Dispenser system comprising a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dispenser system comprising a dispenser (1) and a replaceable liquid container (9), wherein the liquid container (9) has a unique identity and is provided with a transponder unit (13) having stored identification data representing the identity; wherein a transponder reader unit (8; 8a) for cooperating with the transponder unit (13) is located within the dispenser (1), and wherein the transponder reader unit (8; 8a) is configured to communicate with an external computer unit (20); and wherein the dispenser system is configured to detect use of the liquid container (9) in order to indicate whether the liquid container (9) needs to be replaced. In addition, the dispenser system comprises an insert module (22) which is detachably arranged in the dispenser (1) and is configured to accommodate the liquid container (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dispenser system comprising a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container, wherein the liquid container has a unique identity and is provided with a transponder unit having stored identification data representing the identity; wherein a transponder reader unit for cooperating with the transponder unit is located within the dispenser and wherein the transponder reader unit is configured to communicate with an external computer unit; and wherein the dispenser system is configured to detect usage of the liquid container in order to indicate whether the liquid container needs to be replaced. Background Art

[0002] Dispensers for liquids such as soap and similar hygiene products are well known. The general purpose of such dispensers is to contain and dispense various types of liquids. Today's dispensers are used in homes, offices, hospitals, restaurants, airports, and other types of environments. Furthermore, such dispensers can be configured to dispense different types of liquids, such as soap, disinfectant, lotion, shampoo, skin care products, or other types of liquids.

[0003] Furthermore, dispenser systems of the type comprising a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container are widely used. The use of a replaceable liquid container, for example for soap, allows the user to easily exchange an empty container for a new, full container.

[0004] According to the prior art, a liquid dispenser system may include a dispenser having a housing that houses such a replaceable liquid container, also known as a "refill unit" or "refill cartridge." Such a liquid container is configured to be positioned within the dispenser housing during its use. As fluid is drained from the liquid container, the amount of fluid remaining gradually decreases. Eventually, the liquid container needs to be removed and replaced with a new one.

[0005] In addition, it is known to incorporate a pump unit, such as a foam pump unit, into the replaceable liquid container or the actual dispenser housing. Such foam pumps are previously known and are configured to transfer liquid, such as soap, from the liquid container and discharge it as foam out of the dispenser.

[0006] Known soap dispensers feature a replaceable liquid container with an integrated foam pump. This arrangement offers certain advantages. For example, because the liquid container is sealed, it is more hygienic than other known systems. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of liquid leaks during replacement of the replaceable liquid container and reduces the number of moving parts in the dispenser. Furthermore, refilling is very simple by replacing the empty container with a full one.

[0007] Furthermore, the dispenser system can be activated by the user via a suitable actuation device, which can be manual or automatic. The manual actuation device can be in the form of, for example, a button or lever, which is arranged to actuate the dispensing mechanism. Alternatively, the automatic actuation device can include, for example, a contactless sensor device, such as an infrared sensor, which is configured to actuate a motor for operating the pump unit upon detecting the presence of a user.

[0008] Regardless of which type of actuating device is used, the purpose of such a device is to allow a user to actuate the dispenser system in order to expel a quantity of soap contained within the liquid container.

[0009] Furthermore, it may be desirable to monitor the usage of the dispenser system, particularly with respect to tracking the remaining contents of replaceable liquid containers. This is to determine when the liquid container is nearly empty and should therefore be replaced. In this regard, it may be desirable to use the container for as long as possible, i.e., not replace the container until it is empty or nearly empty.

[0010] To this end, devices and methods are known for detecting and analyzing the consumption of soap in a replaceable liquid container. In particular, such a system can be provided with a detection unit for detecting the actual amount of soap used or remaining in the dispenser and for sending a signal to an external computer unit and / or maintenance service personnel in order to communicate the need to replace the empty container with a new one.

[0011] In many environments, such as hospitals and airports, a large number of dispensers may be in use. In order to track the usage of each individual dispenser in a particular location, it has previously been proposed to provide each individual liquid container with a wireless transponder unit, which has stored information corresponding to the identity of the liquid container in question. Such a dispenser may include a replaceable cartridge with a transponder in the form of a communication tag, which may be in the form of a radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag. The dispenser also includes an RFID antenna unit connected to the communication unit. The tag may include identity information associated with the unique cartridge and may also be used to detect the usage of the cartridge. In addition, the dispenser is also arranged to communicate with an external computer server and to detect whether maintenance is required when the cartridge is empty.

[0012] While dispensers of the type described above constitute suitable options for arrangements for tracking the use of liquid in replaceable liquid containers, there is a desire for further improvements within the technical field in question. For example, it may be desirable to be able to use new replaceable liquid containers in dispensers of a type that are not equipped with any transponder reader unit. Furthermore, it may be desirable to track the use of liquid containers by accurately detecting the cumulative consumption of soap in the liquid containers.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for further improvements in the art of liquid dispenser systems. Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a dispenser system is provided that includes a replaceable liquid container and has the object of addressing one or more disadvantages of known devices in the art.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, in one embodiment, a dispenser system is provided, comprising a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container, wherein the liquid container has a unique identity and is provided with a transponder unit having stored identification data representing the identity; wherein a transponder reader unit for cooperating with the transponder unit is located within the dispenser and wherein the transponder reader unit is configured to communicate with an external computer unit; and wherein the dispenser system is configured to detect usage of the liquid container to indicate whether the liquid container needs to be replaced. In addition, the dispenser system includes an insert module that is detachably disposed in the dispenser and is configured to accommodate the liquid container.

[0016] The above embodiment provides the advantage that it can be used to upgrade a dispenser system that is not equipped with a transponder reader unit by retrofitting the plug-in module in the dispenser. In addition, this embodiment helps to detect and track the actual usage of the replaceable liquid container by accurately detecting the cumulative consumption of soap in the liquid container.

[0017] The above-described embodiment constitutes an integrated hygienic system using replaceable liquid containers. Because the containers are typically sealed, they cannot be refilled or topped up once empty. Therefore, the system in this embodiment provides a very accurate measurement of the cumulative consumption of any liquid in the container. This measurement can be used to generate information regarding the appropriate time to replace an old container with a new one.

[0018] The plug-in module may comprise a transponder reader unit for cooperating with said transponder unit.

[0019] The dispenser may comprise a transponder reader unit for cooperating with said transponder unit.

[0020] The insertion module may comprise a detection unit configured to detect a cumulative consumption of the contents of the replaceable liquid container.

[0021] The dispenser may comprise a detection unit configured to detect a cumulative consumption of the contents of the replaceable liquid container.

[0022] The detection unit may include a magnetometer sensor.

[0023] The detection unit may comprise an actuator configured to be pivotally displaced by movement of the foam pump unit in the replaceable liquid container, thereby allowing detection of usage of the contents of the liquid container.

[0024] The actuator may comprise a geared element that meshes with another gear provided in the plug-in module.

[0025] The transponder unit may be an RFID tag and the transponder reader unit may be an RFID reader unit.

[0026] The liquid container may comprise an integrated pump unit configured such that actuation of the pump unit in a first direction expel a quantity of liquid from a reservoir of the liquid container.

[0027] The pump unit may be arranged to be displaced in said first direction by actuating the annular flange.

[0028] The annular flange may be arranged to be actuated by a user accessible actuation means.

[0029] The present disclosure also relates to a liquid container suitable for use with the above-mentioned dispenser system.

[0030] The present disclosure also relates to a dispenser system as described above.

[0031] The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing liquid in a dispenser system comprising a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container. The method includes: providing a unique identity for the liquid container via a transponder unit having stored identification data representing the identity; providing a transponder reader unit in the dispenser; providing cooperation between the transponder reader unit and the transponder unit; providing communication between the transponder reader unit and an external computer unit; and configuring the dispenser system to detect usage of the liquid container and indicate whether the liquid container needs to be replaced. In addition, the method includes: configuring an insert module to be removably disposed in the dispenser; and configuring the insert module to receive the liquid container.

[0032] Further advantages and advantageous features of the embodiments contemplated herein are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0033] In the following, the term "dispenser system" is used to denote an apparatus comprising at least a dispenser and a liquid container. More precisely, as will be described below, the dispenser system is configured such that it may or may not include an insert module, which itself is configured to accommodate a liquid container.

[0034] In the following, the term "replaceable liquid container" is used to denote a container for a liquid, such as soap, which container is configured to be easily removed from a dispenser when it is empty, thereby allowing replacement with a new liquid container.

[0035] Hereinafter, the term "transponder" is used to refer to an electronic device configured to receive an input signal and transmit a response signal in response to the input signal. The transponder may be an active or passive RFID tag or some other form of transponder, such as a tag or identifier based on Bluetooth or biometric technology or similar technologies.

[0036] In the following, the term "transponder reader unit" is used to denote an electronic device that is configured to cooperate with one or more transponders in such a way that data stored on said transponders can be read. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid dispenser according to a first embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 a perspective view of the dispenser in a state in which the housing of the dispenser is opened to allow access to the interior of the dispenser;

[0040] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a replaceable liquid container for placement in a dispenser;

[0041] Figure 4 With Figure 2 The corresponding views show the dispenser system with the dispenser, but including a replaceable liquid container positioned in the dispenser;

[0042] Figure 5A The operation of the replaceable liquid container and the actuation unit in the first state is shown;

[0043] Figure 5B shows the operation of the replaceable liquid container and the actuation unit in the second state;

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a system for detecting consumption of a liquid container;

[0045] Figure 7 shows a plug-in module according to the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 8 A view showing the dispenser, including the Figure 7 Plug-in modules;

[0047] Figure 9 The insertion module is shown from another angle, with the detection device particularly shown;

[0048] Figure 10 Shown with Figure 8 a corresponding view in which the dispenser system includes a replaceable liquid container mounted in and supported by an insert module; and

[0049] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a system for detecting consumption of a liquid container according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following will more fully describe various aspects of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the following embodiments.

[0051] Reference first Figure 1 , a perspective view of a dispenser 1 for dispensing a liquid, such as soap, is shown. The dispenser 1 can alternatively be used for other liquids, such as disinfectants, lotions, shampoos, skin care products, detergents, antiseptics, heat retainers, alcohol gels or similar liquids, or alternatively for fluids such as dispersions (e.g. aerosols). The dispenser 1 is configured so that the liquid can be discharged in the form of a fluid, gel, foam, spray or the like. Typically, the dispenser 1 is configured to be placed at a location where the liquid is to be used, such as a bathroom, a hospital room or a kitchen.

[0052] According to one embodiment shown in the drawings, the dispenser 1 is used to dispense soap which is treated to be discharged as foam. To this end, the dispenser 1 can be Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foam pump unit is not shown but will be described below to actuate.

[0053] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dispenser 1 shown comprises a housing 2 configured to house a replaceable liquid container (in Figure 1 and 2 The housing 2 comprises a first part 3 and a second part 4, which are joined to one another by a hinge and which can be locked together by a lock 5. Other fastening means between the first part 3 and the second part 4 are also possible. The first part 3 corresponds to the front side of the housing 2, while the second part 4 corresponds to the rear side of the housing and is furthermore arranged to be mounted on a wall, for example. The first part 3 and the second part 4 are suitably joined to one another by a hinge along the bottom of the housing 2. This is in Figure 2As is clearly shown in the figure, it can be seen that the first part 3 is pivotably arranged relative to the second part 4 via a hinge mechanism 6 in the form of a pivot joint or the like.

[0054] Other designs for opening the housing 2 are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the housing 2 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal.

[0055] As previously mentioned, the dispenser 1 is provided with an actuating device 7. The embodiment shown in the figures comprises an actuating device 7 in the form of a manual push button. A user wishing to dispense a quantity of soap must push the actuating device 7, which will cause the liquid to be discharged in the manner described below.

[0056] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the dispenser 1 can optionally be provided with an automatic actuation unit, which can include, for example, a contactless sensor unit based on an infrared sensor unit. Upon detecting the presence of a user, actuation of the sensor can then cause the motor to be activated to operate the dispenser. The technology associated with contactless actuation sensors in the field of soap dispensers is previously known.

[0057] Furthermore, the dispenser 1 is of a type equipped with a transponder reader unit 8, ie an antenna unit or transponder detection unit, which is arranged to detect and cooperate with a transponder unit on a liquid container. Figure 3 Describe the transponder unit.

[0058] Figure 3 A replaceable liquid container 9, also called a "refill unit", is shown, which is intended to be used with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The liquid container 9 is designed to be used with the dispenser shown. The liquid container 9 is designed to store and transport the liquid before use in the dispenser 1. The liquid container 9 is also designed to be inserted and installed in the dispenser 1 to dispense the liquid. The liquid container 9 is designed for use in a dispenser type that dispenses from the bottom of the dispenser. When the liquid container 9 is empty, it must be removed and replaced with a new container.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid container 9 includes a liquid reservoir 10 and a foam pump unit 11, which is connected to and ends at a dispensing port 12. The liquid reservoir 10 is the portion of the liquid container 9 that stores liquid. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir 10 is shown as having a generally cylindrical shape, but other three-dimensional shapes are possible. Thus, the reservoir 10 is hollow and made of a material suitable for the liquid contained without degrading the liquid or the reservoir. Suitable materials for the reservoir 10 are plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0060] Furthermore, liquid container 9 includes a pump unit, which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a foam pump unit 11, whose function is to transfer liquid from liquid reservoir 10 and dispense it in the form of foam. To this end, liquid reservoir 10 is connected to and in fluid communication with a dispensing opening 12 via foam pump unit 11, through which the foamed liquid is discharged. Foam pump units 11 for liquid dispensers of the aforementioned type are previously known from patent document WO 2011 / 133085. Therefore, pump unit 11 will not be described in any further detail here.

[0061] However, it should be noted that by activating the foam pump unit 11 by moving the lower portion of the foam pump unit 11 upwards, i.e. in a first, substantially vertical direction (arrow V), a quantity of liquid in the form of foam is expelled from the reservoir 10 through the dispensing opening 12. Figure 3 As shown, the pump unit 11 is located at one end of the reservoir 10 , with a first, substantially vertical direction (arrow V) corresponding to the extension of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical reservoir 10 .

[0062] As mentioned above, the present disclosure is based on the principle that the contents of the liquid container 9 may be in a variety of forms, suitably but not limited to foam, spray, gel, lotion or the like. Different types of contents in the liquid container 9 and different methods of discharging said contents may require different types of pump units that are suitable for the contents of the liquid container 9. This means that the present disclosure is not limited to, for example, Figure 3 The dispenser system with the foam pump unit described above can be implemented with other types of pump units. In fact, examples of optional types of pump units are disclosed in patent document WO 2017 / 050390.

[0063] Figure 4 The dispenser system is shown in an operating mode, comprising a dispenser 1 and a liquid container 9, with the housing 2 in an open state. When the first part 3 of the housing 2 is closed, the dispenser system is ready for use. As shown, the dispenser 1 is equipped with a replaceable liquid container 9, i.e. in a state in which the container 9 is located inside the housing 2. In this case, the liquid container 9 rests on a bottom surface 14 in the housing 2 and is arranged so that a pump unit 11 extends downwardly through an opening 15 in said bottom surface 14. Furthermore, the pump unit 11 is located behind the actuating device 7 so that it can be mechanically activated by the actuating device 7 when a user wishes to dispense soap. More precisely and with further reference to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , Figure 5A 、 Figure 5BA side view of a replaceable liquid container 9 is shown, wherein the actuation unit 7 is shown in cross section, and it should first be noted that the actuation device 7 is arranged in a pivotable manner about a pivot axis 16 provided in the dispenser 1. Furthermore, the actuation device 7 comprises an actuator surface 7a configured to be pushable by a user, and a pump actuator 7b, which is configured to be located below an annular flange 17 extending around the pump unit 11 when the actuation device 7 is in the standby state.

[0064] In the first position, such as Figure 5A As shown, the actuator 7 is in a pivotable position accessible to the user. When the user pushes on the actuator surface 7a, the actuator 7 will pivot in a counterclockwise direction. This rotation moves the pump actuator 7b to move in an upward direction (i.e. Figure 5A The arrow V in FIG. 1 presses the flange 17, thereby actuating the pump unit 11. In the second position, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown, the pump actuator 7 b has reached a pivotable position in which the flange 17 has been pressed into an upper position, which corresponds to a state in which foam has been pumped out through the dispensing opening 12 .

[0065] For example, from the above-mentioned document WO 2011 / 133085 it is known how to operate as Figure 5A and 5B The actuating device shown is used to actuate the dispenser system.

[0066] The replaceable liquid container 9 is provided with means for storing unique identification data associated with said liquid container 9. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in FIG, the liquid container 9 is equipped with an electronic transponder 13, which can be pre-programmed with data indicating a unique data code corresponding to the identity of each individual container 9. In a specific embodiment, the transponder 13 is suitably positioned on or near the bottom outer surface of the liquid container 9 (see, for example, FIG. Figure 4 ). Alternatively, the transponder 13 may be embedded in the material forming the reservoir 10. Furthermore, it should be noted that the transponder 13 is drawn in a schematic manner, see for example Figure 4 , and should be positioned at an appropriate distance from the transponder reader unit 8 so as to cooperate with said transponder reader unit 8 .

[0067] The term "transponder" refers to an electronic device configured to receive a signal and transmit a response signal in response to an input signal. A specific type of known transponder suitable for use in the present disclosure is a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponder, also known as an RFID tag, which uses electromagnetic radiation to receive and process input signals and transmit output signals. An RFID transponder is typically designed as a tag or label that includes an antenna component that receives an input signal and a processor component that processes the input signal and also transmits an output signal via the antenna component.

[0068] As is known, an RFID transponder can be programmed with data indicating the transponder's unique identity. Thus, the RFID transponder 13 shown in the figure is programmed with data indicating the identity of the corresponding liquid container 9 to which the RFID transponder 13 is attached. This means that during the manufacturing process of each liquid container 9, its unique identity is already stored on the attached RFID transponder 13.

[0069] The RFID transponder can be passive (i.e., without any power source) or active (i.e., including a power source). Furthermore, in addition to data indicating the actual identity of a given liquid container, the RFID transponder 13 can also be programmed with data indicating, for example, the type of liquid stored in the liquid container 9 and the total amount of liquid stored in the liquid container 9. Furthermore, the RFID transponder 13 can include data indicating the make of the liquid container 9, or the appropriate size of a dispensed soap dose, or other types of data related to the liquid container and / or its contents.

[0070] According to other contemplated examples, the transponder may also be of other types, such as an optically readable barcode or a barcode based on e.g. A label or logo for a technology.

[0071] In addition, you can Figure 2 and 4 The transponder reader unit 8 shown is used to detect and read data associated with the transponder 13. To this end, the transponder reader unit 8 is arranged to send an interrogation signal to the transponder 13. For example, such an interrogation signal can be sent to request data representing the identity of the liquid container 9 or the type of liquid in the liquid container 9 from the transponder 13. A response signal from the transponder 13 is then received and stored by the transponder reader unit 8. Figure 6 , shows in a simplified manner a schematic diagram of a system for transmitting data to and from a dispenser 1. The system is based on a microprocessor 18, which is operatively connected to a transponder reader unit 8 and an actuating device 7. To this end, the actuating device 7 is equipped with an electric switch or detector (not shown) configured to generate an actuation signal and to transmit said actuation signal to the microprocessor 18 whenever the user actuates the dispenser 1 by pushing the actuating device 7.

[0072] When the user pushes the actuator 7, an interrogation signal from the microprocessor 18 to the transponder 13 is appropriately transmitted from the transponder reader unit 8. This signal is transmitted to the transponder 13, which in turn generates a response signal including data indicating the actual identity of the transponder 13. This response signal is forwarded to the microprocessor 18. This can be repeated at a specific point in time or at a specific frequency, or when the actuator 7 sends a start signal indicating that dispensing has begun.

[0073] The information collected by the microprocessor 18 can then be forwarded to a communication unit 19, which is configured to transmit the data to an external computer unit 20, which is configured to process the input data. According to one embodiment, the communication unit 19 includes a radio transceiver that is arranged to provide two-way radio communication with the external computer unit 20. A computer storage unit 21, such as a database, is suitably operatively connected to the external computer unit 20.

[0074] In one embodiment, the RFID transponder 13 contains only information about the unique identity of the liquid container 9. During an interrogation event, data related to the identity of the liquid container 9 is sent to an external computer 20, which is configured to retrieve relevant data about the liquid container 9 and its contents from a database 21. Such relevant data may include information about the identity of the liquid container 9 and the accumulated stroke volume of the pump unit 11. Based on such relevant data, information about, for example, the appropriate time to replace the liquid container 9 can be forwarded to the cleaning staff.

[0075] Thus, the external computer unit 20 can send information to the cleaning staff about the liquid level in the liquid container 9, or optionally information about whether the recommended latest use date of a specific liquid container 9 has expired, or whether the liquid container 9 needs to be replaced due to, for example, specific quality characteristics.

[0076] In summary, the dispenser 1 is configured to accommodate a replaceable liquid container 9 having a unique identity and also carries a transponder unit 13 having stored identification data representing the identity of the liquid container 9. Furthermore, the dispenser 1 includes a transponder reader unit 8 for cooperating with the transponder unit 13 and further configured to communicate with an external computer unit 20. Furthermore, the dispenser 1 is configured to detect the accumulated usage of the liquid container 9 to indicate whether the liquid container 9 needs to be replaced.

[0077] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8The dispenser system in the embodiment shown comprises a removable plug-in module 22. The term "plug-in module" is used to describe a unit that is positioned in a removable manner (i.e. temporarily or more permanently, i.e. for a relatively long time) within the housing 2. Thus, the plug-in module 22 may or may not form part of the dispenser system. The plug-in module 22 is located in Figure 7 is shown separately and is shown in Figure 8 2 is in its state of being located within the housing 2 of the dispenser 1. In one embodiment, the purpose of this arrangement is to use the insert module 22 to accommodate the replaceable liquid container 9 during operation of the dispenser system. More precisely, the insert module 22 is first positioned in the housing 2, and then the liquid container 9 is positioned in the insert module 22. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the insert module 22 is designed with a base 23 that is generally U-shaped and is used to accommodate the liquid container 9, and a rear portion 24 that is positioned to be placed behind the replaceable liquid container 9 during use of the dispenser 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the insertion module 22 is equipped with a transponder reader unit 8a, which is arranged to cooperate with the transponder unit 13 carried by the liquid container 9 in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 2 、 3 In a similar manner as described for the transponder reader unit 8 shown in FIG. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the transponder reader unit 8 a is positioned in the rear part 24 of the plug-in module 22 .

[0079] This means that the plug-in module 22 can be used in dispenser systems that are not equipped with any transponder reader unit and that need to detect the transponder unit 13 on the liquid container 9. In other words, a dispenser 1 that is not manufactured with any transponder reader unit can be used as Figure 6 and 7 The plug-in module 22 shown (with built-in transponder reader unit 8a) is retrofitted. Such a dispenser 1 can then be used with a liquid container 9 having a transponder unit 13.

[0080] It should be noted that the dispenser system is configured to be operated with or without the plug-in module 22. The first case is suitable if the dispenser 1 is not equipped with any transponder reader unit. This may be relevant, for example, for optional dispenser types that were not originally manufactured for use with liquid containers having a transponder unit.

[0081] Furthermore, it should be noted that in certain embodiments, the plug-in module 22 is optionally provided without any transponder reader unit. Such a plug-in module 22 may be suitable for use in situations where the dispenser 1 itself already has a transponder reader unit 8, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0082] The dispenser system as a whole therefore comprises a transponder reader unit which is positioned in the housing or in the plug-in module (if such a plug-in module is used). This means that the dispenser system can be used with or without Figure 7 Operate with the module inserted as shown.

[0083] Hence, the fact that the dispenser system comprises a transponder reader unit 8, 8a for detecting transponders 13 should be interpreted as meaning that the plug-in module 22 or the dispenser 1 itself (ie suitably located within the housing 2) is provided with such a transponder reader unit 8, 8a.

[0084] exist Figure 7 and 8 In the embodiment shown, the insertion module 22 is further equipped with a detection unit 25 for detecting the cumulative consumption of the contents of the replaceable liquid container 9. This can be suitably achieved by detecting the operation of the pump unit 11. More precisely, the detection unit 25 is based on a substantially C-shaped actuator 26 which is pivotally arranged in the bottom 27 of the insertion module 22 and is arranged to follow the movement of the pump unit 11. Figure 5A and 5B The flange 17 of the pump unit 11 is shown to move. This is achieved by the C-shaped actuator 26 being configured to be positioned around the circumference of the pump unit 11 and being urged in the vertical direction by the movement of the flange 17. Figure 9 Describing in greater detail, the C-shaped actuator 26 may be used to detect usage of the pump unit 11 and send information regarding such usage to the microprocessor.

[0085] Figure 8 The dispenser 1 is shown with the plug-in module 22 mounted in the housing 2 , ie such that the base 23 of the plug-in module 22 rests on the bottom face 14 of the housing 2 and such that the bottom 27 extends through the opening 15 in the bottom face 14 .

[0086] Figure 9 The plug-in module 22 is shown in more detail. As mentioned above, the plug-in module comprises a base 23 and a rear part 24. The transponder reader unit 8a is integrated into the rear part 24. Furthermore, the detection unit 25 takes the form of a generally C-shaped actuator 26, which is pivotably hinged in a bottom part 27, which in turn is attached to the base 23.

[0087] exist Figure 9In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 25 has a toothed portion 28 that meshes with a rotating gear element, which, according to the present embodiment, is constituted by a gear 29 that is arranged in the base 23 in such a way that it can rotate about a substantially vertically arranged axis. Furthermore, any rotational movement of the C-shaped actuator 26 (caused by actuation of the pump unit 11) will act so that the toothed portion 28 forces the gear 29 to rotate in a direction corresponding to the direction of the pivoting movement of the actuator 26.

[0088] The toothed wheel 29 is arranged to cooperate with a suitable sensor, such as a Hall sensor, which is a magnetometer sensor of a previously known type based on a magnetic sensor that senses the presence of a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 30 .

[0089] According to one embodiment, the sensor comprises a two-dimensional or three-dimensional Hall effect sensor that measures the orthogonal magnetic fields in the plane of rotation of the magnet. As the magnet rotates during dispenser actuation, the ratio of the magnetic field strengths in the measured dimensions changes, and this ratio is used to determine the magnet's rotation angle.

[0090] Magnetic sensor in Figure 9 The plug-in module 22 is not shown here, but is suitably arranged as a separate unit in the plug-in module 22, for example in a printed circuit board 31 positioned in the base 23. In addition, the plug-in module 22 comprises a compartment for a power supply, in this particular embodiment in the form of a plurality of batteries 32, which are enclosed by a lower section 33 and an upper section 34. The lower section 33 covers the printed circuit board 31.

[0091] Thus, the magnetic sensor is positioned on a printed circuit board 31 enclosed in a compartment (defined by the base 23 and the lower section 33 ) suitably arranged in a waterproof manner, while the magnet 30 is arranged outside said waterproof compartment.

[0092] For example, Figure 5A 、 5B The actuator 7 shown in Figures 1 and 8 is directly displaced by the user by a pushing motion. Thus, the actuator 7 converts the displacement caused by the user into a motion of the detection unit 25, which corresponds to the displacement of the pump unit 11 and also to the amount of liquid dispensed. It should be mentioned that the actuator 7 (see Figure 5A and 5B ) is indirectly connected to the detection unit 25. More precisely, the movement of the actuating device 7 causes the flange 17 of the pump unit 11 to be displaced. This movement in turn causes the C-shaped actuator 26 to pivot as described above. Thus, the actuating device 7 and the detection unit 25 interact via this indirect connection.

[0093] This means that the detection unit 25 can be used to measure the actual cumulative amount of liquid dispensed from the liquid container 9. Such information is suitably combined with information about the point in time at which dispensing took place, ie when the user pushed the actuation means 7.

[0094] Figure 10 An embodiment of a dispenser system is shown in which an insert module 22 is located in the housing 2. Next, the replaceable liquid container 9 is positioned in the insert module 22 in such a way that the pump unit 11 extends through the U-shaped space defined by the base 23. Furthermore, the pump unit 11 is positioned so that the C-shaped actuator 26 of the detection unit 25 is positioned around a portion of the circumference of the pump unit 11. This means that when the user pushes the actuator 7, the pump unit 11 will be moved as shown in FIG. Figure 5A and 5B Said movement, i.e., forces the flange 17 upwards. This also means that the C-shaped actuator 26 pivots upwards. By means of the toothed portion 28 of the actuator 26 (see Figure 9 ), detection of the movement of the pump unit 11 can be obtained.

[0095] The displacement of the pump unit 11 actuated by the user of the dispenser 1 is detected by the detection unit 25. The information about the liquid container 9, such as the type of pump and the type of liquid in the container 9, which has been obtained by reading the transponder unit 13, the accumulated (total) amount of displacement events of the pump unit 11 can be converted into an accurate measurement of the amount of liquid consumed by the liquid container 9. This conversion can be performed by using previously stored information about the nominal amount of liquid dispensed for each actuation of the dispenser or the amount of liquid corresponding to a given displacement of the pump unit 11.

[0096] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 More precisely, the system is based on a transponder unit 13 which can be detected by a transponder reader unit 8a which is operatively connected to a microprocessor 18. Furthermore, the actuator 7 is generally similar to the reference Figure 6 Said same means are connected to the microprocessor 18 , ie such that when the user activates the dispenser 1 , a signal is generated and transmitted to the microprocessor 18 .

[0097] Furthermore, the detection unit 25 is also operatively connected to the microprocessor 18. In this way, when multiple users activate the actuator 7, a signal corresponding to usage, i.e., the cumulative amount of soap dispensed from the liquid container 9, can be generated. Data regarding such usage can be transmitted to the microprocessor 18. This means that the cumulative amount of soap dispensed can be calculated by the microprocessor 18. Furthermore, data related to soap usage can be transmitted from the microprocessor 18 to the external computer unit 20 via the communication unit 19.

[0098] By means of the system as described above, a number of processes can be implemented for detecting and tracking usage of the dispenser 1. First, the external computer unit 20 can be configured to calculate the cumulative usage of the liquid in each liquid container 9 that is in communication with the external computer unit 20. Conversely, the external computer unit 20 can be configured to send an alarm message and instructions to maintenance personnel when it is detected that a particular replaceable liquid container 9 is empty or nearly empty.

[0099] The calculation of the cumulative usage of liquid from a particular dispenser can be based on information about the volume of liquid in a particular liquid container in that dispenser and / or based on the type of liquid dispensed from the particular liquid container. Such information can be stored in the transponder unit 13. In general, the transponder unit 13 can be used to store information about each liquid container 9, such as its date of manufacture, ingredients, expiration date, usage, disposal instructions, etc.

[0100] The detection unit 25 is based on a magnetometer sensor which provides a high precision measurement of the movement of the actuator 26 and thus an accurate measurement of the liquid being used.

[0101] In addition, data from a large number of liquid containers can be used to collect statistics about the use of the dispensers, such as to determine whether certain dispensers are used more frequently than others and to determine the total liquid consumption at a particular location (e.g., a hospital or airport). In addition, the average liquid usage for each dispenser connected to the external computer unit 20 can be determined.

[0102] Furthermore, the information on the liquid usage can be combined with other information programmable on the transponder unit 13, such as the type of liquid in the liquid container 9. This means that statistical information on the usage of different types of liquid can also be obtained.

[0103] Furthermore, the dispenser 1 may be configured to identify whether the liquid container 9 is of a specific brand by checking (by means of the external computer unit 20 and the memory unit 21 ) whether the identity of the liquid container 9 is included in a pre-stored database of authenticated liquid containers.

[0104] Furthermore, the dispenser may be configured to identify whether the liquid container 9 is a full, unused liquid container by checking in the external computer unit 20 whether the identity of the liquid container 9 corresponds to a previously unused unit.

[0105] Furthermore, the dispenser may be configured to suitably display information relating to the contents of the individual liquid containers, such as fluid type, volume, on a display (not shown) provided on the dispenser.

[0106] Furthermore, the information sent from the dispenser can include timestamp information, i.e. information about when the dispenser was activated by the user. This means that information about when the liquid container needs to be replaced can be calculated based on the accumulated usage data and also based on the intensity of the user flow associated with the dispenser.

[0107] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but may vary within the scope of the appended claims.

[0108] While the described embodiment relates to a liquid container 9 containing soap, it should be noted that other liquids may be used with the dispenser and dispensing system described above. For example, but not limited to, it is contemplated that the liquid container 9 may contain detergent, disinfectant, skin lotion, moisturizer, disinfectant, lotion, shampoo, or medication. The choice and composition of the liquid may be varied by one skilled in the art depending on the desired properties of the liquid and the desired results.

[0109] Furthermore, it should be noted that the detection unit 25 may be provided in the insertion module 22, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 8 and 9 As described, or optionally arranged in other parts of the dispenser 1 (not shown in the figure).

[0110] Furthermore, the actuating device may be a manually operated device or an electrically operated device. Figure 4 In some embodiments, the actuator is of a manual type and can therefore be manually operated by a user. In other embodiments, the actuator may be electric, meaning that when the user pushes the actuator, an electric motor is activated to operate the foam pump unit. Alternatively, the actuator may be of an automatic type, i.e., an actuator based on a touchless sensor (e.g., based on infrared technology) that senses the presence of a user and activates the motor upon detection of the user.

Claims

1. A dispenser system comprising a dispenser (1) and a replaceable liquid container (9), wherein the liquid container (9) has a unique identity and is provided with a transponder unit (13) having stored identification data representing the identity; and wherein the dispenser system is configured to detect usage of the liquid container (9) in order to indicate whether the liquid container (9) needs to be replaced; characterized in that: The dispenser system comprises an insert module (22) which is detachably arranged in the dispenser (1) and is configured to accommodate the liquid container (9), wherein the insert module (22) comprises a transponder reader unit (8a) for cooperating with the transponder unit (13), and wherein the transponder reader unit (8a) is configured to communicate with an external computer unit (20); wherein the dispenser (1) is configured to be operated to achieve a dispensing action of the dispenser (1) both with and without the insert module (22), wherein the liquid container (9) is supported on a bottom surface (14) of a housing (2) of the dispenser (1), and wherein the insert module (22) is configured to accommodate the liquid container (9) during operation of the dispenser (1) with the insert module (22).

2. The dispenser system of claim 1, wherein: The dispenser (1) comprises the transponder reader unit (8) for cooperating with the transponder unit (13) to detect use of the liquid container (9) when the plug-in module (22) is detached from the dispenser (1).

3. The dispenser system of claim 1, wherein: The insertion module (22) comprises a detection unit (25) configured to detect the accumulated consumption of the content of the replaceable liquid container (9).

4. The dispenser system of claim 1, wherein: The dispenser (1) comprises a detection unit configured to detect the cumulative consumption of the content of the replaceable liquid container (9).

5. The dispenser system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The detection unit (25) includes magnetometer sensors (26, 28, 29).

6. A dispenser system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the detection unit (25) includes an actuator (26) configured to be pivotally displaced by movement of the pump unit (11) in the replaceable liquid container (9), thereby allowing detection of usage of the contents of the liquid container (10).

7. The dispenser system of claim 6, wherein: The actuator (26) comprises a geared element (28) which meshes with a rotating gear element (29) provided in the plug-in module (22).

8. The dispenser system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The transponder unit (13) is an RFID tag, and the transponder reader unit (8; 8a) is an RFID reader unit.

9. The dispenser system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The liquid container (9) comprises an integrated pump unit (11) configured such that actuation of the pump unit (11) in a first direction (V) discharges a quantity of liquid from the liquid reservoir (9).

10. The dispenser system of claim 9, wherein: The pump unit (11) is arranged to be displaced in the first direction (V) by actuating an annular flange (17).

11. The dispenser system according to claim 10, characterized in that The annular flange (17) is arranged to be actuated by a user accessible actuation means (7).

12. A liquid container (9) suitable for use in a dispenser system according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A dispenser (1) suitable for use in a dispenser system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A method for dispensing a liquid in a dispenser system comprising a dispenser (1) and a replaceable liquid container (9), the method comprising: providing the liquid container (9) with a unique identity by means of a transponder unit (13), the transponder unit having stored identification data representing the identity; configuring an insert module (22) to be removably disposed in the dispenser (1); providing a transponder reader unit (8a) in the plug-in module (22); providing cooperation between the transponder reader unit (8a) and the transponder unit (13); providing communication between the transponder reader unit (8a) and an external computer unit (20); and The dispenser system is configured to detect the usage of the liquid container (9) and thereby indicate whether the liquid container (9) needs to be replaced; characterized in that the method further comprises: The insert module (22) is configured to receive a liquid container (9), The dispenser (1) is configured so that it can be operated in both the state with and without the insertion module (22) to achieve the dispensing action of the dispenser (1), and the liquid container (9) is supported on the bottom surface (14) of the housing (2) of the dispenser (1); and The insert module (22) is configured to accommodate the liquid container during operation of the dispenser (1) with the insert module (22) in place.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The cumulative consumption of the contents of the replaceable liquid container (9) is detected.

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