U.S. patent application number 13/766477 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for two fluid pump.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOJO Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nick E. Ciavarella, John J. McNulty. Invention is credited to Nick E. Ciavarella, John J. McNulty.
Application Number | 20130206794 13/766477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47843387 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130206794 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McNulty; John J. ; et
al. |
August 15, 2013 |
TWO FLUID PUMP
Abstract
Pumps with housing and a diaphragms located within the housing
are disclosed herein. A diaphragm connected to an actuator
separates the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber.
Each chamber includes a one-way inlet valve and a one-way outlet
valve. Movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the
volume of the first chamber to contract and causes the first fluid
to be expelled from the first chamber while causing the volume of
the second chamber to expand and draw in the second fluid through
the second one-way inlet valve. Movement of the actuator in the
second direction has the opposite effect causing the first fluid to
be drain to the first chamber and the second fluid to be expelled
through the second one-way outlet valve. The first and second fluid
combine in a mixing chamber and form a foam, which is expelled at
an outlet.
Inventors: |
McNulty; John J.; (Broadview
Heights, OH) ; Ciavarella; Nick E.; (Seven Hills,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McNulty; John J.
Ciavarella; Nick E. |
Broadview Heights
Seven Hills |
OH
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GOJO Industries, Inc.
Akron
OH
|
Family ID: |
47843387 |
Appl. No.: |
13/766477 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61598443 |
Feb 14, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3261 20130101;
B05B 9/0413 20130101; B05B 11/3084 20130101; A47K 5/1215 20130101;
A47K 5/14 20130101; A47K 5/16 20130101; A47K 5/1202 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/136 |
International
Class: |
B67D 7/70 20100101
B67D007/70 |
Claims
1. A pump comprising: a housing; a diaphragm located within the
housing; the diaphragm separating the housing into a first chamber
and a second chamber; a first one-way inlet valve for allowing a
first fluid into the first chamber; a first one-way outlet valve
for allowing the first fluid out of the first chamber; a second
one-way inlet valve for allowing a second fluid into the second
chamber; a second one-way outlet valve for allowing the second
fluid out of the second chamber; an actuator connected to the
diaphragm; wherein movement of the actuator in a first direction
causes the volume of the first chamber to contract and causes the
first fluid to be expelled from the first chamber and causes the
volume of the second chamber to expand and draw in the second fluid
through the second one-way inlet valve; and movement of the
actuator in the second direction causes the volume of the first
chamber to expand drawing the first fluid past the first one-way
inlet valve into the first chamber and contracts the second chamber
causing the volume of the second fluid to be expelled through the
second one-way outlet valve.
2. The pump of claim 1 further comprising a mixing chamber for
receiving the first fluid and the second fluid.
3. The pump of claim 2 further comprising an outlet nozzle for
dispensing the mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid as a
foam.
4. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuator passes through a wall
of the pump.
5. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuator is a piston.
6. The pump of claim 1 wherein the diaphragm is an elastomeric
element.
7. The pump of claim 1 wherein the diaphragm is a rubber
element.
8. The pump of claim 1 further comprising a first reservoir for
holding the first fluid and a second reservoir for holding the
second fluid.
9. A dispenser comprising: a dispenser housing and a pump system;
the pump system includes a housing and a diaphragm; the diaphragm
separates the housing into two chambers; the diaphragm having a
first position that reduces the volume of the first chamber and
expands the volume of the second chamber; the diaphragm having a
second position that expands the volume of the first chamber and
reduces the volume of the second chamber; wherein movement of the
diaphragm to the first position causes fluid to be expelled from
the first chamber and fluid to be drawn into the second chamber;
and wherein movement of the diaphragm to the second position causes
fluid to be expelled from the second chamber and fluid to be drawn
into the first chamber.
10. The dispenser of claim 9 further comprising a mixing chamber
for receiving the first and second fluids.
11. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the pump reciprocates at a
speed greater than about 60 cycles per minute.
12. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the actuator comprises a
piston.
13. The dispenser of claim 9 wherein the actuator passes through a
wall of a housing of the pump.
14. A method of creating a foam comprising: providing a pump having
a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a diaphragm;
providing a first fluid comprising an acid and a second fluid
comprising a base; moving the diaphragm to a first position causing
the first fluid to be pumped to a mixing chamber and the second
fluid to be drawn into the second chamber; and moving the diaphragm
to a second position causing the second fluid to be pumped to the
mixing chamber and the first fluid to be drawn into the first
chamber; wherein a chemical reaction occurs between the first fluid
and the second fluid that causes the formation of gas and the
mixture is expelled as a foam.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein at least one of the first and
second fluids contains a wax.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein operating the pump from the
first position to the second position and back to the first
position occurs at rate that is greater than about 60 cycles per
second.
17. The method of claim 14 comprising operating the pump at a
frequency sufficient to agitate the first and second fluids in the
mixing chamber.
18. A refill unit for a two fluid foam dispenser comprising: a
first reservoir and a second reservoir formed between two sheets of
material; a first tube extending to the first reservoir and a
second tube extending to the second reservoir; the first tube and
second tube at least partially surrounded by the sheets of
material; a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid
communication with the first and second tubes; and an outlet nozzle
downstream of the mixing chamber; wherein a first fluid from the
first fluid reservoir and a second fluid from the second fluid
reservoir are combined in the mixing chamber and form a foam that
is dispensed out of the nozzle.
19. The refill unit of claim 18 further comprising a first valve
and a second valve having a sufficient cracking pressure to prevent
inadvertent discharge.
20. The refill unit of claim 18 further comprising a roller
actuator, wherein the roller actuator is configured to compress the
first and second tubes through at least a portion of travel that
includes sheet material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention claims priority to and the benefits of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/598,443 titled Two Fluid
Pump, which was filed on Feb. 14, 2012, and which is incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to dispenser systems
and a pumping system for dispensing two fluids in the form of a
foam.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Fluid dispenser systems, such as fluid soap and sanitizer
dispensers, provide a user with a predetermined amount of fluid
upon actuation of the dispenser. In addition, it is sometimes
desirable to dispense the fluid in the form of foam. Foam is
generally made by injecting air into the fluid to create a foamy
mixture of liquid and air bubbles.
SUMMARY
[0004] Exemplary embodiments of pumps are disclosed herein. In some
exemplary embodiments, a pump has a housing and a diaphragm located
within the housing. The diaphragm separates the housing into a
first chamber and a second chamber. Each chamber includes a one-way
inlet valve for allowing a fluid into the chamber and a one-way
outlet valve for allowing pressurized fluid out of the chamber. An
actuator is connected to the diaphragm. Movement of the actuator in
a first direction causes the volume of the first chamber to
contract and causes the first fluid to be expelled from the first
chamber while causing the volume of the second chamber to expand
and draw in the second fluid through the second one-way inlet
valve. Movement of the actuator in the second direction causes the
volume of the first chamber to expand drawing the first fluid in
through the first one-way inlet valve and contracts the volume of
the second chamber causing the second fluid to be expelled through
the second one-way outlet valve. A mixing chamber is in fluid
communication with the one-way outlet valves and the first and
second fluid combine in the mixing chamber and form a foam.
[0005] Exemplary embodiments of dispensers include a dispenser
housing and a pump system. The pump system includes a housing and a
diaphragm. The diaphragm separates the housing into two chambers.
The diaphragm has a first position that reduces the volume of the
first chamber and expands the volume of the second chamber. In
addition, the diaphragm has a second position that expands the
volume of the first chamber and reduces the volume of the second
chamber. Movement of the diaphragm to the first position causes
fluid to be expelled from the first chamber and fluid to be drawn
into the second chamber; and movement of the diaphragm to the
second position causes fluid to be expelled from the second chamber
and fluid to be drawn into the first chamber.
[0006] Exemplary methodologies for creating a foam may include
providing a pump having a first chamber and a second chamber
separated by a diaphragm. Providing a first fluid comprising an
acid and a second fluid comprising a base. Moving the diaphragm to
a first position causing the first fluid to be pumped to a mixing
chamber and the second fluid to be drawn into the second chamber;
and moving the diaphragm to a second position causing the second
fluid to be pumped to the mixing chamber and the first fluid to be
drawn into the first chamber. A chemical reaction occurs between
the first fluid and the second fluid that causes the formation of
gas and the mixture is expelled as a foam.
[0007] Exemplary embodiments of refill units are also provided. One
exemplary refill unit for a two fluid foam dispenser includes a
first reservoir and a second reservoir formed between two sheets of
material and a first tube extending to the first reservoir and a
second tube extending to the second reservoir. The first tube and
second tube are at least partially surrounded by the sheets of
material. A mixing chamber is included wherein the mixing chamber
is in fluid communication with the first and second tubes. An
outlet nozzle is located downstream of the mixing chamber. First
fluid from the first fluid reservoir and second fluid from the
second fluid reservoir are combined in the mixing chamber and form
a foam that is dispensed out of the nozzle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description and accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary pumping system 100 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates the pump of the exemplary pumping system
100 in a first pumping and priming position;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates the pump of the exemplary pumping system
100 in a second pumping and priming position;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a dispenser having an embodiment of an
exemplary pumping system; and
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a foam dispensing system having another
embodiment of a two fluid pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a pumping system 100.
Pumping system 100 includes a pump 101. Pump 101 has a housing 102.
Housing 102 is divided by diaphragm 104 into a first chamber 112
and a second chamber 114. Diaphragm 104 may be made with any
flexible material, such as, for example, a thin elastomeric
material, plastic, rubber, or even a thin piece of metal. An
actuator, such as, for example, piston 106 is connected to
diaphragm 104 and extends through housing 102. A sealing member 108
forms a fluid tight seal between piston 106 and housing 102. The
pumping system may be used in a wall-mounted dispenser, a tabletop
dispenser or a personal hand held dispenser.
[0015] First chamber 112 has a one-way inlet valve 120 to allow a
first fluid into pump 101 and prevents fluid in first chamber 112
from flowing out of first chamber 112. First chamber 112 also
includes a one-way outlet valve 140 to allow fluid to flow out of
first chamber 112 through tube 142 and into mixing chamber 144.
Similarly, second chamber 114 includes a one-way inlet valve 130
for allowing fluid into second chamber 114 and a one-way outlet
valve 146. One-way outlet valve 146 allows fluid to flow out of
second chamber 114 and through tube 148 and into mixing chamber
144. The one-way inlet and outlet valves above may be any type of
one-way valve, such as, for example, a mushroom valve, a flapper
valve, a plug valve, an umbrella valve, a poppet valve, a duck bill
valve, etc. An outlet nozzle 150 is located downstream of the
mixing chamber for dispensing foam formed by combining the two
fluids. In some embodiments, outlet nozzle 150 contains a series of
baffles (not shown) to increase the mixing turbulence as the two
fluids pass through and are mixed together. In some embodiments the
nozzle is narrow and elongated causing the two fluids to mix
together.
[0016] Pump system 100 also includes a first fluid reservoir 124
for holding a first fluid and a second fluid reservoir 134 for
holding a second fluid. First fluid reservoir 124 is in fluid
communication with first chamber 112 through tube 122 and one-way
inlet valve 120. Second fluid reservoir 134 is in fluid
communication with second chamber 114 through tube 132 and inlet
valve 130. In one embodiment, pump 101 connects directly to first
and second fluid reservoirs 124, 134. Optionally, the system is
inverted and pump 101 connects directly to first and second fluid
reservoirs 124, 134, and tubes 122 and 132 may not be needed
because the fluid flows into the first and second chambers 112, 114
due to gravitational forces. In one embodiment, first and second
reservoirs 124, 134 are collapsible and tubes 122, 132 are not
needed as vacuum pressure draws the fluid out of the
reservoirs.
[0017] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate pump 101 in operation. In FIG. 2,
piston 106 is moved inward and diaphragm 104 deflects inward. In
this position, the volume of first chamber 112 is reduced which
causes one-way inlet valve 120 to be in a closed position, and
forces fluid within first chamber 112 to be expelled out of one-way
outlet valve 140. At the same time, the volume of second chamber
114 expands creating a vacuum in second chamber 114. The vacuum
causes one-way outlet valve 146 to be closed and draws fluid from
second fluid reservoir 134 in through one-way inlet valve 130.
[0018] Conversely, when piston 106 is moved outward, diaphragm 104
deflects outward (illustrated in FIG. 3) which causes the volume of
first chamber 112 to expand closing one-way outlet valve 140 and
drawing fluid from first reservoir 124 in through one-way inlet
valve 120. The volume of second chamber 114 is reduced causing
one-way inlet valve 130 to be closed and forces fluid out through
one-way outlet valve 146.
[0019] Referring back to FIG. 1, the first fluid flows from the
first chamber 112 through tube 142 and into mixing chamber 144. The
second fluid flows from the second chamber 114 through tube 148
into mixing chamber 144. When the first and second fluids combine,
a chemical reaction takes place. The chemical reaction causes the
fluid to foam, and the foam is expelled out of nozzle 150. In one
embodiment, the first and second fluids enter the mixing chamber
144 at an intersecting angle with respect to each other so that the
fluids collide together. In one embodiment, the angle is between 30
and 180 degrees.
[0020] In addition, in one embodiment, the opening into the mixing
chamber 144 from tubes 142 148 restricts the flow of fluid so that
the velocity of the first and second fluids is increased as they
enter mixing chamber 144.
[0021] In one embodiment, the first fluid includes weak acid and
the second fluid includes a weak base. When the two fluids combine,
a gas is formed. In addition, one or both of the fluids may contain
a wax. The gas created by the combination of the two fluids mixes
with, and is trapped in, the wax and forms a thick foam.
[0022] Pump 101 made in accordance with the present invention may
be any suitable size. In one embodiment, the pump 101 is large
enough to move a suitable amount of fluid in a small amount of
cycles. Such a pump may be operated at a low frequency.
[0023] In one embodiment, pump 101 is small and is operated at a
high frequency moving a small volume of each liquid into the mixing
chamber 144 with each stroke. The rapid movement of small volumes
of liquid causes a more violent mixing of the two liquids in mixing
chamber 144. In one embodiment, the frequency that pump 101 cycles
is greater than about 30 cycles per second and in another is
greater than about 60 cycles per second. Although embodiments of
large pumps have been described having lower cycle frequencies than
smaller pumps, larger pumps with higher cycle frequencies and
smaller pumps with lower cycle frequencies are also contemplated
herein.
[0024] Actuator 106 may be moved electrically or mechanically. In
one embodiment, an electric motor rotates a gear and the rotational
motion is converted into a reciprocating linear movement to move
the piston 106 back and forth. The electric motor may operate of an
alternating current source, such as 120 VAC or a direct current
source, such as 6 VDC, and may be battery operated. In one
embodiment, a manual push bar attached to appropriate gearing
converts a linear motion to a rotational motion and to a
reciprocating motion to move piston 106 back and forth. The gearing
may be such that a relatively short stroke is converted into a
large number of reciprocating cycles.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a dispenser 400 having a pump 401. Pump
401 is similar to pump 101. Pump 401 has a housing 402 that
includes a diaphragm 404 separating the housing 402 into a first
chamber 412 and a second chamber 414. First chamber 412 includes a
first one-way check valve 420 that is in fluid communication with a
first fluid reservoir 424. First chamber 412 also includes a first
one-way outlet check valve 440. Second chamber 414 includes a
second one-way check valve 430 that is in fluid communication with
a second fluid reservoir 434. Second chamber 414 also includes a
second one-way outlet check valve 446. A mixing chamber 444 is in
fluid communication with first chamber 412 via tube 442 and is in
fluid communication with second chamber 414 via tube 448. An outlet
nozzle 450 extends from mixing chamber 444 through housing 402 so
that the foamed liquid may be dispensed.
[0026] Pump 401 also includes an actuator, such as, for example,
piston 406. Piston 406 extends through pump housing 402. A seal 408
is provided between piston 406 and housing 402 to prevent fluid
from flowing out of the pump housing 402. Piston 406 is connected
to an electric motor 450 and gearing 452 through linkage 454.
Electric motor 450 may be an AC motor or a DC motor. Preferably,
electric motor 450 is battery operated and dispenser 400 includes a
battery pack (not shown) for operating pump 401. Movement of piston
406 in a first direction pumps a first fluid from first chamber 412
into mixing chamber 444 and draws a second fluid from second fluid
reservoir 434 into second chamber 414. Movement of piston 406 in a
second direction pumps the second fluid from second chamber 414
into mixing chamber 444 and draws the first fluid from first fluid
reservoir 424 into first chamber 412. When the first fluid and
second fluid meet in mixing chamber 444, a chemical reaction occurs
causing the mixture of the first fluid and second fluid to form a
foam. The foam is dispensed through nozzle 450. An actuator (not
shown) is used to actuate the dispenser. The actuator may be a
mechanical actuator, but preferably is an electronic actuator and
dispenser 402 is a hands free dispenser that detects an object and
dispenses foam.
[0027] Rather than using electric motor 450 to operate pump 401 of
dispenser 402, a manual operator, such as, for example, a push-bar
connected to a rack and pinion gear system (not shown), may be
used. In one embodiment, a push-bar is connected to a rack that
moves in a linear, back and forth motion when the push-bar is
pushed and released. As the rack moves forward, the rack rotates a
gear which translates the motion to a reciprocating back and forth
motion to drive the pump 401. In one embodiment, a spring is used
to return the push-bar back to its rest position and causes the
gear to rotate in the opposite direction continuing to reciprocate
in a back and forth motion to drive pump 401.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a foam dispensing
system 500 using two pumps to pump fluid that combines to form a
foam. Foam dispensing system 500 includes a dispenser housing 502.
Located in and about dispenser housing 502 is an actuator and
roller (not shown). In operation, the actuator causes the roller to
roll down tubes 520 and 522 to force liquid down through the tubes
520, 522. An example of such an actuator and roller system is shown
and described in co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional Application Ser.
No. 13/605,171, filed on Sep. 6, 2012, which claims the benefits of
and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/531,935
filed September 7, 2011. Both of which are entitled WIPER FOAM
PUMP, REFILL UNIT & DISPENSER FOR SAME. These applications are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other actuators
such as those shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,281,643,
6,189,740 and 5,464,125, which are incorporated herein in their
entirety, may also be modified to compress the tubes 520 and 522.
The roller (not shown) rolls down tubes 520 and 522 along area A,
or the tubes 520 and 522 are compressed from their upper portions
downward by other means. Area A may be made longer or shorter. In
some embodiments, at least a portion of area A includes tubes 520,
522 and material used to form reservoirs 514 and 516 described in
more detail below.
[0029] Dispenser 500 includes a refill unit 508 that includes fluid
reservoirs 514, 516, fitments 518A, 518B, tubes 520, 522, one-way
check valves 530, 532, mixing chamber 524 and outlet 526. In one
embodiment, refill unit 508 is made from two sheets of material,
such as, for example, LDPE, HDPE, Polypro, Vinyl, EVA, PLA or HDPE.
The two sheets of material are welded together as illustrated by
the shaded areas 512. Fitments 518A and 518B are welded to the two
sheets. Prior to welding, or prior to completing the welding of the
two sheets, tubes 520 and 522 are positioned through fitments 518A
and 518B and between the two sheets so that when the sheets are
welded in the area designated by A, tubes 520 and 522 are
surrounded by the sheet material. The sheets are welded to form two
chambers 514, 516. Chambers 514, 516 are illustrated as slightly
different sizes; however, they may be made equal in size or
proportionate to the desired mix ratio of the two fluids.
Similarly, tubes 520, 522 may be the same size or different sizes
depending on the desired mix ratio. Ends 521, 523 of tubes 520, 522
(respectively) extend up to reservoirs 514, 516. In one embodiment,
ends 521, 523 extend up into reservoirs.
[0030] In one embodiment, one-way valves 540 and 542 are also
included. They are located in tubes 520, 522 near ends 521, 523,
respectively. The one-way check valves described herein may be any
type of one-way valve, such as, for example, a mushroom valve, a
flapper valve, a plug valve, an umbrella valve, a poppet valve, a
duck bill valve, etc. These one-way check valves 540, 542 allow
liquid to flow from reservoirs 514, 516 into tubes 520, 522, but
not from tubes 520, 522 back up into reservoirs 514, 516. The
addition of these one-way check valves allows liquid to be pumped
through the tubes 520, 522 even if the tubes 520, 522 are not fully
compressed by the roller or other mechanism for forcing fluid down
tubes 520, 522. In this embodiment, as long as some compression of
tubes 520, 522 occurs, the volume within tubes 520, 522 is reduced
and fluid is pumped into mixing chamber 524.
[0031] Located at the other end of tubes 520, 522 are valves 530,
532 and mixing chamber 524. Valves 530, 532 have a cracking
pressure sufficient to prevent fluids from chambers 514, 616 from
unintentional discharge. Valves 530, 532 open under sufficient
pressure created by the roller (not shown) or other mechanism that
forces fluid down tubes 520, 522. A nozzle 526 is located
downstream of mixing chamber 524 and extends through housing 502 to
dispense foam. In one embodiment, not shown, the roller in its rest
position at the upper end of travel is positioned against tubes
520, 522 with sufficient force to pinch the tubes 520, 522 shut and
provide additional insurance against unintentional discharge. In
one embodiment, a shipping cap not shown is connected to nozzle 526
to prevent unintentional discharge during shipping.
[0032] In one embodiment, valves 530, 532 cause fluid to accelerate
as it passes through the valves 530, 532 to cause the two fluids to
violently collide inside the mixing chamber 524. In one embodiment,
the fluid inlets to mixing chamber 524 are positioned so that the
fluid streams converge with each other in mixing chamber 524.
[0033] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof and while the embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For
example, an air pump may be added to the system to force air into
the mixing chamber to further enhance the foam. In one embodiment,
first chamber 112 and/or second chamber 114 may be configured with
a second one-way inlet valve (not shown) allowing the first chamber
112 and/or second chamber 114 to draw in fluids from two or more
sources that are mixed together in the first or second chambers
112, 114 before traveling to the mixing chamber 144. Moreover,
elements described with one embodiment may be readily adapted for
use with other embodiments. Therefore, the invention, in its
broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the
representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and
described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details
without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicants'
general inventive concept.
* * * * *