JP7060259B2 - Inductively heatable fluid reservoir - Google Patents

Description

This application is a PCT application of US Patent Application No. 14 / 530,479 filed on October 31, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

Motion sensor soap dispensers are well known. Such dispensers are advantageous in controlling the spread of bacteria and diseases because they do not need to come into contact with the dispenser. In general, automatic soap dispensers have a large amount of fluid that can flow freely. Such a dispenser comprises a mechanism for maintaining the remaining amount of soap liquor by means of a large sized reservoir capable of receiving the soap liquor. The soap solution remains in the container. Also, in general, the soap solution is in contact with the dispenser mechanism outside the container.

Motion sensor dispensers can also be used to advantage in other fluids, such as personal lubricants or medical dosage substances, and are particularly ideal in that they do not contaminate. However, other fluids, if left in the dispenser, can become dirty and unsanitary, resulting in unacceptable waste. Therefore, when discharging other fluids, the existing soap liquid discharge mechanism cannot be effectively used.

In addition, it is beneficial in that fluids such as personal lubricants can be warmed or heated prior to ejection. The system and method provide an improved dispenser mechanism that can be used for personal lubricants or other viscous fluids.

According to one aspect of the invention, the dispenser comprises a housing, which has a base on which it rests stably on a support surface. The housing also comprises an upper portion located above the base, with a gap large enough to accommodate a human hand between the base and the upper portion. The upper part constitutes a cavity large enough to accommodate a fluid reservoir and an opening that passes through the lower surface of the upper part and extends directly into the cavity. The pressing member is located in the cavity. The actuator is connected to the pressing member and urges the pressing member in a direction toward the opening and in a direction away from the opening. The fluid reservoir is located in the cavity. The fluid reservoir comprises a neck, the 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 vertical lower channel of the pressure actuated hole.

From another point of view, the dispenser comprises a controller, which is mounted in a housing and operably connected to an actuator. In addition, the controller selectively operates the actuator. The dispenser is equipped with a proximity sensor, which is mounted inside the housing and detects movement in the void. Sensors include motion detectors or other sensors. 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. Further, the dispenser comprises a light emitting device mounted in a portion of the housing, preferably in the upper part. In such an embodiment, the upper part comprises a translucent panel facing downward, and the translucent panel is located below the light emitting device. In at least some other embodiments, the top comprises a thin portion of the housing located below the light emitting device, which allows at least a portion of the light to pass through. The controller operates the actuator and moves the actuator to a plurality of positions separated from each other, including the start position and the end position, in response to the proximity sensor detecting the movement in the gap. In addition, the controller operates the actuator and moves it to the start position in response to detecting the position of the actuator at the end position. In addition, the dispenser comprises a temperature control element arranged for thermal contact with the cavity or for warming the fluid reservoir. The temperature control element is preferably a heating element such as a resistance heater.

From another point of view, the actuator urges the pressing member in the first direction. The upper part comprises a stop surface arranged substantially across the first direction (ie, approximately perpendicular to the first direction), the stop surface being offset from the first side surface of the opening. The pressing member comprises a pressing surface extending upward from the opening, and the perpendiculars of the pressing surface are 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 urges a 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 slideably supports the rail. The fluid reservoir is foldable and is located within the cavity. The cavity has a first surface in contact with the stop surface and a second surface in contact with the pressing surface, and the neck is in contact with the first surface. The body of the foldable reservoir has a substantially constant cross section between the first and second surfaces over approximately the entire range of the body.

According to another aspect, the pressing member comprises a roller rotatably connected to the actuator, which constitutes a rotating shaft. The actuator moves the rollers across the cavity in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, towards and away from the opening. The pressing member comprises a shaft extending through the rollers, the upper portion constituting a guide that engages with the end of the shaft. The actuator is connected to the end of the shaft by a thread that is flexible but not substantially extensible. The spring is connected to the end of the shaft and urges the roller to a starting position offset from the opening.

From another point of view, the opening passes through the lower surface of the upper part and extends in the first direction. The pressing member can be placed 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 upper part constitutes an opening. The lid is hinged to the underside and can be selectively placed above the opening. Further, the opening is formed inside the lid. In some embodiments, one or more members extend from the cavity to a position offset from the cavity, and each member is rotatably mounted on 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, the first rod and the second rod are each rotatably connected to one side of the cavity at the first end and have a second end on the other side of the cavity. The actuator engages the first rod and the second rod. The actuator also pulls the first and second rods through the cavity and towards the opening.

In various embodiments, the dispenser comprises a housing, an opening that the housing has, a container within the housing, a heating element, and an actuator. The opening may be a discharge opening. The container or cavity is configured and arranged to detachably accept the reservoir. When the container receives the reservoir, the outlet of the reservoir is exposed through the opening. The heating element is configured and arranged to energize the fluid contained in the reservoir and to heat the fluid contained in the reservoir. When the actuator is activated, the actuator supplies a discharge force to induce a predetermined amount of fluid in the energized reservoir to flow through the exposed outlet of the reservoir. Accordingly, the dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of energy through the opening.

The actuator comprises a converter that converts electrical energy to supply discharge force. In at least one embodiment, the converter is a stepping motor, such as an electric stepper motor. By translating the piston of the reservoir by a predetermined distance by the discharge force, the flow of the energized fluid is induced, and the energized predetermined amount of fluid is discharged.

In some embodiments, a given distance is linearly proportional to a given amount of energized and discharged fluid. The heating element may be configured and arranged to induce a current in the heating structure. The exothermic structure thermally combines with the fluid contained in the reservoir. The induced current in the exothermic structure energizes or heats the fluid.

In various embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a sensor that generates a signal when the object is in close proximity to the opening in the housing or when the object is moving relative to the opening. The signal activates the actuator. The dispenser is also
It is equipped with an energy source that emits electromagnetic energy such as light emission and waves in a certain frequency band. This frequency band is within the visible spectrum. The emitted electromagnetic energy irradiates at least a portion of the dispenser. The frequency band is based on the user's choice. The intensity of the emitted electromagnetic energy is based on the user's choice. The irradiated 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 below the opening. The housing is configured and arranged to receive the user's hand between the base and the opening. The base may include a storage recess or recess located beneath the opening. The storage recess is configured and arranged to accommodate the discharged amount of fluid.

The openings are configured and arranged so that as a 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 the user's choice. The heating element may be configured and arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the container. This causes the heating element to energize at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir approximately 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 comprise a rotating assembly configured and arranged to rotatably rotate at least one of a container, a heating element, and an 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 configured and arranged to accommodate the reservoir. When the container receives the reservoir, the outlet of the reservoir is exposed through the opening. Upon operation, the actuator supplies a discharge force that induces a certain amount of fluid in the reservoir to flow through the outlet of the reservoir and discharges that amount of fluid through the opening. The power supply powers the actuator. The power supply includes an AC power supply.

In at least one embodiment, the dispenser further comprises a heating element. The alternating current power supply supplies an alternating current to the heat source. The heating element may be in close proximity to the container. The dispenser may also be equipped with a motor that supplies the discharge force. The alternating current power supplies the alternating current to the motor. The dispenser may also be equipped with at least one touch sensor. The touch sensor can detect the user's hand through the housing.

The fluid reservoir comprises a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston, and an outlet located on the surface of the reservoir body. The reservoir body comprises 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 and second ends. The cross section is substantially uniform along the translation axis. When the fluid is housed in the reservoir, the heating structure is thermally coupled to the fluid. A heating structure is configured and arranged to energize at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir or to heat at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir. The pistons are configured and arranged to translate along a translation axis. The volume of the reservoir available for containing the 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 towards the second end, a certain amount 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 exothermic structure is a conductive disc with a cross section that closely matches the cross section of the reservoir body. The heating structure may be placed in close proximity to 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 been translated from its initial position. The first end of the reservoir body is an open end for receiving the piston. The second end of the reservoir body is the closed end. The reservoir body may be a columnar body. The second end is a cylinder base.

In at least one embodiment, the outlet comprises a valve. The valve is configured and arranged so that the fluid contained within the reservoir flows through the valve in response to translation of the piston towards the second end of the reservoir body. The valve is further configured and arranged to hold the fluid in the reservoir when the piston is not translated. The outlet is equipped with a valve holder. The valve holder is configured and arranged so that the valve holder meshes with the opening of the dispenser when the cavity in the dispenser accommodates the reservoir. The valve holder comprises a holder outer circumference. The outer periphery of the holder is configured and arranged so that the fluid does not come into contact with the outer periphery of the holder when the fluid contained in the reservoir flows through the discharge port.

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

In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir comprises a reservoir body, a heating structure, a piston, a nozzle, and at least one first valve. In some embodiments, a second valve is provided. The reservoir body comprises a longitudinal axis and a volume configured and arranged to accommodate at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir. When the fluid is housed within the volume of the reservoir body, the exothermic structure thermally combines with the fluid housed within the body. Further, the heat generating structure is configured and arranged so as to give energy to at least a part of the fluid contained in the body. The piston is configured and arranged to translate along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the reservoir body. Nozzles arranged on the surface of the reservoir are configured and arranged to drain the fluid contained in the reservoir. The first valve provides resistance to fluid flowing out through the nozzle unless a 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 with an opening. The opening allows the drive shaft to apply a discharge force to the piston. When the discharge force is applied to the piston, the piston moves in parallel along the longitudinal axis, exceeds the resistance of the first valve, and a part of the fluid flows out from the nozzle. The reservoir may further include a nozzle assembly. When the 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 an inclined nozzle. When the fluid dispenser accepts the reservoir, the tilted nozzle points in a substantially vertical direction. In at least one embodiment, the fluid dispenser comprises an adjusting member that allows proper adjustment of the position of the nozzle as it receives the reservoir. The heating structure comprises a conductive tube shape that evenly 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, to choose to block and allow fluid flow,
The first valve and the second valve work together. In some embodiments the second valve is a ball valve, while in other embodiments the second valve is a spring valve or a needle valve.

Some embodiments in the reservoir include a seal configured and arranged to visually indicate whether the piston has previously been 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 cosmetics industry utilizes bottles that are similar to uncustomized or unchanged bottles. At least one embodiment comprises an overcap configured and arranged to prevent fluid from flowing out of the nozzle when the reservoir is not in use.

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

It is an isometric view of the 1st Embodiment of the dispenser which is the embodiment of this invention and has a built-in compression part. It is an exploded assembly drawing of the dispenser shown in FIG. 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 isometric view of the 2nd Embodiment of the dispenser which is the embodiment of this invention and has a built-in rolling part. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a side sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the dispenser which is the embodiment of this invention and has a built-in plunger. FIG. 5 is an isometric view showing the plunger mechanism of the dispenser of FIG. 8 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. It is a side sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is another partially exploded view of the dispenser shown in FIG. In an embodiment of the invention, it is an isometric view showing the working assembly of the dispenser of FIG. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the dispenser according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an isometric view showing the dispenser and fluid reservoir of FIG. 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser shown in FIG. An isometric view of the dispenser in another embodiment, corresponding to the embodiment disclosed herein, showing a dispenser that accepts a removable fluid reservoir and opens the lid to expose the fluid reservoir. Is. It is an exploded view of the fluid reservoir corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. It is an assembly drawing of the fluid reservoir corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. It is a figure which shows the induced current in the heat generation structure corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. It is a figure which shows the heating element of the embodiment corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. It is an exploded view of the dispenser corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. Top view of the dispenser corresponding to the embodiment disclosed herein, showing a dispenser that accepts the fluid reservoirs of FIGS. 19A and 19B and opens the lid to expose the fluid reservoir. It is a side sectional view of the dispenser which received a fluid reservoir. It is an enlarged view of the side sectional view of FIG. 22A, and is the figure which shows the state which the actuator of the dispenser retracted the shaft. It is a figure of the stepping motor provided in the actuator corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. It is a side view of the dispenser corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here, and is the figure which shows that the electromagnetic wave source provided in the dispenser illuminates the dispenser. It is a figure of the inner surface of a dispenser which shows a discharge opening. 19A and 19B are side sectional views of the discharge port of the fluid reservoir. 19A and 19B are bottom views of the outlet valve of the fluid reservoirs according to the embodiments disclosed herein. It is a bottom view of the fluid reservoir in another embodiment corresponding to the embodiment disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the figure shows a dispenser including a rotary fluid reservoir container assembly, in which the rotary container assembly is rotated to a closed position. In another embodiment, the figure shows a dispenser including a rotary fluid reservoir container assembly, in which the rotary container assembly is rotated to an open position. It is an exploded view of the rotating assembly 2760 corresponding to various embodiments disclosed here. It is an exploded view of the fluid reservoir of another embodiment utilized with the fluid dispenser in various embodiments disclosed herein. It is a side sectional view of the fluid reservoir of another embodiment utilized with the fluid dispenser in various embodiments disclosed herein, and is a diagram showing a state in which the nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is not compressed. be. Another side sectional view of a fluid reservoir used with the fluid dispenser in the various embodiments disclosed herein is a view showing a compressed state of the nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a dispenser including a rotating assembly, showing a state in which the rotating assembly receives a fluid reservoir and is rotated to a closed position. FIG. 31 is a side sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 31A, showing a moderate clearance of the tilted nozzle with the rotating assembly partially rotated to the open position. It is an exploded view of the fluid reservoir of another embodiment corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. FIG. 32 is an isometric view showing an assembled fluid reservoir of FIG. 32A. It is a side view which shows the assembly of the fluid reservoir of FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B.

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

The dispenser 10 comprises a C-shaped housing 18 in a front-to-back-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 constitutes a cavity 24 that receives the reservoir 26. The reservoir 26 comprises a neck 28. The neck 28 constitutes 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 inserted into the opening. In this opening, the body 32 cannot pass through, or the body 32 cannot pass through without deformation. The cavity 24 is wider than the body 32 in the lateral direction 16 to facilitate removal of the reservoir 26. The opening 30 is a pressure-sensitive opening. The opening 30 is closed if no pressure is applied to the body 32, but the fluid is allowed to pass when the pressure exceeds the threshold value. For example, the opening 30 is one of a variety of "no-drip" systems used in technically known seasoning dispensers.

The cavity 24 can be easily accessed by using a lid 34 that covers a part of the upper portion 20. The lid 34 can be attached to the upper portion 20 on the vertical upper side of the upper portion 20, the vertical lower portion of the upper portion 20, or the outer surface of the upper portion 20. The lid 34 can be completely removed and attached by snap-fitting or other methods. The lid 34 may also be hinged onto the top or slid laterally in and out of the closed position. For example, the drawer structure may form part of a cavity 24 that receives the reservoir 26 and may be slid in and out of the side surface of the top 20.

The pressing member 36 can slide in and out of the cavity 24. As a result, the pressing member 36 can compress the storage device 26. Further, the pressing member 36 can be stowed so that the refill reservoir 26 can be inserted after extruding an extractable amount of fluid from the original reservoir 26. The pressing member 36 constitutes a pressing surface 38 located at a position facing the stop surface 40 formed of 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 the rail 44 fixed to the upper portion 20. Alternatively, the rail formed on the pressing member 36 may be inserted into the slot configured by the upper portion 20. The actuator 46 engages with the pressing member 36. As a result, when the actuator 46 moves the pressing member 36 toward the reservoir 26, the fluid exits the 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 for maintaining this state when there is no power supply. The actuator 46 is mounted inside one or more actuator fittings 50. The actuator fitting 50 is secured to the top 20 or other part of the housing 18 including the base 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 46 is engaged with the pressing member 36 by a spreader 48, whereby the force is distributed over a wider range of the pressing member 36.

The dispenser 10 includes a proximity sensor 52. The proximity sensor 52 is configured to detect a human hand in the gap between the upper 20 and the lower 22. Proximity sensor 52 detects reflected light, blocks light incident on proximity sensor 52, detects heat traces or temperature changes, changes in inductance or capacitance, or other methods. There are various means such as hand movement, approach of hand, and detection of the presence of hand. The proximity sensor 52 projects downward from the bottom surface 54 of the top 20 or passes through the bottom surface 54 and is exposed to light, air, or thermal energy in the void between the top 20 and the bottom 22. In addition to the proximity sensor, a voice-actuated sensor may be used. In addition, multiple sensors may be used in the same or separate parts of the device.

In some embodiments, one or more light emitting elements 56 are mounted on the top 20 to illuminate the void between the top 20 and the bottom 22. For example, the lower surface 54 or a part thereof is translucent or has a hole so that the light from the light emitting element reaches the void. 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 in various structures or shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 18 comprises a curved exterior 58 and a curved interior 60. When engaged, a curved or C-shaped cavity is formed that supports the parts of the dispenser 10. The ends of the bends 58, 60 are either flat or include flat. 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 connected to these components by wire. Further, the controller 62 is 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 on which electronic components are attached. This electronic component is effective for exerting the function of the controller 62. The controller 62 has a processor, memory, or other computing power to exert its function.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 constitutes an opening 66 for receiving the neck 28 of the reservoir 26. As shown in the figure, the opening 30 is free to discharge the fluid so that the fluid does not point to the user's hand and to any part other than the base 22 of the dispenser. Further, as is clear, the opening 30 and the neck 28 are arranged at a position 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 located as close as possible to the surface of the body 32 that engages the stop surface 40. When the distance between the stop surface 40 and the pressing surface 38 measured on the opening 66, for example, in parallel with the surface of the housing supporting the reservoir 26, is defined as X, for example, the stop surface 40 and the neck. The distance between the 28 and the side closest to the stop plane is less than 10% of X, preferably less than 5% of X.

Further, the lower surface 54 of the upper portion 20 forms an opening 68 that supports a part of the proximity sensor 52 and allows light, vibration, thermal energy and the like to reach the proximity sensor 52. The bottom surface 54 further comprises an opening for passing light emitted from the light emitting device 56 into the gap. Alternatively, the bottom surface 54 is translucent or transparent to allow light to pass through, or has a translucent or transparent portion in part thereof. 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 ejected 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. Normally, the operating direction 72 is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction within, for example, 20 degrees. The pressing surface 38 is substantially perpendicular to the operating direction 72. For example, the vertical line 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. Further, the stop surface 40 is also substantially perpendicular to the operating direction. That is, the perpendicular line of the stop surface 40 is substantially parallel to the operating direction. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the stop surface 40 is tilted to facilitate the insertion of the reservoir 26. For example, the perpendicular of the stop surface is tilted upward from the working direction 72, and the angle is between 2 degrees 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 is 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 heat generating element 74 is connected to the pressing member 36. For example, the heat generating element 74 is connected to the illustrated lower surface of the pressing member, which is perpendicular to the pressing surface 38. The heat generating element 74 may be attached to a position 76a immediately opposite to the pressing surface 38 or a position 76b immediately opposite to the stop surface 40. In some embodiments, it is sufficient to simply warm the air around the reservoir 26, regardless of the thermal contact with the reservoir 26 or the structure facing the reservoir 26. Therefore, the heat generating element 74 may be installed at a convenient location on the upper portion 20 or may be installed at another portion in the housing 18. Alternatively, other temperature control elements may be utilized to heat or cool the fluid and to 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 controller 62 moves the pressing member 36 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 in response to detection of movement 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. By counting the number of times the pressing member 36 has advanced from the start position, the arrival at the end position is detected. 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 user may adjust the amount of advancement of the pressing member 36 with a controller. In this way, the individual user can increase or decrease the amount of fluid discharged into the user's hand below the opening. For this purpose, a rotation adjustment knob or other button such as an up / down arrow button may be mounted.

Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the pressing member 36 is implemented as a roller 80. The roller 80 squeezes the fluid out of the reservoir 26 when urged to cross the reservoir 26. To facilitate this operation, the body 32 is flat and the length 82 and width 84 of the body 32 are substantially larger than the thickness 86. The dimension of the width 84 is parallel to the rotation axis of the roller 80 arranged inside the cavity 24, and the length 82 is parallel to the traveling direction corresponding to the operation of the roller 80. The dimensions of the thickness 86 are perpendicular to both the dimensions of the length 82 and the dimensions of the width 84. The neck 28 is located at or near the end of the body 32 in dimension 82 of the length of the body 32. In particular, the roller 80 is located at the starting position, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the reservoir 26 can be inserted. 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 around one or more shafts 88, with the ends of the shafts 88 projecting out of the rollers 80. The shaft defines the operating direction 72 of the roller 80 and rests on the ridge portion 90 having an upper edge parallel to the operating direction 72. Further, the shaft 88 is held by the ridge portion 90 by the 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 through which the shaft 88 slides. The cover 92 has a surface 98 tilted upward away from the cutout 94, which allows the reservoir 26 to be introduced into the cavity 24. The cover 92 forms passages 100 on both sides of the cutout portion 94, or forms U-shaped passages extending on both sides of the cutout portion 94.

In some embodiments, the passage 100 has space for accommodating the string 102. The string 102 pulls a shaft along the slot between the edge 96 and the ridge 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the string 102 is fixed to the end of the shaft 88 and is wrapped 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 around the pulley 106 in response to the rotation of the rotary actuator 108, whereby the roller 80 is pulled towards the rod 104 and the opening 66. The neck 28 of the storage device 26 is passed through the opening 66. Further, in order to return the roller 80 to the starting position, an urging member such as a spring 110 is connected to the housing 18 and the shafts 88 on both sides of the roller 80. When the force acting by the rotary actuator 108 is removed, the spring 110 urges the roller to return to its starting position. Alternatively, the spring urges the roller towards a forward position that compresses the reservoir. In addition to such embodiments, the string 102 and the actuator 108 serve to advance the rollers by pulling the spring. Further, the string 102 and the actuator 108 pull the roller to the uncompressed start position against the spring pressure.

The rotary actuator maintains this state and is locked, for example, when it is not repositioned. As a result, the roller 80 can be moved to various positions from the start position to the end position closest to the opening 66. As will be 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 while the rollers are moving.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7, the controller 62, the proximity sensor 52, and the light emitting element 56 are configured in the same manner as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4. As another embodiment disclosed herein, the controller 62 causes the rollers 80 to travel at positions separated from each other in response to detection by the proximity sensor 52. Similarly, the controller 62 allows the roller 80 to return to or return to the start position when the roller 80 reaches the end position. The embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7 include a heat generating element 74 similar to that of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4, and the heat generating element 74 may be arranged at a position in the upper portion 20 so as to be compatible with the support surface 112. It may be arranged in a position that warms the air in the upper portion 20.

Referring to FIG. 8, in an embodiment, the reservoir cover 120 is hinged to the bottom surface 54, or snap-fitted or otherwise secured and completely removable. The opening 66 that receives the neck 28 of the reservoir 26 is formed in the reservoir cover 120. Therefore, in use, the neck 28 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) is located within the opening 66 when the body 32 of the reservoir 26 is placed on the seat 122. The seat portion 122 has a concave surface or a non-concave surface. Then, the reservoir cover 120 is 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 holding mechanism or a detenting mechanism is used to hold the cover 120 in a state where it can be selectively released.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, in some embodiments, the reservoir cover 120 is hinged and releasably mounted within the opening 126, with the mechanism illustrated to cover the opening 126. The hub 128 is provided with a registration boss 130 on its upper surface. The hub 128 has a front spring arm 132, which extends forward from the hub 128 in the anteroposterior direction 14. Also, the front spring arm 132 extends laterally away from the hub 128. Further, the spring arm 132 is bent downward from the hub 128 and is fixed to the crossbar 134 connecting the tip of the front spring arm 132. As shown, the crossbar 134 hangs on a portion of the opening 126. Further, the crossbar 134 engages with the ridge portion 124 in order to hold the cover 120 in 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 mentioned above, the front spring arm 132 bends downward from the hub 128 and has a vertical gap between the bottom of the hub 128 and the top surface of the cover 120 located within the opening 128. 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. Further, the rear spring arms 136 extend outward 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 a shaft extending in the lateral direction 16. The rear spring arm 136 includes a bent end that can be inserted into the shaft portion 138. The rear spring arm 136 remains engaged with the shaft portion 138 as a result of the urging force of the rear spring arm 136. In some embodiments, the front spring arm 132, the rear spring arm 134, and the crossbar 134 are part of a single metal rod or wire bent into the shape 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 to the inside of the upper portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 140 is arched and its concave lower surface hangs on the edge of the opening 126.

The shaft portion 138 is arranged on the seat portion 142, and the seat portion 142 is located on both sides of the arm 140. As is clear from FIGS. 9 and 10, the seat portion 142 has an open structure so that the shaft portion 138 can be inserted and removed from the seat portion 142. The lid 34 engages the hub 128 and urges the rear spring arm 136 downward. As a result, the shaft portion 138 is urged to the seat portion 142. In the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 10), the lid 34 comprises a registration hole 144A that accepts a boss 130 formed on the hub 128 in order to keep the hub 138 in place within the 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 to sink the hub 128. Then, the crossbar 134 is urged to be disengaged from the ridge 124. As a result, the reservoir cover 120 falls out of the opening 126. In some embodiments, the hub 128 constitutes one or more registration holes 144A, 144B. Registration holes 144A and 144B receive one or more rods 145 (see FIG. 11). The rod 145 is fixed to the inner surface of the lid 34 or to another cover of the upper portion 20.

When the plunger 146 operates in the substantially vertical direction 12, the fluid is pushed out of the reservoir 26 in the cavity 24. In particular, the plunger 146 moves substantially vertically in the gap between the hub 128 and the seat 122 of the cover 120 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). For example, the plunger moves substantially parallel to the central axis of the opening 126 (eg, within plus or minus 5 degrees from parallel). In some embodiments, the plunger 146 is actuated by a crossbar 148. The crossbar 148 hangs on the plunger 146 in the lateral direction 16 and extends laterally laterally 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 end of the crossbar 148 slides in the vertical groove 152. The vertical groove 152 is configured within the upper portion 20 and is configured on both sides of the opening 126, respectively. As is clear from FIGS. 9 to 11, the upper portion 20 is slightly tilted from the horizontal, for example, 2 to 10 degrees. The groove 152 is also tilted at a similar angle from the vertical. The groove 152 is parallel to the central axis of the opening 126 or the working direction of the plunger 146. For example, the groove 152 is formed in rods 154 located on both sides of the opening 126. In some embodiments, the one or more springs 156 engage the crossbar 148, the site of the plunger 146, or another structure attached to the plunger 146 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The spring 156 urges the plunger towards 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 installs the reservoir 26 on the cover 120 and then stores the cover 120 by urging it upwards. The vessel 26 can be urged 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 towards the cover 120, the body 32 of the reservoir 26 is compressed to open until the plunger 146 reaches the end position shown in FIG. 12B. Fluid comes out from the part 30. As another embodiment specified herein, the plunger 146 is moved to a plurality of positions separated from each other between the illustrated start position and end position. This causes a separate amount of fluid to be discharged from the reservoir 126.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 156 is installed on the seat portion 158 located laterally outward from the rod 150, but other positions can also be effectively used. As is apparent 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 is engaged with a portion of the upper portion 20 to cancel the torsional moment at the arm 160.

13 and 14 show an example of an actuating mechanism that moves the plunger 146. Here, the spring 156 is considered to be a part of the operating mechanism. The actuating mechanism comprises a rod 164. The rod 164 usually extends along the top in the anteroposterior direction 14, which is tilted upwards as well as the upward angle of the top 20. The rod 164 includes a first arm 166 fixed to a 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 the first end. The rod 164 can be installed in the slot 170 configured by the upper portion 20.

The second arm 168 extends over the plunger 146 and rises as the arm 166 rises. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 168 is a loop, which extends around the rod 154 and further extends between the crossbar 134 and the plunger 146. As is clear, the actuator 46 can exert a force to raise only the arm 166. Therefore, the arm 168 can operate so as to cancel the urging force of the spring 156, whereby the storage device 26 can be inserted. To discharge the fluid, the actuator 46 lowers the spreader 50 to a different position. As a result, 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, which can raise and lower the arm 166 and the arm 168. In yet another embodiment, the spring 156 can behave to urge the plunger 146 upwards and the actuator 46 to urge the plunger 146 downwards towards the cover 120. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the rod 164 passes through the coil of the spring 156.

9 to 14 embodiments include a controller 62, a proximity sensor 52, and a light emitting element 56, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4. In another embodiment specified herein, the controller 62 moves the plunger 146 to a position distant from each other in response to detection by the proximity sensor 52. Similarly, the controller 62 allows the plunger 146 that has reached the end position to return to or return to the start position. 9 to 14 embodiments also include a heating element 74 that is in thermal contact with the air in the reservoir 26, cavity 24, or top 20.

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

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

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

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid is pushed out of the reservoir 26 by arms 196 located on either side of the flexible sleeve 192. An angle 198 is configured between the sleeves. The sleeve is rotatably attached to the housing 18 at the pivot 200 located on one side of the sleeve 192. Further, the sleeve extends across the sleeve 192 to the opposite side of the sleeve 192. The arm 196 is part of a single metal rod that is bent as shown, including a straight portion that constitutes the 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 coupled 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 connected to the link 202 at another point along the link 202. The actuator 46 is rotatably attached to the housing 18, which causes the actuator 46 to rotate 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 arm 196 to a position separated from each other from the start position (FIG. 17A) to the 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 to 17C includes a controller 62, a proximity sensor 52, and a light emitting element 56, similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4. In another embodiment specified herein, the controller 62 moves the arms 196 to positions separated from each other in response to detection by the proximity sensor 52. Similarly, the controller 62 allows the arm 196, which has reached the end position, to return to or return to the start position. 15 to 17C embodiments also include 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 of the dispenser corresponding to the embodiment disclosed herein. The lid 1834 opens to expose the fluid reservoir 1850. The dispenser 1800 detachably accepts the fluid reservoir 1850. The dispenser 1800 energizes and warms the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 1850 before discharging the fluid. By warming, heating, or otherwise energizing the fluid prior to ejection, the user's satisfaction with the dispenser 1800 can be enhanced.

As will be described later, the dispenser 1800 includes a heating element, and the heating element is at least close to the discharge port of the fluid reservoir 1850, so that the dispenser 1800 can effectively energize the discharged fluid. The importance of proximity depends on the properties of the fluid being heated, such as viscosity and thermal conductivity. It is preferred that the fluid be substantially heated over the entire reservoir before being discharged. By arranging the heating element near the outlet, the piston can be moved in the reservoir 1850 without interfering with the heating element. The exothermic structure thermally combines 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 greater energy to be used to heat the fluid. For example, the dispenser 1800 is less likely to heat up with the induction heating of the fluid. Induction heating concentrates energy on the fluid to heat it, rather than heating the housing and other components of the dispenser 1800. Further, in induction heating, since there is no concern about the electrical connection between the reservoir 1850 and the dispenser 1800, the inside of the reservoir can be heated by easily installing the reservoir in the dispenser 1800.

In addition, the dispenser 1800 runs out of all or almost all of the fluid contained in the reservoir 1850 before it becomes necessary to remove the reservoir 1850 or replace it with a new fluid reservoir. This is at least due to the interaction between the actuator of the dispenser 1800 and the replaceable piston of the reservoir 1850. In some embodiments, the reservoir 1850 is a rigid reservoir. The rigid reservoir allows the fluid in the reservoir 1850 to be completely or almost completely exhausted by the dispenser 1800. In addition, the dispenser 1800 reduces waste of fluid products. The storage 1850 of various embodiments will be described at least in FIGS. 19A, 19B and 24A, 24B. Also, as described in detail below, in some embodiments, a motor activates an actuator.

The housing of the dispenser 1800 comprises a cavity or container, which detachably accepts the fluid reservoir 1850. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity or container comprises a finger groove 1852 or recess. The finger groove 1852 or recess is where the user's finger is inserted when inserting the reservoir 1850 or removing the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800. The finger grooves 1852 make it easier to insert and remove the reservoir 1850 into and out of the dispenser 1800.

Although not shown in FIG. 18, as described later in FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23B, the housing of the dispenser 1800 has an opening that exposes the outlet of the reservoir 1850, which is the reservoir 1850. The discharge port of is, for example, the discharge port 1914 of FIGS. 19A and 19B. In the housing, the opening is located on the underside of the housing and the storage recess 18
Located above 20. The storage recess 1820 adequately stores fluid that has been ejected through the opening and has not been received by the user or otherwise captured. In a preferred embodiment, the storage recess 1820 is a recess or recess in the housing of the dispenser 1800. The storage recess 1820 is a circular, oval, or other suitablely shaped recess or recess. The storage recess 1820 makes it easy to wash the discharged fluid without being caught by the user's hands.

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

Switch 1802 serves the function of switching between locking and unlocking the dispenser 1800. For example, when the switch 1802 is pressed for, for example, 3 seconds for a predetermined time, the dispenser 1800 shifts to the lock mode. In lock mode, the dispenser 1800 is locked and does not eject fluid. A built-in LED or another LED is located in front of or behind the switch 1802 to illuminate the surrounding environment when the user locks 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 is a diagram showing the lid 1834 in the open position. The user can insert the reservoir 1850 and remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800. In some embodiments, the user slides the lid 1834 back and forth or translates it on a rail embedded in the housing of the dispenser to open and close the compartment containing the reservoir 1850. In such an embodiment, the lid 1834 remains attached to the rail embedded in the housing of the dispenser 1800 when the user opens and closes the lid 1834. In another embodiment, when the user opens and closes the lid 1834, the lid 1834 snaps on or snaps off. Such snaps provide tactile and / or audio feedback. In another embodiment, the lid 1834 is a hinged rotating lid.

In at least one embodiment, the magnetic force causes the lid 1834 to be at least partially fixed. At least one of the dispenser 1800 housings or lids 1834 is embedded with one or more magnets to supply magnetic force. In at least one embodiment, when the user opens the lid 1834, the lid 1834 is magnetically fixed to the housing of the dispenser 1800. Such features reduce the possibility of loss of the lid 1834 during the service life of the dispenser 1800. In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 1800 comprises a lid sensor. The lid sensor detects opening and closing when the lid 1834 is opened and 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 action to retract at least one of the drive shaft, pressing member, or other actuator drive component, eg, the drive shaft 2148 of FIG. 21B is retracted. .. Once the drive components have been stowed by the dispenser 1800, the user can remove the reservoir 1850 from the dispenser 1800.

FIG. 19A is an exploded view of the fluid reservoir 1950 corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. Various fluid dispensers disclosed herein, such as the dispenser 1800 of FIG. 18, receive a fluid reservoir 1950. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 1950 contains the fluid. The dispenser energizes and discharges the contained fluid.

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

In the embodiment of FIG. 19A, the 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 any other cylinder with a curved surface. Therefore, the cross section of the reservoir body 1902 is substantially circular, oval, parabolic, hyperbolic, or 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 cap of the cylinder body. The translation axis may be between the base of the cylinder and the base.

In another embodiment, 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 include less than four or more sides, for example, the cross section is in the shape of a triangle or an octagon. In addition, the reservoir body 1902 and the 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 check the remaining amount of fluid in the reservoir 1950. In another embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is optically opaque. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is optically opaque except for a window indicating 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 irradiated with an electromagnetic energy source, the fluid emits the color or frequency of the irradiated electromagnetic energy due to its optical properties to disperse the light. In at least one embodiment, as disclosed herein, the electromagnetic energy sources included in the various fluid dispensers irradiate the fluid contained in the reservoir 1950 with the fluid contained in the reservoir 1950. The resulting fluid emits "fluorescence". As disclosed herein, one or more electromagnetic energy sources embedded in various dispensers can irradiate at least a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir 1950 and / or the reservoir 1950. In at least one embodiment, the reservoir body 1902 is a body that insulates at least some of the heat. In such an embodiment, the fluid contained in the reservoir 1950 effectively retains thermal energy. Therefore, these embodiments increase the thermal efficiency of the dispenser that accepts the reservoir 1950.

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

In some embodiments, the cross section of the heating structure 1920 substantially coincides with the cross section of the reservoir body 1902. In another embodiment, the cross section of the heat generating structure 1920 deviates from the cross section of the reservoir body 1902. In a preferred embodiment, the heating 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 holder 1912. The valve 1910 is made of a flexible material such as synthetic rubber, plastic and latex. The valve 1910 comprises one or more slits, holes, or other openings so that fluid contained in the reservoir can flow out of the reservoir through the valve 1910. FIG. 24B is an example of the configuration of the slit of the valve. 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 a preferred embodiment, the valve 1910 is concentric with the valve holder 1912. The outer circumference of the valve 1910 is adjacent to or close to the inner circumference of the valve holder 1912. As described in FIGS. 23B, 24A and 24B, as the fluid flows through one or more slits or openings in the valve 1910, the flowing fluid contacts the valve holder 1912, including the interior of the valve holder 1912. The valve 1910 and the valve holder 1912 are configured and arranged so as not to.

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 a translation axis. The piston 1904 comprises 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, recesses, or other such structures. These grooves or recesses mesh with the used knob 1906. As described in FIG. 19B below, the used knob 1906 supplies a signal. This signal indicates that the 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 meshes with at least a portion of the actuator, eg, with the pressing members of the various dispensers disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the pressing member is a drive shaft.

As described below, the actuator of the dispenser operates to translate the piston 1904 along a translation axis. When the operation of the piston 1904 reduces the available storage in the fluid reservoir 1950, the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 1950 flows out of the reservoir 1950 through the 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, translation of the piston 1904 towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902 induces a reduction in available storage. The mechanical action of translating the piston 1904 displaces the contained fluid, causing a portion of the fluid to flow through the outlet 1914.

The piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902 are configured and the contact surface between the piston 1904 and the reservoir body 1902 to properly hold the fluid contained in the reservoir 1950 when the piston 1904 is not translated. 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 cross-section of the effective piston, 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, substantially coincides with the cross section of the reservoir body. Gaskets, O-rings, and similar structures can seal between the displaceable piston 1904 and the inner wall of the reservoir body 1902. The sealing ensures that the contained fluid is properly retained. Thereby, even if the piston 1904 is translated or displaced by the discharge force, the reservoir 1950 does not leak the contained fluid out of the first end portion of the reservoir body 1902.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve does not have a force, such as a discharge force, that translates the piston 1904 toward the second end of the reservoir body 1902 or reduces the available storage of the fluid reservoir 1950. The 1910 holds the fluid in the reservoir 1950. The slit or opening of the valve 1910 may resemble 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 that displaces the elastic dome downward must be exerted before the valve opens and ejects. One or more slits or openings in valve 1910 may differ in physical dimensions and configuration. This variation depends on the viscosity of the fluid contained in the reservoir 1950 and the materials that make up the valve 1910. With proper selection of the physical dimensions and configuration of the slit, the fluid will not flow through the opening unless the discharge force translates the piston 1904 or discharges the contained fluid.

The valve 1910 is made of an elastic rubber-like material. For this reason, the slit or opening is substantially closed or automatically closed until the fluid passes through the opening by a discharge force or displacement force. When displaced by the discharge force, the fluid flows through the slit or opening. This effect is similar to the self-sealing of rubber nipples on baby bottles. Rubber nipples are provided with slits or holes. Fluid will not flow through the slits or holes in such rubber nipples unless the baby applies 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 so that the pressure is greater than the pressure threshold to overcome the resistance of the valve 1910. Increases internal pressure.

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an assembled fluid reservoir 1950, corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment of FIG. 19B, when assembled, the heating structure 1920 is located inside the reservoir body 1902 and is close to 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 outlets 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 crosses or is substantially orthogonal to the translation axis of the reservoir body 1902. However, in other embodiments, it is not so limited and the outlet 1
Reference numeral 914 is located at the second end portion of the reservoir body 1902, and the cross section of the discharge port 1914 is substantially parallel to the translation axis. The outlet 1914 is shown by arranging the valve 1910 and the valve holder 1912 concentrically. The surface of the valve 1910 with one or more slits or openings may be recessed above the portion of the valve holder 1912. This configuration can provide additional clearance for the fluid flowing through the valve 1910.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet 1914 is placed in close proximity to the second end of the reservoir body 1902 to ensure that the increased fluid contained is flowed out of the outlet 1914. This causes the piston 1904 to translate and the 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 is displaced by the displaced piston 1904. As a result, the reservoir 1950 is properly used up.

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing a fluid reservoir 1950 in an initial state before discharging the contained fluid. The initial position of the piston 1904 is close to the first end of the reservoir body 1902. The volume that holds the fluid 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 used knob 1906 engages the groove or recess in the reservoir body 1902. In some embodiments, instead of the use knob, a fragile, brittle, or fragile sealing structure can indicate pre-use. Various dispenser actuators can sense the working load as the piston 1904 is translated, as disclosed herein. By sensing the load, the dispenser can detect if the used knob 1906 or the fragile seal is damaged. This allows the dispenser to determine if the reservoir 1950 has previously been used or has not been used.

The drive shaft of the actuator of the dispenser meshes with the drive structure 1908. The translation of the drive shaft causes the piston 1904 to translate towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902. The piston 1904 translating towards the second end of the reservoir body 1902 induces an engaging force between the knob 1906 used and the groove or recess of the reservoir body 1902. The engagement force causes the used knob 1906 to break, break, bend, or deform.

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

FIG. 20A is a diagram showing an induced current in the heat generation structure 2020 corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. In some embodiments, the heating structure 2020 is a conductive heating disc. The alternating current power supply 2030 supplies the alternating 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. The alternating current 2040 creates a fluctuating magnetic field 2050 according to Maxwell's electromagnetic equation. Further, according to Maxwell's electromagnetic equation, when a conductor such as the heating structure 2020 is exposed to the fluctuating magnetic field 2050, a current such as the alternating current 2060 is induced in the heating structure 2020. When the alternating current 2060 is induced in the heat generation structure 2020, the heat generation structure 2020 is heated by the electric resistance of the heat generation structure 2020.

When the substance exemplified for the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B thermally contacts or thermally couples with the heat generating structure 2020, and the current passes through the heat generating structure 2020. , The heat generating structure 2020 can give energy to the substance or heat the substance. As disclosed herein, induction heating of the heating structure 2020 does not require physical contact between the heating element 2010 and the heating structure 2020. Therefore, the various dispensers disclosed herein can heat the heat generation structure 2020 indirectly or at a distance by using induction heating, or can give energy to the heat generation structure 2020. As described above, since the heating element 2010 is physically separated from the heat-generating structure 2020 and the substance energized by the heat-generating structure 2020, the heating element 2010 is in a state of being in physical contact with the energized substance. do not become. Therefore, route contamination and user contact with heated elements are reduced.

FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an embodiment of the heating element 2070 corresponding to the embodiment disclosed here. As shown in FIG. 20B, in a preferred embodiment, the heating element 2070 is printed using a printed circuit board (PCB) technique. The heating element 2070 comprises a plurality of printed conductive coils 2080. The conductive coil 2080 is relatively inexpensively mounted by using PCB technology. PCBs can be mass-produced using known techniques. Further, the heating element 2070 includes at least one terminal 2090 for supplying an alternating current to a plurality of conductive coils 2080. Therefore, the frequency of the supplied current can be varied based on the properties of the substance by an algorithm or method that induces and heats 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 to apply energy to or heat a heat-generating structure at a distance by induction heating. The heating element is, for example, a heating element 2070, and the heating structure is, for example, the heating element 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 of 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 that is 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 the embodiments disclosed herein. The dispenser 2100 comprises a housing. The housing comprises a front piece 2122, an upper piece 2158, and a base piece 2156. The front piece 2122 comprises at least a gap for receiving one hand of the user, whereby at least one hand of the user catches the 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, the rubber foot 2132 and the base weight 2130 being mounted on a surface such as a nightstand or table. When the dispenser 2100 is stabilized.

The housing also includes a removable or sliding lid 2134 to conceal a container, cavity, or compartment that detachably accepts the fluid reservoir 2150. The dispenser 2100 comprises a removable power cord 2104 for supplying power. The heating element 2172 inductively energizes or heats the fluid contained in the reservoir 2150. The heating element comprises a printed circuit board 2170. The printed circuit board 2170 includes a conductive coil. The conductive coil supplies an induced current to the heat generating structure in the reservoir 2150. The heating structure and the fluid contained in the reservoir 2150 are thermally coupled.

The dispenser 2100 comprises a circuit board 2162. The circuit board 2162 comprises various electronic devices and / or electronic components for making the dispenser 2100 operable. Such devices and / or components may include, but are limited to, processor devices and / or microcontroller devices, diodes, transistors, registers, capacitors, inductors, voltage regulators, oscillators, memory devices, logic gates and the like. It is not something that can be done. The dispenser 2100 comprises a switch 2102. The dispenser 2100 comprises a night light. In at least one embodiment, the night light emits visible light upwards through the switch 2102, indicating a discharge mode or other user-selected mode. In a preferred embodiment, the nightlight illuminates at least a portion of the void in the front piece 2122. The voids in the front piece 2122 are places where the user can reach and receive the discharged amount of 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 optical guide converges or splits the light to obtain the desired illumination effect. The ring lens 2156 surrounds or surrounds the outer circumference of the discharge opening. The dispenser 2100 comprises an actuator. In various embodiments, the actuator comprises an electric motor 2146. However, there are no such restrictions in other embodiments.

Various fasteners and couplers connect the parts of the dispenser 2100. Various fasteners and couplers include, but are not limited to, fasteners 2134, 2136, and 2138. The dispenser 2100 comprises a storage recess 2120. The storage recess 2120 blocks or holds fluid that has been ejected and was not received by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the front piece 2122 comprises a storage recess 2120.

FIG. 21B is a top view of another embodiment of the dispenser corresponding to the embodiment 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 detachably accepts the reservoir. The actuator of the dispenser 2100 includes a drive shaft 2148 for translating the 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 the 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 device for driving the drive shaft 2148 is used.

The dispenser 2100 comprises a heating element 2170. The heating element 2170 generates or supplies an induced current to the corresponding heating structure. The corresponding heat-generating structures are, for example, the heat-generating structures 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, which are embedded in the reservoir 2150. The induced current energizes or heats at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2150. In a preferred embodiment, when the dispenser 2100 receives the reservoir 2150, the heating structure inside the reservoir 2150 is in close proximity 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 arranged such that the drive shaft 2148 and the drive structure of the piston of the reservoir 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 in the reservoir 2150. This detection can determine the nature of the exothermic structure embedded in the accepted reservoir 2150. The properties of the exothermic structure are, for example, conductivity and the strength of the magnetic dipole, but are not limited to these. The properties of the determined exothermic structure indicate the type of fluid contained in 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 detecting the shape of the reservoir and the load on the actuator that translates the piston in the reservoir 2150 and can be used to determine the properties of the fluid. Based on the properties of the detected fluid, the algorism used to energize the fluid can be modified.

In other embodiments, the accepted reservoir 2150 does not have to have a heating structure. In such an embodiment, the fluid contained in the received reservoir 2150 is heated by a resistant conductor, which may be embedded in a container or cavity that receives the reservoir 2150. , Adjacent to each other. In such an embodiment, the fluid is energized by direct heating rather than inductive heating.

In at least one embodiment, the dispenser 2100 comprises a temperature sensor that measures and detects the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir 2150. The dispenser 2100 can change the operation of the heating element 2170 based on the current detected in the heating structure or the temperature of the detected fluid. For example, when the fluid reaches a predetermined maximum temperature, the controller or processor device included in the dispenser 2100 can turn off the heating element 2170 or deactivate the heating element 2170. When the temperature of the fluid falls below a predetermined maximum temperature, the dispenser 2100 can resume the operation of the heating element 2170. 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, the dispenser 2100 comprises a programmable thermostat.

The dispenser 2100 comprises a power supply and / or a power source. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply supplies alternating current to the dispenser 2100. In other embodiments, it can be operated by a DC power source, such as, but not limited to, an internal battery. The power supply device includes a power cord 2104. The power cord 2104 supplies power to the dispenser 2100 from an external source. The supplied power is used for various parts of the dispenser 2100. For example, the supplied power is used for, but is not limited to, processor devices, actuators, heating elements 2170, embedded nightlights, and various user interfaces and user-selected devices. The power cord 2104 comprises a wall plug AC adapter used for prongs for North America, Europe, Asia, or other regions. The finger groove 2152 assists in inserting the reservoir 2152 and removing the reservoir 2152 from the container or cavity of the fluid reservoir 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 control may be a capacitive touch sensor. The touch-sensitive sensor, control, or component is housed within the housing of the dispenser 2100. The touch-sensitive component senses at least one of the 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 discharge opening turns on the heating element and prepares to use the dispenser. When the dispenser properly heats the fluid, the second positioning of the user's hand triggers a single discharge. For example, when the user places his hand under the discharge opening, the proximity sensor triggers the discharge mechanism and a certain amount of fluid is discharged into the user's hand.

The discharge operation or discharge trigger discharges a predetermined amount of fluid from the storage 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, the dispenser 2100 comprises a timer. The timer prevents the discharge operation from occurring unless the lockout time has elapsed since the previous discharge operation. This lockout mode limits the discharge frequency of the dispenser 2100. This minimizes the possibility of the user accidentally causing multiple ejection actions. The lockout time or maximum ejection 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 luminance selector 2118, a color selector 2116, a volume selector 2112, and an ejector 2114. Some user controls are those indicated by indicators or icons. The indicator or icon is, for example, a luminance icon 2128 or a color icon 2126 to indicate the corresponding user control function. Some user controls or icons can be lit with an electromagnetic energy source to indicate a user's choice or other function, the electromagnetic energy source being, for example, an LED.

At least one of the user controls, such as the brightness selector 2118 or the color selector 2116, is a touch-sensitive slide control that allows the user to make a user selection when the user slides his or her finger across the slide control. Change continuously. For example, an embedded night light comprises a plurality of electromagnetic energy sources of various frequencies in order to provide visible light of a plurality of frequencies or colors. In a 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 the nightlight to provide a light source. Various colors of visible light can be produced by mixing red, green and blue (RGB) components.

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

Other user selectors or user controls include a volume selector 2112. The user can select the amount of fluid for one dose discharged by the dispenser 2100. In a preferred embodiment, the user can select one from a plurality of predetermined discharge volumes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21B, for example, as shown by the icons of the drops of three fluids having different sizes of the volume selector 2112, three predetermined amounts of small, medium, and large can be used.

Since the volume selector 2112 is a touch-sensitive user control, the user can touch a drop icon of a size corresponding to a desired amount. or,
Each time the icon is touched, the selection of the amount for one time changes to the next amount, and it lights up to indicate the selected state. The indicators for each of the small, medium, and large drops are individual LEDs. The amount currently selected may be indicated by activating the appropriate LED and lighting the corresponding drop icon. In other embodiments, it is possible to continuously select the amount to be discharged. In such an embodiment, the volume selector 2112 is a slide control touch sensitive selector.

The drive shaft 2048 translates the piston in the 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 discharge operation changes. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the reservoir 2150 is uniform, so the amount of fluid discharged in a single discharge operation is linearly proportional to the distance the piston is translated. That is, the dispenser 2100 changes the distance at which the drive shaft 2148 is driven by one discharge operation based on the user selection in the volume selector 2112.

The ejector 2114 is a touch-sensitive control. When the ejector 2114 is activated, 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 comprises a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically ejects the reservoir 2150 as 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 contained in the ejector 2114 is lit to indicate that the user can safely remove the reservoir 2150. In another embodiment, the LEDs embedded in or in close proximity to the receiving container are activated to indicate that the reservoir 2150 can be safely removed. If the body of the reservoir 2150 is transparent or translucent, the fluid remaining in the reservoir 2150 is irradiated. 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 in the dispenser indicate that the heating mode of the dispenser 2100 is operating. For example, when the dispenser is heating the fluid in the reservoir 2150, the one or more LEDs may operate in a "blinking mode" or a slow pulse emission mode. When the fluid reaches a predetermined temperature, the blinking or pulsed LED switches to "solid" mode. Alternatively, the color of the light may be varied to indicate ready. Other methods of manipulating the indicator can be used to indicate the mode or functionality of the dispenser 2100. Another indicator can indicate that the reservoir 2150 is nearing empty and needs to be refilled or replaced. Other indicators can indicate the error status of the dispenser 2100. The embedded night light can be used as one or more indicators.

FIG. 22A is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the dispenser, showing a fluid reservoir in an accepted state corresponding to the embodiments disclosed herein. The dispenser 2200 comprises a removable power cord 2204. The dispenser 2200 comprises a power switch 2202. FIG. 22A shows the voids in the housing. The void defines a volume between the discharge opening and the storage recess 2220. The void or volume accepts the user's hand, and during the ejection operation, the user's hand can receive or catch the fluid ejected from the dispenser 2200.

As disclosed herein, motion or proximity sensors detect the user's hand being located in or moving within the volume. As shown in FIG. 23A, the night light included in the dispenser 2200 illuminates the volume that accepts the user's hand. The first movement of the user's hand can actuate the heating element. When properly heated, the user's hand is further placed in the void to act to eject the fluid. If the fluid spills into the lower base of the housing or is not caught by the user's hands, the fluid is stored in the storage recess 2220.

The housing of the dispenser 2220 comprises an actuator cavity 2209. The actuator cavity 2209 accepts various parts of the actuator of the dispenser, for example the stepping motor 2246 of FIG. 22C. The drive shaft or pressing member of the actuator drives the piston 2204 of the accepted reservoir 2250. The modified use knob on the piston 2204 indicates that the drive shaft of the actuator has translated the piston and discharged at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2250. 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 the fluid reservoir 2250. The fluid reservoir 2250 is received in the dispenser 2200, which corresponds to the embodiments disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, when the dispenser 2200 receives the reservoir 2250, the heating element 2270 of the dispenser 2200 is placed in close proximity to the heating structure 2220 contained within the reservoir 2250. However, the heating element 2270 and the heating structure 2220 are not in physical contact because the wall at the second end of the reservoir 2250 separates the two conductive components. Rather, the alternating current in the heating element 2270 induces a current in the heating structure 2220. The induced current energizes the fluid contained in the reservoir 2250.

The dispenser 2200 is provided with a discharge port 2280 on the lower side of the dispenser 2200. The discharge port 2280 is arranged on the front piece of the housing of the dispenser 2200. For example, the front piece is the front piece 2122 of FIG. 21A. The outlet of the reservoir 2250 is recessed above the outlet of the dispenser 2200. Further, the outer peripheral 2256 of the discharge port 2280 is configured and arranged so that the outer peripheral 2256 does not abut on the valve of the discharge port of the reservoir 2250. Therefore, a certain amount of fluid flows through the slit or opening of the reservoir 2250 and is discharged from the dispenser 2200.

However, the discharged amount of fluid does not contact any part of the dispenser 2200, except perhaps the storage recess 2220. Therefore, the only portion of the dispenser 2200 that requires cleaning of the discharged fluid is the storage recess 2220. The fluid reservoir 2250 is inserted into the dispenser 2200. Further, the fluid reservoir 2250 can use up the contained fluid by passing through a plurality of discharge operations. The empty fluid reservoir 2250 can be removed from the dispenser 2200, leaving no residue or other trace of fluid ejected by the dispenser 2200.

FIG. 22C is a diagram showing a stepping motor 2246 included in the actuator, which corresponds to the embodiment disclosed here. The stepping motor 2246 is included in the actuators of the dispensers of the 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. This mechanical action drives the drive shaft 2248. The pressing member or drive shaft 2248 translates the piston in the reservoir to discharge the fluid from the dispenser.

In various embodiments, the stepping motor 2246 allows the drive shaft 2248 to accumulate the total distance or total number of steps forward. In a preferred embodiment, at each step in which the drive shaft 2248 advances, the drive shaft 2248 translates the piston contained in the fluid reservoir by a predetermined distance towards the second end of the body of the reservoir. It is displaced. When the cross section of the body of the reservoir is uniform along the translation axis, the fluid contained in the reservoir is discharged by a predetermined amount due to the displacement of the piston and pushed out of the outlet of the reservoir. Therefore, the total amount of fluid discharged from the dispenser can be determined by accumulating the total distance of displacement of the drive shaft or the total number of steps. If the initial storage of the fluid reservoir is known, the dispensers illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B can determine how much fluid remains in the reservoir.

FIG. 23A is a diagram showing a dispenser 2300 corresponding to the embodiment disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 comprises a discharge opening 2380. The night light contained in the 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 light converging device exemplified by the ring lens 2156 of 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 diagram of an embodiment of the dispenser 2300 that corresponds to the embodiment disclosed herein. The lower surface of the dispenser 2300 comprises 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 visible. The valve 2310 is recessed above the opening 2380. The outlet valve holder 2312 isolates the slit or opening of the valve 2310 from the outer circumference 2312 of the discharge opening. Therefore, 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 by the fluid discharged by the dispenser 2300.

FIG. 24A corresponds to the embodiment disclosed herein and is an enlargement of a side sectional view of a fluid reservoir outlet 2414 exemplified by the fluid reservoirs of FIGS. 19A and 19B. FIG. 24A shows the reservoir body 2402. The outlet 2414 comprises a valve 2410 and a valve holder 2412. The valve 2410 and the valve holder 2412 mesh with the reservoir body 2402. The valve 2410 is recessed on the valve holder 2412. The fluid contained in the reservoir is discharged by the discharge force. Therefore, the discharged amount of fluid 2470 flows out through the slit 2490 of the valve 2419. During the movement from inside the reservoir to the outside of the reservoir, the amount of fluid discharged 2470 did not contact either the reservoir body 2404 or the valve holder 2412. The discharged amount of fluid 2470 is formed in the shape of a drop by surface tension and a gravitational field.

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

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

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the fluid reservoir in another embodiment of the fluid reservoir corresponding to the embodiment 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 feeder 2580 is packaged in a blister packaged pod. Dispensers of various embodiments can rotate the reservoir 2514 to continuously align each single fluid supply 2580 with the press member or drive shaft of the actuator. The drive shaft can force the fluid in each single fluid supply unit 2580 to flow out or be displaced.

In some embodiments, the displacement of the fluid causes the foil or thin film covering the single fluid supply 2580 to burst or rupture. In another embodiment, the foil or thin film is ruptured by an actuator component, such as a needle or pin. In the event of a rupture or rupture, fluid will flow out of the dispenser's discharge opening. The actuator can rotate the fluid reservoir 2514 to wait for the next discharge operation. When each single fluid feeder 2580 is used up, the user can remove the reservoir 2514 and supply the dispenser with a new fluid reservoir.

26A and 26B are diagrams showing 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, the container being, for example, the container 2770 of FIG. The container is removable and accepts a fluid reservoir, such as the fluid reservoir 2650 of FIG. 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 comprises an actuator, the actuator being, for example, the stepping motor 2246 of FIG. 22C. When the actuator is activated, the actuator induces a predetermined amount of fluid in the reservoir to flow through the outlet and supplies a discharge force so that the fluid is discharged through the opening. In at least some embodiments, the dispenser 2600 comprises a heating element such as, for example, the conductive coil 2780 in FIG. The heating element heats at least a portion of the fluid in the reservoir.

FIG. 26A shows the rotary fluid reservoir or rotary container assembly of the dispenser 2600 rotated to a closed position. In FIG. 26A, the fluid reservoir is housed and hidden in the dispenser 2600 because the lid 2634 is closed. FIG. 26B shows the rotary container assembly of the dispenser 2600 rotated to the open position. When open, the lid 2634 of the dispenser 2600 is in an angled upward rotation position and the fluid reservoir 2650 is exposed. In FIG. 26B, the dispenser 2600 slides into the fluid reservoir 2650, whereby the fluid reservoir 2650 is housed in the dispenser 2600.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the rotary fluid reservoir assembly 2760, corresponding to the various embodiments disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the rotary fluid reservoir assembly 2760 is a rotary container assembly, or simply a rotary assembly. The rotary assembly 2760 is provided in the dispensers of the various embodiments disclosed herein, including, for example, the dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B, and the dispenser 3100 of FIGS. 31A and 31B. , Not limited to these. The rotary assembly 2760 comprises a rotary assembly body 2790, which receives an actuator 2746 and a fluid reservoir container 2770. The actuator 2746 may be similar to the stepping motor 2245 of FIG. 2246.

When the fluid reservoir 2750 is inserted into or accepted into the fluid reservoir container 2770, the drive shaft of the actuator 2746 engages the fluid reservoir 2750. For example, as shown in FIG. 31A, the dispenser 3100 receives a reservoir 3150. The actuator 3146 includes a drive shaft 3148. The drive shaft 3148 passes through the opening 3108 and engages the piston 3104 of the piston 3150. By this engagement, the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2750 can be discharged and discharged. Actuator 2746 is received in a cup-shaped portion behind the rotary assembly body 2790. The fluid reservoir container 2770 is received in a cup-shaped portion in front of the rotary assembly body 2790. In this way, as the assembly body 2790 rotates or swivels about its axis of rotation, each of the reservoir 2750, the container 2770, and the actuator 2746 also rotates. Actuator 2746 passes through openings, U-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. The conductive coil 2780 is used to inductively energize and heat the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2750. The conductive coil 2780 may induce and heat the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2750 in the same manner as the induction process described in FIGS. 20A and 20B. In a 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 another embodiment, the conductive coil 2780 is located along the inner surface of the container 2770 or embedded in 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 contained in the reservoir 2750. With this induced current, the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2750 can be uniformly induced and heated.

The rotating assembly 2760 includes a choke coil 2792 for separating noise and crosstalk between conductive coils 2780, an actuator 2746, and other frequency-sensitive electrons housed in a fluid reservoir containing the rotating assembly 2760. Equipped with parts. The lid 2734 included in the rotating assembly 2734 hides the fluid reservoir 2750 when the rotating assembly is closed, similar to the method shown in FIG. 26A.

The light emitting circuit board 2794 is arranged at the bottom of the rotating body 2790. The light emitting circuit board 2794 includes at least one light emitting body such as an LED. The LED may be used as a night light as described in the various embodiments disclosed herein. The light emitting circuit board 2794 comprises a motion sensor, another LED that points upward and illuminates at least a portion of the container 2770 in the open position, and at least one of the other LEDs that illuminate various controls. May be good. In another embodiment, the motion sensor is mounted on another circuit board included in the dispenser. The motion sensor may be an infrared (IR) LED. The light emitting circuit board 2794 engages with the corresponding aperture or lens, and the aperture or lens is at least partially transparent to the frequency of light from the circuit board 2794. The configuration 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 fasten, secure, or hold the rotating assembly 2760 in the closed position. In various embodiments, the fastener is a magnetic element. The fastener secures the rotating assembly in the closed position until the user releases the engagement. In at least some embodiments, the user can disengage the fasteners by simply pushing down on the lid 2734. The fasteners can provide tactile feedback to the user in engaging / disengaging movements. The fastener may be integrated with the lid 2734.

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

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir 2850 is customized to an airless pump type reservoir or bottle. In various embodiments, the valve assembly 2832 is integrated with the pump assembly 2820 or cap assembly 2820. The pump assembly 2820 may have a snap-on top. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly 2832 comprises, in the valve assembly, a valve assembly lower opening 2892 leading to an internal chamber, path, or cavity. It also has an opening above the valve assembly. For example, the valve assembly upper opening 2994 of the fluid reservoir 2950 shown in FIG. 29 is similar to the valve assembly upper opening 2942. The upper opening is a flow path through the internal cavity of the valve assembly 2832. This flow path is located in the internal cavity of the valve assembly 2832 and is located between the lower opening 2892 and the upper opening. The flow path allows fluid to flow between the reservoir body 2802 and the nozzle 2812. One or more valves arranged in this flow path selectively block or block the flow through the flow path. The plurality of valves in the valve assembly 2832 allow a pumping operation to pump fluid from the reservoir body 2802 and out through the nozzle 2832. Various embodiments of the valve assembly will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.

The reservoir body 2802 is a bottle, such as a 5 ml bottle. The reservoir body 2802 comprises a first end, a second end, a cross section, and a longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis is a 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 be configured like a cylinder body, a tubular body, or any other reservoir or bottle.

The bottom cap 2806 comprises an opening 2808 or other opening located in the center thereof. The opening 2808 allows engagement between the drive shaft of the actuator provided by the dispenser and the translatable piston 2804 of the fluid reservoir 2850. The drive shaft is accepted into the opening 2808 and passes through the opening 2808. The drive shaft then physically contacts and engages with the bottom or rear meshing portion of the piston 2804. The bottom or rear of the piston 2804 is a drive structure. Piston 28
When engaged or engaged with 04, the drive shaft translates the piston 2804 with respect to the reservoir body 2802. The translation of the piston 2804 is similar to the translation of the plunger that pushes the fluid through the hypodermic needle. As described at least in FIGS. 29 and 30, the translation of the piston 2804 is towards the top or top of the body 2802, which ejects a portion of the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir 2850. .. The fluid is discharged from the nozzle 2812. The nozzle 2812 is located on the side surface of the nozzle assembly 2814. As shown in FIG. 28, the nozzle 2812 comprises a protrusion or tip that is located on the side or outer surface of the nozzle assembly 2814.

Nozzle 2812 may be included in the outlet of the reservoir 2850. The outlet is equipped with a valve holder. The valve holder engages the discharge opening of the dispenser when the cavity or container in the dispenser receives the reservoir 2850. In at least one embodiment, the valve holder comprises the outer circumference of the holder so that when the fluid flows out through the outlet, the fluid flows without contacting the outer circumference of the valve holder.

In addition to the translation of the piston 2804, the translation of the nozzle assembly 2814 is also towards the top of the reservoir body 2802, whereby some of the contained fluid is discharged through the outlet or nozzle 2812. Will be done. Therefore, the user can discharge the fluid from the reservoir 2850, and the fluid is discharged by supplying pumping force to the upper surface of the nozzle assembly 2814. This allows the reservoir 2850 to be handled manually. In this way, the fluid is ejected from the reservoir 2850 either by manually handling the nozzle assembly 2814 or by translating the piston 2804. When the reservoir 2850 is not in use or is not accepted by the dispenser, the overcap 2830 is inadvertent in ejection operations such as when manually pumping the nozzle assembly 2814 or when the nozzle assembly 2814 operates. It is used to prevent the trigger of. As described below, in a preferred embodiment, the overcap 2830 is customized so that the nozzle 2812 constitutes a downward angle.

In some embodiments, the reservoir 2850 initially comprises a seal of a thin film, label, or other fragile or brittle material. The seal covers the opening 2808. Upon initial use of the reservoir 2850, the drive shaft of the dispenser breaks or punctures such seals. By drilling a hole in the seal at the bottom cap 2806, it is possible to visually indicate to the user that the reservoir 2850 has already been used by the dispenser. In various embodiments, a one-time use knob similar to the use knob 1906 of FIGS. 19A and 19B can be provided. These use knobs may be included with the piston 2804, pump assembly 2820, valve assembly 2832, or other structure of the reservoir 2850. The knob used can indicate whether the piston 2894 has been translated from its initial position.

The use knob included in the pump assembly 2820 or valve assembly 2832 signals that the translation of the piston 2804 or the ejection operation by manually handling the nozzle assembly 2814 is in the pre-triggered state. It is especially advantageous because it can be used. A heat shrink type tamper seal can also be used to indicate the condition before use. In the various embodiments disclosed herein, the actuator of the dispenser can sense a load or resistance on the drive shaft. Any mechanism that signals before these operations can exert a large load on the actuator. Therefore, the dispenser can automatically detect whether the reservoir is affected before the ejection operation and whether the reservoir is unused. moreover,
The discharge force required by the drive shaft depends on the viscosity of the fluid and other characteristics. Also, the viscosity and other properties of the fluid that affect the required discharge force will vary from fluid to fluid stored in the reservoir, such as the reservoir 2850. For example, the viscosity differs between water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based lubricants. Therefore, by sensing the load on the actuator, the fluid contained in the reservoir can be determined. The dispenser can indicate to the user whether the fluid reservoir 2850 has undergone a previous discharge operation and / or type of fluid.

In a preferred embodiment, the pump assembly 2820 comprises an adjusting member 2822 or pin portion to ensure proper alignment and orientation when inserted into the dispenser. The adjusting member 2822 comprises a protrusion, pin, or other suitable structure that meshes with or engages with the structure corresponding to the fluid reservoir container of the dispenser exemplified in the fluid reservoir container 2770 of FIG. 27. .. In such an embodiment, the fluid reservoir 2850 can be inserted into the container only when the adjusting member 2822 is properly positioned corresponding to the pin structure in the container of the dispenser. This ensures that once the reservoir 2850 is accepted by the dispenser, the reservoir 2850 will rotate in the proper orientation with respect to its longitudinal axis. Proper rotation requires the nozzle 2812 to be positioned downward and positioned at the discharge opening of the dispenser.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 2812 is tilted downwards (when the reservoir 2850 is arranged vertically). When the dispenser receives the fluid reservoir 2850, the longitudinal axis of the reservoir points at an angle above the horizontal in the dispenser's discharge arm, for example, as in the dispenser 2600 of FIG. 26A. When the reservoir 2850 is housed in the dispenser and rotating assembly, for example when the rotating assembly 2760 of FIG. 27 rotates to a closed position, the downward angle of the nozzle 2812 is approximately vertical and downward with the nozzle 2812. Turn to.

For example, as shown in FIG. 31A, the reservoir 3150 is received by the dispenser 3100. The reservoir 3150 includes a nozzle 3112 that is tilted downward (when facing a vertical position). When accepted by the upwardly inclined dispenser arm 3180, the inclined nozzle 3112 points in a substantially vertical direction. By directing the nozzle 3112 in the vertical direction, it becomes possible to flow the discharged liquid into the user's hand in a vertical and clear line of sight. A clear line of sight prevents the discharged fluid from coming into contact with the surface of the dispenser, thus reducing the need to regularly clean the discharge opening of the dispenser, such as the discharge opening 2380 of FIGS. 23A and 23B. Can be done. In a preferred embodiment, the downward tilt angle of the nozzle 2812 measured below the horizontal when the fluid reservoir 2850 is upright is abbreviated as the angle of the discharge arm of the dispenser measured above the horizontal. It is the same. The nozzle 2812 comprises a valve holder. The valve holder engages with the opening of the dispenser when the reservoir is inserted into a cavity or container, such as the container 2770 in FIG. 27. The outlet of the nozzle 2812 faces substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 2850.

The reservoir body 2802 comprises a volume that accommodates at least a portion of the fluid contained in the reservoir 2850. The volume available to accommodate the fluid is substantially defined by the distance between the piston 2804 and the other end of the body 2802. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir body 2802 comprises an induction heating structure 2810. As at least illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a heating element such as, for example, the conductive coil 2780 of FIG. 27 induces an electric current in such a heating structure 2810. The induction heating structure 2810 is arranged around the outer surface of the body 2802. In some embodiments, the exothermic structure 2810 is an internal structure.

The heat generating structure 2810 is a conductive tube. In a preferred embodiment, the heating structure 2810 is configured and arranged such that when the reservoir 2850 is assembled, the heating structure 2810 surrounds at least a portion of the lower chamber 2824 of the valve assembly 2832. At least a portion of the heating structure 2810 is exposed to the fluid contained in the reservoir body 2802. For example, FIG. 29 shows that part of the heat generating structure 2910 is exposed to the volume of the reservoir body 2902 of the reservoir 2950. In another embodiment, the heating 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 another embodiment, the conductive tube comprises at least a portion of the volume accommodating the fluid in the body 2802 and covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the reservoir body 2802. The exothermic structure 2810 thermally couples with the fluid contained in the storage 2850.

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

FIG. 29 is a side sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid reservoir utilized with the fluid dispensers of the various embodiments disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir is in an uncompressed state. The reservoir 2950 comprises a bottom cap 2906. The bottom cap 2906 comprises a central opening 2908, which allows the drive shaft to engage the piston 2904.

The reservoir 2950 comprises a reservoir body 2902 that defines an internal volume that accommodates the fluid. At least a portion of the internal volume contacts the conductive tubular heating structure 2910. As shown in FIG. 29, in a 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. 28. As described throughout, an electric current is inductively generated in the exothermic structure 2910 to heat the contents of the fluid. In the internal volume of the reservoir body 2902, fluid exchange is performed with the valve assembly and the pump assembly. The pump assembly is, for example, the pump assembly 2820 of FIG. 28. At least one of the valve assembly or the pump assembly interacts with the nozzle assembly 2914 and, in particular, with the downwardly inclined nozzle 2912.

As also described in FIG. 28, the flow path exists to pass through the valve assembly. One or more valves selectively block or allow flow through the flow path. The lower suction port of the valve assembly draws pressurized fluid from the reservoir body 2902. The valve housing 2952 accommodates the lower valve. The lower valve is, for example, a ball valve that blocks or allows fluid to flow between the suction port 2996 and the lower chamber 2924 of the valve assembly. The upper spring valve 2918 blocks or allows fluid to flow 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 suction orifice or suction port 2992, and an upper discharge orifice or discharge port 2994. The lower suction orifice 2992 and the upper discharge orifice 2994 pass through the internal cavity or flow path of the spring valve 2918 to allow fluid to flow back and forth. The one-way valve is located inside the valve 2918. The 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 slanted nozzle 2912.

The lower ball valve and the upper spring valve 2918 housed in the housing 2952 prevent fluid from moving between the nozzle 2912 and the body 2902 unless a discharge operation is triggered. The ejection operation is triggered, for example, when the piston 2904 is translated upwards or the nozzle assembly 2914 is translated downwards. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the downward translation of the nozzle assembly of the reservoir 3050.

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. When the ball valve 2952 is displaced, fluid flows from the higher pressure body 2902 into the lower suction port 2926 of the valve assembly and into the lower pressure lower chamber 2924 in the pump assembly.

When the reservoir 2950 is placed or accepted in, for example, a dispenser such as the dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A, the ejection member prevents the nozzle assembly 2914 from translating forward. As shown in FIG. 31A, the ejection 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 increases pressure in the chamber 2924, which exceeds the restoring force of the internal spring 2916. When the restoring force of the internal spring 2916 is exceeded, the body 2902 translates towards the nozzle assembly 2914 because the ejection member prevents the nozzle assembly from translating.

As the reservoir body 2902 translates towards the nozzle assembly 2914 beyond the restoring force of the internal spring 2916, the spring valve 2918 translates deep into the lower chamber 2924. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the spring valve translates into the lower chamber 3024, exposing the lower suction port 3092 of the spring valve to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. When pushed into the pressurized fluid, the lower suction port 2992 sucks in and receives a portion of the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. Due to the pressure difference, the fluid passes through the internal cavity of the spring valve 2918 and flows into the upper flow volume or chamber 2926 of the nozzle assembly 2914. The fluid flows out of the upper chamber 2926 through the slanted nozzle 2912. Thus, as the piston 2904 translates upwards and a relative translation occurs between the body 2902 and the nozzle assembly 2914, the fluid flows from the reservoir body 2902 and passes through the nozzle 2912 to the reservoir 2950. Can flow out of.

When the displacement force is removed from the piston 2904 by decompressing the discharged fluid, reducing the mechanical load, or a combination thereof, the internal spring 2916 restores the spring valve 2918 to its initial position. Prevents further fluid from flowing from the nozzle 2912. When the pressure in chamber 2924 drops, the ball valve in housing 2952 returns to its initial position again, preventing further fluid from flowing 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 and the spring valve 2918 in the housing 2952 provide resistance to the discharge of the fluid passing through the nozzle 2912 as long as the internal pressure does not exceed the resistance of the valve.

The manual handling of the reservoir 2950 also operates on the same principle, but the nozzle assembly 2914 translates towards the body 2902. In the manual handling of the reservoir 2950, only a predetermined amount of fluid is discharged in one discharge operation. The predetermined amount of fluid is based on the total amount of fluid displaced by one pump of the nozzle assembly 2914. Further, for manual handling of the reservoir 2902, the ball valve in the housing 2952 prevents the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 2924 from flowing back into the reservoir body 2902. In the discharge operation caused by the translation of the piston 2904, the lower ball valve is not required because there is no backflow from the lower chamber 2924 into the body 2902. Therefore, some embodiments do not include the lower valve exemplified by the ball valve.

Another advantage of the discharge operation caused by the translation of the piston 2904 is that the fluid will continue to be discharged as long as the translation and displacement forces are applied to the piston 2904. That is, a desired amount or a predetermined amount of fluid can be discharged by one discharge operation in which the drive shaft applies a displacement force or a discharge force to the piston 2904. In a preferred discharge operation, the fluid is discharged with a single dose of about 0.1-0.2 mL. However, as described herein, other embodiments are not so limiting and the user can select the dose with various dispensers. Further, the reservoir 2950 includes an adjusting member 2922 for preventing misalignment when the reservoir 2950 is inserted into the discharge unit. For example, the adjusting member 2922 is similar to the adjusting member 2822 of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is another side sectional view of a fluid reservoir utilized with the fluid dispensers of the various embodiments disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly of the fluid reservoir 3050 is in a compressed state. Due to the compression of the spring 3016, the spring valve translates downward with respect to the reservoir body 3002 and the suction orifice 3092 is exposed to the pressurized fluid in the lower chamber 3024. As mentioned above, the fluid flows through the spring valve into the upper chamber and the flow volume 3026 of the nozzle assembly and out through the sloping nozzle 3012.

That is, FIG. 30 shows the relative translation between the downwardly inclined nozzle 3012 (or outlet) and the reservoir body 3002. Such translation is due to the ejection operation. In the manual ejection operation, the user translates the nozzle assembly downward with respect to the reservoir body 3002. In the case of a ejection motion caused by the piston 3004 translating towards the upper nozzle assembly, the reservoir body 3002 translates with respect to the nozzle assembly. Such translation of the piston 3004 allows the drive shaft to pass through the 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 a lower ball valve inside, as shown. Also, the adjusting member 3022 or the pin member 3022 ensures proper position adjustment when inserted into the dispenser.

FIG. 31A is a side sectional view of the dispenser including the rotating assembly, in which the rotating assembly receives the fluid reservoir and is rotated to the closed position. The figure of the dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A is similar to the figure of the dispenser 2200 shown in FIG. 22A. The dispenser 3100 has the same characteristics as the dispenser 2600 of FIGS. 26A and 26B and the dispensers of other embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the dispenser 3100 comprises a dispenser housing, which comprises an upwardly tilted discharge arm 3180. The rotating assembly of the dispenser 3100 is similar to the rotating assembly 2760 of FIG. The dispenser 3100 includes a rotary actuator 3146 and a drive shaft 3148. The drive shaft 3148 engages the piston 3104 of the reservoir 3150 through the central opening 3108 of the reservoir 3150.

The rotating assembly comprises a conductive coil 3180, which surrounds a body containing the fluid of the reservoir 3150. The body of the reservoir 3150 comprises an induction heating structure. In various embodiments, the conductive coil 3180 substantially surrounds a portion of the reservoir 3150. A part of the reservoir 3150 is provided with a heating structure for inducing an electric current to the heating element. See, for example, the arrangement of the heating structure 2910 or reservoir 2950 in FIG. The induced current warms or heats the fluid, which is the content stored in the reservoir body 3102 of the reservoir 3150. 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 aligns at least a portion of the housing of the dispenser 3100 with a transparent element 3196. The light emitting circuit board 3194 includes at least one light emitting device, for example, an LED. As disclosed herein, fasteners are used to fasten 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 FIG. 31B.

When the rotating assembly is in the closed position, the tilted nozzle 3112 of the reservoir 3150 points in a substantially vertical direction to prevent fluid from being ejected from the contact surface of the ejection opening of the dispenser 3100. Since the nozzle 3112 is located adjacent to the rigid ejection member 3182, the nozzle 3112 does not translate in the ejection operation. Rather, the body 3102 of the dispenser 3150 is displaced forward with respect to the nozzle 3112. Similar to the description in FIGS. 29 and 30, such displacement of the body causes fluid to flow and be discharged from the reservoir 3150.

In addition to the light emitting circuit board 3194, the dispenser 3100 includes one or more circuit boards, and one or more circuit boards are equipped with electronic components for controlling the operation of the dispenser 3100. At least one of the circuit boards is a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, the dispenser 3100 includes an upper PCB 3164, a motion / touch sensor, various LED indicators, an induction heating coil 3180, user control and the like. The upper PCB 3164 is equipped with an electronic component that controls the night light of the dispenser 3100. Similarly, the lower PCB 3162 houses the electronics for controlling 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 a preferred embodiment, the power cord 3104 is powered by alternating current (AC).

31B is a side sectional view of the dispenser 3100 of FIG. 31A, showing a state in which the rotating assembly is partially rotated to the open position. In the partially open state, 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 rotary assembly opens and closes. Is. In some embodiments, the rotating assembly is spring loaded so 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 rotating assembly. When rotated to the open position, the drive shaft 3148 automatically retracts from the piston 3104 of the reservoir 3150.

FIG. 32A is an exploded view of another embodiment of the fluid reservoir corresponding to the embodiment disclosed herein. The fluid reservoir 3250 is a foldable or accordion type reservoir, the fluid reservoir 3250 comprises a rigid reservoir body 3202, the reservoir body 3202 to form the body of the fluid reservoir 3250. In addition, it accepts or engages with the flexible reservoir body 3206. The flexible reservoir body 3206 comprises a flexible accordion-like body. The flexible body 3206 expands and contracts in response to the amount of fluid stored in the reservoir 3250.

The fluid reservoir 3250 comprises an outlet 3214. In various embodiments, the outlet 3214 comprises a valve 3210 and a valve holder 3212. The outlet 3214, the valve 3210, and the valve holder 3212 are the same as the discharge port 1914, the valve 1910, and the valve holder 1912 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, respectively, or the discharge port 2414 of FIGS. 24A and 24B. , Valve 2410, valve holder 2412. The fluid reservoir 3250 comprises a translationally movable piston 3204. In a preferred embodiment, the piston 3204 meshes 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 the internal supply of the flexible body 3206, and when the drive shaft engages the recess 3208, the drive shaft translates the piston 3204.

In a preferred embodiment, the piston 3204 comprises a centrally located protrusion or recess, which engages the recess 3208 of the reservoir 3208. As the piston 3204 translates towards the outlet 3214, the fluid is ejected and the flexible body 3206 collapses according to the amount of fluid contained in the reservoir 3250. In a preferred embodiment, a heating structure is included. The heat generation structure is, for example, the heat generation structure 1920 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, the heat generation structure 2020 of FIGS. 20A and 20B, the heat generation structure 2910 of FIG. 29, or another heat generation 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.

As described above, preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, but many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specified preferred embodiments. Instead, the invention is determined in its entirety with reference to the following claims.

Claims (10)

A fluid reservoir that houses fluid
A reservoir body that defines a longitudinal axis and contains a certain amount of fluid,
A heat-generating structure that is thermally coupled to the fluid housed in the reservoir body,
A piston configured to translate along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the reservoir body.
An actuator configured to control the linear motion of the piston,
A nozzle that communicates with the reservoir body and
Equipped with
The heat generating structure is arranged in the storage body, is separated from the inner wall of the storage body in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the piston, and is at least a part of the fluid contained in the storage body. Is configured to energize
The nozzle is configured such that the fluid contained in the reservoir body flows out based on the linear translation of the piston towards the nozzle.
The reservoir further comprises a first valve.
In the first valve, as long as the discharge force is applied to the reservoir body based on the linear translation of the piston and the discharge force does not increase the internal pressure of the fluid so as to exceed the resistance of the first valve. A reservoir characterized by resisting the outflow of the fluid that has passed through the nozzle. The reservoir further comprises a bottom cap with an opening.
The opening allows the drive shaft to apply the discharge force to the piston.
When the discharge force is applied to the piston, the piston moves in parallel along the longitudinal axis, and when the resistance of the first valve is exceeded, a part of the fluid flows out from the nozzle. The storage according to claim 1. The reservoir is further equipped with a nozzle assembly.
When the discharge force is applied to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly moves in parallel with the reservoir body, and when the resistance of the first valve is exceeded, a part of the fluid flows out from the nozzle. The reservoir according to claim 1. The reservoir according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting member that allows the position of the nozzle to be appropriately adjusted when the fluid dispenser receives the reservoir body. The storage according to claim 1, wherein the heat generating structure includes a conductive coil at least inside the volume of the storage body. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the heat-generating structure is a heat-generating structure made of stainless steel. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is an airless pump storage device. The reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises an overcap configured and arranged to prevent fluid from flowing out of the nozzle when the reservoir is not in use. The reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir body is a flexible body. The reservoir according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir body is an accordion -shaped reservoir body.

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