IT202000015397A1 - INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR WASHING, DRYING AND SANITIZING HANDS - Google Patents

Description

"Integrated system for washing, drying and sanitizing hands" FIELD DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an integrated system for washing, drying and sanitizing hands.

STATE OF THE ART

Integrated systems for washing hands are known on the market comprising a tank and a dispensing assembly suitable for dispensing water and a hand cleansing substance.

Integrated systems including a mirror are also known on the market.

Generally, in these cases, ? a separate and independent hand drying device is provided, often nearby, which delivers a jet of cold or warm air.

Hand sanitizing problem? been addressed very rarely and not in an integrated way. Often, in cases where ? sanitation required, a separate and independent hand sanitizer dispenser is provided, often nearby. As far as hygiene is concerned, we rely on pedals (i.e. foot-operated control devices) or photocells (i.e. detection devices) especially for solutions suitable for being located in public places.

SUMMARY

there ? hence the need to have an integrated system for washing, drying and sanitizing hands, which is truly effective and compact. In particular, the Applicant yes? realized that during the washing and drying of hands are dispersed in the air of the surrounding environment an enormous amount? of small droplets of water; these droplets can carry bacteria and/or viruses deriving from the contact of the water supplied and the air supplied with people's hands. Therefore, the environment where hand washing and drying takes place can become highly unhealthy and therefore both the air and the surfaces of this environment should be sanitized and/or sanitized very frequently. there ? hence the need to provide a solution that guarantees high levels of hygiene especially when installed in public places (for example, hotels, rest stops, cruise ships, schools, offices). General purpose of the present invention ? to meet those needs. That purpose? achieved thanks to the integrated system having the technical characteristics expressed in the appended claims which form an integral part of the present invention.

LIST OF FIGURES

Will the present invention result? more clear from the following detailed description to be considered together with the annexed drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an integrated system according to the present invention, Fig. 2 shows schematic plan views of the system of Fig. 1 ? view A? frontal, view B ? lateral and view C ? from above,

Fig. 3 shows a schematic detail view of a possible dispensing assembly of the system of Fig.1, e

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a unit? control electronics of the system of Fig.1.

As can be easily understood, there are various ways of implementing the present invention in practice which defined in its main advantageous aspects in the annexed claims and not ? limited n? from the detailed description that follows n? from the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 an embodiment of an integrated system 100 according to the present invention and some variants thereof is described.

The 100 system? an integrated system for washing, drying and sanitizing hands.

The system 100 of Fig.1 and Fig.2 essentially comprises a dispensing assembly 20 and an aspiration assembly 30 as well as a mirror 40, and also includes as components a tub 10 (commonly called "sink"), a cabin 80 and a frame 90. However, these components (which will be better described below) could also be supplied separately and therefore, according to examples of alternative constructions to that of the figures, tub and/or cabin and/or frame may not be part of the integrated system.

As mentioned, the system 100 essentially comprises:

- a dispensing unit 20 suitable for dispensing water, a hand cleansing substance, a hand sanitizing substance and air for drying hands, and suitable for being located in correspondence with the tank 10, in particular above a compartment 11 of the tank 10, and

- a suction assembly 30 suitable for sucking in air and suitable for being located at or in the vicinity of the tank 10.

Additionally, system 100 further comprises:

- a mirror 40 located at the basin 10.

In the example of the figures, the dispensing unit protrudes from the mirror 40; there? not ? strictly necessary, but ? beneficial. In the example of the figures, the mirror 40 ? located at a certain height above the tank 10; there? not ? strictly necessary, but ? beneficial.

In the example of the figures, the mirror 40 ? an assembly that has a mirror on the front and that can? housing various components inside it, in particular components of the dispensing assembly 20 and/or of the suction assembly 30; there? not ? strictly necessary, but ? beneficial.

In the example of the figures, the dispensing assembly 20 comprises a first dispensing sub-assembly 21 and a second dispensing sub-assembly 26 close to each other, in particular side by side, and located in correspondence with the tank 10. The first sub-assembly delivery assembly 21 ? adapted to dispense water and a hand cleansing substance. The second dispensing sub-assembly 26 ? suitable for dispensing a hand sanitizing substance and air for drying hands.

In the example of the figures, the dispensing sub-assemblies 21 and/or 26 have the shape of a tube, i.e. a hollow element inside (where there may be, for example, one or more ducts and/or one or more electric conductors ). The section of the tube pu? be very varied and change along the length; in the figures the section of the tube ? constant and circular or oval in shape, and the tube? curved into an "L" or "C" shape.

As mentioned, the suction assembly 30 generally comprises various components and ? capable of sucking in air. However, can perform one or more other functions; for example can? condense moisture? of the aspirated air; for example, can sanitize the aspirated air (possibly after its dehumidification). Air sanitization can take place, for example, by means of UV rays and/or ozone.

In the figures, the only component of the suction assembly 30 which is visible are the intake grilles (even just one intake grille may be sufficient). In general, grilles or intake vents are located in such a way as to collect air laden with small droplets of water which are created during hand washing and drying.

A grill or mouth, what ? to all intents and purposes a suction device, pu? be integrated into the mirror 40 (as shown in the figures) or even into the tub 10.

In the example of the figures, there ? a grille on the right side of the mirror 40 and a grille on the left side of the mirror 40. There could be a grille on the underside of the mirror 40 and/or a grille on the upper side of the mirror 40 and/or on the front of the mirror 40.

In Fig. 3, which as gi? said ? schematic detail view of a possible dispensing assembly 20 of the system of Fig. 1, the following components are highlighted:

(on the tube of the first sub-assembly 21)

- 22 = detergent dispensing spout/nozzle

- 23 = water delivery spout

- 52 = detergent dispensing indicator (e.g. a LED) - 53 = water dispensing indicator (e.g. a LED)

- 54 = indicator-guide for user (for example a LED)

- 61 = UV lamp for sanitizing the tub

- 71 = proximity sensor? for sub-assembly 21

(on the tube of the second sub-assembly 26)

- 27 = air outlet

- 28 = mouth/sanitizer dispensing nozzle

- 57 = air delivery indicator (e.g. a LED)

- 58 = sanitizer dispensing indicator (for example a LED) - 59 = indicator-guide for the user (for example a LED)

- 66 = UV lamp for sanitizing the tub

- 76 = proximity sensor? for sub-assembly 26

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a unit? control electronics 700 of the integrated system 100 connected to the electrical and electronic components. In particular the unit? 700 receives electrical signals from the proximity sensors, in particular the sensors 71 and 76 (or even from a single proximity sensor) and consequently and suitably controls the components of the integrated system 100, in particular the components 22, 23, 27, 28, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 61, 66. The unit? 700 typically comprises a microcontroller associated with a suitable control software/firmware.

As can be seen from the two lists above, the assembly 20, in particular the two sub-assemblies 21 and 26, may not only comprise delivery spouts and/or nozzles.

In general, the integrated system 100 pu? comprising a light signaling assembly 50 equipped with visible light luminous devices, such as for example the devices 52, 53, 54, 57, 58 and 59.

These devices can be integrated in the dispensing assembly 20 (as shown in Fig.3) and/or in the mirror 40.

One or more? of these devices can be able to signal the operation of components of the integrated system 100. For example, the device 52 signals the operation of the detergent delivery, the device 53 signals the operation of the water delivery, the device 57 signals the operation of the air delivery, the device 58 signals the operation of the sanitizer delivery. One or more? of these devices can be able to signal indications of use of the integrated system 100 to the user. For example, device 54 can? notify the user (for example by flashing) the need? to bring the hands to the tube 21 and the device 59 can? notify the user (for example by flashing) the need? to approach the hands to the tube 26; alternatively, one or both devices 54 and 59 could also be used to signal to the user the need to to approach the hands generically to the tubes of the assembly 20. In addition or alternatively, devices can be provided for signaling indications of use on the front of the mirror 40; for example, a green LED could be used to signal that the user can? use the system and a red LED could be used to signal that the user cannot? use the system.

The dispensing unit of Fig. 3 can? foresee, for example, two different operations. In general, the operation of the integrated system according to the present invention can be very varied and different depending on how it is implemented in practice.

According to a first possible operation, when the user's hands are detected by the sensor 71 or by the sensor 76 (or by a sensor if only one is provided instead of two sensors), a suitably timed cycle begins under the control of the unit. 700 which provides for dispensing in sequence from the elements 22, 23, 27 and 28. The indicator 54 starts flashing inviting the user to bring his hands near the tube 21; then there ? dispensing from element 22 and indicator 52 lights up; then there ? dispensing from element 23 and indicator 53 lights up; then the indicator 59 starts flashing inviting the user to bring his hands near the tube 26; then there ? dispensing from element 27 and indicator 57 lights up; finally there ? dispensing from element 28 and indicator 58 lights.

According to a second possible operation, when the user's hands are detected by the sensor 71, a first suitably timed cycle begins under the control of the unit. 700 which provides for dispensing in sequence from elements 22 and 23. The indicator 54 starts flashing indicating to the user that the cycle is about to start; then there ? dispensing from element 22 and indicator 52 lights up; finally there ? dispensing from the element 23 and the indicator 53 lights up. 700 which provides for dispensing in sequence from elements 27 and 28. The indicator 59 starts flashing indicating to the user that the cycle is about to start; then there ? dispensing from element 27 and indicator 57 lights up; finally there ? dispensing from element 28 and indicator 58 lights up.

Among the many variants of the system according to the present invention, a sensor could also be provided for each dispensing spout/nozzle. In this case, for example, the cycle could not be timed, but determined by the movement of the hands and the indicators 22, 23, 27 and 28 could be used not only to signal operation but also to signal indications of use. In general, the integrated system 100 pu? include a sanitation assembly 60 equipped with devices suitable for sanitizing the tub 10 and/or the surrounding environment in particular after use, i.e. after a person has ? washed, dried and sanitized hands and before another person does the same. For example, the ultraviolet light luminous device 61 shown in Fig. 3 can serve to sanitize the left area of the tub 10 in particular of its compartment 11 and the ultraviolet light luminous device 66 shown in Fig. 3 can serve to sanitize the right area of the tub 10 in particular of its compartment 11; ? it should be noted that, alternatively, the devices 61 and 66 could be integrated in the mirror 40, in particular in its lower side. For example, in Fig.1 and Fig.2 two devices 62 and 67 can be seen integrated in the mirror 40, in particular in its right side and in its left side, suitable for sanitizing the surrounding environment by nebulizing sanitizing substances; moreover, the devices 62 and 67 can also be able to nebulise perfuming substances. Are devices 61, 62, 66 and 67, if present, also controlled by the unit? 700. As seen in Fig. 2, the system 100 ? advantageously associated with a cabin 80 able to surround the system with the tank; in this way, you can? limit, at least in part, the circulation of air loaded with small droplets of water that are created during hand washing and drying. The cabin 80 ? open on its front side, but an access door could also be provided. The cabin 80 ? essentially made up of walls (flat and/or curved) for example of glass or polycarbonate.

As seen in Fig. 2C, system 100 ? advantageously associated with a frame 90 for fixing the system to the wall. The 90 frame can? be used for example for fixing the mirror 40 (with relative assemblies 20 and 30) and, possibly, also the tub 10.

In the example of Fig.2C, after fixing, all the components of the integrated system are external to the wall; instead, the frame 90 (which could also be much more voluminous than the one shown in Fig. 2C) is? inside the wall. Alternatively, after fixing, at least some of the components of the integrated system could be internal to the wall.

Very advantageously, you can? provide that the integrated system according to the present invention is associated with antibacterial material. According to a first example, this antibacterial material can be used to make the entire tub or part of the tub, or cover the entire tub (which can be made, for example, of metallic material) or part of the tub.

According to a second example, this antibacterial material can be used to cover (in whole or in part) one or more? walls and/or a floor of a room where the integrated system? installed.

According to a third example, this antibacterial material can be used both for the tub and for the walls and floor in order to create a sort of "safe zone" where to position the integrated system.

It is worth mentioning that the antibacterial material can be even only on a surface layer of a body and derive from a surface treatment.

It is also worth mentioning that there are special materials on the market which are not simply antibacterial, but also anti-odour, self-cleaning and anti-pollution; such special materials are particularly suitable for use in association with the integrated system according to the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. Integrated system (100) for washing, drying and sanitizing hands associated or adapted to be associated with a tub (10) and comprising: - a dispensing assembly (20) suitable for dispensing water, a hand cleansing substance, a hand sanitizing substance and air for drying hands, said dispensing assembly being adapted to be located in correspondence with said tank (10) , in particular above a compartment (11) of said tub (10), e - an aspiration assembly (30) suitable for sucking in air and suitable for being located at or in the vicinity of said tank (10). 2. Integrated system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a mirror (40) located in correspondence with said tank (10). 3. Integrated system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said dispensing assembly (20) comprises a first (21) and a second (26) dispensing sub-assemblies close to each other, in particular side by side, and located in correspondence with said tank (10), in which the first dispensing sub-assembly (21) ? suitable for dispensing water and a hand cleansing substance, and the second dispensing sub-assembly (26) ? suitable for dispensing a hand sanitizing substance and air for drying hands. 4. Integrated system (100) according to claim 3, wherein said first and second dispensing sub-assemblies (21, 26) have a tubular shape. 5. Integrated system (100) according to claim 2 and claim 3 or 4, wherein said first and second dispensing sub-assemblies (21.26) protrude from said mirror (40). 6. Integrated system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one suction device of said suction assembly (30) ? integrated in said tub (10) or in said mirror (40). 7. Integrated system (100) according to claim 6, wherein said suction device (30) is located on the front and/or on one or more? of the sides of said mirror (40). 8. Integrated system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a luminous signaling assembly (50) equipped with visible light luminous devices (52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 59), in particular integrated in said dispensing assembly (20) and/or in said mirror (40), able to signal the operation of components of the integrated system (100) and/or to signal indications of use of the integrated system (100). 9. Integrated system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sanitation assembly (60), said sanitation assembly (60) being equipped with ultraviolet light luminous devices (61, 66) and/or nebulization devices (62, 67), suitable for sanitizing said tub (10) and/or the surrounding environment, particularly after use. 10. Integrated system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a unit? control electronics (70) suitable for controlling the operation of components of the integrated system (100) according to one or more? proximity sensors? (71, 76), in particular integrated in said dispensing assembly (20). 11. Integrated system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, being associated or able to be associated with a cabin (80), in particular open on one of its front sides, and suitable for surrounding the integrated system (100) and the tank (10). 12. Integrated system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, being associated or able to be associated with a frame (90) for fixing the integrated system (100) and possibly the tub (10) to a wall, said integrated system (100) resulting after said fixing wholly or partly external to the wall. 13. Integrated system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, being associated with antibacterial material, in particular said antibacterial material being integrated into or fixed on the tank (10) and/or coating one or more? walls or a floor of a room where the integrated system? installed.