WO2022259056A1

WO2022259056A1 - Hand treatment device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2022259056A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/054103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Séverine ITIER; Christian POINSOT
Original assignee: Icare Sas
Priority date: 2021-06-07
Filing date: 2022-05-04
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Also published as: FR3123549A1; FR3123549B1; EP4329572A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a hand treatment device (1) comprising an active cavity (2) for accommodating the hands and forearms of a user, a dual entrance (3) for the insertion of the user's hands and forearms into the active cavity, a treatment assembly (4) comprising two brushes (5), a dispenser (6) for dispensing active product, and a drying blower (7).

Description

Hand treatment device and method

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a treatment device for the hands and forearms comprising an active cavity to house the hands and forearms of a user, a double entry for inserting the hands and forearms of the user in the active cavity, a treatment assembly comprising two rotating brushes and an active product dispenser. The invention also relates to a corresponding treatment method for the hands and forearms.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] For a long time, very many types of hand cleaning devices have been designed, according to specific needs. For example, in industrial applications involving frequent handling of lubricants or other dirty products, hand cleaning systems with rotating brushes or high-velocity water jets have been designed. The user places his hands against the brushes and moves his fingers and hands to exert the cleaning action in the various places where he sees dirt.

[0003] For example, the document JP11299680 describes a hand washing system using an assembly comprising two rollers actuated in rotation, but without translational movement. The action of the rotating rollers makes it possible to clean the hands effectively insofar as the user takes care to perform the required actions on the entire surface of the hands.

The document WO2016082635 describes a sprayer and blower assembly for spraying the hands and forearms with a cleaning product and then drying the hands, all without contact. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the assembly is movable so as to be able to perform a back and forth movement between the fingers and the forearms. [0005] US2008099043 discloses a system for providing automated scrubbing to remove debris from the skin of a user's hands. At least one structure such as a brush makes it possible to exert friction on the hands. The system includes RFID capability to identify when at least one component, such as a removable brush, needs to be replaced.

[0006]Thus, in known systems, cleaning depends on the actions and gestures of the user. In general, the user concentrates the cleaning gestures on the places where he sees heavy soiling. The level of quality is therefore random. On the other hand, if the hands of the user carry contaminants, these are highly likely to be transmitted to the next user who will use the machine, for example by contact with the rollers or brushes contaminated by a first user.

[0007]None of these machines can truly treat the hands against both dirt and contaminants in a reliable and repetitive manner and in accordance with the standards required, for example, in the field of health or in certain industries applying very strict health protocols.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a machine and a method for treating hands which make it possible to satisfy all of the health requirements with certainty.

To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First of all, a first objective of the invention consists in providing a device and a method making it possible to carry out a complete treatment of the hands with washing and disinfection;

Another object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for carrying out automatic processing of the hands which complies with the standards or prescriptions in force; [0012] Yet another object of the invention consists in providing a device and a method making it possible to carry out treatment of the hands which is repetitive and reliable;

[0013] Yet another object of the invention consists in providing a device and a method making it possible to carry out serial treatment of the hands of several users, without the risk of contamination between the users.

[0014] To do this, the invention provides a multi-phase treatment device for the hands comprising: i) an active cavity to accommodate the hands and forearms of a user; ii) a double entry for inserting the user's hands and forearms into the active cavity; (iii) at least one active product dispenser and at least one water dispensing nozzle; iv) a treatment assembly comprising two rotating brushes and a drying blower; v) said assembly being movable in the active cavity between a position remote from the double inlet of the cavity for treatment of the fingers and a position close to the double inlet of the cavity for treatment of the forearms.

[0015] The moving assembly with stationary hands makes it possible to carry out a standard, reliable treatment, with assured repeatability. The quality of cleaning and disinfection does not depend on the gestures of the user, thus ensuring a standardized, repetitive and reliable process.

[0016] Advantageously, the assembly is designed to carry out a treatment in two successive phases, namely a washing phase, with injection of washing product and rotation of the brushes at a washing speed, and a disinfection phase with injection of disinfectant and rotation of the brushes at a disinfection speed, the disinfection speed being lower than the washing speed. The speed reduction is preferably at least 50%.

[0017] The device makes it possible to carry out a double treatment comprising washing followed by disinfection to ensure complete treatment of the hands, without risk transmission of contaminants between successive users of the machine. The high rotation speed of the rollers during the cleaning phase allows an efficient and reliable mechanical action for friction cleaning. The reduced rotation speed of the rollers during the disinfection phase makes it possible to apply the disinfectant agent to all of the surfaces to be treated while preventing this agent from being projected into the cavity by the centrifugal action of the rotating brushes. Reduced speed is a speed at which spatter is avoided or reduced.

According to an advantageous embodiment, for the washing phase, the active product is a cleaning agent, and for the disinfection phase, the active product is an antimicrobial agent. The device thus provides for the delivery and application of specific active solutions, each being associated with an appropriate mechanical action of the device.

[0019] Advantageously, the treatment device also comprises an anti-splash fan arranged at the inlet of the active cavity to produce a flow of air preventing splashes towards the user. The protection fan generates an air curtain which blocks most, if not all, of the projections generated by the treatment process, in particular during the washing phase, in which the rollers rotate at high speed, generating projections.

[0020] Advantageously, each of the openings of the double entry comprises a support ring for the forearms of the user. The supports make it possible to guarantee a good positioning of the hands and forearms in the cavity and ensure their maintenance in an immobile position.

[0021] The invention also provides a multi-phase treatment method for the hands for washing and successive decontamination of the hands and forearms of a user, comprising the following steps: i) a washing phase in an active cavity of a treatment device as previously described, with injection of water and a cleaning agent then cleaning by friction using rotating brushes rotating at a washing speed and movement of the brushes in the cavity by rubbing the hands and forearm of the user; ii) a step of rinsing in the cavity of the treatment assembly (preferably by moving the assembly into the cavity); iii) a disinfection phase in the active cavity of the treatment device with injection of an antimicrobial agent (bactericide and/or fungicide and/or virucide) and disinfection by application of the antimicrobial agent using rotating brushes rotating at a speed of disinfection and displacement of the brushes in the cavity with contact of the hands and forearms of the user; the disinfection rate being lower than the washing rate.

Advantageously, after the rinsing step and before the disinfection phase, the method includes a drying step, for example by moving the fan in the cavity.

Alternatively, the method comprises, after the disinfection phase, a drying step by moving the drying fan in the cavity.

[0024]According to an advantageous embodiment, the disinfection phase comprises a waiting step for disinfection. This step allows the antimicrobial agent to act on the one hand on the hands and forearms of the user, and on the other hand on the machine elements, in particular the brushes, to avoid contaminating the user. next.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the method comprises, at least during the cleaning phase, and preferably during the cleaning phase and the disinfection phase, a generation of an anti-splash air net or curtain at the level of the double inlet of the active cavity using a fan arranged to produce a flow of air to capture the splashes.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0026] All the details of the embodiment are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 6, presented solely for the purpose of non-limiting examples, and in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic sectional representation of an embodiment of a processing device; Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the internal cavity; FIG. 3 shows the mobile processing assembly in perspective; FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the cavity during a step of spraying cleaning solution into the cavity; FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the cavity during a step of spraying disinfectant solution into the cavity; FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the cavity during a step of spraying water into the cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The technology presented consists of a hand washing and disinfection device making it possible to clean and decontaminate the hands efficiently, reliably, and even making it possible to carry out hand treatments in accordance with the disinfection standards recommended for example by the standard NF EN 1499 (or other prescribing body). The system is thus particularly suitable for use in a clean environment (hospital, medical clinic, clean room, pharmaceutical industry and medical devices, etc.). The system comprises an active assembly with two rollers rotating, preferably in opposite directions, and a blower, the whole being movable in an active chamber so as to be able to move along the arms of the user to treat the fingers, the hands , and the forearms, with a movement back and forth.

The concept developed also includes a two-phase treatment process, on the one hand a washing or cleaning phase and on the other hand a disinfection phase. Each of the phases takes place under specific mechanical conditions of the device.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of a device or apparatus 1 for multi-phase treatment for the hands and forearms. The interior of the device comprises an active cavity 2 delimited by walls 13 and a bottom 17 and in which the active elements of the device are located. In addition, the cavity is of sufficient size to accommodate the hands 20 and forearms of a user. A double entrance 3, provided in one of the walls 13 of the cavity, allows the insertion of hands and forearms. Each of the openings of the double entrance 3 includes a support ring 11 for the user's forearms. Ring 11 has a dual function. It forms a support on which the user's arms rest, making it possible to leave the arms immobile during the treatment. Its diameter is also designed to limit the insertion of the arms to the portion located before the elbows. Other support points for the hands or forearms can be provided in the cavity in order to minimize the movements of the hands and forearms.

[0030] One or more water distribution nozzles 12 are arranged to allow the user's hands and forearms to be moistened. In the example illustrated, the nozzles 12 are arranged in the upper part of the active cavity and allow water jets 24 to be sent into the cavity in the direction of the hands 20 and forearms, as shown in FIG. 6. In this example, other jets of water 24 can also be sprayed at the level of the forearms using nozzles 12 provided near the double inlet 3. The sprayed water can be mains water if the machine is connected to the water network, or water from an internal tank. Reservoirs 14 of cleaning and disinfecting solution are also provided to supply the cavity with active products. A drain 16, provided at the bottom 17, makes it possible to recover cleaning water and/or other products and dirt to be recovered.

The active cavity 2 also houses a mobile treatment assembly 4 comprising two rotating brushes 5, preferably in opposite directions to one another, and a blower 7 for drying. The mobile assembly 4 is designed to move in the active cavity 2 between a position remote from the double inlet 3 of the cavity for treatment of the fingers and a position close to the double inlet of the cavity for treatment of the forearms. Figure 3 illustrates a rail 9 for moving the processing assembly. This rail allows assembly 4 to perform translational movements between its two extreme positions, in the active cavity. The rail 9 serves as an interface between the fixed upper wall of the cavity 2 and the processing assembly, mobile along this rail. In the example illustrated, the movements are implemented by a traction chain 10 of the processing assembly. As a variant, other drive means can be used, such as for example a belt or a rack.

[0032] A distributor 6 of active product is arranged at the level of the upper wall of the cavity. This dispenser allows you to spray a dose of active solution. At the time of cleaning, the active solution sent into the cavity is a cleaning solution 22 as shown in the example of FIG. 4. The jet of cleaning solution is favorably oriented towards the brushes 5. During the disinfection phase, the active solution sent into the cavity is a disinfectant solution 23 as shown in the example of Figure 5. In this same example, two distributors 6 of active products located near the double inlet 3 allow the spraying of jets of disinfectant solution 23 at the level of the user's forearms.

The two brushes 5 are mounted parallel to each other so that their axis of rotation is perpendicular to the arms of the user. The two brushes 5 are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow the insertion of the hands and forearms between them. The bristles of the brushes are long and flexible and make it possible to wrap the entire surface of the hands and forearms. The bristles of the brushes are for example made of polyamide or polypropylene. As a variant, the device can comprise a greater number of brushes. Also as a variant, the brushes can be oriented parallel to the hands and forearms.

[0034] An anti-splash fan 8 is arranged at the inlet of the active cavity to produce a flow of air preventing splashes towards the user. As shown in Figure 2, in operation, the blower 8 sends a jet of air 21 in the immediate vicinity of the double inlet 3. The jet or stream of air forms a screen preventing splashes of water or disinfectant solutions towards the outside of the device towards the user. This protective barrier prevents the user from receiving splashes likely to wet their clothes. It also avoids the risk of contamination by blocking the projection of droplets and/or contaminated particles.

[0035] As a variant, the treatment device comprises a means of disinfection, such as for example a UVC lamp, to disinfect the cavity and the brushes between each user.

According to various variant embodiments, the processing device provides for the emission of an audible or visual signal to authorize its use, a recognition of users by code to allow traceability of the actual treatment of the hands, a means of tracking the batches of products used keeping traceability data such as batch numbers, expiry dates, quantities, etc. Still as a variant, the device provides wheels to allow easy movement either for installation, cleaning, maintenance, or other need.

TWO-STAGE PROCESS

As previously indicated, the invention also relates to a multi-phase treatment method for the hands and forearms of a user comprising successively cleaning and decontamination of the hands and forearms of a user.

All 4 mobile processing is designed to perform a treatment in two successive phases. The complete cycle first includes a washing phase. After wetting the hands and forearms with one or more jets of water 24, a dose of cleaning solution 22 is sent into the cavity 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a dose of cleaning solution is sent by a distributor 6 of active product, such as for example a nozzle oriented towards the brushes 5. As a variant, a dose of cleaning solution can be transmitted through one or more orifices provided in the brushes 5. During and/or after the spraying of the solution cleaning, the brushes 5 are rotated and driven in translation to perform one or more round trips along the stroke of the treatment assembly. During the washing phase, the brushes rotate at high speed, such as for example a speed of between 300 and 500 rpm, to optimize friction and allow good cleaning. The rotating brushes are also moved by a translational movement by sliding of the mobile treatment assembly 4 on the rail 9. The two combined movements of rotation and translation of the brushes make it possible to perform a friction action over the entire surface. to clean, from fingertips to forearm. At least one pass is performed, but preferably several round-trip passes are provided by rubbing the hands and forearms of the user. Then, the water jets 24 are activated again to perform rinsing, preferably with the double movement of rotation and translation of the brushes 5. After cleaning, we can provide a drying performed using the blower 7 drying. In the illustrated embodiment, the blower 7 is movable in translation along the displacement rail 9, which makes it possible to quickly dry and erase the hands and forearms. The blown air is preferably heated.

The second part of the treatment cycle includes a disinfection phase. During this phase, a dose of disinfectant solution is sprayed into the cavity 2, for example by distributors 6 of active products as illustrated in FIG. 5. The purpose of the spraying is to send the disinfection solution 23 over the entire surface of the user's hands and forearms. During and/or after spraying, the brushes 5 are rotated and driven in translation to perform one or more round trips along the stroke of the treatment assembly. During this phase, the speed of rotation of the brushes is preferably reduced compared to that of the cleaning phase. The reduced speed of the brushes is for example between 100 and 300 rpm. The low-speed rotation of the brushes spreads the disinfectant solution to cover all the surfaces to be disinfected, avoiding the solution being projected under the effect of centrifugal force. The two combined movements of rotation and translation of the brushes make it possible to perform a spreading and covering action of the entire surface to be disinfected, from the fingertips to the forearm. At least one pass is performed, but preferably several back and forth passes are provided by dispersing and applying the disinfectant agent to the hands and forearms of the user.

The speed of rotation of the brushes during the disinfection phase is lower than that used during the washing phase. The speed reduction to access the disinfection phase is preferably at least 50% and preferably between 50% and 100%.

The disinfection phase may include a waiting step, for example from 10 to 30 seconds, allowing the action of the disinfectant agent.

[0043] A drying phase can be provided after the disinfection phase, in addition to or in place of drying following the washing phase. Drying is carried out by one or more air jets.

The durations of the various stages are established according to the specifications of the products used for cleaning and for disinfection.

During the course of the treatment, in particular during the cleaning phase, the method comprises generating a stream of air 21 or anti-splash air curtain at the level of the double inlet of the active cavity at the using a blower arranged to produce a flow of air to capture the splashes.

[0046] After removal from the hands of the user, the precedent advantageously provides for a disinfection step of the treatment enclosure by a UVC lamp system.

[0047] The end of the processing cycle can be notified to the user by an indicator light, an audible signal, or the like. According to an advantageous variant, the treatment system provides a hand presence detector making it possible, in the event of the hands leaving before the end of the cycle, to stop the cycle in progress and/or to generate an alert signal for non-compliant treatment. .

Reference numbers used in the figures

1. Multi-phase treatment device for hands

2. Active cavity

3. Double entry

4. Mobile processing set

5. Brushes

6. Active Product Distributor

7. Drying blower

8. Anti-projection blower

9 Processing assembly moving rail

10. Traction chain of the processing unit

11. Support ring

12. Water distribution nozzles

13. Cavity walls

14. Cleaning and sanitizing solution tank

15. -

16.Drain

17. Bottom of the cavity

18.-

19 _. -

20. User's hand and forearm

21. Airline

22. Jet of cleaning solution

23. Disinfectant solution jets

24. Water jets

Claims

1. Device (1) for multi-phase treatment for the hands comprising: i) an active cavity (2) for housing the hands and forearms of a user; ii) a double entry (3) for inserting the hands and forearms of the user into the active cavity; iii) at least one active product distributor (6) and at least one water distribution nozzle (12); iv) a treatment assembly (4) comprising two rotating brushes (5) and a drying blower (7); v) said assembly (4) is movable in the cavity (2) active between a position remote from the double entrance (3) of the cavity for treatment of the fingers and a position close to the double entrance of the cavity for treatment of the front -arms.

2. Processing device (1) according to claim 1, in which said assembly

(4) treatment is designed to carry out a treatment in two successive phases, i.e. a washing phase, with injection of washing product and rotation of the brushes

(5) at a washing speed, and a disinfection phase with injection of disinfectant and rotation of the brushes (5) at a disinfection speed, the disinfection speed being lower than the washing speed.

3. Treatment device (1) according to claim 2, in which, for the washing phase, the active product is a cleaning agent, and for the rinsing phase, the active product is an antimicrobial agent.

4. Treatment device (1) according to claim 1, also comprising a blower (8) anti-projection arranged at the entrance of the cavity (2) active to produce an air flow preventing splashing towards the user.

5. Treatment device according to claim 1, in which each of the openings of the double inlet (3) comprises a support ring (11) for the forearms of the user.

6. Multi-phase treatment process for washing and successive decontamination of the hands of a user, comprising the following steps: i) a washing phase in an active cavity (2) of a treatment device (1) according to claim 1, with injection of water and a cleaning agent then cleaning by friction using brushes (5 ) rotary rotating at a washing speed and moving the brushes in the cavity by rubbing the hands and forearms of the user; ii) a rinsing step in the active cavity (2) of the treatment device (1); iii) a disinfection phase in the active cavity (2) of the treatment device (1) with injection of an antimicrobial agent and disinfection by application of the antimicrobial agent using rotating brushes (5) rotating at a speed disinfection and displacement of the brushes in the cavity with contact of the hands and forearms of the user; the disinfection rate being lower than the washing rate.

7. Multi-phase treatment process according to claim 6, comprising, after the rinsing step and before the disinfection phase, a drying step.

8. Multi-phase treatment method according to claim 6, comprising, after the disinfection phase, a drying step.

9. Multi-phase treatment method according to claim 6, in which the disinfection phase comprises a waiting step for disinfection.

10. Multi-phase treatment method according to claim 6, also comprising, at least during the cleaning phase, generation of an anti-splash air curtain at the level of the double inlet of the active cavity using a fan arranged to produce a flow of air for capturing splashes.