Dispensing system for dispensing a medium for skin cleaning, disinfection and / or care

Description

[0001] Skin cleansing, disinfection and / or care with the features of the claim STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A variety of dispenser systems for dispensing a medium, for example, for skin cleansing, are known from the prior art. Such dispenser systems typically have a housing with a cover, into which a replaceable media container containing the medium to be dispensed can be inserted. An actuating mechanism of the dispenser system activates a pump / valve mechanism through which the medium can be dispensed. Depending on the pump / valve mechanism, the medium is dispensed in liquid form, atomized, and / or foamed. When the media container is empty, it can be removed and replaced with a new one. The dispenser system can, for example, be designed for wall mounting. However, it can also be constructed so that the dispenser system can be flexibly set up in one place or, for example, hung on a hospital bed.

[0003] There are various approaches to operating the dispenser system. For example, dispenser systems with manual operation are known in which, for example, a lever must be manually pivoted by a user, thereby actuating a pump mechanism to dispense medium. Such dispenser systems are known, for example, from documents DE 10 2011 116 811 A1, DE 10 2013 010 278 A1, and EP 3 085 456 A1. Dispenser systems that can be operated contactlessly to dispense medium are also known. For this purpose, a sensor is usually provided that triggers a corresponding electrical signal when a user places their hand in a predetermined area. One such dispenser system is known, for example, from document US 2017 / 274159 A1.

[0004] In addition, dispenser systems can be equipped with additional functions. For example, there are fill level indicators to show the user or service personnel the fill level of the media container. This is described, for example, in document WO 2006 / 069343 A2.

[0005] From document EP 1 606 213 A2 a dispensing system is known in which a plate is provided through which light emitted by LEDs can shine to signal to a user where his hand should be positioned to collect the medium.

[0006] Document EP 2 773 251 A1 proposes a dispensing system having a sensor system for detecting whether the dispensing system is contaminated. A viewing window is provided on a cover of the dispensing system, behind which LEDs emitting different colored light are arranged. The LEDs can be used, for example, to visually indicate the contamination level. US 2006 / 054733 A1 also shows a dispensing system in which the system status can be visually displayed, at least with regard to one criterion, for example the battery status. US 2006 / 213924 A1 shows a dispensing system with a transparent projection attached to the front wall, which serves as a positioning aid for the thumb of a dispenser user. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a dispenser system with an extended range of functions, in particular without increasing the maintenance effort.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a dispenser system having the features of independent claim 1.

[0009] In the dispenser systems known from the prior art, the use and operation of the dispenser system is easy and intuitive for users and service personnel thanks to the visual displays provided there. According to the invention, it was recognized that this requires increased cleaning effort, however, because the displays and viewing windows in a cover of the dispenser system can lead to an increased risk of contamination on the outer surface of the cover. Dirt can easily become trapped, particularly in the connection area between the displays and viewing windows and the cover. The invention therefore proposes the integration of a signal unit in a dispenser system, in which steps and / or edges in the outer surface of the cover are avoided.

[0010] A dispenser system according to the invention can be designed to dispense a liquid, pasty, or foamable medium. The medium can be used for skin cleansing, disinfection, and / or care. The medium is typically contained in a media container, which can be inserted into the dispenser system, removed after emptying, and replaced with a new media container. For this purpose, the media container is accommodated in a housing of the dispenser system and is covered externally by an outer cover of the dispenser system.

[0011] In order to make it clear to a user, for example, whether the dispensing system is ready for operation, the dispensing system has a signal unit by means of which an optical signal can be emitted. The signal unit is covered on the outside by a cover of the dispensing system. In order to make an optical signal emitted by the signal unit visible to the outside, the cover has a section of greater transparency in the area of ​​the signal unit, which is at least partially transparent to the optical signal. The required degree of transparency depends in particular on the intensity of the optical signal. This means that the higher the intensity, the lower the transparency of the section of greater transparency can be, without this impairing the visibility of the optical signal for a user.

[0012] According to the invention, an outer surface of the section of greater transparency blends seamlessly, i.e., in particular, without edges or steps, into the outer surface of surrounding sections of the cover. The cover thus has a continuous outer surface in and around the area of ​​the section of greater transparency, creating a smooth surface on the outside. This reduces the risk of contamination of the outer surface. Furthermore, the outer surface of the cover is easier to clean. Furthermore, a homogeneous and particularly appealing appearance can be created.

[0013] Unlike prior art dispenser systems, the higher transparency section is not a viewing window inserted into the cover. Rather, the higher transparency section is formed integrally with the cover, creating a continuous outer surface of the cover that is free of edges and cracks.

[0014] According to the invention, the cover can be formed in one piece. This means that the section of higher transparency is formed integrally with the cover. Furthermore, the cover can be formed from the same material. However, different materials can also be used for the section of higher transparency and other sections of the cover. For example, light-scattering particles can be deliberately added to the material for the section of higher transparency in order to make the optical signal appear as homogeneous as possible to the outside.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the partial transparency of the section of greater transparency is achieved by a thinner material thickness than in other sections of the cover. Specifically, the cover can have a base wall thickness. This can, for example, be selected so that the cover is sufficiently robust against the mechanical influences that typically occur. In the section of greater transparency, the wall thickness is less than the base wall thickness, so that this section allows the optical signal to pass through. The thinner the wall thickness, the more light can pass through this section. This means that the wall thickness is preferably selected so that sufficient light can penetrate, so that a user can clearly perceive the optical signal even when light is incident from outside. At the same time, however, the wall thickness should be sufficiently thick to ensure the necessary mechanical stability of the cover.In addition, a certain minimum wall thickness can also have a positive effect on the optical appearance, as edges in the light pattern are less pronounced due to the light scattering when passing through the material.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the section of higher transparency can also differ from surrounding sections in terms of a surface structure. Specifically, the section of higher transparency can have essentially no surface structure, so that the optical signal can pass through this section essentially unhindered. According to this embodiment, however, surrounding sections are deliberately provided with a surface structure that leads to light scattering, so that the optical signal in the surrounding sections is not or only insignificantly perceptible from the outside. The surface structure is preferably provided on the inner surface of the cover, so that the outer surface is ideally flat and thus the risk of contamination and / or the cleaning effort are minimized.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the cover is manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process, with the section of greater transparency being made of an at least partially transparent material. For the surrounding sections of the cover, however, an opaque or at least barely transparent material can be used. This also makes it possible to ensure that the optical signal is clearly visible through the section of greater transparency, while the internal structure of the dispenser system is not visible through the otherwise opaque or at least nearly opaque cover. Scattering particles can be deliberately added to the partially transparent material to make the optical signal appear as homogeneous as possible.

[0018] The signal unit of the dispenser system has in particular a control unit and a lighting element which can be activated under the control of the control unit to emit the optical signal. For example, the lighting element is an LED which can be specifically activated by the control unit so that light is emitted. Preferably, various optical signals can be output by the signal unit. These signals can differ, for example, in the color of the light. For example, the signal unit can have a plurality of lighting elements, in particular different colored ones, such as LEDs, which can be activated individually or in groups under the control of the control unit in order to indicate different operating states. Alternatively or additionally, the optical signals can also differ in their lighting duration. Another possibility is different flashing sequences which are output depending on the operating state.

[0019] The luminous element can be arranged in close proximity to the section of greater transparency. However, according to one embodiment, the luminous element is arranged at a distance from the cover. This can have advantages in terms of space utilization. Furthermore, the luminous element can be better protected from any mechanical influences than if it were directly accessible when the cover is opened—which must be done regularly, for example, to change the media container. In order to make the optical signal as clearly visible to the outside as possible despite the arrangement at a distance from the cover, this embodiment provides a light-guiding element with which the light emitted by the luminous element is guided to the section of greater transparency. The light-guiding element can be, for example, a flexible optical fiber. However, a substantially rigid light-guiding element, e.g., made of PMMA, can also be used.In addition to the light-guiding element, other optical elements may be present, e.g., a lens for better coupling of the light emitted by the luminous element into the light-guiding element or for collimation or targeted focusing of the light coupled out of the light-guiding element.

[0020] To ensure the desired positioning of the light-guiding element relative to the luminous element, a holder can be provided in which the corresponding end of the light-guiding element is received and secured. This can, for example, permanently ensure optimal coupling of the light emitted by the luminous element. Alternatively or additionally, a holder can also be provided to receive and secure the other end of the light-guiding element, thus achieving the desired positioning and alignment of the light-guiding element relative to the section of greater transparency.

[0021] In particular, a stop for the cover can be provided on the holder in which the end of the light-guiding element facing the cover is accommodated. The stop can ensure that the end of the light-guiding element is positioned at a predetermined distance from the cover and in particular the section of greater transparency. This can, for example, prevent mechanical damage to the light-guiding element. It is also possible, for example, to influence the size of a generated light spot that is visible as an optical signal to the user of the dispensing system in the section of greater transparency. Specifically, an end face of the holder facing the cover can have a counter-contour corresponding to the contour of the cover and thus serve as a stop for the cover.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the section of greater transparency is designed as a recess in the cover. The recess is arranged on the inside of the cover so that an essentially flat outer surface is present on the outside. In the area of ​​the recess, the cover has a thinner wall thickness and thus greater transparency than in the surrounding areas so that the optical signal in this area is particularly visible to a user. The recess preferably has a cross-section that essentially corresponds to the cross-section of the light-guiding element. The cross-section can be deliberately chosen to be somewhat larger so that the light-guiding element can engage in the recess with some play. In this way, damage to the light-guiding element due to mechanical contact with the cover can be largely avoided.At the same time, the area through which one could see into the interior of the dispenser system is kept as small as possible so that the overall visual impression of the dispenser system is not impaired.

[0023] For further details, reference is made to the solutions known from the prior art, in particular to the documents cited in the introduction to the description, to whose contents reference is made in full. For example, the dispenser system can be designed for wall mounting. However, it can also be configured as a mobile dispenser system, which is equipped in particular with an energy storage device, e.g., for the electrical supply of the lighting element or the control unit. Furthermore, various actuation mechanisms are possible. For example, the dispenser system can be operated manually via a pivoting lever.

[0024] A particular advantage with regard to avoiding contamination of the dispensing system is achieved if the dispensing system can be operated contactlessly to dispense medium and has a corresponding sensor unit for detecting contactless operation. This can, in particular, be an optical sensor such as an IR sensor, which detects the approach of a hand. If the hand is positioned at a predetermined distance from the sensor, a signal is generated that activates the dispensing system to dispense medium. For example, triggered by the signal, a valve can be opened and / or a pump can be activated so that the medium is dispensed.

[0025] In a further embodiment of a contactless dispenser system, it is provided that the optical signal is emitted by means of the signal unit depending on at least one of the following events: Contactless operation of the dispenser system is detected by the sensor unit. The user can see from the optical signal, for example, that their operation was successful and that medium is being dispensed. A specified time has elapsed since the dispenser system was operated and / or the medium was dispensed. Such an optical signal can serve to indicate to the user that the dispensing process is complete and that they can remove their hand. Another possibility is that the optical signal shows the user that the recommended contact time for the medium, e.g. for hand disinfection, has elapsed. Contactless operation of the dispenser system is detected for more than a specified period of time. In such a case, the output of the optical signal can serve, for example, as a warning that a user must first remove their hands before they can operate the dispenser system again to dispense medium.

[0026] To be able to clean the dispenser system, it is particularly advantageous for touchless dispenser systems if they can be switched to a cleaning mode in which no medium is dispensed, even if touchless operation is detected by the sensor unit. This can prevent the unwanted dispensing of medium during cleaning. During operation in cleaning mode, the output of an optical signal can be helpful for service personnel to indicate that cleaning mode has been successfully activated. It can also be helpful for service personnel if the optical signal indicates that cleaning mode has been successfully deactivated after cleaning.If the cleaning mode is automatically deactivated after a specified period of time and normal operation is resumed, it can also be advantageous to emit a corresponding visual signal shortly before the cleaning mode is deactivated. For example, a visual signal can be emitted every second 10 seconds before the cleaning mode is deactivated, so that service personnel can see that cleaning is about to be completed or - if cleaning is not yet complete - that the cleaning mode should be reactivated.

[0027] In order to control the operation of the dispenser system, according to one embodiment, the dispenser system has a control module, which can be used, in particular, to control the dispensing of the medium. For example, the control module can be used to adjust the dosage of the medium. However, other operating parameters can also be set using the control module. For example, a sensor unit for detecting contactless actuation can be calibrated during operation. In this context, the output of an optical signal can also be advantageous to inform a user or service personnel about the current operating mode or any adjustments. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, the optical signal is output depending on at least one of the following events: A programming mode is switched on for setting and / or adjusting a control of the dispensing system via the control module. For example, the output of a green light can indicate that a dosing amount can now be adjusted, while the output of a red light, for example, indicates that a calibration of a sensor unit for contactless operation of the dispensing system is now taking place. Once the control system has been set and / or adjusted, this is complete. This indicates to the user or service personnel that the setting and / or adjustment was successful and that the dispensing system will now operate with the (newly) set parameters. If the dosing amount is adjusted, the dosing level that is now set can be indicated, for example, by multiple flashes.For example, two flashes indicate that dosage level 2 is selected, three flashes indicate that dosage level 3 is selected, and so on. The dispensing system control system is being reset to its default settings. A malfunction in the dispensing system's operation has been detected.

[0028] As already mentioned above, the dispensing system can have an energy storage device to supply energy to the electrical components of the dispensing system, e.g. the signal unit or a sensor unit for contactless operation of the dispensing system. The optical signal that can be emitted by the signal unit can be used to inform a user or service personnel about the charge level of the energy storage device. Specifically, it can be provided that a corresponding optical signal is emitted when the charge level of the energy storage device falls below a predetermined minimum. This allows the user or service personnel to easily recognize that the energy storage device should be replaced or recharged promptly. The output of the corresponding optical signal can also be linked to other conditions, e.g. switching to a cleaning mode or similar.in order to only use energy to output the optical signal when the appropriately authorized specialist is present and can actually detect the optical signal.

[0029] Advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the claims, the description, and the drawings. The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can be effective alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily being achieved by embodiments of the invention. The number of features mentioned in the claims and the description is to be understood as meaning that exactly this number or a greater number than the stated number is present, without the need for an explicit use of the term "at least." Thus, if, for example, reference is made to one signal unit, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one signal unit, two signal units, or several signal units are present. These features can be supplemented by other features or be the only features of which the respective product consists.The reference signs contained in the claims do not represent a limitation of the scope of the subject-matter protected by the claims. They serve solely to make the claims easier to understand. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures. It shows: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a dispenser system according to the invention in a perspective view, Figure 2 shows the dispenser system according to Figure 1 in a front view, Figure 3 a cover of the dispenser system according to Figure 1 , Figure 4the dispenser system according to Figure 1 with cover removed, Figure 5 a detail of the illustration in Figure 4 , Figure 6 a representation of the detail from Figure 5from a different perspective, Figure 7 a sectional view of the dispenser system according to Figure 1 Figure 8 a sectional view of the dispenser system according to Figure 1 .

[0031] The Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective and a front view of an embodiment of a dispenser system 1 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser system 1 is designed for wall mounting. For this purpose, a housing 2 of the dispenser system can be attached to a wall bracket in a manner not shown in detail.

[0032] The dispenser system 1 accommodates a replaceable media container containing the medium to be dispensed, e.g., a disinfectant. To enable the media container to be replaced after emptying, a cover 3 is arranged on the housing 2, which can be pivoted into an open position. In the open position of the cover 3, the interior of the dispenser system 1 is accessible, allowing, for example, the media container to be removed and replaced with a new one.

[0033] The details of the design of the pivotable fastening of the cover 3 to the housing 2 are shown in the Figures 3 and 4Specifically, two pins 4 are provided on the cover 3, which are rotatably received in a guide slot 5 on the housing 2 about a rotation axis predetermined by the guide slot 5. Furthermore, a locking mechanism 6 is also shown there to secure the cover 3 in its closed position according to the Figures 1 and 2 to be able to lock.

[0034] The cover 3 has a front wall 7 and side walls 8-11 formed integrally therewith and projecting laterally therefrom. Overall, the interior of the dispenser system 1 can thus be completely covered by the cover 3 to the front and sides. Various geometries and / or cutouts can be provided in the cover 3, e.g., to make it clear from the outside which media container is inserted into the dispenser system 1 and whether it contains, for example, a disinfectant.

[0035] Furthermore, the cover 3 comprises a section 12 of higher transparency. This section has a somewhat circular cross-section. As shown in Fig. 3 As shown, the section 12 is a recess on the inside of the cover 3. This means that the section 12 has a smaller wall thickness than the section 13 surrounding the section 12. Thus, when the cover 3 is backlit, less light is absorbed in the section 12 than in the surrounding sections. As shown in Fig. 1 and 2As indicated, section 12 merges flush with the surrounding section 13 on the outside. In other words, the outer surface of section 12 merges smoothly and, in particular, without any jumps or edges into the outer surface of the surrounding section 13 of the cover 3. This results in a smooth outer surface of the cover 3 in and around section 12. This effectively reduces the risk of contamination and / or germ contamination as well as any cleaning effort required for the cover 3.

[0036] In Figure 4 The dispenser system 1 is shown without the cover 3. A receptacle 14 for a media container is provided on the housing 2 of the dispenser system 1. An actuating mechanism 15 (not shown in detail) and a dispensing mechanism 16 for dispensing media are provided in the lower area.

[0037] In addition, a signal unit 17 of the dispenser system 1 is arranged in the lower area, with which an optical signal can be emitted, for example, to provide a user with information about the operating status and / or feedback on a dispensing process. Further details on the signal unit 17 are described in particular in the Figures 5 to 8 shown.

[0038] The signal unit 17 comprises a lighting element, not shown in detail, such as an RGB LED. The lighting element is arranged on a circuit board, on which a control unit for controlling the lighting element is also arranged. The circuit board is located in a compartment 18 in the housing 2 of the dispenser system 1. The light emitted by the lighting element is coupled into a light-guiding element 19. The end of the light-guiding element 19 is received in a holder 20 and is fixed in position by this to ensure the best possible coupling of the emitted light. The light-guiding element 19 is a flexible light guide, which extends through the housing 2 of the dispenser system 1 to an end face 21, which points in the direction of the cover 3. As shown in the sectional views in the Figures 7 and 8As shown in more detail, the light-guiding element 19 ends immediately before the section 12 of greater transparency. The light emitted by the luminous element is thus guided by the light-guiding element 19 directly to the section 12 of the cover 3 that is at least partially transparent to the optical signal. The optical signal is clearly visible to a user through this section 12, while the surrounding section 13 appears opaque.

[0039] To fix the end of the light-guiding element 19 in its position and thus ensure that the light is guided to the section 12, a holder 22 is also provided on the end face 21. The end of the light-guiding element 19 is received in this holder and is fixed in its position. To prevent damage to the light-guiding element 19 when the cover 12 is closed, a front face of the holder 22 facing the cover 12 has a counter-contour corresponding to the contour of the cover 12 and thus acts as a stop for the cover 12. List of reference symbols:

[0040] 1Dispenser system 2Housing 3Cover 4Pin 5Guide slot 6Locking mechanism 7Front wall 8Side wall 9Side wall 10Side wall 11Side wall 12Section 13Section 14Holder 15Activation mechanism 16Dispensing mechanism 17Signal unit 18Compartment 19Light guide element 20Holder 21Front side 22Holder

Claims

1. Dispenser system (1) for dispensing a liquid, pasty or foamable medium for cleaning, disinfecting and / or caring for skin, - the dispenser system (1) having a signal unit (17) for emitting an optical signal, - the signal unit (17) being covered by an outer cover (3) of the dispenser system (1) and - the cover (1) in the area of the signal unit (17) having a portion (12) of higher transparency which is at least partially transparent to the optical signal such that an optical signal emitted by the signal unit (17) is visible to the outside, characterized in that an outer surface of the portion (12) of higher transparency merges continuously into an outer surface of surrounding portions (13) of the cover (3).

2. Dispenser system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (3) is made of the same material and / or is made in one piece.

3. Dispenser system (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (3) has a base wall thickness, a wall thickness of the cover (3) in the portion (12) of higher transparency being lower than the base wall thickness,4. Dispenser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (3) in the portion (12) of higher transparency has a different surface structure than in the surrounding portions (13).

5. Dispenser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (3) is produced in a multi-component injection molding process, the portion (12) of higher transparency being made of an at least partially transparent material.

6. Dispenser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal unit (17) has a control unit and a lighting element, it being possible for the lighting element to be activated under the control of the control unit to emit the optical signal, it being possible for in particular different optical signals to be emitted by means of the signal unit (17), which differ in at least one of the following features: - light color, - lighting duration, - flashing sequence.

7. Dispenser system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lighting element is arranged at a distance from the cover (3) and the signal unit (17) comprises a light-guiding element (19), in particular a flexible optical fiber, for guiding the light emitted by the lighting element to the portion (12) of higher transparency.

8. Dispenser system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that one end of the light-guiding element (19) is received in a holder (20, 22) and secured thereby for positioning the end relative to the lighting element or the portion (12) of higher transparency.

9. Dispenser system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the holder (22), in which the end of the light-guiding element (19) facing the cover (3) is received, has a stop for the cover (3) which is designed such that the end of the light-guiding element (19) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the cover (3).

10. Dispenser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion (12) of higher transparency is designed as a recess in the cover (3), the recess in particular having a cross section which substantially corresponds to the cross section of the light-guiding element (19).

11. Dispenser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser system (1) can be actuated contactlessly to dispense medium and has a sensor unit for sensing a contactless actuation of the dispenser system (1).

12. Dispenser system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that by means of the signal unit (17) the optical signal can be emitted depending on at least one of the following events: - detection of a contactless actuation of the dispenser system (1) via the sensor unit; - elapse of a predetermined time after actuation of the dispenser system (1) and / or dispensing of medium; - permanent detection of a contactless actuation by means of the sensor unit over more than a predetermined period of time.

13. Dispenser system (1) according to either claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the dispenser system (1) can be operated in a cleaning mode in which no medium is dispensed when a contactless actuation is detected, it being possible for the optical signal to be emitted depending on at least one of the following events: - activation of the cleaning mode; - elapse of a predetermined time after switching to the cleaning mode; - deactivation of the cleaning mode,14. Dispenser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser system (1) has a control module for controlling the dispensing of medium, in particular a dosing quantity, it being possible for the optical signal to be emitted depending on at least one of the following events: - switching to a programming mode for setting and / or adjusting a control of the dispenser system (1); - completion of any setting and / or adjustment of the control of the dispenser system (1); - resetting of the control of the dispenser system (1) to its basic settings; - identification of a malfunction in the operation of the dispenser system (1).

15. Dispenser system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser system (1) has an energy store for supplying energy to the dispenser system (1), it being possible for the optical signal to be emitted depending on the energy store falling below a predetermined minimum charge level.