AN INSERTION MODULE IN A DISPENSER

Abstract

This description relates to an insert module (22) configured for detachable placement in a liquid dispenser (1), wherein the dispenser (1) comprises a dispensing mechanism (11) that causes the liquid to be discharged, and wherein the dispenser (1) is suitable for comprising a replaceable liquid container (9) for such liquid. The insert module (22) is configured to house such a liquid container (9).

Description

AN INSERTION MODULE IN A DISPENSER FIELD OF INVENTION The description refers generally to liquid dispensers, and more specifically to dispensers capable of supplying liquid from a replaceable liquid container. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Liquid dispensers, such as those for soap and similar hygiene products, are very common. Their general purpose is to hold and dispense various types of liquids. Today's dispensers are used in homes, offices, hospitals, restaurants, airports, and other environments. Furthermore, these dispensers can be configured to supply different types of liquids, such as soap, sanitizers, lotions, shampoo, skin care products, and other liquids. In addition, dispensing systems that include a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container are widely used. Using a replaceable liquid container, for example for soap, allows users to easily replace an empty container with a new, full one. A liquid dispensing system may comprise a dispenser with a housing that accepts a replaceable liquid container, also referred to as a "refill unit" or "refill cartridge." This liquid container is configured to be placed within the dispenser housing during use. As fluid is dispensed from the container, the amount of fluid remaining will gradually decrease. Eventually, the container needs to be removed and replaced with a new one. Furthermore, the incorporation of a pump unit, such as a foam pump unit, is known to occur either in the replaceable liquid container or in the actual dispenser housing. Such a foam pump unit is designed to transfer a liquid, such as soap, from the liquid container and discharge it from the dispenser as a foam. Other types of pump units exist, for example, for dispensing a liquid as a spray, liquid, or gel. Some popular soap dispensers have a replaceable liquid reservoir that includes an integrated foam pump. This design offers several advantages. For example, it's more hygienic than other systems because the liquid reservoir is sealed. It also minimizes the risk of leakage during reservoir replacement and reduces the number of moving parts in the dispenser. Refilling these systems is very simple: just replace the empty reservoir with a full one. Furthermore, a dispenser can be operated by a user via a suitable activation device, which can be either manual or automatic. A manual activation device might be, for example, a push button or a lever designed to activate a dispensing mechanism. Alternatively, an automatic activation device might include, for example, a touchless sensor device, such as an infrared sensor, configured to activate an electric motor to operate a pump unit upon detecting a user's presence. Regardless of the type of activation device used, the purpose of such a device is to allow a user to activate the dispensing system in order to release a certain amount of the liquid (e.g., soap) contained within the liquid container. Common soap dispensing systems are sometimes equipped with additional features such as dispenser usage detection and communication with a central computer server. This allows data to be sent, for example, to a maintenance team indicating that a replaceable liquid container needs to be exchanged for a new one. Such new features are not always compatible with all types of dispensers. In particular, some dispensers are not always equipped with electronic devices for identifying the liquid container being used, tracking dispenser usage, and communicating with external devices. If, for example, there is a requirement to modernize and upgrade a number of dispensing systems at a particular site, such as an airport or hospital, to enable usage tracking, each dispensing system will have to be replaced with a new one. This is, of course, costly and time-consuming. An example of an additional function requested for soap dispensing systems is the requirement to detect dispenser usage, specifically to track the remaining contents of a replaceable liquid container. This is to determine when a liquid container is nearly empty and therefore needs to be replaced. Naturally, the container should be used as much as possible; that is, it should not need to be replaced before it is empty, or nearly empty. For this purpose, devices and methods are known for detecting and analyzing soap consumption in a replaceable liquid container. Specifically, such systems can be equipped with a detection unit to determine actual usage or, alternatively, the volume of liquid remaining in the container. This unit can also transmit signals to an external computer and to the maintenance service team, in order to send instructions for exchanging the empty container for a new one. A further improvement in certain environments, such as hospitals and airports, where a large number of dispensers may be used and where there is a need to track the use of each individual dispenser, is that each individual liquid container can be equipped with a wireless transponder unit that has stored information corresponding to the identity of the liquid container in question. For example, a dispenser is known that comprises a replaceable cartridge with a transponder in the form of a communications tag, which may be in the form of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The dispenser also comprises an RFID antenna unit that connects to a communications unit. The tag may contain identity information associated with a unique cartridge and can also be used to detect cartridge usage.In addition, the dispenser is also configured for communication with an external computer server and to detect if maintenance is required when the cartridge is emptied. The features of the type described above cannot be used with all types of dispensers. Therefore, the solution is to replace them with entirely new dispensers equipped with the necessary electronic equipment described above, which can be expensive. The use of various types of upgraded electronic modules is also known, with the aim of converting and "modernizing" an existing dispensing system with a new function. For example, a wireless monitoring module can be installed in an existing hygiene dispenser, which can be either manually or automatically operated. This monitoring module can be configured to transmit operational data from the dispenser to an external device. Although the monitoring module described above facilitates the provision of conventional dispensers with new electronic functions in a cost-effective and simple way, there is still a desire for further improvements within this particular field of technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the description, an improved insertion module is provided for a dispensing system. In one embodiment, an insert module is provided that is configured for detachable placement in a liquid dispenser, wherein the dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanism that causes the liquid to be selectively discharged, and wherein the dispenser is suitable for comprising a replaceable liquid container for such liquid. Furthermore, the insert module is configured to house such a liquid container. The insert module, as described, has certain advantages. First, it can be easily retrofitted into an existing dispensing system to enable the implementation of new functions. Specifically, the insert module can be equipped with electronic devices that allow the use of new, replaceable liquid containers, each fitted with a transponder unit, in a dispensing system that lacks a transponder reader. The insert module can also include a means of detecting liquid usage within the liquid container. The insertion module may comprise a transponder reader unit for cooperation with a transponder unit in such a replaceable liquid container. The transponder unit can be configured to obtain stored data from such a transponder unit corresponding to a unique identity of such a liquid container. The transponder reader unit can be an RFID reader unit and such a transponder unit can be an RFID tag. The insertion module may include a detection unit configured to monitor the cumulative consumption of the liquid container's contents, indicating whether the container needs replacing. This addresses a problem that arises when different users of the dispensing system use varying amounts of liquid when the dispenser is activated. Systems that simply count the number of dispenser activations will not provide accurate usage measurements, as different users are expected to dispense different quantities of liquid. The detection unit may comprise a magnetometer sensor. The detection unit can be activated by means of activation devices in such a dispenser. The detection unit may comprise an actuator that is configured to rotate by means of such a supply mechanism, thereby enabling the detection of the use of the contents of the liquid container. The actuator may comprise a gear element that meshes with a toothed wheel arranged in such an insertion module. The transponder reader unit can be connected to a microprocessor that is arranged for communication with an external computer unit. In specific embodiments, the delivery mechanism comprises a foam pump unit for discharging liquid into such a replaceable liquid container in the form of foam. At least some of the advantages described above can also be obtained by using an insert module configured for detachable placement in a liquid dispenser. The method comprises providing a dispensing mechanism in the dispenser to cause the liquid to be discharged, and providing a replaceable liquid container for the liquid in the dispenser. Furthermore, the method comprises housing the liquid container within the insert module. Cooperation can be provided between a transponder reader unit placed in the insert module and a transponder unit in such a replaceable liquid container. The stored data can be obtained from such a transponder unit by means of such a transponder reader unit, corresponding to a unique identity of such a liquid container. Cumulative consumption of the contents of such a liquid container can be detected by means of a detection unit; and an indication can be provided as to whether such a liquid container needs to be replaced. The use of the contents of such a liquid container can be detected by allowing an actuator to be rotated by means of such a delivery mechanism. Additional advantages and advantageous features of the modalities described here are discussed in the following description. Hereafter, the term “dispensing system” is used to refer to a combined apparatus comprising at least a dispenser and a liquid container. More precisely, as described below, the dispensing system is configured to include, or not include, an insert module designed to house the liquid container. Hereafter, the term “insertion module” is used to describe a device intended for detachable mounting within the housing of an existing dispenser, for the purpose of adding certain functions and features to that dispenser. Specifically, the insertion module is configured to house a replaceable liquid container. Additional functions and properties may be added to the insertion module, as described in detail below. From now on, the term “replaceable liquid container” is used to indicate a container for a liquid, such as soap, that is configured to be easily removed from the dispenser when empty, thus allowing replacement with a new liquid container. Hereafter, the term “transponder” is used to refer to an electronic device that uses electromagnetic radiation to receive and process an incoming signal and is configured to emit a response signal. A transponder may be either an RFID tag, active or passive, or some other form of transponder, such as an identifier or tag based on, for example, Bluetooth® or biometric technology, or similar technology. From now on, the term “transponder reader unit” is used to indicate an electronic device that is configured to cooperate with one or more transponders in a manner so that data stored on such transponders can be read. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The description will be made in greater detail below, in relation to the figures shown in the attached figures. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid dispenser according to a first modality; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the dispenser according to Fig. 1, in a condition in which a housing of the dispenser has been opened to allow access to the inside of the dispenser; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a replaceable liquid container intended to be placed in the dispenser; Fig. 4 shows a dispensing system with a dispenser, in a view corresponding to Fig. 2 but including a replaceable liquid container that is placed in the dispenser; Fig. 5A shows a replaceable liquid container and the operation of an activation unit, in a first condition; Fig. 5B shows a replaceable liquid container and the operation of an activation unit, in a second condition; Fig. 6 is a schematic figure of a system for detecting liquid container consumption; Fig. 7 shows an insertion module according to the description; Fig. 8 shows a view of a dispenser and includes the insertion module of Fig. 7 which is mounted in the dispenser housing; Fig. 9 shows the insertion module from another angle, which in particular shows a detection device; Fig. 10 shows a view corresponding to Fig. 8 with a dispensing system that includes a replaceable liquid container that is mounted on and supported by the insertion module; and Fig. 11 is a schematic figure of a system for detecting the consumption of the liquid container according to an additional modality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Various aspects of this description will be described more fully below, in relation to the accompanying figures. The description can be presented in many different ways and should not be considered limited to the methods described below. With initial reference to Fig. 1, a perspective view of a dispenser 1 for dispensing a liquid, such as soap, is shown. The dispenser 1 can alternatively be used for other liquids, such as sanitizer, lotion, shampoo, skin care product, detergent, disinfectant, moisturizer, hydroalcoholic gel, or similar liquids, or alternatively, other fluids such as dispersions (e.g., an aerosol). The dispenser 1 is configured for placement in a location where the liquid is intended for use, such as a bathroom, hospital room, or kitchen. According to one embodiment shown in the figures, dispenser 1 is used for supplying soap, which is processed to be discharged as foam. For this purpose, dispenser 1 can be activated by means of a foam pump unit, which is not shown in Figs. 1 and 2, but will be described below. The dispenser 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 comprises a housing 2 configured to hold a replaceable liquid container (not visible in Figs. 1 and 2), also referred to as a replaceable refill unit. The housing 2 comprises a first portion 3 and a second portion 4, which are coupled together by means of a hinge and can be secured together by means of a lock 5. Other means of securing the first portion 3 and the second portion 4 are also possible. The first portion 3 corresponds to a front side of the housing 2, while the second portion 4 corresponds to a rear side of the housing 2 and includes features for mounting the dispenser 1 on a wall or other surface. The first portion 3 and the second portion 4 are suitably coupled together along the bottom of the housing 2. This is shown in Fig.2, in which it can be observed that the first portion 3 is rotatably arranged in relation to the second portion 4 through an articulation mechanism 6, in the form of a pivot joint or the like. Other designs for the opening of housing 2 are also possible within the scope of this description. Furthermore, housing 2 can be made of any suitable material, for example, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. As mentioned above, dispenser 1 is equipped with an activation device 7, which, in the configuration shown in the figures, is in the form of a manual push button. A user wishing to dispense soap from dispenser 1 must press the activation device 7, which causes the liquid to be dispensed in a manner described below. According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, dispenser 1 may alternatively be provided with an automatic activation device, which may comprise a touchless sensor unit that may be based, for example, on an infrared sensor unit. Activation of the sensor may cause an electric motor to be actuated in order to operate the dispenser after the presence of a user is detected. Furthermore, dispenser 1 is of the type equipped with a transponder reader unit 8, that is, an antenna unit or transponder detection unit configured to detect and cooperate with a transponder unit in a liquid container. The transponder unit will be described below, in relation to Fig. 3. It should be emphasized that the description is not limited to dispensing systems in which a dispenser 1 is provided with a transponder reader unit. In fact, as will be described in detail below, configurations are contemplated in which a transponder reader unit can be placed in a separate insert module, which is configured to house a replaceable liquid container. Figure 3 shows a replaceable liquid container 9, also referred to as a “filling unit,” intended for use with the dispenser shown in Figures 1 and 2. The liquid container 9 is designed for storing and transporting liquid before use in the dispenser 1. The liquid container 9 is also designed to be inserted and locked into the dispenser 1 for liquid dispensing. The liquid container 9 is designed for use in dispensers of the type where dispensing occurs from the bottom. Therefore, when the liquid container 9 is empty, it can be removed and replaced with a new container. As shown in Fig. 3, the liquid container 9 comprises a liquid reservoir 10 and a delivery mechanism in the form of a pump unit 11 that connects to and terminates with a delivery opening 12. The liquid reservoir 10 is the portion of the liquid container 8 in which the liquid is stored. In Fig. 3, the liquid reservoir 10 is shown to have a generally cylindrical shape, but other three-dimensional shapes are also possible. Accordingly, the reservoir 10 is hollow and made of a material suitable for the liquid contained therein, without degradation of the liquid or the liquid reservoir 10. For example, and without limitation, suitable materials for the liquid reservoir 10 include plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Furthermore, the liquid container 9 comprises a pump unit 11 that transfers liquid from the liquid reservoir 10 and dispenses it selectively. For this purpose, the liquid reservoir 10 is connected, via the pump unit 11, to the dispensing opening 12 through which the liquid is discharged. A pump unit 11 for a liquid dispenser of the type described above is previously known as such from patent document WO 2011 / 133085. For this reason, the pump unit 11 is not described herein in further detail. However, it should be mentioned that the activation of the pump unit 11 by means of upward displacement of its lower portion, i.e., in a first generally vertical direction (arrow V), discharges a quantity of liquid from the liquid reservoir 10, through the supply opening 12. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the pump unit 11 is located at one end of the liquid reservoir 10 and - in this particular embodiment - the first direction (arrow V) generally corresponds to an extension of the axis of the cylindrical liquid reservoir 10. As mentioned above, the liquid container 9 can hold, for example, a sanitizer, lotion, shampoo, skin care product, detergent, disinfectant, moisturizer, hydroalcoholic gel, or a similar liquid, or alternatively, fluids such as dispersions. The contents of the liquid container can also be discharged in various forms, ideally but not limited to foam, spray, gel, lotion, or similar. Different types of contents in the liquid container and different methods of dispensing such contents may require different types of pump units, which are adapted to the contents of the liquid container. This means that the description is not limited to dispensing systems with a pump unit as described in relation to Fig. 3, but can be implemented with other types of pump units. In fact, an example of an alternative type of dispensing mechanism is described in patent document WO 2017 / 050390.Figure 4 shows a dispensing system comprising dispenser 1 and liquid container 9, in an operating mode with housing 2 in an open condition. When the first portion 3 is closed, dispenser 1 is ready for use. As shown, dispenser 1 is provided with the replaceable liquid container 9, i.e., in a condition in which the container 9 is placed inside housing 2. In this condition, the liquid container 9 rests on a lower surface 14 in housing 2 and is arranged so that the pump unit 11 extends downward through an opening 15 in that lower surface 14. Also, the pump unit 11 is positioned behind the activation device 7 so that it can be mechanically actuated by means of the activation device 7 when a user wishes to dispense soap. More precisely, and with further reference to Figures 5A and 5B, the system is designed to be fully functional and functional.5B, which show a side view of the replaceable liquid container 9 with the activation device 7 shown in cross-section, it should be emphasized that the activation device 7 is rotatable about a rotating axis 16 in the dispenser 1. Also, the activation device 7 comprises an actuator surface 7a, which is configured so that a user can press it, and a pump actuator 7b, which is located under an annular flange 17 that extends around the pump unit 11 when the activation device 7 is in a standby condition. In a first position, shown in Fig. 5A, the activation device 7 is in a rotatable position accessible to a user. When the user presses the actuator surface 7a, the activation device 7 will rotate counterclockwise. This rotation causes the pump actuator 7b to move, forcing the flange 17 upward (i.e., in the direction indicated by arrow V in Fig. 5A), thereby actuating the pump unit 11. In a second position, shown in Fig. 5B, the pump actuator 7b has reached a rotatable position in which the flange 17 has been forced upward, corresponding to a condition in which the contents of the liquid container have been pumped out through the supply opening 12. It is previously known, for example through the above-mentioned document WO 2011 / 133085, how an activation device such as the one shown, for example, in Figs. 5A and 5B, can be operated in order to actuate a pump unit. «Qbnzn / Qznz / q / υιλι The replaceable liquid container 9 is provided with means for storing unique identification data related to that liquid container 9. As shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5A, and 5B, the liquid container 9 is provided with an electronic transponder 13 which can be preprogrammed with data indicating a unique data code corresponding to the identity of each individual container 9. In one embodiment, the transponder 13 is suitably placed on or near a lower external surface of the liquid container 9 (see, for example, Fig. 4). Alternatively, the transponder 13 can be embedded within the material from which the liquid container 9 is formed. One particular type of transponder that is suitable for this description is an RFID transponder, also referred to as an “RFID tag.” Typically, an RFID transponder is designed as an identifier or tag comprising an antenna component that receives the incoming signal, a processor component that processes the incoming signal, and a processor component that also transmits the output signal through the antenna component. An RFID transponder can be programmed with data representing the transponder's unique identity. Accordingly, the RFID transponder 13 shown in the figures is programmed with data indicating the identity of a corresponding liquid container 9 to which the RFID transponder 13 is attached. This means that during the manufacturing process of each liquid container 9, its unique identity is stored in the attached RFID transponder 13. The RFID transponder 13 can be either passive (i.e., not requiring a power source) or active (i.e., comprising a power source). In addition to data representing the actual identity of a given liquid container, the RFID transponder 13 can be programmed with data representing, for example, the type of liquid stored in liquid container 9 and the total quantity of liquid stored in liquid container 9. The RFID transponder 13 can also contain data representing the manufacturing date of liquid container 9, a suitable soap dosage size, or other data related to the liquid container and / or its contents. In other contemplated modalities, the transponder 13 may be of another type, such as an optically readable barcode or an identifier or label based on, for example, Bluetooth® technology. Furthermore, the data associated with transponder 13 can be detected and read by means of the transponder reader unit 8, which is shown in Figures 2 and 4. For this purpose, the transponder reader unit 8 is configured to transmit an interrogation signal to transponder 13. Such an interrogation signal can be emitted, for example, to request data from transponder 13 representing the identity or type of liquid in the liquid container 9. A response signal emitted by transponder 13 is received and stored by the transponder reader unit 8. Figure 6 schematically illustrates a system for data transmission to and from the dispenser 1. The system is based on a microprocessor 18 that is connected to the transponder reader unit 8 and also to the activation device 7.For this purpose, the activation device 7 is provided with an electrical switch or detector (not shown) that is configured to generate an activation signal and transmit such activation signal to the microprocessor 18 each time a user activates the dispenser 1 by pressing the activation device 7. An interrogation signal from microprocessor 18 to transponder 13 is ideally transmitted from transponder reader unit 8 when a user presses activation device 7. The signal is transmitted to transponder 13, which, in turn, generates a response signal containing data that represents the actual identity of transponder 13. This response signal is forwarded to microprocessor 18. This can occur at a specific time point or frequency, or when activation device 7 transmits an activation signal indicating that power has been initiated. The information collected by the microprocessor 18 can then be forwarded to a communications unit 19, which is configured to transmit data to an external computer unit 20 that processes the incoming data. In one embodiment, the communications unit 19 comprises a radio transceiver arranged to provide two-way radio communication with the external computer unit 20. A computer memory unit 21, such as a database, is ideally connected to the external computer unit 20. In one mode, the RFID transponder 13 contains only information regarding the unique identity of a liquid container 9. During an interrogation situation, the data related to the identity of the liquid container 9 is transmitted to the external computer 20, which retrieves relevant data regarding the liquid container 9 and its contents from the database 21. Such relevant data may include information regarding the identity of the container 9 and the cumulative displacement of the pump unit 11. Based on such relevant data, information regarding, for example, the appropriate time to replace the liquid container, can be forwarded to the cleaning team. Accordingly, the external computer unit 20 can send information to the cleaning team, relating to the liquid level of the liquid container 9, or alternatively regarding whether the "use by" or "best before" date of a particular liquid container 9 has passed, or whether a liquid container 9 needs to be replaced due, for example, to quality reasons. In summary, the dispenser 1, mentioned above, is configured to house the replaceable liquid container 9, which is provided with a unique identity and also carries a transponder unit 13 with stored identification data representing the identity of that particular liquid container 9. In one specific embodiment, the dispenser 1 comprises a transponder reader unit 8 that cooperates with the transponder unit 13 and is also configured for communication with an external computer unit 20. The dispenser 1 is also configured to detect the use of the liquid container 9 in order to indicate whether the liquid container 9 needs to be replaced. With regard to Figures 7 and 8, the dispensing system comprises a removable insert module 22, configured to house a replaceable liquid container 9 during operation of the dispensing system. The term “insertion module” is used to describe a unit that can be placed inside the housing 2 in a detachable manner, i.e., temporarily or permanently, i.e., for a relatively long time. Accordingly, the insert module 22 is shown detached from the dispenser 1 in Figure 7 and is shown in a condition where it is placed inside the housing 2 of the dispenser 1 in Figure 8. The insert module 22 can be retrofitted to an existing dispenser in a simple manner to enable it to accommodate certain new functions. In its most general form, the insert module 22 is used to house a replaceable liquid container.This means, for example, that the Insert Module 22 can be configured for use with a replaceable liquid container and, for this purpose, can be placed inside an existing dispenser. According to one embodiment, the Insert Module 22 can also be used with a replaceable liquid container, which has its own individual transponder unit, in a dispenser of a type that is not equipped with any transponder reader unit. In one embodiment, the insert module 22 is configured to support and house a replaceable liquid container 9 during the operation of the dispenser 1. More precisely, the insert module 22 is first placed in the housing 2, after which the liquid container 9 is placed into the insert module 22. In one embodiment, the insert module 22 is designed with a base portion 23 that is generally U-shaped and used to support a liquid container 9 and a rear portion 24 that is positioned behind the replaceable liquid container 9 during the use of the dispenser 1. In summary, the insert module 22 is configured for detachable placement in the dispenser. Furthermore, the dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanism which, in one embodiment, includes a pump unit 11 that enables selective liquid dispensing. The dispenser also includes a replaceable liquid container 9 that holds the liquid. Additionally, the insert module 22 is configured to house the liquid container 9, which leads to the advantages described above. Also according to one modality, the dispenser 1 used in conjunction with the insertion module 22 can also be configured as shown in Figs. 1 to 4, i.e., with a transponder reader unit 8 cooperating with a transponder unit 13 that is part of a replaceable liquid container 9. According to an additional embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the insertion module 22 is provided with a transponder reader unit 8a, which is configured to cooperate with a transponder unit 13 carried by the liquid container 9, in a manner similar to that described above in relation to the transponder reader unit 8, shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the transponder reader unit 8a is placed in the rear portion 24 of the insertion module 22. This means that the insert module 22 is suitable for use in a dispensing system that is not provided with a transponder reader unit and where there is a need to detect a transponder unit 13 in the liquid container 9. In other words, a dispenser 1 that has not been manufactured with a transponder reader unit can be retrofitted with an insert module 22 (with the integrated transponder reader unit 8a) as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Such a dispenser 1 can then be used with a liquid container 9 that has a transponder unit 13. It should be noted that dispenser 1 is configured to operate either with or without insertion module 22. The former is particularly suitable if dispenser 1 is not equipped with a transponder reader unit. This may be relevant, for example, with alternative dispenser types that were not originally designed for use with a liquid container that has a transponder unit. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in a specific alternative configuration, insertion module 22 is provided without a transponder reader unit. Such an insertion module 22 may be suitable in cases where dispenser 1 already has a transponder reader unit 8, as shown in Figure 2. Consequently, the entire dispensing system comprises a transponder reader unit, either located in the housing or in the insertion module (if such an insertion module is used). This means that the insertion module 22 is detachable and that the dispensing system can be operated with or without the insertion module shown in Fig. 7. The fact that dispenser 1 comprises a transponder reader unit 8, 8a for detecting a transponder 13 must therefore be interpreted to mean that either the insertion module 22 or the dispenser 1 as such (i.e., ideally within housing 2) may be equipped with such a transponder reader unit 8, 8a. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the insertion module 22 is also provided with a detection unit 25 arranged for detecting the cumulative consumption of the contents of the replaceable liquid container 9. This is ideally implemented by detecting the operation of the pump unit 11. More specifically, the detection unit 25 is based on a generally C-shaped actuator 26, which is rotatably mounted on a lower portion 27 of the insertion module 22 and arranged to follow the movement of the flange 17 of the pump unit 11 shown in Figs. 5A and 5B. This is achieved by the fact that the C-shaped actuator 26 is configured to fit around the circumference of the pump unit 11 and is forced in a vertical direction by the movement of the flange 17. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig.9, the C-shaped actuator 26 can be used to detect the use of the pump unit 11 and transmit information regarding such use to a microprocessor. Fig. 8 shows the insertion module 22 mounted in the housing 2 of the dispenser 1, i.e., so that the base portion 23 of the insertion module 22 rests on the lower surface 14 of the housing 2 and so that the lower portion 27 extends through the opening 15 in the lower surface 14. Figure 9 shows the insertion module 22 in greater detail. As mentioned above, the insertion module 22 comprises a base portion 23 and a rear portion 24. The transponder reader unit 8a is integrated into the rear portion 24. In addition, the detection unit 25 is in the form of the generally C-shaped actuator 26, which is rotatably hinged to the lower portion 27, which, in turn, is attached to the base portion 23. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the sensing unit 25 has a gear portion 28 that meshes with a rotating gear element, which, according to the embodiment, consists of a toothed wheel 29 arranged in the base portion 23 in such a way that it can rotate about an axis, generally vertical (relative to the exemplary orientation in Fig. 9). Furthermore, any rotary motion of the C-shaped actuator 26—caused by the activation of the pump unit 11—will cause the gear portion 28 to force the toothed wheel 29 to rotate in a direction corresponding to the direction of the rotary motion of the actuator 26. The toothed wheel 29 is positioned to cooperate with a suitable sensor, for example a Hall sensor which is a type of magnetometer sensor based on a magnetic sensor, which detects the presence of a magnetic field such as that generated by a permanent magnet 30. According to one embodiment, the sensor comprises a two-dimensional or three-dimensional Hall effect sensor that measures orthogonal magnetic fields in the rotating plane of the magnet. When the magnet rotates during dispenser activation, the ratio of magnetic field strength to the measured dimensions changes, and this ratio is used to determine the magnet's rotation angle. The magnet sensor is not shown as such in Fig 9, but is ideally arranged as a separate unit in the insertion module 22, for example on a printed circuit board 31 that is placed in the base portion 23. In addition, the insertion module 22 comprises a compartment for one or more batteries 32, which are enclosed by means of a lower section 33 and an upper section 34. The lower section 33 covers the printed circuit board 31. Accordingly, the magnetic sensor is placed on the printed circuit board 31 which is enclosed within a waterproof compartment (defined by the base portion 23 and the lower section 33), while the magnet 30 is arranged outside the waterproof compartment. The activation device 7, shown for example in Figs. 5A, 5B, and 8, is moved directly toward a user by means of a pressing motion. Consequently, the activation device 7 translates a displacement made by the user into a movement of the sensing unit 25 that corresponds to the displacement of the pump unit 11 and also to the amount of liquid dispensed. The activation device 7 (see Figs. 5A and 5B) is indirectly connected to the sensing unit 25. More precisely, the movement of the activation device 7 causes the flange 17 of the pump unit 11 to move. In turn, this movement causes the C-shaped actuator 26 to rotate as described above. Consequently, the activation device 7 and the sensing unit 25 interact through this indirect connection. This means that the detection unit 25 can be used to measure the actual cumulative amount of liquid that has been supplied from the liquid container 9. Such information is ideally combined with information regarding the points in time at which the supply has occurred, i.e., when a user has pressed the activation device 7. Figure 10 shows an embodiment in which the insert module 22 is placed in the housing 2. The replaceable container 9 is then placed in the insert module 22 in such a way that the pump unit 11 extends through the U-shaped space defined by the base portion 23. The pump unit 11 is also positioned so that the C-shaped actuator 26 of the sensing unit 25 is positioned around a portion of the circumference of the pump unit 11. This means that when a user presses the actuator 7, the pump unit 11 will move as described in relation to Figures 5A and 5B, i.e., so that the flange 17 is forced upward. This also means that the C-shaped actuator 26 is rotated upward. By means of the gear portion 28 of the actuator 26 that meshes with the toothed wheel (see Fig 9), the detection of the movement of the pump unit 11 can be obtained. The displacement of pump unit 11, which is operated by users of dispenser 1, is detected by detection unit 25. Using information about the liquid container 9, such as the pump type and the type of liquid in container 9, obtained by reading transponder unit 13, the cumulative displacement of pump unit 11 can be translated into an accurate measurement of the liquid consumption of container 9. This translation can be carried out using previously stored information about a nominal quantity of liquid dispensed for each activation of the dispenser, or the quantity of liquid corresponding to a given displacement of pump unit 11. Figure 11 shows a simplified schematic of a system corresponding to the dispensing system according to Figures 7 and 8, i.e., including the insertion module 22 configured to house a liquid container (not shown in Figure 11). More precisely, the illustrated configuration refers to a use of the transponder unit 13 that can be detected by the transponder reader unit 8a, which is operatively connected to a microprocessor 18. Also, the activation device 7 is operatively connected to the microprocessor 18, generally in the same manner described in relation to Figure 6, i.e., so that a signal is generated and transmitted to the microprocessor 18 when a user activates the dispenser 1. In one configuration, the detection unit 25 is operationally connected to the microprocessor 18. This allows a signal corresponding to usage—that is, the cumulative amount of liquid dispensed in the liquid container 9—to be generated when the activation device 7 is triggered by a number of users. The information defining the cumulative amount of liquid dispensed can be derived from the total displacement of the pump unit 11, as detected by the detection unit 25 and measured by the Hall sensor. Data regarding usage can be transmitted to the microprocessor 18. This means that the cumulative amount of soap that has been dispensed can be calculated by means of the microprocessor 18. Data relating to soap usage can also be transmitted from the microprocessor 18 and to an external computer unit 20 via a communications unit 19. Through the system as described above, the insertion module 22 is configured so that various processes can be implemented for detecting and tracking the use of dispenser 1. First, the external computer unit 20 can be configured to calculate the cumulative liquid usage in each liquid container 9 with which the computer unit 20 communicates. This means that the external computer unit 20 can be configured to send alert messages and instructions to the maintenance team when a particular replaceable liquid container 9 is found to be empty or nearly empty. The calculation of cumulative liquid usage may depend on information related to the volume of the liquid container in question or the type of liquid used. Such information may be stored in transponder unit 13. Generally speaking, transponder unit 13 may be used to store information about each liquid container 9, regarding, for example, its date of manufacture, ingredients, shelf life, usage, disposal instructions, and more. The detection unit 25 is based on a magnetometer sensor that provides a highly accurate measurement of the movement of the actuator 26, which, in turn, gives an accurate measurement of the liquid used. Furthermore, data from a large number of liquid containers can be used to collect statistics on dispenser usage, for example, to determine if certain dispensers are used more frequently than others and to determine overall liquid consumption at a particular site, such as a hospital or airport. The average liquid usage for each dispenser connected to the external computer unit 20 can also be determined. Also, information regarding fluid usage can be combined with other information that can be programmed into the transponder unit 13, for example, the type of fluid in the fluid container 9. This means that statistics regarding the use of different types of fluids can be obtained. In addition, dispenser 1 can be configured to recognize if the liquid container 9 is of a particular brand, by verifying (by means of the external computer unit 20 and the memory unit 21) whether the identity of liquid container 9 is included in a pre-stored database of approved liquid containers. Also, the dispenser can be configured to recognize if the liquid container 9 is an unused, full liquid container, by checking, on the external computer unit 20, whether the identity of the liquid container corresponds to a unit that has not been used before. In addition, the dispenser can be configured to display information related to the contents of an individual liquid container (e.g., fluid type, volume) ideally on a display provided on the dispenser (not shown in the figures). Additionally, the information transmitted from the dispenser could include timestamp data, that is, information about when a user activated the dispenser. This means that information regarding when the liquid container needs to be replaced could be calculated based on both cumulative usage data and the intensity of user traffic associated with the dispenser. The Insertion Module 22 is not limited to the described configurations but can vary. For example, the Insertion Module 22 can be configured with or without a transponder reader unit, depending on the intended use. Similarly, the Insertion Module 22 can be configured with or without a detection unit. Although the described modalities refer to an insert module 22 intended for use with a liquid container 9 containing soap, it should be noted that other liquids are also acceptable, such as detergents, disinfectants, skin care liquids, moisturizers, sanitizers, lotions, shampoo, and other medications. The type and composition of the liquid can be varied by the expert depending on the properties required for the liquid 10 and the desired result. The activation device can also be either manually operated or motorized. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, for example, the activation device is operated manually by a user. In another configuration, the activation device can be motorized, meaning that an electric motor is activated to operate the pump unit when a user presses the activation device (15). Alternatively, the activation device can be automatic, that is, based on a touchless sensor, such as infrared technology, which detects the presence of a user and activates an electric motor upon detection.

Claims

1. An insert module (22) configured for detachable placement in a liquid dispenser (1), wherein the dispenser (1) comprises a dispensing mechanism (11) that causes liquid to be discharged, and wherein the dispenser (1) is suitable for comprising a replaceable liquid container (9) for such liquid; characterized in that the insert module (22) is configured to house such a liquid container (9) and in that such insert module (22) comprises a detection unit (25) configured to detect the cumulative consumption of the contents of such a liquid container (9), in order to indicate whether such a liquid container needs to be replaced. (9) 2. The insertion module (22) according to claim 1, further characterized in that such insertion module (22) comprises a transponder reader unit (8a) to cooperate with a transponder unit (13) in such a replaceable liquid container (9).

3. The insertion module (22) according to claim 2, further characterized in that the transponder reader unit (8a) is arranged for obtaining stored data from such transponder unit (13), corresponding to a unique identity of such liquid container (9).

4. The insertion module (22) according to claim 2 or 3, further characterized in that the transponder reader unit (8a) is an RFID reader unit and in that such transponder unit (13) is an RFID tag.

5. The insertion module (22) in accordance with any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the detection unit (25) comprises a magnetometer sensor (26, 28, 29).

6. The insertion module (22) in accordance with any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the detection unit (25) is configured to be actuated by means of activation means (7) in such dispenser (1).

7. The insertion module (22) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the detection unit (25) comprises an actuator (26) configured to be rotated by means of such a supply mechanism, thereby enabling the detection of the use of the contents of the liquid container (9).

8. The insertion module (22) according to claim 7, further characterized in that the actuator (26) comprises a gear element (28) that engages with a rotating gear element (29) arranged in such insertion module (22).

9. The insertion module (22) according to any of claims 2 to 8, further characterized in that such transponder reader unit (8a) is connected to a microprocessor (18) arranged for communication with an external computer unit (20).

10. The insertion module (22) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that such delivery mechanism comprises a foam pump unit (11) for discharging liquid into such replaceable liquid container (9), in the form of foam.

11. The insertion module (22) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the dispenser (1) is configured to be operated either with or without the insertion module (22) and wherein the insertion module (22) is detachably mounted within the housing (2) of an existing dispenser (1) and is configured to support and accommodate such a liquid container (9) during the operation of such a dispenser (1) with such an insertion module (22).

12. A method for using an insert module (22) configured to be detachably placed in a liquid dispenser (1), comprising: providing a supply mechanism (11) in such dispenser (1) to cause liquid to be discharged; and providing a replaceable liquid container (9) for such liquid in such dispenser (1); characterized in that the method comprises: housing such liquid container (9) within such insert module (22); detecting the cumulative consumption of the contents of such liquid container (9) by means of a detection unit (25); and indicating whether such liquid container (9) needs to be replaced.

13. The method according to claim 12, further characterized in that such method additionally comprises: providing cooperation between a transponder reader unit (8a) disposed in the insertion module (22) and a transponder unit (13) in such a replaceable liquid container (9).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further characterized in that such method additionally comprises: obtaining the stored data from such a transponder unit (13), by means of such a transponder reader unit (8a), corresponding to a unique identity of such a liquid container (9).

15. The method according to any of claims 12 to 14, further characterized in that such method additionally comprises: detecting the use of the contents of such a liquid container (9) by allowing an actuator (26) to be rotated by means of such a delivery mechanism.

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