the only portion in which the discharged fluid needs to be cleaned is the storage recess 2220. The fluid reservoir 2250 is inserted into the dispenser 2200. Furthermore, the fluid reservoir 2250 can use up the contained fluid by performing a plurality of ejection operations. The empty fluid reservoir 2250 can be removed from the dispenser 2200 and does not leave a residue or other trace of fluid dispensed by the dispenser 2200.

FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating a stepping motor 2246 included in an actuator according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The stepping motor 2246 is included in the actuator of the dispenser of various embodiments disclosed herein. The stepping motor 2246 includes a motor housing 2240. The motor housing 2240 houses a conductive coil for converting electrical energy into mechanical action. The drive shaft 2248 is driven by this mechanical action. A push member or drive shaft 2248 translates the piston in the reservoir for dispensing fluid from the dispenser.

In various embodiments, the stepper motor 2246 allows the drive shaft 2248 to accumulate the total distance or number of steps advanced. In a preferred embodiment, at each step of the drive shaft 2248 advancement, the drive shaft 2248 causes the piston contained in the fluid reservoir to translate a predetermined distance towards the second end of the body of the reservoir. Displace it. If the cross-section of the body of the reservoir is uniform along the translation axis, the fluid contained in the reservoir will be expelled by the displacement of the piston and pushed out of the outlet of the reservoir. Therefore, by accumulating the total distance or total number of steps the drive shaft is displaced, the total amount of fluid dispensed from the dispenser can be determined. If the initial volume of the fluid reservoir is known, the dispenser illustrated in Figures 22A and 22B can determine how much fluid remains in the reservoir.

FIG. 23A is a diagram illustrating a dispenser 2300 corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 is provided with a discharge opening 2380. A night light included in dispenser 2300 illuminates the void. The void is a place where the fluid discharged by the dispenser 2300 is captured by the user's hand. The electromagnetic energy source exemplified by the multicolor LED and the light guide and/or the light converging device exemplified by the ring lens 2156 in FIG. 21A enable the function of the night light. The user can change the color and brightness of the night light.

FIG. 23B is another view of an embodiment of a dispenser 2300, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 is provided with a discharge opening 2380. FIG. 23B shows the outer circumference 2356 of the discharge opening 2380. The outlet of the reservoir received by the dispenser 2300 is exposed through the discharge opening 2380. The outlet valve 2310 is shown as visible. The valve 2310 is recessed above the opening 2380. The outlet valve retainer 2312 isolates the slit or opening of the valve 2310 from the outer periphery 2312 of the discharge opening. Thus, as the fluid flows through the valve 2310, the fluid is isolated from the dispenser 2300, which includes the outer circumference 2356 of the discharge opening 2380. That is, the dispenser 2300 is not contaminated with the fluid discharged by the dispenser 2300.

FIG. 24A corresponds to an embodiment disclosed herein and is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a fluid reservoir outlet 2414 illustrated in the fluid reservoir of FIGS. 19A and 19B. FIG. 24A shows a reservoir body 2402. The outlet 2414 includes a valve 2410 and a valve holder 2412. Valve 2410 and valve retainer 2412 mate with reservoir body 2402. The valve 2410 is recessed on the valve retainer 2412. The fluid contained in the reservoir is expelled by the expelling force. Therefore, the discharged amount of fluid 2470 flows out through the slit 2490 of the valve 2419. During the transfer from within the reservoir to the outside of the reservoir, the volume of fluid 2470 dispensed did not contact either the reservoir body 2404 or the valve retainer 2412. The discharged amount of the fluid 2470 is formed into a drop shape due to the surface tension and the gravitational field.

FIG. 24B is a bottom view of valve 2410 at the outlet of the fluid reservoir, illustrated in fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, corresponding to embodiments disclosed herein. The valve includes a slit 2490 that allows fluid to flow from the first side of the valve 2410 to the second side. In a preferred embodiment, the first side of valve 2410 is the interior surface of the reservoir. The second side is the outer surface of the reservoir.

In various embodiments, a plurality of slits form slit 2490. The embodiment shown in Figure 24B comprises two intersecting slits. The two slits are orthogonal. In the preferred embodiment, the slit 2490 is a one-way slit at the slit 2490. The one-way slit allows fluid to flow from the first side to the second side, but impedes fluid flow from the second side to the first side. In other embodiments, slits 2490 are bidirectional slits, allowing fluid to flow freely in each direction.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of a fluid reservoir in another embodiment of a fluid reservoir corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. The fluid reservoir 2514 is a rotatable fluid reservoir and includes a plurality of single fluid supply units 2580. In some embodiments, each single fluid supply 2580 is packaged in a blister packaged pod. The dispenser of various embodiments can rotate the reservoir 2514 to sequentially align each single fluid supply 2580 with the pressure member or drive shaft of the actuator. The drive shaft can force the fluid in each single fluid supply 2580 to flow or be displaced.

In some embodiments, displacement of the fluid causes the foil or film over the single fluid supply 2580 to rupture or rupture. In another embodiment, the foil or membrane is ruptured by an actuator component, such as a needle or pin. When a rupture or rupture occurs, fluid flows out of the dispenser discharge opening. The actuator can rotate the fluid reservoir 2514 to await the next dispense operation. When each single fluid supply 2580 is used up, the user can remove the reservoir 2514 and supply the dispenser with a new fluid reservoir.

26A and 26B show a dispenser 2600 with a rotary fluid reservoir assembly in another embodiment. The dispenser 2600 comprises a housing and an opening in the housing. In various embodiments, the rotating assembly is included as part of the dispenser housing. The rotating assembly comprises a container, such as container 2770 in FIG. 27. The container removably receives a fluid reservoir, such as fluid reservoir 2650 of Figure 26B. When the container receives the reservoir, the outlet of the reservoir is exposed through the opening. As described in other embodiments, the dispenser 2600 includes an actuator, which is, for example, the stepping motor 2246 of FIG. 22C. When the actuator is actuated, the actuator induces a volume of fluid in the reservoir to flow through the outlet and provides a discharge force such that the fluid is discharged through the opening. In at least some embodiments, the dispenser 2600 comprises a heating element, such as the conductive coil 2780 of FIG. The heating element heats at least a portion of the fluid in the reservoir.

FIG. 26A shows the dispenser 2600 with the rotating fluid reservoir or container assembly rotated to the closed position. Due to the closure of the lid 2634, the fluid reservoir is hidden within the dispenser 2600 in FIG. 26A. FIG. 26B shows the rotatable container assembly of dispenser 2600 rotated to the open position. When open, the lid 2634 of the dispenser 2600 is in an upwardly angled and rotated position, exposing the fluid reservoir 2650. In FIG. 26B, the dispenser 2600 slidably receives the fluid reservoir 2650, which causes the fluid reservoir 2650 to be housed in the dispenser 2600.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of a rotary fluid reservoir assembly 2760, according to various embodiments disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the rotary fluid reservoir assembly 2760 is a rotary container assembly, or simply a rotary assembly. Rotation assembly 2760 is included with the dispensers of the various embodiments disclosed herein, such as those included in dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B and dispenser 3100 of FIGS. 31A and 31B. , But not limited to these. Rotation assembly 2760 includes rotation assembly body 2790, which receives actuator 2746 and fluid reservoir container 2770. The actuator 2746 may be similar to the stepper motor 2245 of FIG. 2246.

When the fluid reservoir 2750 is inserted into or received by the fluid reservoir container 2770, the drive shaft of the actuator 2746 engages the fluid reservoir 2750. For example, as shown in FIG. 31A, dispenser 3100 receives reservoir 3150. The actuator 3146 includes a drive shaft 3148. Drive shaft 3148 passes through opening 3108 to engage piston 3104 of piston 3150. This engagement allows the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2750 to be expelled or expelled. The actuator 2746 is received in a cup-shaped portion on the rear of the rotary assembly body 2790. The fluid reservoir container 2770 is received in a cup-shaped portion in front of the rotatable assembly body 2790. Thus, as assembly body 2790 rotates or pivots about its axis of rotation, reservoir 2750, container 2770, and actuator 2746 also rotate. Actuator 2746 passes through openings, U-shaped channels, grooves, or other openings in both assembly body 2790 and container 2770 to engage fluid reservoir 2750. The actuator 2746 may be a linear actuator.

The container 2770 comprises a conductive coil 2780. The conductive coil 2780 may be included in the heating element of the dispenser. Conductive coil 2780 is used to inductively energize and heat the fluid contained within fluid reservoir 2750. The conductive coil 2780 may inductively heat the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2750, similar to the induction process described in FIGS. 20A and 20B. In the preferred embodiment, the conductive coil 2780 is located on the outer surface of the container 2770 so that the conductive coil 2780 does not physically contact the wall of the fluid reservoir 2750. In other embodiments, the conductive coil 2780 is located along the inner surface of the container 2770 or embedded within the wall of the container 2770. As shown in FIG. 27, the conductive coil 2780 surrounds the body of the fluid reservoir 2750. The conductive coil 2780 induces an electric current in the heat generating structure included in the reservoir 2750. The induced current allows the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2750 to be uniformly induction-heated.

The rotating assembly 2760 includes a choke coil 2792 to isolate noise and crosstalk between the conductive coils 2780, an actuator 2746, and other frequency sensitive electronic devices contained within a fluid reservoir that includes the rotating assembly 2760. And parts. The lid 2734 included in the rotating assembly 2734 hides the fluid reservoir 2750 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 26A when the rotating assembly is closed.

The light emitting circuit board 2794 is disposed on the bottom of the rotating body 2790. The light emitting circuit board 2794 includes at least one light emitting body such as an LED. LEDs may be used as night lights as described in various embodiments disclosed herein. The light emitting circuit board 2794 includes at least one of a motion sensor, another LED that faces upwards and illuminates at least a portion of the container 2770 in the open position, and other LEDs that illuminate various controls. Good. In other embodiments, the motion sensor is attached to another circuit board included in the dispenser. The motion sensor may be an infrared (IR) LED. The light emitting circuit board 2794 engages a corresponding aperture or lens, which is at least partially transparent to the frequency of light by the circuit board 2794. The structure may be the same as that of the light emitting circuit board 3194 and the lens 3196 in FIGS. 31A and 31B.

Fasteners or couplers are used to lock, secure, or hold the rotating assembly 2760 in the closed position. In various embodiments, the fastener is a magnetic element. The fasteners lock the rotating assembly in the closed position until the user releases the engagement. In at least some embodiments, the user can release the engagement of the fastener by simply depressing the lid 2734. The fasteners can provide tactile feedback to the user on the engagement/disengagement action. The fasteners may be integrated with lid 2734.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with the fluid dispenser of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B, similar to the fluid reservoir 2850, receives and dispenses heated fluid from the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir 2850 comprises a bottom cap 2806, a translation piston 2804, a reservoir body 2802, a pump assembly 2820 or cap assembly 2820, a nozzle assembly 2814, and an overcap 2830. The reservoir 2850 comprises a valve assembly 2832.

In the preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 2850 is customized to an airless pump reservoir or bottle. In various embodiments, valve assembly 2832 is integrated into pump assembly 2820 or cap assembly 2820. The pump assembly 2820 may be snap-on at the top. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly 2832 comprises a valve assembly lower opening 2892 that leads to an internal chamber, passage or cavity in the valve assembly. In addition, the valve assembly upper opening is also provided. For example, valve assembly upper opening 2994 of fluid reservoir 2950 shown in FIG. 29 is similar to the upper opening of valve assembly 2832. The upper opening is a flow path through the internal cavity of valve assembly 2832. This flow path is located within the internal cavity of valve assembly 2832 and is located between lower opening 2892 and upper opening. The flow path allows fluid to pass between the reservoir body 2802 and the nozzle 2812. One or more valves disposed within the flow path selectively block or block flow through the flow path. A plurality of valves within valve assembly 2832 allow for pumping operations to lift fluid from reservoir body 2802 and out through nozzle 2832. Various embodiments of valve assemblies are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.

The reservoir body 2802 is a bottle, such as a 5 milliliter bottle. The reservoir body 2802 includes a first end, a second end, a cross section, and a longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis is the translation axis because the piston 2804 translates along the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section is substantially uniform along the translation axis for at least a portion of the length of the reservoir body 2802. As shown in FIG. 28, the first end of the body 2802 is an open end that receives the piston 2804. The reservoir body 2802 may have a cylindrical body, a tubular body, or any other reservoir or bottle-like configuration.

The bottom cap 2806 comprises an opening 2808 or other opening centrally located. Aperture 2808 allows engagement between the drive shaft of the actuator provided with the dispenser and the translatable piston 2804 of fluid reservoir 2850. The drive shaft is received in the opening 2808 and passes through the opening 2808. The drive shaft then physically contacts and engages the bottom or rear meshing portion of the piston 2804. The bottom or rear of piston 2804 is the drive structure. When in engagement or engagement with piston 2804, the drive shaft translates piston 2804 with respect to reservoir body 2802. The translation of piston 2804 is similar to the translation of a plunger that pushes fluid through a hypodermic needle. As described at least in FIGS. 29 and 30, the translation of the piston 2804 is toward the top or top of the body 2802, which expels a portion of the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2850. .. The fluid is discharged from the nozzle 2812. The nozzle 2812 is disposed on the side surface of the nozzle assembly 2814. As shown in FIG. 28, the nozzle 2812 includes a protrusion or a tip disposed on a side surface or an outer surface of the nozzle assembly 2814.

Nozzle 2812 may be included in the outlet of reservoir 2850. The outlet has a valve holder. The valve retainer mates with the dispense opening of the dispenser when the cavity or container within the dispenser receives the reservoir 2850. In at least one embodiment, the valve retainer includes an outer periphery of the retainer such that when the fluid exits the outlet, the fluid flows without contacting the outer periphery of the valve retainer.

In addition to the translation of piston 2804, translation of nozzle assembly 2814 is also directed toward the top of reservoir body 2802, such that some of the contained fluid is expelled through outlet or nozzle 2812. To be done. Thus, a user can dispense fluid from the reservoir 2850, which fluid is dispensed by applying a pumping force to the top surface of the nozzle assembly 2814. This allows the reservoir 2850 to be handled manually. Thus, fluid is expelled from the reservoir 2850 by either manually handling the nozzle assembly 2814 or translating the piston 2804. When the reservoir 2850 is not in use or is not received by the dispenser, the overcap 2830 may be inadvertent during dispensing operations such as manually pumping the nozzle assembly 2814 or operating the nozzle assembly 2814. It is used to prevent the trigger. As described below, in a preferred embodiment, the overcap 2830 is customized so that the nozzle 2812 makes a downward angle.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 2850 initially comprises a seal, such as a thin film, label, or other fragile or brittle material. The seal covers the opening 2808. Upon first use of the reservoir 2850, the drive shaft of the dispenser will break or puncture such a seal. By piercing the seal on the bottom cap 2806, it can be visually indicated to the user that the reservoir 2850 has already been used by the dispenser. Various embodiments may include a one-time use knob similar to the use knob 1906 of FIGS. 19A and 19B. These use knobs may be included with piston 2804, pump assembly 2820, valve assembly 2832, or other structure of reservoir 2850. The use knob can indicate whether the piston 2894 has translated from its initial position.

The use knob included in the pump assembly 2820 or valve assembly 2832 provides a signal that the translational movement of the piston 2804 and the dispensing action by manually handling the nozzle assembly 2814 by the user is in the state prior to being triggered. This is particularly advantageous because it can be performed. A heat shrink tamper seal can also be used to indicate the condition before use. In various embodiments disclosed herein, the actuator of the dispenser can sense load or resistance on the drive shaft. Any mechanism that gives a signal before these actions can place a large load on the actuator. Thus, the dispenser can automatically detect whether the reservoir has been affected prior to the dispensing operation and whether the reservoir is unused. Moreover, the drive force required by the drive shaft depends on the viscosity and other characteristics of the fluid. Also, the viscosity and other properties of the fluid that affect the required ejection force will be different for each fluid stored in a reservoir, such as reservoir 2850. For example, the viscosity is different for water-based, oil-based and silicone-based lubricants. Thus, by sensing the load on the actuator, the fluid contained within the reservoir can be determined. The dispenser can indicate to the user whether the fluid reservoir 2850 has undergone a previous dispensing operation and/or fluid type.

In a preferred embodiment, the pump assembly 2820 includes an adjustment member 2822 or pin portion to ensure proper alignment and orientation when inserted into the dispenser. The adjustment member 2822 comprises protrusions, pins, or other suitable structure for mating and engaging a structure corresponding to the container of the fluid reservoir of the dispenser illustrated in the container 2770 for fluid reservoir of FIG. .. In such an embodiment, the fluid reservoir 2850 can be inserted into the container only when the adjustment member 2822 is properly aligned with the pin structure on the container of the dispenser. This ensures that when the reservoir 2850 is received by the dispenser, the reservoir 2850 rotates in the proper orientation about its longitudinal axis. Proper rotation requires the nozzle 2812 to be positioned in a downward position and positioned at the dispenser discharge opening.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 2812 slopes downward (when the reservoir 2850 is vertically oriented). When the dispenser receives the fluid reservoir 2850, the longitudinal axis of the reservoir is oriented at an angle above horizontal in the dispenser discharge arm, such as dispenser 2600 in FIG. 26A. When the reservoir 2850 is housed within the dispenser and rotation assembly, such as when the rotation assembly 2760 of FIG. 27 is rotated to the closed position, the downward angle of the nozzle 2812 causes the nozzle 2812 to be substantially vertical and downward. Turn to.

For example, as shown in FIG. 31A, reservoir 3150 is received by dispenser 3100. The reservoir 3150 comprises nozzles 3112 that are tilted downward (when facing a vertical position). When received by the upwardly angled dispenser arm 3180, the angled nozzle 3112 is oriented in a generally vertical direction. By orienting the nozzle 3112 in the vertical direction, it becomes possible to cause the discharged fluid to flow into the user's hand in a vertical and clear line of sight. A clear line of sight prevents dispensed fluid from contacting the surface of the dispenser, thus reducing the need to regularly clean the dispenser's dispense opening, such as dispense opening 2380 of FIGS. 23A and 23B. You can In a preferred embodiment, the downward tilt angle of nozzle 2812 measured below horizontal when fluid reservoir 2850 is upright is substantially the same as the angle of the dispenser arm of the dispenser measured above horizontal. It is the same. The nozzle 2812 includes a valve holder. The valve retainer mates with the opening of the dispenser when the reservoir is inserted into a cavity or container, such as container 2770 of FIG. The outlet of nozzle 2812 is oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of reservoir 2850.

Reservoir body 2802 comprises a volume that contains at least a portion of the fluid contained in reservoir 2850. The volume available to contain the fluid is substantially defined by the distance between the piston 2804 and the other end of the body 2802. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir body 2802 comprises an induction heating structure 2810. As described at least in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a heating element, such as the conductive coil 2780 of FIG. 27, induces a current in such a heating structure 2810. Induction heating structure 2810 is disposed around the outer surface of body 2802. In some embodiments, the heat generating structure 2810 is an internal structure.

The heat generating structure 2810 is a conductive tube. In a preferred embodiment, the heat generating structure 2810 is configured and arranged such that when the reservoir 2850 is assembled, the heat generating structure 2810 surrounds at least a portion of the lower chamber 2824 of the valve assembly 2832. At least a portion of the heat generating structure 2810 is exposed to the fluid contained in the reservoir body 2802. For example, FIG. 29 illustrates that a portion of the heat generating structure 2910 is exposed to the volume of the reservoir body 2902 of the reservoir 2950. In another embodiment, the heat generating structure 2810 is a conductive tube that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the lower chamber 2824 of the pump assembly 2820. In other embodiments, the electrically conductive tube comprises at least a portion of the fluid-containing volume within body 2802, obscuring at least a portion of the interior surface of reservoir body 2802. The heating structure 2810 is in thermal communication with the fluid contained within the reservoir 2850.

The heating element 2810 can be made of a conductive material such as copper, silver, or gold. In the preferred embodiment, the heating element 2810 is constructed of stainless steel. The heating element 2810 is a stainless steel coil. Stainless steel is an advantageous material because it does not corrode or contaminate any fluid contained within body 2802. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the heating element 2810 is preferably a magnetic element. When a rotating assembly, such as rotating assembly 2760 in FIG. 27, receives reservoir 2850, an induction coil, such as coil 2780 in FIG. 27, surrounds heating structure 2810. The conductive coil allows the fluid contained in reservoir 2850 to be heated substantially uniformly. In addition, the tube-like configuration of the heating element 2810 allows for faster heating cycles. In at least one embodiment, heating element 2810 is integrated with valve assembly 2832.

FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir for use with the fluid dispenser of the various embodiments disclosed herein. The fluid reservoir nozzle assembly is in an uncompressed state. The reservoir 2950 includes a bottom cap 2906. The bottom cap 2906 includes a central opening 2908 that allows the drive shaft to engage the piston 2904.

Reservoir 2950 includes a reservoir body 2902 that defines an internal volume that contains a fluid. At least a portion of the internal volume contacts the electrically conductive tubular heating structure 2910. As shown in FIG. 29, in the preferred embodiment, the heating structure 2910 covers the outer surface of the lower chamber 2924 of the valve assembly. The valve assembly is, for example, the valve assembly 2832 of FIG. As described throughout, electric current is inductively generated in the heating structure 2910 to heat the contents of the fluid. Fluid is exchanged with the valve assembly and the pump assembly in the internal volume of the reservoir body 2902. The pump assembly is, for example, the pump assembly 2820 of FIG. At least one of the valve assembly or the pump assembly is in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly 2914, and in particular with the downwardly inclined nozzle 2912.

As described with reference to FIG. 28, the flow path exists through the valve assembly. The one or more valves selectively block or allow flow through the flow path. The lower inlet of the valve assembly draws pressurized fluid from the reservoir body 2902. The valve housing 2952 houses the lower valve. The lower valve is, for example, a ball valve that blocks or allows the flow of fluid between the inlet 2996 and the lower chamber 2924 of the valve assembly. The upper spring valve 2918 blocks or allows the flow of fluid between the lower chamber 2924 of the valve assembly and the flow volume 2926 of the nozzle assembly 2914, as described below. The spring valve comprises a restoring spring 2916, a lower inlet orifice or inlet 2992, and an upper outlet orifice or outlet 2994. The lower inlet orifice 2992 and the upper outlet orifice 2994 allow fluid to pass back and forth through cavities or passages inside the spring valve 2918. The one-way valve is located within valve 2918. Fluid flowing through the flow path of the valve assembly to the flow volume 2926 of the nozzle assembly is discharged from the reservoir 2950 through the inclined nozzle 2912.

Lower ball valve and upper spring valve 2918 housed in housing 2952 prevent fluid flow between nozzle 2912 and body 2902 unless a dispensing action is triggered. The dispensing action is triggered, for example, when the piston 2904 translates upwards or the nozzle assembly 2914 translates downwards. FIG. 30 illustrates the downward translation of the reservoir 3050 nozzle assembly.

During the discharge operation, the piston 2904 is displaced, which increases the pressure of the fluid in the body 2902, which causes the lower ball valve 2952 to be displaced. Displacement of the ball valve 2952 causes fluid to flow from the higher pressure body 2902 into the lower inlet 2926 of the valve assembly and into the lower pressure lower chamber 2924 in the pump assembly.

When reservoir 2950 is placed in or received by a dispenser, such as dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A, the dispensing member prevents nozzle assembly 2914 from translating forward. As shown in FIG. 31A, the discharge member 3182 prevents the nozzle assembly of the reservoir 3150 from translating. As the piston 2904 continues to translate, the fluid flowing into the lower chamber 2924 builds up pressure in the chamber 2924, which exceeds the restoring force of the inner spring 2916. Because the ejection member impedes translation of the nozzle assembly, the body 2902 translates toward the nozzle assembly 2914 when the restoring force of the internal spring 2916 is exceeded.

As the reservoir body 2902 translates towards the nozzle assembly 2914 beyond the restoring force of the inner spring 2916, the spring valve 2918 translates deeply into the lower chamber 2924. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the spring valve translates into the lower chamber 3024, exposing the lower inlet 3092 of the spring valve to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. When pressed into the pressurized fluid, the lower inlet 2992 draws in and receives a portion of the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. Due to the pressure differential, fluid flows through the internal cavity of the spring valve 2918 and into the flow volume or chamber 2926 above the nozzle assembly 2914. From the upper chamber 2926, fluid flows out through the inclined nozzle 2912. Thus, the piston 2904 translates upwards and the relative translation between the body 2902 and the nozzle assembly 2914 causes fluid to flow from the reservoir body 2902 and through the nozzle 2912 to the reservoir 2950. Can flow out of.

The internal spring 2916 restores the spring valve 2918 to its initial position when the displacement force is removed from the piston 2904 by decompressing the discharged fluid, reducing mechanical loading, or a combination thereof. Prevents further fluid flow from nozzle 2912. As the pressure in chamber 2924 drops, the ball valve in housing 2952 returns to its initial position again, preventing further fluid flow into chamber 2924. In this way, the fluid flowing out through the nozzle 2912 and the discharge port is blocked. Therefore, even if the discharge force increases the internal pressure, the ball valve in the housing 2952 and the spring valve 2918 provide resistance to the discharge of fluid through the nozzle 2912 as long as the internal pressure does not exceed the resistance of the valve.

Manual handling of reservoir 2950 operates on a similar principle, but nozzle assembly 2914 translates toward body 2902. In manual handling of the reservoir 2950, only a predetermined amount of fluid is discharged in one discharging operation. The predetermined volume of fluid is based on the total volume of fluid displaced by a single pump of the nozzle assembly 2914. Further, during manual handling of reservoir 2902, ball valves in housing 2952 prevent pressurized fluid in lower chamber 2924 from flowing back into reservoir body 2902. The lower ball valve is not needed in the expulsion action caused by the translation of the piston 2904, as there is no backflow from the lower chamber 2924 into the body 2902. Therefore, some embodiments do not include a lower valve such as the ball valve illustrated.

Another advantage of the ejection motion caused by the translation of the piston 2904 is that fluid continues to be ejected as long as translation and displacement forces are applied to the piston 2904. In other words, the drive shaft can discharge a desired amount or a predetermined amount of fluid by one discharge operation in which the displacement force and the discharge force are applied to the piston 2904. In a preferred dispensing operation, the fluid is dispensed in a dose of about 0.1-0.2 mL. However, as described herein, other embodiments are not so limited and the user can select the dose with various dispensers. Further, the reservoir 2950 comprises an adjustment member 2922 to prevent misalignment when the reservoir 2950 is inserted into the dispensing unit. For example, the adjustment member 2922 is similar to the adjustment member 2822 of FIG.

FIG. 30 is another side cross-sectional view of a fluid reservoir for use with the fluid dispenser of various embodiments disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of fluid reservoir 3050 is in a compressed state. The compression of spring 3016 causes the spring valve to translate downwards relative to reservoir body 3002, exposing suction orifice 3092 to the pressurized fluid in lower chamber 3024. As described above, fluid flows through the spring valve into the upper chamber or flow volume 3026 of the nozzle assembly and out through the inclined nozzle 3012.

That is, FIG. 30 illustrates relative translation between the downwardly sloping nozzle 3012 (or outlet) and the reservoir body 3002. Such parallel movement is due to the ejection operation. In a manual dispense operation, the user translates the nozzle assembly downwards relative to the reservoir body 3002. In the case of a dispensing operation caused by the translation of piston 3004 towards the upper nozzle assembly, reservoir body 3002 translates with respect to the nozzle assembly. Such translation of piston 3004 allows the drive shaft to pass through opening 3008 and engage. The tubular heating structure 3010 heats the fluid stored in the fluid reservoir 3050, the suction port 3096, and the valve housing 3052. The valve housing 3052 houses the inner lower ball valve as shown. The adjustment member 3022 or pin member 3022 also ensures proper position adjustment when inserted into the dispenser.

FIG. 31A is a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser including a rotation assembly with the rotation assembly receiving a fluid reservoir and rotated to a closed position. The view of dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A is similar to the view of dispenser 2200 shown in FIG. 22A. The dispenser 3100 comprises features similar to the dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B and the dispensers of other embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the dispenser 3100 includes a dispenser housing, and the dispenser housing includes an upwardly inclined dispensing arm 3180. The rotating assembly of dispenser 3100 is similar to rotating assembly 2760 of FIG. The dispenser 3100 includes a rotary actuator 3146 and a drive shaft 3148. Drive shaft 3148 engages piston 3104 of reservoir 3150 through central opening 3108 of reservoir 3150.

The rotating assembly comprises a conductive coil 3180, which surrounds the fluid-containing body of the reservoir 3150. The body of the reservoir 3150 has an induction heating structure. In various embodiments, conductive coil 3180 substantially surrounds a portion of reservoir 3150. A part of the reservoir 3150 includes a heating structure for inducing an electric current in the heating element. See, for example, the arrangement of heating structure 2910 or reservoir 2950 of FIG. The induced current warms or heats the fluid in the reservoir 3150, which is the content stored in the reservoir body 3102. Since the electric coil 3180 uniformly surrounds the heating element, the fluid is uniformly heated. The rotating assembly comprises a light emitting circuit board 3194, which is aligned with the transparent element 3196 in at least a portion of the housing of the dispenser 3100. The light emitting circuit board 3194 includes at least one light emitting device, and includes, for example, an LED. As disclosed herein, the fasteners are used to lock the rotating assembly in the closed position or to connect the rotating assembly in the closed position. The fastener may be a magnetic fastener at least partially embedded in the lid 3134 of Figure 31B.

When the rotating assembly is in the closed position, the tilted nozzles 3112 of the reservoir 3150 are oriented in a generally vertical direction, preventing fluid from being expelled from the contact surface of the dispensing opening of the dispenser 3100. Since the nozzle 3112 is positioned adjacent to the rigid ejection member 3182, the nozzle 3112 does not move in parallel during the ejection operation. Rather, the body 3102 of the dispenser 3150 is displaced forward with respect to the nozzle 3112. As described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, such displacement of the body causes the fluid to flow from the reservoir 3150 and be discharged.

In addition to the light emitting circuit board 3194, the dispenser 3100 includes one or more circuit boards, and electronic components for controlling the operation of the dispenser 3100 are mounted on the one or more circuit boards. At least one of the circuit boards is a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, the dispenser 3100 includes an upper PCB 3164, motion/touch sensor, various LED indicators, induction heating coil 3180, user controls, and the like. Electronic components for controlling the night light of the dispenser 3100 are mounted on the upper PCB 3164. Similarly, the lower PCB 3162 houses the electronics to control the actuator 3146. The power cord 3104 supplies power to the upper PCB 3164, the lower PCB 3162, the actuator 3146, and other electrical drive elements of the dispenser 3100. In the preferred embodiment, power cord 3104 provides power from alternating current power (AC).

FIG. 31B is a side cross-sectional view of the dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A showing the rotatable assembly partially rotated to an open position. When in the partially open position, FIG. 31B shows the proper clearance between the tilted nozzle 3112 (of FIG. 31A) and the discharge member 3182 of the tilted discharge arm 3180 when the rotating assembly is opened and closed. Is. In some embodiments, the rotating assembly is spring loaded such that the rotating assembly automatically rotates when the fasteners are disengaged. When fully open, the reservoir 3150 can be removed from the dispenser 3100. The actuator 3146, drive shaft 3148, light emitting substrate 3194, reservoir 3150, and lid 3134 rotate with the rotation assembly. When rotated to the open position, the drive shaft 3148 automatically retracts from the piston 3104 of the reservoir 3150.

32A is an exploded view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. The fluid reservoir 3250 is a collapsible or accordion type reservoir. The fluid reservoir 3250 comprises a rigid reservoir body 3202, which forms the body of the fluid reservoir 3250. First, it receives or engages the flexible reservoir body 3206. Flexible reservoir body 3206 comprises a flexible accordion-like body. Flexible body 3206 expands and contracts in response to the amount of fluid stored in reservoir 3250.

The fluid reservoir 3250 includes an outlet 3214. In various embodiments, the outlet 3214 comprises a valve 3210 and a valve retainer 3212. The outlet 3214, valve 3210, and valve retainer 3212 are similar to outlet 1914, valve 1910, valve retainer 1912 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, respectively, or outlet 2414 of FIGS. 24A and 24B. , Valve 2410, and valve holder 2412. The fluid reservoir 3250 comprises a translatable piston 3204. In the preferred embodiment, the piston 3204 mates with the tip of the flexible reservoir body 3206. The flexible body 3206 comprises a groove or recess 3208 that engages the drive shaft of the fluid reservoir. In various embodiments, the piston 3204 engages an internal supply of the flexible body 3206 and the drive shaft translates the piston 3204 when the drive shaft engages the recess 3208.

In a preferred embodiment, the piston 3204 comprises a centrally located protrusion or depression that engages the depression 3208 of the reservoir 3208. As the piston 3204 translates toward the outlet 3214, fluid is expelled and the flexible body 3206 collapses in response to the depletion of fluid contained within the reservoir 3250. In a preferred embodiment, a heating structure is included. The heat generating structure is, for example, the heat generating structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, the heat generating structure 2020 of FIGS. 20A and 20B, the heat generating structure 2910 of FIG. 29, or another heat generating structure disclosed herein.

32B is a bottom view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of FIG. 32A. 32C is a side view of the assembled fluid reservoir 3250 of FIGS. 32A and 32B.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the explicitly preferred embodiments. Instead, the invention is determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims (29)

Housing,
An opening that the housing has,
A reservoir body defining a translation axis,
A container within the housing configured to removably receive the reservoir body to expose an outlet of the reservoir through the opening;
An inductive heating element fixed to the container, comprising an electrically conductive coil;
A piston disposed within the reservoir body,
An actuator configured to bias the piston along the translation axis of the reservoir body to provide a discharge force in a direction other than the direction of gravity,
The conductive coil, when the container receiving said reservoir, located outside of the storage machine body surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the body of the reservoir, the reservoir Utsuwabo the di Configured and arranged to inductively impart thermal energy to at least a portion of the contained fluid,
The discharge force induces a predetermined amount of thermally energized fluid in the reservoir to flow through the exposed outlet of the reservoir to provide the thermal energy. A dispenser characterized in that a predetermined amount is discharged through the opening. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a converter that converts electric energy to supply the ejection force. The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the converter is a motor. The piston, which is included in the reservoir, is translated in parallel by a predetermined distance by the discharge force in order to discharge the predetermined amount by inducing the flow of fluid having thermal energy. The dispenser according to 1. The conductive coil is configured inductive coil to induce a current fluid heating structure,
The inductive coil inductively heats the fluid heating structure by the induced current, the fluid heating structure being thermally coupled to the fluid contained in the reservoir, the fluid heating structure a dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the induced current is characterized in providing thermal energy induced to said fluid in. The dispenser further comprises a sensor for generating a signal when at least an object is close to the opening of the housing or when the object is moving relative to the opening, the signal actuating the actuator. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein: The dispenser further comprises a source emitting electromagnetic energy in a frequency band, the frequency band being within the visible spectrum, the emitted electromagnetic energy illuminating at least a portion of the dispenser. The dispenser according to claim 1. The dispenser of claim 7 , wherein the frequency band is based on user selection. The dispenser of claim 7 , wherein the intensity of the emitted electromagnetic energy is based on user selection. 8. The dispenser of claim 7 , wherein the illuminated portion of the dispenser comprises at least a region of the housing located below the opening. The dispenser of claim 7 , wherein the source is a light emitting diode (LED). The heating element surrounds at least a part of the container,
The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the heating body is configured to apply thermal energy to at least a part of the fluid contained in the reservoir substantially uniformly. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container is a rotating container configured to rotate in an open position and a closed position. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser further comprises a rotating assembly configured to rotatably rotate at least one of the container, the heating element , and the actuator. Housing,
An opening that the housing has,
A container within the housing configured and arranged to receive a reservoir;
When the container receives the reservoir, the outlet of the reservoir is exposed through the opening,
The fluid dispenser further, upon actuation, induces a quantity of fluid in the reservoir to flow through the outlet of the reservoir and directly from the outlet through the opening. An actuator that directly supplies a discharge force for discharging the amount of fluid toward a user located outside the housing, to the reservoir ;
Dispenser, characterized in that it comprises a. The housing includes a base portion below the opening, the housing is configured and arranged to receive a user's hand midway between the base portion and the opening, and the outlet is provided through the opening. a dispenser according to claim 15, characterized that you directly exposed above the user's hand. The dispenser according to claim 16 , wherein the base portion includes a storage recess located directly below the opening, and is configured and arranged to store the discharged amount of fluid. When the amount of fluid flows through the outlet of the reservoir, the opening is such that the amount of fluid is expelled without contacting the outer periphery of the opening or other portion of the dispenser. The dispenser according to claim 15 , characterized in that it is constructed and arranged. The dispenser of claim 15 , wherein the amount is based on a user selection. 16. The dispenser of claim 15 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a heating element configured and arranged to provide thermal energy to at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir. The dispenser according to claim 20 , wherein the heating element is an inductive heating element . The dispenser according to claim 20 , wherein the heating element is a resistive heating element . The dispenser according to claim 20 , wherein the heating element is close to the container. The heating element surrounds at least a part of the container, and is configured and arranged to apply thermal energy to at least a part of the fluid contained in the reservoir substantially uniformly. The dispenser according to claim 20 . 16. The dispenser of claim 15 , further comprising at least one touch-sensitive sensor, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive sensor can detect a touch of a user passing through the housing. dispenser. 16. The dispenser according to claim 15 , further comprising at least one touch-sensitive sensor, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive sensor can detect a user's touch through the housing. dispenser. 16. The dispenser of claim 15 , wherein the container is a rotating container configured and arranged to rotate in an open position and a closed position. 16. The dispenser of claim 15 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a rotation assembly configured and arranged to rotatably rotate the container. 16. The dispenser of claim 15 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a rotating assembly and a heating body , the rotating assembly configured and arranged to rotatably rotate the heating body .

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