WO2020208280A1

WO2020208280A1 - Hygienic-sanitary device for door knobs

Info

Publication number: WO2020208280A1
Application number: PCT/ES2020/070211
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joaquin LANZAS TORRES
Original assignee: Lanzas Torres Joaquin
Priority date: 2019-04-09
Filing date: 2020-03-30
Publication date: 2020-10-15
Also published as: ES2786448A1; ES2786448B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a hygienic-sanitary device (1), to be installed on the doors of toilets/bathrooms, or other rooms that for reasons of hygiene and disinfection require same, with the purpose of keeping the door knob treated and free of microorganisms as an element with high potential for transmission of infections through contact with the hands, and thereby the own asepsis of the hands when grasping the knob in the opening action. In figure 2, the knob (6) rotates the clamp (2) attached thereto, which supports the ratchet (2.1) and on which the latter swings, pushing and causing the rotary movement, step by step, of the gear wheel (3) with each of the opening movements of the knob. The cam (4) driven by the wheel (3), gradually moves, through contact, the cylinder rod (7), and the latter in its movement sucks up and accumulates the fluid which, when the rod is released from the push of the cam, dischargesthe chosen germicidal fluid onto the knob, or the knobs, having specific constructive characteristics.

Description

HYGIENIC-SANITARY DEVICE FOR DOOR KNOBS

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention belongs to the sector of hygienic-sanitary equipment and more specifically to the elimination of possible contagions that affect health.

The object of the present invention is a device formed by a set of components to be installed on the doorknobs of toilets / bathrooms, other dependencies that for hygiene reasons require it, so that using the opening / closing movements of the knob, they put into operation mechanical means that transfer the received impulses to accumulative elements of antiseptic fluids to, at predetermined times, be discharged onto the knob itself in order to preserve, when irrigated on it, possible infections through the hands.

The present invention does not require any type of energy so it could be included as a clean and environmentally friendly invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The concern for the search for solutions that remedy, minimize and avoid possible contagion of infections in certain foci with a greater potential for unwanted transmissions, has been and is, a constant in the health field, as well as in numerous research centers, including there is a social awareness about this problem.

In this sense, the infections associated with health care (HAI) according to the EPINE study (Prevalence stage of infections in Spain), reaches levels that are seriously concerned about their impact on health, in the economic costs that it entails as well as in the human and material resources that are required, so that all action and means that could help minimize these consequences would be highly valued.

One of the links best known as a transmitter of germs, viruses, microbes and a broad spectrum of pathogens or transient flora, is contagion through the hands, called by professionals as cross infection, a situation that is getting worse and more evident in toilets in general and more clearly in public and hospital toilets given the function they fulfill and the influx and diversity of people who use them.

The previous comment is even more relevant if we attend to various and numerous follow-ups of the situations given in the use of public toilets, which yield statistics that indicate that approximately 50% of the people who use the toilets do not wash their hands later to the function and / or use made.

In searches carried out both nationally and internationally, with the means and tools that the applicant has available, no similar systems have been detected that respond to this situation, although existing research, as well as market actions are more focused on materials antibacterial for contact or covering elements, and among these the doorknobs. In any case, regardless of the preventive level that is achieved, the residual or permanent antimicrobial and bacteriological capacity over time with only material, is under continuous investigation to achieve better efficiency.

Likewise, the solution based only on the construction material, is limited given that specific types of materials are associated only with certain families of pathogens, without the possibility of adaptation to other flora to be able to combat, so it is limited according to the situation to manage.

Therefore, the proposed invention arises only from the need and concern to seek solutions and provide creative, practical and real ideas that can provide answers to the important problem discussed, so it has not been possible to take into account, or be based on a known state of the art. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the objectives, avoid the drawbacks mentioned in the previous sections, the invention proposes a hygienic-sanitary device, to be installed on bathroom doors or similar, focused on the problem of their knobs, in order to maintain the asepsis of the knob and with it that of the hands of possible germs and / or environment of the place.

The device object of this invention, in a preferred embodiment, comprises air-liquid injection elements, which starting from the opening / closing movements of the door knob, these are transformed into mechanical impulses that by means of a push cam will move the stem of a small cylinder, filling one of its chambers with air and compressing it in the other, the latter with the function of using compressed air as a driving spring for the stem, which after a certain number of impulses (movements of the knob), It is released from the thrust of the cam, discharging the air accumulated in the open chamber of the cylinder on the knob itself, causing its flow in the discharge a small depression or vacuum used to suck up an antiseptic product in the proportions and air-liquid atomization adequate.

A mixture of air and product will be introduced into the knob, which with special design characteristics and construction material must reach and surround the entire contact surface of the knob, thus achieving, on the one hand, the treatment of the knob itself, and on the other When gripping it, if desired, facilitate impregnation of one of the hands, making it possible to wash-asepsis between both.

The device contemplates a number of impulses, determined by the movements of the knob or door openings, prior to each discharge of the system, since it is considered that in those places with a lot of traffic and after a discharge the knob maintains the remaining state of disinfection during various uses, in any case it allows various stages of regulation according to needs.

In another preferred embodiment, starting from the same mechanical components and similar operating operation of the device object of the invention, in this application the cylinder, of simple effect, one of its chambers is filled with antiseptic liquid to later be discharged to the knob / s driven by the cylinder spring itself once released from the Pushing the cam, the flow of liquid towards the knob is passed through a small vacuum ejector with an air intake in order to achieve an optimal and efficient liquid-air mixture and atomization for the proposed purpose.

In another of the preferred embodiments of the device proposed in the invention, starting from the same mechanisms and operating mode of action, the push cam of the stem, with a single crest, is replaced by a cam with several peaks with which to actuate the injection system with each of the knob movements. This application comprises a system, an antiseptic liquid reservoir, with characteristics and operation similar to those commercialized in the market, with the injection system integrated.

The main advantages of this invention are summarized as follows:

The device object of the invention is designed to be able to treat a wide spectrum of pathogens by focusing its function and development in an integral way in several complementary directions; Knob with antimicrobial characteristics, injection system or continuous treatment of the knob / s, as a product applicator, for hand washing, if desired also contributing to the creation of a good smell as an air freshener.

The device can be installed on any type of door in which the opening / closing system is hinged and the knob performs the standard movement of plus / minus 30 ^e , practically all the installed doors, except for the sliding doors.

The device is designed so that all the elements and mechanisms are contained within a discreet, attractive and light box (chest) to be mounted on the outside of one of the faces of the door, inside the washbasin, just above the knob opening.

The consumption of the germicidal agent, according to the necessary richness of the mixture, is considered low, even so its replacement would be carried out easily with only the opening of a small window located in the device box itself, in which, in addition, by means of viewfinder, you can check its level.

The anticipated antimicrobial agents can be chosen by consumers according to the type and flora to be treated, in any case those of rapid evaporation once applied, normally used in hospitals, would be the most appropriate, thus facilitating hand drying without the need for any other means.

The possibility of being able to irrigate the tube with products of a broad antibacterial spectrum provides this invention with an advantage of great interest, and it is that of allowing a wide coverage according to the types of pathogens to be treated, even temporary epidemics, such as influenza or the like.

In the same sense of the previous point, the device, due to its constructive characteristics and possible use of fluids with different properties, is also suitable for the use of essential oils, thus taking care of and collaborating with sustainable development.

The device object of the invention is designed, preferably, to install and treat the knob located inside the toilet / bathroom door and / or place to be prevented, however the device contemplates the option of treating both knobs of the same door if desired, a situation that with minor adjustments would be carried out.

In the sense of the previous point, the device is designed in such a way that it can be installed on both sides of the same face of the door, since commercially, the doors can have the knob on the right or left side, such a situation is solved by performing small internal adjustments without the need for new elements.

Likewise, another added advantage of the proposed invention is that of contributing to a more pleasant atmosphere of the place, by the mere fact of disinfesting or even being able to include some air freshener or perfumed component in the product.

Another significant characteristic of the invention of this device is the "no" need for external energy for its operation, this being generated by the single opening movement of the door.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is going to be made below and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, it is attached as an integral part of said description, a set of plans where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Fig. 1. It shows a general overview of the device (1) of a possible preferred embodiment installed on the door and with the different elements assembled according to the present invention.

Figure 2. Shows a detailed view of a possible embodiment of the device in which the exploded view of the different mechanical components that comprise them.

Figure 3. Shows a schematic view of a possible preferred embodiment of the internal pneumatic system of the device, elements for accumulating and regulating fluids.

Figure 4. Shows another possible preferred embodiment for an application that, based on an actuation system, by means of movement of the knob and the same mechanical components, presents an alternative of the pneumatic system for accumulating and irrigating the antiseptic product.

Figure 5. Shows a perspective view of a possible preferred embodiment of the knobs and more specifically of the one located on the exit face of the door.

Figure 6. Shows the supply and replacement system for the antiseptic liquid.

Figure 7. Shows another preferred embodiment in which, starting from the same operation of movement of the knob, as a mechanical actuation means, it contemplates irrigation with each impulse and / or opening of the door.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in them, which comprises the parts and elements that are indicated and described in detail below.

As already indicated, and as seen in Figures 1 to 3, the hygienic device- sanitary (1), to be installed on bathroom / toilet doors, others, in a preferred embodiment essentially comprises the following elements and operation:

With each movement of the knob, the tilting ratchet (2.1) and supported by the flange (2), which split in its half is fixed by screws to the knob (6), makes that with each action of opening the door it pushes the toothed wheel (3), and this, fixed by screws to the cam (4) causes the movement of the cylinder rod (7) in the upward direction of its stroke.

To avoid possible setbacks caused by the pressure exerted by the cam (4) on its upward slope, the device includes the adjustment O-ring (4.1) with the adjustment and brake function.

Once the cam (4), after certain pulses of the knob, passes its highest projection, the crest of the cam, the rod of the cylinder (7) descends, pushed by the air trapped and compressed in its chamber (a), thus discharging the air from the chamber (b) of the cylinder previously replaced on the rise of the stem, over the square (5) through a small duct and connector (5.3), and through this, to the door knob (6).

The flow caused by the discharge of the air from the chamber (b) onto the square (5), is previously passed through a small ejector (10), to which the feeding of the germicidal liquid contained in the tank (1 1) is connected .

The richness of the air-liquid mixture can be adjusted by means of the flow regulating valve (9), located in the conduit that connects the liquid tank (1 1) with the ejector (10).

A non-return valve located on the standard and threaded cap (1 1 .1) of the tank prevents possible liquid back-ups.

The details and functions of the valves and their regulation are discussed in the following pneumatic diagram:

In Figure 3, the pneumatic single-line diagram of the device (1) is shown as well as the elements that comprise it. The double-acting cylinder (7) and anti-twist rod with low friction characteristics and high internal sealing capacity, guarantees the tightness between its chambers (a and b).

The chamber (a) of the cylinder (7), comprises an adjustable, unidirectional pressure safety valve (7a), which allows the filling of air into this chamber through its free passage when the rod goes down, the stroke has ended and the chamber has been depressurized. When the stem rises, the air trapped in this chamber is compressed to a manually preset pressure by the aforementioned safety valve (7a), which will subsequently allow the stem to be lowered once released by the cam (4), starting the cycle again; filling-compression-impulsion and discharge.

Likewise, in the chamber (b) of the cylinder (7) it comprises a unidirectional manual flow regulation valve (7b), with the function of allowing the filling of air into this chamber through its free passage when the stem rises, and later, when it is pushed down by the pressure of the chamber (a), regulate the discharge flow of the air destined for the door knob, consequently the lowering speed of the cylinder rod (7) and the irrigation time to knob / s.

Figure 3 completes other elements already discussed above and included in the device (1), thus the check valve located in the threaded cap (1 1.1) of the tank (1 1), has the function of allowing only the flow in one direction . The flow regulating valve (9) will allow setting the appropriate amount of liquid in the mixture, and the ejector (10), which, caused by the air flow as a consequence of the discharge of air from the cylinder (7), will exert a small vacuum creating the depression necessary for the absorption of the liquid from the tank (1 1).

Once set the valve settings should not require new adjustments.

In another preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 4, the cylinder (8), in this single-acting application, its stem is pushed by the same knob / s operation and mechanisms. Its chamber (b), is filling with antiseptic liquid in each of the upward impulses of the stem. The placement of the tank (1 1), in this case inverted, aided by a small depression exerted by the stem on its rise, ensures the filling of the chamber. When the stem is released by the cam (4), it is pushed downwards by the spring in its chamber (a), discharging the accumulated liquid through the manual flow regulation valve (8b) towards the square (5 ) of the knob. Prior to In connection with the knob, the flow is passed through the ejector (10) in order to allow the capture of air for a better atomization of the mixture. The non-return valve (1 1 .1), located on the tank's screw cap (1 1), prevents unwanted returns and spills.

Likewise, Figure 5, in the different preferred embodiments of the device of the invention (1), shows the knob (6), the inner side of the door, which comprises in its execution a proposed knob split into two parts or halves, joined each other (6.2). Both halves comprise as a joint (6.1) a flexible element -see detail- which, in addition to ensuring the union and sealing of the parts, performs the function of distributing the fluid mixture through small channels made and distributed throughout the interior of the knob (6), which also, depending on the depth and size of the distribution channels, will allow setting the pressure drop, scope and quantity of the fluid to be irrigated. The knob in its upper part comprises micro-holes, and at its end a small threaded cap where, optionally, a small sprayer can be installed.

Regarding the manufacturing material of the knob, it will be manufactured, preferably with wooden materials (WPC), additive injection plastic, and / or metals with antibacterial properties.

Figure 6 shows in a preferred embodiment of the hygienic-sanitary device (1), the situation of the tank, in terms of its loading and / or replacement of germicidal liquid, for which it comprises a compartment independent from the rest of the regulation elements, that by means of a hinged door in which a small viewer allows to check its level, gives access to the tank (1 1), refillable and / or exchangeable once the liquid has been exhausted. The bottle change is carried out by simply removing the staple tank (1 1 .2) and unscrewing the standard size cap and built-in non-return valve (1 1.1), screwing it into the same or new bottle.

Figure 7 shows another possible preferred embodiment of the sanitary hygienic device (1), in which, starting from the same mechanism and operation of opening and movements of the door as actuation elements of the irrigation system, in this application, the injection or discharges will take place in "each one" of the impulses or movements of the knob / s, for which the thrust cam (4) is replaced by a cam with several ridges (4.2), and this, by means of the lever-rocker (13) , transfers the thrust of each of its cams or ridges to a small piston of the existing cylinder and integrated into the injection system (12), with characteristics similar to those marketed on the market as atomizers, equipped with a screw cap with an integrated injection system (12.1).

A screw (13.1) located on the lever-rocker (13), allows to regulate the thrust and stroke of the system plunger, consequently the amount of product to be irrigated in each of the pulses of the knob (6).

For a better understanding and effectiveness of the device, some of the adjustments and adaptations are explained below so that, prior to their use and provision, they can be carried out according to service needs: (Figure 2 can help in monitoring):

-Adjustment of the number of impulses prior to the discharge of the air / liquid mixture; The proposed device comprises two adjustment possibilities, for which two toothed wheels (3) and (3.1 R) with double teeth are contemplated, as well as two ratchets (2) and (2.1 R) of different length. The change of wheel and ratchet, allows doubling the number of impulses, therefore the frequency between each action of irrigating the knob.

-Use in the Installation of the 2 knob; The square (5) is prepared for the coupling of the second knob and that this is also irrigated by the liquid, for this, the cap (5.1) would be removed and the knob with the same characteristics as the one mounted on the other side would be inserted, installing another gasket (5.2) and pin (6.3).

-Situation of the knob position according to the folding movement of the door; Since the push and actuation movement of the irrigation system takes place with each of the opening movements of the knob, the device (1) is prepared so that just by reversing the position, -half a turn- of the toothed wheel (3 ), cam (4) and pawl (2.1), remain in service.

-Adjustment of the irrigation flow to the knob; In addition to the measures set out above that can influence the irrigation flow, the device also contemplates the possibility of adjusting the flow rate and scope of the fluid, by changing the knob seal (6.1), with grooves of different steps, especially useful and applicable in liquids with varied viscosities.

Claims

1.- Hygienic-sanitary device for door knobs, characterized in that it is made up of at least one knob (6), based on two halves joined by screws (6.2) and a seal (6.1) made of semi-rigid material, which comprises On its surface, channels for the distribution of a fluid on the knob, a knob that is linked to a square (5) that joins both knobs, channeled inside, connected to a system for injection of the fluid towards one or both knobs of the door , with the particularity that the knob is associated with a drive mechanism of the fluid injection system.

2. hygiene and health for doorknobs, according to claim 1, characterized in that the device drive mechanism the injection system is embodied in a fluid gearwheel (3) screwed to a cam (4), driven by a ratchet (2.1) tilting, and supported by a split clamp (2) fixed to the knob (6), comprising elements transforming the knob movement, plus / minus 30 ^e , in rotary, step by step, cam (4) that moves linearly the stroke of the rod of a cylinder (7), driving air or fluid through a conduit to the knob, conduction that communicates with a reservoir (1 1) of the fluid to be applied by means of a flow regulating valve ( 9).

3 .- hygiene and health for doorknobs, according to claim 1, device characterized in that the drive mechanism of the injection system fluid is embodied in a cam with several ridges (4.2) which actuates a rocker (13), as pusher of the plunger of an irrigation system coupled to the bottle (12) of the liquid to be applied.

4 .- device hygiene and health for doorknobs, according to claims 1 and 2, including means for selecting the number of pulses or movements of the previous knob to discharge the liquid through the change of the pawl (2.1 R) and the sprocket (3.1 R).

5 .- hygienic-sanitary device for door handles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid used is an antiseptic fluid.

6 .- hygienic-sanitary device for door handles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid used is an air freshener fluid, including a spray nozzle in a cap (6.4) located at the end of the knob (6).

7 .- hygienic-sanitary device for door handles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid used is an essential oil.