Dispensing Device with Improved Motor Assembly

A dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume configured for receipt of a removable liquid reservoir. A mounting body is disposed within the housing. The mounting body defines a passage extending along a vertical direction between an inlet and an outlet. The passage is configured for receipt of a spout of the removable liquid reservoir at the inlet of the passage. A latch is coupled to the mounting body at the passage. The latch is configured for selectively engaging the spout of the removable liquid reservoir within the passage in order to block removal of the spout of the removable liquid reservoir from the passage.

BACKGROUND

Washrooms in commercial and residential buildings frequently include products, such as toilet tissue, paper towels, diapers, feminine products, soap, and air fresheners. These products are typically housed in dispensers and are dispensed as needed by the user. Certain dispensers in public restrooms and the like are wall mounted units that typically include a housing or structure that is affixed to a wall. The dispensers can be opened by a maintenance person for refilling or servicing.

Known dispensers can be difficult to reload with products. Thus, a need exists for a dispenser design with features for improved loading of product for dispensing.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a dispenser. The dispenser includes a housing having an interior volume configured for receipt of a removable liquid reservoir. A mounting body is disposed within the housing. The mounting body defines a passage extending along a vertical direction between an inlet and an outlet. The passage is configured for receipt of a spout of the removable liquid reservoir at the inlet of the passage. A latch is coupled to the mounting body at the passage. The latch is configured for selectively engaging the spout of the removable liquid reservoir within the passage in order to block removal of the spout of the removable liquid reservoir from the passage.

In a first example aspect, the latch may include a collar connected to the mounting body. An inner edge of the collar may face the passage. The collar may be movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The inner edge of the collar may contact the spout of the removable liquid reservoir in the engaged position of the collar. The inner edge of the collar may be spaced from the spout of the removable liquid reservoir in the disengaged position of the collar. The collar may define a handle at a middle of the collar. The mounting body may also define a latch opening. The handle of the collar may be positioned at the latch opening. The collar may be manually adjustable from the engaged position to the disengaged position with the handle at the latch opening. The latch may further include a spring coupled to the collar. The spring may be configured to urge the collar towards the disengaged position of the collar. The may include a back cover and a front cover. The front cover may be movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the back cover. The front cover may contact the collar in the closed position such that the front cover positions the collar in the engaged position.

In a second example aspect, the passage may define a frusto-conical inner guide surface that is positioned between the inlet and the outlet of the passage.

In a third example aspect, the dispenser may include a switch positioned at the passage. The switch may be actuatable by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir. The dispenser may further include a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir. The dispensing mechanism may include a motor in communication with the switch such that the motor is inoperable when the switch is unactuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir.

In a fourth example aspect, the dispenser may include a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir. The dispensing mechanism may include a motor. A cam may be coupled to a rotor of the motor such that the motor is operable to rotate the cam. A rocker may be coupled to the cam. The rocker may have a slot. A shaft of the cam may be received within the slot. The rocker may be configured to pivot during rotation of the cam by the motor such that the rocker actuates the spout of the removable liquid reservoir. The dispenser may include a switch positioned at the passage. The switch may be actuatable by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir. The motor may be in communication with the switch such that the motor is inoperable when the switch is unactuated by the spout of the removable liquid reservoir. The dispensing mechanism may be positioned within the mounting body.

In a fifth example aspect, the outlet of the passage may be positioned at a bottom surface of the housing.

In a sixth example aspect, the housing may include a back cover and a front cover. The front cover may be movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the back cover.

Each of the example aspects recited above may be combined with one or more of the other example aspects recited above in certain embodiments. For instance, all of the six example aspects recited above, i.e., the first through sixth examples aspects, may be combined with one another in some embodiments. As another example, any combination of two, three, four, or more of the six example aspects recited above may be combined in other embodiments. Thus, the example aspects recited above may be utilized in combination with one another in some example embodiments. Alternatively, the example aspects recited above may be individually implemented in other example embodiments. Accordingly, it will be understood that various example embodiments may be realized utilizing the example aspects recited above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin.

Referring particularly toFIGS.1through5, a dispenser100according to example aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated. As shown particularly inFIG.1, dispenser100may include a housing110. Housing110may have any desired overall shape. For instance, housing110may be a two-part configuration. Thus, e.g., housing110may include a back cover112and a front cover114. Back cover112may be mounted to a structure, such as a wall, panel, mirror, cabinet, etc. For instance, back cover112may be fastened or adhered to such structure. Front cover114may be pivotally mounted to back cover112, e.g., by a hinge or other suitable mechanism. Alternatively, front cover114may be completely separable from back cover112. Front cover114may be moveable from a closed position as shown inFIG.1to an open position as shown inFIGS.2and3. Housing110may be loaded with product from a front of housing110when front cover114is in the open position. Dispenser100may also include a conventional locking mechanism for securing the front cover114to the back cover112in the closed position.

As discussed in greater detail below, dispenser100may include features for selectively securing a liquid reservoir120within housing110and/or facilitating installation of liquid reservoir120within housing110. With reference toFIGS.2and4, liquid reservoir120may be installed within housing110. For instance, housing110may define an interior volume111, which is sized for receipt of liquid reservoir120such that liquid reservoir120may be installed within housing110at interior volume111. As shown inFIGS.4and5, liquid reservoir120may be removed from housing110. Thus, e.g., liquid reservoir120is selectively mountable within housing110. For instance, a maintenance person may refill dispenser100by removing an empty liquid reservoir120from housing110and then install a fresh liquid reservoir120in housing110. As noted above, housing110may be loaded with product from a front of housing110. Thus, e.g., maintenance person may adjust front cover114to the open position in order to remove an empty liquid reservoir120from housing110and then install a fresh liquid reservoir120in housing110.

Liquid reservoir120may be configured for containing a volume of product, such as soap, within a bladder122. Bladder122may be constructed of or with a deformable, e.g., plastic, film. Bladder122may be sized to contain a suitable volume of product. For instance, bladder122may be sized to contain no less than a half-liter (0.5 L) of product, no less than one liter (1 L) of product, no less than two liters (2 L) of product, etc. Thus, bladder122may sized to contain a volume of product sufficient for a multitude of dispenses or uses of the product. The product within bladder122may exit liquid reservoir120at a spout124. Spout124may be positioned at a bottom portion of bladder122. Thus, product within bladder122may be urged by gravity out of bladder122through spout124. Spout124may include a valve126for regulating the flow of product out of bladder122through spout124. A length of spout124, e.g., along the vertical direction V, may be no less than twenty-five millimeters (25 mm) and no great than one hundred and fifty millimeters (150 mm) in certain example embodiment.

As discussed in greater detail below, dispenser100is operable to dispense product from liquid reservoir120out of housing110. For instance, housing110may define an opening116through which product (e.g., soap) may be dispensed out of housing110. Opening116may be positioned a bottom surface of housing110.

Operational components of dispenser100may be mounted directly to back cover112or may be part of a module (e.g., a component module130(FIGS.2and3) that is received within the housing110. For example, the operational components may be part of a module that may be removable from housing110for servicing and/or replacing components without the necessity of having to remove dispenser100(e.g., back cover112) from a support surface. The operational components may include a support structure140for selectively mounting liquid reservoir120and other components of dispenser100within housing110and a dispensing mechanism170operable to dispense product from liquid reservoir120.

Support structure140may include a mounting body142. Mounting body142may be disposed within housing110. For instance, mounting body142may be mounted to back cover112within interior volume111of housing110. Mounting body142may be configured for supporting liquid reservoir120within housing110. Moreover, mounting body142may define a passage144. Spout124of liquid reservoir120may be positioned within passage144when liquid reservoir120is mounted to dispenser100within housing110. Passage144may extend, e.g., along a vertical direction V, between an inlet146and an outlet148. Inlet146of passage144may be positioned above outlet148of passage144, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Thus, passage144may be vertically oriented. To install liquid reservoir120within housing110, a maintenance person may insert spout124of liquid reservoir120into passage144at inlet146of passage144and slide spout124into passage144. Mounting body142may enclose spout124of liquid reservoir120, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. Moreover, mounting body142may obstruct or limit movement of spout124, e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V, when spout124of liquid reservoir120is disposed within passage144.

Passage144may define a frusto-conical inner guide surface147(FIG.10). Frusto-conical inner guide surface147may be positioned between inlet146and outlet148of passage144. Frusto-conical inner guide surface147may assist with guiding or funneling spout124of liquid reservoir120through passage144towards outlet148. Outlet148of passage144may be positioned at or adjacent the bottom surface of housing110.

A latch150may be coupled to mounting body142. In addition, latch150may be positioned at passage144. Latch150may be configured for selectively engaging spout124of liquid reservoir120within passage144. In particular, latch150may block or prevent removal of spout124of liquid reservoir120from passage144, e.g., when latch150engages spout124of liquid reservoir120within passage144. A maintenance person may then adjust latch150, e.g., such that latch150is not engaged with spout124of liquid reservoir120within passage144, to allow removal of spout124from passage144.

As shown inFIGS.6through9, latch150may include a collar152connected to mounting body142. For example, collar152may be slidably mounted on mounting body142. An inner edge154of collar152may face passage144. Collar152may be movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. Inner edge154of collar152may contact and engage spout124of liquid reservoir120in the engaged position of collar152. In certain example embodiments, inner edge154of collar152may be received within or against a flange on spout124in the engaged position. Thus, collar152may block or prevent removal of spout124of liquid reservoir120from passage144in the engaged position. Inner edge154of collar152may be spaced from and not contact spout124of liquid reservoir120in the disengaged position of the collar. Thus, collar152may allow removal of spout124of liquid reservoir120from passage144in the disengaged position.

Collar152may be U-shaped, e.g., when viewed along the vertical direction V, in certain example embodiments. For instance, collar152may include a pair of side legs155and a middle leg156. Side legs155may be spaced apart and oriented parallel to each other, and middle leg156may extend between and connect side legs155. Collar152may define a handle157at a middle of collar152. For instance, handle157may be formed by middle leg156. Mounting body142may define a latch opening145, e.g., that is contiguous with passage144. Handle157may be positioned at latch opening145. Collar152may be manually adjustable from the engaged position to the disengaged position with handle157at latch opening145. For example, a maintenance person may hook a finger onto handle157and pull outwardly on collar152to slide collar152from the engaged position to disengaged position.

Latch150may also include a spring158(shown schematically inFIG.11), such as a torsion spring or coil spring. Spring158may be coupled to collar152. Spring158may be configured to urge collar152towards the disengaged position. Thus, collar152may be normally positioned at the disengaged position, e.g., by spring158. In such example embodiments, front cover114may impact against and move collar152from the normal, disengaged position to the engaged position. Thus, collar152may move from the engaged position to the disengaged position due to spring158when a maintenance person opens front cover114, and collar152may move from the disengaged position to the engaged due to front cover114impacting against collar152when the maintenance person closes front cover114. It will be understood that in alternative example embodiments, spring158may be configured to urge collar152towards the engaged position, e.g., such that collar152may be normally positioned at the engaged position by spring158. A maintenance person may pull on handle157to overcome the force of spring158and move collar152from the normal, engaged position to the disengaged position in such example embodiments.

As noted above, dispensing mechanism170may be operable to dispense product from liquid reservoir120. With reference toFIGS.4,5, and10, dispensing mechanism170may include a motor172. Motor172may be a brushless motor in certain example embodiments. Motor172may be connected to mounting body142. Moreover, a stator of motor172may fixed relative to mounting body142. A cam174may be coupled to a rotor of motor172. Thus, e.g., motor172may be operable to rotate cam174. Cam174may be press fitted or snap fitted onto the rotor of motor172in certain example embodiments.

A rocker176may be coupled to cam174. Moreover, rocker176may have a slot177, and a shaft175of cam174may be received within slot177. Shaft175of cam174may be radially offset from an axis of rotation of cam174and/or the rotor of motor172. Rocker176may be configured to pivot during rotation of cam174by motor172due to the movement of shaft175within slot175. When rocker176pivots, rocker176may actuate spout124, e.g., valve126, to dispense product from liquid reservoir120.

Rocker176may be pivotally coupled to mounting body142. For example, rocker176may include a first arm180and a second arm182. First and second arms180,182may extend radially from a pivot point184of rocker176. For instance, first and second arms180,182may extend at different angles from pivot point184of rocker176. First and second arms180,182may be oriented about perpendicular to each other in certain example embodiments. Moreover, slot177may be defined in first arm180, and second arm182may extend into passage144. Movement of movement of shaft175within slot175may cause first and second arms180,182to pivot about pivot point184of rocker176.

Second arm182may selectively engage spout124, e.g., valve126, to dispense product from liquid reservoir120. For instance, second arm182may actuate valve126during rotation of cam174by motor172. Moreover, upward movement of second arm182within passage144may cause second arm182to open valve126such that product from liquid reservoir120exits bladder122at spout124. In particular, actuation of valve126by rocker176may release a predetermined shot amount (e.g., predetermined dose) of the product from liquid reservoir120.

Latch150may prevent spout124from lifting upwardly, e.g., along the vertical direction V, during operation of dispensing mechanism170and actuation of valve126by rocker176. In particular, latch150may advantageously fix a vertical position of spout124within passage144to allow second arm182to engage spout124, e.g., valve126, and thereby dispense product from liquid reservoir120. Thus, latch150may assist with dispensing of product by dispensing mechanism170, e.g., in particular when bladder122is approaching an empty state.

With reference toFIGS.10and11, other operational components of dispenser100may be disposed within component module130in accordance with example aspects of the present disclosure. The other operational components may include battery packs190, printed circuit boards192, sensors194, sensor modules, switches, controllers or control circuitry (e.g., controllers and/or microprocessors), network enabled devices and/or chips, and combinations thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more battery packs190configured to hold one more batteries can be included in the component module130. For example, the battery pack190can be configured to hold a plurality of batteries, such as at least two batteries, such as at least three batteries, such as at least four batteries, etc. The battery pack190may further include any shape suitable for holding the desired sized battery. For example, in certain embodiments, the battery pack190may be configured to hold D-cell batteries, such as at least three D-cell batteries, such as at least four D-cell batteries. The battery pack190may provide structural support in order to hold the batteries in place. Furthermore, the battery pack190may be configured to provide electrical connections to each of the batteries, such that the batteries can provide power to other components of the dispenser100.

In certain embodiments, one or more printed circuit boards192may also be disposed in the component module130. The printed circuit boards192may be configured with suitable processors and/or controllers in order to operate the various components of the dispenser100. In certain embodiments, the printed circuit boards192may be disposed in the component module130and covered or encased, so as to protect the printed circuit boards192. For example, in the event that product leaks from liquid reservoir120, the printed circuit boards192may be housed and fully encased, preventing any leaked product from accessing and/or destroying the printed circuit boards192.

In certain embodiments, dispenser100may also include one or more sensors194. Again, such sensors194may be at least partially housed by the mounting body142. In one example embodiment, the sensor194may be an activation sensor configured to detect the presence of a user in a detection zone. Such activation sensors may include sensors configured to emit infrared light. It will be understood, however, that any activation sensor or activation system shown and/or described herein or known in the art, may be mounted in any area of housing110, so long as the activation sensor or activation system operates as disclosed herein. In such example embodiments, the sensor194includes an activation sensor that is a passive sensor for detecting infrared radiation. Passive infrared detectors for incorporation into dispensers are known in the art. Generally, sensor194may be arranged to detect infrared radiation from a hand of a user of dispenser100, and, upon detecting the radiation, to transmit a signal for activating the motor172so as to dispense an amount of the product through the116.

It will be understood, however, that other activation mechanisms, such as capacitive and ultrasonic, may be used with the present disclosure. Capacitive proximity sensors produce an electrostatic field that will sense both metal objects and non-metallic materials such as paper, liquids, glass, and cloth. Ultrasonic proximity sensors use a transducer to send and receive high frequency sound signals. When a target enters the beam, the sound is reflected back to the sensors, causing the sensor to energize or de-energize the output circuit. Another sensor type is inductive. In this case, an electromagnetic field is used, however, detection may be limited to only metallic objects. Accordingly, once the presence of a user is detected by the activation sensor, the dispenser100may be configured to automatically dispense the product.

In other embodiments, the sensor(s)194can include one or more sensors configured to monitor operations of the dispenser100. For example, the sensors194may include a sensor configured to monitor the dispensing mechanism, such as monitor the number of shot counts dispensed, the amount of product dispensed etc. In example embodiments, the sensors194may include a variety of functional sensors configured to monitor one or more aspects of dispenser100and to generate dispenser data directed thereto. Further, one or more controllers can then be configured to obtain said dispenser data from the one or more sensors194, either directly and/or indirectly, and may further be configured to transmit data to a cloud-based management system.

For example, the one or more controllers or other control circuitry can be configured to establish a wireless connection in order to communicate dispenser data to and/or from a cloud-based management system. As an example, the dispenser100may be configured to establish a wireless connection with one or more controllers or processing systems capable of wirelessly transmitting data. For instance, wireless connections can be by a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. Wireless connections can also be established by cellular communications.

As previously noted, the dispensing mechanism170, including motor172, may be powered by batteries contained in a battery pack190or may be powered by an alternating current (AC) distribution system. If the dispenser100includes batteries, a sensor can also be included for determining the power level of the batteries and for providing a signal when the batteries are running low.

As described above, the dispenser100may include a controller and control circuitry. The controller and control circuitry may control and monitor all the functions of the dispenser100including the amount of product being dispensed, product usage, and any other activities that are occurring within dispenser100. The controller may be configured to communicate information regarding the dispenser100to a central control system and/or a cloud-based system via wireless network means and/or through a web-based system.

In certain example embodiments, motor172may be in communication with switch160. Motor172may be inoperable when switch160is unactuated by spout124of liquid reservoir120. Thus, e.g., when liquid reservoir120is not disposed within housing110, switch160may be unactuated, and motor172may be inoperable to rotate cam174and pivot rocker176. Thus, e.g., dispensing mechanism170may be deactivated when switch160is unactuated. In such a manner, operation of dispensing mechanism170without liquid reservoir120properly installed within housing110may be avoided or prevented. Moreover, switch160may actuate each time that a maintenance person refills or services liquid reservoir120. The controller of dispenser100may track the total number of dispensing operations from liquid reservoir120in order to estimate the remaining product within liquid reservoir120and notify the maintenance person when liquid reservoir120requires refilling or servicing. Latch150may prevent undesired actuation of switch160by preventing or blocking spout124from lifting upwardly, e.g., along the vertical direction V, during operation of dispensing mechanism170and actuation of valve126by rocker176. Thus, dispenser100may more accurately track usage of product from liquid reservoir120by selectively securing spout124to mounting body142.

As may be seen from the above, dispenser100may provide a front-loading dispenser for product, such as soap. Latch150may advantageously secure spout124of the removable liquid reservoir120to mounting body142. Thus, latch150may prevent facilitate operation of dispensing mechanism170by preventing spout124from lifting upwardly with rocker176. Latch150may also prevent undesired actuation of switch160and thus allow accurate tracking of dispensing of product from liquid reservoir120.

Example Embodiments

First example embodiment-A dispenser (100) comprising: a housing (110) having an interior volume (111) configured for receipt of a removable liquid reservoir (120); a mounting body (142) is disposed within the housing (110), the mounting body (142) defining a passage (144) extending along a vertical direction between an inlet (146) and an outlet (148), the passage (144) configured for receipt of a spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) at the inlet (146) of the passage (144); a latch (150) coupled to the mounting body (142) at the passage (144), the latch (150) configured for selectively engaging the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) within the passage (144) in order to block removal of the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) from the passage (144).

Second example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of the first example embodiment, wherein the latch (150) comprises a collar (152) connected to the mounting body (142), an inner edge (154) of the collar (152) facing the passage (144), the collar (152) movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the inner edge (154) of the collar (152) contacting the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the engaged position of the collar (152), the inner edge (154) of the collar spaced from the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the disengaged position of the collar (152).

Third example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of the first or second example embodiments, wherein the collar (152) defines a handle (157) at a middle of the collar (152).

Fourth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through third example embodiments, wherein the mounting body (142) defines a latch opening (145), the handle (157) of the collar (152) positioned at the latch opening (145), the collar (152) manually adjustable from the engaged position to the disengaged position with the handle (157) at the latch opening (145).

Fifth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through fourth example embodiments, wherein: the latch (150) further comprises a spring (158) coupled to the collar (152), the spring (158) configured to urge the collar (152) towards the disengaged position of the collar (152); the housing (110) comprises a back cover (112) and a front cover (114), the front cover (114) movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the back cover (112); and the front cover (114) contacts the collar (152) in the closed position such that the front cover (114) positions the collar (152) in the engaged position.

Sixth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through fifth example embodiments, wherein the passage (144) defines a frusto-conical inner guide surface (147) that is positioned between the inlet (146) and the outlet (148) of the passage (144).

Seventh example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through sixth example embodiments, further comprising a switch (160) positioned at the passage (144), the switch (160) actuatable by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120).

Eighth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through seventh example embodiments, further comprising a dispensing mechanism (170) operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir (120), the dispensing mechanism (170) comprising a motor (172) in communication with the switch (160) such that the motor (172) is inoperable when the switch (160) is unactuated by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120).

Ninth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through eighth example embodiments, further comprising a dispensing mechanism (170) operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir (120), the dispensing mechanism (170) comprising: a motor (172); a cam (174) coupled to a rotor of the motor (172) such that the motor (172) is operable to rotate the cam (174); and a rocker (176) coupled to the cam (174), the rocker (176) having a slot (177), a shaft (175) of the cam (174) received within the slot (177), the rocker (176) configured to pivot during rotation of the cam (174) by the motor (172) such that the rocker (176) actuates the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120).

Tenth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through ninth example embodiments, further comprising a switch (160) positioned at the passage (144), the switch (160) actuatable by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), the motor (172) in communication with the switch (160) such that the motor (172) is inoperable when the switch (160) is unactuated by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120).

Eleventh example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through tenth example embodiments, wherein the dispensing mechanism (170) is positioned within the mounting body (142).

Twelfth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through eleventh example embodiments, wherein the outlet (148) of the passage (144) is positioned at a bottom surface of the housing (110).

Thirteenth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the first through twelfth example embodiments, wherein the housing (110) comprises a back cover (112) and a front cover (114), the front cover (114) movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the back cover (112).

Fourteenth example embodiment-A dispenser (100), comprising: a housing (110) having an interior volume (111) configured for receipt of a removable liquid reservoir (120); a mounting body (142) disposed within the housing (110), the mounting body (142) defining a passage (144) extending along a vertical direction between an inlet (146) and an outlet (148), the passage (144) configured for receipt of a spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) at the inlet (146) of the passage (144); a latch (150) coupled to the mounting body (142) at the passage (144), the latch (150) configured for selectively engaging the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) within the passage (144) in order to block removal of the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) from the passage (144); and a switch (160) positioned at the passage (144), the switch (160) actuatable by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), wherein the switch (160) is positioned such that the latch (150) selectively secures the removable liquid reservoir (120) within the passage (144) and the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) actuates the switch (160).

Fifteenth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of the fourteenth example embodiment, wherein the latch (150) comprises a collar (152) connected to the mounting body (142), an inner edge (154) of the collar (152) facing the passage (144), the collar (152) movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the inner edge (154) of the collar (152) contacting the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the engaged position of the collar (152), the inner edge (154) of the collar (152) spaced from the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120) in the disengaged position of the collar (152).

Sixteenth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of the fourteenth or fifteenth example embodiment, wherein the collar (152) defines a handle (157) at a middle of the collar (152).

Seventeenth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the fourteenth through sixteenth example embodiments, wherein the mounting body (142) defines a latch opening (145), the handle (157) of the collar (152) positioned at the latch opening (145), the collar (152) manually adjustable from the engaged position to the disengaged position with the handle (157) at the latch opening (145).

Eighteenth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the fourteenth through seventeenth example embodiments, wherein: the latch (150) further comprises a spring (158) coupled to the collar (152), the spring (158) configured to urge the collar (152) towards the disengaged position of the collar (152); the housing (110) comprises a back cover (112) and a front cover (114), the front cover (114) movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the back cover (112); and the front cover (114) contacts the collar (152) in the closed position such that the front cover (114) positions the collar (152) in the engaged position.

Nineteenth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the fourteenth through eighteenth example embodiments, wherein the passage (144) defines a frusto-conical inner guide surface (147) that is positioned between the inlet (146) and the outlet (148) of the passage (144).

Twentieth example embodiment—The dispenser (100) of any one of the fourteenth through nineteenth example embodiments, further comprising a dispensing mechanism (170) disposed within the mounting body (142), the dispensing mechanism (170) operable to dispense liquid from the removable liquid reservoir (120), the dispensing mechanism (170) comprising: a motor (172); a cam (174) coupled to a rotor of the motor (172) such that the motor (172) is operable to rotate the cam (174); and a rocker (176) coupled to the cam (174), the rocker (176) having a slot (177), a shaft (175) of the cam (174) received within the slot (177), the rocker (176) configured to pivot during rotation of the cam (174) by the motor (172) such that the rocker (176) actuates the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120), wherein the motor (172) is in communication with the switch (160) such that the motor (172) is inoperable when the switch (160) is unactuated by the spout (124) of the removable liquid reservoir (120).