Dispensing device with an improved motor assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a dispenser for a viscous liquid. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume for holding at least one internal reservoir; and a dispensing mechanism received within the housing for dispensing the viscous liquid. The dispensing mechanism includes a motor assembly that includes: a motor having a motor shaft coupled to a motor holder; a first elastomeric member disposed between the motor and the motor holder; a cam having a camshaft disposed on the motor shaft, the camshaft having a first end coupled to the cam and a second end coupled to the motor housing; and a rocker arm coupled to the motor housing. The rocker arm has a slot and a first end, the slot being configured to receive the camshaft, the first end being coupled to the internal reservoir such that actuation of the camshaft causes the rocker arm to move to dispense the viscous liquid.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Restrooms in commercial and residential buildings typically include liquid products such as toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, soap, and aerosol products such as air fresheners. These products are typically contained by dispensers and dispensed according to the needs of the user. Some dispensers used in public restrooms and the like are wall-mounted units that typically include a housing or structure fixed to the wall. Maintenance personnel can open these wall-mounted units for refilling or repair. The dispenser typically includes a delivery device (such as a metering pump) and a sensor that activates a device (such as a lever or button) for actuating the metering pump to dispense a liquid product (such as hand sanitizer). This type of dispenser has been known in the art as a "hands-free" dispenser because the user does not need to manually activate or otherwise manipulate the dispenser to initiate the dispensing cycle. The control systems and mechanical aspects of hands-free dispensers are extensive and diverse. Some of these automatic dispensers include a motor and a motor housing that are operable to dispense a product from the dispenser. Conventional dispensers include a motor and a motor housing that are subject to friction and vibration during motor operation to dispense a product. This friction and vibration can cause wear and breakage. When such wear occurs, it can cause the motor to malfunction or can cause the dispenser to produce an unpleasant noise during operation of the dispenser.

[0002] In view of the above, there is a need for a dispenser design that allows for improved dispenser design control and / or incorporates different functions into the dispenser. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally speaking, the present disclosure relates to a dispenser for viscous liquids such as hand sanitizer, the dispenser including an improved motor assembly that can reduce friction and / or vibration-generated noise during operation of the motor assembly. In one embodiment, the dispenser can include a housing having an internal volume for holding at least one internal reservoir and a dispensing mechanism housed within the housing for dispensing the viscous liquid. The dispensing mechanism includes a motor assembly. The motor assembly includes a motor having a motor shaft coupled to a motor holder. A first elastomeric member is disposed between the motor and the motor holder. Advantageously, the first elastomeric member can reduce vibration transmission between the motor and the motor holder during motor operation. The motor assembly further includes a cam having a camshaft disposed on the motor shaft. The camshaft includes a first end coupled to the cam and a second end coupled to the motor housing. For example, during operation of the cam via the motor, coupling the second end of the camshaft to the motor housing can reduce wear on the camshaft in the case of a given eccentric motion. The motor assembly includes a rocker arm coupled to the motor housing and operably coupled to the camshaft. For example, the rocker arm can include a slot configured to receive and hold the camshaft during motor operation. The rocker arm is coupled to the camshaft and is configured to move when the motor rotates the cam. At least one end and / or a portion of the rocker arm is coupled to the internal reservoir such that actuation of the cam and subsequently the camshaft causes the end of the rocker arm to move to dispense the viscous liquid from the dispenser. For example, at least one end of the rocker arm can be operably connected to a nozzle, a portion of which is disposed within the internal reservoir. Wherein the rocker arm activates the nozzle via translation of the motor and cam assembly, thereby dispensing the viscous liquid product from the internal reservoir.

[0004] According to the present disclosure, the second end of the camshaft can be disposed in and / or on a bearing and / or bushing and can be fixed to the motor holder via a bearing seat. In such an embodiment, the bearing or bushing can include one or more elastomeric members and / or washers for reducing friction between the second end of the camshaft and the motor holder. The second end of the cam can also be equipped with a member having an L-shaped geometry. The lower portion of the L-shaped geometry that can be fixed to the motor holder can be located on the same centerline as the motor shaft. Fixing the second end of the camshaft by fixing the lower portion of the L-shaped geometry around the same centerline as the motor shaft provides additional support and can reduce or eliminate eccentric loads on the cam, camshaft, and rocker arm during rotation of the assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, the rocker arm can be configured to include an opening portion around the slot to allow for easy assembly of the motor assembly. For example, the rocker arm can include an opening portion that allows the camshaft to be more easily placed within the slot. When the camshaft is properly placed within the slot, the rocker arm connector can then be placed within the opening portion, effectively closing the opening portion and the slot. However, in other embodiments, the rocker arm can be configured with a slot integrally formed within the rocker arm. In such embodiments, the slot is fully formed and there is no opening portion or a need for a rocker arm connector.

[0006] In some embodiments, the dispenser further includes a component housing fixed within the internal volume of the dispenser. The component housing can house one or more components of the dispenser (such as a dispensing mechanism). In an embodiment, the motor assembly is disposed within the component housing via one or more connection points. One or more elastomeric members can be disposed at one or more of the connection points between the component housing and the motor assembly. Disposing elastomeric members at and / or between the connection portions of the motor assembly and the component housing can further reduce the vibrations transmitted from the motor assembly to the component housing during operation of the motor assembly. Thus, audible vibration frequencies can be reduced or prevented from being transmitted from the motor assembly to the component housing and / or the dispenser housing, resulting in a quieter operating dispenser. Additionally, the component module can include other operating components of the dispenser, such as a battery pack, a printed circuit board, and / or one or more sensors.

[0007] In some embodiments, the dispenser can include a switch electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The switch can be configured to detect and / or communicate when a new internal reservoir is placed within the dispenser. Thus, a portion of the switch can be disposed on the component module. Certain portions of the switch can be disposed at a location on the component module where at least a portion of the internal reservoir is configured to be placed. Thus, placing a portion of the internal reservoir within the component module can effectively activate the switch. In some embodiments, activation of the switch can be configured to reset the dispense count to zero.

[0008] In other embodiments, the dispenser can include one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operations of the dispenser, and one or more controllers configured to obtain dispenser data from the one or more sensors and / or optionally configured to transmit data to a cloud-based management service.

[0009] In some embodiments, the viscous liquid dispensed from the disclosed dispenser is hand sanitizer and / or hand disinfectant.

[0010] In some embodiments, the dispenser housing includes a rear cover and a front cover. The rear cover is generally configured to be fixed to a mounting surface (such as a wall) and the front cover. The front cover can be moved from a closed position to an open position. When in the closed position, the front cover can be locked to the rear cover to prevent tampering with the internal components of the dispenser. When in the open position, a used internal reservoir can be removed, and a new, full internal reservoir can be placed in the dispenser. Additionally, the battery can be replaced as needed, and the printed circuit board can be accessed if necessary to obtain dispenser data. The housing can also include an opening through the housing that is adjacent to the bottom surface of the housing for dispensing a viscous liquid.

[0011] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosure that fully enables the present disclosure is set forth more specifically in the remainder of the specification and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present disclosure, wherein its front cover is in the closed position;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present disclosure, wherein its front cover is in the open position;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present disclosure, wherein its front cover is in the open position;

[0016] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a motor assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a motor assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a motor assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a motor assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 8A is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a camshaft and rocker arm according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 8B is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a camshaft and rocker arm according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8C is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a camshaft and a rocker arm in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a motor assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a motor assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a motor assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of a motor assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a component module and a motor assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a motor assembly coupled to an internal reservoir in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a component module in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0030] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention. Detailed Description

[0031] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that this discussion is only a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dispenser for viscous liquids such as hand sanitizer that includes an improved motor assembly that can reduce noise and damage to the motor assembly. For example, as provided, the motor assembly is fixed to a motor holder to provide a more robust motor assembly by reducing or eliminating eccentric loads on the rocker arm and / or cam. Additional elastomeric members and / or gaskets may be provided at various locations of the motor assembly to reduce friction and transmitted vibration between the motor assembly and the dispenser. For example, an elastomeric member is provided between the motor and the motor holder to reduce friction between the motor and the motor holder, which can make the motor assembly quieter. In addition, an elastomeric member may be provided between the motor housing and the component module such that friction or vibration caused by motor operation is not transmitted to the entire dispenser housing, which makes the operation of the dispenser quieter.

[0032] In addition, when one end of the camshaft is fixed to the cam and the motor, the other end can be fixed to the motor housing. For example, the second end of the camshaft can be disposed in a bearing or a bushing and then fixed to the motor housing, which can also make the friction and noise during the operation of the distribution mechanism smaller. In addition, fixing the second end of the camshaft to the motor housing can reduce the eccentric load on the cam and the rocker arm.

[0033] Specific reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 , which shows various embodiments of the dispenser 10 manufactured according to the present disclosure. Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, the dispenser 10 includes a housing 16 that can have any desired overall shape. The housing 16 can include a two-part configuration. For example, the housing can include a rear cover 18 and a front cover 22. The front cover 22 can be pivotally mounted to the rear cover 18 using any suitable means. For example, in one embodiment, a hinge can be used to connect the front cover 22 and the rear cover 18. Alternatively, the front cover 22 can be completely separated from the rear cover 18. The front cover 22 can move from a closed position as shown in Figure 1 to an open position as shown in Figures 2 to 3 . The dispenser 10 can also include any conventional locking mechanism for fixing the front cover 22 to the rear cover 18. As Figures 2 to 3 shown, the dispenser 10 can also include an internal reservoir 24 and a component module 26 disposed in the dispenser. The housing 16 also includes an opening 20 through which a dispensable product (such as a viscous liquid) is dispensed. The opening 20 can be provided in the bottom surface of the housing 16.

[0034] The operating components of the dispenser 10 can be directly mounted to the rear cover 18 or can be part of a module (such as the component module 26) received within the housing 16. For example, the operating components can be part of a module that can be easily removed from the housing for repair and / or replacement of components without having to remove the entire dispenser 10 from its support surface.

[0035] The operating components included in the dispenser can include a distribution mechanism that includes a motor assembly. Now referring to Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 9 to 12 , embodiments of a motor assembly 30 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. For example, Figure 4 provides an exploded view of the components of the motor assembly 30, while Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 9 to 11 show one embodiment of an example assembly of the components of the motor assembly. In addition, Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the motor assembly 30. Thus, given the order of the component assemblies, some of the components of the motor assembly may not be shown in all of the reference figures.

[0036] The motor assembly 30 includes a motor 32, to which a motor shaft 34 is coupled. The motor 32 can include any suitable motor (such as a brushless motor). The motor 32 is coupled to a motor holder 36. The motor holder 36 can include one or more side walls 37, in which one or more apertures 38 are provided. For example, the apertures 38 can be positioned to allow various components (such as the motor shaft 34) to pass through the side walls 37 and into the interior 40 of the motor holder 36. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the motor shaft 34 is provided through one of the side walls 37 of the motor holder 36 such that the motor shaft 34 is disposed in the interior 40 of the motor holder 36. An elastomeric member 42 (such as an elastomeric washer) can be provided between the motor 32 and one or more of the side walls 37 of the motor holder 36. Placing the elastomeric member 42 in this way can reduce friction and vibration transmission between the motor 32 and the motor holder 36.

[0037] A cam 44 can be provided on the motor shaft 34. For example, the cam 44 can be fitted onto the motor shaft 34 via any suitable mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the cam 44 can be press-fitted or snap-fitted onto the motor shaft 34. The cam 44 includes a camshaft 46 having a first end 47 coupled to the cam 44 and a second end 48 coupled to the motor holder 36. Specifically, as Figure 6 shown, for assembling the motor assembly 30, the cam 44 including the camshaft 46 can be placed through the aperture 38 provided in the side wall 37 of the motor holder 36. The cam 44 can be placed through the aperture 38 into the interior 40 of the motor holder 36, and then the cam 44 can be coupled to the motor shaft 34 at that interior. The second end 48 of the camshaft 46 can be equipped with any suitable type of member to facilitate coupling the camshaft 46 to the motor holder 36. For example, in some embodiments, the second end 48 of the cam 44 can include a member 39 having an L-shaped geometry. The member 39 can further be used to fix the camshaft 46 to the motor holder, which will be discussed further herein.

[0038] A rocker arm 50 is coupled to the motor holder 36. For example, the rocker arm 50 can include an arm portion 52 and a coupling portion 56, in which a slot 54 is provided. The coupling portion 56 can be coupled to the motor housing 36. For example, in some embodiments, the coupling portion 56 of the rocker arm 50 is disposed between two side walls 37 of the motor holder 36 such that the arm portion 52 extends into the interior 40 of the motor holder 36. The coupling portion 56 of the rocker arm 50 can be fixed to the motor holder 36 via one or more pins 59. Additionally, additional washers or elastomeric members can be provided between the connection points formed between the coupling portion 56 of the rocker arm 50 and the motor holder 36 to further reduce friction and / or wear between the component parts.

[0039] Once the rocker arm 50 is disposed within the interior 40 of the motor retainer 36, the camshaft 46 can be disposed within the slot 54 of the arm portion 52 of the rocker arm 50. For example, in one embodiment, specifically as Figure 4 and Figure 7 shown, the arm portion 52 includes a slot 54 having a cutout portion 62. The cutout portion 62 is shown as being disposed on the top portion of the slot 54; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In fact, the cutout portion 62 can be placed on the bottom portion of the slot 54. The cutout portion 62 is configured such that the camshaft 46 can be placed into the slot 54. Once the camshaft 46 is placed within the slot 54, one or more rocker connectors 64 can be disposed within the cutout portion 62 to close the cutout portion 62 and secure the camshaft 46 within the slot 54. For example, the connector 64 can be placed within the cutout portion 62, and one or more pins 63 can be used to secure the connector 64 within the cutout portion 62. However, in other embodiments, such as Figures 8A to 8C those shown in

[0040] Figure 4 Figure 9 and Figure 4 shown, the arm portion 52 of the rocker arm 50 does not include the cutout 62 and / or the connector 64. For example, the rocker arm 50 can include an integrally formed slot 54 such that the connector 64 is not required. The camshaft 46 can then be placed through the slot 54 to assemble the camshaft 46 to the rocker arm 50. Figure 4 and Figure 10As shown, a bearing housing 76 is provided relative to the bearing 74 and the lower end 72. The bearing housing 76 secures the second end 48 of the camshaft 46 to the motor housing 36. For example, in some embodiments, the bearing housing 76 may be secured to one of the sidewalls 37 of the motor housing 36 with any suitable fastener. Suitable fasteners may include those that can create a non-permanent joint, that is, the joint can be removed or disassembled without damaging the mating components. Suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, anchors, bolts, nails, nuts, pins, clip rivets, rods, screws, clamps, washers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fastener includes one or more screws.

[0041] Once the motor assembly 30 is assembled, the motor assembly can be disposed within the component module 26 and placed inside the housing 16 of the dispenser 10. For example, one or more connection points may be formed between the motor assembly 30 and the component module 26. Each connection point may be configured with an additional elastomeric member 90 or washer for further reducing the friction and vibration generated by the motor assembly 30 from being transmitted to the component module 26 and / or the dispenser 10. The arrangement of the component module 26 and the motor assembly 30 in this manner ensures that less friction is transmitted from the motor assembly 30 to the component module 26 and / or the dispenser 10, thereby ensuring quieter operation of the dispenser 10.

[0042] The rocker arm 50 can then be coupled to the internal reservoir 24 such that actuation of the camshaft 46 causes the rocker arm 50 to move to dispense the viscous liquid from the internal reservoir 24. For example, the rocker arm 50 may include a first end 65 coupled to the internal reservoir 24, as Figure 14 shown. For example, the first end 65 may be coupled to a nozzle 78 disposed on or within the internal reservoir 24. The nozzle 78 is configured such that actuation of the cam 44 and the camshaft 46 by the motor 32 causes the rocker arm 50 to translate, thereby moving the first end 65 such that the nozzle 78 is activated to dispense the viscous liquid from the internal reservoir. For example, activation of the nozzle 78 may release a predetermined spray volume (e.g., a predetermined dose) of the viscous liquid from the internal reservoir 24.

[0043] Additionally, as Figure 15As shown, according to the present disclosure, other operating components may be provided within component module 26. The other operating components may include a battery pack 80, a printed circuit board 82, sensors 84 (such as activation sensors), sensor modules, switches, controllers or control circuits (such as controllers and / or microprocessors), network enabling devices and / or chips, and combinations thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more battery packs 80 configured to hold one or more batteries may be included in component module 26. For example, battery pack 80 may be configured to hold multiple batteries, such as at least two batteries, such as at least three batteries, such as at least four batteries, etc. Battery pack 80 may also include any shape suitable for holding batteries of a desired size. For example, in certain embodiments, the battery pack may be configured to hold D-type batteries, such as at least three D-type batteries, such as at least four D-type batteries. Battery pack 80 may provide structural support to hold the batteries in place. Additionally, battery pack 80 may be configured to provide electrical connections to each of the batteries such that the batteries can provide power to other components of dispenser 10.

[0044] In certain embodiments, one or more printed circuit boards 82 may also be provided in component module 26. Printed circuit board 82 may be configured with suitable processors and / or controllers to operate the various components of dispenser 10. In certain embodiments, printed circuit board 82 may be provided in component module 26 and covered or encapsulated to protect printed circuit board 82. For example, in the case of leakage of viscous liquid from internal reservoir 24, printed circuit board 82 is contained and fully encapsulated to prevent any leaked liquid from accessing and / or damaging printed circuit board 82.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the dispenser may also include one or more sensors 84. Similarly, such sensors 84 may be at least partially housed within component housing 26. In one embodiment, sensor 84 may include an activation sensor that is designed to detect the presence of a user in a detection area. Such activation sensors may include those configured to emit infrared light. However, it should be understood that any activation sensor or activation system shown and / or described herein or known in the art may be installed in any area of the housing as long as such activation sensor or activation system operates as disclosed herein. In such an embodiment, sensor 84 includes an activation sensor that is a passive sensor for detecting infrared radiation. Passive infrared detectors for incorporation into viscous liquid dispensers are known in the art. Generally, sensor 84 is arranged to detect infrared radiation from a user's hand and, upon detecting the radiation, transmit a signal for activating motor 32 to dispense a quantity of viscous liquid through opening 20.

[0046] However, it should be understood that other activation mechanisms can be used in the present disclosure, such as capacitance and ultrasonic. A capacitive proximity sensor generates an electrostatic field that will sense metallic objects and non-metallic materials such as paper, liquid, glass, and fabric. An ultrasonic proximity sensor uses the sensor to send and receive high-frequency sound signals. When the target enters the beam, the sound is reflected back to the sensor, causing it to energize or de-energize the output circuit. Another sensor is inductive. In this case, an electromagnetic field is used, however, the detection can be limited to metallic objects. Thus, once the activation sensor detects the presence of the user, the dispenser 10 can be configured to automatically dispense the viscous liquid product.

[0047] In other embodiments, the sensor 84 can include one or more sensors configured to monitor the operation of the dispenser 10. For example, the sensor can include a sensor configured to monitor the dispensing mechanism, such as monitoring the number of dispensing jets counted, the amount of product dispensed, etc. In an embodiment, the sensor can include various functional sensors configured to monitor one or more aspects of the dispenser and generate dispenser data for the one or more aspects. Additionally, one or more controllers can then be configured to obtain the dispenser data directly and / or indirectly from the one or more sensors and can be further configured to transmit the data to a cloud-based management system.

[0048] For example, one or more controllers or other control circuits can be configured to establish a wireless connection to transfer dispenser data to and / or from a cloud-based management system. As an example, the dispenser 10 can be configured to establish a wireless connection with one or more controllers or processing systems capable of wirelessly transmitting data. For example, the wireless connection can be via the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. The wireless connection can also be established via cellular communication.

[0049] As previously described, the dispensing mechanism including the motor assembly 30 can be powered by a battery contained in the battery pack 80 or can be powered by an AC power distribution system. If the dispenser 10 includes a battery, a sensor can also be included to determine the power level of the battery and to provide a signal when the battery is depleted.

[0050] As described above, the dispenser 10 can include a controller and control circuit. The controller and control circuit can control and monitor all functions of the dispenser 10, including the amount of viscous product dispensed, product usage, and any other activities occurring within the dispenser. The controller can be configured to transmit information about the dispenser 10 to a central control system and / or a cloud-based system via a wireless network device and / or through a network-based system.

[0051] These and other modifications and variations of the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention more particularly described in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of various embodiments may be interchanged, in whole or in part. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will know that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention as further described in such appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser for a viscous liquid, comprising: a housing having an internal volume for holding at least one internal reservoir; and a dispensing mechanism housed within the housing for dispensing the viscous liquid, the dispensing mechanism including a motor assembly, the motor assembly comprising: a motor having a motor shaft coupled to a motor holder; a first elastomeric member disposed between the motor and the motor holder; a cam having a camshaft disposed on the motor shaft, the camshaft having a first end coupled to the cam and a second end coupled to the motor holder; and a rocker arm coupled to the motor holder, the rocker arm having a slot and a first end, the slot being configured to receive the camshaft, the first end of the rocker arm being coupled to the internal reservoir such that actuation of the camshaft causes the rocker arm to move to dispense the viscous liquid.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the camshaft is disposed in a bearing and fixed to the motor holder via a bearing seat.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the camshaft includes a member having an L-shaped geometry, wherein the lower end of the L-shaped geometry lies on the same center line as the motor shaft.

4. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the rocker arm includes a rocker arm connector configured to close at least a portion of the slot.

5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the slot is integrally formed in the rocker arm.

6. The dispenser according to claim 1, including a component module fixed within the internal volume.

7. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the motor assembly is securely disposed within the component module via one or more connection points.

8. The dispenser according to claim 7, wherein one or more elastomeric members are disposed at the one or more connection points between the component module and the motor assembly.

9. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein one or more battery packs are disposed within the component module.

10. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein one or more printed circuit boards are disposed within the component module.

11. The dispenser according to claim 10, including a switch electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, the switch being configured to detect and communicate when a new internal reservoir is placed in the dispenser.

12. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein one or more sensors are disposed within the component module.

13. The dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the one or more sensors include an activation sensor.

14. The dispenser according to claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the internal reservoir is disposed within the component module.

15. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes an opening therethrough adjacent the bottom surface of the housing for dispensing the viscous liquid.

16. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the viscous liquid is hand sanitizer.

17. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a rear cover and a front cover, the rear cover being configured to be fixed to a mounting surface, and the front cover being movable from an open position to a closed position.

18. A dispenser for a viscous liquid, comprising: a housing having an internal volume for holding at least one internal reservoir; and a dispensing mechanism received within the housing for dispensing the viscous liquid, the dispensing mechanism including a motor assembly, the motor assembly including: a motor having a motor shaft coupled to a motor holder; a first elastomeric member disposed between the motor and the motor holder; a cam having a camshaft disposed on the motor shaft, the camshaft having a first end coupled to the cam and a second end coupled to the motor holder; and a rocker arm coupled to the motor holder, the rocker arm having a slot and a first end, the slot being configured to receive the camshaft, the first end of the rocker arm being coupled to the internal reservoir such that actuation of the camshaft causes the rocker arm to move to dispense the viscous liquid; one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more operations of the dispenser; and one or more controllers configured to obtain dispenser data from the one or more sensors and / or configured to transmit data to a cloud-based management system.

19. The dispenser according to claim 18, wherein the second end of the camshaft is disposed in a bearing and is fixed to the motor holder via a bearing block.

20. The dispenser according to claim 18, including a component module fixed within the internal volume, wherein the motor assembly is firmly disposed within the component module via one or more connection points, and wherein one or more elastomeric members are disposed at the one or more connection points between the component module and the motor assembly.

Images