DISPENSING DEVICE AND BATTERY PACKAGE
A fluid dispensing device, a battery package for a fluid dispensing device, and a method of assembling a fluid dispensing device. The dispensing device has a housing defining a passage having an outlet, and fluid being dispensed through the passage and out of the outlet. The dispensing device also has a powered component. The battery package has a battery cell and a capacitor operable to power the powered component. The battery cell and the capacitor are encapsulated as a unitary battery package. The unitary battery package is supportable in the housing.
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The present application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/719,287, filed Oct. 26, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELDThe present invention relates to a dispensing device and a battery for powering the dispensing device.
SUMMARYA typical automatic dispensing device includes a sensor, such as a motion sensor, and a solenoid controlled based on a signal from the sensor to dispense a substance, such as a fluid.
In one independent embodiment, the invention provides a fluid dispensing device. The fluid dispensing device may generally include a housing defining a passage having an outlet, a sensor operable to sense a condition and to send a signal based on the sensed condition, a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense fluid through the passage and out of the outlet, a solenoid controlled, based on the signal from the sensor, to cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense fluid, and a hybrid battery disposed in the housing and operable to power the solenoid.
In another independent embodiment, the invention provides a battery package for a fluid dispensing device. The dispensing device includes a housing defining a passage having an outlet, fluid being dispensed through the passage and out of the outlet, and a powered component. The battery package may generally include a battery cell and a capacitor operable to power the powered component. The battery cell and the capacitor may be encapsulated as a unitary battery package, and the unitary battery package may be supportable in the housing.
In yet another independent embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a fluid dispensing device. The method may generally include providing a housing for the fluid dispensing device, the housing defining a passage having an outlet, fluid being dispensed through the passage and out of the outlet, encapsulating a battery cell and a capacitor as a unitary battery package, and supporting the unitary battery package in the housing.
In a further independent embodiment, the invention provides a fluid dispensing device. The fluid dispensing device may include a housing defining a passage having an inlet, an inlet chamber communicating with the inlet, an outlet, an outlet chamber communicating with the outlet, a pressure chamber in communication with the inlet chamber, a vent passage in selective communication between the pressure chamber and atmosphere, and an opening between the pressure chamber and the vent passage. The fluid dispensing device may also include a sensor operable to sense a condition and to send a signal based on the sensed condition, and a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense fluid through the passage and out of the outlet, the dispensing mechanism including a piston movably supported in the passage between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber.
The fluid dispensing device may also include a solenoid controlled, based on the signal from the sensor, to cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense fluid, the solenoid being operable to selectively place the pressure chamber in communication with the vent passage to thereby cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense fluid. The solenoid may include an armature movable between a first position, in which communication between the pressure chamber and the vent passage is inhibited, and a second position, in which communication between the pressure chamber and the vent passage is allowed, the armature being movable between the first position and the second position. In the first position, a portion of the armature may close the opening. The fluid dispensing device may also include a power source operable to power the solenoid.
In still another independent embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a hybrid battery for a fluid dispensing device, the hybrid battery having a battery cell and a capacitor. The method may generally include encapsulating the battery cell and the capacitor as a unitary battery package.
Other independent aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings.
Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Further, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “upward” and “downward”, etc., are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.
In the illustrated construction, the battery package 10 also includes a cup 16 and resin 18. The hybrid battery (e.g., the battery cell 12 and the capacitor 14) is encapsulated, for example, within the cup 16 which is filled with the resin 18. The cup 16 may be formed of a polymer in a vacuum forming process, a thermoforming process, thin wall injection molding, etc. The resin 18 may include polyurethane, epoxy, acrylic, silicone, UV curable materials, etc., which either completely harden or form a rubber-like consistency.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cup 16 is a thin-walled molded cup and the resin 18 includes epoxy. The resin 18 fills the cup 16 and includes a top layer sealing off the top of the cup 16 that is thick enough to cover terminals 15, 17 and exposed wires or connections 19 between the battery cell 12 and the capacitor 14. As illustrated in
The cup 16 and resin 18 encapsulate the battery cell 12 and the capacitor 14 to, for example, protect the battery cell 12 and the capacitor 14 from contamination (e.g., by fluid, water, other contaminants, etc.). Encapsulating the battery cell 12 and the capacitor 14 in the cup 16 and resin 18 may also minimize the overall package size, minimize the expense of potting material (e.g., the resin 18), and/or allow for full encapsulation of the battery cell 12. Depending on the material used, for installation, the cup 16 may be retained or peeled away from the resin 18.
The dispensing device 20 includes a housing 22, a sensor 24, a solenoid 26 and a dispensing mechanism 28 (e.g., a flushing mechanism, a valve or other dispensing device) for dispensing a substance, material, item, article, etc. As illustrated in
The battery package 10 powers the solenoid 26. Specifically, the battery cell 12 charges the capacitor 14, and the capacitor 14 powers the solenoid 26 when activated by the sensor 24. The solenoid 26 is activated in response to a signal from the sensor 24. For example, the sensor 24 may be a motion or light sensor, and the solenoid 26 is activated when the sensor 24 signals a flushing condition, such as the presence of a user followed by the non-presence of the user.
The battery package 10 may also power the sensor 24. For example, the battery cell 12 may power the sensor 24. In other constructions (not shown), the sensor 24 may include its own separate power source.
The dispensing mechanism 28, e.g., a water flushing mechanism of the illustrated flushometer, is illustrated in
Arrows in
The solenoid 26 includes an armature 40 movable axially between a first position (e.g., a non-dispensing or non-flush position (see FIGS. 8A-8C)), in which the solenoid 26 inhibits the dispensing device 20 from dispensing, and a second position (e.g., a dispensing or flush position (see
As illustrated in
In the second position (see
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the solenoid uses a diaphragm to amplify the speed of the system. In such an embodiment, the armature retracts from a diaphragm vent, or diaphragm bleed hole. The smaller volume of water above the diaphragm is quickly vented, allowing the diaphragm to retract, exposing a larger portion (e.g., a larger diameter portion) of the diaphragm vent such that the larger volume of water above the piston can evacuate quickly.
In another alternative embodiment (not shown), a larger diaphragm may be used in place of the piston with a bleed hole to communicate between the inlet chamber 32 and the pressure envelope 34. The pressure envelope 34 could communicate with a diaphragm vent either by direct solenoid control or by way of a smaller diaphragm/solenoid combination.
The dispensing device 20′ includes a housing 22′, a sensor 24′, a solenoid 26′ and a dispensing mechanism 28′ for dispensing water. As illustrated in
The battery package 10 powers the solenoid 26′, as described above with respect to
As illustrated in
Claims
1. A fluid dispensing device comprising:
- a housing defining a passage having an outlet;
- a sensor operable to sense a condition and to send a signal based on the sensed condition;
- a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense fluid through the passage and out of the outlet;
- a solenoid controlled, based on the signal from the sensor, to cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense fluid; and
- a hybrid battery disposed in the housing and operable to power the solenoid.
2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the hybrid battery includes a battery cell and a capacitor.
3. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the hybrid battery further includes resin encapsulating the battery cell and the capacitor.
4. The dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the hybrid battery further includes a polymeric cup, the battery cell and the capacitor being encapsulated in the cup.
5. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the hybrid battery further includes a polymeric cup, the battery cell and the capacitor being encapsulated in the cup.
6. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is operable to sense a presence of a user.
7. The dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the sensor includes a touchless sensor.
8. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the housing further defines an inlet, fluid being dispensed through the inlet into the passage, through the passage and out of the outlet.
9. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein the housing defines an inlet chamber communicating with the inlet, an outlet chamber communicating with the outlet, a pressure chamber in communication with the inlet chamber, and a vent passage in selective communication between the pressure chamber and atmosphere, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a piston movably supported in the passage between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber, and wherein the solenoid is operable to selectively place the pressure chamber in communication with the vent passage to thereby cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense fluid.
10. The dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the solenoid has a first condition, in which the pressure chamber is not in communication with the vent passage, and a second condition, in which the pressure chamber is in communication with the vent passage, the solenoid being operable between the first condition and the second condition.
11. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the solenoid includes an armature movable between a first position, in which communication between the pressure chamber and the vent passage is inhibited, and a second position, in which communication between the pressure chamber and the vent passage is allowed, the armature being movable between the first position and the second position.
12. The dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the housing defines an opening between the pressure chamber and the vent passage, and wherein, in the first position, a portion of the armature closes the opening.
13. The dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the armature is latched when in the first position, the armature being movable from the first position to the second position when energized by the hybrid battery.
14. The dispensing device of claim 13, wherein the armature is latched when in the second position, the armature being movable from the second position to the first position when momentarily energized by the hybrid battery.
15. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a flushometer for a bathroom fixture.
16. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed in the housing.
17. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the solenoid is disposed in the housing.
18. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the hybrid battery is operable to power the sensor.
19. A battery package for a fluid dispensing device, the dispensing device including a housing defining a passage having an outlet, fluid being dispensed through the passage and out of the outlet, the dispensing device also including a powered component, the battery package comprising:
- a battery cell; and
- a capacitor operable to power the powered component, the battery cell and the capacitor being encapsulated as a unitary battery package, the unitary battery package being supportable in the housing.
20. The battery package of claim 19, further comprising resin, the battery cell and the capacitor being encapsulated in the resin.
21. The battery package of claim 20, further comprising a polymeric cup, the battery cell and the capacitor being encapsulated in the cup.
22. The battery package of claim 19, further comprising a polymeric cup, the battery cell and the capacitor being encapsulated in the cup.
23. A method of manufacturing a fluid dispensing device, the method comprising:
- providing a housing for the fluid dispensing device, the housing defining a passage having an outlet, fluid being dispensed through the passage and out of the outlet;
- encapsulating a battery cell and a capacitor as a unitary battery package; and
- supporting the unitary battery package in the housing.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein encapsulating includes encapsulating the battery cell and the capacitor in resin.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the hybrid battery further includes a cup, and wherein encapsulating includes vacuum forming the cup to fit around the battery cell and the capacitor.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein at least one of the battery cell and the capacitor further includes a terminal, the method further comprising encapsulating the terminal within the unitary battery package.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the hybrid battery further includes a wire, the method further comprising encapsulating a first portion of the wire within the unitary battery package, and exposing a second portion of the wire outside of the unitary battery package for connection to powered devices.
28. The method of claim 23, wherein the hybrid battery further includes a wire, the method further comprising encapsulating a first portion of the wire within the unitary battery package, and exposing a second portion of the wire outside of the unitary battery package for connection to powered devices.
26. A fluid dispensing device comprising:
- a housing defining a passage having an inlet, an inlet chamber communicating with the inlet, an outlet, an outlet chamber communicating with the outlet, a pressure chamber in communication with the inlet chamber, a vent passage in selective communication between the pressure chamber and atmosphere, and an opening between the pressure chamber and the vent passage;
- a sensor operable to sense a condition and to send a signal based on the sensed condition;
- a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense fluid through the passage and out of the outlet, the dispensing mechanism including a piston movably supported in the passage between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber;
- a solenoid controlled, based on the signal from the sensor, to cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense fluid, the solenoid being operable to selectively place the pressure chamber in communication with the vent passage to thereby cause the dispensing mechanism to dispense fluid, the solenoid including an armature movable between a first position, in which communication between the pressure chamber and the vent passage is inhibited, and a second position, in which communication between the pressure chamber and the vent passage is allowed, the armature being movable between the first position and the second position, in the first position, a portion of the armature closes the opening; and
- a power source operable to power the solenoid.
27. The dispensing device of claim 26, wherein power source includes a hybrid battery.
28. The dispensing device of claim 27, wherein the hybrid battery includes a battery cell and a capacitor.
29. The dispensing device of claim 28, wherein the hybrid battery is supported in the housing.
30. The dispensing device of claim 26, wherein the sensor includes a touchless sensor.
31. The dispensing device of claim 26, wherein the armature is latched when in the first position, the armature being movable from the first position to the second position when energized by the hybrid battery.
32. The dispensing device of claim 31, wherein the armature is latched when in the second position, the armature being movable from the second position to the first position when momentarily energized by the hybrid battery.
33. The dispensing device of claim 26, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a flushometer for a bathroom fixture.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 13, 2013
Publication Date: May 1, 2014
Applicant: KOHLER CO. (Kohler, WI)
Inventors: Chad J. Cochart (Sheboygan, WI), Joel T. Smith (Cedarburg, WI), Balachander Venugopal (Sheboygan, WI), Ryan F. Leichty (Sheboygan, WI)
Application Number: 13/802,412
International Classification: F16K 21/00 (20060101); H02J 7/00 (20060101);