JP3976074B2 - Hand dryer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hand drying device that hygienically dries wet hands after washing.

The conventional hand drying apparatus is configured to eject high-pressure air when a wet hand is inserted and to dry the hand by blowing off moisture adhering to the hand (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In addition, there is a method in which hand hygiene such as hand washing, hand drying, and disinfection is performed at the same time, and a treatment chamber into which the hand is inserted is always kept clean with electrolytic water (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-6-62978 (5-7, FIG. 1) JP 2000-300465 (page 4-5, FIG. 5)

  The conventional hand drying apparatus has a problem that it cannot be sterilized sufficiently when there are a lot of organic matter and moisture adhering to the surface of the processing chamber into which the hand is inserted.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and obtains a hand-drying device that can reliably clean and sterilize a processing chamber into which a hand is inserted, and can ensure hand hygiene. It is.

  The hand drying device according to the present invention includes an outer box, a processing chamber provided with an opening at the front and side surfaces of the box, nozzles respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the processing chamber, and the nozzle A high-pressure air generator for generating high-speed air to be supplied to the apparatus, an electrolyzer for generating alkaline water or acidic water, a heating means for heating the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolyzer, and the alkaline water Alternatively, an injection port for injecting acidic water into the processing chamber and a water tank for supplying water to the electrolyzer, and after drying the hand with the high-speed air, the alkaline water is injected into the processing chamber, Then, after injecting water into the processing chamber, the acidic water is injected.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hand dryer which can wash | clean and sterilize reliably the processing chamber in which a hand is inserted, and can ensure the sanitary property of a hand is obtained.

  In the hand drying apparatus of the present invention, a processing chamber having a front surface and a side surface opened is provided in an outer box. Nozzles are disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the processing chamber. A high-pressure air generator that generates high-speed air supplied to the nozzle and an electrolyzer that generates alkaline water or acidic water are provided. Further, a heating means for heating the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolysis apparatus, an injection port for injecting alkaline water or acidic water into the treatment chamber, and a water tank for supplying water to the electrolysis apparatus are provided. Yes. After the hand is dried with high-speed air, alkaline water is sprayed into the processing chamber, and then water is sprayed into the processing chamber, and then acidic water is sprayed.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a structural cross-sectional view showing the entirety of a hand-drying apparatus showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a growth pH range of microorganisms. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a box that forms the outline of a hand dryer. The front panel is composed of a front panel, the back panel is composed of a back panel, both sides are composed of left and right side panels, the top panel is a top panel, and the bottom is a portal frame. Composed. Reference numeral 2 denotes a processing chamber having an opening having a substantially U-shaped cross section that opens on the front side and both side surfaces of the box 1 and inclines downward toward the back side, and a hand that is an object to be dried is inserted and removed. Further, the opening having a substantially U-shaped cross section has a height and depth at which a hand can be freely inserted and removed while being visible, and a drain port (see FIG. (Not shown) is formed.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a high-pressure air generator for sending high-speed air sufficient to blow off moisture on the surface of a wet hand into the processing chamber 2, for example, a DC brushless motor (not shown) and a turbo fan rotated by the motor. (Not shown) is configured as a unit, and is disposed at the bottom of the box 1. The motor used in the high-pressure air generator 3 is not limited to a DC brushless motor, and may be a general commutator motor. An intake duct 4 is provided at the bottom of the box 1 so as to open toward the outside of the machine. The intake duct 4 communicates with the intake side of the high-pressure air generator 3 to send air.

  Reference numerals 5a and 5b denote exhaust ducts having one end connected to the exhaust side of the high-pressure air generator 3, the other end opening in a flat trumpet shape, and blowing nozzles 6a and 6b for blowing out high-pressure air at the open end. Is provided. The blowing nozzles 6a and 6b are disposed so that wind can be simultaneously applied to both the back side and the palm side of the hand, the blowing nozzle 6a is directed downward to the upper part of the entrance of the processing chamber 2, and the blowing nozzle 6b is disposed in the processing chamber 2. At the bottom of the entrance is attached upward. Further, the blowing nozzles 6a and 6b are formed in a row with a plurality of nozzle holes in the horizontal direction.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a human body detection sensor that is provided in the processing chamber 2 and detects the entry / exit of a hand. Reference numeral 8 denotes a water channel that connects a drainage tank 9 for storing drainage and a drainage port (not shown) formed in the bottom of the processing chamber 2.

  10 is an electrolyzer provided with a pair of facing electrodes for sterilizing the surface of the processing chamber 2 and 11 is a water tank for supplying water to the electrolyzer 10. , 12 are pumps for sucking water from the water tank 11, 13a and 13b are alkaline water hoses and acidic water hoses for discharging electrolyzed water (alkaline water and acidic water) generated by the electrolyzer 10, 14a , 14b is a solenoid valve provided at each outlet of the electrolysis apparatus 10 so that alkaline water and acidic water are alternately discharged, 15 is a heating means for heating the generated electrolyzed water, and 16 is directed toward the processing chamber 2. It is an atomizing solenoid valve for opening and closing the outlet portion of the spray port 17 (spray port) for spraying electrolyzed water.

Next, the operation will be described.
When a wet hand, which is an object to be dried, is inserted into the processing chamber 2, the human body detection sensor 7 detects it and the high-pressure air generator 3 is started. Then, air outside the machine is sucked into the high-pressure air generator 3 from the intake duct 4 to become high pressure, and high-pressure air is generated. This high-pressure air is sent from the exhaust side of the high-pressure air generator 3 into the exhaust ducts 5a and 5b, and at a predetermined inclination from the nozzles 6a and 6b of the processing chamber 2 As blown out. The water droplets on the hand are blown away at a stretch by the high-speed air to the front, that is, the back side of the processing chamber 2, and the hand is dried. The water droplets blown from the hand are pushed to the end of the bottom of the back side of the processing chamber 2 by both its own weight and wind force, flow down to the water channel 8 from the drain port formed in this portion, and drain from the processing chamber 2 Is done. The water flowing down the water channel 8 is received by the drain tank 9. Further, the air blown out from the nozzles 6a and 6b is discharged to the outside from both sides of the processing chamber 2.

  The blowing of the wind from the nozzles 6a and 6b is performed for a certain time, and then the driving of the high-pressure air generator 3 is stopped, and the drying processing operation is finished. Further, when the fixed time has not passed, that is, when the hand inserted during the drying operation is pulled out from the processing chamber 2, the absence of the hand is detected by the human body detection sensor 7, and the driving of the high-pressure air generator 3 is stopped. To do.

  When the drying treatment operation is repeated, many water droplets that do not flow into the drainage tank 9 adhere to the surface of the treatment chamber 2, so that microorganisms such as bacteria propagate. Accordingly, here, a counting means for counting the number of times of use is provided, and when the predetermined number of times of use is exceeded, control is performed to shift to the sterilization processing operation. It should be noted that instead of the predetermined number of times of use, it is possible to measure the time after the end of the hand drying process and shift to the sterilization process operation when a certain time has elapsed.

  When the sterilization processing operation is performed, the pump 12 is activated and water is pumped from the water tank 11 to the electrolyzer 10. When the inside of the electrolyzer 10 is full, the electrode is energized and electrolyzed. Thereafter, energization is stopped, the solenoid valve 14a is opened, and the alkaline water generated by electrolysis is drained from the alkaline water hose 13a. After being heated by the heating means 15, the alkaline water is sprayed from the spray port 17 toward the entire surface of the processing chamber 2 to swell dirt on the surface of the processing chamber 2 and at the same time sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria.

  After the alkaline water is sprayed, the solenoid valve 14 a is closed, and when a certain time has elapsed, the pump 12 is operated again to suck up water from the water tank 11. Since the electromagnetic valves 14 a and 14 b are closed, water is sprayed directly from the spray port 17 onto the surface of the processing chamber 2. And the dirt swollen with alkaline water is washed away also using the power that water flows down. Subsequently, the electromagnetic valve 14b is opened, and the acidic water remaining in the electrolyzer 10 is drained from the acidic water hose 13b. Then, after being heated by the heating means 15, the acidic water is sprayed from the spray port 17 toward the surface of the processing chamber 2 to sterilize the processing chamber 2.

Here, the sterilization effect by the amount of bacteria and pH in the water droplets remaining in the processing chamber 2 will be described. The water droplets that did not flow into the drainage tank 9 and remained in the processing chamber 2 indicate that there are 100 bacteria / ml or less of general bacteria in tap water from the water supply standard, and that 1E + 02 to 1E + 07 general bacteria exist in human fingers. From the fact that it exists, it can be seen that it contains a high concentration of bacteria. For example, the bacteria concentration of water adhering to the processing chamber 2 is about 1E + 02 to 1E + 04 / ml. Furthermore, the water droplets also contain fats such as sebum, and the bacteria are in a condition where they can propagate sufficiently after adhering to the treatment chamber 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the bactericidal effect due to pH is generally that the growth range of bacteria is pH 4 to pH 9, so that the bacteria die when the pH is out of the range. Therefore, bacteria are considered to have a bactericidal effect at pH 3 or lower and pH 10 or higher. In other words, bacteria having 1E + 04 per 1 cm ² have a bactericidal effect by contacting electrolytic acid water and alkaline water having a pH of 3 or less and a pH of 10 or more. Moreover, if it is pH of this level, even if a hand touches the processing chamber 2, there is almost no influence on a human body.

  Furthermore, when a high sterilizing effect is required, the concentration of hypochlorous acid on the acidic water side may be increased. For example, it can be realized by providing a salt injection mechanism in front of the electrolyzer 10, sending salt water of a certain concentration into the electrolyzer 10, and performing electrolysis.

  Strong alkaline water also has a high cleaning effect. Since the dirt in the processing chamber 2 is derived from humans, there are many protein components. Proteins swell and dissolve and decompose in principle when they come into contact with alkalinity. The effect is remarkable at a pH of 10 or more, and the surface becomes dirty. If you wash it with water after it floats, the dirt will flow down. Furthermore, by raising the alkaline water to a high temperature, the cleaning effect is improved, and the spray amount of the alkaline water is also reduced. If it is normal temperature and 60 degreeC, a cleaning effect will become 2 times or more.

  The concentration of the bacteria adhering to the processing chamber 2 is 1E + 02 to 1E + 04 / ml per person at a time, and the number of bacteria increases depending on the number of use times and the use time. In addition, when the number of times of use of bacteria adheres, the number of bacteria attached in the initial stage increases with time. Further, when one person dries his / her hand, about 1 to 2 ml of water droplets adhere to the processing chamber 2. For example, a water droplet with a concentration of 1E + 02 bacteria / ml per person adheres to the 1 ml treatment chamber 2 and calculates the number of bacteria after use when 100 people use it. Here, it is assumed that an interval is used by one person for about 1 minute, and it takes 2 hours to use 100 persons. Considering the amount of bacteria that simply attach and increase during 2 hours and the amount that the bacteria that originally adhered doubled, the doubling time differs depending on the type and breeding environment, but the number of bacteria is 1 Assuming that the time is about doubled, the number of bacteria is about 1.55E + 04 after 2 hours. When the number of users is 50 people in 2 hours, it is about 8E + 03. The degree of contamination is also proportional to the number of bacteria, and the greater the number of people and the number of uses, the greater the amount of contamination.

  In this way, since the number of bacteria varies greatly depending on the number of users, a means for integrating the number of times of use with a counter or the like is provided, and if the number of times of use is large, the pH is adjusted to be higher by increasing the value of the current flowing through the electrode You may control to. Alternatively, the generation time may be lengthened to increase the spray amount, or the generation interval may be shortened to increase the number of sprays.

  That is, when spraying alkaline water or acidic water, depending on the number of use or the use time, the treatment chamber 2 can be adjusted by adjusting at least one of pH, spray amount, and spray interval of the electrolyzed water. It can be reliably sterilized effectively. Moreover, alkaline water or acidic water can be generated efficiently, and the life of the electrolyzer can be extended.

  Further, since water droplets after use remain in the processing chamber 2, even if sprayed with alkaline water or acidic water having high detergency and sterilizing power, if the amount of water droplets is large, it is diluted and the pH is reduced. It approaches neutrality and the effect is reduced. Accordingly, after the drying process is completed, the high-pressure air generator 3 is automatically started each time, at regular time intervals, or at regular frequency of use, and the high-speed air is supplied from the nozzles 6a and 6b to the processing chamber 2. It is good to blow out and dry, and to produce | generate and spray alkaline water or acidic water after that.

  In general, the survival / growth of bacteria and moisture are closely related, and bacterial species that are vulnerable to drying such as Escherichia coli are killed. Many are less resistant to sterilization. In addition, by drying, bacteria that are vulnerable to drying die, so the spray amount is small, the spray interval is long, and the pH can be set close to neutrality.

  Moreover, since high temperature alkaline water or acidic water is sprayed from the spraying port 17, it is preferable to perform a sterilization processing operation when it is not in a hand drying process for safety. For example, after confirming that the person is not used by the human body detection sensor 7, spraying may be performed.

  According to the first embodiment, as a means for cleaning and sterilizing the surface of the processing chamber 2, an electrolyzer is provided inside the main body, and alkaline water and acidic water are generated, heated to high temperature, and then released. The dirt in the processing chamber 2 can be reliably washed and sterilized. Moreover, even if a hand contacts the processing chamber 2 during hand drying, the hand is not contaminated and can be used with confidence.

  Moreover, if it controls so that electrolyzed water is not injected when inserting a hand, a user's safety | security can be further ensured.

  Moreover, by spraying the alkaline water and then flowing water, it is possible to easily remove dirt and improve the hygiene of the entire processing chamber 2. Furthermore, the sterilization effect is further improved by spraying acidic water on the surface of the processing chamber 2 from which the dirt has been removed.

  In addition, alkaline water or acidic water is released after the surface of the treatment chamber is dried, so that the bacteria attached to the treatment chamber are killed by drying and are effectively washed and sterilized with a small amount of neutral or electrolyzed water. be able to. In addition, since the water droplets adhering to the treatment chamber are dried after the manual drying treatment operation, and the sterilization treatment is performed, the sprayed electrolyzed water is prevented from being diluted, and the sterilization effect can be further improved.

Reference Example 1
FIG. 3 is a structural cross-sectional view showing the entirety of the hand drying apparatus of Reference Example 1 , and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the sterilizing effect of acidic water. In the figure, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 18 a denotes an alkaline water outflow hose generated by the electrolyzer 10, which is connected to the spray port 17, and an electromagnetic valve 16 is provided between the spray port 17 and the electrolyzer 10. The outflow is adjusted. 18 b is an acid water outflow hose generated by the electrolyzer 10, and is connected to the drain tank 9 so that the acid water flows down to the drain tank 9.

Next, the operation will be described.
The hand drying processing operation is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. When the drying treatment operation is repeated, a large number of remaining water droplets that do not flow into the drainage tank 9 adhere to the treatment chamber 2, so that microorganisms such as bacteria propagate. Accordingly, control is performed so as to shift to the sterilization processing operation after a lapse of a certain time after the drying operation is completed or after the hand drying processing operation is performed a certain number of times. When shifting to the sterilization treatment operation, the pump 12 connected to the electrolyzer 10 is activated to pump water from the water tank 11 to fill the electrolyzer 10 with water, and then the electrode is energized to conduct electrolysis. Do. After completion of the electrolysis, the energization is stopped, the solenoid valve 16 is opened, and the alkaline water generated by the electrolysis is drained from the alkaline water hose 18a. Then, after heating by the heating means 15, spraying is performed toward the entire surface of the processing chamber 2 through the spraying port 17. On the other hand, the acidic water produced simultaneously with the alkaline water flows into the drainage tank 9 through the acidic water hose 18b, sterilizes the bacteria in the drainage tank 9 and decomposes organic matter by the high sterilization power of the acidic water. .

In Reference Example 1 , a case where alkaline water having a pH of 11 or higher is generated will be described. With alkaline water having a pH of 11 or more, the soil is swollen and removed, and at the same time, a sufficient bactericidal effect is obtained. On the other hand, when alkaline water having a pH of 11 or higher is generated, strongly acidic water is generated, and hypochlorous acid is also generated. Hypochlorous acid is a strong oxidant, so it oxidizes and decomposes organic matter and has a strong bactericidal effect against fungi due to low pH and hypochlorous acid.

  FIG. 4 shows the bactericidal effect when electrolytic acid water (pH 2.7 or less) and nutrients (0.1% peptone and 0.1% glucose) are added. As shown in FIG. 4, generally, bacteria cannot inhabit at a pH of 2.7 or lower, so that strongly acidic water has a high bactericidal effect. The drainage tank 9 also contains hand germs, and when left untreated, the concentration of bacteria is high. For example, when the pH is 2.7 or less and the chlorine concentration is 30 mg / L for 1E + 05 cells / ml, In many cases, even when chlorine is high, it has a sterilizing effect of 4 digits or more in 10 minutes.

  However, since this effect is reduced when diluted, it is preferable to control so that acidic water is poured when a small amount of water is accumulated in the drainage tank 9. Assuming that the amount of water per person before hand-drying is 2 ml and that half of it flows into the drainage tank 9, it is 10 ml for 10 people. In order to sterilize the drain tank 9, for example, it is preferable to shift to a sterilization processing operation for every 10 people and drive the electrolyzer 10.

  In addition, since water droplets after use remain in the processing chamber 2, even if sprayed with alkaline water having high detergency and sterilizing power, if the amount of water droplets is large, it is diluted and the pH approaches neutral. , The effect may be reduced. For this reason, the high-pressure air generator 3 is automatically started every time it is used, at regular intervals, or at regular intervals, and high-speed air blows out from the nozzles 6a and 6b to the processing chamber 2 to dry it. Thereafter, alkaline water is preferably generated and sprayed.

  In general, the survival / growth of bacteria and moisture are closely related, and bacterial species that are vulnerable to drying such as Escherichia coli are killed. Many are less resistant to sterilization. In addition, by drying, bacteria that are vulnerable to drying die, so the spray amount is small, the spray interval is long, and the pH can be set close to neutrality.

  Moreover, since hot alkaline water is sprayed from the spraying port 17, it is preferable to spray when the user is not using the hand dryer. For example, a human body detection sensor may be used to check whether or not a hand has been inserted before spraying.

According to this reference example 1 , as a means for cleaning and sterilizing the surface of the processing chamber 2, an electrolyzer is provided inside the main body, and alkaline water and acidic water are generated and heated to a high temperature, and then released. The dirt in the processing chamber 2 can be reliably washed and sterilized. Moreover, even if a hand contacts the processing chamber 2 during hand drying, the hand is not contaminated and can be used with confidence.

  In addition, since the generated alkaline water is used as cleaning and sterilization for the processing chamber 2, and the acidic water generated at the same time is poured into the drain tank 9, the sanitary properties of the processing chamber 2 and the drain tank 9 are improved. There is an effect that both can be improved.

Reference Example 2
FIG. 5 is a structural sectional view of the hand-drying apparatus of Reference Example 2 . Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those described in the first embodiment in the drawing, and the description thereof is omitted. In Reference Example 2 , an embodiment in which the electrolyzer is provided outside the box will be described.

  An electrolysis apparatus 19 provided outside the box 1 is connected to a storage case 20 for storing alkaline water provided in the main body 1. Reference numeral 21 denotes a heating means for heating the alkaline water in the storage case 20, and 22 denotes a spraying port for spraying the alkaline water uniformly toward the processing chamber 2. An electromagnetic valve (not shown) for opening and closing the outlet of the spray port 22 is provided between the storage case 20 and the spray port 22. In addition, the storage case 20 incorporates a small electric pump (not shown). Further, the upper surface of the storage case 20 can be opened and closed, and alkaline water can be replenished from outside the box 1. Normally sealed except when alkaline water is taken in and out.

Next, the operation will be described.
The hand drying processing operation is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. After the drying operation is repeated, when a transition is made to the sterilization processing operation at the timing described in the first embodiment, a small electric pump (not shown) built in the storage case 20 is started and the electrolysis device 19 is started. The alkaline water generated in step (1) is fed into the storage case 20. Thereafter, the alkaline water is heated by the heating means 21, and when the electromagnetic valve is opened, the entire surface of the processing chamber 2 is sprayed from the spray port 22. The acidic water generated at the same time is drained from a drain port (not shown) provided on the side surface of the storage case 20.

  The alkaline water spray amount to the processing chamber 2 may be controlled at least one of the pH, the water amount, and the discharge interval of the alkaline water according to at least one of the use frequency and the use time. .

  Moreover, in order to ensure the washing and sterilizing effect of alkaline water, it may be discharged after the treatment chamber surface is dried.

  Moreover, you may control so that the heated alkaline water may be injected when a user's hand is not inserted in the hand dryer, in order to ensure safety.

According to the reference example 2 , since the electrolyzer 19 is provided outside the box 1, it can be easily attached to an existing hand dryer.

Further, the electrolyzer 19 may be separated from the main body and generated in a different place, and then the alkaline water generated in the storage case 20 may be added. Moreover, you may put the electrolytic alkaline water marketed.

According to this reference example , the electrolyzed water for cleaning and sterilizing the processing chamber is sprayed after being heated by the heating means, so that the water adhering to the hand can be blown away, and the hand can be quickly dried. It is possible to reliably clean and sterilize the processing chamber after processing.

  In addition, since alkaline water or acidic water is discharged after drying the treatment chamber, the bacteria attached to the treatment chamber are killed by drying, so it is effectively washed and sterilized with a small amount or neutral electrolyzed water. be able to.

  Further, since the heated alkaline water or acidic water is not jetted when a hand is inserted into the processing chamber, safety can be improved.

1 is a configuration cross-sectional view illustrating a hand drying device according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the growth pH range of the bacteria in connection with the hand-drying apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a structure sectional view showing the hand dryer of Reference Example 1 . It is a figure which shows the bactericidal effect of the electrolytic acid water in connection with the hand dryer of Reference Example 1 . It is a structure sectional view showing the hand dryer of Reference Example 2 .

Explanation of symbols

1 box, 2 processing chamber, 3 high pressure air generator, 4 air intake duct,
5a, 5b exhaust duct, 6a, 6b nozzle, 7 human body detection sensor,
8 water channels, 9 drainage tanks, 10 electrolyzers, 11 water tanks,
12 pump, 13a hose for alkaline water, 13b hose for acidic water,
14a, 14b solenoid valve, 15 heating means, 16 atomizing solenoid valve,
17 spraying port, 18a alkaline water hose, 18b acidic water hose,
19 electrolysis device, 20 storage case, 21 heating means, 22 spraying port.

Claims (4)

  An outer box, a processing chamber provided with the front and side surfaces of the box opened, nozzles disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the processing chamber, and high pressure air that generates high-speed air to be supplied to the nozzle An air generator, an electrolyzer that generates alkaline water or acidic water, a heating means that heats the alkaline water or acidic water generated by the electrolyzer, and the alkaline water or acidic water is injected into the processing chamber And a water tank for supplying water to the electrolyzer, and after drying hands with the high-speed air, the alkaline water is injected into the processing chamber, and then water is injected into the processing chamber. And then spraying the acidic water.   The spray amount of the alkaline water or the acidic water is characterized by adjusting at least one of the pH, the water amount, and the discharge interval of the alkaline water or the acidic water according to at least one of the use frequency and the use time. The hand dryer according to claim 1.   The hand-drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alkaline water or acidic water is discharged after the processing chamber is dried with the high-speed air.   The hand-drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alkaline water or the acid water is not jetted when a hand is inserted into the processing chamber.

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