CN103989431A - Electronic soap distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic soap distribution device, comprising an upper part matching heat part which support on the upper part of the water tank, a liquid soap collector which supports the lower part of the water tank and a pump assembly. The capacitor sensor is coupled to the distribution head part in an operation manner. The controller is in electric communication with the capacitor sensor and responds to the input of the capacitor sensor to activate the pump assembly.

Description

Electronic soap dispenser

cross reference or related application

The application's case advocates to be the 61/765th of application on February 15th, 2013, the priority of No. 501 U.S. Provisional Patent Application cases, and the disclosure of described U.S. Provisional Patent Application case is incorporated to herein clearly in the mode of application.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to a kind of soap dispenser, and more particularly relates to a kind of simple to operate and safeguard the electronic soap dispenser be easy to be installed on tank plate.

Background technology

The electronic soap dispenser that comprises the sensor operating for hand-free is art technology known technology.This electronic soap dispenser can comprise infrared ray or capacitance type sensor existing and distributing soap in response to this with detection user.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a kind of electronic soap dispenser, it comprises controller, the actuated pump in order to the input in response to from capacitance type sensor.In addition, electronic soap dispenser of the present invention comprises mounting structure, in order to dispensing heads are supported in to installing plate top, and reservoir and pump sub-assembly is supported in to installing plate below.

According to illustrative embodiment of the present invention, electronic soap dispenser comprises dispensing heads, and it is configured to be supported in installing plate top and comprises outlet.Bottom reservoir is operationally coupled to described dispensing heads and is configured to be supported in described installing plate below.Pump sub-assembly is operationally coupled to described bottom reservoir.Pump sub-assembly is configured to be supported in described installing plate below and liquid soap is pumped into the outlet of described dispensing heads from described bottom reservoir.Capacitance type sensor is operationally coupled to described dispensing heads.Controller and described capacitance type sensor electric connection.Described controller is configured to receive approaching output signal and distinguishing between the touch output signal from described capacitance type sensor when user touches described dispensing heads from described capacitance type sensor from the output signal of described capacitance type sensor and near the surveyed area be positioned described dispensing heads as user time.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, electronic soap dispenser comprises dispensing heads, and it is configured to be supported in installing plate top and comprises spout main body.Distributing pipe is received in described spout main body and defines outlet.Bottom reservoir is configured to be supported in installing plate below.Bottom reservoir comprises the top neck portion that is operationally coupled to described dispensing heads.Pump sub-assembly is operationally coupled to described bottom reservoir, and is configured to liquid soap to be pumped into from described bottom reservoir the outlet of described distributing pipe.Supply pipe extends in the reservoir of bottom.The lower end that supply pipe is coupled to described pump sub-assembly from fluid extends to the upper end of extending in the top neck portion of described reservoir.Pipe locator is fastened to spout main body by the lower end of distributing pipe.Pipe retainer comprises prone funnel part, and the upper end that described prone funnel part is received described supply pipe is coupled to define releasable fluid between the described distributing pipe extending above described installing plate and the described supply pipe extending below described installing plate.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, electronic soap dispenser comprises dispensing heads, and it has spout main body.Mounting substrate is configured to be supported in installing plate top and is coupled to releasedly described dispensing heads.Bottom reservoir is operationally coupled to described dispensing heads and is configured to be supported in described installing plate below.Pump sub-assembly is operationally coupled to described bottom reservoir, and is configured to liquid soap to be pumped into described dispensing heads from described bottom reservoir.Controller and described pump sub-assembly electric connection.Electric connector is positioned between dispensing heads and controller.Electric connector comprises: the first electric contact, and it is through supporting to be moved by described dispensing heads; And second electric contact, its be supported in the selective electric connection of described the first electric contact on described mounting substrate, wherein said electric connector is configured to maintain during with respect to described mounting substrate rotation in described dispensing heads electric connection.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, electronic soap dispenser comprises dispensing heads, and it is configured to be supported in installing plate top and comprises outlet.Reservoir is operationally coupled to described dispensing heads.Pump sub-assembly is operationally coupled to described reservoir, and is configured to liquid soap to be pumped into from described reservoir the outlet of described dispensing heads.Capacitance type sensor is operationally coupled to described dispensing heads.Controller and described capacitance type sensor electric connection.Controller is configured to receive the touch output signal from capacitance type sensor when user touches dispensing heads.Controller is further configured to when operating in allocation model that dispense liquid soap lasts the distribution duration of setting in response to touching output signal, and when operate in programming mode, in response to touching output signal continuously, optionally changes the distribution duration of setting.

Those skilled in the art will clearer understanding additional features of the present invention and advantage describe the illustrative embodiment of the current optimal mode of the present invention of having demonstrated in detail below considering after.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Graphic detailed description is with particular reference to accompanying drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the perspective view that is coupled to the illustrative electronic soap dispenser of the present invention of the installing plate of showing with hachure;

Fig. 2 be Fig. 1 electronic soap dispenser face decomposition diagram;

Fig. 3 is that decomposition diagram is looked up in the part of the electronic soap dispenser of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the backsight decomposition diagram of the electronic soap dispenser of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is the cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 intercepting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is the detailed top cross-sectional view of Fig. 5, is illustrated in the dispense spout that extend installing plate top;

Fig. 7 is the detailed lower cross section figure of Fig. 5, is illustrated in reservoir and the pump sub-assembly that extend installing plate below;

Fig. 8 is the cross-sectional view along the line 8-8 intercepting of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is the detailed top cross-sectional view of Fig. 8, is illustrated in the dispense spout that extend installing plate top;

Figure 10 is the detailed lower cross section figure of Fig. 8, is illustrated in reservoir and the pump sub-assembly that extend installing plate below;

Figure 11 is the lower perspective view of driving mechanism of the electronic soap dispenser of Fig. 1;

Figure 12 is the partial, exploded perspective view of pump sub-assembly of the electronic soap dispenser of Fig. 1;

Figure 13 is the block diagram of the communication between the assembly of electronic soap dispenser of key diagram 1;

Figure 14 is the perspective view of the switch assembly in the electronic soap dispenser of Fig. 1;

Figure 15 is the perspective view that is similar to the switch assembly of Figure 14, and wherein load button removes from switch;

Figure 16 is the detailed cross sectional view that the line 16-16 along Fig. 6 of the switch of Figure 15 intercepts;

Figure 17 is the cross-sectional view along the line 17-17 intercepting of Fig. 6;

Figure 18 explanation is positioned in response to user the exemplary condenser type signal that detection zone and user touch dispensing heads and exports;

Figure 19 is the dispensing heads of another illustrative electronic soap dispenser of the present invention and the perspective view of installing handle;

Figure 20 is the decomposition diagram of overlooking of the dispensing heads of Figure 19 and installing handle;

Figure 21 is the decomposition diagram of looking up of the dispensing heads of Figure 19 and installing handle;

Figure 22 is the cross-sectional view along the line 22-22 intercepting of Figure 19;

Figure 23 is the cross-sectional view along the line 23-23 intercepting of Figure 19;

Figure 24 is the detailed perspective view of the dispensing heads of Figure 19, and wherein spout main body is shown and is positioned at rotatably center with respect to mounting substrate with hachure;

Figure 25 is the perspective view that is similar to Figure 24, and wherein spout main body is positioned at counterclockwise restriction site rotatably;

Figure 26 is the perspective view that is similar to Figure 24, and wherein spout main body is positioned at middle position clockwise rotatably;

Figure 27 shows that the illustrative of maintenance hub and mounting substrate can discharge the decomposition diagram of coupling;

Figure 28 is the perspective view that is coupled to the illustrative electronic soap dispenser of the present invention of installing plate in separate configurations;

Figure 29 is coupled to the perspective view that dull and stereotyped illustrative electronic soap dispenser of the present invention is installed in the integrated configuration with electronic faucet;

Figure 30 be Figure 28 electronic soap dispenser overlook decomposition diagram;

Figure 31 is that decomposition diagram is looked up in the dispensing heads of Figure 28 and the part of installing handle;

Figure 32 is the cross-sectional view along the line 32-32 intercepting of Figure 28;

Figure 33 is that decomposition diagram is overlooked in the bottom soap reservoir of Figure 28 and the part of pump sub-assembly; And

Figure 34 A and Figure 34 B are the flow charts of declarative operation method of the electronic soap dispenser of Figure 28.

The specific embodiment

Embodiments of the invention described herein are neither detailed or limit the invention to disclosed precise forms.But, select embodiment that selected work describes so that those skilled in the art can put into practice the present invention.

Initially referring to Fig. 1, arrive Fig. 4, showing property electronics soap pump or distributor 10, it is coupled to installing plate, and described installing plate is tank plate 12 illustratively.Top dispense spout or 14 extension above the upper face 16 of tank plate 12, and bottom soap reservoir 18 and pump sub-assembly 20 are supported in lower surface 22 belows of tank plate 12.Pump sub-assembly 20 is configured to from the interior distribution outlet 23 that liquid soap is pushed to dispensing head 14 of bottom soap reservoir 18.

Installing handle 24 extends through the opening 26 in tank plate 12 downwards, and both are fastened to tank plate 12 by dispensing head 14 and bottom soap reservoir 18.Installing handle 24 comprises external screw thread 28, described external screw thread and mounting nuts 32(Fig. 7) internal thread 30 engagement.Mounting nuts 32 can be conventional design and is formed by polymer.Clipping room spacing body 31 can be positioned the centre of mounting nuts 32 and tank plate 12, and described clipping room spacing body is the annular opening ring for being formed by polymer illustratively.Tank plate 12 is clamped between dispensing head 14 and mounting nuts 32.The open upper part neck 33 of reservoir 18 comprises internal thread 34, and described internal thread is coupled to the external screw thread 28 of installing handle 24, and the lower base wall 35 of reservoir 18 supports pump sub-assembly 20(Fig. 7).Supply pipe or soup stick 36 axially extend through soap reservoir 18, and fluidly coupling pump sub-assembly 20 and dispensing heads 14.

Dispensing heads 14 comprise hollow spout main body 40 illustratively, and it receives distributing pipe 42.Spout main body 40 is formed by metal or polymer illustratively, for example the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) of chromium plating (ABS).Distributing pipe 42 is formed by flexible polymer illustratively, crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) for example, and in the interior extension of hollow passage 43 of spout main body 40.The lower end 44 of distributing pipe 42 is communicated with upper end 46 fluids of supply pipe 36, and distribution outlet 23 is defined in the upper end 48 of distributing pipe 42.

Referring to Fig. 2, to Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, tip or nozzle 50 are fastened to outlet 23 by retainer 52.More particularly, retainer 52 comprises barb-type accessory 54, and it is received in the upper end 48 of distributing pipe 42.Check-valves 56 is coupling in illustratively most advanced and sophisticated 50 and from exporting 23, drips to prevent liquid soap with the centre of retainer 52.Check-valves 56 can have conventional design, for example, comprise a pair of relative pendulum 58, and it defines and distributes slit 60(Fig. 3).Check-valves 56 is formed by elastomeric material illustratively, for example elastomer or polymer, for example silicone.

With further reference to Fig. 2, to Fig. 4, flexible pipe or pipe retainer 62 are fastened to spout main body 40 by the lower end of distributing pipe 42 44.Pipe retainer 62 can be formed by polymer, acetal copolymer for example, and comprise illustratively top barb-type accessory 64 and tapered lower portion is received chamber or funnel 66.Top barb-type accessory 64 is fastened in distributing pipe 42, and the upper end 46 that bottom receives chamber 66 to receive supply pipe 36.A pair of installation protuberance 68 comprises opening 70, in order to receive such as screw 72 fasteners such as grade, pipe retainer 62 is fastened on to the maintenance protuberance 73 interior (Fig. 3) of spout main body 40.

Releasable coupler 74 is coupled to installing handle 24 to promote dispensing heads 14 to remove from tank plate 12 by spout main body 40, with from tank plate 12 tops by recharge reservoir 18 and/or change the dispensing head 14 with different-style or design of liquid soap.Illustratively, releasable coupler 74 comprises structure Coupling part or the connector 76 between dispensing heads 14 and installing handle 24, and the electric coupling part between dispensing heads 14 and pump sub-assembly 20 or connector 78.

In an illustrative embodiment, the structure connector 76 of releasable coupler 74 comprises retainer cover 80, and the retaining clip 82 being supported by spout main body 40.Installing handle 24 comprises the bottom threaded section 84 that supports external screw thread 28, and the top mounting substrate 86 that comprises arc top wall 88 and flange 90.Opening 96 is defined in the opposite end 92 and 94 of top wall 88.Path 98 in installing handle 24 is received supply pipe 36.Flange 90 is separated with the bottom threaded section 84 of installing handle 24 by top wall 88, and is held on the upper face 16 of tank plate 12.Installing handle 24 is formed by electrically non-conductive material illustratively, for example polymer.Thus, the mounting substrate 86 of installing handle 24 defines the electrical insulator between dispensing head 14 and tank plate 12.

Referring to Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Figure 15, retainer cover 80 can be formed by polymer, and comprises illustratively opening 100 to receive screw 72, for being fastened to pipe retainer 62 and spout main body 40.Retaining clip 82 is received in the annular groove 104 being formed in retainer cover 80, and described retaining clip is cableties ring illustratively.Retaining clip 82 is fastened to installing handle 24 by spout main body 40.More particularly, retaining clip 82 radially stretches out and keeps with the tab 106 by extending internally, described in the tab that extends internally by the arc top wall 88 of installing handle 24, supported.

Referring to Fig. 1, to Fig. 4 and Figure 13, input block or electrode 110 can be coupled to spout main body 40, and described input block or electrode are conduction sensory panel or touch pads 112 illustratively.More particularly, sensory panel 112 is coupled to sensory panel insulator 114, and described sensory panel insulator is supported on again in the recess 116 being formed in spout main body 40.Sensory panel 112 is formed by conductive material, the stainless steel of chromium plating for example, and be electrically coupled to capacitance type sensor 118.Sensory panel insulator 114 is formed by electrically insulating material, for example polymer.

Referring to Figure 13, capacitance type sensor 118 is electrically coupled to controller 120, and described controller can be supported by printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB).As described in further detail herein, from the output signal 119 of capacitance type sensor 118, by controller 120, provided.Capacitance type sensor 118 is illustratively for touch sensor and hand-free proximity transducer.In hand-free operator scheme, capacitance type sensor 118 and controller 120 detects hand or other object (Fig. 6 and Figure 13) of the user input block 110 of the dispensing head 14 that is positioned at surveyed area 121 near.

In some illustrative embodiment, such as optical indicators 122 such as one or more light emitting diodes (LED), can be positioned in insulator 114, during the different operating situation at distributor 10, for example, when pump sub-assembly 20 is during just at dispense liquid soap, at sensory panel 112, provide illumination around.As described in further detail herein, although can be coupled to spout main body 40 capacitance type sensor 118 is provided to condenser type input such as independent input block 110 such as sensory panel 112 grade, other input block can be used as alternative.For instance, and as describe in further detail herein, when being formed by conductive material at least in part, spout main body 40 itself can define input block 110.

As mentioned above, electric connector 78 defines the releasable electric coupling part between dispensing head 14 and pump sub-assembly 20, with selective electric connection therebetween.Electric connector 78 provides being communicated with between the condenser type input block 110 of tank plate 12 tops and the electronic device of tank plate 12 belows.This quick broken features allows user for example when recharging soap reservoir 18, to remove spout main body 40, and without the wired connection solving between mounting substrate 86 and spout main body 40.

Referring to Fig. 4, Figure 15 and Figure 17, electric connector 78 comprises illustratively: the first electric contact 124, and it is through supporting to be moved by dispensing head 14; And second electric contact 126, itself and the selective electric connection of the first electric contact 124, supported by the mounting substrate 86 of installing handle 24.Electric connector 78 is configured to maintain the electric connection between contact 124 and 126 when dispensing head 14 rotates within the scope of predetermined angle with respect to mounting substrate 86.

The second electric contact 126 comprises conduction arcus 128 illustratively, and its wall 88 outer circumference at installing handle 24 are to extension.Illustratively, be with 128 by bonding jumpers such as copper or brass, to be formed.Opposite end 130 with 128 and 132 crooked or be wrapped in around the end 92 and 94 of top wall 88 of installing handle 24.The first electric contact 124 comprises illustratively and connects tab 134, and it provides the electric connection between sensory panel 112 and capacitance type sensor 118.Illustratively, tab 134 forms the intact part (Fig. 4) of sensory panel 112, and can be formed by metals such as copper or brass.Conventional electric wire or cable (not shown) can be coupled to capacitance type sensor 118 by conductive strips 128.Passage 136 can form electric wire or the cable for example, extending between electric assembly (, pump sub-assembly 20) under dispensing head 14 and plate to be received in installing handle 24.

Referring to Figure 13, normal power supplies 140 provides electric power to controller 120 illustratively.Power supply 140 can comprise with the conventional AC electric power of AC/DC converter or battery and being connected.Provide power switch 142 optionally to supply electric power to controller 120.If Figure 14 is to as shown in Figure 16, power switch 142 can have conventional design, and comprises illustratively in normal off position and the lever contact 144 supported by substrate 145.Slide switch shell 146 is operationally coupled to power switch 142.Slide switch shell 146 is held in spout main body 40 and moves for the slip between connecting and disconnecting position.Shell 146 defines chamber 148, and it receives substrate 145 and lever contact 144.When shell 146 moves slidably, the lever contact 144 that protuberance 150 engages power switch 142 is with closed lever contact 144.Thus, slip shell 146 causes lever contact 144 bifurcation between connecting and disconnecting position to be switched.

Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11, pump sub-assembly 20 is supported by soap reservoir 18, and comprises illustratively the driving mechanism 160 that is operationally coupled to pump installation 162.Soap reservoir 18 comprises cylindrical side wall 164, and it defines to store the chamber 166 of liquid soap.Soap reservoir 18 defines the bottle being formed by polymer substantially.The top neck portion 33 of reservoir 18 comprises internal thread 34, in order to external screw thread 28 couplings with installing handle 24.The base wall 35 of reservoir 18 supports pump sub-assembly 20, and by being fastened to such as fasteners such as screws 170 protuberance 168 being supported by sidewall 164.O shape ring 172 provides radial seal, and packing ring 174 provides base wall 35 and the sealing of the face between sidewall 164 of reservoir 18.In alternate embodiment, base wall 35 can be fastened to sidewall 164 by other usual manners such as adhesive or ultrasonic bonding.

Referring to Figure 10, to Figure 13, driving mechanism 160 comprises motor 176 illustratively, and it has rotatable driving shaft 178 and is operationally coupled to controller 120.Motor 176 is supported in base wall 35 belows by motor base 179 illustratively.Motor base 179 comprises a pair of receiving protuberance 180, and it receives the coupled columns 182(Fig. 8 from base wall 35 to downward-extension).Driving mechanism 160 remains in motor cover 184, and described motor cover is again by being fastened to base wall 35 such as screw 186 fasteners such as grade.Motor cover 184 is formed by polymer illustratively, and protection driving mechanism 160 avoids chip.

Driving mechanism 160 further comprises first or drive pulley 188, and it is coupled to the driving shaft 178 of motor 176.Second or follow-up pulley 190 by flexible belt 192, be coupled to the first pulley 188.The second pulley 190 is supported by rotatable axle 193.Pump installation 162 comprises a pair of gear 194 and 196 that is operationally coupled to motor 176 illustratively.More particularly, first or driven wheel 194 be supported on the axle 193 being driven by the second pulley 190.Second or driven gear 196 by the upwardly extending stub of base wall 35 from soap reservoir 18 or post 198, supported.The tooth 202 of gear 194 and 196 collaborative running and 204 engagements are with the liquid soap forced to move that makes progress from reservoir 18 along supply pipe 36.

Referring to Figure 12, gear 194 and 196 is received in the recess 206 being formed in base wall 35.Gear cap 208 is positioned gear 194 and 196 tops, and by being fastened to base wall 35 such as a plurality of fasteners such as screws 210.Gear cap 208 comprises entrance 212 and the outlet 214 on the opposite side that is positioned at gear teeth 202 and 204 engagement places.Outlet 214 is defined by the upwardly extending mastoid process 216 being received in the lower end 218 of supply pipe 36.

Supply pipe 36 extends upward by reservoir 18 and enters dispensing head 14.More particularly, lower end 218 fluids of supply pipe 36 are coupled to the outlet 214 of gear cap 208, and the upper end 46 of supply pipe 36 is received in the receiving chamber 66 of pipe retainer 62.Thus, distributing pipe 36 is from the complete length that approaches base wall 35 and axially extend soap reservoir 18 by tank plate 12 and enter dispensing head 14.

Referring to Fig. 5, to Figure 10, distributing pipe 36 defines the upwardly extending rigidity soup stick in bottom from reservoir 18, and is coupled to releasedly distributing pipe 42.The funnel 66 of pipe retainer 62 and the collaborative running seal on dispensing head 14 220 receive the upper end 48 of distributing pipe 42 to assist the mounting substrate 86 that dispensing head 14 is assembled into installing handle 24.Retainer cover 80 also comprises illustratively taper and receives chamber 221, in order to the upper end of distributing pipe 42 is directed into pipe retainer 62.

Referring to Fig. 5, supporting walls or rib 222 are supported in distributing pipe 42 entrance 224 belows of bottom reservoir 18, to promote from tank plate 12 tops by the liquid soap reservoir 18 of recharging.More particularly, the upper end 48 of distributing pipe 42 is received in the neck 33 of reservoir with one heart, makes when dispensing head 14 removes, and liquid soap can be poured in the entrance 224 that is defined in distributing pipe 42 neck 33 around.Can use funnel (not shown) to promote by the liquid soap reservoir 18 of recharging.Flange 225 illustratively below pipe is formed at ribs 222 on 36 to prevent that managing 36 removes from the accident of reservoir 18.

As above-detailed, dispensing head 14 via releasable coupler 74, is coupled to installing handle 24 illustratively so that filling soap reservoir 18.More particularly, dispensing head 14 can remove the dispensing head 14 for recharge from tank plate 12 tops bottom reservoir 18 and/or replacing with different-style or design from installing handle 24.

In operation, when moving to on-position Time Controller 120, power switch 142 is powered.When soap dispenser 10 is powered and/or can illuminates optical indicator 122 when pump installation 162 distributes soap on one's own initiative.The flicker pattern of optical indicator 122 or different colours can provide different indications to user, for example allocation model (degree of approach is to touching).Pump sub-assembly 20 can carry out touch control with touch sensor, or for example, in detection zone or region 121, is activated when interior by proximity transducer when object (user's hand), switches current open and close with bifurcation.

Output signal 119 from capacitance type sensor 118 can be fed to controller 120 with the motor 176 of control pump sub-assembly 20, and then controls flowing of the outlet 23 of liquid soap from reservoir 18 to dispensing head 14.By changing by capacitance type sensor 118 sense capacitance, controller 120 can be made logical decision with the different operation modes of control dispenser 10.For instance, in an illustrative embodiment, controller 120 can operate in Proximity operation pattern and touch operation pattern, in Proximity operation pattern, the liquid soap of pump sub-assembly 20 distribution scheduled volumes (, last the distribution duration of setting), as long as maintain contact in touch operation pattern, just pump sub-assembly 20 dispense liquid soap continuously.In another illustrative embodiment, controller 120 can cause pump sub-assembly 20 in touch operation pattern, to distribute the liquid soap (that is, the default distribution duration) of scheduled volume, and in Proximity operation pattern inertia.

Controller 120 can comprise timer, the scheduled time amount that is distributed in of liquid soap is stopped automatically, to prevent incipient fault or the misuse of distributor 10 afterwards.In another illustrative embodiment, pump sub-assembly 20 is about knock the soap that distributes individual quantities (that is, " ejaculation amount ") at every turn.For instance, controller 120 causes the soap of an ejaculation amount in response to single knocks, and causes the soap of two ejaculation amounts in response to twice is knocked, etc.

In the embodiment of an explanation, capacitance type sensor 118 is CapSense capacitance type sensor or other the suitable capacitance type sensors that can buy from Sai Pulasi (Cypress) semiconductor company.In embodiment described herein, capacitance type sensor 118 is converted to count value by electric capacity.Undressed count value is called original count.Process that original count signal has determined whether dispensing head 14 is touched or user's hand whether in surveyed area 121.The additional detail of the illustrative capacitive sensing system using in fluid delivery device is the 12/763rd of application on April 20th, 2010 the, in No. 690 U.S. patent application case, disclose, the disclosure of described U.S. patent application case is incorporated to herein clearly with way of reference.

Figure 18 shows the exemplary output signal 119 from capacitance type sensor 118.Controller 120 is set up hand-free threshold level 232 and spout touch threshold level 234, as illustrated in Figure 18.When user's hand enters surveyed area 121, the slope of condenser type signal 119 little by little changes, as the 236 places explanation in position in Figure 18.The impact of the marginal portion 236 explanation users' of condenser type signal 119 hand in surveyed area 121, and the negative slope at condenser type signal 119 238 places in position explanation user's hand leaves surveyed area 121.When slope change and 119 risings of condenser type signal being detected higher than hand-free threshold value 232 at marginal position 236 places, for example, during the part 240 of signal 119, the hand that controller 120 is determined users is in surveyed area 121.If hand-free mode is on or enable, so controller 120 will provide subsequently signal to pump sub-assembly 20 with pumping liquid soap by outlet 23.Illustratively, after the threshold level that controller 120 falls lower than 238 places, position at condenser type signal 119, maintain soap stream and last time delay (illustratively for approximately 2 seconds) a little.This has reduced in the situation that user's hand is mobile a little or leave the extremely short duration of surveyed area 121 and get back to subsequently the pulsation possibility in surveyed area 121.

Whether the identical output signal 119 from capacitance type sensor 118 also can be distinguished between being touched by user at input block 110.When being coupled to the input block 110 of dispensing head 14 and being touched, in condenser type signal 119, produce large positive slope, as position 242 explanations.Condenser type signal-count level is touching time durations over touch threshold 234, and it is shown by the part 246 between positive slope 242 and the negative slope at 244 places, position.The negative slope indication at 244 places, position that detected by controller 120 touches and finishes.Controller 120 also can be distinguished between " knocking " and " crawl " of dispensing head 14.More particularly, the positive slope 244 that controller 120 can be based on condenser type signal 119 and the time quantum between negative slope 244 draw this differentiation.Longer duration indication " crawl ", and indication of shorter duration " knocking ".

In the embodiment of explanation, for the hand-free threshold value 232 of proximity detection, be set in approximately 30 to 40 countings.Spout touches detection threshold 234 and is set in illustratively approximately 300 to 400 countings.In other words, for the amplitude of the condenser type signal 119 from capacitance type sensor 118 of spout touch threshold 234, be approximately 10 times of amplitude of hand-free threshold value 232.In some illustrative embodiment, the degree of approach or hand-free threshold value are factory set, make controller 120 at user's hand, activate pump sub-assembly 20 in 0.5 inch in electrode 110 time.

For the soap reservoir 18 of recharging, for example, by axially pulling spout main body 40 and remove dispensing head 14 from installing handle from installing handle 24.Distributing pipe 42 and then from supply pipe 36 decouplings.Liquid soap can around pour in reservoir neck 33 to supplement reservoir 18 at supply pipe 36 subsequently.Useful funnel promotes liquid soap to be poured in entrance 224.After the soap reservoir 18 of recharging, change dispensing heads 14.More particularly, spout main body 40 is axially positioned on installing handle 24 and is locked in subsequently appropriate location.Distributing pipe 42 again fluid is coupled to supply pipe 36.More particularly, the upper end 46 of supply pipe 36 is received in the funnel 66 of pipe retainer 62.

Referring now to Figure 19, to Figure 23, show the dispensing head 314 of another illustrative electronic soap dispenser 310.The assembly of tank plate 12 belows (for example, soap reservoir 18 and pump sub-assembly 20) can be similar to the assembly of describing in detail to the electronic soap dispenser 10 of Figure 18 in conjunction with Fig. 1 substantially above.Thus, in the following description, by same reference numerals, identify similar assembly.

Be similar to the installing handle 24 of above-detailed, installing handle 324 extends through the opening 26 in tank plate 12 downwards, and both are fastened to tank plate 12 by dispensing head 314 and bottom soap reservoir 18.Installing handle 324 comprises external screw thread 328, internal thread 30 engagements of described external screw thread and mounting nuts 32.Tank plate 12 is clamped between dispensing head 314 and mounting nuts 32.

Dispensing head 314 comprises hollow spout main body 340 illustratively, and it receives distributing pipe 42.Spout main body 340 by least a portion, conducted electricity illustratively and and then the material that defines input block or electrode 110 form.In an illustrative embodiment, spout main body 340 is by forming such as metals such as brass platings.In another illustrative embodiment, spout main body 340 is formed by the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) (ABS) of chromium plating.Distributing pipe 42 is in the interior extension of hollow passage 343 of spout main body 340.As above-detailed, the lower end 44 of distributing pipe 42 is communicated with upper end 46 fluids of supply pipe 36, and distribution outlet 23 is defined in the upper end 48 of distributing pipe 42.

Flexible pipe or pipe retainer 362 are fastened to spout main body 340 by the lower end of distributing pipe 42 44.Pipe retainer 362 can be similar to the pipe retainer 62 of above-detailed substantially.More particularly, hose retainer 362 can be formed by polymer, acetal copolymer for example, and comprise illustratively top barb-type accessory 364 and tapered lower portion is received chamber or funnel 366.Top barb-type accessory 364 is fastened in pipe 42, and the upper end 46 that bottom receives chamber 366 to receive supply pipe 36.A pair of installation protuberance 368 comprises opening 370, in order to receive such as screw 72 fasteners such as grade, pipe retainer 362 is fastened to the maintenance protuberance 373 of spout main body 340.

Releasable coupler 374 is coupled to installing handle 324 to promote dispensing head 314 from the removing of tank plate 12 by spout main body 340, with from tank plate 12 tops by recharge reservoir 18 and/or change the dispensing head 314 with different-style or design of liquid soap.Illustratively, releasable coupler 374 comprises structure Coupling part or the connector 376 between dispensing head 314 and installing handle 324, and the electric coupling part between dispensing head 314 and pump sub-assembly 20 or connector 378.

In an illustrative embodiment, the structure connector 376 of releasable coupler 374 comprises spout retainer 380, and it is coupled to installing handle 324 by mounting substrate 382.Spout retainer 380 is fastened to the opening 384 in the maintenance protuberance 378 that is formed at spout main body 340 by fastener 72.Spout retainer 380 is formed by polymer illustratively, and comprises top wall 386, and described top wall comprises opening 370 and the opening 388 for receiving the opening 384 of the spout main body 340 of fastener 72 to aim at hose retainer 362.

Cylindrical side wall 390 is from top wall 386 to downward-extension, and flange 392 approaches top wall 386 and radially stretches out from sidewall 390.The relative stuck-finger 394 in a pair of diameter ground stretches out from sidewall 390, and comprises tab or breech lock 396(Figure 27).Pull and stop tab 398 from flange 392 to downward-extension, and be radially positioned the outside of sidewall 390.Receiver 400 is positioned in sidewall 390 with one heart, and comprises frustoconical inner surface 402 and help towards receiving chamber 366 location of hose retainer 362 and the upper end 46 of guiding supply pipe 36 to define funnel.

Mounting substrate 382 comprises cylinder shape inner wall 406, and it defines the central opening 408 of receiving installing handle 324, and the upper end of installing handle 324 is captured between spout fixator 380 and mounting substrate 382.Cylindrical outer wall 410 is connected to inwall 406 by the lower part wall 412 being held on the upper face 16 of tank plate 12.Outer wall 410 defines the electric insulation distance piece between tank plate 12 and spout main body 340.

Referring to Figure 22, the lower surface 414 of the top lip 416 of installing handle 324 is held on the flange 418 of mounting substrate 382, and the upper face 420 of the top lip 416 of installing handle 324 is in the face of the lower surface 422 of spout fixator 380.As shown in Figure 21, the tab 426 that a plurality of recesses in mounting substrate 382 424 are received installing handles 324 is with respect to mounting substrate 382 directed and fastening installing handle 324 rotatably.Mounting substrate 382 is formed by electrically non-conductive material illustratively, for example polymer.Thus, mounting substrate 382 defines the electrical insulator between spout main body 340 and tank plate 12.

Such as optical indicators 430 such as one or more LED, can be coupled to support member 432, for example printed circuit board (PCB).Support member 432 is received in illustratively and is defined in the inwall 406 of mounting substrate 382 and chamber or slit 434 between outer wall 410.Optical indicator 430 through orientation to provide scioptics 436 visible light.Cable or electric wire 438 are electrically coupled to controller 120 by optical indicator 430.

The breech lock 396 of stuck-finger 394 is received in the narrow annular slot 440 in the inwall 406 that is formed at mounting substrate 382.Therefore stuck-finger 394 axially retrains spout retainer 380, and retrains spout main body 340, permits in rotary moving with respect to mounting substrate 382 of spout retainer 380 and spout main body 340 simultaneously.When spout main body 340 is coupled to mounting substrate 382, the tab 398 only of pulling of spout retainer 380 is received in the arcuate indentation 442 of the collaborative running in the upper end of the inwall 406 that is formed at mounting substrate 382.Protuberance 444 is supported in breach 442, and defines spout retainer 380 and spout main body 340 with respect to the walk-off angle position of mounting substrate 382.

As mentioned above, electric connector 378 defines releasable electric coupling part between dispensing head 314 and pump sub-assembly 20 for selective electric connection therebetween.Electric connector 378 provides being communicated with between the condenser type input block 110 of tank plate 12 tops and the electronic device of tank plate 12 belows.This quick broken features allows user for example when recharging soap reservoir 18, to remove spout main body 340, and without the wired connection solving between mounting substrate 382 and spout main body 40.

Electric connector 378 comprises: the first electric contact 446, and it is through supporting to be moved by dispensing head 314; And second electric contact 448, itself and the selective electric connection of the first electric contact 446 being supported by mounting substrate 382.The first electric contact 446 is formed by conductive materials such as copper or brass illustratively, and is supported in the path 343 of spout main body 340.The first electric contact 446 can be by being fastened on appropriate location such as screw 450 fasteners such as grade.The second electric contact 448 is supported by the wall of mounting substrate 382, and with the selective electric connection of the first electric contact 446 being supported by spout main body 340.More particularly, the second electric contact 448 is formed by conductive materials such as copper or brass illustratively, and is received in the recess 452 in the inwall 406 that is formed at mounting substrate 382.

Referring to Figure 24, to Figure 26, spout main body 340 can rotate to activate and the capacitance type sensing input of deactivation to controller 120 with respect to mounting substrate 382.In the position of Figure 24, spout main body 340 is in center or home position, contact 446 and 448 theta alignments and and then electric connection in this position.In the position of Figure 25, spout main body 340 has been rotated counterclockwise more than scheduled volume (illustratively more than-28 degree) and has arrived and close or deactivation position.Similarly, spout main body 340 can turn clockwise and arrive and close or deactivation position more than scheduled volume (illustratively more than+28 degree).In closing position, contact 446 and 448 is theta alignment and thereby electric connection each other not.Spout main body 340 also can clockwise or be rotated counterclockwise scheduled volume (illustratively for +/-28 degree) arrival effect centre position, contact 446 and 448 overlapping and and then the electric connection of angle still in this position.The spout main body 340 of be rotated clockwise to+28 degree positions of Figure 26 explanation.As mentioned above, mounting substrate wall comprises arcuate indentation, in order to receive tab 398 from spout retainer 380.Tab 398 and protuberance 444 are as index parts, in order to define spout main body 340 with respect to the different positions, angle of defining of mounting substrate 382.

In operation, by making spout main body 340 around mounting substrate 382 rotations, electronic soap dispenser 10 can bifurcation switch between connecting and disconnecting condition.In the mode of above-detailed, controller 120 can be inputted with touch or contact between input in the degree of approach and distinguish.Controller 120 also can and grasp or capture between input in touch input and distinguish.The intensity of the input signal based on from capacitance type sensor 118, degree of approach input can be different from contact input (touch or capture).The duration of the contact input signal based on from capacitance type sensor 118, contact input is distinguished between can and capturing in touch (or knocking).

Illustratively, after the degree of approach output signal detecting from capacitance type sensor 118, controller 120 will cause pump sub-assembly 20 to distribute soap with scheduled volume at once.Detecting from the touch (or knocking) of capacitance type sensor 118, the signal of output, controller 120 makes pump sub-assembly 20 distribute continuously soap to last in the scheduled time at once.Thus, distribute the amount of soap to can be depending on the degree of approach or touch activation and difference.Or the amount that activates soap that both distribute by the degree of approach and touch can be identical.As described in further detail herein, this scheduled volume can be set by the user in certain embodiments.

For example, the in the situation that of sensor fault or misuse generation, the timer in controller 120 can limit the time of distributing soap.In another illustrative embodiment, controller 120 can distribute the soap of a certain amount for each touch (or knocking).For instance, controller 120 can distribute in response to single knocks the soap of single ejaculation amount, distributes the soap of two ejaculation amounts in response to twice is knocked, etc.After crawl being detected, controller 120 can cause pump sub-assembly 20 to keep inertia, makes not distribute soap.Thus, user can capture and swiveling jet nozzle main body 340 and do not distribute soap.For instance, user can be between Push And Release position swiveling jet nozzle main body 340, or can remove spout main body 340 and not distribute soap from tank plate 12.

By spout main body 340 is upwards pulled away from mounting substrate 382, dispensing heads 314 can remove from tank plate 12.The stuck-finger 394 of spout retainer 380 and then discharge from the slit 440 of mounting substrate 382.Can be similar to subsequently above the mode of describing in detail about the soap dispenser 10 soap reservoir 18 of recharging.

In Figure 28, with separate configurations, show the illustrative electronic soap dispenser 510 that is coupled to tank plate 12, and with integrated configuration, show the electronic soap dispenser 510 that is coupled to tank plate 12 in Figure 29.Electronic soap dispenser 510 is similar to as described in detail above Fig. 1 substantially to the illustrative soap dispenser 10 and 310 of Figure 27.Thus, in the following description, by same reference numerals, identify similar assembly.

In the separate configurations of Figure 28, electronic soap dispenser 510 can be independent of other device and operate.More particularly, the controller 120 that electronic soap dispenser 510 comprises himself and power supply 140.In illustrative embodiment, controller 120 is supported on the printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 512 that is electrically coupled to motor 176.Cable 514 is coupled to controller 120 by dispensing head 314 illustratively.Cable 514 comprises electric connector illustratively, and for example micro USB plug 516.Spout main body 340 is formed by conductive material illustratively, and then defines input block or electrode 110.

In the illustrative separate configurations (Figure 28) of soap dispenser 510, power supply 140 comprises battery pack 518.Battery pack 518 is coupled to motor 176 by cable 520.Battery pack 518 comprises the battery case 522 with lower case or holder 524 and lid 526 illustratively.Lower case 524 defines through setting size to receive the internal chamber of battery (not shown), and described battery is the AA element cell (6 batteries altogether) of two 3 unit groups illustratively.

In the integrated configuration of Figure 29, electronic soap dispenser 510 is operationally coupled or is linked to another electronic installation, and described another electronic installation is electronic faucet 610 illustratively.Electronic faucet 610 can comprise spout 612, and the shower nozzle 614 of mixed water exports 616 is defined in its support.Handle 618 is connected to hand-operated valve 619, and hand-operated valve 619 fluids are coupled to hot water supply line 620 and cold feed line 622 is fed to flow velocity and the temperature of the water of mixed water exports 616 with control.

Control module 624 can comprise shell 626, and it supports the electric actuation valve 628 being operated by controller 120.In illustrative embodiment, controller 120 is supported by the printed circuit board (PCB) with electronic faucet 610 electric connections (PCB).Controller 120 is configured to open and close in response to the input pickup of tap 610 valve 628 of electrically actuatable.Described input pickup can be infrared (IR) sensor and/or capacitance type sensor.

Each in the illustrative soap dispenser 10,310,510 of describing in detail herein can be configured to (without the connection of peripheral control unit) operation in stand-alone mode, or the operation that (has the connection such as peripheral control units such as electronic faucets 610) in intergration model.

Referring now to Figure 30, arrive Figure 32, the more dispensing head 314 of detail display illustrative electronic soap dispenser 510.The assembly of tank plate 12 belows (for example, soap reservoir 18 and pump sub-assembly 20) can be similar to substantially above and arrive the electronic soap dispenser 10 of Figure 18 and the assembly that Figure 19 describes in detail to the electronic soap dispenser 310 of Figure 27 in conjunction with Fig. 1.Yet a difference is that motor 176 is directly coupled to printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 512.More particularly, the electrical connection of motor 176 is welded direct to the electric contact (Figure 30) on PCB512.This has eliminated the needs to the independent cable between motor 176 and PCB512, and then reduces assembly and the assembly cost being associated.

As above described in further detail, installing handle 324 extends through the opening 26 in tank plate 12 downwards, and both are fastened to tank plate 12 by dispensing head 314 and bottom soap reservoir 18.Installing handle 324 comprises external screw thread 328, internal thread 30 engagements of described external screw thread and mounting nuts 32.Tank plate 12 is clamped between dispenser 314 and mounting nuts 32.

Dispensing head 314 comprises hollow spout main body 340 illustratively, and it receives distributing pipe 42.Spout main body 340 by least a portion, conducted electricity illustratively and and then the material that defines input block or electrode 110 form.As above-detailed, the lower end 44 of distributing pipe 42 is communicated with upper end 46 fluids of supply pipe 36, and distribution outlet 23 is defined in the upper end 48 of distributing pipe 42.

The outlet 23 that tip or nozzle 50 define the upper end by distributing pipe 42 48 is fastened to dispensing head 314.As shown in Figure 32, the outlet 23 of distributing pipe 42 is extended distance D from the exterior face 528 of dispensing head 314, to prevent soap its outer surface that drips.In illustrative embodiment, distance D is at least 0.063 inch.

Pipe retainer 362 is fastened to spout main body 340 by the lower end of distributing pipe 42 44.Protuberance 368 is installed and is comprised opening 370, in order to receive such as screw 72 fasteners such as grade, pipe retainer 362 is fastened to the maintenance protuberance 373 of spout main body 340.

Releasable coupler 374 is coupled to installing handle 324 to promote dispensing head 314 from the removing of tank plate 12 by spout main body 340, with from tank plate 12 tops by recharge reservoir 18 and/or change the dispensing head 314 with different-style or design of liquid soap.Illustratively, releasable coupler 374 comprises structure Coupling part or the connector 376 between dispensing head 314 and installing handle 324, and the electric coupling part between dispensing head 314 and pump sub-assembly 20 or connector 378 '.

In an illustrative embodiment, the structure connector 376 of releasable coupler 374 comprises spout retainer 380, and it is coupled to installing handle 324 by mounting substrate 382.Spout retainer 380 is fastened to the opening 384 in the maintenance protuberance 373 that is formed at spout main body 340 by fastener 72.Spout retainer 380 comprises top wall 386, and described top wall has opening 370 and the opening 388 for receiving the opening 384 of the spout main body 340 of fastener 72 to aim at hose retainer 362.

Mounting substrate 382 comprises cylinder shape inner wall 406, and it defines the central opening 408 of receiving installing handle 324, and the upper end of installing handle 324 is captured between spout retainer 380 and mounting substrate 382.Cylindrical outer wall 410 is connected to inwall 406 by the lower part wall 412 being held on the upper face 16 of tank plate 12.Outer wall 410 defines the electric insulation distance piece between tank plate 12 and spout main body 340.

As mentioned above, electric connector 378 ' define the releasable electric coupling part between dispensing head 314 and pump sub-assembly 20, uses selective electric connection therebetween.Electric connector 378 provides (for example, the connection between PCB512) of the condenser type input block 110 of tank plate 12 tops and the electronic device of tank plate 12 belows.As mentioned above, this quick broken features allows user for example when recharging soap reservoir 18, to remove spout main body 340, and without the wired connection solving between mounting substrate 382 and spout main body 40.

Electric connector 378 comprises: the first electric contact 446 ' and, it is through supporting to be moved by dispensing head 314; And second electric contact 448, itself and the first electric contact 446 ' selective electric connection, supported by mounting substrate 382.The first electric contact 446 ' is illustratively by being integral formula with spout main body 340 and defining at protuberance or the protuberance of path 343 interior extensions.The second electric contact 448 is supported by the wall of mounting substrate 382, and the first electric contact 446 ' selective electric connection defining with protuberance by spout main body 340.More particularly, the second electric contact 448 is formed by conductive materials such as copper or brass illustratively, and is received in the recess 452 in the inwall 406 that is formed at mounting substrate 382.

Referring to Figure 30 and Figure 33, pump sub-assembly 20 is supported by soap reservoir 18, and comprises illustratively the driving mechanism 160 that is operationally coupled to pump installation 162.The base wall 35 of reservoir 18 supports pump sub-assembly 20, and is fastened to sidewall 164.

Driving mechanism 160 comprises motor 176 illustratively, and it has rotatable driving shaft 178 and is operationally coupled to controller 120.Motor 176 is illustratively by motor base 179 ' be supported in base wall 35 belows.The a pair of receiving protuberance 180 of motor base 179 ' comprise ', it receives the coupled columns 182(Fig. 8 from base wall 35 to downward-extension).Driving mechanism 160 remain on motor cover 184 ' in, described motor cover is fastened to again base wall 35.Motor cover 184 ' formed by polymer illustratively, and protection driving mechanism 160 avoids chip.

Referring to Figure 33, gear 194 and 196 is received in the recess 206 being formed in base wall 35.Gear cap 208 is positioned gear 194 and 196 tops, and by being fastened to base wall 35 such as a plurality of fasteners such as screws 210.Gear cap 208 comprises entrance 212 and the outlet 214 on the opposite side that is positioned at gear teeth 202 and 204 engagement places.Outlet 214 is defined by the upwardly extending mastoid process 216 being received in check-valves 530.Check-valves 530 may be received in the lower end 44 of distributing pipe 42.Check-valves 530 can have the conventional design that is similar to check-valves 56, as above-detailed.

Supply pipe 36 extends upward by reservoir 18 and enters dispensing head 14.More particularly, lower end 218 fluids of supply pipe 36 are coupled to the outlet 214 of gear cap 208, and the upper end 46 of supply pipe 36 is received in the receiving chamber 66 of pipe retainer 62.Thus, distributing pipe 36 is from the complete length that approaches base wall 35 and axially extend soap reservoir 18 by tank plate 12 and enter dispensing head 14.

The illustrative method of showing the operation of electronic soap dispenser 510 in Figure 34 A and Figure 34 B.At frame, 710 places start, and capacitance type sensor 118 detects user's existence.More particularly, capacitance type sensor 118 detects user's approaching or touching dispensing head 314.If detected at frame 712 places, touch or approach, at frame 714, sentence scheduled volume dispense liquid soap so.If do not detect and approach or touch at frame 712 place's capacitance type sensors 118, process turns back to sensing frame 710 so.

If capacitance type sensor 118 detects, grasp or capture, method proceeds to decision block 716 so.At decision block 716 places, controller 120 determines to capture whether continue at least 5 seconds.If captured, continue to be less than 5 seconds, method turns back to frame 710 so.If captured, continue at least 5 seconds, method advances to decision block 718 so.

At frame 718 places, controller 120 determines to capture whether continue at least 10 seconds.If capture and to continue to be less than 10 seconds (but as frame 716 places be defined as at least 5 seconds), method advances to frame 720 so, wherein the continuous purple light of optical indicator 430 demonstration.At frame 722 places, subroutine in controller 120 allows user to set the amount of soap (that is, set and distribute the duration) that each activation or ejaculation distribute.More particularly, the duration of at every turn knocking soap that setting each follow-up activation distributed of user to dispensing head 314.

In illustrative embodiment, soap distributes the duration to set according to following table:

Number of taps	Set and distribute the duration
		1	300 milliseconds
2	600 milliseconds
		3	1 second
4	1.5 second
		5	2 seconds

Controller 120 is to take and be equivalent to lower dispense liquid soap of the duration (being 1 second) of knocking for 3 times in illustrative embodiment in factory set illustratively.Therefore, the amount of soap of sending in order to reduce each activation, in programming mode, user knocks in dispensing heads 314 once or two once.In order to increase sent amount, in programming mode, user just knocks dispensing heads on 314 4 times or five once.

At frame 722 places, controller 120 causes optical indicator 430 flickers to equal the blue light of number of taps, and then indicates the distribution duration of setting.Controller 120 causes pump sub-assembly 20 to distribute soap to last the distribution duration of setting subsequently.If set correctly, frame 726 users of place, capture dispensing head 314 so and last at least 5 seconds to preserve setting and to exit subroutine.If expect the different distribution duration, frame 728 users of place, again knock dispensing head 314 so and reach and will set.At frame 730 places, controller 120 deactivation lamp indicators 430.Method proceeds to frame 732, in these controller 120 storages, sets so that both distribute identical amount of soap (that is, set and distribute the duration) about touching and approach activation.Method turns back to frame 710 subsequently.

Turn back to decision block 718, if controller 120 is determined to capture, continue at least 10 seconds, method advances to frame 734 so, at this lamp indicator 430, shows that continuous or constant ruddiness lasts 3 seconds.At frame 734 places, the subroutine in controller 120 allows user to activate and deactivation degree of approach sensing.More particularly, at frame 734 places, deactivation degree of approach sensing.If user wishes deactivation degree of approach sensing, so at frame 736 places, user captures dispensing head 314 and lasts at least 10 seconds.Method proceeds to frame 738 subsequently, causes lamp indicator 430 to show continuous or constant blue light 3 seconds, and again activate degree of approach sensing at this controller 120.Method turns back to frame 710 subsequently.As described in detail herein, degree of approach sensing allow user in the situation that user is positioned over his or her hand in 0.5 inch of dispensing head 314 or near the soap of dispense liquid Anywhere and do not touch dispensing head 314.

Although describe the present invention in detail with reference to some preferred embodiment, as described in appended claims and defining, all changes and modification are present in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (32)

1. an electronic soap dispenser, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser comprises:

Dispensing head, described dispensing head is configured to be supported in installing plate top and comprises outlet;

Bottom reservoir, described bottom reservoir is operationally coupled to described dispensing head and is configured to be supported in described installing plate below;

Pump sub-assembly, described pump sub-assembly is operationally coupled to described bottom reservoir, and described pump sub-assembly is configured to be supported in described installing plate below and liquid soap is pumped into the described outlet of described dispensing head from described bottom reservoir;

Capacitance type sensor, described capacitance type sensor is operationally coupled to described dispensing head; And

Controller, described controller and described capacitance type sensor electric connection, described controller is configured to receive the output signal from described capacitance type sensor, and near the surveyed area of user described dispensing head time approaching output signal and distinguishing between the touch output signal from described capacitance type sensor when user touches described dispensing head from described capacitance type sensor.

2. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described dispensing head comprises the electrode that is electrically coupled to described capacitance type sensor.

3. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 2, is characterized in that, described electrode comprises conduction sensory panel.

4. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 2, is characterized in that, described electrode comprises conduction spout main body.

5. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described dispensing head comprises the spout main body that can remove from keeping being coupled to the described bottom reservoir of described installing plate.

6. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 5, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser further comprises electric connector, and described electric connector comprises: the first electric contact, and described the first electric contact is through supporting to move together with described dispensing head; And second electric contact, described the second electric contact be supported on described installing plate and with the selective electric connection of described the first electric contact.

7. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 6, it is characterized in that, described the first electric contact comprises conduction tab and the one of conducting electricity in arc, and described the second electric contact comprises the another one in arc of conduction and conduction tab, described the first and second electric contacts are configured to maintain electric connection when described spout main body is rotated with respect to described installing plate.

8. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 7, it is characterized in that, described spout main body rotates to open position with respect to described installing plate from on-position, at the first electric contact described in described on-position and the second electric contact electric connection, at the first electric contact described in described open position and the second electric contact electric connection not.

9. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, whether described pump sub-assembly detects from described capacitance type sensor described and approaches output signal or described touch output signal and operate in different allocation models based on described controller.

10. electronic soap dispenser according to claim 9, is characterized in that, described allocation model comprises the pattern of approaching and touch mode, at the described liquid soap that distributes scheduled volume in approaching pattern, and in described touch mode dispense liquid soap continuously.

11. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 10, is characterized in that, described controller in described touch mode after the scheduled time pump sub-assembly described in deactivation.

12. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described bottom reservoir comprises base wall and open upper part neck, described pump sub-assembly is supported by the described base wall of described bottom reservoir, and supply pipe extends upward the top neck that arrives described bottom reservoir by described bottom reservoir from described pump sub-assembly.

13. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 12, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser further comprises: distributing pipe, and described distributing pipe extends and comprises relative lower end and upper end in described dispensing head, and described outlet is defined in described upper end; And pipe retainer, its described lower end by described distributing pipe is fastened to described dispensing head, and described pipe retainer comprises prone funnel part to receive the upper end of described supply pipe.

14. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 13, it is characterized in that, described bottom reservoir comprises rib, thereby the opening that recharges is defined described supply pipe is supported in the described top neck of described bottom reservoir in the described upper end of described rib through being fastened to described supply pipe.

15. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 1, is characterized in that, the amplitude of the described output signal of described controller based on from described capacitance type sensor and distinguishing described approaching between output signal and described touch output signal.

16. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser further comprises the electrical insulator being positioned between described dispensing head and described installing plate.

17. 1 kinds of electronic soap dispensers, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser comprises:

Dispensing head, described dispensing head is configured to be supported in installing plate top, and described dispensing head comprises spout main body;

Distributing pipe, described distributing pipe is received in described spout main body and defines outlet;

Bottom reservoir, described bottom reservoir is configured to be supported in described installing plate below, and described bottom reservoir comprises the top neck that is operationally coupled to described dispensing head;

Pump sub-assembly, described pump sub-assembly is operationally coupled to described bottom reservoir and is configured to liquid soap to be pumped into from described bottom reservoir the described outlet of described distributing pipe;

Supply pipe, described supply pipe extends in the reservoir of described bottom, and the lower end that described supply pipe is coupled to described pump sub-assembly from fluid extends to the upper end of extending in the neck of the described top of described bottom reservoir; And

Pipe retainer, its described lower end by described distributing pipe is fastened to described spout main body, described pipe retainer comprises prone funnel part, and described prone funnel part receives the described upper end of described supply pipe with the releasable fluid coupling between the described supply pipe that is defined in the described distributing pipe of described installing plate top extension and extends below described installing plate.

18. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 17, it is characterized in that, described bottom reservoir comprises rib, thereby the opening that recharges is defined described supply pipe is supported in the described top neck of described bottom reservoir in the described upper end of described rib through being fastened to described supply pipe.

19. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 17, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser further comprises:

Capacitance type sensor, described capacitance type sensor is operationally coupled to described spout main body; And

Controller, described controller and the described capacitance type sensor electric connection that defines proximity transducer and touch sensor.

20. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 19, it is characterized in that, described controller is configured to receive approaching output signal and distinguishing between the touch output signal from described capacitance type sensor when user touches described dispensing head from described capacitance type sensor from the output signal of described capacitance type sensor and near the surveyed area be positioned described dispensing head as user time.

21. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 20, it is characterized in that, whether described pump sub-assembly detects from described capacitance type sensor described and approaches output signal or described touch output signal and operate in different allocation models based on described controller.

22. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 17, is characterized in that, described pump sub-assembly comprises gear pump and is operationally coupled to the motor of described gear pump.

23. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 22, it is characterized in that, described pump sub-assembly further comprise be coupled to described motor drive pulley, be coupled to the follow-up pulley of described drive pulley, and described gear pump comprises the driven wheel that is coupled to described follow-up pulley and the driven gear that is coupled to described driven wheel.

24. 1 kinds of electronic soap dispensers, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser comprises:

Dispensing head, described dispensing head comprises spout main body;

Mounting substrate, described mounting substrate is configured to be supported in installing plate top and is coupled to releasedly described dispensing head;

Bottom reservoir, described bottom reservoir is operationally coupled to described dispensing head and is configured to be supported in described installing plate below;

Pump sub-assembly, described pump sub-assembly is operationally coupled to described bottom reservoir, and is configured to liquid soap to be pumped into described dispensing head from described bottom reservoir;

Controller, described controller and described pump sub-assembly electric connection; And

Electric connector, described electric connector is between described dispensing head and described controller, and described electric connector comprises: the first electric contact, it is through supporting to be moved by described dispensing head; And second electric contact, itself and the selective electric connection of described the first electric contact, through being supported on described mounting substrate, wherein said electric connector is configured to maintain during with respect to described mounting substrate rotation at described dispensing head electric connection.

25. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 24, it is characterized in that, described spout main body can rotate to open position from on-position with respect to described mounting substrate, at the first electric contact described in described on-position and the second electric contact electric connection, at the first electric contact described in described open position and the second electric contact electric connection not.

26. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 24, it is characterized in that, described pump sub-assembly is supported by the base wall of described bottom reservoir, and supply pipe extends through from described pump sub-assembly the top neck that described bottom reservoir arrives described bottom reservoir.

27. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 26, it is characterized in that, described bottom reservoir comprises rib, thereby the opening that recharges is defined described supply pipe is supported in the described top neck of described bottom reservoir in the described upper end of described rib through being fastened to described supply pipe.

28. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 26, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser further comprises: distributing pipe, and described distributing pipe extends and comprises relative lower end and upper end in described dispensing head, and outlet is defined in described upper end; And pipe retainer, its described lower end by described distributing pipe is fastened to described dispensing head, and described pipe retainer comprises prone funnel part to receive the upper end of described supply pipe.

29. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 28, it is characterized in that, described bottom reservoir comprises rib, thereby the opening that recharges is defined described supply pipe is supported in the described top neck of described bottom reservoir in the described upper end of described rib through being fastened to described supply pipe.

30. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 24, is characterized in that, described electronic soap dispenser further comprises:

Capacitance type sensor, described capacitance type sensor is operationally coupled to described spout main body; And

Wherein said controller is configured to receive approaching output signal and distinguishing between the touch output signal from described capacitance type sensor when user touches described dispensing head from described capacitance type sensor from the output signal of described capacitance type sensor and near the surveyed area be positioned described dispensing head as user time.

31. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 30, it is characterized in that, whether described pump sub-assembly detects from described capacitance type sensor described and approaches output signal or described touch output signal and operate in different allocation models based on described controller.

32. electronic soap dispensers according to claim 31, is characterized in that, described allocation model comprises the pattern of approaching and touch mode, at the described liquid soap that distributes scheduled volume in approaching pattern, and in described touch mode dispense liquid soap continuously.