CN1136821C - Electrostatic hand disinfection device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrostatic hand sterilizer (10) uses at least two electrostatic fluid emitters (71-73, 81-83) to dispense a sterilizing fluid onto substantially all surfaces of a hand when a user's two hands are placed in proximity to the electrostatic fluid emitters (71-73, 81-83). The electrostatic hand sterilizer (10) comprises: a frame (11) on which there are mounted electrostatic fluid emitters (71-73, 81-83) which preferably separate the spray directed to one hand from the spray directed to the other hand in two chambers (12, 13); a reservoir (60) of sterilizing fluid (50, 51) in fluid communication with the electrostatic fluid emanator (71-73, 81-83); a power supply (20) adapted to provide electrostatic energy to the electrostatic fluid emitter (71-73, 81-83); and a one-time dispensing operation actuator (21) controlled by a user to dispense electrostatic energy from the power source (20) to the electrostatic fluid emitters (71-73, 81-83) such that a predetermined amount of antiseptic fluid (50, 51) is directed from each electrostatic fluid emitter (71-73, 81-83) to each hand of the user during one dispensing operation. In one embodiment, each hand is sprayed with an opposite charge. In another embodiment, each hand is sprayed by a plurality of electrostatic fluid emitters (71-73, 81-83) of opposite charge. In yet another embodiment, the electrostatic fluid emitters (71-73, 81-83) directed at each hand are pulsed such that each pulse has an opposite charge. In yet another embodiment, the user is grounded and thus does not require an opposite charge.

Description

Electrostatic hand disinfection device and method

technical field

The present invention relates to hand sanitizing methods and devices and electrostatic spraying of fluids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hand sanitizing method and device capable of simultaneously spraying both hands without forming static charges on the human body.

Background technique

As we all know, the transfer of microbial germs from hands to other parts of the human body or to food ingredients is a common way of spreading diseases. Some possible pathogens are E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria and Staphylococcus aureus. These germs in contaminated food materials can cause serious illness and even death. Recent incidents, including fatalities, caused by food contamination during food processing have made the public aware of the serious potential for improper food handling. This is especially relevant for the production of fast food. While proper hand washing hygiene is often emphasized, the reality is that food preparation and handling personnel rarely observe it. Even when food preparation and handlers follow protocols such as "wash hands before leaving the restroom," the act of hand washing is generally not sufficient to provide adequate sanitization of hands. Therefore, the transfer of germs from the bathroom to food ingredients is very common.

Bathrooms aren't the only source of pollution. Simple switching from raw food processing to finished food processing is also a common source of contamination, for example, chicken is often contaminated with Salmonella. In addition, food processors often touch banknotes, clean tabletops or mop the floor, any of which may contaminate hands and lead to the transmission of germs. Going to the bathroom to wash your hands between different activities is uncommon due to time and inconvenience. Food processing and preparation personnel are often not obligated to practice proper sanitation, and it is difficult for managers to enforce compliance. As noted earlier, it is difficult to ensure disinfection even after hand washing if the act of hand washing is not adequate. Even with adequate handwashing, nearly everyone has problems turning off the faucet, pulling the towel dispenser, or even opening the bathroom door, all of which provide ample avenues for recontaminating hands. It would be a great improvement if hand disinfection could be made easier and more convenient, preferably closer to the point of work. It would be a further major improvement if the degree of disinfection and reliability could be made independent of individual hands.

Some attempts have been made to remedy this problem. For example, use hand sanitizer stations that use antiseptic gel or foam. These still rely on the user's hands to dispense the product. This manual operation is time-consuming, requires proper procedures, and most importantly depends on the individual behavior of the user. Some hand sanitizer stations require manual operation to dispense antiseptic product. Hand contact can lead to contamination of the very tool that was meant to solve the problem. Foaming and gelling of the antiseptic product allows the product to swell, thereby making it easier to dispense the antiseptic product around the hand by hand. However, the amount of antiseptic product exceeds that required to provide disinfection just to be able to dispense the product around the hands. Excess products are messy and inconvenient to use, and they take longer to evaporate on hands. In addition, too much product can lead to other skin problems, such as dryness and cracking of the skin, and even disrupt the natural microflora of the hands.

Mongkol's European Patent Application Publication No. 056767841, published April 29, 1992, discloses a fluid dispensing device for hand sanitiser which uses an infrared detector to activate a pressure spray bottle when the user's hand is placed under the spray valve. Its purpose is to "jet fluid and spread it easily over the entire surface of the watch in a fully automatic manner". However, a simple spray from a spray bottle is not hand-friendly and still requires the user to move the hand under the sprayer to achieve a full spray. Also, much of the effective germicidal fluid is wasted by overspray, which is well understood by anyone who has used paint spray cans. In addition, overspray of germicidal fluid can contaminate the air surrounding the device, causing inhalation problems.

US Patent 5,292,067 issued March 8, 1994 to Jeffries et al. discloses an electrostatic spraying device. The device disclosed by Jeffries et al. is a hand-held device, especially for spraying relatively low resistance liquids, such as water-based and alcohol-based liquids used in personal protective equipment, such as deodorants, antiperspirants, Perfume and hairspray. US Patent 5,292,067 also discloses a handle portion or trigger having an exposed contact for hand fit to provide a path to ground when in use. A charge builds up on the user as the emitted electrostatic spray brings the charge to the target skin surface. Without a ground connection, static charges build up on the user, often causing uncomfortable static discharges.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hand sanitizing device which uniformly and effectively sanitizes the user's hands by distributing a uniform coating of germicidal fluid onto the user's hands, wherein the fluid distribution process is substantially independent of the user's hands. Operational impact.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hand sanitizing device that provides the minimum amount of product required to effectively kill transient germs while minimizing disruption to the hand's natural microflora and conditions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to encourage users to observe hygiene regimes by providing a hand sanitizing device that is simple, convenient and quick to use and has virtually no residue or inhalational effects.

Additional objects of the present invention are: to provide a hand sanitizer that can sanitize both hands simultaneously; to provide a hand sanitizer that can monitor proper hand position and handling; and to provide a hand sanitizer that can visually and/or audibly indicate Hand sanitizers in working condition, handling of users and compliance with hygiene regimes.

In one aspect of the invention, a hand sanitizing device for applying an antiseptic fluid to the hands of a user includes a frame and at least two electrostatic fluid emitters mounted on the frame. It also has a means for supplying germicidal fluid in fluid communication with the electrostatic fluid emitter and a power source adapted to provide electrostatic energy to the electrostatic fluid emitter. Additionally, there is a user-controlled one-dispense actuator for initiating the dispensing of electrostatic energy from the power source to the electrostatic fluid emitter such that when the user's hand is placed near the electrostatic fluid emitter, the sterilizing fluid from the fluid supply Fluid is directed to the electrostatic fluid emitter and from there to the user's hand.

The frame may also include a first chamber for applying antiseptic fluid to the user's right hand and a second chamber for simultaneously applying antiseptic fluid to the user's left hand. Both the first and second chambers may have at least one electrostatic emitter directed toward the user's hand. In the case of having a first electrostatic emitter for the right hand and a second electrostatic emitter for the left hand, the polarity of the first electrostatic emitter may be opposite to that of the second electrostatic emitter during a dispensing operation. Alternatively, the frame may house a first and a second right hand electrostatic fluid launcher configured to apply germicidal fluid to the right hand and a first and a second left hand electrostatic fluid launcher configured to The antiseptic fluid is applied to the left hand, wherein the first right hand and first left hand electrostatic fluid emitters are of opposite polarity to the second right hand and second left hand electrostatic fluid emitters during a dispensing operation.

The device may also include a means for metering a predetermined amount of sterilizing fluid, such as a metering pump or a metering valve positioned between the sterilizing fluid supply and the electrostatic fluid emitter. In addition, the device may also have a means for indicating the operating status of the device. The germicidal fluid supply could even be a replaceable cartridge.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of uniformly coating the hands of a user with an antiseptic fluid without requiring the coated hands to be performed comprises the steps of: placing each hand of the user in a hand sanitizing device; And synchronously start the electrostatic spraying of the sterilizing fluid on each hand of the user, and at the same time, each hand of the user serves as an object to receive the electrostatically charged mist droplets. The hand sanitizing device has at least two electrostatic fluid emitters. The step also includes: when enough sterilizing fluid has been sprayed so that it is evenly coated on each hand of the user, stopping the electrostatic spraying, so that there will be substantially no excess fluid dripping from each hand of the user, substantially no generating an overspray; and removing each hand of the user from the hand sanitizing device.

The user's arms and body can provide a conductive path for charges of opposite polarity between the user's hands to ensure that substantially no charge builds up on the user while sanitizing the user's hands. Alternatively, each hand of the user may provide a conductive path for charges of opposite polarity on each hand of the user to ensure that substantially no charge builds up on the user while sanitizing the user's hands. Alternatively, the electrostatic spray may be pulsed from each electrostatic fluid emitter, with alternating pulses of opposite polarity, thereby ensuring that substantially no charge builds up on the user while sanitizing the user's hands. Alternatively, the user may be grounded to ensure that substantially no electrical charge builds up on the user while sanitizing the user's hands. Additionally, a predetermined amount of antiseptic fluid can be dispensed onto the user's hand.

Description of drawings

Although the specification ends with the claims that specify and clearly claim the scope of protection of the present invention, we believe that the present invention can be better understood through the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. represent the same elements, where:

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of a preferred embodiment of hand sanitizer of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of electric circuit and hydraulic circuit of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides a hand sanitizer generally indicated by the numeral 10. As shown in FIG. The hand sanitizer 10 includes a frame 11 which further includes a right hand compartment 12 and a left hand compartment 13 . Electrostatic spray nozzles 71 , 72 and 73 are visible in right hand chamber 12 while electrostatic spray nozzles 81 , 82 and 83 are visible in left hand chamber 13 . The display panel 22 can provide the user with working status information and instructions of the hand sanitizer. The sound converter 23 can provide sound signals to cooperate with the display panel 22 .

In the present invention, the term "chamber" refers to the location where one hand is sprayed with fluid independently of the other. One chamber for one hand is designed to be isolated from the corresponding chamber for the user's other hand so that the fluid sprays do not mix. However, the chambers may or may not have partitions for separation if the sprays are aligned so that the hands can deliver separate sprays without significant fluid mixing.

A schematic diagram of the electrical and hydraulic circuits of a particularly preferred embodiment of the hand sanitizer 10 is shown in FIG. 2 . Plug transformer 20 steps down the line voltage to a lower operating voltage, preferably about 12 volts. The transformer 20 supplies power to the controller 21 . The controller 21 provides the working status and instruction signals to the display panel 22. The controller 21 also provides suitable signals to the sound transducer 23 . The controller 21 also provides power to the right and left hand presence detection systems, which include infrared emitters 30 and 31 and infrared sensors 32 and 33 . When the user of the hand sanitizer 10 inserts his or her hand 100 into the right and left hand compartments 12 and 13, as shown in FIG. . The infrared emitter and sensor system enables non-contact detection of hands for a disinfection operation. In a particularly preferred embodiment, sensors 32 and 33 comprise arrays that detect the insertion and proper placement of hands. The sensor array can also detect finger spread, for example by "seeing" multiple shadows that indicate finger separation. For the most effective hand sanitization, it is best to keep the fingers apart so that the antiseptic liquid can coat the entire surface of the hand, even between the fingers.

Detecting the presence of a hand may initiate a dispensing operation, wherein the controller 21 may first indicate via the display panel 22 and voice transducer that a cycle has been initiated. Alternatively, physical contact with the sensor can be used to initiate a dispensing operation. However, it is preferred that the user's hands do not touch any surface while being sprayed. While the audio and visual indicators are active, power is distributed to a high voltage generator 25 which supplies electrostatic couplers 26 and 27 with high voltage of opposite polarity. In FIG. 2 , a negative voltage is applied to the right-hand liquid sterilization product 50 , and a positive voltage is applied to the left-hand liquid sterilization product 51 . When a suitable voltage is reached, preferably about 5000 volts to 15000 volts, controller 21 provides power to pump motor 24 which in turn drives pumps 52 and 53 .

In a dispensing operation, pumps 52 and 53 draw antiseptic product 50 and 51 respectively out of electrically insulated receptacles 54 and 55, while simultaneously pressing antiseptic product 50 and 51 through right-hand electrostatic emitters 71, 72, and 73 and left-hand electrostatic emitters, respectively. Emitters 81, 82 and 83. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrostatic emitter operates similarly to the nozzles disclosed in Jeffries et al., U.S. Patent 5,292,067, such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 thereof, where atomization is primarily The result of a ribbon-shaped liquid spray induced by an applied high-voltage electric field and subsequent separation into droplets. US Patent 5,292,067 is incorporated herein by reference. The opposite polarity of the high voltage applied to the antiseptic products 50 and 51 that are dispensed to the right and left hands of the user is an improvement over unipolar electrostatic dispensing devices. First, the oppositely charged antiseptic sprays cancel each other out through conductive pathways in the user's body, so the spray continues toward a neutral target. Since no specific polarity develops in the user's body, each hand is a preferential target for the ensuing spray. Also, since the charge is neutralized, the user is not exposed to charge buildup and static shocks when approaching objects of lower potential. The shock was on an uncomfortable level, not a dangerous level, but it was undesirable. In addition, these benefits are achieved without the need for electrostatic grounding of the user, thereby eliminating the potential for recontamination by grounding hands, thereby providing more effective disinfection.

Alternatively, the user may be grounded somewhere other than the hand for an electrostatic spray of opposite charge. However, this grounding is not advisable as there is no guarantee that this will work. If a person who is not properly grounded inadvertently builds up a body charge, that person may also later touch a grounded surface and receive an uncomfortable and unexpected electrostatic shock.

When a predetermined amount of antiseptic product has been dispensed into the user's hand, power from the controller 21 to the pumps 52 and 53 is cut off. Shortly thereafter, power to the high voltage transformer 25 is cut off to ensure that any residual sterilizing product is discharged from the electrostatic nozzles. A signal can then be sent to the display panel 22 to inform the user that the cycle has been completed and the hands have been sanitized. If the user withdraws his or her hand prematurely during an application, sensors 32 and/or 33 will inform controller 21 of this fact, thereby interrupting a dispensing operation. In a preferred embodiment, the hand sanitizer 10 will notify the user of the premature withdrawal of the hand through a display or sound device, prompting the user to insert the hand properly and repeat the disinfection operation.

Sterilizing products 50 and 51 are semi-conductive and thus transmit high voltages back to insulated tanks 54 and 55 respectively. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, insulating reservoirs 54 and 55 are fed by a larger common bulk reservoir 60 . In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antiseptic products 50 and 51 must be electrically insulated from each other since the antiseptic products 50 and 51 are electrostatically charged with opposite polarities. More preferably, bulk sterilization supply 61 is electrically isolated from sterilization products 50 and 51 during a dispensing operation. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, air gaps 62 and 63 are shown located above the germicidal products 50 and 51, respectively, so as to provide high voltage electrical insulation. Since the electrostatic charging of the antiseptic products 50 and 51 is an intermittent operation which occurs during a dispensing operation, no electrical isolation is required during the non-dispensing periods between dispensing operations. Thus, sterilized product can flow through solenoid valves 64 and 65 during periods of non-dispensing. The large-volume sterilizing product 61 flows through the solenoid valves 64 and 65 to the surfaces of the sterilizing products 50 and 51 respectively located in the insulated storage tanks 54 and 55 during a dispensing operation, which may cause high voltage to be transmitted to the large-volume sterilizing product 61 or Electrical pathway between sterilizing products 50 and 51 . Low level sensors 56 and 57 sense low levels in insulated reservoirs 54 and 55 to allow controller 21 to actuate solenoid valves 64 and 65 between dispensing operations. The high liquid level sensors 58 and 59 can respectively detect the liquid level heights of the sterilizing products 50 and 51 to inform the controller 21 to close the electromagnetic valves 64 and 65 respectively. Other means of providing high voltage insulation may also be used. For example, a high voltage peristaltic isolation pump in which rollers grip an elastic tube at various locations around the cylindrical cavity can be used to provide electrical insulation, and this isolation pump can also be used as a pumping device. Sensor 70 can detect a low level of antiseptic fluid in bulk reservoir 60 and can be used by controller 21 to provide an appropriate indication to the user.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bulk storage tank 60 is a replaceable box pre-filled with a certain amount of sterilizing product. A typical dispensing operation can apply about 0.3 to about 0.5 milliliters of antiseptic product. A large volume reservoir 60 with a capacity of approximately one liter and accommodated within the frame of the hand sanitizer provides 2000 single dispensing operations. A larger bulk supply source can be remote from the actual hand sanitizer and can be connected to it by small tubing. The predetermined amount dispensed will depend on several factors, such as the particular antiseptic composition, the size of the user's hand, and the degree of antiseptic desired. Two chemicals that have demonstrated excellent germicidal efficacy are aqueous solutions of ethanol and isopropanol. The unique advantage of the hand sanitizer of the present invention is that it can be coated with a thinner and more uniform coating of antiseptic products on the surface of the hand because antiseptic products are electrostatically attracted to the user's hands. The thinner coating minimizes the side effects of antiseptic products, such as dehydration of the skin and disruption of the hand's natural microbiota.

Referring to Fig. 2, the large-volume storage tank 60 can be removed from the compression seal 69 when the large-volume sterilizing product 61 is used up. After the large-volume storage tank 60 is removed, the probe 68 will be pulled out from the large-volume storage tank 60 , so that the check ball 66 fits on the sealing surface 67 , thereby blocking any residual sterilizing product 61 . After installing the next bulk storage tank 60, such as a box pre-filled with product, the probe 68 will push the check ball 66 away from the sealing surface 67, thereby allowing the bulk sterilization product 61 to flow to the solenoid valves 64 and 65 . Other means may also be used to open new pre-filled cartridges after installation, such as perforated diaphragms and deformable elastomeric valves.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the first electrostatic emitter in the right hand compartment is charged with a high voltage positive electrostatic polarity and the second electrostatic emitter in the right hand compartment is charged with a high voltage negative electrostatic polarity during a dispensing operation. polarity. A similar configuration is also performed in the left-hand chamber, ie, the electrostatic polarity between the electrostatic emitters in the left-hand chamber is reversed. In each chamber, the opposite charge carried by the electrostatic spray emitted from the oppositely charged electrostatic emitter tends to cancel out upon contact with the hand through the natural conductive pathways within the hand. The effect is roughly similar to the neutralization of the opposite charge between the left and right hands in a hand sanitizer where there is an opposite charge between the left and right hand chambers. However, the advantage of having oppositely charged sprays in each chamber is that handling of each hand does not build up static electricity on the user.

In a second alternative embodiment of the invention, the electrostatic emitters can be pulsed on and off. Each pulse has an opposite charge. This is another way to prevent charge buildup on an ungrounded user, thus keeping the user's hand a neutrally charged target during electrostatic spraying.

The hand sterilizer of the present invention has more than one electrostatic emitter in the left and right hand chambers, and the electrostatic polarity of the electrostatic emitter in the right hand chamber is opposite to that of the electrostatic emitter in the left hand chamber. In this sterilizer, The emitted sprays of the same electrostatic polarity cause them to repel each other. The result is a more diffuse spray in each chamber than would be the case with the opposite electrostatic polarity. However, the hand remains substantially electrically neutral and thus remains a preferred target for the emitted spray.

Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, various changes and modifications can be made to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art It is evident that the appended claims should cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A hand disinfection device for applying bactericidal fluid to the user's hands, comprising: a) a frame (11); b) a germicidal fluid supply source (60); c) a power source (20); and d) a dispensing operation driver (21) controlled by said user for initiating a dispensing operation process; It is characterized in that, The hand disinfection device also at least includes a first electrostatic fluid emitter (71) and a second electrostatic fluid emitter (81) mounted on the frame, the electrostatic fluid emitter is in fluid contact with the sterilizing fluid supply source In communication, the power supply is adapted to provide electrostatic energy to the electrostatic fluid emitter, wherein the one-dispensing operation actuator initiates i) dispensing of electrostatic energy from the power supply and ii) transfer of the germicidal fluid from the supply to The electrostatic fluid emitter is dispensed such that when the user's hand is placed in the vicinity of the electrostatic fluid emitter, the germicidal fluid from the supply is directed toward the electrostatic fluid emitter and from the electrostatic fluid emitter. An electrostatic fluid emitter flows toward the user's hand. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the frame (11) further comprises a first chamber (12) for applying the sterilizing fluid to the right hand of the user and a chamber for simultaneously applying the sterilizing fluid to the right hand of the user. The antiseptic fluid is applied to the second chamber (13) on the user's left hand such that the antiseptic fluid from the first chamber does not mix with the antiseptic fluid from the second chamber. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said first and second chambers each have at least one electrostatic fluid emitter directed toward a user's hand. 4. The hand disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, a) said first electrostatic fluid emitter (71) is configured to apply said germicidal fluid to said user's right hand; b) said second electrostatic fluid emitter (81) is arranged to apply said germicidal fluid to said user's left hand synchronously, The electrostatic polarity of the first electrostatic fluid emitter is opposite to the electrostatic polarity of the second electrostatic fluid emitter during the one dispensing operation. 5. The hand disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, a) The first electrostatic fluid emitter (71) is configured to apply the sterilizing fluid to the right hand of the user, and the hand disinfection device also includes another right-hand electrostatic fluid emitter connected to the frame , which is configured to simultaneously apply the germicidal fluid to the right hand of the user, the first electrostatic fluid emitter having an electrostatic polarity that is electrostatically identical to that of the other right hand during the one dispensing operation. The opposite of the fluid emitter; b) The second electrostatic fluid emitter (81) is configured to apply the sterilizing fluid to the left hand of the user, and the hand disinfection device also includes another left-hand electrostatic fluid emitter connected to the frame , which is configured to simultaneously apply said antiseptic fluid to said user's left hand, said second electrostatic fluid emitter having an electrostatic polarity that is electrostatically identical to said other left hand during said one dispensing operation. the opposite of the fluid emitter; and The sterilizing fluid is in fluid communication with each electrostatic fluid emitter, and the power source (20) is adapted to provide electrostatic energy to each electrostatic fluid emitter simultaneously. 6. The device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 5, further comprising a device for metering a predetermined amount of said sterilizing fluid. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 5, wherein the supply of germicidal fluid is a replaceable cartridge. 8. A method of uniformly coating a user's hand with a germicidal fluid without requiring manipulation of the coated hand, said method comprising the steps of: a) placing each hand of the user into a hand sanitizing device having at least two electrostatic fluid emitters; b) synchronously starting the electrostatic spraying of the germicidal fluid to each hand of the user, while each hand of the user serves as an electrode for receiving charged droplets; c) stopping the electrostatic spraying when enough antiseptic fluid has been sprayed to evenly coat each hand of the user such that substantially no excess fluid drips from each hand of the user, substantially no overspray; and d) removing each hand of the user from the hand sanitizing device. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the user's arms and body provide a conductive path for charges of opposite polarity between the user's hands to ensure At the same time substantially no electrical charge builds up on the user. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein each hand of the user provides a conductive path for charges of opposite polarity directed to each hand of the user to ensure that the The user's hands are sanitized without substantially accumulating charge on the user.

Images