TWI825695B - liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] The purpose is to provide a liquid dispenser that can prevent the user from malfunctioning by spitting out liquid just by approaching the sensor. [Solution] The liquid dispenser (1) of the present invention is provided with: a container (10) filled with liquid; and a discharge mechanism (20) having a pump device (21). Driven to suck the liquid; the housing (40) houses the container (10) and the discharge mechanism (20); the first detection part (50) detects the approach of the user's finger; and the second detection part ( 60), which separately detects the approach of the user's finger with the first detection part (50), and the pump device (21) is based on the first detection part (50) and the second detection part (60) driven by the detection signal.

Description

liquid dispenser

The present invention relates to a liquid dispenser.

Conventionally, liquid dispensers such as disinfectant dispensers and soapy water dispensers installed in toilets and the like have been provided. Here, as shown in the following Patent Document 1, the liquid dispenser is equipped with: a container filled with a liquid such as a chemical solution (sterilizing agent) or soap solution; and a pump device (discharging mechanism part) through which a suction tube passes The liquid in the container is sucked and the liquid is discharged to the outside of the casing housing the container; and a driving handle is used to press down the head of the discharge mechanism part.

The liquid dispenser shown in Patent Document 1 is a manual type (mechanical type) in which the user depresses a driving handle to discharge the liquid in the container. In this regard, an automatic liquid dispenser is also provided, which uses a pressure sensor to detect the depression of a pressing plate provided outside the housing to drive the discharge mechanism. [Prior technical literature] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-286406

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, from the viewpoint of measures against viral infections in recent years, for example, the demand for products equipped with non-contact operating parts has increased. Also for liquid dispensers that are operated by a large number of users, a sensor (such as a light sensor) that detects the user's approach is arranged at a predetermined position outside the casing, and liquid dispensing is operated in a non-contact manner. type person.

However, in this case, the detection signal of a sensor controls the discharge of liquid. Therefore, if a user who does not intend to perform a discharge operation enters the detection range of the sensor, the liquid will be discharged.

The present invention was completed in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid dispenser that can prevent a user from malfunctioning in discharging liquid simply by approaching a sensor (detection part). [Technical means to solve problems]

In order to solve the above problems, the liquid distributor of the present invention is characterized by having: A container filled with a liquid; A discharge mechanism unit having a pump device that discharges the liquid by driving the pump device; A shell that accommodates the aforementioned container and the aforementioned discharging mechanism; Detection Section 1, which detects the proximity of the user; and a second detection unit that detects the approach of the user separately from the first detection unit, The pump device is driven to discharge the liquid when detection signals are output from both the first detection part and the second detection part.

It is preferable that one of the first detection part and the second detection part is provided in the housing below the discharge port of the discharge mechanism part at a position where the user can approach. Preferably, one of the first detection part and the second detection part is a sensor in the housing that detects that the user's finger extends below the discharge port of the discharge mechanism part. It is preferable that one of the first detection part and the second detection part provided at a position below which the user is approaching the discharge port is a sensor for detecting the presence of a liquid holding member that holds the liquid The member is supported by the user and is used for penetration of the liquid discharged from the discharge port.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the first detection part and the second detection part are provided in the casing at positions where the detection ranges do not overlap. The first detection part detects the user's finger located above the discharge port of the discharge mechanism part, and the second detection part detects the user's finger located below the discharge port of the discharge mechanism part. The finger of the person is better. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first detection part and the second detection part are provided on different surfaces of the housing.

In addition, the pump device is preferably connected to the first detection part and the second detection part so as to be able to communicate wirelessly.

The aforementioned liquid is preferably a bactericide. In addition, the aforementioned liquid is preferably a sterilizing agent for sterilizing the surface of the toilet seat. [Effects of the invention]

The liquid dispenser of the present invention is provided with a first detection part that detects the approach of the user's finger, etc., and a second detection part that detects the approach of the user's finger, etc. separately from the first detection part, and is controlled to at least After both the first detection part and the second detection part detect the approach of the user's finger or the like, the liquid filled in the container is discharged. Therefore, a malfunction in which the user spits out the liquid just by invading the detection range of the sensor (detection unit) can be prevented.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a liquid distributor 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment is, for example, installed on the wall of a toilet room, etc., and discharges a sterilizing agent (also, in this specification, the "sterilizing agent" is used to sterilize the surface of the toilet seat). Bactericide dispenser that contains bacteriostatic agents, bactericides, and other agents that inhibit bacterial growth). However, the type (use) of the liquid dispenser 1 is not limited to this, and may be a dispenser for virus-inhibiting medicine, a soap water dispenser for discharging soap liquid, or various dispensers for discharging other medicines or cleaning agents.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid distributor 1 includes a container 10 , a discharge mechanism 20 , a suction tube 30 , a housing 40 , a first detection part 50 , a second detection part 60 , and the like. At least the container 10 and the discharge mechanism part 20 are accommodated in the casing 40 .

The liquid (sterilizing agent) discharged from the liquid dispenser 1 is filled in the container 10 . Furthermore, the discharge mechanism unit 20 is provided on the upper side in the casing 40 and includes a pump device 21 and a discharge port 22 .

The pump device 21 is provided with a driving part (for example, a motor) not shown in the figure, and is connected to one end of the suction pipe 30 . When the pump device 21 is driven by the operation of the driving part, the sterilizing agent will be sucked from the other end facing the suction pipe 30 in the container 10 . The attracted sterilizing agent will be discharged from the discharge port 22 .

The discharge port 22 faces the opening 411 provided on the front surface 41 of the housing 40 . The sterilizing agent discharged from the discharge port 22 is supplied to the user's finger (or toilet paper placed on the user's finger to allow the sterilizing agent to penetrate) through the opening 411 .

Next, the first detection unit 50 is a sensor (a light sensor such as an infrared sensor) that detects the approach of the user, especially the approach of a finger. The position of the first detection part 50 is not particularly limited, but as shown in FIG. 1 , it is preferably located at a predetermined position on the upper surface 42 of the housing 40 that is easily visible to the user during use. In addition, the first detection unit 50 is not limited to a light sensor, but may also be an ultrasonic sensor, an image sensor, or the like.

Furthermore, the first detection unit 50 is preferably equipped with a communication means for transmitting detection signals, and is preferably connected to the pump device 21 (more specifically, the control unit that controls the operation of the driving unit of the pump device 21) for wireless communication. Thereby, it is not necessary to arrange a communication cable between the first detection part 50 and the driving part, and the structure inside the housing 40 can be simplified. As a result, the cost of the liquid distributor 1 can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

Next, the second detection unit 60 is a light sensor (infrared sensor) that detects the approach of the user, especially the approach of a finger, separately from the first detection unit 50 . The liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment is equipped with at least two detection parts (the first detection part 50 and the second detection part 60) that respectively detect the approach of the user's finger, thereby preventing the user from intruding into either one. The detection range of the detection part (sensor) malfunctions when the sterilizing agent is discharged. In addition, the second detection unit 60 is not limited to a light sensor, but may also be an ultrasonic sensor, an image sensor, or the like. Moreover, the liquid distributor 1 may further be equipped with another detection part.

Furthermore, the second detection unit 60 also has a communication means for transmitting the detection signal, and is preferably connected to the drive unit (control unit) of the pump device 21 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. Thereby, there is no need to dispose a communication cable not only between the first detection part 50 and the driving part, but also between the second detection part 60 and the driving part, thereby simplifying the structure inside the housing 40 . As a result, the cost of the liquid distributor 1 can be reduced and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

It is preferable that one of the first detection part 50 and the second detection part 60 is provided at a position where the approach of the user's finger to the discharge port 22 for supplying the sterilizing agent can be detected. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first detection part 50 and the second detection part 60 are installed in the housing 40 so that the detection ranges of the detection parts 50 and 60 do not overlap. This can prevent the two detection units 50 and 60 from detecting fingers at the same time. For example, the second detection part 60 may be positioned on a different surface (the front surface 41 in the case of this embodiment) from the surface of the housing 40 on which the first detection part 50 is provided (the upper surface 42 in the case of this embodiment). at a predetermined position so that the detection ranges do not overlap.

By arranging the first detection part 50 and the second detection part 60 as described above, the directions of each detection part can be different (in the case of this embodiment, the first detection part 50 points upward from the upper surface 42 of the housing 40 side. On the other hand, the second detection part 60 points from the front surface 41 of the housing 40 to the front side).

This can greatly reduce the possibility of the user intruding into the detection range of the first detection part 50 and the detection range of the second detection part 60 at almost the same time, except when the user intends to perform a discharging operation. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a malfunction in which the user discharges the sterilizing agent simply by intruding into the detection range of the detection part (sensor).

Furthermore, the first detection unit 50 detects the user's finger located above the height position of the discharge port 22 , and the second detection unit 60 detects the user's finger extending below the height position of the discharge port 22 . The finger of the person is better.

Thereby, the liquid dispenser 1 is usually installed below the user's face (eyes) with the front surface 41 facing the user. That is, when the liquid distributor 1 is used, the area above the height position of the discharge port 22 (especially the upper surface 42 of the housing 40 ) is an area easily visible to the user. On the other hand, for example, the user's finger holding the toilet paper in order to allow the sterilizing agent to penetrate will approach from the lower side than the discharge port 22 . Therefore, by adjusting the detection ranges of the first detection part 50 and the second detection part 60 as described above, the liquid (sterilizing agent) discharge operation can be performed more easily.

As described above, the liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment uses both the first detection part 50 and the second detection part 60 to detect the approach of the user's finger, and takes this as an opportunity to control the filling of the container 10 Discharge of liquid (sterilizer). Therefore, even if the liquid dispenser 1 is installed in a narrow toilet room, the user can easily access any detection part and use it as a sterilizing agent dispenser, and can prevent accidental spitting out of the sterilizing agent. That is, the liquid dispenser 1 of this embodiment is suitable for use as a disinfectant dispenser.

Next, the operation of the liquid distributor 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 . Here, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the liquid distributor 1 . Moreover, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of the liquid distributor 1. As shown in FIG. In addition, FIG. 4 is another diagram for explaining the function of the liquid distributor 1.

As shown in FIG. 2 , when the first detection part 50 detects the approach of the user (for example, the approach of the user's left hand) (the state shown in FIG. 3 ), the first detection part 50 transmits the detection signal to the driving part of the pump device 21 The control unit (hereinafter referred to as "the control unit of the pump device 21") (S21). Along with this, the control unit of the pump device 21 that has received the detection signal from the first detection unit 50 shifts to a standby state waiting for the reception of the detection signal from the second detection unit 60 .

Next, the second detection unit 60 detects that the finger of the user (for example, the user's right hand) holding the toilet paper for permeating the disinfectant reaches below the discharge port 22 (the state shown in FIG. 4 ), and transmits the detection signal to the control unit of the pump device 21 (S22).

Here, at the time when the control unit of the pump device 21 receives the detection signal from the second detection unit 60, it is determined whether the control unit of the pump device 21 has been within a predetermined period since the transition to the standby state (S23).

When the detection signal is received from the second detection unit 60, it is within the aforementioned predetermined period. The control unit determines that the user performs a discharge operation of the liquid dispenser 1, and drives the pump device 21 (S24). As a result, the sterilizing agent is discharged from the discharge port 22 toward, for example, the toilet paper held by the user's finger.

In contrast, when the detection signal is received from the second detection unit 60, it is outside the aforementioned predetermined period (that is, the control unit of the pump device 21 is not in the standby state), and the control unit determines that the user is only If the detection range of the second detection unit 60 is invaded, the pump device 21 is not driven (S25). As a result, the sterilizing agent is not discharged from the discharge port 22 .

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) show a liquid distributor 100 according to other embodiments. The structure of the discharge mechanism part, pump device, etc. of the liquid distributor 100 is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment. Although these descriptions are omitted, the housing 140 is generally cylindrical, and the discharge port of the discharge mechanism part is provided on its lower surface 141. 220. Therefore, in this embodiment, the discharge port 220 located on the lower surface 141 of the casing 140 is provided with a sensor (the second detection unit 600 ) that detects the approach of the user's finger holding the toilet paper. The other sensor (first detection unit 500 ) 500 is provided in the housing 140 at an appropriate location that does not overlap with the detection range of the first detection unit 600 , for example, on the upper surface 142 . Thereby, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the sterilizing agent is discharged only when a finger or the like is detected by both of the two detection parts 500 and 600 .

Here, in each of the above-described embodiments, the sterilizing agent is discharged to sterilize the surface of the toilet seat. Therefore, the sterilizing agent is supplied from the discharge port 22 to the toilet paper placed on the user's finger. However, the second detection unit 60 is configured To detect the user's finger extending below the discharge port 22 . Normally, the user's finger extending below the discharge port 22 will hold the toilet paper for the sterilizing agent to penetrate. Therefore, if the second detection part 60 detects the finger and spits out the sterilizing agent, it will be directed toward the toilet paper. Spit out the sterilant.

However, there may be cases where the toilet paper is accidentally not held and only the finger reaches below the discharge port 22 . Therefore, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, when it is necessary to use a liquid holding member such as toilet paper through which a liquid such as a disinfectant or the like can penetrate, a device that detects the presence of the liquid holding member may be used as the second detection unit 60 . composition. In this case, the second detection unit 60 is configured not to output a detection signal if only the user's finger approaches, but to output the detection signal only when a predetermined liquid holding member approaches. This prevents liquid from being ejected from the ejection port 22 when only the user's fingers approach the liquid holding member without holding the liquid holding member. For example, it is possible to prevent the toilet paper used to wipe the surface of the toilet seat from spraying disinfectant even though it is not there. Waste. Furthermore, since the liquid holding member such as toilet paper is usually placed on the user's finger, the structure is configured such that only when the second detection unit 60 detects both the user's finger and the liquid holding member such as toilet paper, The detection signal for driving the pump device 21 is transmitted, whereby unnecessary discharging actions can be further suppressed. The sensor that detects the liquid holding member such as toilet paper by distinguishing it from a finger is not particularly limited, but for example, an image sensor can be used.

1,100:Liquid dispenser 10:Container 20: Spit out the agency department 21:Pump device 22,220:Spit 30:Suction tube 40,140: Shell 50,500: 1st Inspection Department 60,600: 2nd Inspection Department

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a liquid distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the liquid distributor according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of the liquid distributor according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is another diagram for explaining the function of the liquid distributor according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 5] Fig. 5(a) is a schematic perspective view of a liquid distributor according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5(b) is a bottom view thereof.

1:Liquid distributor

10:Container

20: Spit out the agency department

21:Pump device

22: spit out

30:Suction tube

40: Shell

41: front

42: Upper surface

50: 1st Testing Department

60:Second Inspection Department

411:Open your mouth

Claims (7)

A liquid dispenser, characterized by comprising: a container filled with liquid; a discharge mechanism part having a pump device that is driven by the pump device to discharge the liquid; and a casing that accommodates the container and the discharge mechanism part ; a first detection part that detects the approach of the user; and a second detection part that detects the approach of the user separately from the first detection part, and the aforementioned liquid is a sterilizer that sterilizes the surface of the toilet seat. For the microbial agent, one of the first detection part and the second detection part is provided in the casing, below the discharge port of the discharge mechanism part, at a position where the user may approach, and in addition, is provided at a position where the detection of the inoculum agent is possible. One of the first detection part and the second detection part, which is located below the discharge port when the user is close to it, is a sensor for detecting the presence of a liquid holding member that is supported by the user and used. To allow penetration of the liquid discharged from the discharge port, the pump device is driven to discharge the liquid when detection signals are outputted from both the first detection part and the second detection part. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein one of the first detection part and the second detection part located at a position below which the user's approach to the discharge port can be detected is used to detect the use of the liquid dispenser. A sensor for the presence of both the user's finger and the liquid holding member. The liquid distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first detection part and the second detection part are provided in the housing at positions where detection ranges do not overlap. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first detection part detects the user's finger located above the discharge port of the discharge mechanism part. The liquid distributor according to claim 4, wherein the first detection part and the second detection part are provided on different surfaces of the housing. The liquid distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump device is connected to wireless communication with the first detection part and the second detection part. The liquid dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid is a sterilizing agent.

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