Fluid dispensing device

Abstract

A fluid dispensing device (100) comprises a dispensing unit (200) including a first electric motor (240) having a first output shaft (250) coupled to a first pump (270). The fluid dispensing device (100) further comprises a second pump (400); and a separable reservoir (300) which is selectively securable to the dispensing unit (200). The first pump (270) is configured to pump air through an air outlet passage (275), and the second pump (400) is configured to pump fluid from the reservoir (300) into a fluid conduit (450). The air outlet passage (275) and the fluid conduit (450) are in fluid communication at or near an outlet nozzle (280).

Description

Fluid dispensing DeviceField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid dispensing devices for storing and / or dispensing fluids and in particular liquids of the kind typically used in household and industrial settings, such as various solvents, cleaning products, insecticides, and personal care products. For example, fly spray, window cleaner, horticultural white oil, deodorant, dry shampoo etc. or solvents such as brake cleaner, carburettor & throttle body cleaner, degreaser, wax and grease remover, kerosene, turpentine, xylene, acetone or ammonia.

[0002] However, it will be appreciated that the fluid dispensing devices may be used in other fields of application.Background of the invention

[0003] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

[0004] Over 16 billion aerosols are produced annually. Approximately half of these are for household and personal care products, and the remainder are accounted by spray paint and industrial chemicals.

[0005] Aerosol products come in a sealed and non-refillable can that is pressurised with a propellant gas. The propellant provides the pressure force to void the contents of the can when the actuator valve is activated.

[0006] The vast majority of aerosol propellants are di-methyl ether or a mixture of propane and butane. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas is also used as a propellant in limited applications.

[0007] However, there are increasing environmental concerns regarding the use of aerosols due to:• The propellants are harmful to the environment and in the vast majority of cases are highly flammable. Accordingly, aerosols are classified as dangerous goods, which makes them dangerous and costly to transport, store and dispose.• The cans are a non-refillable product that generate dangerous and flammable waste that is not easy to recycle or dispose of.

[0008] Aerosol spray cans are commonly used as high convenience solutions for small household and personal care products where a fine aerosol atomisation of the product being applied is desirable, such as fly spray, baking oil spray, hair spray and deodorant among other things.

[0009] Aerosol solvents and cleaners are commonly used as high convenience solutions for home workshops and mobile mechanics and other field work and any manner of small or one off or specialist applications that do not warrant the purchase of specialist dispensing equipment.

[0010] Solvents are used in many industrial processes including industrial, automotive and agricultural cleaning, paint thinning, and countless other applications. Industrial solvents can be difficult to handle and store as they are often hazardous and may be flammable, acidic and / or corrosive.

[0011] Aerosol cans contain an active Ingredient, being the substance the consumer wants to use. In addition, the aerosol can normally also includes a solvent to regulate the consistency of the active ingredient and a propellant to urge the active ingredient out of the can.

[0012] Another problem with aerosols is that they are classified as pressurised dangerous goods, which makes them dangerous and costly to transport store and dispose. This becomes more problematic at elevated temperatures as they are at risk of explosion due to the contents being stored under pressure. This is particularly of concern with the handling and storage of solvents, due to the safety and health hazards outlined above.Summary of the invention

[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fluid dispensing device comprising: a dispensing unit including a first electric motor having a first output shaft coupled to a first pump the fluid dispensing device further comprising a second pump; and a separable reservoir which is selectively securable to the dispensing unit, wherein the first pump is configured to pump air through an air outletpassage, and the second pump is configured to pump fluid from the reservoir into a fluid conduit, further wherein the air outlet passage and the fluid conduit are in fluid communication at or near an outlet nozzle.

[0014] The fluid dispensing device further preferably comprises a second electric motor having a second output shaft.

[0015] The first output shaft and the second output shaft are preferably coaxial and extend in opposing directions.

[0016] The first electric motor is preferably housed within an internal chamber within a body portion of the dispensing unit.

[0017] The second electric motor is preferably housed within an internal chamber within a body portion of the dispensing unit.

[0018] Openings are preferably formed in a radially outer wall of the body portion of the dispensing unit, the openings being in fluid communication with the internal chamber.

[0019] The internal chamber is preferably in fluid communication with the first pump.

[0020] The first pump is preferably fluidly coupled with the air outlet passage.

[0021] The first pump is preferably a turbo fan.

[0022] The second pump is preferably an impellor pump.

[0023] The second pump is preferably an augur screw.

[0024] The impellor pump is preferably housed in a swirl pot.

[0025] The swirl pot is preferably fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit.

[0026] The first electric motor is preferably controlled by an electric micro switch.

[0027] The micro switch is preferably located above the outlet nozzle.

[0028] The augur screw is preferably located in a longitudinally extending tube, wherein an opening is located at a lower end of the tube, and an upper end of the tube is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit that extends to the outlet nozzle.

[0029] The fluid conduit is preferably removable and replaceable.

[0030] The augur screw is preferably coupled to the second electric motor with a selectively separable rotational coupling.

[0031] The augur screw preferably extends inwardly away from an internal wall of the reservoir and a coupling is located on an external wall of the reservoir, the coupling being configured to rotationally drive the augur.

[0032] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of dispensing a fluid from a dispensing device, the method including the following steps: securing a separable reservoir to a dispensing unit; operating a first electric motor housed in the dispensing unit, the electric motor having a first output shaft coupled to a first pump; drawing air into the dispensing unit and pumping the air through an air outlet passage with the first pump; pumping fluid from within the reservoir and into a fluid conduit with a second pump; and mixing the air and fluid in or near an outlet nozzle.

[0033] The method further preferably including the step of rotating the first electric motor at a higher rotational speed than the second electric motor.

[0034] Preferably the step of pumping fluid from within the reservoir includes rotating an augur screw located within the reservoir using a second electric motor.

[0035] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a fluid dispensing device including: a dispensing unit; a separable reservoir which is selectively securable to the dispensing unit to define a hermetically sealed enclosure, an electric motor housed in one of the dispensing unit or the reservoir, the motor having an output shaft coupled to a pump; and wherein the pump is configured to pump fluid from the sealed enclosure into a fluid conduit, further wherein the fluid conduit is in fluid communication with an outlet nozzle of the dispensing unit.

[0036] The electric motor is preferably housed within an internal chamber within a body portion of the dispensing unit, above the sealed enclosure.

[0037] The electric motor is preferably housed within an internal chamber located below the sealed enclosure.

[0038] The pump is preferably an impeller pump.

[0039] The impellor pump is preferably housed in a swirl pot.

[0040] The swirl pot is preferably fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit.

[0041] The swirl pot is preferably located below the motor.

[0042] The swirl pot is preferably located above the motor.

[0043] The electric motor is preferably controlled by an electric micro switch.

[0044] The micro switch is preferably located above the outlet nozzle.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of dispensing a fluid, the method including the following steps: securing a separable reservoir to a dispensing unit to define a hermetically sealed enclosure, operating an electric motor housed in one of the dispensing unit or the reservoir, the electric motor having an output shaft coupled to a pump; and pumping fluid from the sealed enclosure and into a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit being in fluid communication with an outlet nozzle.

[0046] The pump is preferably housed in a swirl pot and the swirl pot is located in the reservoir, a liquid ingress port extending between the reservoir and the swirl pot, the method including the step of mixing the fluid in the swirl pot.Brief description of the drawings

[0047] The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of preferred but non-limiting embodiments thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:Figure 1 is a side view of a turbo fluid spray device according to a first embodiment of the invention;Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the turbo fluid spray device according toFigure 1 ;Figure 3 is an exploded view of the turbo fluid spray device according to Figure 1 ;Figure 4 is an internal mixing nozzle of the turbo fluid spray device;Figure 5 is an external mixing nozzle of the turbo fluid spray device; andFigure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a turbo fluid spray device according to a second embodiment of the invention;Figure 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the turbo fluid spray device of Figure 6;Figure 8 is a side view of the turbo fluid spray device of the second embodiment of figure 6;Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a solvent dispensing device according to a third embodiment of the invention;Figure 10 is a side exploded view of the solvent dispensing device of Figure 9;Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a solvent dispensing device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; andFigure 12 depicts a variation of the solvent dispensing device of the third embodiment.Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0048] Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used to identify similar features, except where expressly otherwise indicated.

[0049] A first embodiment of a turbo fluid spray device 100 is depicted in figures 1 to 5, a second embodiment is depicted in figures 6 to 8 and a third embodiment of a solvent dispensing device 900 is depicted in figures 9 to 10 and a fourth embodiment of a solvent dispensing device 900 is depicted in figure 11 .

[0050] With reference to Figure 1 , the spray device 100 (also referred to as a turbo fluid spray device) includes an upper dispensing unit 200 and a separable reservoir 300 which can be secured together to define a sealed enclosure.

[0051] The turbo fluid spray device 100 may be provided in different sizes, but typically it is provided as a hand-held canister.

[0052] With reference to Figure 3, the dispensing unit 200 and the reservoir 300 are depicted in a separated configuration, for example during refilling.

[0053] The dispensing unit 200 is reusable and should be refilled as required using bulk refill, purchased for example from a supermarket, containing a consumable, such as hair spray, dry shampoo, or insecticide. In such an arrangement, the reservoir may be a single use product that is discarded / recycled after use. Alternatively, the reservoir 300 may be reusable and refillable by the consumer. For example, the consumer may purchase a sachet of shampoo to refill the reservoir 300.

[0054] The reservoir 300 includes a first engagement formation in the form of a female threaded portion 310 which is configured to engage with a corresponding second engagement formation in the form of a male threaded portion 210 of the dispensing unit 200 to define a hermetic seal. It will be appreciated that the inverse of the thread arrangement may alternatively be applied, or another seal arrangement may be employed. In addition to the threaded engagement, one or more O-rings may be provided to improve the seal properties.

[0055] The dispensing unit 200 includes a proximal (upper) body portion 220 and a distal skeleton frame 230. The skeleton frame 230 is defined by a generally tubular cage which is partially open and configured to be inserted into the reservoir 300, so that the liquid in the reservoir 300 can pass between openings of the tubular cage.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, the body portion 220 of the dispensing unit 200 includes an internal electric motor 240. The motor 240 has a proximally extending first shaft 250 (extending upwardly when the device 100 is upright) and a distally extending second shaft 260 (extending downwardly when the device 100 is upright). The first and second shafts 250, 260 extend in opposing directions relative to each other, and are coaxial.

[0057] The first shaft 250 is coupled to a first pump defined by a turbo fan 270. As shown in Figure 2, the turbo fan 270 has a plurality of impellor blades having a generally truncated conical cross-section. However, it will be appreciated that other fan configurations may be used. The turbo fan 270 is configured to draw air into openings 205 which are formed in the radial outer wall of the dispensing unit body portion 220. The openings 205 are best seen in Figure 1 , and also visible in Figure 2. At least one opening 205 is included.

[0058] The electric motor 240 is powered by one or more batteries 245. In the embodiment depicted, there are 3 or more batteries 245. It will be appreciated that other battery configurations may be used, including a single battery. The batteries 245 may berechargeable or replaceable. The batteries my be located within a removable battery cartridge which can be swapped out and replaced with another like battery cartridge and recharged on a dedicated docking station or charging cable.

[0059] When the electric motor 240 rotates, air is drawn into the device 100 through the openings 205, into the internal cavity within the body portion 220 in which the electric motor 240 and batteries are housed. The flow of air around the motor 240 may assist to cool or regulate the temperature of the motor 240.

[0060] A first partition wall 255 is located between the electric motor 240 and the turbo fan 270. The partition wall 255 includes one or more air flow apertures. The turbo fan 270 has a central air inlet and the centrifugal force of the rotating turbo fan 270 creates the air flow and pressure.

[0061] A second partition wall 265 separates the motor 240 and batteries 245 from the liquid contained in the reservoir 300. The second partition wall 265 protects the motor 240 and batteries 245 from liquid ingression.

[0062] The air flow openings 205 enable air to pass through the partition wall 255 to the turbo fan 270. The turbo fan 270 has an air outlet passage 275 which extends from a radially outer location adjacent to the turbo fan 270 and also extends upwardly. The air outlet passage 275 terminates at a nozzle tip 280, having a reduced cross-sectional area.

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 2, the air outlet passage 275 extends through the upper portion of the dispensing unit body portion 220.

[0064] The distally extending second shaft 260 is coupled to a second pump in the form of an impellor 400 which is located within a swirl pot 410. The swirl pot 410 is defined as a chamber located at the distal end of the skeleton frame 230. The swirl pot 410 has a small liquid ingress port 420. The swirl pot inlet port 420 is located on the underside, as shown in Figure 2. This means that if the device 100 is held upside down or at an angle, it will still pump the fluid contained in the swirl pot 410

[0065] A fluid conduit 450 is in fluid communication with the swirl pot 410. The fluid conduit 450 extends upwardly away from the swirl pot 410 within the fluid spray device 100 and intersects with the air outlet conduit 275.

[0066] The swirl pot 410 is defined by an open chamber located within the reservoir 300, which are fluidly interconnect by virtue of the liquid ingress ports 420.

[0067] The operation of the fluid spray device 100 will now be described. A consumer will initially fill the reservoir 300 with a liquid to be dispensed or obtain a reservoir 300 which is already filled with the liquid.

[0068] The reservoir 300 is secured to the dispensing unit 200 by securing the female threaded portion 310 and male threaded portion 210. During that process, the swirl pot 410 is immersed in the liquid and pushed toward the bottom of the reservoir 300.

[0069] The swirl pot 410 has at least one liquid ingress ports 420 which permits the liquid to pass through the skeleton frame 230 into the swirl pot 410.

[0070] When the user presses the electric micro switch 500, the electric motor 240 is electrically connected with the battery 245, to cause the electric motor 240 to rotate.

[0071] Rotation of the motor 240 simultaneously causes the turbo fan 270 and the impellor 400 to simultaneously rotate. The turbo fan 270 draws air into the fluid spray device 100 through the openings 205 and that air is pumped through the air outlet passage 275 toward the nozzle 280. The impellor 400 mixes the liquid contained within the swirl pot 410, and the impellor 400 urges the mixed liquid to enter the fluid conduit 450.

[0072] The liquid passes upwardly through the full length of the fluid conduit 450, and the air and the liquid mix together within the nozzle 280, promoting an even mix.

[0073] The small adjustable spray (jet to fan) nozzle opening 280 atomises the fluid defined by the mixed air and liquid into an aerosol spray.

[0074] The device 100 advantageously provides two distinct streams in the form of the liquid to be dispensed and pressurised air, the streams are mixed and atomised at or near the nozzle into an aerosol spray.

[0075] Figure 4 shows a nozzle 280 which internally mixes the fluid from the fluid conduit 450 and the air from the outlet passage 275 within the nozzle 280.

[0076] In contrast, Figure 5 shows an alternative nozzle 280 which externally mixes the fluid from the fluid conduit 450 and the air from the outlet passage 275 outside of the nozzle 280, such that the liquid is dispensed through a central nozzle aperture, and the air is dispensed through a radially outer nozzle aperture. This promotes mixing external of the device 100.

[0077] Advantageously, the reservoir 300 can be refilled once empty, or it can be replaced with a different reservoir.

[0078] Advantageously, the device 100 is capable of quickly dispensing the contained liquid with minimal delay after the electric micro switch 500 is actuated.

[0079] The batteries can be replaced, recharged, or swapped, enabling the device 100 to be reused continuously, and the reservoir can be refilled with the same or a different fluid when required. Accordingly, a consumer can use a single dispensing unit 200 with multiple reservoirs 300.

[0080] A cap (not shown) may be provided to cover and close the reservoir 300 when separated from the dispensing unit 200.

[0081] Figures 6 to 8 depict an alternative, second embodiment of the turbo fluid spray device 600, and the points of difference relative to the earlier described first embodiment are described below.

[0082] The reservoir 800 includes a first engagement formation in the form of a female threaded portion 610 which is configured to engage with a corresponding second engagement formation in the form of a male threaded portion 615 of the dispensing unit 700 to define a hermetic seal. It will be appreciated that the inverse of the thread arrangement may alternatively be applied, or another seal arrangement may be employed.

[0083] The turbo fluid spray device 600 includes a reusable proximal body portion 720 having a distal coupling 730. The coupling 730 extends through the bottom wall of the body portion 720.

[0084] As shown in Figure 6, the body portion 720 of the turbo fluid spray device 600 includes a first internal electric motor 740. The first electric motor 740 has a proximally extending first shaft 750 (extending upwardly when the device 600 is upright).

[0085] The body portion 720 includes a second internal electric motor 745 having a distally extending second shaft 760 (extending downwardly when the device 600 is upright). The second shaft 760 terminates at the coupling 730.

[0086] A gear train may be provided in place of the second electric motor.

[0087] The first and second shafts 750, 760 extend in opposing directions relative to each other, and are coaxial.

[0088] The first motor 740 and the second motor 745 are coaxial, and the rotational speed of the first motor 740 is configured to be considerably higher than the rotational speed of the second motor 745.

[0089] The coupling 730 is configured to engage with an augur screw 805, using a rotational power transmission means, such as a male and female hex or square drives.

[0090] The first shaft 750 is coupled to a first pump defined by a turbo fan 770. As shown in Figure 6, the turbo fan 770 has a plurality of impellor blades having a generally truncated conical cross-section. However, it will be appreciated that other fan configurations may be used. The turbo fan 770 is configured to draw air into openings 705 which are formed in the radial outer wall of the dispensing unit body portion 720, as shown in Figure 8.

[0091] With reference to Figure 7, the reservoir 800 includes an internal augur screw 805. The augur is part of a sealed and disposable container which defines the reservoir 800. As such, the reservoir 800 and the internal augur screw 805 are single use, disposable components. The augur screw 805 is housed in a longitudinally extending tube which is coaxial with the augur screw 805.

[0092] When the reservoir 800 is attached to the body portion 720, the augur screw 805 is coupled to the coupling 730. In this assembled configuration, rotation of the second internal electric motor 745 causes the augur screw 805 to rotate. Rotation of the augur screw 805 promotes mixing of the contents of the reservoir 800. In addition, the rotation of the augur screw 805 causes the liquid within the reservoir to be pumped from the bottom of the reservoir 800 to the top of the reservoir 800, and into the liquid flow conduit 820 which extend through the body portion 720.

[0093] The base of the reservoir 800 slopes inwardly and downwardly, so that the liquid contents of the reservoir are directed toward the inlet of the augur screw 805. This assist in minimising waste, so that the majority of the contents of the reservoir 800 can be efficiently dispensed.

[0094] The fluid / liquid flow conduit 820 extends upwardly through the wall of the body portion 720, and terminates within the nozzle 830, upstream of the nozzle tip 835. As shown in the exploded view of Figure 7, the liquid flow conduit 820 and the liquid flow tip 850 are removable and disposable. This is because the body portion is intended to be a multi-use component, and by discarding and replacing all or most of the components ofthe turbo fluid spray device 600 that have contact with the dispensed liquid, there is minimal risk of contamination between different dispensed products.

[0095] When a user wishes to dispense a product, a new reservoir 800 is connected to the liquid flow conduit 820. With reference to Figure 7, the elbow 840 enables the liquid flow tip 850 to be inserted laterally into the nozzle, and the liquid flow conduit 820 is inserted downwardly and attached to the connecting seat 822 of the reservoir 800.

[0096] The reservoir 800 and the body portion 720 are coupled by engaging the female threaded portion 610 with the corresponding male threaded portion 615.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, a removable cover or shroud 860 (depicted in top and side views) may be provided to cover the exposed portion of the liquid flow conduit 820.

[0098] When the user activates the trigger 900, the batteries are electrically connected to both the first motor 740 and the second motor 745. The first motor 740 causes the turbo fan 770 to rotate, and the second motor 745 causes the augur screw 805 to rotate. The liquid that is pumped upwardly by the augur screw 805 mixes with the air in the chamber behind the nozzle 835. The pressurised airforces the liquid out through the nozzle 835 in a vaporised / atomised state. It will be appreciated that an external mixing nozzle may alternatively be used, similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 5.

[0099] The rotational speeds of the first electric motor 740 and the second electric motor 745 may each be independently adjustable between stationary and 100% duty, enabling the dispensing of 100% air, 100% fluid, and any combination therebetween. This can be used to customise the rate of dispensing for a given product or a given application.

[0100] Third and fourth embodiments of a dispensing device 900 for solvents are shown in Figures 9 to 11 . The solvent dispensing devices 900 are described in the context of dispensing solvents, and particularly liquid solvents, but it will be appreciated that it may be used with other liquids or gasses.

[0101] Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of the solvent dispensing device 900 in which the motor 903 is located above the reservoir 904 (when the device 900 is upright).

[0102] The solvent dispensing device 900 is refillable by the end consumer as will be described below.

[0103] The solvent dispensing device 900 includes a dispensing unit 902 and a separable reservoir 904 which can be secured together to define a hermetically sealed enclosure 908.

[0104] The solvent dispensing device 900 may be provided in different sizes, but typically it is provided as a hand-held canister.

[0105] With reference to Figure 10, the dispensing unit 902 and the reservoir 904 are depicted in a separated configuration.

[0106] The dispensing unit 902 is reusable. The reservoir 904 may be sold as a refill, for example from a supermarket, containing a consumable solvent. In such an arrangement, the reservoir 904 may be a single use product that is discarded / recycled after use. Alternatively, the reservoir 904 may be reusable and refillable by the consumer.

[0107] The reservoir 904 includes a first engagement formation in the form of a female threaded portion 910 which is configured to engage with a corresponding second engagement formation in the form of a male threaded portion 912 of the dispensing unit 902 to define a hermetic seal. It will be appreciated that the inverse of the thread arrangement may alternatively be applied, or another seal arrangement may be employed. In addition to the threaded engagement, one or more O-rings may be provided to improve the seal properties.

[0108] The dispensing unit 902 of the first embodiment includes a proximal body portion 912 and a distal skeleton frame 914. The skeleton frame 914 is defined by a generally tubular cage which is partially open and configured to be inserted into the reservoir 904, so that the liquid in the reservoir 904 can pass between openings of the tubular cage.

[0109] Referring to Figure 1 , the body portion 912 of the dispensing unit 902 includes an internal electric motor 903. The motor 903 has a distally extending output shaft 920 (extending downwardly when the device 900 is upright).

[0110] The electric motor 903 is powered by one or more batteries 925. In the embodiment depicted, there are 3 or more batteries 925. It will be appreciated that other battery configurations may be used, including a single battery. The batteries 925 may be rechargeable or replaceable. The batteries 925 may be located within a removable battery cartridge which can be swapped out and replaced with another like battery cartridge and recharged on a dedicated docking station or charging cable.

[0111] A first partition wall 933 is located between the electric motor 903 and a solvent outlet chamber 932. The outlet chamber 932 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 940.

[0112] A second partition wall 945 separates the motor 903 and batteries 925 from the liquid contained in the reservoir 904. The output shaft 920 extends through a hole formed in the second partition wall 945.

[0113] The first and second partition walls 933, 945 protect the motor 903 and batteries 925 from liquid ingression.

[0114] The second partition wall 945 defines a closure to enable the motor chamber 946 to be externally accessed, for example to change the batteries 925. The second partition wall 945 may be connected to the reservoir 904 with a pressure fit, a screw connection, or another suitable engagement formation. The second partition wall 945 can only be opened when the reservoir 904 and dispensing unit 902 are separated.

[0115] The distally extending output shaft 920 is coupled to a pump in the form of an impellor 930 which is located within a swirl pot 931. The swirl pot 931 is defined as a chamber located at the distal end of the skeleton frame 914. The swirl pot 931 has at least one liquid ingress port 934. The swirl pot 931 inlet port 934 is located on the bottom. This means that if the device 900 is held upside down or at an angle, it will still pump the fluid contained in the swirl pot 931 .

[0116] A fluid conduit 950 is in fluid communication with the swirl pot 931 . The fluid conduit 950 extends upwardly away from the swirl pot 931 within the device 900 and intersects with and is in fluid communication with the solvent outlet chamber 932.

[0117] The swirl pot 931 is defined by an open chamber located within reservoir 904, which are fluidly interconnect by virtue of one or more liquid ingress port 934.

[0118] The operation of the fluid spray device 900 will now be described. A consumer will initially fill the reservoir 904 with a solvent to be dispensed or obtain a reservoir 904 which is already filled with the solvent.

[0119] The reservoir 904 is secured to the dispensing unit 902 by securing the female threaded portion 910 and male threaded portion 912. During that process, the swirl pot 931 is immersed in the solvent and pushed toward the bottom of the reservoir 300.

[0120] The swirl pot 931 has at least one liquid ingress port 934 which permits the solvent to pass through the skeleton frame 914 into the swirl pot 931 .

[0121] In each embodiment, the switch 501 is electrically coupled to the motor 903 and configured to control the supply power to the motor 903 from the batteries 925.

[0122] When the user presses the electric micro switch 501 , the electric motor 903 is electrically connected with the battery 925, to cause the electric motor 903 to rotate.

[0123] Rotation of the motor 903 causes the output shaft 920 and the impellor 930 to simultaneously rotate.

[0124] The impellor 930 mixes the solvent contained within the swirl pot 931 , and the impellor 930 urges the mixed liquid to enter the fluid conduit 950. As a portion of the solvent is pumped into the fluid conduit 950, further solvent is drawn through the liquid ingress port 934 into the swirl pot 931 .

[0125] The liquid passes upwardly through the full length of the fluid conduit 950, and the liquid then enters the solvent outlet chamber 932.

[0126] The small adjustable spray (jet to fan) nozzle 940 opening atomises the dispensed fluid into an aerosol spray.

[0127] Advantageously, the reservoir 904 can be refilled once empty, or it can be replaced with a different reservoir.

[0128] Advantageously, the device 900 is capable of quickly dispensing the contained liquid with minimal delay after the electric micro switch 500 is actuated.

[0129] The batteries can be replaced, recharged, or swapped, enabling the device 900 to be reused continuously, and the reservoir 904 can be refilled with the same or a different fluid when required. Accordingly, a consumer can use a single dispensing unit 902 with multiple reservoirs 904.

[0130] A cap (not shown) may be provided to cover and close the reservoir 904 when separated from the dispensing unit 902.

[0131] Figure 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the solvent dispensing device 1000 in which the motor 903 is located below the reservoir 904 (when the device is upright). The features common with the earlier described third embodiment will not be described.

[0132] In the fourth embodiment, the chamber 947 containing the motor 903 is seated below a partition wall 911 , which separates the motor 903 from the swirl pot 931 .

[0133] In the fourth embodiment, the fluid conduit 950 extends upwardly and directly to the nozzle 940.

[0134] A liquid inlet port 985 is depicted in Fig 11 on an opposing side of the swirl port 931 relative to the fluid conduit 950. The separation between the inlet and outlet portsof the swirl pot 931 promotes improved solvent mixing. The inlet port 985 may be located relative to the impellor fan 981 to promote liquid being drawn into the swirl pot 931 when the fan 981 is operated.

[0135] A flow adjustment mechanism 650 may be provided to enable the user to selectively alter the spray characteristics using a modulating thumb trigger to control motor speed.

[0136] In the fourth embodiment, the skeleton frame is omitted, and instead, the reservoir 904 is defined by three chambers, namely the hermetically sealed enclosure 909 (where the solvent is stored), the fluidly coupled swirl pot 931 and the fluidly isolated motor chamber 947.

[0137] The distal end of the reservoir 904 defining the motor chamber 947 includes a closure 990. The closure 990 enables the motor chamber 947 to be sealed but selectively externally accessed, for example to change the batteries 925. The closure 990 may be connected to the reservoir 904 with a pressure fit, a screw connection, or another suitable engagement formation. The closure 990 can be opened when the reservoir 904 and dispensing unit 902 are secured.

[0138] In each embodiment, a one-way pinhole air inlet or breather tube may be provided to balance the reservoir pressure when the solvent is sprayed.

[0139] In the fourth embodiment, an electric connection extends between the electric micro switch 501 and the motor 903. The electric connection may be housed within or outside the outer wall of the reservoir 904.

[0140] Each of the third and fourth embodiments include a handle or grip portion 620. The handle is ergonomically designed to enable the device 900 to be held by the first to fourth fingers on one hand, enabling the thumb on the same hand to activate the electric micro switch 501 .

[0141] In the fourth embodiment of Figure 11 , the reservoir 904 is provided having an upper engagement formation in the form of a bottle type closure having a neck that is reduced in diameter such that the reservoir 904 includes a first engagement formation in the form of a male threaded portion 917 which is configured to fit within and engage with a corresponding second engagement formation in the form of a female threaded portion 919 of the dispensing unit 902 to define a hermetic seal.

[0142] In an alternative variation of the third and fourth embodiments, for example as depicted in Figure 12, the swirl pot 931 and any pump components 981 are relocated from the bottom of the device 900, 1000 and they are positioned within or adjacent to the bottom of the dispensing unit 902, above the reservoir 904, and a dip tube 905 is provided to draw the fluid from the reservoir 904 to the pump 981. This arrangement reduces the exposure of critical parts from being immersed in the solvent for prolonged periods of time.

[0143] Wherever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

Claims

Claims:

1. A fluid dispensing device comprising: a dispensing unit including: a first electric motor having a first output shaft coupled to a first pump; a second pump; and a separable reservoir which is selectively securable to the dispensing unit, wherein the first pump is configured to pump air through an air outlet passage, and the second pump is configured to pump fluid from the reservoir into a fluid conduit, further wherein the air outlet passage and the fluid conduit are in fluid communication at or near an outlet nozzle.

2. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , further comprising a second electric motor having a second output shaft.

3. The fluid dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the first output shaft and the second output shaft are coaxial and extend in opposing directions.

4. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the first electric motor is housed within an internal chamber within a body portion of the dispensing unit.

5. The fluid dispensing device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second electric motor is housed within an internal chamber within a body portion of the dispensing unit.

6. The fluid dispensing device of claim 4 or 5, wherein one or more openings are formed in a radially outer wall of the body portion of the dispensing unit, the openings being in fluid communication with the internal chamber.

7. The fluid dispensing device of claim 5, wherein the internal chamber is in fluid communication with the first pump.

8. The fluid dispensing device of claim 7, wherein the first pump is fluidly coupled with the air outlet passage.

9. The fluid dispensing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pump is a turbo fan.

10. The fluid dispensing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pump is an impellor pump.11 . The fluid dispensing device of any one of claims 2 or 4, wherein the second pump is an augur screw.

12. The fluid dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the impellor pump is housed in a swirl pot.

13. The fluid dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the swirl pot is fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit.

14. The fluid dispensing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electric motor is controlled by an electric micro switch.

15. The fluid dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the micro switch is located above the outlet nozzle.

16. The fluid dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein the augur screw is located in a longitudinally extending tube, wherein an opening is located at a lower end of the tube, and an upper end of the tube is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit that extends to the outlet nozzle.

17. The fluid dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein the augur screw is coupled to the second electric motor with a selectively separable rotational coupling.

18. The fluid dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein the augur screw extends inwardly away from an internal wall of the reservoir and a coupling is located on an external wall of the reservoir, the coupling being configured to rotationally drive the augur.

19. The fluid dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the first electric motor and the second electric motor rotational speeds are each independently adjustable betweenstationary and 100% duty, enabling the dispensing of 100% air, 100% fluid, and any combination therebetween.

20. A method of dispensing a fluid from a dispensing device, the method including the following steps: securing a separable reservoir to a dispensing unit; operating a first electric motor housed in the dispensing unit, the electric motor having a first output shaft coupled to a first pump; drawing air into the dispensing unit and pumping the air through an air outlet passage with the first pump; pumping fluid from within the reservoir and into a fluid conduit with a second pump; and mixing the air and fluid in or near an outlet nozzle.21 . The method of claim 20, wherein the step of pumping fluid from within the reservoir includes rotating an augur screw located within the reservoir using a second electric motor.

22. The method of claim 21 , further including the step of rotating the first electric motor at a higher rotational speed than the second electric motor.

23. A fluid dispensing device including: a dispensing unit; a separable reservoir which is selectively securable to the dispensing unit to define a hermetically sealed enclosure, an electric motor housed in one of the dispensing unit or the reservoir, the motor having an output shaft coupled to a pump; wherein the pump is configured to pump fluid from the sealed enclosure into a fluid conduit, further wherein the fluid conduit is in fluid communication with an outlet nozzle of the dispensing unit.

24. The fluid dispensing device of claim 23, wherein the electric motor is housed within an internal enclosed chamber within a body portion of the dispensing unit,above the sealed enclosure.

25. The fluid dispensing device of claim 23, wherein the electric motor is housed within an internal chamber located below the sealed enclosure.

26. The fluid dispensing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is an impeller pump.

27. The fluid dispensing device of either one of claims 24 or 25, wherein the impeller pump is housed in a swirl pot.

28. The fluid dispensing device of claim 27, wherein the swirl pot is fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit.

29. The fluid dispensing device of claim 28, wherein the swirl pot is located below the motor.

30. The fluid dispensing device of claim 28, wherein the swirl pot is located above the motor.31 . The fluid dispensing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor is controlled by an electric micro switch.

32. The fluid dispensing device of claim 31 , wherein the micro switch is located above the outlet nozzle.

33. A method of dispensing a fluid, the method including the following steps: securing a separable reservoir to a dispensing unit to define a hermetically sealed enclosure, operating an electric motor housed in one of the dispensing unit or the reservoir, the electric motor having an output shaft coupled to a pump; and pumping fluid from the sealed enclosure and into a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit being in fluid communication with an outlet nozzle.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the pump is housed in a swirl pot and the swirl pot is located in the reservoir, a liquid ingress port extending between the reservoir and the swirl pot, the method including the step of mixing the fluid in the swirl pot.

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