Dispensing device with improved motor assembly

Abstract

A dispenser comprises: a housing having an internal volume configured to receive a removable liquid reservoir. A mounting body is disposed within the housing. The mounting body defines a channel extending in a vertical direction between an inlet and an outlet. The channel is configured to receive a spout of the removable liquid reservoir at the inlet of the channel. A latch is coupled to the mounting body at the channel. The latch is configured to selectively engage the spout of the removable liquid reservoir within the channel so as to prevent the spout of the removable liquid reservoir from being removed from the channel.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Restrooms in commercial and residential buildings often include products such as toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, soaps, and air fresheners. These products are often contained in dispensers and dispensed as needed by the user. Some dispensers in public restrooms and the like are wall-mounted units that often include a housing or structure secured to a wall. Maintenance personnel may open these dispensers for refilling or repair.

[0002] Known dispensers may be difficult to reload with product. Therefore, there is a need for a dispenser design having features for improving product loading for dispensing. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally speaking, the present disclosure relates to a dispenser. The dispenser includes a housing having an internal volume configured to receive a removable liquid reservoir. A mounting body is disposed within the housing. The mounting body defines a channel extending in a vertical direction between an inlet and an outlet. The channel is configured to receive a spout of the removable liquid reservoir at the inlet of the channel. A latch is coupled to the mounting body at the channel. The latch is configured to selectively engage the spout of the removable liquid reservoir within the channel so as to prevent the spout of the removable liquid reservoir from being removed from the channel.

[0004] In a first example aspect, the latch may include a collar connected to the mounting body. An inner edge of the collar may face the channel. The collar may move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The inner edge of the collar may contact a spout of a removable liquid reservoir in the engaged position of the collar. The inner edge of the collar may be spaced apart from the spout of the removable liquid reservoir in the disengaged position of the collar. The collar may define a handle at the middle of the collar. The mounting body may also define a latch opening. The handle of the collar may be positioned at the latch opening. The collar may be manually adjusted from the engaged position to the disengaged position using the handle at the latch opening. The latch may also include a spring coupled to the collar. The spring may be configured to push the collar toward the disengaged position of the collar. The housing may include a rear cover and a front cover. The front cover may move between an open position and a closed position relative to the rear cover. The front cover may contact the collar in the closed position so that the front cover positions the collar in the engaged position.

[0005] In a second example aspect, the passageway may define a frustoconical inner guide surface positioned between an inlet and an outlet of the passageway.

[0006] In a third example aspect, the dispenser may include a switch positioned at the passage. The switch may be actuated by a spout of a removable liquid reservoir. The dispenser may also include a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir. The dispensing mechanism may include a motor in communication with the switch such that the motor is inoperable when the switch is not actuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir.

[0007] In a fourth example aspect, the dispenser may include a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense liquid from a removable liquid reservoir. The dispensing mechanism may include a motor. The cam may be coupled to a rotor of the motor so that the motor is operable to rotate the cam. A rocker may be coupled to the cam. The rocker may have a slot. The shaft of the cam may be received in the slot. The rocker may be configured to pivot during rotation of the cam by the motor so that the rocker actuates a spout of the removable liquid reservoir. The dispenser may include a switch positioned at the passage. The switch may be actuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir. The motor may communicate with the switch so that the motor is inoperable when the switch is not actuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir. The dispensing mechanism may be positioned within the mounting body.

[0008] In a fifth example aspect, an outlet of the passage may be positioned at a bottom surface of the housing.

[0009] In a sixth example aspect, the housing may include a rear cover and a front cover, wherein the front cover is movable relative to the rear cover between an open position and a closed position.

[0010] In certain embodiments, each of the above-mentioned exemplary aspects may be combined with one or more of the above-mentioned other exemplary aspects. For example, in some embodiments, all six exemplary aspects listed above (i.e., the first exemplary aspect to the sixth exemplary aspect) may be combined with each other. As another example, any combination of two, three, four or more of the above-mentioned six exemplary aspects may be combined in other embodiments. Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, the above-mentioned exemplary aspects may be used in combination with each other. Alternatively, the above-mentioned exemplary aspects may be implemented separately in other exemplary embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the above-mentioned exemplary aspects may be utilized to implement various exemplary embodiments.

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

[0012] The disclosure that makes the present disclosure comprehensive and enabling is more particularly set forth in the remainder of the specification and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a dispenser according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A front perspective view of an example dispenser of FIG. 1 , wherein the front cover is shown in an open position;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of an example dispenser of FIG. 1 with the liquid reservoir removed from the dispenser;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of an example dispenser;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of an example dispenser;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a latch and mounting body of an example dispenser;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a latch and mounting body of an example dispenser;

[0020] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of a latch and mounting body;

[0021] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of a mounting body of FIG. 1 , wherein a door of the mounting body is shown in an open position; and

[0022] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 Rear perspective view of the installation body.

[0023] Repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "includes / including" are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising". Similarly, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both"). Approximate language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is used to modify any quantitative representation that is permissibly variable without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Therefore, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about", "approximately", and "substantially" is not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may refer to within a limit of ten percent (10%).

[0026] Specific reference Figures 1 to 5 , shows a dispenser 100 according to an example aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown specifically, dispenser 100 may include housing 110. Housing 110 may have any desired overall shape. For example, housing 110 may be a two-part configuration. Thus, for example, housing 110 may include a rear cover 112 and a front cover 114. Rear cover 112 may be mounted to a structure such as a wall, panel, mirror, cabinet, etc. For example, rear cover 112 may be fastened or adhered to such a structure. Front cover 114 may be pivotally mounted to rear cover 112, for example, by a hinge or other suitable mechanism. Alternatively, front cover 114 may be completely separate from rear cover 112. Front cover 114 may be removable from a rear cover 112 such as a wall, panel, mirror, cabinet, etc. Figure 1 Move the closed position shown to Figure 2 and Figure 3 When the front cover 114 is in the open position, the housing 110 can be loaded with a product from the front of the housing 110. The dispenser 100 can also include a conventional locking mechanism for securing the front cover 114 to the rear cover 112 in the closed position.

[0027] As discussed in more detail below, the dispenser 100 may include features for selectively securing the liquid reservoir 120 within the housing 110 and / or facilitating installation of the liquid reservoir 120 within the housing 110. Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the liquid reservoir 120 may be mounted within the housing 110. For example, the housing 110 may define an interior volume 111 sized to receive the liquid reservoir 120 such that the liquid reservoir 120 may be mounted within the housing 110 at the interior volume 111. Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the liquid reservoir 120 can be removed from the housing 110. Thus, for example, the liquid reservoir 120 can be selectively installed in the housing 110. For example, a maintenance person can refill the dispenser 100 by removing an empty liquid reservoir 120 from the housing 110, and then installing a new liquid reservoir 120 in the housing 110. As described above, the housing 110 can be loaded with product from the front of the housing 110. Thus, for example, a maintenance person can adjust the front cover 114 to an open position to remove an empty liquid reservoir 120 from the housing 110, and then install a new liquid reservoir 120 in the housing 110.

[0028] Liquid reservoir 120 can be configured to hold a certain volume of product, such as soap, in capsule 122. Capsule 122 can be made of or made of a deformable film (e.g., a plastic film). The size of capsule 122 can be designed to hold a suitable volume of product. For example, the size of capsule 122 can be designed to hold not less than half a liter (0.5L) of product, not less than one liter (1L) of product, not less than two liters (2L) of product, etc. Therefore, the size of capsule 122 can be designed to hold a product volume sufficient for multiple distribution or use of the product. The product in capsule 122 can leave liquid reservoir 120 at spout 124. Spout 124 can be positioned at the bottom portion of capsule 122. Therefore, the product in capsule 122 can be pushed out of capsule 122 through spout 124 by gravity. Spout 124 may include a valve 126 for regulating the product to flow out of capsule 122 through spout 124. In certain example embodiments, the length of the nozzle 124 (eg, along the vertical direction V) may be no less than twenty-five millimeters (25 mm) and no more than one hundred fifty millimeters (150 mm).

[0029] As discussed in more detail below, the dispenser 100 is operable to dispense a product from the liquid reservoir 120 out of the housing 110. For example, the housing 110 may define an opening 116 through which a product (e.g., soap) may be dispensed out of the housing 110. The opening 116 may be located at a bottom surface of the housing 110.

[0030] The operating components of the dispenser 100 may be mounted directly to the rear cover 112, or may be modules (e.g., component modules 130 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 )). For example, the operating components can be part of a module that can be removed from the housing 110 for repair and / or replacement of components without having to remove the dispenser 100 (e.g., the back cover 112) from a supporting surface. The operating components can include a support structure 140 and a dispensing mechanism 170, the support structure being used to selectively mount the liquid reservoir 120 and other components of the dispenser 100 within the housing 110, the dispensing mechanism being operable to dispense product from the liquid reservoir 120.

[0031] The support structure 140 may include a mounting body 142. The mounting body 142 may be disposed within the housing 110. For example, the mounting body 142 may be mounted to the back cover 112 within the interior volume 111 of the housing 110. The mounting body 142 may be configured to support the liquid reservoir 120 within the housing 110. In addition, the mounting body 142 may define a channel 144. When the liquid reservoir 120 is mounted to the dispenser 100 within the housing 110, the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 may be positioned within the channel 144. The channel 144 may extend between an inlet 146 and an outlet 148, for example, in a vertical direction V. The inlet 146 of the channel 144 may be positioned above the outlet 148 of the channel 144, for example, in the vertical direction V. Thus, the channel 144 may be vertically oriented. In order to install the liquid reservoir 120 in the housing 110, the maintenance personnel may insert the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 into the channel 144 at the inlet 146 of the channel 144 and slide the spout 124 into the channel 144. The mounting body 142 may, for example, close the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction V. In addition, when the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 is disposed in the channel 144, the mounting body 142 may hinder or restrict movement of the spout 124, for example, perpendicular to the vertical direction V.

[0032] The passage 144 may define a frustoconical inner guide surface 147 ( Fig.10 ). A frustoconical inner guide surface 147 may be positioned between an inlet 146 and an outlet 148 of the passage 144. The frustoconical inner guide surface 147 may help guide or converge the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 through the passage 144 to the outlet 148. The outlet 148 of the passage 144 may be positioned at or near a bottom surface of the housing 110.

[0033] The latch 150 may be coupled to the mounting body 142. Additionally, the latch 150 may be positioned at the passage 144. The latch 150 may be configured to selectively engage the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 within the passage 144. Specifically, for example, when the latch 150 engages the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 within the passage 144, the latch 150 may block or prevent the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 from being removed from the passage 144. The maintenance personnel may then adjust the latch 150, for example, so that the latch 150 does not engage the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 within the passage 144 to allow the spout 124 to be removed from the passage 144.

[0034] like Figures 6 to 9As shown, the latch 150 may include a collar 152 connected to the mounting body 142. For example, the collar 152 may be slidably mounted to the mounting body 142. An inner edge 154 of the collar 152 may face the channel 144. The collar 152 may be movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The inner edge 154 of the collar 152 may contact and engage the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 in the engaged position of the collar 152. In certain example embodiments, the inner edge 154 of the collar 152 may be received within or abut against a flange on the spout 124 in the engaged position. Thus, the collar 152 may block or prevent the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 from being removed from the channel 144 in the engaged position. The inner edge 154 of the collar 152 may be spaced apart from and not contact the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 in the disengaged position of the collar. Thus, the collar 152 may allow the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 to be removed from the passage 144 in the disengaged position.

[0035] In certain example embodiments, the collar 152 may be U-shaped, for example, when viewed along the vertical direction V. For example, the collar 152 may include a pair of side legs 155 and a middle leg 156. The side legs 155 may be spaced apart and oriented parallel to each other, and the middle leg 156 may extend between and connect the side legs 155. The collar 152 may define a handle 157 at the middle of the collar 152. For example, the handle 157 may be formed by the middle leg 156. The mounting body 142 may define, for example, a latch opening 145 adjacent to the channel 144. The handle 157 may be positioned at the latch opening 145. The collar 152 may be manually adjusted from the engaged position to the disengaged position using the handle 157 located at the latch opening 145. For example, a maintenance person may hook a finger on the handle 157 and pull the collar 152 outward to slide the collar 152 from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0036] The latch 150 may also include a spring 158 (at Fig.1115), such as a torsion spring or a coil spring. The spring 158 may be coupled to the collar 152. The spring 158 may be configured to push the collar 152 toward the disengaged position. Thus, the collar 152 may be positioned, for example, in the disengaged position by the spring 158. In this example embodiment, the front cover 114 may impact the collar 152 and move the collar from the normal disengaged position to the engaged position. Thus, when the maintenance personnel opens the front cover 114, the collar 152 may move from the engaged position to the disengaged position due to the spring 158, and when the maintenance personnel closes the front cover 114, the collar 152 may move from the disengaged position to the engaged position due to the front cover 114 impacting the collar 152. It should be understood that in alternative example embodiments, the spring 158 may be configured to push the collar 152 toward the engaged position, for example, so that the collar 152 may be positioned, for example, in the engaged position by the spring 158. In this example embodiment, a maintenance person may pull on the handle 157 to overcome the force of the spring 158 and move the collar 152 from the normally engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0037] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , switch 160( Fig.11 ) may be positioned at the channel 144. The switch 160 may be actuated by the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120. In addition, when the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120 is positioned within the channel 144, the spout 124 may actuate the switch 160. The switch 160 may include legs 162 extending through the mounting body 142 into the channel 144. The legs 162 may be biased outwardly into the channel 144, for example, by a spring. When a maintenance person inserts the spout 124 into the channel 144, the legs 162 of the switch 160 may engage the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120, for example, causing the legs 162 to deflect inwardly.

[0038] As described above, the dispensing mechanism 170 may be operable to dispense product from the liquid reservoir 120. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Fig.10 , the dispensing mechanism 170 may include a motor 172. In certain example embodiments, the motor 172 may be a brushless motor. The motor 172 may be connected to the mounting body 142. In addition, the stator of the motor 172 may be fixed relative to the mounting body 142. The cam 174 may be coupled to the rotor of the motor 172. Thus, for example, the motor 172 may be operable to rotate the cam 174. In certain example embodiments, the cam 174 may be press-fit or snap-fit ​​onto the rotor of the motor 172.

[0039] The rocker 176 may be coupled to the cam 174. In addition, the rocker 176 may have a slot 177, and the shaft 175 of the cam 174 may be received within the slot 177. The shaft 175 of the cam 174 may be radially offset from the axis of rotation of the cam 174 and / or the rotor of the motor 172. The rocker 176 may be configured to pivot due to the movement of the shaft 175 within the slot 175 during rotation of the cam 174 by the motor 172. When the rocker 176 pivots, the rocker 176 may actuate the spout 124 (e.g., the valve 126) to dispense product from the liquid reservoir 120.

[0040] The rocker 176 may be pivotally coupled to the mounting body 142. For example, the rocker 176 may include a first arm 180 and a second arm 182. The first arm 180 and the second arm 182 may extend radially from a pivot point 184 of the rocker 176. For example, the first arm 180 and the second arm 182 may extend at different angles from the pivot point 184 of the rocker 176. In certain example embodiments, the first arm 180 and the second arm 182 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. In addition, a slot 177 may be defined in the first arm 180, and the second arm 182 may extend into the channel 144. Movement of the shaft 175 within the slot 175 may cause the first arm 180 and the second arm 182 to pivot about the pivot point 184 of the rocker 176.

[0041] The second arm 182 can selectively engage the spout 124 (e.g., the valve 126) to dispense product from the liquid reservoir 120. For example, the second arm 182 can actuate the valve 126 during rotation of the cam 174 by the motor 172. In addition, upward movement of the second arm 182 within the channel 144 can cause the second arm 182 to open the valve 126 so that the product from the liquid reservoir 120 exits the bladder 122 at the spout 124. Specifically, actuation of the valve 126 by the rocker 176 can release a predetermined ejection amount (e.g., a predetermined dose) of product from the liquid reservoir 120.

[0042] During operation of the dispensing mechanism 170 and actuation of the valve 126 by the rocker 176, the latch 150 can prevent the spout 124 from being lifted upward, e.g., in the vertical direction V. Specifically, the latch 150 can advantageously fix the vertical position of the spout 124 within the channel 144 to allow the second arm 182 to engage the spout 124 (e.g., the valve 126) to dispense the product from the liquid reservoir 120. Thus, the latch 150 can facilitate the dispensing mechanism 170 to dispense the product, e.g., particularly when the capsule 122 is close to an empty state.

[0043] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11According to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, other operating components of the dispenser 100 may be disposed within the component module 130. Other operating components may include a battery pack 190, a printed circuit board 192, a sensor 194, a sensor module, a switch, a controller or a control circuit (e.g., a controller and / or a microprocessor), a network-supporting device and / or a chip, and a combination thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more battery packs 190 configured to hold one or more batteries may be included in the component module 130. For example, the battery pack 190 may be configured to hold a plurality of batteries, such as at least two batteries, such as at least three batteries, such as at least four batteries, etc. The battery pack 190 may also include any shape suitable for holding batteries of a desired size. For example, in certain embodiments, the battery pack 190 may be configured to hold D-type batteries, such as at least three D-type batteries, such as at least four D-type batteries. The battery pack 190 may provide structural support to hold the battery in place. In addition, the battery pack 190 may be configured to provide electrical connections to each battery in the battery so that the battery can provide power to other components of the dispenser 100.

[0044] In certain embodiments, one or more printed circuit boards 192 may also be disposed in the component module 130. The printed circuit board 192 may be configured with a suitable processor and / or controller to operate the various components of the dispenser 100. In certain embodiments, the printed circuit board 192 may be disposed in the component module 130 and covered or encapsulated to protect the printed circuit board 192. For example, in the event that a product leaks from the liquid reservoir 120, the printed circuit board 192 may be contained and completely encapsulated, thereby preventing any leaked product from accessing and / or damaging the printed circuit board 192.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the dispenser 100 may also include one or more sensors 194. Likewise, such sensors 194 may be at least partially accommodated by the mounting body 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 194 may be an activation sensor configured to detect the presence of a user in a detection zone. Such an activation sensor may include a sensor 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 110, as long as the activation sensor or activation system operates as disclosed herein. In such an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 194 includes an activation sensor, which is a passive sensor for detecting infrared radiation. Passive infrared detectors for incorporation into the dispenser are known in the art. Typically, the sensor 194 may be arranged to detect infrared radiation from the hand of the user of the dispenser 100, and upon detecting radiation, a signal for activating the motor 172 is transmitted so as to dispense a certain amount of product by 116.

[0046] However, it should be understood that other activation mechanisms such as capacitive activation mechanisms and ultrasonic activation mechanisms may also be used with the present disclosure. Capacitive proximity sensors generate an electrostatic field that will sense metal objects and non-metallic materials (such as paper, liquids, glass, and cloth). Ultrasonic proximity sensors use a sensor to send and receive high-frequency sound signals. When an object enters the beam, the sound is reflected back to the sensor, causing the sensor to energize or de-energize the output circuit. Another type of sensor is inductive. In this case, an electromagnetic field is used, however, detection can be limited to metal objects. Therefore, once the activation sensor detects the presence of a user, the dispenser 100 can be configured to automatically dispense the product.

[0047] In other embodiments, the sensor 194 may include one or more sensors configured to monitor the operation of the dispenser 100. For example, the sensor 194 may include a sensor configured to monitor the dispensing mechanism, such as monitoring the number of dispensed shot counts, the amount of dispensed product, etc. In an example embodiment, the sensor 194 may include various functional sensors configured to monitor one or more aspects of the dispenser 100 and generate dispenser data for the one or more aspects. In addition, the one or more controllers may then be configured to obtain the dispenser data directly and / or indirectly from the one or more sensors 194, and may 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 transmit dispenser data to and / or from a cloud-based management system. As an example, dispenser 100 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 a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. The wireless connection can also be established via cellular communications.

[0049] As previously described, the dispensing mechanism 170 including the motor 172 may be powered by batteries contained in the battery pack 190, or may be powered by an alternating current (AC) power distribution system. If the dispenser 100 includes a battery, a sensor may also be included for determining the power level of the battery and for providing a signal when the battery is depleted.

[0050] As described above, the dispenser 100 may include a controller and control circuitry. The controller and control circuitry may control and monitor all functions of the dispenser 100, including the amount of product dispensed, product usage, and any other activity occurring within the dispenser 100. The controller may be configured to transmit information about the dispenser 100 to a central control system and / or a cloud-based system via a wireless network device and / or through a web-based system.

[0051] In certain example embodiments, the motor 172 may communicate with the switch 160. When the switch 160 is not actuated by the spout 124 of the liquid reservoir 120, the motor 172 may be inoperable. Thus, for example, when the liquid reservoir 120 is not disposed within the housing 110, the switch 160 may not be actuated, and the motor 172 may be inoperable to rotate the cam 174 and pivot the rocker 176. Thus, for example, when the switch 160 is not actuated, the dispensing mechanism 170 may be deactivated. In this manner, the dispensing mechanism 170 may be avoided or prevented from being operated when the liquid reservoir 120 is not properly installed within the housing 110. In addition, the switch 160 may be actuated each time a maintenance person refills or repairs the liquid reservoir 120. The controller of the dispenser 100 may track the total number of dispensing operations of the liquid reservoir 120 in order to estimate the remaining product within the liquid reservoir 120 and notify the maintenance person when the liquid reservoir 120 needs to be refilled or repaired. During operation of the dispensing mechanism 170 and actuation of the valve 126 by the rocker 176, the latch 150 can prevent undesired actuation of the switch 160 by preventing or impeding the spout 124 from lifting upward, for example, in the vertical direction V. Thus, the dispenser 100 can more accurately track the use of the product from the liquid reservoir 120 by selectively securing the spout 124 to the mounting body 142.

[0052] As can be seen from the above, the dispenser 100 can provide a front-loading dispenser for products such as soap. The latch 150 can advantageously secure the spout 124 of the removable liquid reservoir 120 to the mounting body 142. Thus, the latch 150 can prevent convenient operation of the dispensing mechanism 170 by preventing the spout 124 from being lifted upwardly with the rocker 176. The latch 150 can also prevent undesired actuation of the switch 160, thus allowing accurate tracking of the dispensing of the product from the liquid reservoir 120.

[0053] 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 present invention as more particularly described in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchangeable in whole or in part. In addition, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the above description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention as further described in such appended claims.

[0054] Example Implementation

[0055] First exemplary embodiment - a dispenser (100) comprising: a housing (110) having an interior volume (111) configured to receive a removable liquid reservoir (120); a mounting body (142) disposed within the housing (110), the mounting body (142) defining a channel (144) extending in a vertical direction between an inlet (146) and an outlet (148), the channel (144) being configured to receive a removable liquid reservoir (120); and a mounting body (142) disposed within the housing (110). The mounting body (142) defines a channel (144) extending in a vertical direction between an inlet (146) and an outlet (148). a spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) being received at an inlet (146); and a latch (150) being coupled to the mounting body (142) at the channel (144), the latch (150) being configured to selectively engage the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) within the channel (144) so ​​as to prevent the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) from being removed from the channel (144).

[0056] Second exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the latch (150) includes a collar (152) connected to the mounting body (142), an inner edge (154) of the collar (152) facing the channel (144), the collar (152) being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the inner edge (154) of the collar (152) contacting the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the engaged position of the collar (152), and the inner edge (154) of the collar being spaced apart from the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the disengaged position of the collar (152).

[0057] Third Example Embodiment—The dispenser (100) of the first or second example embodiments, wherein the collar (152) defines a handle (157) at the middle of the collar (152).

[0058] Fourth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the third exemplary embodiment, wherein the mounting body (142) defines a latch opening (145), the handle (157) of the collar (152) is positioned at the latch opening (145), and the collar (152) can be manually adjusted from the engaged position to the disengaged position using the handle (157) located at the latch opening (145).

[0059] Fifth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the fourth exemplary embodiment, wherein: the latch (150) further includes a spring (158) connected to the collar (152), and the spring (158) is configured to push the collar (152) toward the disengaged position of the collar (152); the housing (110) includes a rear cover (112) and a front cover (114), and the front cover (114) is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the rear cover (112); and the front cover (114) contacts the collar (152) in the closed position, so that the front cover (114) positions the collar (152) in the engaged position.

[0060] Sixth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the fifth exemplary embodiment, wherein the channel (144) defines a frustoconical inner guide surface (147), and the frustoconical inner guide surface is positioned between the inlet (146) and the outlet (148) of the channel (144).

[0061] Seventh exemplary embodiment—The dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the sixth exemplary embodiment, further comprising a switch (160) positioned at the channel (144), wherein the switch (160) is capable of being actuated by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120).

[0062] Eighth exemplary embodiment - The dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the seventh exemplary embodiment, further includes a dispensing mechanism (170), which is capable of being operated to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir (120), and the dispensing mechanism (170) includes a motor (172), and the motor (172) communicates with the switch (160) so that when the switch (160) is not actuated by the nozzle (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), the motor (172) is inoperable.

[0063] Ninth exemplary embodiment - A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the eighth exemplary embodiment, further comprising a dispensing mechanism (170), which is operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir (120), the dispensing mechanism (170) comprising: a motor (172); a cam (174), the cam being connected to the rotor of the motor (172) so that the motor (172) is operable to rotate the cam (174); and a rocker (176), the rocker being connected to the cam (174), the rocker (176) having a slot (177), the shaft (175) of the cam (174) being received in the slot (177), the rocker (176) being configured to pivot during rotation of the cam (174) by the motor (172) so that the rocker (176) actuates the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120).

[0064] The tenth exemplary embodiment - the dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the ninth exemplary embodiment, further includes a switch (160) positioned at the channel (144), the switch (160) being capable of being actuated by the nozzle (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), and the motor (172) communicating with the switch (160) so that when the switch (160) is not actuated by the nozzle (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), the motor (172) is inoperable.

[0065] Eleventh Example Embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first to tenth example embodiments, wherein the dispensing mechanism (170) is positioned within the mounting body (142).

[0066] Twelfth Example Embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first to eleventh example embodiments, wherein the outlet (148) of the channel (144) is positioned at a bottom surface of the housing (110).

[0067] Thirteenth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the first exemplary embodiment to the twelfth exemplary embodiment, wherein the housing (110) includes a rear cover (112) and a front cover (114), and the front cover (114) is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position relative to the rear cover (112).

[0068] Fourteenth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) comprising: a housing (110) having an interior volume (111) configured to receive a removable liquid reservoir (120); a mounting body (142) disposed within the housing (110), the mounting body (142) defining a channel (144) extending in a vertical direction between an inlet (146) and an outlet (148), the channel (144) being configured to receive a spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) at the inlet (146) of the channel (144); a latch (150) coupled to the mounting body (142) at the channel (144), the latch (150) being configured to lock the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in a manner that allows the dispenser to be dispensed. a latch (150) configured to selectively engage the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) within the channel (144) so ​​as to prevent the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) from being removed from the channel (144); and a switch (160) positioned at the channel (144), the switch (160) being actuable by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), wherein the switch (160) is positioned so that the latch (150) selectively secures the removable liquid reservoir (120) within the channel (144), and the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) actuates the switch (160).

[0069] Fifteenth exemplary embodiment—The dispenser (100) as described in the fourteenth exemplary embodiment, wherein the latch (150) includes a collar (152) connected to the mounting body (142), an inner edge (154) of the collar (152) facing the channel (144), the collar (152) being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the inner edge (154) of the collar (152) contacting the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the engaged position of the collar (152), and the inner edge (154) of the collar (152) being spaced apart from the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the disengaged position of the collar (152).

[0070] Sixteenth Example Embodiment—The dispenser (100) of the fourteenth or fifteenth example embodiments, wherein the collar (152) defines a handle (157) at the middle of the collar (152).

[0071] Seventeenth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth exemplary embodiments, wherein the mounting body (142) defines a latch opening (145), the handle (157) of the collar (152) is positioned at the latch opening (145), and the collar (152) can be manually adjusted from the engaged position to the disengaged position using the handle (157) located at the latch opening (145).

[0072] Eighteenth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment, wherein: the latch (150) further includes a spring (158) connected to the collar (152), the spring (158) being configured to push the collar (152) toward the disengaged position of the collar (152); the housing (110) includes a rear cover (112) and a front cover (114), the front cover (114) being movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the rear cover (112); and the front cover (114) contacts the collar (152) in the closed position so that the front cover (114) positions the collar (152) in the engaged position.

[0073] Nineteenth exemplary embodiment—A dispenser (100) as described in any one of the fourteenth to eighteenth exemplary embodiments, wherein the channel (144) defines a frustoconical inner guide surface (147), and the frustoconical inner guide surface is positioned between the inlet (146) and the outlet (148) of the channel (144).

[0074] Twentieth exemplary embodiment - The dispenser (100) as described in any one of the fourteenth exemplary embodiment to the nineteenth exemplary embodiment, further comprising a dispensing mechanism (170), the dispensing mechanism being disposed within the mounting body (142), the dispensing mechanism (170) being operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir (120), the dispensing mechanism (170) comprising: a motor (172); a cam (174) coupled to a rotor of the motor (172) so that the motor (172) is operable to rotate the cam (174); and a rocker (176) coupled to the cam The invention relates to a wheel (174), the rocker (176) having a slot (177), the shaft (175) of the cam (174) being received in the slot (177), the rocker (176) being configured to pivot during rotation of the cam (174) by the motor (172) so that the rocker (176) actuates the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), wherein the motor (172) communicates with the switch (160) so that when the switch (160) is not actuated by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), the motor (172) is inoperable.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising: a housing having an interior volume configured to receive a removable liquid reservoir; a mounting body disposed within the housing, the mounting body defining a passage extending in a vertical direction between an inlet and an outlet, the passage being configured to receive a spout of the removable liquid reservoir at the inlet of the passage; a latch coupled to the mounting body at the passage, the latch configured to selectively engage the spout of the removable liquid reservoir within the passage so as to prevent removal of the spout of the removable liquid reservoir from the passage; as well as a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir, the dispensing mechanism comprising: motor; a cam coupled to a rotor of the motor such that the motor is operable to rotate the cam; and A rocker is coupled to the cam, the rocker having a slot in which a shaft of the cam is received, the rocker being configured to pivot during rotation of the cam by the motor such that the rocker actuates the spout of the removable liquid reservoir.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the latch comprises a collar connected to the mounting body, an inner edge of the collar facing the channel, the collar being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the inner edge of the collar contacting the spout of the removable liquid reservoir in the engaged position of the collar, the inner edge of the collar being spaced apart from the spout of the removable liquid reservoir in the disengaged position of the collar.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the collar defines a handle at a middle of the collar.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the mounting body defines a latch opening, the handle of the collar being positioned at the latch opening, the collar being manually adjustable from the engaged position to the disengaged position using the handle at the latch opening.

5. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein: The latch further includes a spring coupled to the collar, the spring being configured to urge the collar toward the disengaged position of the collar; The housing comprises a rear cover and a front cover, wherein the front cover is movable relative to the rear cover between an open position and a closed position; and The front cover contacts the collar in the closed position such that the front cover positions the collar in the engaged position.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the passageway defines a frustoconical inner guide surface positioned between the inlet and the outlet of the passageway.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a switch positioned at the passageway, the switch actuatable by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the motor is in communication with the switch such that the motor is inoperable when the switch is not actuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a switch positioned at the passage, the switch being actuatable by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir, the motor communicating with the switch such that the motor is inoperable when the switch is not actuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir.

10. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the dispensing mechanism is positioned within the mounting body.

11. The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the passage is positioned at a bottom surface of the housing.

12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a rear cover and a front cover, the front cover being movable relative to the rear cover between an open position and a closed position.

13. A dispenser comprising: a housing having an interior volume configured to receive a removable liquid reservoir; a mounting body disposed within the housing, the mounting body defining a passage extending in a vertical direction between an inlet and an outlet, the passage being configured to receive a spout of the removable liquid reservoir at the inlet of the passage; a latch coupled to the mounting body at the passage, the latch configured to selectively engage the spout of the removable liquid reservoir within the passage so as to prevent removal of the spout of the removable liquid reservoir from the passage; as well as a switch positioned at the passage, the switch being actuatable by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir, Wherein the switch is positioned such that the latch selectively secures the removable liquid reservoir within the passageway and the spout of the removable liquid reservoir actuates the switch.

14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the latch comprises a collar connected to the mounting body, an inner edge of the collar facing the channel, the collar being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the inner edge of the collar contacting the spout of the removable liquid reservoir in the engaged position of the collar, the inner edge of the collar being spaced apart from the spout of the removable liquid reservoir in the disengaged position of the collar.

15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the collar defines a handle at a middle of the collar.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the mounting body defines a latch opening, the handle of the collar being positioned at the latch opening, the collar being manually adjustable from the engaged position to the disengaged position using the handle at the latch opening.

17. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein: The latch further includes a spring coupled to the collar, the spring being configured to urge the collar toward the disengaged position of the collar; The housing comprises a rear cover and a front cover, wherein the front cover is movable relative to the rear cover between an open position and a closed position; and The front cover contacts the collar in the closed position such that the front cover positions the collar in the engaged position.

18. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the passageway defines a frustoconical inner guide surface positioned between the inlet and the outlet of the passageway.

19. The dispenser of claim 13, further comprising a dispensing mechanism disposed within the mounting body, the dispensing mechanism operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir, the dispensing mechanism comprising: motor; a cam coupled to a rotor of the motor such that the motor is operable to rotate the cam; as well as a rocker coupled to the cam, the rocker having a slot in which a shaft of the cam is received, the rocker being configured to pivot during rotation of the cam by the motor such that the rocker actuates the spout of the removable liquid reservoir, Wherein the motor is in communication with the switch such that the motor is inoperable when the switch is not actuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir.

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