WO2010130916A1 - Process for the operation and management of a liquid dispenser, and liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

Process for the operation and management of a liquid dispenser and a liquid dispenser comprising a reservoir (2) having an orifice for dispensing the liquid, said orifice being placed in an upper part of the reservoir and being equipped with an unobstructed terminal dispensing duct connected to said dispensing orifice, a light radiation treatment means (6) which is positioned in the reservoir in order to treat the liquid and which can radiate in the direction of the walls of the reservoir, a means (11) for supplying the reservoir with liquid, a means (13) for draining the liquid contained in the terminal dispensing duct and in the reservoir, a means (19) for controlling the liquid supply demand, and a means for managing the operation of the supply means, the drainage means, and the treatment means.

Description

 Method of operating and managing a liquid dispenser and dispensing a liquid

The present invention relates to the field of dispensing a liquid for food consumption and / or sanitary use of this liquid in a place commonly called a point of draw.

As draw points, mention may be made of water supply means in kitchens and bathrooms, water dispensers or beverage preparation systems of all kinds.

It is desirable that the liquid delivered to the point of drawdown is free of micro-organisms that could be harmful to health.

Different devices for treating a liquid to be delivered, more or less effective, are already known.

US Patent 4,969,991 proposes a complex water purification device in which the water is circulated in a closed loop including an intermediate reservoir containing a UV radiation treatment device and in which a terminal distribution pipe connected to this intermediate tank is equipped with a solenoid valve. It can be seen that in the absence of draw-off, the stagnant water in this distribution channel is not treated so that micro-organisms can develop and if a drawing is too far away from an earlier drawing, the first water delivered corresponding to that contained in this distribution duct may not be healthy. In addition, the means ensuring the flow of water in said loop must be kept in operation permanently, which generates a permanent consumption of electrical energy. US 2004/0140435 discloses a water dispensing device which comprises a terminal pipe provided with a valve and, upstream of this valve, a chamber in which is disposed a UV lamp. The activation of this UV lamp is caused by a detection of a flow of water resulting from the opening of the valve. The also, the stagnant water in the pipe upstream of said chamber between two draws is not treated before being delivered. In addition, the water escaping from said chamber before activation of the UV lamp produces its effects is also not treated. Patent WO 2004/073754 discloses a water dispensing device which comprises a chamber and a dispensing spout opening into this chamber, as well as a UV lamp placed so as to be able to treat the water contained in the chamber and the water contained in the beak. US Patent 2007/0163934 discloses a water dispensing device which comprises a chamber in which is placed a lamp

UV, this chamber having an outlet passage at its lower part. Such provisions are very specific and are not adapted to be associated with all kinds of distribution terminal pipes. Patent GB 2,238,532 discloses a water dispensing device which comprises a main tank in which extends a UV lamp and from which is extracted, through an orifice arranged in the bottom of the main tank, the liquid to be dispensed which circulates then in a chemical treatment auxiliary tank, then through a pump, then, thanks to a bypass valve, either in a distribution pipe or in a return pipe to the main tank.

The present invention aims to ensure the supply of a liquid substantially free of unhealthy microorganisms from the first drop of liquid delivered.

There is provided a method of operating a liquid dispenser comprising a reservoir, a means for supplying the reservoir with liquid, a liquid dispensing orifice placed in the upper part of the reservoir, means for emptying the reservoir, a distribution terminal duct connected to the dispensing orifice of the reservoir and free to circulate to its end and a means of treatment by light radiation extending into the reservoir and able to radiate towards the walls of the reservoir, and comprising a request control means for supplying the liquid at the end of the distribution terminal conduit.

The method may comprise a first mode of operation in which as long as a new request occurs within a period of time less than a reference period after the end of a previous application, the liquid is supplied by the distribution conduit under the effect of the means for supplying the filled reservoir at least up to said dispensing orifice,

The method may comprise a second mode of operation in which in case of no demand at the end of said reference period according to a previous application, the emptying means is activated to cause emptying of the terminal distribution pipe and the tank until a level below the dispensing orifice and in which, in case of a new request beyond said reference period following a previous request, the reservoir supply means is activated and the first operating mode is restored,

The method may include a processing means activated according to the current mode of operation. The method may comprise a second mode of operation in which, in the absence of a request at the end of a first reference period following an earlier request, the emptying means is activated to cause emptying of the terminal distribution duct and a partial emptying of the tank to an intermediate level below the dispensing orifice and, in the event of a new request beyond said first reference period and within a period of time less than a second reference period following a prior application, the tank supply means is activated and the first mode of operation is restored; and wherein, in case of no demand at the end of said second reference period following a previous application, the emptying means is activated to cause a total emptying of the tank and, in case of a new request beyond said second reference period, the means tank is activated and the first operating mode is restored.

The method may comprise a first mode of operation in which, between two requests, the emptying means is activated to cause at least partial emptying of the terminal distribution duct.

The emptying of the distribution duct by the end of the latter can be performed under the effect of an injection of a gas into the tank. The emptying of the tank can be performed by a drain hole placed at a lower part of the tank.

The method may be such that when the reservoir is empty, means for drying the latter may be activated.

The method may be such that the emptying of the tank can be carried out under the effect of an injection of a gas into the tank.

The method may be such that the processing means may be continuously activated during requests and may be intermittently activated between requests.

There is also provided a method for managing a dispenser of a liquid comprising a reservoir, a means for supplying the reservoir with liquid, a means for emptying the reservoir and a terminal distribution conduit connected to the reservoir and free of circulation until 'at its end, to handle requests for the supply of liquid at the end of the terminal distribution conduit.

The management method may be such that the supply means and the emptying means can be controlled according to the delays or gaps between successive requests.

The management method may be such that the supply means and the emptying means are controlled according to at least one first program as long as two requests are separated by a delay less than a reference time and according to at least one second program in the first program. absence of demand at the end of the said reference period.

It is also proposed a distributor of a liquid. This dispenser may comprise a reservoir having a liquid dispensing orifice placed in an upper part of the reservoir and provided with a distribution terminal duct connected to this dispensing orifice and free of circulation, a light treatment means arranged in the reservoir for treating the liquid and capable of radiating towards the walls of the reservoir, means for supplying the reservoir with liquid, means for emptying the liquid contained in the distribution terminal conduit and in the reservoir, means for controlling applications supplying the liquid, and means for managing the operation of the supply means, the emptying means and the treatment means, for managing the level of the liquid in the reservoir and the distribution of the liquid, as well as the activation of the medium. treatment, depending on the activation of the control means. The tank may have a drain hole placed in its lowest part.

The dispenser may include means for injecting a gas into the reservoir.

The reservoir may have an auxiliary orifice placed in its upper part and a means for closing this orifice.

The closure means may comprise a floating shutter member adapted to close said auxiliary orifice when the liquid level is at most at the dispensing orifice.

The terminal distribution duct and / or at least a portion of the reservoir may be of a biocidal material, in particular a silver doped plastic material.

A liquid dispenser and its operation will now be described by way of non-limiting examples, illustrated by the drawing in which: - Figure 1 shows a vertical section of a liquid dispenser;

- Figure 2 shows an electric control circuit of the liquid distributor; FIG. 3 represents operating diagrams of the active parts of the liquid dispenser;

FIG. 4 represents diagrams of an operating variant of the active parts of the liquid dispenser; - Figure 5 shows a vertical section of an alternative embodiment of the liquid distributor; and

FIG. 6 represents an enlarged view of a valve of the dispenser of FIG. 5.

A liquid distributor 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a reservoir 2 which comprises, for example, a vertically disposed cylindrical wall 3, a bottom end wall 3 and an upper end wall 4.

The dispenser 1 comprises a light radiation treatment means which comprises, for example, a lamp 6 whose bulb 7 extends vertically in a vertical tube 8 closed at its upper end and whose lower end is carried tightly by the lower wall 4 of the tank 2. The base 9 of the lamp 6 is carried by the bottom wall 4, this base being provided with external electrical connection pins 9a. The lamp 6 is capable, when it is activated, of emitting ultraviolet radiation towards all the walls of the tank 2, through the tube 8, for example made of quartz, so as to cause destruction of microorganisms that may exist or have developed in the tank 2, in the liquid that it is required to contain, in the liquid brought to pass through it and against its walls.

The tank 2 has a liquid inlet opening 10 formed in its lower part and connected to a feed duct 11a on which is provided a fluid supply control member 1 1, which may comprise a WPI pump and / or a WVI solenoid valve.

The tank 2 also has a liquid drain hole 12, formed in its lowest part and connected to a drain pipe 13a on which is provided a drain control member of the liquid 13, which may comprise a WPO pump and / or a WVO solenoid valve.

The reservoir 2 also has a liquid dispensing orifice 14 formed in its upper part and connected to a terminal distribution duct 15, this distribution terminal duct 15 being free from circulation to its terminal distribution end 15a which constitutes a point extreme of drawing.

The tank 2 may optionally also have a gas inlet opening 16 formed in its lower part and connected to an air supply duct 17a on which is provided a gas supply control member 17 which can include an API pump and an AVI solenoid valve.

The liquid dispenser 1 further comprises an electrical control apparatus 18 illustrated in FIG. 2. This electrical control apparatus 18 comprises a control member 19, for example a push button or a touch sensitive area, by which one or more Users can introduce one or more requests for liquid supplies via the terminal end 15a of the distribution terminal conduit 15. This electrical control apparatus 18 also comprises an electronic management circuit 20 including a counter 20a of durations, subject to the control member 19, at a first reference time T1 and second reference time T2 greater than the first reference time T1, and able to selectively activate the lamp 6, the liquid supply control member 1 1 and the liquid drain control member 13, as well as possibly the gas supply control member 17, according to a registered program. tré.

The electronic management circuit 20 may also be subjected to a signal from a brightness sensor 21 sensitive to the brightness of the radiation emitted by the lamp 6.

We will now describe how works and how can the liquid dispenser 1 be used. A following operating mode, resulting from a program recorded in the management electronic circuit 20, is shown in FIG. 3.

In this figure 3 are illustrated, in temporal correspondence: a diagram 101 of liquid supply requests, introduced by the activation of the control member 19,

a diagram 102 of activations of the lamp 6,

a diagram 103 of signals coming from the brightness sensor 21, a diagram 104 of activations of the liquid supply control member 1 1,

a diagram 105 of activations of the control member for emptying the liquid 13,

a diagram 106 illustrating activation times of the duration counter 20a, a diagram 107 illustrating levels of the liquid in the tank 2,

and a diagram 108 illustrating liquid distributions or supplies through the terminal end 15a of the distribution terminal conduit 15. It is initially assumed that the reservoir 2 and the distribution terminal conduit 15 are empty.

An applicant activates the controller 19 to introduce a first request D 1 (slot 109).

The electronic management circuit 20 activates the lamp 6 (slot 1 10). The brightness of the lamp increases then reaches a maximum level

(curve 1 1 1).

When the brightness reaches a predetermined threshold S less than its maximum level, the electronic management circuit 20 activates the liquid supply control member 1 1, opening the valve WVI and WPI pump (slot 1 12).

The level of the liquid in the tank 2 rises (slope 1 13). When the tank 2 is full (line RP), the liquid progresses in the terminal distribution pipe 15, until its terminal end of distribution 15a, by which it is delivered outside the device 1 (slot 1 14).

When the applicant considers that he has received a quantity of liquid that he expects, he deactivates the control member 19. Then, the electronic management circuit 20 deactivates the lamp 6, deactivates the control member for supplying the liquid 1 1 to stop the arrival of liquid and switches on its counter 20a.

It is assumed that an applicant activates the control member 19 to introduce a next request D2 (slot 1 15) after a duration Ts according to the request D 1, less than the reference duration T 1

(count 1 16)

Since the tank 2 is full and the terminal distribution duct 15 is at least partially full, the electronic management circuit 20 activates the lamp 6 (slot 1 17) and activates the liquid supply control member 1 1 (slot 1). 18) from the moment when the brightness reaches the predetermined threshold S mentioned above (curve 1 19). Then, the liquid is delivered by the terminal distribution end 15a of the conduit 15 (slot 120) as soon as the brightness of the lamp 6 reaches a predetermined threshold S. When the applicant considers that he has received a quantity of liquid that he expects, he deactivates the control member 19. Then, the electronic management circuit 20 deactivates the lamp 6, deactivates the control member for supplying the liquid 1 1 to stop the arrival of liquid and switches on its counter 20a. As long as a requestor activates the control member 19 to introduce a next request Di after a duration Ts following the end of an immediately preceding request, which is less than the reference duration T 1, the operation is the one just described. above.

It is now assumed that no requestor activates the controller 19 before the end of the reference period T 1.

Then, at this term (count 121), the electronic management circuit 20 activates the control member for emptying the liquid 13 (slot 121a) to cause the draining of the distribution terminal duct 15 and possibly a partial emptying (slope 122 ) of tank 2 up to a level N 1 (line N 1 and FIG. 1) located slightly below the liquid dispensing orifice 14. Such a level can be reached by activating the pump WPO for a predetermined period for this purpose , the valve WVO being placed in the open position during this time.

In a variant, the electronic management circuit 20 could activate the gas supply control member 17 to inject, for example air, into the tank 2, this injected air expelling the liquid contained in the terminal duct of distribution 15 by the terminal end 15a of the latter. For this, the electronic management circuit 20 can place the AVI valve in the open position and activate the API pump for a period of time allowing this ejection. Subsequently, the electronic management circuit 20 could activate the liquid drain control member 13 to cause partial emptying of the tank 2 to the level N l mentioned above.

It is now assumed that an applicant activates the control member 19 (slot 125) in the above situation, in which the distribution terminal duct 15 is emptied and the liquid is at level N 1 in the tank 2.

Then, the electronic management circuit 20 activates the lamp 6 (slot 126) then activates the liquid supply control member 1 1 (slot 127) from the moment when the brightness reaches the predetermined threshold S mentioned above ( curve 128). The reservoir 2 and the terminal distribution duct 15 fill, then the liquid is delivered through the terminal end 15a of the latter (crenel 129).

The distributor 1 is then in the situation following the first request D 1 described above. Between the liquid supply requests as mentioned above and more particularly during the reference period T l and past the end of this period, it may be advantageous for the electronic management circuit 20 to activate the lamp 6 ( slots 123 and 124), for example for durations short, especially at regular intervals. The electronic management circuit 20 could further activate the lamp 6 during partial emptying and / or when the tank 2 is partially emptied, intermittently, at scheduled times. Another following operating mode, resulting from another program recorded in the management electronic circuit 20, is shown in FIG. 4.

In this FIG. 4, diagrams relating to the same elements as those of FIG. 3 are illustrated. This other operating mode integrates the operating mode described with reference to FIG. 3 and furthermore comprises the following provisions.

Since the reference duration T 1 has passed and the liquid in the tank 2 has been brought to the level N 1, it is assumed that no liquid seeker activates the control member 19 at the end of a reference period T2 following the end of an immediately preceding request, greater than the duration T l.

Then, the electronic management circuit 20 activates the liquid drain control member 13 (slot 130) to cause total emptying of the tank 2 (slope 13 1). Such total emptying can be achieved by activating the WPO pump for a specified time for this purpose, the WVO valve being placed in the open position during this time.

In a variant, insofar as the distribution terminal duct 15 would induce a relatively large pressure drop, the electronic management circuit 20 could activate for a suitable duration the gas supply control member 17 to inject, for example in the tank 2 to empty the latter, this injected air expels the liquid contained in the tank 2 to evacuate through the conduit 13a, the WPO valve being open for this purpose. In this case, the API pump could be deleted.

The electronic management circuit 20 could further activate the lamp 6 during emptying and / or when the tank 2 is empty, intermittently at scheduled times (slot 132 and curve 133).

When the tank 2 is empty, it can be advantageous for the electronic management circuit 20 to activate the gas supply control member 17 to circulate in the tank 2 and the terminal distribution duct 15 a hot gas, for example hot air to ensure drying.

It is now assumed that a requestor activates the controller 19 in the above situation to introduce a Dm request (slot 134). Then, the distributor 1 is in the situation of the first liquid demand as described above and starts operating in the same manner.

In the examples which have just been described, the liquid applicant activates the control member 19 as long as it wishes the dispenser 1 to deliver the liquid. In a variant, the electronic management circuit 20 could be programmed to deliver predetermined liquid doses at each loading of the control member 19, the activation times of the liquid supply control member 1 1 being adapted accordingly. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be seen that the reservoir can be equipped, at a level slightly lower than the position of the dispensing orifice 14 and in an area exposed to the lamp 6, with a valve 22 which comprises, in a passage 23 for venting the tank 2, a floating ball 24 adapted to be brought against an annular seat 25 under the effect of the upward pushing of the liquid, so as to close this passage 23 before that the liquid reaches the dispensing orifice 14.

Insofar as the terminal distribution duct 15 would induce a relatively large loss of pressure, the valve 22 can ensure that the tank is vented to facilitate its filling and emptying under the effect of the pump WPO of the organ. drain control 13.

The cycles and operating steps of the dispenser 1, as described, can be adapted to combat the presence and development of microorganisms in the reservoir 2 and in the terminal distribution duct 15, so as to deliver, at the terminal end 15a, a purified or sanitized liquid, suitable for consumption. The terminal distribution duct 15 and / or at least a portion of the reservoir 2 may be made of a biocidal material, in particular a silver-doped plastic material, suitable for opposing bacterial developments, in particular when they are wet. The dispenser 1 can be used to deliver water for example from a network. In a variant, the terminal end 15a of the terminal distribution duct 15 may constitute a sanitized water fountain. In another variant, the sanitized water delivered at the terminal end 15a may be made to be mixed with another food product or to pass through a food product.

The dispenser 1 has been described in a position in which the lamp 6 is placed vertically. In a variant, the same arrangements could be adapted in the case where the lamp 6 would be placed horizontally. In a simplified variant embodiment, the WPI pump and the solenoid valve WVI could be omitted and the supply port 10 could be closed or removed. In this case, the WPO pump could be a reversible pump that can be used for supply and for draining, the solenoid valve WVO being controlled accordingly.

The present invention is not limited to the examples described above. Many other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of operating a liquid dispenser comprising a reservoir (2), a means (1 1) for supplying the reservoir with liquid, a orifice (14) for distributing the liquid placed in the upper part of the reservoir , means (13) for emptying the reservoir, a terminal distribution duct (15) connected to the dispensing orifice of the reservoir and free to circulate to its end (15a) and means (6) for radiation treatment light extending into the reservoir and adapted to radiate towards the walls of the reservoir, and comprising a control means (18) for requests for the supply of liquid at the end of the terminal distribution conduit; method comprising: a first mode of operation in which as long as a new request occurs within a time period less than a reference time (T l) after the end of a previous application, the liquid is supplied by the distribution conduit under the the effect of the supply means of the filled reservoir at least up to said dispensing orifice, and a second operating mode in which in case of absence of demand at the end of said reference period (T 1) according to an earlier application, the drain means is activated to cause draining of the distribution terminal pipe and the reservoir to a level below the dispensing orifice and in which, in case of a new request beyond said reference period according to an earlier application, the reservoir supply means is activated and the first operating mode is re-established, the processing means being activated according to the operating mode in accordance with FIG. bear. 2. Method according to claim 1, comprising a second mode of operation in which, in the absence of a request after a first reference period (T 1) following a previous request, the emptying means is activated to cause draining the duct dispensing terminal and partial emptying of the tank to an intermediate level below the dispensing orifice and, in case of a new request beyond said first reference period and within a period of less than a second reference time (T2) according to a previous application, the reservoir supply means is activated and the first mode of operation is reestablished, and in which, in case of absence of demand at the end of said second reference period (T2) according to an earlier application, the emptying means is activated to cause a total emptying of the tank and, in the case of a new request beyond said second reference period, the means for feeding the tank is activated and the first mode of operation is restored. 3. Method according to one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a first operating mode in which, between two requests, the emptying means is activated to cause at least partial emptying of the terminal distribution duct. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emptying of the distribution duct by the end of the latter is performed under the effect of an injection of a gas into the tank. 5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emptying of the tank is performed by a drain orifice placed at a lower part of the tank. 6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the tank is empty, drying means of the latter is activated. 7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emptying of the tank is performed under the effect of an injection of a gas into the tank. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means is continuously enabled during requests and is periodically enabled between requests. 9. A liquid dispenser management method comprising a reservoir (2), a means (1 1) for supplying the reservoir with liquid, a means (13) for emptying the reservoir, a terminal conduit for dispensing ( 15) connected to the reservoir and free of circulation to its end (15a), for managing requests for the supply of liquid at the end of the terminal distribution conduit; method in which the supply means and the emptying means are controlled according to the delays or gaps between successive requests. 10. Management method according to claim 9, wherein the supply means and the emptying means are controlled according to at least one first program as long as two requests are separated by a delay less than a reference time and in at least one second program in the absence of a request at the end of the said reference period. A liquid dispenser, comprising: a reservoir (2) having a liquid dispensing orifice (14) disposed in an upper portion of the reservoir and having a dispensing terminal conduit (15) connected thereto; distribution and free circulation, a means (6) for treatment by light radiation arranged in the tank for treating the liquid and able to radiate towards the walls of the reservoir, means (1 1) for supplying liquid to the reservoir, a means (13) for emptying the liquid contained in the distribution terminal duct and in the reservoir, liquid supply request control means (19), and means (20) for managing the operation of the supply means, draining means and processing means for controlling the liquid level in the reservoir and the distribution of the liquid, as well as the activation of the treatment means, depending on the activation of the control means. 12. Dispenser according to claim 1 1, wherein the reservoir has a drain hole (12) placed in its lowest part. 13. Dispenser according to one of claims 1 1 and 12, comprising means (17) for injecting a gas into the tank. 14. Dispenser according to any one of claims l i to 13, wherein the reservoir has an auxiliary orifice (23) placed in its upper part and means (24) for closing this orifice. 15. Dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the closure means comprises a floating closure member (24) adapted to close said auxiliary orifice when the liquid level is at most at the dispensing orifice. 16. Dispenser according to any one of claims lia 15, wherein said terminal distribution duct (15) and / or at least a portion of the reservoir (2) are made of a biocidal material, in particular a plastic material doped with plastic. ' money. * * * *