EP0940111A1

EP0940111A1 - Automatic machine for the cleaning especially of the extremities of human limbs

Info

Publication number: EP0940111A1
Application number: EP98830115A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giovanni Alfano
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-03-05
Filing date: 1998-03-05
Publication date: 1999-09-08

Abstract

This invention refers to an automatic cleaning machine characterized by a water-thermo-electrical plant or equipment which performs the washing function, by an electromechanical plant which carries out the contemporary and concurrent function of scrubbing. This machine is equipped with an electric motor (16) supplied with a shaft with a motive pulley, (17) which, through a transmission belt (19) which is connected to it, engages the actuating pulleys (20,21) which are linked to the extremities of a series of shafts (22,23,24,25). In practice, both the actuating pulleys (20,21) and the belt (19) are located on the external lateral side of the body of the washing tank (18), so that there is a complete separation between the area which contains the liquid and the pulleys (20,21) and belt (19) themselves, since the usual waterproof seals are placed in correspondence to all the shafts. All the axes rotate on waterproof ball bearings, which are blocked laterally on both sides of the body of the washing tank (18). On the corresponding axes of the pulleys (21) three more pulleys are present which, through the same number of transmission belts, transmit the rotatory movement to the driven pulleys (20,21) and to their relevant shafts (22,23,24 and 25), which activate cleaning elements in the shape of plates (30 and 31) and cleaning elements in the shape of conveyor belts (28 and 29). The axis rotated by the driven pulley (20) placed in the washing tank in correspondence to the wall opposite to the access wall, converts, through a mechanism present in (26), the rotary movement, transmitted by the motor (16), into an alternating horizontal movement and into an up and down transversal movement and viceversa so that the cleaning element (27), which is in the shape of a rectangular concave brush, allows the complete cleaning of the extremities, of the fingers, as well as the nails, of one's hand.

Description

Technical Field

This invention is a machine with functions which are practically automatic, capable of cleaning the extremities of human limbs, that is, hands and feet. This machine is equipped with: a waterproof washing tank inside which are situated the scrubbing and massaging elements, the movements of which are determined by a system of special movements; which has an opening
closing device situated on the front of the aforesaid tank for the introduction of the part to be washed and therefore to be cleaned, and in order to avoid the emission of splashes of water; a boiler to heat the water drawn from the urban water system through the relative intake circuit in the washing tank; one or more containers for detergent, disinfectant or perfumed liquids or powders; a low voltage electric motor; and an electric control switchboard.

State of the art

As is well known in the industrial and general working milieu, contact by the staff with impregnating materials such as greases, oils and solvents etc. makes the consequent and necessary cleaning of their hands particularly difficult and boring, given that, in many cases, when using traditional methods, the result is never perfect, often leaving unaesthetic marks. Often this operation is complicated by wastage and cost, not just in terms of time, but also in the use of the liquid, detergent and/or disinfectant, as this is linked to the fact that the cleaning is entrusted to the objective evaluation of the person who carries it out.
Another important problem, especially for older, sick or handicapped people, for example those affected by trembling, or people with the use of only one hand and who find it necessary to be helped to wash their hand or hands correctly and efficiently. This help is even more necessary for the washing of feet.
Another problem both in the home and at work is the washing of small animals or objects. In fact, in the case of animals, soaping and keeping the animal still during washing, in order to obtain an optimal and complete cleanliness without spilling soap and water on the floor, can be problematic.

Aims and advantages of the invention

One of the aims of this invention is to completely overcome these problems and to obtain, with the use of a machine which carries out an automatic cleaning process, to be proposed eventually in various models which have small differences between them, a diversified group of services to satisfy the various cleaning necessities of the general user.
Another aim of this invention is that of realising a cleaning machine of small dimensions which can be installed anywhere, for example, in factories, offices, hotels, clinics, hospitals, gymnasiums, etc., anywhere, in fact, where it is necessary to wash hands automatically and which consists in the concurrent combination of: a mechanical action through streams of washing liquid which strike the hands, as well as by the movement of special cleaning elements; by a chemical action realised by detergents and washing additives; by a thermal action based on the different temperatures that the washing liquid may have, in consideration of the fact that warm liquid removes dirt much more easily than cold.
Another aim of this invention is the realisation of a cleaning machine as in the aforesaid aims, which has the possibility to be used simply and easily and which is capable of giving the most ample guarantees of trustworthiness and safety during use, as well as resulting to be extremely practical and versatile.
Another aim of this invention is that of realising a cleaning machine which guarantees the maximum hygiene for hand washing by carrying out an adequate and regular wash, avoiding wastage by subtracting the factor of uncertainty of behaviour and of choices (wastage of water and detergents etc.) from those who use the machine.
An ulterior aim of this invention is that of realising a cleaning machine, as in the aforesaid aims, which, due to its special characteristics, can, with small modifications, particularly in the conformation of the washing tank and the associated cleaning organs, carry out accurate washing and scrubbing not only of hands, but also of feet and eventual small animals or of various objects.
The tasks and aims stated above, and others which will be better explained in the following pages, are reached by a special system which includes: a machine equipped with a waterproof washing tank inside which are situated the scrubbing and massaging elements, the movement of which is determined by a special system of movement; of an opening - closing device situated on the front of the aforesaid tank for the insertion of the object to be washed and therefore to be cleaned, and to avoid the emission of splashes of water; of a boiler to heat the water drawn from the urban water system and the relative system of intake into the washing tank; of one or more containers of detergent, disinfectant or perfumed liquids or powders, respectively; of a small tank for the collection and downflow of waste water; of a low voltage electric motor; of an electronic control switchboard which commands the associated cleaning process.

Description of the drawings

These and other characteristics and advantages will be evident from the following description and the attached drawings which are supplied only as an indication and are not limiting, and in which:
Figure 1 shows in a diagram in the first form of its realisation, a three dimensional view of the body of the container and the base on which the machine which is the subject of this report, rests.
Figure 2 shows a diagram of the group of the components of the cleaning machine, as in this invention, in its first form of realisation.
Figure 3 shows, in a rough diagram, a perspective view, of the thermal-water plant of the cleaning machine as in this invention.
Figure 4 shows a diagram of the arrangement of the opening - closing barrier of the entrance window, as well as the arrangement of the other elements, as in this invention.
Figure 5 shows in a rough diagram, the relative arrangement of the cleaning elements of the cleaning machine as in this invention.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the group of cleaning elements, with their relative system of movement.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the group of cleaning elements and the system of movement installed in a container without its front panel, resting on its base.
In reference to the aforesaid drawings, the machine which is the subject of this invention is shown, visible in Fig. 1, in a closed container (1) mounted on a base (2), but it is also possible to install it on a wall or on the floor, depending upon how it is to be used. On the front of this container (1) is situated an opening (3) for the insertion of the hand (or, as will be explained in the following pages, a foot or other object), in correspondence to an analogous opening inside the container, situated on a washing tank (18), inside which the cleaning and scrubbing elements are situated as in this invention.
In (4) is shown a control lever placed both on the left and right hand sides of the access opening (3) for the insertion of the hand.
This lever (4) allows the activation of a lever and gear movement mechanism, capable of lifting, outwards and upwards (inwards and downwards), with a rotating movement which can reach 180°, each of the two elements (5) which are the components of the access barrier (6), placed in such a way as to block the emission of the liquid and at the same time, to facilitate all possible movements of the hand during the time it is in the washing tank, as well as to prevent dust or insects or anything else entering the washing tank when the machine is not working. This possibility is due to the adoption of very flexible bristles or barbels and very soft spongy elements. Also the possibility of being able to lift or lower the barrier (6) by using a lever on the outside of the container, allows the notable advantage of not having contact, or at least of limiting the contact of these bristles, barbels and spongy elements, with the dirty hands.
The task of cleaning the hands, which the machine which is the subject of this invention is capable of carrying out, is made possible thanks to the combination of two fundamental actions: washing and scrubbing. The machine is shown as being, therefore, supplied with two plants or appliances, one of which is water-thermo-electrical and which carries out the function of washing, and one which is electromechanical and which carries out the scrubbing function. The water - thermoelectric plant consists of a boiler (7) of an adequate capacity, whose internal heating element is a 220 volts electrical resistance using electricity drawn from the urban electrical network. The boiler is equipped with a safety valve and a thermostat; its function is to heat the water, taken from the urban waterworks, to the temperature required by the preset washing program. The maximum temperature which water can reach is 90°C. a temperature used to sterilize the washing tank. The time necessary to reach the temperatures required, and the time necessary to heat the water are completely controlled by a switchboard (8). An electrically run pump with a tension of 12V (9), passes hot water under pressure from the boiler to the washing tank, through a duct (10). A certain number of perforated spouts, preferably three (11), shower hot water (or cold if necessary) into the washing tank. One or more containers (12), for detergents, disinfectants and deodorizers, are present; each of them can be refilled through a duct supplied with a closing plug (13) which is placed on the upper side of the external body of the container (1); these detergents, disinfectants or deodorizers are distributed in the washing tank using systems common in technology.
(14) shows a small tank used to collect and eliminate waste water through its relevant tubage (15) and overflow pipe, which can be connected to the urban waste water network.
The electromechanical equipment, which carries out the scrubbing movement, is formed of the following elements:
a low voltage (12V) electric motor (16) with the relevant transformer of network current; this motor is equipped with a shaft with a motive pulley (17) which, through a transmission belt (19) connected to the pulley itself, engages the actuating pulleys which are connected to the extremities of a series of shafts, runs the motion and transmits it to the shaft connected to the pulley (20, 21). All the axes rotate on water proof ball bearings which are blocked laterally on both sides of the body of the washing tank. On the corresponding axes of the pulleys (21) three more pulleys are present which, through the same number of transmission belts, transmit the rotatory movement to the driven pulleys and to their relevant shafts (22, 23, 24 and 25).
The axis, rotated by the driven pulley (20), and placed in the washing tank in correspondence with the wall opposite the entrance, transforms, by means of a device present in (26), the rotating movement transmitted by the motor, alternatively into a horizontal movement and into a transversal up and down movement and viceversa, so that the cleaning element (27), which is shaped like a rectangular concave brush, allows complete cleaning of the extremities of one's fingers, including the nails.
The shafts, rotated by the driven pulleys (23 and 25), move a conveyor belt (28) which is supplied, on its external surface, that is to say the surface which comes into contact with one's hand, with specific bristles or barbels or other materials suitable to carry out the cleaning operations as in the present invention. Moreover, the conveyor belt presents, all along its surface, holes suitable for the facilitation of the water flow circulating in the washing tank.
In the same way, the shafts rotated by the driven pulleys (21, 22) move a similar conveyor (29) situated specularly below the aforesaid conveyor (28) at such a distance that a hand or other object might easily move between them. The two conveyors, acting as cleaning elements, (28, 29) move in opposite directions so that a hand, or any other object, cannot be dragged inside the machine itself. Two more cleaning elements (30, 31) facing one another, on the left and right sides of the washing tank (18), move alternatively with a translation horizontal motion from the entrance towards the bottom of the cleaning tank (18) and viceversa. The cleaning element (30) is operated by a simple device formed by the driven pulley (24) which, together with its axis, is forced by the motor to rotate using a double return transmission belt gear. The pulley shows a cam (32) which acts on a small piston (33) on which it confers an alternate motion with the help of a return spring (34). The axis of the pulley (24) does not go through the washing tank, but is mounted directly on the lateral walls of the washing tank and rotates thanks to a water proof ball bearing. The system is present on the opposite external side of the washing tank and is used to move the cleaning element (31) with the difference that the movement arrives at the driven pulley (38) through the conveyor (39) connected to the pulley (37) which in turn takes its movement from the motor (16) through a series of returns with conveyors and driven pulleys on the opposite side of the washing tank.
The cleaning elements (27, 30, 31) have an alternate synchronized movement, in the sense that if the cleaning element (27) moves horizontally towards the left, the cleaning element (30) moves transversally towards the bottom of the washing tank, while the cleaning element (31) moves, at the same time, in the opposite direction that is, towards the outside of the washing tank.
As can be seen in the drawings, the cleaning elements (30 and 31) are in the shape of flat rectangular plates in the part not in use, while the surface used for cleaning is concave and covered with bristles or barbels or other suitable scrubbing material fit for cleaning purposes, as in this invention. The aforesaid cleaning elements can be supplied with softer or harder bristles depending on where the cleaning machine is installed and therefore on the type of dirt to be removed.
The cleaning elements can also be shaped in ways different from those described above and shown in the attached drawings; in fact, in the case that the machine is to be used exclusively for cleaning feet, the washing tank, the access opening and the cleaning elements must necessarily be of a shape adequate to the dimensions of a foot and also made to be more resistant. The best shape would be obtained by substituting the cleaning elements made up or the two bristled conveyors (28 and 29) with a single U-shaped bristled conveyor on the bottom of which the foot can be placed. The lateral cleaning elements (30 and 31) can then be conveniently reduced in length. Obviously, in this case, the machine is installed on the floor at a height comfortable for the user, with the opening (3) for tne insertion of the foot both horizontal and parallel to the floor.
In the attached drawing of figure (4) a sensor (35) can be seen in the washing tank; this detects the presence of a hand in the washing tank, independently from its position and sends an electric signal to the switchboard (8) which determines the start of the cleaning cycle. (36) shows a transparent, waterproof slit supplied with glass or with a plate of transparent polymeric material, through which the user can verify what is happening during the washing cycle.
The machine is supplied with a safety system which limits possible damage due to excessive use of the cleaning elements by switching off the electric supply to the trailing motor.

How to use the invention

The use of the invention, when applied to the washing of one's hands is very simple: first the user must put his hand into the washing tank (18), after activating the left or right hand lever (4) according to which hand is to be inserted, in order to open and then close the barrier (6). The sensor (35) placed inside the tank detects the presence of a hand and starts the washing process. The hand inserted in the tank undergoes a continuous washing process during its permanence in the tank and receives a dosage of liquid and detergent or other additives, which is independent from the personal choice of the user, but is controlled by a specific programming device which determines several different cleaning programs previously selected and memorized according to where the machine is installed, and to the requirements, the quality and the characteristics of the dirt to be removed.
For example, the machine can carry out: a standard washing program at 40°C. for a normal type of dirt and a certain level of drying out or of impregnation of the dirt; an intensive washing program at 45°C. used in the case of very dirty hands, for example, with dried out grease marks which are very difficult to remove; an economical washing program at 35°C. with five seconds of pre-wash, three seconds of detergent and/or disinfectant immission and 8 seconds of rinse, carried out, if
necessary, with a less energetic movement of the cleaning elements.
When the cleaning operation has ended, the user activates the lever (4) to open the barrier (6) and then extracts his hand.
After the consecutive washing of two hands, or feet, the machine is programmed to carry out a sterilization cycle of the washing tank and the cleaning elements, with the immission of water preferably mixed with a disinfectant, at a temperature of 90°C.
It must be noted that the spouts (11) are specially perforated along their length so that the jets of water are partly turned towards the cleaning elements and partly towards the center of the washing tank and therefore towards the part to be cleaned.
The entire cleaning process is visible through a special slit (36) supplied with a glass or polymeric plate.
The machine is predisposed in such a way as to allow the insertion of only one hand at a time; the insertion of both hands at the same time cannot be prevented, but can only take place tnrough uncomfortable and not spontaneous movements. Moreover it is always possible to remove the hand, even when che barrier (6) is closed.
In another version of the machine, the opening of the barrier is controlled by a low tension electrical button, while the closing of the barrier (6) is carried out through an electrical control originating from the internal sensor (35) which detects the presence of a hand or any other object. When the user activates the button, the signal originating from the sensor (35) is automatically excluded, so that in any moment the user, by activating the button, can open the barrier and take his hand out.
In yet another version, on each of the elements (5) of the barrier (6), small incorporated terminal spouts, which are a part of a circuit for the immission of hot air especially for drying feet, but also for drying hands or other objects, are arranged.
If the machine is used for cleaning hands it can be installed in a fixed position on the wall or on a special base (2), in order to bring it up to a height which is comfortable for a person.
The idea of this invention allows a fast cleaning of hands, while favoring their aesthetic appearance as well as simplifying the process for the user, given that it consists in the sole and exclusive activation of a lever or a button.
The same results and advantages as well as ease of usage, can be obtained in the washing of feet, or in other cases, for example, in the cleaning of pets or small objects. From all that has been described and illustrated above, it can be seen how this invention reaches the aims proposed.
Formal and structural variations can however be carried out on this basic version, in the sense that all the details, particularly as far as the cleaning elements are concerned, may be substituted with other elements of technical equivalence; in practice, the contingent materials, dimensions and forms can be changed according to the necessities of the case in hand without leaving the dominion of this invention, which is summed up in the claims that follow.

Claims

An automatic cleaning machine characterized by a water thermo-electrical plant or equipment which performs the washing function, and by all electromechanical plant which contemporaneously carries out the concurrent functions of scrubbing, both of which are contained inside a single body (1) which ic mounted on a base (2) or installed on the wall or on the floor, according to the use required, with an opening (3) for the insertion of the object to be cleaned.
An automatic cleaning machine as in claim 1)
characterized by the fact that control levers (4) placed both on the left and right hand sides of the access opening, allow the lever and gear mechanism to be activated, so that each of the two elements (5) forming the access barrier (6) can be lifted (or lowered) with a rotatory movement of up to 180°, towards the outside and the upper side (towards the inside and lower side) while through a water proof slit (36), equipped with glass or with a transparent polymeric plate, the user can verify what is happening during the washing cycle, the start of which is brought about by a signal from the presence sensor (35) passing through the switchboard (8).
An automatic cleaning machine as in claim 1) in which the water-thermo-electric plant consists of:

an electrically operated boiler; an electrically operated outlet pump (9); a hot water adduction caliduct (10); three spouts (11) specially perforated along their length, which shower hot water inside the washing tank; one or more containers (12) respectively for detergent, disinfectant or deodorizer, each of which is refillable through a duct supplied with a closing plug (13) placed on the upper side of the external body of the container (1); a small tank for the collection and elimination of waste water with its relative tubage (15) and overflow pipe, which can be connected to the urban water outlet system; and of a programmable electronic control switchboard (8).
An automatic cleaning machine as in claim 1)
characterized by the fact that its axis, when rotated by the driven pulley (20) situated in the washing tank, in correspondence with the wall opposite that of access, converts, through a mechanism present in (26), the rotatory motion transmitted by the motor (16), alternatively into a horizontal motion and a transversal up and down motion and viceversa, so that the cleaning element (27) in the shape of a concave rectangular brush, allows complete cleaning of the extremities of the fingers, as well as the nails, of one's hands
An automatic cleaning machine as in claim 1),
characterized by two cleaning elements (28 and 29) in the shape of conveyor belts, placed one above the other at such a distance that a hand or other object, can move easily between them. The conveyors are supplied, on their outer surface, that is, the surface which comes into contact with the hand, with holes capable of facilitating the water flow and with specific bristles or barbels or other material suitable for carrying out the cleaning operations.
An automatic cleaning machine as in claims 1) and 5),
characterized by the fact that the shafts rotated by the driven pulleys (23 and 25) are used to move the cleaning element (28) while the shafts rotated by the driven pulleys (21 and 22) are used to move the analogous cleaning element (29); the two conveyor belts acting as cleaning elements (28 and 29) move in opposing directions to each other.
An automatic cleaning machine as in claims 1), 5) and 6),
characterized by the fact that the cleaning elements consisting of two bristled conveyor belts (28 and 29), are substituted by a single U-shaped bristled conveyor belt on the bottom of which it is possible to place one's foot; the lateral cleaning elements (30 and 31) are shortened to the correct length as necessary.
An automatic cleaning machine as in claim 1),
characterized by the fact that the cleaning element is operated by the kinematic returns of the motor (16) and by a simple mechanism consisting of a driven pulley, whose axis does not pass through the washing tank, but is mounted directly on the lateral walls of the tank itself and which rotates thanks to a water proof ball bearing; this pulley (24) shows an eccentric (32) which acts on a small piston (33, upon which it confers an alternating movement also using the help of a return spring (34) .
An automatic cleaning machine as in claims 1) and 8),
characterized by the fact that the cleaning element (31) is operated in a similar way to that of the cleaning element (30), but with the difference that the movement reaches the driven pulleys (38) through the belt (39) connected to the pulley (37) which, in turn, takes its movement from the motor (16) through a series of returns with belts and driven pulleys on the opposite side of the washing tank.
An automatic cleaning machine as in claims 1), 8) and 9),
characterized by the fact that the cleaning elements (30 and 31) are placed one opposite the other on the left and right hand sides of the washing tank (18) and that they are in the shape of rectangular plates, which are flat on the posterior side and concave and covered with bristles or barbels or other suitable scrubbing materials on the side used in the cleaning process.
An automatic cleaning machine as in the previous claims,
characterized by the fact that the cleaning elements (27, 30 and 39) have a synchronized alternating movement in the sense that if the cleaning element (27) moves horizontally towards the left hand side, the cleaning element (30) moves transversally towards the back wall of the washing tank while the cleaning element (31) moves contemporaneously in the opposite direction, that is, towards the outer part of the washing tank.
An automatic cleaning machine as in claim 1), which includes a programming device which determines different types of cleaning cycles, previously selected and memorized, according to the place where the machine is installed, the requirements and the quality and characteristics of the dirt to be removed; moreover, after completion of the consecutive washing of two hands or feet, the machine is programmed to carry out a sterilization cycle of the washing tank and cleaning elements, by the immission of water, better still if mixed with disinfectant, at a temperature of 90°C.