Classifications

• • 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
  • A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
  • A47K3/02—Baths
  • A47K3/022—Baths specially adapted for particular use, e.g. for washing the feet, for bathing in sitting position
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H35/00—Baths for specific parts of the body
  • A61H35/006—Baths for specific parts of the body for the feet
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
  • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
  • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for cleaning the lower limbs of a user wishing to access a swimming area.
• Footbaths are usually present at the exit of the changing rooms of public swimming pools, in the form of a shallow basin containing a disinfectant diluted in water.
• the invention aims to provide a new type of device for cleaning or disinfecting the lower limbs of a user, wishing to access a public bathing area, more economical in water and disinfectant compared to current footbaths, in order to to limit the risks of chemical or microbiological contamination of swimming pool water, by the presence of residues on the lower limbs of swimmers.
• the invention provides a device for cleaning and / or disinfecting the lower limbs of a user wishing to access a bathing area.
• the cleaning and / or disinfection device comprises:
• control module configured to activate the nebulization means when the detection means detect the presence of a user on the coating.
• the invention proposes the use of nebulization means to project an aqueous solution for cleaning and / or disinfection, preferably disinfection, on the lower limbs of a user walking on the coating. of the cleaning device.
• the nebulization means are activated by the control module, only when the detection means identify the presence of a user on the coating.
• the cleaning and / or disinfection device described above consumes a smaller quantity of aqueous solution than a footbath, to clean the lower limbs of a user wishing to access a bathing area, because the consumption of solution water is proportional to the number of users of the cleaning device, which is not the case for a footbath.
• the nebulization means are configured to project above the coating, an aqueous cleaning and / or disinfection solution, in the form of a mist consisting of fine droplets suspended in the air.
• the nebulization means make it possible to quickly temper the aqueous solution in contact with ambient air, before the aqueous solution is deposited on the skin of a user.
• the aqueous solution is deposited delicately and gradually on the skin of a user, thereby providing a softer and more pleasant sensation of cleaning and / or rinsing of his lower limbs, compared to immersion. of his lower limbs in a footbath.
• the cleaning device according to the invention is also more hygienic than a footbath, because the aqueous solution projected by the nebulization means is intended to be in contact with a single user, unlike a footbath in which the same aqueous solution is used to clean the lower limbs of several users.
• the surface of the coating intended to be walked on by the bare feet of a user is permeable to the aqueous solution projected by the nebulization means.
• the surface of the coating is configured to absorb the aqueous solution settling on its surface, so that a user does not step in a puddle of aqueous solution, which can create a feeling of discomfort and concentrate. residues from the lower limbs of previous users.
• At least one nebulization means comprises a container closed by a microperforated membrane and means for vibrating the microperforated membrane, so as to be able to expel an aqueous solution present in the membrane.
• the container in the form of a mist consisting of fine droplets of aqueous solution.
• the sizes of the droplets expelled by the nebulization means are between 10 ⁇ m and 30 ⁇ m, preferably of the order of 20 ⁇ m.
• the vibrating means comprise at least one piezoelectric actuator.
• at least one piezoelectric actuator capable of vibrating in a frequency range between 300 Hz and 2500 Hz.
• the use of a piezoelectric actuator makes it possible to preserve the phase as well as the nature of the aqueous solution during of its projection.
• a piezoelectric actuator consumes very little electrical energy and operates quietly.
• the cleaning device is able to operate on an electric battery, which favors its installation in humid environments where the use of electrical wiring is not recommended or prohibited.
• the cleaning device comprises means for heating the coating.
• the coating is permeable to an aqueous solution and means for collecting the aqueous solution passing through the coating are present under the coating.
• the nebulization means are fluidly supplied by at least one storage container for an aqueous solution comprising a disinfectant.
• At least two detection means are arranged along the coating, and the control module is configured to activate a first nebulization means when a first detection means locates the presence of a user on a first location of the coating, and / or activate a second nebulization means when a second detection means detects the presence of a user on a second location of the coating.
• the first nebulization means is fluidly supplied by a first storage vessel comprising a first aqueous solution
• the second nebulization means is fluidly supplied by a second storage vessel comprising a second aqueous solution.
• the first aqueous solution is different from the second aqueous solution.
• the concentration of a disinfectant is greater in the first aqueous solution than in the second aqueous solution.
• the nebulization means are arranged to project the aqueous solution at the level of the feet of a user passing over the coating.
• the means for detecting the presence of a user on the coating comprise at least one photodetector and / or at least one pressure sensor.
• the invention also relates to an aqueous cleaning and / or disinfection solution, intended to supply the nebulization means of a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aqueous solution comprises, in volume proportion, between 1% and 10% of one or more essential oils or vegetable essences, preferably between 4% and 8%, preferably of the order of 6%.
• the aqueous solution comprises at least one essential oil or vegetable essence based on thyme, lemongrass, tea tree or others.
• the aqueous solution comprises between 60% and 70% alcohol in volume proportion, preferably of the order of 64%.
• the aqueous solution comprises between 20% and 39% water in volume proportion, preferably of the order of 30%.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention
• FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 1.
• the invention proposes a new type of device for cleaning and / or disinfecting the lower limbs of a user, wishing to access a bathing area, more economical in water and in disinfectant compared to current footbaths. .
• FIG. 1 illustrates a first non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention.
• the cleaning device 2 comprises a covering 4 intended to be walked on by the bare feet of a user.
• the coating 4 delimits an access path to an area public bathing.
• the coating 4 extends along a direction of travel 6, taken by users wishing to access the public bathing area.
• the length of the coating, defined according to the direction of travel 6, is between 1 m and 5 m, preferably between 2 m and 3 m.
• the width of the coating, defined in a direction normal to the direction of travel 6, is between 0.5 m and 2 m, preferably between 0.8 m and 1.6 m.
• Liner 4 consists of a spongy layer 4A, wrapped in a cover 4B.
• the spongy layer 4A is permeable to an aqueous solution, in order to prevent a phenomenon of stagnation of an aqueous solution on its surface, and more generally, the formation of puddles of aqueous solution on the spongy layer 4A.
• the spongy layer 4A is configured to retain a portion of an aqueous solution, flowing over the spongy layer, to allow moistening of the arches of the feet of users stepping on the spongy layer 4A.
• the spongy layer 4A is characterized by a tensile strength defined according to the French standard EN 1607 of May 2013, equal to or less than 40 kPa.
• the spongy layer 4 is made from a material capable of settling slightly under the effect of pressure.
• the spongy layer 4 belongs to class C of compressibility when its temperature is of the order of 60 ° C and subjected to a pressure of 25 kPa, the absolute settlement of the coating is of the order of 0.3 mm. .
• the spongy layer 4A is formed from an agglomerated foam, based on polyurethane.
• the density of the coating is of the order of 120 kg / m 3 .
• the thickness of the spongy layer 4A defined in a direction normal to its length and to its width, is of the order of 40 mm.
• the spongy layer 4A is wrapped in a cover 4B, permeable to an aqueous solution.
• the cover 4B has openings allowing the passage of an aqueous solution, so as to prevent an accumulation of aqueous solution on the surface of the cover and allow the moistening of the spongy layer 4A.
• the cover is characterized by a certain flexibility and uniformity of the surface.
• the cover 4B is made of a material providing a feeling of physical contact of soft touch type.
• the cover 4B can also include non-slip means known from the state of the art.
• the cover 4B is made from one of the following materials: polyester, nylon or the like. According to another advantage, the cover 4B makes it possible to prevent premature wear of the spongy layer.
• the aqueous solution passing through the coating 4 is recovered by collection means 8 visible in Figure 1, arranged under the coating 4.
• the collection means 8 comprise a grid 10 serving as a support for the coating 4, and a recovery basin 12 positioned under the grid.
• the bottom 14 of the basin has a bottom plug 16 to allow the basin to be emptied.
• Two barriers 18 and 18A are arranged on each side of the coating 4, in order to force a user to walk the entire length of the coating 4 before entering the public swimming area.
• the barriers are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.
• the smallest distance between a barrier and an edge of the mat is less than 10 cm, preferably zero.
• the internal faces 20 of the barriers facing each other are impervious to an aqueous solution and they are normal or substantially normal to the coating 4.
• the height of the internal faces 20, defined in the same direction normal to the coating 4, is included. between 0.1 m and 1.5 m, preferably between 0.3 m and 0.8 m.
• the internal faces 20 of the barriers also serve as a support for means 22 for nebulizing an aqueous solution.
• each nebulization means 22 comprises a container 26 closed at one of its faces by a microperforated membrane 28.
• the microperforated membrane 28 is made from nickel and the perforations have a diameter of between 1 ⁇ m and 4 ⁇ m.
• a piezoelectric actuator 30 is held against the microperforated membrane 28, in order to make it vibrate in a frequency range between 300 Hz and 2500 Hz, so as to expel through the microperforated membrane an aqueous solution present in the container 26
• the aqueous solution is expelled from the container 26 in the form of a mist 32, consisting of fine droplets suspended in the ambient air.
• the size of the droplets is between 10 ⁇ m and 30 ⁇ m in diameter, preferably of the order of 20 ⁇ m in diameter.
• the angle of dispersion of the jet of aqueous solution, at the level of the microperforated membrane is between 30 ° and 120 °, preferably between 60 ° and 90 °.
• the nebulization means 22 are suitable for expelling an aqueous solution at a flow rate of 1 ml / min and 25 ml / min, preferably between 10 ml / min and 20 ml / min.
• the nebulization means 22 are arranged along the direction of travel 6, so that the aqueous solution expelled by the nebulization means is deposited on the lower limbs of a user walking on the coating 4, preferably at the level of his feet and ankles.
• their number as well as their spacing are adjusted on the internal face 22 of the wall 18A.
• the internal face 20 of the barrier 18A serves as a support for three nebulization means 22.
• the nebulization means 22 are aligned in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the coating 4.
• the gap between the nebulization means 22 and the coating 4 is between 0.1 m and 0.5 m, preferably between 0.2 m and 0.3 m.
• the distance between two adjacent nebulization means 22 is between 50 cm and 1 m, preferably between 60 cm and 80 cm.
• the containers 26 of the nebulization means 22 are supplied with aqueous solution 34, via a supply channel 36 visible in FIG. 1.
• the supply channel 36 fluidly connects the interior of each container to a storage container 38.
• the storage container 38 is housed in the barrier 18A carrying the nebulization means 22.
• the storage container 38 comprises a flexible bag filled with an aqueous solution 34.
• the internal volume of the flexible bag is between 3 L and 15 L, preferably between 5 L and 20 L.
• the flexible bag comprises a reversible connection system 40, allowing a fluid connection and disconnection to the supply channel 36, quick and easy.
• the cleaning device 2 also comprises detection means, able to identify the presence of a user on the coating 4.
• the detection means can be of two types, without or with physical contact.
• a contactless sensor can for example be an infrared optical sensor 44, positioned on the same internal face 20A of the barrier 18A carrying the means nebulization 22.
• a sensor with physical contact can for example be a pressure sensor 46, of the piezoelectric type. The pressure sensor is then positioned under the coating 4.
• the detection means are positioned so as to be upstream of the nebulization means 22, with respect to the direction of travel 6 illustrated in FIG. 2.
• the cleaning device 2 also comprises a control module 48, housed in a barrier 18A.
• the control module 48 is connected to the nebulization means 22 and to the detection means 42 described above.
• connected we mean here the fact that two entities exchange information in the form of electrical signals.
• the control module 48 comprises a protection box 50, provided with a connection interface 52 to the nebulization and detection means.
• the protective housing 50 contains a digital signal processor 54 and an electronic storage unit 56.
• the storage unit 56 integrates the different steps of a method of operating the cleaning device, implementing the following steps.
• the processor 54 frequently or continuously interrogates at least one detection means described above.
• the processor 54 activates the piezoelectric actuator of at least one nebulization means 22, for a period of between a few seconds and several tens of seconds.
• the operating time of each nebulization means 22 is set so as to apply a layer of aqueous solution on the lower limbs of a user moving on the coating 4.
• the operating time of each nebulization means 22 is adapted according to its arrangement on the internal face 20 of the wall 18A, its flow rate and angle of diffusion of aqueous solution. According to the present example, all the nebulization means are activated at the same time and for the same duration.
• the invention thus proposes a cleaning device making it possible to spray an aqueous solution on the lower limbs of a user walking on the coating 4.
• the nebulization means are set to operate only when a user borrows the cleaning device.
• the aqueous solution is sprayed by the nebulization means 22 in the form of a cloud of extremely fine particles, at a rate sufficient to impregnate and / or rinse the skin of a user.
• the processor 54 activates sequentially or one after the other the nebulization means 22, along the direction path 6, so as to project the aqueous solution only when a user passes in front of a nebulization means. This solution allows greater savings in aqueous solution.
• At least two nebulization means are arranged at different heights relative to the coating.
• the nebulization means upstream of the travel direction 6 are positioned at a greater height of the coating 4 than the nebulization means located downstream of the travel direction.
• the height of the nebulization means 22, relative to the coating 4 decreases along the direction of travel 6.
• a cleaning device comprises at least two distinct detection means, arranged at different positions along the direction of travel 6. Each detection means is connected to the processor 54. The operating method is then configured to activate only the nebulization means (s) closest to each detection means, when they identify the nebulization means. presence of a user on the coating 4. In other words, the cleaning device is configured to project the aqueous solution only in an area where the user is located.
• This solution has the advantage of being more economical in aqueous solution, because it adapts in real time the operation of the nebulization means according to the time spent by a user on an area of the coating.
• a cleaning device comprises several storage containers.
• Each storage container supplies one or more nebulization means present along a portion of the coating.
• Storage containers contain an aqueous solution comprising a concentration of disinfectant that varies from container to container. Along the direction of travel 6, the concentration of disinfectant is preferably decreasing in the storage containers. According to a preferred embodiment, the concentration of disinfectant agent is close to zero in the last storage container so as to rinse the limbs of a user about to exit the cleaning device.
• a cleaning device comprises a system for heating the coating 4.
• the heating system may include electrical resistances or a duct for circulating a heat transfer fluid, present in or under the coating.
• a cleaning device comprises a coating partially absorbing an aqueous solution on its surface.
• an aqueous solution is no longer able to pass through the thickness of the coating.
• the coating is preferably configured to absorb a small amount of aqueous solution on its surface and subsequently allow it to evaporate, so that a user does not feel like walking in a puddle or film of water.
• the cover 4B can serve as a support for visual communication.
• the invention also relates to an aqueous cleaning and / or disinfection solution, intended for use with a cleaning or disinfection device described above.
• the aqueous solution is composed in proportion by volume, between 20% and 40% of water, preferably of the order of 30%, of an alcohol of between 50% and 70%, preferably of the order of 30%, of an essential oil or of an essential essence of between 1% and 10%, preferably of the order of 6%.
• the essential oil or essential essence includes at least one of the following components: thyme, lemongrass, tea tree.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
• Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

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• 2019
  • 2019-09-27 FR FR1910738A patent/FR3101265B1/fr active Active
• 2020
  • 2020-09-25 CA CA3152737A patent/CA3152737A1/fr active Pending
  • 2020-09-25 EP EP20780695.1A patent/EP4034736B1/de active Active
  • 2020-09-25 WO PCT/EP2020/076956 patent/WO2021058770A1/fr active Application Filing

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