WO1995020904A1 - Distributeur de savon - Google Patents

Distributeur de savon Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1995020904A1
WO1995020904A1 PCT/GB1995/000220 GB9500220W WO9520904A1 WO 1995020904 A1 WO1995020904 A1 WO 1995020904A1 GB 9500220 W GB9500220 W GB 9500220W WO 9520904 A1 WO9520904 A1 WO 9520904A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
soap
outlet
pump
valve
reservoir
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1995/000220
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Frederick Charles Frost
Peter Saunders
William Start
Original Assignee
F.C. Frost Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by F.C. Frost Limited filed Critical F.C. Frost Limited
Priority to AU15435/95A priority Critical patent/AU1543595A/en
Publication of WO1995020904A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995020904A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
    • A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
    • A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
    • A47K5/1217—Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dispenser for liquid soap.
  • Known dispensers used in washrooms commonly comprise a relatively small soap container mounted above an outlet containing a manual valve. When the valve is pressed by the user, a quantity of soap is dispensed under gravity through the outlet onto the user's hands.
  • Such conventional dispensers only allow approximate control of the amount of soap dispensed, are vulnerable to vandalism, and have to be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall in order to provide the required gravity feed. In practice, the valves on such dispensers often drip. Since the soap container is relatively small it needs to be refilled at regular intervals.
  • a soap dispenser comprising a soap reservoir, an outlet and a valve for controlling the dispensing of soap through the outlet, is characterised by a pump arranged to maintain soap under pressure in a supply line connecting the reservoir to the outlet, the outlet being remote from the reservoir, and in that the valve is connected in series with the supply line, and is normally closed and is opened for a period of time in response to the actuation of a switch by the user.
  • the present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of conventional soap dispensers by separating the soap reservoir from the outlet, maintaining the soap under pressure using a pump, and controlling the dispensing of the soap by use of a valve between the pump and the outlet. This arrangement is found to give many practical advantages.
  • valve is controlled in response to a non-contact sensor, and more preferably in response to an infra-red emitter/detector.
  • non-contact sensor is mounted in the body of the outlet.
  • the system is constructed using, for example, an infra-red sensor which detects the proximity of the user's hand to the outlet, then there are no moving parts in the exposed components of the dispenser system. This increases the reliability and resistance to vandalism of the dispenser as well as offering advantages in terms of hygiene.
  • a pressure sensor is connected in-line between the pump and the outlet and is arranged to switch on the pump when the pressure in the soap supply line from the reservoir to the outlet falls below a predetermined threshold.
  • This preferred aspect of the invention uses what is termed by the inventor a "pressure drive" soap supply system with control based on pressure-feedback. This is found to facilitate precise control and is readily adaptable to the use of a large reservoir supplying several outlets.
  • the pump is a peristaltic pump. This type of pump is preferred as maintaining the pressure in the system when it is OFF.
  • valve connected in the supply line to the outlet is a normally-closed solenoid valve connected downstream of the pressure sensor.
  • the dispenser may comprise- a plurality of outlets arranged to be mounted in different locations, each with a respective valve and control sensor or switch for the valve.
  • a method of dispensing soap is characterised by maintaining soap under pressure in a supply line from a soap reservoir to an outlet remote from the reservoir and opening for a predetermined period a valve connected in series with the supply line to dispense a portion of soap through the outlet.
  • the method includes: detecting the pressure in a supply line from the source to the outlet and when, after the valve opens, the pressure falls below a predetermined threshold turning on a pump for the soap; and, after the valve is closed when the pressure rises above a predetermined threshold turning off the pump.
  • the pressure drive soap dispensing system should be used in conjunction with a non-contact sensor, the present invention, according to another aspect, also encompasses the use of such a system controlled by other types of electronic switch.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing soap tube connections
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram showing wiring connections
  • Figure 3 is a pump pressure switch chart showing pressure drive in operation
  • Figure 4 is a timing chart showing solenoid valves with infra-red switches
  • Figures 5a, 5b, 5c are perspective views of soap dispensing heads
  • Figures 6a and 6b are side and plan views of a peristaltic pump
  • Figure 7 is a circuit diagram for a soap dispenser system
  • Figures 8a to 8c are more detailed circuit diagrams for the circuit of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a circuit diagram for the infra-red sensor in the circuit of Figure 7;
  • Figures 10a and 10b are a side elavation and partially sectioned detail of the solenoid valve.
  • Figure 11 shows the valve mounted to the dispensing head.
  • a soap dispenser system includes a soap reservoir 1 connected to a pump unit 2 which supplies soap under pressure to a number of dispenser heads 3 each including an opening 31 for dispensing the soap.
  • a solenoid valve 4 is connected in-line with each dispenser head 3.
  • Each dispenser head 3 includes an infra-red sensor 5 mounted in its body. Signals from the sensors 5 go to a control circuit 6 which outputs control signals to operate the solenoid valves 4.
  • the pump unit is a peristaltic type which by its action will not allow soap to pass through unless the pump is rotating the soap reservoir may therefore be mounted either above or below the pump without effecting its operation.
  • the soap reservoir is of, e.g., five or ten litres capacity.
  • the soap is carried from the reservoir through the pump unit and out through the system using nylon/siliconised air line tubes. All fittings between the different components use brass/nickel plated push-in pressure fittings.
  • a pressure switch 7 is connected in ⁇ line between the pump unit 2 and the outlet manifold 8. This pressure switch is electrically-connected in the power circuit for the pump unit so as to provide a simple feed ⁇ back control system for the pump.
  • the dispenser heads which in the present example have chrome-plated brass bodies, are mounted, for example, through a vanity top adjacent to a wash basin and are fixed in position by a threaded stem, washers and nuts.
  • the corresponding solenoid valve for each dispenser head is mounted under the wash basin at the base of the threaded stem.
  • Each valve is a normally-closed type.
  • FIGs 5a and 5b shows an alternative configuration in which the dispensing head is mounted to the wall above the basin.
  • the head in this case is formed as a tapered rod with both the infra-red sensor 5 and a soap nozzle outlet 31 formed on its underside, i.e. pointing downwards towards the basin in use.
  • a timing button on the control circuit is operated to open all the solenoid valves for a period of ten seconds.
  • the pump is operated to pump soap into the supply tubes.
  • the electronics close the solenoid valves.
  • the peristaltic pump then continues to operate until the pressure switch senses that the pressure in the supply tube has reached its pre-set level. The switch then switches the pump OFF.
  • Figure 3 shows in detail the timing sequence. In this example there is a first priming phase (a) with the valves open and the pump ON for 10 seconds and then a second such priming phase (b) .
  • the next phase (c) is initiated by closing the valves so that the pump starts to build pressure in the tubes.
  • Phase (d) is initiated at point PI on the pressure curve, at which level the pressure switch turns the pump OFF. Then at point P2 one of the solenoid valves is opened to dispense soap. At P3 the valve is closed and the pump again builds up pressure until at P4 it is turned OFF by the pressure switch.
  • the electronics are designed to prevent the solenoid valves from actuating simultaneously. When one solenoid valve is activated others are momentarily closed. This ensures that only one soap dispenser at a time is operational, thereby allowing the peristaltic pump to maintain the pre-set pressure level within the soap supply tubes. As it only takes approximately 1 second to dispense the required quantity of soap, this temporary closing of the solenoid valves is acceptable.
  • the peristaltic pump is operated via an electronic timer so that it runs for a maximum of 20 seconds in the event of a system failure. This provides a safety feature.
  • the pump and control circuits are preferably run from a 12V battery.
  • Figure 7 shows the electrical circuit used in the present invention.
  • the blocks referenced M1-M4 are timer circuits. One such timer circuit is provided for each infra-red sensor. Each timer circuit comprises a timer IC and a potentiometer for setting the timer period. Each timer circuit drives a respective solenoid via an output driver M5. The priming button discussed above operates a further timer circuit M6 which opens all the valves for ten seconds.
  • the block referenced M7 is a safety timer which switches off the pump after the expiry of twenty seconds.
  • M8 is a solid state switch in the power supply line to the pump.
  • M9 is the power supply unit comprising a transformer and rectifier providing 12 volts at 1.5A.
  • Figures 8a to 8c show the circuits in greater detail.
  • Figure 8a shows the main power supply and the prime time and over-run timer.
  • Figure 8b shows the design of the timing board.
  • One such timer is provided for each solenoid valve in the system.
  • the circuit controls the length of time for which the valve is open for soap delivery.
  • the circuit is triggered by the i.r. switch of Figure 9.
  • the circuit of Figure 8b is configured on fixings which connect all +V, OV and lockout lines together.
  • Figure 8c is the solenoid driver circuit.
  • the circuit shown can drive up to six solenoids.
  • sensor shown in Figure 9 is a standard commercially available circuit comprising, in addition to the i.r. sensitive photodiode 81, a voltage regulator 82, a comparator 83, an amplifier 84, oscillator 85, synchronisation detector circuit 86 and demodulator circuit 87.
  • Figures 10a and 10b show a solenoid valve.
  • This has an inlet 101, main body 102 and outlet 103 all formed from a rigid plastics material such as that available commercially as DELRIN.
  • a steel coil cover 104 mounted above the main body houses a solenoid coil which actuates a rubber diaphragm valve in the main body 102 connected in the fluid path from the inlet 101 to the outlet 102.
  • the coil is wound on a bobbin 110.
  • the coil wire diameter is 0.5mm and the coil is specified as having a resistance of 5 Ohms, a coil voltage of 12V DC and a power of 13 Watts.
  • a steel pin 105 is normally biased by a spring 106 so as to hold the diaphragm valve closed, with the solid central body of the diaphragm 107 seating on a DELRIN body seal 108.
  • the spring is available commercially as Radio Spares part no. 3232, manufactured by Kato-Entex. It has diameter 3.2mm, length 31.75mm and is formed from 37 coils of 0.46mm wire. Away from its centre the diaphragm has a thinner portion which provides the flexibility required for movement, and a thicker portion at its periphery. The connection to the soap outlet passes through the centre of the seal 108.
  • the valve is rigidly mounted on the base of the threaded stem 112 of the respective soap dispenser head.
  • 113 is the sink top, 114 the i.r. switch cable, 115 the soap supply tube and 116 the power supply to the solenoid.
  • the peristaltic pump which is shown in Figures 6a and 6b is an Autoclude M500. It includes an ovoid gearbox 61, a synchronous motor 62, a pump 63 and cover 64.
  • Pulse Width 8 l (typical) Wavelength: 940nm Response time: 400 1 S Resistance to external light: 7.5 w/mm2 (940mum) Operating temp: -25 + 60 deg C.
  • Solenoid Valve Asco 1205/2 operating voltage: 12v operating current: 500ma normally closed

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

Distributeur de savon comportant un réservoir (1) de savon liquide, un orifice de sortie (3, 31) et un clapet commandant la distribution du savon par ledit orifice. Un tube d'alimentation relie le réservoir (1) à l'orifice de sortie, lequel est distant de ce dernier (1). Une pompe maintient le savon sous pression dans le tube d'alimentation et le clapet (4) est relié en série au tube d'alimentation. Le clapet (4) est normalement fermé ne s'ouvre que momentanément lorsque l'utilisateur agit sur un interrupteur. Un capteur (7) de pression qui peut être relié en ligne entre la pompe et l'orifice de sortie met en marche la pompe lorsque la pression dans le tube d'alimentation en savon tombe au-dessous d'un seuil prédéterminé. L'interrupteur peut être un capteur (5) sans contact et être incorporé dans le corps de l'orifice de sortie (3, 31).
PCT/GB1995/000220 1994-02-04 1995-02-03 Distributeur de savon WO1995020904A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU15435/95A AU1543595A (en) 1994-02-04 1995-02-03 Soap dispenser

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9402157A GB9402157D0 (en) 1994-02-04 1994-02-04 Soap dispenser
GB9402157.3 1994-02-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995020904A1 true WO1995020904A1 (fr) 1995-08-10

Family

ID=10749869

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1995/000220 WO1995020904A1 (fr) 1994-02-04 1995-02-03 Distributeur de savon

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU1543595A (fr)
GB (1) GB9402157D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1995020904A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001002652A1 (fr) * 1999-07-05 2001-01-11 Paul Gavan Johnson Appareil sanitaire
FR2951928A1 (fr) * 2009-11-05 2011-05-06 Frederic Bosler Distributeur de gel, utilisation et echographe de mise en oeuvre

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2502482A1 (fr) * 1981-03-30 1982-10-01 Roposte Roger Installation de distribution de liquide bacteriostatique
WO1990012530A1 (fr) * 1989-04-17 1990-11-01 Fender Franklin D Distributeur automatique de savon
DE4029462A1 (de) * 1989-09-18 1991-03-28 Sloan Valve Co Luftdruckbetriebene seifenausgabeanlage
EP0534743A1 (fr) * 1991-09-24 1993-03-31 Inax Corporation Distributeur de savon liquide automatique

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2502482A1 (fr) * 1981-03-30 1982-10-01 Roposte Roger Installation de distribution de liquide bacteriostatique
WO1990012530A1 (fr) * 1989-04-17 1990-11-01 Fender Franklin D Distributeur automatique de savon
DE4029462A1 (de) * 1989-09-18 1991-03-28 Sloan Valve Co Luftdruckbetriebene seifenausgabeanlage
EP0534743A1 (fr) * 1991-09-24 1993-03-31 Inax Corporation Distributeur de savon liquide automatique

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001002652A1 (fr) * 1999-07-05 2001-01-11 Paul Gavan Johnson Appareil sanitaire
FR2951928A1 (fr) * 2009-11-05 2011-05-06 Frederic Bosler Distributeur de gel, utilisation et echographe de mise en oeuvre
WO2011055040A1 (fr) * 2009-11-05 2011-05-12 Bosler Frederic Distributeur de gel, utilisation et échographe de mise en oeuvre

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU1543595A (en) 1995-08-21
GB9402157D0 (en) 1994-03-30

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