EP2809214B1 - Hand-dryer device having proximity sensor - Google Patents

Hand-dryer device having proximity sensor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2809214B1
EP2809214B1 EP13708196.4A EP13708196A EP2809214B1 EP 2809214 B1 EP2809214 B1 EP 2809214B1 EP 13708196 A EP13708196 A EP 13708196A EP 2809214 B1 EP2809214 B1 EP 2809214B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hand
dryer device
proximity sensor
detection zone
capacitive proximity
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EP13708196.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2809214A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier DE BARBEYRAC
Jean-Guy DE RUSSE
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JVD Sas
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JVD Sas
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
    • A47K10/48—Drying by means of hot air

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the devices according to the preamble of claim 1, which operate with electrical energy and which are intended to be installed near a water point, generally in wall mounting, to ensure the drying of the hands of the user. 'an user.
  • these hand-dryer devices comprise means for producing an air flow, and at least one nozzle which is connected to said means for producing the air flow for the projection, in a drying zone, of a spray able to dry the hands of the user.
  • control means equipped with a proximity sensor provided with a detection zone.
  • These control means are intended to put in operation the means of production of the air flow during the presence of the user's hands in the detection zone, without contact with any switch.
  • the proximity sensors currently used in the hand dryer devices consist of photoelectric sensors (in particular infrared proximity sensors), which consist of a light beam emitter / receiver pair.
  • This type of photoelectric sensor must be positioned behind a transparent outer wall (advantageously a window closed by a transparent part), so as to let the detection light beams, in transmission and in reception.
  • this transparent part must be frequently cleaned to prevent its opacification (especially because of dirt and / or deterioration); in addition, its joints with the other components of the outer casing of the hand dryer device are likely to cause problems of cleaning, hygiene, and sealing.
  • This transparent part still entails additional costs, particularly in terms of manufacturing and logistics.
  • the document WO2007 / 015036 describes a hand dryer device.
  • the detection zone of the capacitive proximity sensor extends on the front of the drying device, which will lead to nuisance tripping.
  • the problem to be solved by the invention is therefore to prevent inadvertent tripping and to optimize the detection zone.
  • the problem is solved by a device according to claim 1.
  • the use of such a type of detector allows an original design of the hand dryer device, simpler and more convenient than the currently known structures.
  • This hand dryer device comprises at least one outer part constituting at least a part of the envelope of said hand dryer device, which outer part is made of an opaque material; the capacitive proximity sensor is then positioned behind said opaque outer part and has a detection zone which extends across and facing this outer part.
  • the hand dryer device comprises means for limiting its detection zone, which means comprise at least one metal piece forming a barrier to the detection zone of the capacitive detector, arranged at a front wall of the hand dryer device, facing which is intended to come to position an individual.
  • the drying zone comprises a front opening for the passage of the hands of the user who is equipped with at least one slot-shaped nozzle for the projection of at least one air knife capable of eliminating the water present on said hands; and the detection area of the capacitive proximity sensor then extends just behind said slot-shaped nozzle.
  • the front opening advantageously has an elongate shape, adapted for positioning the two hands of the user side by side and in the same horizontal plane;
  • the slot-shaped nozzle or nozzles advantageously extend the entire length, or approximately the entire length, of said front opening, and the detection zone of the capacitive proximity detector advantageously extends over at least half of the length of this front opening (preferably on at least 2/3 of this length, and preferably still all or approximately the entire length of this opening).
  • the drying zone comprises a bottom wall formed at the rear of said front opening to form a water collector; and the detector capacitive proximity is then positioned under this lower wall, and it has a detection zone that extends upwardly and through said bottom wall.
  • the front opening of the drying zone is advantageously delimited by a tubular inner surface having two longitudinal portions connected by two lateral portions; and the slot-shaped nozzle or nozzles are then formed along the length of at least one of said longitudinal portions.
  • the capacitive detector is preferably implanted on at least one printed circuit.
  • the capacitive detector advantageously comprises a sensor consisting of a conductive lining covering at least a portion of one of the faces of the printed circuit.
  • the controller and the sensor are advantageously carried by the same printed circuit (preferably a double-sided printed circuit), the sensor being implanted on a first face and the controller being implanted on the second face.
  • the same printed circuit preferably a double-sided printed circuit
  • the printed circuit carries the sensor, as well as the electronic / electrical compounds for the operation of said hand dryer device.
  • a first printed circuit carries the sensor, and a second printed circuit carries the controller (and optionally the electronic / electrical components for the operation of said hand dryer device); the printed circuits are advantageously connected to one another by a wired connection.
  • the detection zone of the capacitive proximity detector is advantageously between 10 and 20 cm.
  • the hand dryer device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 , works with electrical energy. He uses here on a technology of blade type (s) of air to mechanically remove the water present on the wet / wet hands of a user (removal of water by pushing and sliding on the skin, possibly associated with a evaporation phenomenon).
  • This hand dryer device 1 comprises a body 2 of general form generally parallelepipedal, having - a rear two face intended to abut and to be fixed to a vertical support (e.g., a wall), - a front face 2 b , opposite which is placed the user, - two side faces 2 c , - a lower face 2 d , intended to be oriented towards the ground, and - an upper face 2 e , intended to be oriented upwards.
  • a vertical support e.g., a wall
  • a front face 2 b opposite which is placed the user
  • - two side faces 2 c - a lower face 2 d
  • intended to be oriented towards the ground
  • - an upper face 2 e intended to be oriented upwards.
  • the body 2 comprises a drying zone 4 at which the user places his hands to remove the water under the action of the above air slats.
  • this drying zone 4 comprises a housing 5 formed at the level of the upper part of the body 2.
  • the housing 5 is delimited by the upper surface 2 e of the body 2, and by the upper portions of its front faces 2 b , back 2 a and side 2 c .
  • the front opening 6 is formed in the upper part of the front face 2b of the body 2, on the side of its upper face 2 e .
  • the upper portion 11a of the inner tubular surface 10 extends here in a horizontal plane, or at least approximately horizontal.
  • the lower portion 11b of the inner tubular surface 10 extends for its part in a plane inclined at a downward slope from the front side 2b to the rear face 2a of the body 2 (in particular to improve the flow of water removed to the collector 7).
  • the front opening 6 is sized to allow the introduction of the hands of the user in a juxtaposed manner and in the same horizontal plane, relative to each other.
  • the front edge 13 of the tubular inner surface 10 has the following dimensions: a height of between 80 and 90 mm, and a width of between 250 and 260 mm.
  • This front opening 6 is equipped with a nozzle 15 which is arranged and structured for the projection of an air knife L in the space defined by its tubular inner surface 10 ( figure 6 ), in order to gradually eliminate the water present on the user's hands.
  • this nozzle 15 advantageously consists of a continuous or discontinuous slot, which is formed on all or part of the length of the tubular inner surface 10, on the side of its front edge 13.
  • this nozzle 15 is formed, at least, over the entire length, or at least approximately the entire length, of each of the two longitudinal portions 11 of the front opening 6.
  • the water collecting member 7 in turn forms a kind of bowl. It comprises a lower port 7a which allows the evacuation of liquid removed from the hands by the air knives or L.
  • This manifold member 7 consists of a descending wall in the direction of the front face 2 b to the rear face 2a, and which extends in the extension of the lower portion 11b of the inner tubular surface 10 of the front opening 6.
  • the body 2 incorporates means 16 for producing the flow of air intended to feed the drying air space (s) projected by the nozzle 15.
  • the body 2 also incorporates control means 17 providing control of the air flow production means 16, for the operation of the latter during the presence of the user's hands in the drying zone 4.
  • control means 17 here consist of a single electronic card (or a single electronic circuit), which comprises a printed circuit 18 carrying the electronic and / or electrical components useful for the operation of the hand dryer device 1.
  • a single electronic card 17 has the advantage of facilitating assembly operations, but also to be easily and quickly replaced in after-sales service operations.
  • the printed circuit 18 carries in particular a capacitive proximity detector 19 which generates a detection zone Z for the operation of the means for producing the air flow 16 during the presence of the hands of the in this zone of detection Z.
  • Such a capacitive proximity detector 19 aims to detect a variation in the capacitance of the system, linked to the presence of an object in the detection zone Z.
  • the detection zone Z is very schematically illustrated on the figures 2 and 3 . This representation of the Z detection zone is proposed here only for ease of understanding; it must not be considered as limiting.
  • the detection zone Z is intended to extend around the capacitive proximity detector 19.
  • this detection zone Z extends at least through and opposite the manifold 7 and the lower portion 11b of the front opening 6; it further extends just behind the nozzle 15 in the form of a slot, within the housing 5.
  • This manifold 7 and this lower portion 11b of the front opening 6 form part of the peripheral envelope of the hand dryer device 1.
  • These two outer parts 7 and 11b are here made of an opaque material and allow a detection of the capacitance variation through these parts.
  • these two outer parts 7, 11b are made of thermoplastic polymer material, in particular of the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) type.
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • the detection zone Z of the capacitive proximity detector 19 extends over at least half of (preferably at least 2/3, more preferably all or approximately all) the distance separating the two longitudinal portions 11.
  • the detection zone Z of the capacitive proximity detector 19 extends over at least half of (preferably at least 2/3, more preferably all or approximately all) the length of the longitudinal portions 11 (on which is arranged the nozzle 15) separating the lateral portions 12.
  • the capacitive proximity detector 19 is here advantageously positioned just below the manifold 7 and the lower portion 11b of the front opening 6 ( figure 2 and 3 ).
  • the structure of the electronic card 17 is specified below in relation to the Figures 2 to 4 .
  • the printed circuit 18 comprises a lower face 18 a (shown in particular in the figure 4 ) and an upper face 18b .
  • This printed circuit 18 here consists of a double-sided printed circuit.
  • the capacitive proximity detector 19 is structured and configured so that its detection zone Z is between 10 and 20 cm in a direction perpendicular to the upper face 18b of the printed circuit 18.
  • This capacitive proximity sensor 19 includes a sensor 19 constituted by a conductive lining covering a portion of the upper face 18b of printed circuit 18.
  • This sensor 19 is advantageously consisted by the upper copper layer of the printed circuit 18.
  • Other substrates or deposits, such as silver ink, may be used to form the sensor 19 a.
  • the sensor surface 19a is here generally rectangular in shape; it advantageously has an area of between 200 and 350 cm 2 , preferably between 250 and 270 cm 2 (that is still sides of the order of 20 to 25 cm by 10 to 15 cm).
  • a controller 19b (represented in particular on the figure 4 ) Is attached to the lower face 18a of the printed circuit 18 and connected with the sensor 19 a.
  • the controller 19 b advantageously consists of a microcontroller, preferably a "PIC" microcontroller, including in particular a program memory, a data memory, input and output ports, and a clock.
  • a microcontroller preferably a "PIC” microcontroller, including in particular a program memory, a data memory, input and output ports, and a clock.
  • This controller 19 b advantageously integrates a program (or a software application) based on an algorithm adapted for detecting the variation of the capacitance related to the presence of an object in the detection zone Z.
  • this program implements a technique chosen from among "field effect”, “charge transfer”, “relaxation oscillator” or “successive approximation” measures.
  • the controller 19b further comprises means for operating the means for producing the air stream 16, during the detection of an object in the detection zone Z.
  • the printed circuit 18 here carries all the electronic / electrical components useful for the operation of the hand dryer 1, for example the mains power supply 17 a ; these electronic / electrical components (not shown) are preferably located on the underside 18 a of the printed circuit 18.
  • the front wall 2b of the hand dryer device 1 in front of which the user is intended to be positioned, advantageously consists of a metal part (made for example of aluminum ).
  • This metal front wall 2b thus forms a barrier to a detection of the capacitance variation (and thus forms a front limit to the detection zone Z ) to avoid an inadvertent detection, by the capacitive detection means 19, of an object or a person simply positioned in front of the front wall 2b , without the desire to use the hand dryer device, or before introducing his hands into the drying zone 4.
  • the front opening 6, with its nozzle 15, is constituted by a front structure 20 which is attached to the body 2.
  • the structure before 20, illustrated on figures 3 and 5 to 8 Comprises - an upper part 20a, provided with said front opening 6 associated with nozzle 15 (visible in particular in the figure 7 ), and - a lower part 20b , forming a base for its attachment to the rest of the body 2.
  • This prior structure 20 is attached to a rear receiving structure 20c, including forming the collector 7 and the rear face 2 a of the hand dryer 1 ( figure 3 ).
  • the lower part 20 b of the front structure 20 and the receiving structure 20 c each have a longitudinal groove 20 d, which are open towards one of the other for receiving two opposite longitudinal edges of the printed circuit 18 ( figure 3 ). Access and replacement of the electronic card 17 can thus be achieved relatively easily, after a simple disassembly of this structure before 20.
  • the upper part 20 a is provided with the front opening 6 which is delimited by the inner tubular surface 10 in which is provided, near its front edge 13, the nozzle 15 in a continuous annular slot.
  • the two lateral arms 20 a1 and the upper longitudinal arm 20 a2 together form a generally loop-shaped element extending in the extension of the base 20b .
  • the width of the slot 15 is advantageously between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.
  • the sections 15 a, 15 b and 15 c of nozzle 15 in question each define a plane inclined relative to a vertical plane V and directed towards the rear.
  • the upper longitudinal section 15 a defines a plane 15 is here forming a counterclockwise angle with respect to a vertical plane V, the value of which is advantageously between 20 ° and 30 ° (preferably between 20 ° and 25 ° ).
  • the bottom longitudinal portion 15 b extends in turn in a plane 15 b 'here forms a schedule angle b with respect to a vertical plane V, the value of which is advantageously between 30 ° and 40 ° (preferably between 35 ° and 40 °).
  • the angles a and b extend in opposite directions relative to each other.
  • the front structure 20 further integrates a duct 21 for the flow of air flow from the fan means 16 to the nozzle 15.
  • This conduit 21 has - an upstream chamber 21a, formed in the lower portion 20 b of the front structure 20 and connected to means fans 16, and - a downstream tubular portion 21b, formed in the upper part 20 a of the front structure 20, along the front opening 6 on its circumference and connected to the nozzle 15.
  • the downstream tubular portion 21b of the conduit 21 defines a generally annular shape in combination with the upstream chamber 21a to surround the front opening 6 along its entire circumference.
  • the upstream chamber 21a is defined here, in the upper part, the lower longitudinal portion 11b of the inner tubular surface 10.
  • This upstream chamber 21 thus supplies air to the lower longitudinal portion 15 b of the nozzle 15.
  • the downstream tubular portion 21b of the conduit 21, here U-shaped comprises two lateral sections 21 b1 (not shown, but designated the figure 5 as an indication) integrated in the tubular-shaped lateral arms 20 a1 .
  • the two lateral sections 21 b1 are connected, on the upstream side, the upstream chamber 21a and the downstream side, by a downstream longitudinal portion 21 b2 of the downstream tubular portion 21b which is integrated into the trailing arm 20 also a2 tubular shape.
  • the front edge 13 of the front opening 6, and the slot 15 forming a nozzle extend in a general plane P which is inclined towards the rear, from the bottom upwards, with respect to the vertical plane V ( figure 7 ).
  • the angle c defined by this general plane P, with respect to the vertical, consists here of a time angle, the value of which is advantageously between 15 ° and 25 ° (preferably of the order of 20 °).
  • the front structure 20 is constituted here by two parts, one before 25 and the other rear 26, secured in an airtight manner to define the duct 21 for the air flow.
  • the rear part 26 is provided with an orifice 27 for the passage of air generated by the fan means 16.
  • annular upper portions 25a and 26a of these two parts 25 and 26 comprise complementary annular edges 25 a 'and 26 a' which are intended to come opposite and close to each other, for delimit between them the slot 15 forming a nozzle ( figure 7 ).
  • the distance between these two complementary annular edges 25 a 'and 26 a' is advantageously between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, preferably of the order of 0.5 mm.
  • the user introduces his wet hands through the front opening 6, next to each other and approximately in the same plane.
  • the electronic card 17 then causes the operation of the fan means 16, so as to generate the flow of air through the nozzle 15.
  • This air flow circulates in the conduit 21 formed by the upstream chamber 21a and the downstream tubular portion 21b, and is projected through the nozzle 15, the shape ensures its conformation annular air gap and backward orientation (slightly towards the rear face 2 a).
  • the air knife L When the user moves his hands in translation through the front opening 6 to remove them from the drying zone 4, the air knife L then acts to eliminate the water by phenomena combining push, barrier to water and evaporation.
  • the water flowing from the hands is here recovered by the collector 7.
  • the user can proceed one or more back and forth through the front opening 6.
  • This drying device 1 is particularly effective, because its drying air blade provides an action on the top and bottom of the hands, but also on the sides.
  • two slot-shaped nozzles are provided along the length of the two longitudinal portions 11 of the tubular inner surface 10, each to generate a longitudinal air gap. These two longitudinal air blades are oriented towards each other.
  • the lateral portions 12 of the tubular inner surface 10 may be devoid of air jet nozzles; they may also be each equipped with a secondary nozzle, in the form of a slot to form together a discontinuous slot, for the projection of a side air plate in addition to the two longitudinal air blades mentioned above.
  • a single printed circuit 18 carries all the electronic / electrical components useful for the operation of the hand dryer device 1. This configuration is particularly advantageous for facilitating the assembly of the hand dryer device 1 and the operations after sales service.
  • These two printed circuits 181, 182 are electrically connected by a wire connection 183 (or wire connection).
  • the printed circuits 181, 182 can thus be positioned optimally within the hand dryer device, independently of one another; in this case, the first printed circuit board 181, forming the sensor 19a, is arranged just below the manifold 7 forming the bottom.
  • the embodiment of the hand dryer device 1 must also not be considered as limiting.
  • the capacitive proximity sensor according to the invention can equip any other desired form of hand dryer device.
  • this capacitive proximity sensor can equip a hand dryer device whose spray nozzle is provided on its underside for the projection of a flow of hot air.
  • the capacitive detection zone is thus formed at the same lower face and extends at least partially in the nozzle drying zone.
  • a hand dryer device has the advantage of being simpler in terms of design and assembly, but also to be more reliable.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne les dispositifs selon la préambule de la revendication 1, qui fonctionnent à l'énergie électrique et qui sont destinés à être installés à proximité d'un point d'eau, généralement en fixation murale, pour assurer le séchage des mains d'un utilisateur.The present invention relates to the devices according to the preamble of claim 1, which operate with electrical energy and which are intended to be installed near a water point, generally in wall mounting, to ensure the drying of the hands of the user. 'an user.

La plupart des dispositifs sèche-mains électriques utilisent un flux d'air qui est projeté sur les mains encore mouillées, après lavage, pour éliminer l'eau résiduelle.Most electric hand dryer devices use a flow of air that is sprayed onto wet hands, after washing, to remove residual water.

Pour cela, ces dispositifs sèche-mains comprennent des moyens pour la production d'un flux d'air, et au moins une buse qui est raccordée auxdits moyens de production du flux d'air pour la projection, dans une zone de séchage, d'un jet apte à sécher les mains de l'utilisateur.For this purpose, these hand-dryer devices comprise means for producing an air flow, and at least one nozzle which is connected to said means for producing the air flow for the projection, in a drying zone, of a spray able to dry the hands of the user.

La plupart des dispositifs sèche-mains électriques projettent de l'air chaud dans la zone de séchage, de manière à éliminer l'eau par évaporation.Most electric hand-held devices blow hot air into the drying area to remove water by evaporation.

D'autres types de sèche-mains génèrent des lames d'air adaptées, pour éliminer l'eau présente sur les mains de l'utilisateur principalement par phénomène mécanique.Other types of hand dryers generate air blades adapted to remove the water present on the user's hands mainly by mechanical phenomenon.

Notamment pour des raisons d'hygiène et de commodité, ces dispositifs sèche-mains intègrent souvent des moyens de commande équipés d'un capteur de proximité muni d'une zone de détection.
Ces moyens de commande sont destinés à mettre en fonctionnement les moyens de production du flux d'air lors de la présence des mains de l'utilisateur dans la zone de détection, sans contact avec un quelconque interrupteur.Especially for reasons of hygiene and convenience, these hand-dryer devices often incorporate control means equipped with a proximity sensor provided with a detection zone.
These control means are intended to put in operation the means of production of the air flow during the presence of the user's hands in the detection zone, without contact with any switch.

Les détecteurs de proximité actuellement mis en oeuvre dans les dispositifs sèche-mains consistent en des capteurs photoélectriques (en particulier des capteurs de proximité infrarouges), qui se composent d'un couple émetteur/récepteur de faisceaux lumineux.
Ce type de capteur photoélectrique doit être positionné derrière une paroi extérieure transparente (avantageusement une fenêtre obturée par une pièce transparente), de sorte à laisser passer les faisceaux lumineux de détection, en émission et en réception.The proximity sensors currently used in the hand dryer devices consist of photoelectric sensors (in particular infrared proximity sensors), which consist of a light beam emitter / receiver pair.
This type of photoelectric sensor must be positioned behind a transparent outer wall (advantageously a window closed by a transparent part), so as to let the detection light beams, in transmission and in reception.

Mais, ce positionnement du capteur photoélectrique, derrière une pièce transparente, génère des contraintes d'implantation et d'étanchéité au sein du dispositif sèche-mains.However, this positioning of the photoelectric sensor, behind a transparent part, generates implantation and sealing constraints within the hand dryer device.

De plus, cette pièce transparente doit être fréquemment nettoyée pour éviter son opacification (en particulier du fait de salissures et/ou de détériorations) ; en outre, ses jointures avec les autres pièces constitutives de l'enveloppe extérieure du dispositif sèche-mains sont susceptibles de poser des problèmes de nettoyage, d'hygiène, et d'étanchéité.
Cette pièce transparente entraîne encore des coûts complémentaires, notamment en termes de fabrication et de logistique.In addition, this transparent part must be frequently cleaned to prevent its opacification (especially because of dirt and / or deterioration); in addition, its joints with the other components of the outer casing of the hand dryer device are likely to cause problems of cleaning, hygiene, and sealing.
This transparent part still entails additional costs, particularly in terms of manufacturing and logistics.

Le document WO2007/015036 décrit un dispositif sèche-mains. La zone de détection du détecteur de proximité capacitif s'étend sur l'avant du dispositif de séchage, ce qui va conduire à des déclenchements intempestifs.The document WO2007 / 015036 describes a hand dryer device. The detection zone of the capacitive proximity sensor extends on the front of the drying device, which will lead to nuisance tripping.

Le problème à résoudre par l'invention est donc d'obvier aux déclenchements intempestifs et d'optimiser la zone de détection. Le problème est résolu par un dispositif selon la revendication 1. L'utilisation d'un tel type de détecteur permet une conception originale du dispositif sèche-mains, plus simple et plus pratique que les structures actuellement connues.The problem to be solved by the invention is therefore to prevent inadvertent tripping and to optimize the detection zone. The problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. The use of such a type of detector allows an original design of the hand dryer device, simpler and more convenient than the currently known structures.

Ce dispositif sèche-mains comporte au moins une pièce extérieure constituant au moins une partie de l'enveloppe dudit dispositif sèche-main, laquelle pièce extérieure est réalisée dans un matériau opaque ; le détecteur de proximité capacitif est alors positionné derrière ladite pièce extérieure opaque et présente une zone de détection qui s'étend au travers et en regard de cette pièce extérieure.This hand dryer device comprises at least one outer part constituting at least a part of the envelope of said hand dryer device, which outer part is made of an opaque material; the capacitive proximity sensor is then positioned behind said opaque outer part and has a detection zone which extends across and facing this outer part.

En outre, et de manière à éviter des déclenchements intempestifs, le dispositif sèche-mains selon l'invention comporte des moyens pour limiter sa zone de détection, lesquels moyens comportent au moins une pièce métallique formant barrière à la zone de détection du détecteur capacitif, disposée au niveau d'une paroi avant du dispositif sèche-mains, en regard de laquelle est destiné à venir se positionner un individu.In addition, and in order to avoid inadvertent tripping, the hand dryer device according to the invention comprises means for limiting its detection zone, which means comprise at least one metal piece forming a barrier to the detection zone of the capacitive detector, arranged at a front wall of the hand dryer device, facing which is intended to come to position an individual.

D'autre part, la zone de séchage comprend une ouverture frontale pour le passage des mains de l'utilisateur qui est équipée d'au moins une buse en forme de fente pour la projection d'au moins une lame d'air apte à éliminer l'eau présente sur lesdites mains ; et la zone de détection du détecteur de proximité capacitif s'étend alors juste derrière ladite buse en forme de fente.On the other hand, the drying zone comprises a front opening for the passage of the hands of the user who is equipped with at least one slot-shaped nozzle for the projection of at least one air knife capable of eliminating the water present on said hands; and the detection area of the capacitive proximity sensor then extends just behind said slot-shaped nozzle.

Dans ce cas, l'ouverture frontale présente avantageusement une forme allongée, adaptée pour le positionnement des deux mains de l'utilisateur côte à côte et dans un même plan horizontal ; la ou les buses en forme de fente s'étendent avantageusement sur toute la longueur, ou approximativement toute la longueur, de ladite ouverture frontale, et la zone de détection du détecteur de proximité capacitif s'étend avantageusement sur au moins la moitié de la longueur de cette ouverture frontale (de préférence sur au moins les 2/3 de cette longueur, et de préférence encore toute ou approximativement toute la longueur de cette ouverture). Selon l'invention la zone de séchage comporte une paroi inférieure ménagée à l'arrière de ladite ouverture frontale pour former un collecteur d'eau ; et le détecteur de proximité capacitif est alors positionné sous cette paroi inférieure, et il présente une zone de détection qui s'étend vers le haut et au travers de ladite paroi inférieure.In this case, the front opening advantageously has an elongate shape, adapted for positioning the two hands of the user side by side and in the same horizontal plane; the slot-shaped nozzle or nozzles advantageously extend the entire length, or approximately the entire length, of said front opening, and the detection zone of the capacitive proximity detector advantageously extends over at least half of the length of this front opening (preferably on at least 2/3 of this length, and preferably still all or approximately the entire length of this opening). According to the invention the drying zone comprises a bottom wall formed at the rear of said front opening to form a water collector; and the detector capacitive proximity is then positioned under this lower wall, and it has a detection zone that extends upwardly and through said bottom wall.

Toujours dans ce cas, l'ouverture frontale de la zone de séchage est avantageusement délimitée par une surface intérieure tubulaire comportant deux portions longitudinales reliées par deux portions latérales ; et la ou les buses en forme de fente sont alors ménagées sur la longueur de l'une au moins desdites portions longitudinales.Still in this case, the front opening of the drying zone is advantageously delimited by a tubular inner surface having two longitudinal portions connected by two lateral portions; and the slot-shaped nozzle or nozzles are then formed along the length of at least one of said longitudinal portions.

Par ailleurs, le détecteur capacitif est de préférence implanté sur au moins un circuit imprimé.Moreover, the capacitive detector is preferably implanted on at least one printed circuit.

Dans ce cas, le détecteur capacitif comprend avantageusement un capteur constitué par une garniture conductrice recouvrant au moins une partie de l'une des faces du circuit imprimé.In this case, the capacitive detector advantageously comprises a sensor consisting of a conductive lining covering at least a portion of one of the faces of the printed circuit.

De plus, il comprend encore avantageusement un contrôleur connecté avec ledit capteur.In addition, it still advantageously comprises a controller connected with said sensor.

Alors, le contrôleur et le capteur sont avantageusement portés par un même circuit imprimé (de préférence un circuit imprimé double face), le capteur étant implanté sur une première face et le contrôleur étant implanté sur la seconde face.Then, the controller and the sensor are advantageously carried by the same printed circuit (preferably a double-sided printed circuit), the sensor being implanted on a first face and the controller being implanted on the second face.

De préférence encore, le circuit imprimé porte le capteur, ainsi que les composés électroniques/électriques pour le fonctionnement dudit dispositif sèche-mains.More preferably, the printed circuit carries the sensor, as well as the electronic / electrical compounds for the operation of said hand dryer device.

De manière alternative, un premier circuit imprimé porte le capteur, et un second circuit imprimé porte le contrôleur (et éventuellement les composants électroniques/électriques pour le fonctionnement dudit dispositif sèche-mains) ; les circuits imprimés sont avantageusement connectés l'un à l'autre par une connexion filaire.Alternatively, a first printed circuit carries the sensor, and a second printed circuit carries the controller (and optionally the electronic / electrical components for the operation of said hand dryer device); the printed circuits are advantageously connected to one another by a wired connection.

D'autre part, la zone de détection du détecteur de proximité capacitif est avantageusement comprise entre 10 et 20 cm.On the other hand, the detection zone of the capacitive proximity detector is advantageously between 10 and 20 cm.

L'invention sera encore illustrée, sans être aucunement limitée, par la description suivante d'un dispositif sèche-mains particulier, en relation avec les dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue générale et en perspective de ce dispositif sèche-mains ;
  • la figure 2 est une représentation de face du dispositif sèche-mains de la figure 1, avec représenté schématiquement le circuit imprimé sur lequel est implanté le détecteur de proximité capacitif ;
  • la figure 3 montre schématiquement le dispositif sèche-mains des figures 1 et 2, selon un plan de coupe vertical et transversal visant à illustrer le positionnement du circuit imprimé portant le détecteur de proximité capacitif ;
  • la figure 4 représente très schématiquement le circuit imprimé précité, portant le détecteur de proximité capacitif, vu du côté de sa face inférieure ;
  • la figure 5 représente, vue de face, une forme de réalisation possible de la structure avant équipant le dispositif sèche-mains selon les figures 1 à 3, formant en particulier le conduit de cheminement du flux d'air et l'ouverture équipée de la buse de projection de lames d'air ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe transversale de la structure avant représentée sur la figure 5 ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue partielle et agrandie de la figure 6, détaillant la structure de l'ouverture pour le passage des mains ;
  • la figure 8 illustre, en perspective et de manière éclatée, les deux pièces constitutives de la structure avant du dispositif sèche-mains représentée sur les figures 5 à 7 ;
  • la figure 9 est une vue schématique d'une variante de réalisation du dispositif sèche-mains, selon un plan de coupe vertical, qui contient deux circuits imprimés : un premier circuit imprimé constituant le capteur, et un second circuit imprimé portant le contrôleur.
The invention will be further illustrated, without being limited in any way, by the following description of a particular hand dryer device, in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a general and perspective view of this hand dryer device;
  • the figure 2 is a front representation of the hand dryer device of the figure 1 , with schematically represented the printed circuit on which is implanted the capacitive proximity detector;
  • the figure 3 schematically shows the hand dryer device of Figures 1 and 2 , according to a vertical and transverse sectional plan for illustrating the positioning of the printed circuit carrying the capacitive proximity detector;
  • the figure 4 very schematically represents the aforementioned printed circuit, carrying the capacitive proximity sensor, seen from the side of its lower face;
  • the figure 5 represents, front view, a possible embodiment of the front structure equipping the hand dryer device according to the Figures 1 to 3 , in particular forming the flow path of the air flow and the opening equipped with the air jet nozzle;
  • the figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the front structure shown in FIG. figure 5 ;
  • the figure 7 is a partial and enlarged view of the figure 6 , detailing the structure of the opening for the passage of hands;
  • the figure 8 illustrates, in perspective and in an exploded manner, the two constituent parts of the front structure of the hand dryer device represented on the Figures 5 to 7 ;
  • the figure 9 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the hand dryer device, according to a vertical sectional plane, which contains two printed circuits: a first printed circuit constituting the sensor, and a second printed circuit carrying the controller.

Le dispositif sèche-mains 1, représenté sur les figures 1 à 3, fonctionne à l'énergie électrique. Il utilise ici sur une technologie de type lame(s) d'air pour éliminer mécaniquement l'eau présente sur les mains mouillées/humides d'un utilisateur (élimination de l'eau par poussée et glissement sur la peau, associée éventuellement à un phénomène d'évaporation).The hand dryer device 1, shown in Figures 1 to 3 , works with electrical energy. He uses here on a technology of blade type (s) of air to mechanically remove the water present on the wet / wet hands of a user (removal of water by pushing and sliding on the skin, possibly associated with a evaporation phenomenon).

Ce dispositif sèche-mains 1 comprend un corps 2 de forme générale globalement parallélépipédique, présentant - une face arrière 2a, destinée à venir en appui et à être fixée sur un support vertical (par exemple un mur), - une face avant 2b, en regard de laquelle vient se placer l'utilisateur, - deux faces latérales 2c, - une face inférieure 2d, destinée à être orientée vers le sol, et - une face supérieure 2e, destinée à être orientée vers le haut.This hand dryer device 1 comprises a body 2 of general form generally parallelepipedal, having - a rear two face intended to abut and to be fixed to a vertical support (e.g., a wall), - a front face 2 b , opposite which is placed the user, - two side faces 2 c , - a lower face 2 d , intended to be oriented towards the ground, and - an upper face 2 e , intended to be oriented upwards.

Dans sa partie supérieure, le corps 2 comporte une zone de séchage 4 au niveau de laquelle l'utilisateur place ses mains pour éliminer l'eau sous l'action de la ou des lames d'air précitées.In its upper part, the body 2 comprises a drying zone 4 at which the user places his hands to remove the water under the action of the above air slats.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré, cette zone de séchage 4 comprend un logement 5 ménagé au niveau de la partie supérieure du corps 2.According to the illustrated embodiment, this drying zone 4 comprises a housing 5 formed at the level of the upper part of the body 2.

Le logement 5 est délimité par la surface supérieure 2e du corps 2, et par les parties supérieures de ses faces avant 2b, arrière 2a et latérales 2c.The housing 5 is delimited by the upper surface 2 e of the body 2, and by the upper portions of its front faces 2 b , back 2 a and side 2 c .

Ce logement 5 est muni :

  • d'une ouverture avant 6, pour le passage des mains de l'utilisateur et au sein de laquelle est appliqué le jet d'air séchant,
  • d'un fond 7 formant collecteur d'eau (figure 3), ménagé juste derrière cette ouverture avant 6,
  • d'une paroi arrière 5a, formée par la partie supérieure de la face arrière 2a, et
  • d'une ouverture supérieure 8 en regard du collecteur 7, s'étendant au travers de la face supérieure 2e et sur une partie de la hauteur des parois latérales 2c.
This housing 5 is provided with:
  • an opening before 6, for the passage of the user's hands and in which is applied the air jet drying,
  • a bottom 7 forming a water collector ( figure 3 ), formed just behind this opening before 6,
  • a rear wall 5 is formed by the upper part of the rear face 2a, and
  • an upper opening 8 facing the manifold 7, extending through the upper face 2 e and a portion of the height of the side walls 2 c .

L'ouverture avant 6 est ménagée dans la partie supérieure de la face avant 2b du corps 2, du côté de sa face supérieure 2e.The front opening 6 is formed in the upper part of the front face 2b of the body 2, on the side of its upper face 2 e .

Cette ouverture avant 6 est délimitée par une surface intérieure tubulaire 10 de forme générale oblongue, avec :

  • deux portions longitudinales 11, l'une supérieure 11a et l'autre inférieure 11b, qui sont rectilignes ou approximativement rectilignes, et
  • deux portions latérales 12 qui sont concaves, chacune en forme générale de demi-cercle.
This front opening 6 is delimited by a tubular inner surface 10 of generally oblong shape, with:
  • two longitudinal portions 11, one upper 11a and one lower 11b, which are rectilinear or substantially rectilinear, and
  • two lateral portions 12 which are concave, each in the general shape of a semicircle.

La portion supérieure 11a de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 s'étend ici dans un plan horizontal, ou au moins approximativement horizontal.The upper portion 11a of the inner tubular surface 10 extends here in a horizontal plane, or at least approximately horizontal.

La portion inférieure 11b de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 s'étend quant à elle dans un plan incliné selon une pente descendante, depuis la face avant 2b vers la face arrière 2a du corps 2 (en particulier pour favoriser l'écoulement de l'eau éliminée vers le collecteur 7).The lower portion 11b of the inner tubular surface 10 extends for its part in a plane inclined at a downward slope from the front side 2b to the rear face 2a of the body 2 (in particular to improve the flow of water removed to the collector 7).

La surface intérieure tubulaire 10 est encore délimitée par :

  • une bordure avant 13 oblongue, s'étendant au niveau de la face avant 2b du corps 2, légèrement inclinée vers l'arrière du bas vers le haut, et
  • une bordure arrière 14 également oblongue, située du côté du logement 5 de la zone de séchage 4.
The tubular inner surface 10 is further delimited by:
  • an oblong front edge 13, extending at the front face 2b of the body 2, slightly inclined towards the rear from the bottom to the top, and
  • a rear edge 14 also oblong, located on the side of the housing 5 of the drying zone 4.

L'ouverture avant 6 est dimensionnée pour permettre l'introduction des mains de l'utilisateur d'une manière juxtaposée et dans un même plan horizontal, l'une par rapport à l'autre.
Pour cela et simplement à titre d'exemple, la bordure avant 13 de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 présente les dimensions suivantes : - une hauteur comprise entre 80 et 90 mm, et - une largeur comprise entre 250 et 260 mm.The front opening 6 is sized to allow the introduction of the hands of the user in a juxtaposed manner and in the same horizontal plane, relative to each other.
For this and simply by way of example, the front edge 13 of the tubular inner surface 10 has the following dimensions: a height of between 80 and 90 mm, and a width of between 250 and 260 mm.

Cette ouverture avant 6 est équipée d'une buse 15 qui est agencée et structurée pour la projection d'une lame d'air L dans l'encombrement défini par sa surface intérieure tubulaire 10 (figure 6), afin d'éliminer progressivement l'eau présente sur les mains de l'utilisateur.This front opening 6 is equipped with a nozzle 15 which is arranged and structured for the projection of an air knife L in the space defined by its tubular inner surface 10 ( figure 6 ), in order to gradually eliminate the water present on the user's hands.

Tel que développé par la suite en relation avec la forme de réalisation particulière selon les figures 5 à 8, cette buse 15 consiste avantageusement en une fente continue ou discontinue, qui est ménagée sur tout ou partie de la longueur de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10, du côté de sa bordure avant 13.
De préférence, cette buse 15 est ménagée, au moins, sur toute la longueur, ou au moins approximativement toute la longueur, de chacune des deux portions longitudinales 11 de l'ouverture avant 6.As further developed in connection with the particular embodiment according to the Figures 5 to 8 , this nozzle 15 advantageously consists of a continuous or discontinuous slot, which is formed on all or part of the length of the tubular inner surface 10, on the side of its front edge 13.
Preferably, this nozzle 15 is formed, at least, over the entire length, or at least approximately the entire length, of each of the two longitudinal portions 11 of the front opening 6.

L'organe collecteur d'eau 7 forme quant à lui une sorte de cuvette. Il comporte un orifice inférieur 7a qui permet l'évacuation des liquides éliminés des mains par la ou les lames d'air L.The water collecting member 7 in turn forms a kind of bowl. It comprises a lower port 7a which allows the evacuation of liquid removed from the hands by the air knives or L.

Cet organe collecteur 7 consiste en une paroi descendante dans le sens de la face avant 2b vers la face arrière 2a, et qui s'étend dans le prolongement de la portion inférieure 11b de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 de l'ouverture avant 6.This manifold member 7 consists of a descending wall in the direction of the front face 2 b to the rear face 2a, and which extends in the extension of the lower portion 11b of the inner tubular surface 10 of the front opening 6.

Le corps 2 intègre des moyens 16 pour produire le flux d'air destiné à alimenter la ou les lames d'air séchantes projetées par la buse 15.The body 2 incorporates means 16 for producing the flow of air intended to feed the drying air space (s) projected by the nozzle 15.

Ces moyens 16, représentés très schématiquement sur la figure 3, consistent avantageusement en un ventilateur électrique.These means 16, represented very schematically on the figure 3 , advantageously consist of an electric fan.

Le corps 2 intègre encore des moyens de commande 17 assurant le pilotage des moyens de production du flux d'air 16, pour la mise en fonctionnement de ces derniers lors de la présence des mains de l'utilisateur dans la zone de séchage 4.The body 2 also incorporates control means 17 providing control of the air flow production means 16, for the operation of the latter during the presence of the user's hands in the drying zone 4.

Ces moyens de commande 17 consistent ici en une unique carte électronique (ou un unique circuit électronique), qui comprend un circuit imprimé 18 portant les composants électroniques et/ou électriques utiles au fonctionnement du dispositif sèche-mains 1.
Une telle carte électronique 17 a l'intérêt de faciliter les opérations de montage, mais aussi de pouvoir être remplacée facilement et rapidement dans les opérations de service après vente.These control means 17 here consist of a single electronic card (or a single electronic circuit), which comprises a printed circuit 18 carrying the electronic and / or electrical components useful for the operation of the hand dryer device 1.
Such an electronic card 17 has the advantage of facilitating assembly operations, but also to be easily and quickly replaced in after-sales service operations.

Selon l'invention, le circuit imprimé 18 porte en particulier un détecteur de proximité capacitif 19 qui génère d'une zone de détection Z pour la mise en fonctionnement des moyens de production du flux d'air 16 lors de la présence des mains de l'utilisateur dans cette zone de détection Z. According to the invention, the printed circuit 18 carries in particular a capacitive proximity detector 19 which generates a detection zone Z for the operation of the means for producing the air flow 16 during the presence of the hands of the in this zone of detection Z.

Un tel détecteur de proximité capacitif 19 vise à détecter une variation de la capacitance du système, liée à la présence d'un objet dans la zone de détection Z. Such a capacitive proximity detector 19 aims to detect a variation in the capacitance of the system, linked to the presence of an object in the detection zone Z.

La zone de détection Z est illustrée de manière très schématique sur les figures 2 et 3. Cette représentation de la zone de détection Z est proposée ici uniquement pour faciliter la compréhension ; elle ne doit aucunement être considérée comme limitative.The detection zone Z is very schematically illustrated on the figures 2 and 3 . This representation of the Z detection zone is proposed here only for ease of understanding; it must not be considered as limiting.

La zone de détection Z est destinée à s'étendre autour du détecteur de proximité capacitif 19.The detection zone Z is intended to extend around the capacitive proximity detector 19.

En l'espèce, tel qu'illustré sur la figure 3, cette zone de détection Z s'étend au moins au travers, et en regard, du collecteur 7 et de la portion inférieure 11b de l'ouverture avant 6 ; elle s'étend en outre juste derrière la buse 15 en forme de fente, au sein du logement 5.In this case, as illustrated on the figure 3 this detection zone Z extends at least through and opposite the manifold 7 and the lower portion 11b of the front opening 6; it further extends just behind the nozzle 15 in the form of a slot, within the housing 5.

Ce collecteur 7 et cette portion inférieure 11b de l'ouverture avant 6 constituent une partie de l'enveloppe périphérique du dispositif sèche-main 1.This manifold 7 and this lower portion 11b of the front opening 6 form part of the peripheral envelope of the hand dryer device 1.

Ces deux pièces extérieures 7 et 11b sont ici réalisées dans un matériau opaque et autorisent une détection de la variation de capacitance au travers de ces pièces.These two outer parts 7 and 11b are here made of an opaque material and allow a detection of the capacitance variation through these parts.

Par exemple, ces deux pièces extérieures 7, 11b sont réalisées en matériau polymère thermoplastique, notamment du type acrylonitrile butadiène styrène (ABS).For example, these two outer parts 7, 11b are made of thermoplastic polymer material, in particular of the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) type.

Tel qu'illustré sur la figure 2, la zone de détection Z du détecteur de proximité capacitif 19 s'étend sur au moins la moitié de (de préférence au moins les 2/3, de préférence encore toute ou approximativement toute) la distance séparant les deux portions longitudinales 11.As illustrated on the figure 2 , the detection zone Z of the capacitive proximity detector 19 extends over at least half of (preferably at least 2/3, more preferably all or approximately all) the distance separating the two longitudinal portions 11.

Encore selon la figure 2, la zone de détection Z du détecteur de proximité capacitif 19 s'étend sur au moins la moitié de (de préférence au moins les 2/3, de préférence encore toute ou approximativement toute) la longueur des portions longitudinales 11 (sur lesquelles est ménagée la buse 15) séparant les portions latérales 12.Still according to the figure 2 , the detection zone Z of the capacitive proximity detector 19 extends over at least half of (preferably at least 2/3, more preferably all or approximately all) the length of the longitudinal portions 11 (on which is arranged the nozzle 15) separating the lateral portions 12.

Pour cela, le détecteur de proximité capacitif 19 est ici avantageusement positionné juste en-dessous du collecteur 7 et de la portion inférieure 11b de l'ouverture avant 6 (figure 2 et 3).For this, the capacitive proximity detector 19 is here advantageously positioned just below the manifold 7 and the lower portion 11b of the front opening 6 ( figure 2 and 3 ).

La structure de la carte électronique 17 est précisée ci-dessous en relation avec les figures 2 à 4.The structure of the electronic card 17 is specified below in relation to the Figures 2 to 4 .

Tout d'abord, le circuit imprimé 18 comporte une face inférieure 18a (représenté en particulier sur la figure 4) et une face supérieure 18b.Firstly, the printed circuit 18 comprises a lower face 18 a (shown in particular in the figure 4 ) and an upper face 18b .

Ce circuit imprimé 18 consiste ici en un circuit imprimé du genre double face.This printed circuit 18 here consists of a double-sided printed circuit.

Sa face supérieure 18b est orientée ici vers l'ensemble collecteur 7/portion longitudinale inférieure 11b.Its upper face 18b is oriented here towards the manifold assembly 7 / lower longitudinal portion 11b .

Le détecteur de proximité capacitif 19 est structuré et configuré de sorte que sa zone de détection Z soit comprise entre 10 et 20 cm selon une direction perpendiculaire à la face supérieure 18b du circuit imprimé 18.The capacitive proximity detector 19 is structured and configured so that its detection zone Z is between 10 and 20 cm in a direction perpendicular to the upper face 18b of the printed circuit 18.

Ce détecteur de proximité capacitif 19 comprend un capteur 19a constitué par une garniture conductrice recouvrant une partie de la face supérieure 18b du circuit imprimé 18.This capacitive proximity sensor 19 includes a sensor 19 constituted by a conductive lining covering a portion of the upper face 18b of printed circuit 18.

Ce capteur 19a est consisté avantageusement par la couche de cuivre supérieure du circuit imprimé 18.
D'autres substrats ou dépôts, tels que de l'encre argentée, peuvent être utilisés pour former le capteur 19a.This sensor 19 is advantageously consisted by the upper copper layer of the printed circuit 18.
Other substrates or deposits, such as silver ink, may be used to form the sensor 19 a.

Pour une sensibilité suffisante, la surface du capteur 19a est ici de forme générale rectangulaire ; elle présente avantageusement une surface comprise entre 200 et 350 cm2, de préférence entre 250 et 270 cm2 (soit encore des côtés de l'ordre de 20 à 25 cm par 10 à 15 cm).For sufficient sensitivity, the sensor surface 19a is here generally rectangular in shape; it advantageously has an area of between 200 and 350 cm 2 , preferably between 250 and 270 cm 2 (that is still sides of the order of 20 to 25 cm by 10 to 15 cm).

Un contrôleur 19b (représenté notamment sur la figure 4) est rapporté sur la face inférieure 18a de ce circuit imprimé 18 et connecté avec le capteur 19a.A controller 19b (represented in particular on the figure 4 ) Is attached to the lower face 18a of the printed circuit 18 and connected with the sensor 19 a.

Le contrôleur 19b consiste avantageusement en un microcontrôleur, de préférence un microcontrôleur « PIC », intégrant notamment une mémoire de programme, une mémoire de données, des ports d'entrée et de sortie, et une horloge.The controller 19 b advantageously consists of a microcontroller, preferably a "PIC" microcontroller, including in particular a program memory, a data memory, input and output ports, and a clock.

Ce contrôleur 19b intègre avantageusement un programme (ou une application logicielle) basé sur un algorithme adapté pour la détection de la variation de la capacitance liée à la présence d'un objet dans la zone de détection Z. This controller 19 b advantageously integrates a program (or a software application) based on an algorithm adapted for detecting the variation of the capacitance related to the presence of an object in the detection zone Z.

Par exemple et sans être aucunement limitatif, ce programme met en oeuvre une technique choisie parmi mesure « d'effet de champ », « transfert de charge », « oscillateur à relaxation » ou « approximations successives ».For example, and without being in any way limiting, this program implements a technique chosen from among "field effect", "charge transfer", "relaxation oscillator" or "successive approximation" measures.

Le contrôleur 19b comporte en plus des moyens pour mettre en fonctionnement les moyens de production du flux d'air 16, lors de la détection d'un objet dans la zone de détection Z. The controller 19b further comprises means for operating the means for producing the air stream 16, during the detection of an object in the detection zone Z.

En outre, le circuit imprimé 18 porte ici l'ensemble des composants électroniques/électriques utiles au fonctionnement du sèche-mains 1, par exemple le bloc d'alimentation secteur 17a ; ces composants électroniques/électriques (non représentés) sont avantageusement implantés sur la face inférieure 18a du circuit imprimé 18.In addition, the printed circuit 18 here carries all the electronic / electrical components useful for the operation of the hand dryer 1, for example the mains power supply 17 a ; these electronic / electrical components (not shown) are preferably located on the underside 18 a of the printed circuit 18.

Pour définir la limite avant de la zone de détection Z, la paroi avant 2b du dispositif sèche-mains 1, en regard de laquelle est destiné à venir se positionner l'utilisateur, consiste avantageusement en une pièce métallique (réalisée par exemple en aluminium).To define the front limit of the detection zone Z , the front wall 2b of the hand dryer device 1, in front of which the user is intended to be positioned, advantageously consists of a metal part (made for example of aluminum ).

Cette paroi avant métallique 2b forme ainsi une barrière à une détection de la variation de capacitance (et forme ainsi une limite avant à la zone de détection Z) pour éviter une détection intempestive, par les moyens de détection capacitifs 19, d'un objet ou d'une personne simplement positionné devant cette paroi avant 2b, sans volonté d'utiliser le dispositif sèche-mains, ou avant introduction de ses mains dans la zone de séchage 4.This metal front wall 2b thus forms a barrier to a detection of the capacitance variation (and thus forms a front limit to the detection zone Z ) to avoid an inadvertent detection, by the capacitive detection means 19, of an object or a person simply positioned in front of the front wall 2b , without the desire to use the hand dryer device, or before introducing his hands into the drying zone 4.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière, l'ouverture avant 6, avec sa buse 15, est constituée par une structure avant 20 qui est rapportée sur le corps 2.According to a particular embodiment, the front opening 6, with its nozzle 15, is constituted by a front structure 20 which is attached to the body 2.

La structure avant 20, illustrée sur les figures 3 et 5 à 8, comporte - une partie supérieure 20a, munie de ladite ouverture avant 6 associée à la buse 15 (visible en particulier sur la figure 7), et - une partie inférieure 20b, formant une base pour sa fixation au reste du corps 2.The structure before 20, illustrated on figures 3 and 5 to 8 Comprises - an upper part 20a, provided with said front opening 6 associated with nozzle 15 (visible in particular in the figure 7 ), and - a lower part 20b , forming a base for its attachment to the rest of the body 2.

Cette structure avant 20 est rapportée sur une structure arrière de réception 20c, formant notamment le collecteur 7 et la face arrière 2a du sèche-main 1 (figure 3).This prior structure 20 is attached to a rear receiving structure 20c, including forming the collector 7 and the rear face 2 a of the hand dryer 1 ( figure 3 ).

Pour le positionnement particulier de la carte électronique 17, la partie inférieure 20b de cette structure avant 20 et la structure de réception 20c comportent chacune une gorge longitudinale 20d, qui sont ouvertes en direction l'une de l'autre pour la réception de deux bordures longitudinales opposées du circuit imprimé 18 (figure 3).
L'accès et le remplacement de la carte électronique 17 peuvent ainsi être réalisés relativement aisément, après un simple démontage de cette structure avant 20.For the particular positioning of the electronic card 17, the lower part 20 b of the front structure 20 and the receiving structure 20 c each have a longitudinal groove 20 d, which are open towards one of the other for receiving two opposite longitudinal edges of the printed circuit 18 ( figure 3 ).
Access and replacement of the electronic card 17 can thus be achieved relatively easily, after a simple disassembly of this structure before 20.

Sur les figures 5 à 8, on remarque que la partie supérieure 20a est munie de l'ouverture avant 6 qui est délimitée par la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 dans laquelle est ménagée, du côté de sa bordure avant 13, la buse 15 en forme de fente annulaire continue.On the Figures 5 to 8 , It is noted that the upper part 20 a is provided with the front opening 6 which is delimited by the inner tubular surface 10 in which is provided, near its front edge 13, the nozzle 15 in a continuous annular slot.

Tel qu'illustré sur la figure 7, la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 est ici formée par :

  • l'extrémité supérieure de la base 20b, formant la portion longitudinale inférieure 11b sur la longueur de laquelle est ménagé un tronçon longitudinal inférieur 15b de la buse 15,
  • deux bras latéraux 20a1 constitutifs de la partie supérieure 20a, prolongeant ladite base 20b et formant chacun l'une des portions latérales 12 sur la longueur de laquelle est ménagé un tronçon latéral 15c de la buse 15 (seul l'un de ces tronçons latéraux 15c est visible sur la figure 7), et
  • un bras longitudinal supérieur 20a2 constitutif de la partie supérieure 20a, reliant les deux bras latéraux 20a1 et formant la portion longitudinale supérieure 11a sur la longueur de laquelle est ménagé un tronçon longitudinal supérieur 15a de la buse 15.
As illustrated on the figure 7 , the tubular inner surface 10 is here formed by:
  • the upper end of the base 20 b, forming the lower longitudinal portion 11b along the length of which is provided a lower longitudinal portion 15 b of the nozzle 15,
  • two lateral arms 20 constituting a1 of the upper part 20a, extending said base 20 b and each forming one of the side portions 12 along the length of which is provided a side portion 15c of the nozzle 15 (only one of these lateral sections 15 c is visible on the figure 7 ), and
  • an upper longitudinal arm 20 constituent a2 of the upper part 20a, connecting the two side arms 20 a1 and forming the upper longitudinal portion 11 a over the length of which there is formed an upper longitudinal portion 15a of the nozzle 15.

Les deux bras latéraux 20a1 et le bras longitudinal supérieur 20a2 forment ainsi ensemble un élément en forme générale d'anse, s'étendant dans le prolongement de la base 20b.The two lateral arms 20 a1 and the upper longitudinal arm 20 a2 together form a generally loop-shaped element extending in the extension of the base 20b .

Pour une action efficace, la largeur de la fente 15 est avantageusement comprise entre 0,3 et 0,7 mm, de préférence de 0,5 mm.For an effective action, the width of the slot 15 is advantageously between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

Sur la figure 7, on peut voir que les tronçons 15a, 15b et 15c de la buse 15 sont ménagés de sorte que la lame d'air L soit orientée vers l'arrière par rapport à l'ouverture 6.On the figure 7 It can be seen that the sections 15 a, 15 b and 15 c of the nozzle 15 are arranged so that the air gap L is directed rearward relative to the opening 6.

Pour cela, les tronçons 15a, 15b et 15c de buse 15 en question définissent chacun un plan incliné par rapport à un plan vertical V et orienté vers l'arrière.For this, the sections 15 a, 15 b and 15 c of nozzle 15 in question each define a plane inclined relative to a vertical plane V and directed towards the rear.

Par exemple, selon la figure 7, le tronçon longitudinal supérieur 15a définit un plan 15a' formant ici un angle anti-horaire a par rapport à un plan vertical V, dont la valeur est avantageusement comprise entre 20° et 30° (de préférence entre 20° et 25°).
Le tronçon longitudinal inférieur 15b s'étend quant à lui dans un plan 15b' formant ici un angle horaire b par rapport à un plan vertical V, dont la valeur est avantageusement comprise entre 30° et 40° (de préférence entre 35° et 40°).For example, according to the figure 7 The upper longitudinal section 15 a defines a plane 15 is here forming a counterclockwise angle with respect to a vertical plane V, the value of which is advantageously between 20 ° and 30 ° (preferably between 20 ° and 25 ° ).
The bottom longitudinal portion 15 b extends in turn in a plane 15 b 'here forms a schedule angle b with respect to a vertical plane V, the value of which is advantageously between 30 ° and 40 ° (preferably between 35 ° and 40 °).

Les angles a et b s'étendent en sens inverse l'un par rapport à l'autre.The angles a and b extend in opposite directions relative to each other.

La structure avant 20 intègre encore un conduit 21 pour le cheminement du flux d'air depuis les moyens ventilateurs 16 jusqu'à la buse 15.The front structure 20 further integrates a duct 21 for the flow of air flow from the fan means 16 to the nozzle 15.

Ce conduit 21 comporte - une chambre amont 21a, ménagée dans la partie inférieure 20b de la structure avant 20 et raccordée aux moyens ventilateurs 16, et - une partie tubulaire aval 21b, ménagée dans la partie supérieure 20a de la structure avant 20, longeant l'ouverture avant 6 sur sa circonférence et raccordée à la buse 15.This conduit 21 has - an upstream chamber 21a, formed in the lower portion 20 b of the front structure 20 and connected to means fans 16, and - a downstream tubular portion 21b, formed in the upper part 20 a of the front structure 20, along the front opening 6 on its circumference and connected to the nozzle 15.

La partie tubulaire aval 21b du conduit 21 définit une forme générale annulaire en combinaison avec la chambre amont 21a, pour entourer l'ouverture avant 6 sur toute sa circonférence.The downstream tubular portion 21b of the conduit 21 defines a generally annular shape in combination with the upstream chamber 21a to surround the front opening 6 along its entire circumference.

La chambre amont 21a est délimitée ici, en partie supérieure, par la portion longitudinale inférieure 11b de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10.The upstream chamber 21a is defined here, in the upper part, the lower longitudinal portion 11b of the inner tubular surface 10.

Cette chambre amont 21a alimente ainsi en air le tronçon longitudinal inférieur 15b de la buse 15.This upstream chamber 21 thus supplies air to the lower longitudinal portion 15 b of the nozzle 15.

La partie tubulaire aval 21b du conduit 21, ici en forme de U, comporte deux tronçons latéraux 21b1 (non visibles, mais désignés sur la figure 5 à titre indicatif) intégrés dans les bras latéraux 20a1 de forme tubulaire.
Les deux tronçons latéraux 21b1 sont reliés, du côté amont, à la chambre amont 21a et, du côté aval, par un tronçon longitudinal aval 21b2 de la partie tubulaire aval 21b qui est intégré dans le bras longitudinal 20a2 également de forme tubulaire.The downstream tubular portion 21b of the conduit 21, here U-shaped, comprises two lateral sections 21 b1 (not shown, but designated the figure 5 as an indication) integrated in the tubular-shaped lateral arms 20 a1 .
The two lateral sections 21 b1 are connected, on the upstream side, the upstream chamber 21a and the downstream side, by a downstream longitudinal portion 21 b2 of the downstream tubular portion 21b which is integrated into the trailing arm 20 also a2 tubular shape.

Les tronçons latéraux 21b1 et le tronçon longitudinal aval 21b2 de la partie tubulaire aval 21b alimentent ainsi en air, respectivement, les tronçons latéraux 15c et le tronçon longitudinal supérieur 15a de la buse 15.Lateral sections 21 b1 and the downstream longitudinal portion 21 b 2 of the downstream tubular portion 21 b and supply air, respectively, the lateral sections 15 c and the upper longitudinal portion 15 to the nozzle 15.

La bordure avant 13 de l'ouverture avant 6, et la fente 15 formant buse, s'étendent dans un plan général P qui est incliné vers l'arrière, du bas vers le haut, par rapport au plan vertical V (figure 7).The front edge 13 of the front opening 6, and the slot 15 forming a nozzle, extend in a general plane P which is inclined towards the rear, from the bottom upwards, with respect to the vertical plane V ( figure 7 ).

L'angle c défini par ce plan général P, par rapport à la verticale, consiste ici en un angle horaire, dont la valeur est avantageusement comprise entre 15° et 25° (de préférence de l'ordre de 20°).The angle c defined by this general plane P, with respect to the vertical, consists here of a time angle, the value of which is advantageously between 15 ° and 25 ° (preferably of the order of 20 °).

Tel qu'illustré sur les figures 6 à 8, la structure avant 20 est constituée ici par deux pièces, l'une avant 25 et l'autre arrière 26, solidarisées de manière étanche à l'air pour délimiter le conduit 21 pour le cheminement d'air.As illustrated on Figures 6 to 8 , the front structure 20 is constituted here by two parts, one before 25 and the other rear 26, secured in an airtight manner to define the duct 21 for the air flow.

Selon la figure 8, les deux pièces de structure 25 et 26 comportent chacune deux parties complémentaires l'une de l'autre, à savoir :

  • une partie supérieure annulaire 25a et 26a, pour former ensemble la partie supérieure 20a de la structure avant 20 (en particulier la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 associée à la partie tubulaire aval 21b du conduit 21), et
  • une partie inférieure 25b et 26b, pour former ensemble la base 20b de la structure avant 20 (en particulier la chambre inférieure 21a du conduit 21).
According to figure 8 , the two structural parts 25 and 26 each comprise two parts complementary to each other, namely:
  • an annular upper part 25 a and 26 a, to form together the upper part 20 a of the front structure 20 (in particular the inner tubular surface 10 associated with the downstream tubular portion 21b of the conduit 21) and
  • a lower part 25 b and 26 b, to form the base assembly 20 b of the front structure 20 (in particular the lower chamber 21a of the duct 21).

Au niveau de sa partie inférieure 26b, la pièce arrière 26 est munie d'un orifice 27 pour le passage de l'air généré par les moyens ventilateurs 16.At its lower part 26b , the rear part 26 is provided with an orifice 27 for the passage of air generated by the fan means 16.

De plus, les parties supérieures annulaires 25a et 26a de ces deux pièces 25 et 26 comportent des bordures annulaires complémentaires 25a' et 26a' qui sont destinées à venir en regard et à proximité l'une de l'autre, pour délimiter entre elles la fente 15 formant buse (figure 7).In addition, the annular upper portions 25a and 26a of these two parts 25 and 26 comprise complementary annular edges 25 a 'and 26 a' which are intended to come opposite and close to each other, for delimit between them the slot 15 forming a nozzle ( figure 7 ).

La distance entre ces deux bordures annulaires complémentaires 25a' et 26a' est avantageusement comprise entre 0,3 et 0,7 mm, de préférence de l'ordre de 0,5 mm.The distance between these two complementary annular edges 25 a 'and 26 a' is advantageously between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, preferably of the order of 0.5 mm.

En pratique, l'utilisateur introduit ses mains mouillées au travers de l'ouverture avant 6, à côté l'une de l'autre et approximativement dans un même plan.In practice, the user introduces his wet hands through the front opening 6, next to each other and approximately in the same plane.

Lorsque les mains de l'utilisateur sont introduites au travers de l'ouverture avant 6 et atteignent le logement 5, ces mains pénètrent dans la zone de détection Z du détecteur de proximité capacitif 19.When the hands of the user are introduced through the front opening 6 and reach the housing 5, these hands enter the detection zone Z of the capacitive proximity detector 19.

La carte électronique 17 provoque alors la mise en fonctionnement des moyens ventilateurs 16, de sorte à générer le flux d'air au travers de la buse 15.The electronic card 17 then causes the operation of the fan means 16, so as to generate the flow of air through the nozzle 15.

Ce flux d'air circule dans le conduit 21, formé par la chambre amont 21a et la partie tubulaire aval 21b, et il est projeté au travers de la buse 15 dont la forme assure sa conformation en lame d'air annulaire et son orientation vers l'arrière (légèrement en direction de la face arrière 2a).This air flow circulates in the conduit 21 formed by the upstream chamber 21a and the downstream tubular portion 21b, and is projected through the nozzle 15, the shape ensures its conformation annular air gap and backward orientation (slightly towards the rear face 2 a).

Lorsque l'utilisateur déplace ses mains en translation au travers de l'ouverture avant 6 pour les retirer de la zone de séchage 4, la lame d'air L a alors pour action d'éliminer l'eau par des phénomènes combinant poussée, barrière à l'eau et évaporation.When the user moves his hands in translation through the front opening 6 to remove them from the drying zone 4, the air knife L then acts to eliminate the water by phenomena combining push, barrier to water and evaporation.

L'eau s'écoulant des mains est ici récupérée par le collecteur 7.The water flowing from the hands is here recovered by the collector 7.

Si nécessaire, notamment pour optimiser le séchage, l'utilisateur peut procéder à un ou plusieurs allers-retours au travers de l'ouverture avant 6.If necessary, especially to optimize drying, the user can proceed one or more back and forth through the front opening 6.

Ce dispositif de séchage 1 est particulièrement efficace, du fait que sa lame d'air séchante assure une action sur le dessus et le dessous des mains, mais aussi sur les côtés.This drying device 1 is particularly effective, because its drying air blade provides an action on the top and bottom of the hands, but also on the sides.

Selon une variante de réalisation non représentée, deux buses en forme de fente sont ménagées sur la longueur des deux portions longitudinales 11 de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10, pour générer chacune une lame d'air longitudinale. Ces deux lames d'air longitudinales sont orientées l'une vers l'autre.
Dans ce cas, les portions latérales 12 de la surface intérieure tubulaire 10 peuvent être dépourvues de buses de projection d'air ; elles peuvent aussi être équipées chacune d'une buse secondaire, en forme de fente pour constituer ensemble une fente discontinue, pour la projection d'une lame d'air latérale en complément des deux lames d'air longitudinales précitées.According to an alternative embodiment not shown, two slot-shaped nozzles are provided along the length of the two longitudinal portions 11 of the tubular inner surface 10, each to generate a longitudinal air gap. These two longitudinal air blades are oriented towards each other.
In this case, the lateral portions 12 of the tubular inner surface 10 may be devoid of air jet nozzles; they may also be each equipped with a secondary nozzle, in the form of a slot to form together a discontinuous slot, for the projection of a side air plate in addition to the two longitudinal air blades mentioned above.

Dans le présent mode de réalisation, un circuit imprimé 18 unique porte l'ensemble des composants électroniques/électriques utiles au fonctionnement du dispositif sèche-mains 1. Cette configuration est particulièrement intéressante pour faciliter l'assemblage du dispositif sèche-main 1 et les opérations de service après vente.In the present embodiment, a single printed circuit 18 carries all the electronic / electrical components useful for the operation of the hand dryer device 1. This configuration is particularly advantageous for facilitating the assembly of the hand dryer device 1 and the operations after sales service.

Mais selon une variante de réalisation possible, il pourrait tout-à-fait être envisagé de disposer les composants électroniques/électroniques sur au moins deux circuits imprimés.But according to an alternative embodiment possible, it could quite be envisaged to have the electronic / electronic components on at least two printed circuits.

Par exemple, tel qu'illustré sur la figure 9, un premier circuit imprimé 181, dit encore « carte antenne », porte le capteur 19a ; un second circuit imprimé 182, désigné encore « carte maîtresse », porte notamment le contrôleur 19b, ainsi que les composants électroniques/électriques utiles au fonctionnement du sèche-mains 1.For example, as illustrated on the figure 9 A first printed circuit board 181, also said "card antenna", the door sensor 19 a; a second printed circuit 182, also designated "master card", including the controller 19b , as well as electronic / electrical components useful for the operation of the hand dryer 1.

Ces deux circuits imprimés 181, 182 sont raccordés électriquement par une connexion filaire 183 (ou liaison filaire).These two printed circuits 181, 182 are electrically connected by a wire connection 183 (or wire connection).

Les circuits imprimés 181, 182 peuvent ainsi être positionnés de manière optimale au sein du dispositif sèche-mains, indépendamment l'un de l'autre ; en l'occurrence, le premier circuit imprimé 181, formant le capteur 19a, est agencé juste en-dessous du fond 7 formant collecteur.The printed circuits 181, 182 can thus be positioned optimally within the hand dryer device, independently of one another; in this case, the first printed circuit board 181, forming the sensor 19a, is arranged just below the manifold 7 forming the bottom.

La forme de réalisation du dispositif sèche-mains 1 ne doit pas non plus être considérée comme limitative.The embodiment of the hand dryer device 1 must also not be considered as limiting.

En effet, le détecteur de proximité capacitif selon l'invention peut équiper toute autre forme souhaitée de dispositif sèche-mains.
Par exemple, ce détecteur de proximité capacitif peut équiper un dispositif sèche-mains dont la buse de projection est ménagée sur sa face inférieure pour la projection d'un flux d'air chaud. La zone de détection capacitive est ainsi ménagée au niveau de cette même face inférieure et s'étend au moins en partie dans la zone de séchage de la buse.Indeed, the capacitive proximity sensor according to the invention can equip any other desired form of hand dryer device.
For example, this capacitive proximity sensor can equip a hand dryer device whose spray nozzle is provided on its underside for the projection of a flow of hot air. The capacitive detection zone is thus formed at the same lower face and extends at least partially in the nozzle drying zone.

De manière générale, un dispositif sèche-mains selon l'invention a l'intérêt d'être plus simple sur le plan de la conception et de l'assemblage, mais aussi d'être plus fiable.In general, a hand dryer device according to the invention has the advantage of being simpler in terms of design and assembly, but also to be more reliable.

En particulier, il n'est plus nécessaire de prévoir une fenêtre avec une pièce d'obturation transparente/translucide, pour laisser passer les rayonnements optiques de détection.In particular, it is no longer necessary to provide a window with a transparent / translucent sealing piece, to let optical detection radiation pass.

Claims (10)

  1. A hand-dryer device comprising :
    (i) means (16) for producing a flow of air,
    (ii) at least one nozzle (5) that is connected to said air flow production means (16), for throwing an air blow adapted to dry the hands of a user in a drying zone (4), and
    (iii) means (17) for controlling said air flow production means (16), including at least one proximity sensor (19) provided with a detection zone (Z), said control means (17) being intended to power said air flow production means (16) on when the user's hand(s) are present in said detection zone (Z),
    wherein said proximity sensor (19) consists of a capacitive proximity sensor,
    wherein said hand-dryer device includes at least one outer part (7, 11b) forming at least a portion of the envelope of said hand-dryer device (1), said outer part (7, 11b) being made of an opaque material, and
    wherein said capacitive proximity sensor (19) is positioned behind said outer part (7, 11b) and has a detection zone (Z) that extends through and opposite this outer part (7, 11b),
    wherein said drying zone (4) comprises a front opening (6) for the passage of the user's hands, which is equipped with at least the slot-shaped nozzle (15) for throwing at least one air blade (L) adapted to eliminate the water present on said hands,
    wherein said drying zone (4) has a lower wall (7) placed on the rear of said front opening (6) to form a water collector, and said capacitive proximity sensor (19) is positioned under said lower wall (7), with the detection zone (Z) extending upward and through said lower wall (7),
    wherein said hand-dryer device has a front wall (2b), opposite which an individual is intended to come,
    characterized in that said detection zone (Z) of the capacitive proximity sensor (19) extends just behind said slot-shaped nozzle (15),
    and in that said hand-dryer device includes at least one metal part (2b) forming a barrier for the detection zone (Z) of the capacitive proximity detector (19) at said front wall (2b), so as to define the front limit of said detection zone (Z).
  2. The hand-dryer device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front opening (6) has an elongated shape, adapted for the positioning of the user's two hands side by side and in a same horizontal plane, in that the slot-shaped nozzle(s) 15 extend over the whole length, or approximately the whole length, of said front opening (6), and in that the detection zone (Z) of the capacitive proximity sensor (19) extends over at least half the length of said front opening (6).
  3. The hand-dryer device according to any one of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front opening (6) of the drying zone (4) is delimited by a tubular inner surface (10) including two longitudinal portions (11a, 11b) connected by two lateral portions (12), and in that the slot-shaped nozzle(s) (15) are arranged at least over the length of one at least of said longitudinal portions (11a, 11b).
  4. The hand-dryer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the capacitive proximity sensor (19) is implanted over at least one printed circuit (18, 181).
  5. The hand-dryer device according to claim 4, characterized in that the capacitive proximity sensor (19) comprises a sensor (19a) consisted by a conductive lining covering at least a portion of one of the faces (18b) of the printed circuit (18, 181).
  6. The hand-dryer device according to any one of claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the capacitive proximity sensor (19) also comprises a controller (19b) connected to said sensor (19a).
  7. The hand-dryer device according to claim 6, characterized in that the controller (19b) and the sensor (19a) are carried by a same printed circuit (18), said sensor (19a) being implanted on a first face (18b) and the controller (19b) being implanted on a second face (18a).
  8. The hand-dryer device according to claim 7, characterized in that the printed circuit (18) carries the sensor (19a), as well as the electronic/electric components for the operation of said hand-dryer device (1).
  9. The hand-dryer device according to claim 8, characterized in that a first printed circuit (181) carries the sensor (19a), and in that a second printed circuit (182) carries the controller (19b).
  10. The hand-dryer device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the detection zone (Z) of the capacitive proximity sensor (19) is comprised between 10 and 20 cm.
EP13708196.4A 2012-02-02 2013-02-01 Hand-dryer device having proximity sensor Active EP2809214B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1250988A FR2986411B1 (en) 2012-02-02 2012-02-02 HAND-HELD DEVICE WITH PROXIMITY DETECTOR
PCT/FR2013/050219 WO2013114056A1 (en) 2012-02-02 2013-02-01 Hand-dryer device having proximity sensor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2809214A1 EP2809214A1 (en) 2014-12-10
EP2809214B1 true EP2809214B1 (en) 2018-04-04

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EP (1) EP2809214B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2676222T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2986411B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013114056A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11083340B2 (en) 2016-06-08 2021-08-10 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Multi-function fixture for a lavatory system
US11542692B2 (en) 2016-06-08 2023-01-03 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Multi-function fixture with soap refill system
US11015329B2 (en) 2016-06-08 2021-05-25 Bradley Corporation Lavatory drain system
GB2562234B (en) * 2017-05-08 2021-04-07 Dyson Technology Ltd A hand dryer
DE102019007279A1 (en) * 2019-10-16 2021-04-22 Electrostar Gmbh Hand dryer

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2078510B (en) * 1980-06-12 1984-09-05 Smiths Industries Ltd Warm-air drying apparatus
WO2007015036A1 (en) * 2005-08-01 2007-02-08 Karn Limited Hand dryer
WO2011044247A1 (en) * 2009-10-07 2011-04-14 Bradley Fixtures Corporation Lavatory system with hand dryer

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WO2013114056A1 (en) 2013-08-08
ES2676222T3 (en) 2018-07-17
FR2986411A1 (en) 2013-08-09
FR2986411B1 (en) 2014-07-04
EP2809214A1 (en) 2014-12-10

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