NZ620227B2 - Hand cleaning apparatus - Google Patents
Hand cleaning apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ620227B2 NZ620227B2 NZ620227A NZ62022712A NZ620227B2 NZ 620227 B2 NZ620227 B2 NZ 620227B2 NZ 620227 A NZ620227 A NZ 620227A NZ 62022712 A NZ62022712 A NZ 62022712A NZ 620227 B2 NZ620227 B2 NZ 620227B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- facia
- chassis
- frame
- hand
- cleaning apparatus
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 238000005202 decontamination Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000003588 decontaminative Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 abstract description 11
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 33
- 210000001513 Elbow Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000789 fastener Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
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
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/48—Drying by means of hot air
-
- 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
- A47K2210/00—Combinations of water taps, soap dispensers and hand dryers
-
- 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
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H2033/0008—Arrangement for cleaning the installation before or after use
- A61H2033/0012—Arrangement for cleaning the installation before or after use by rinsing
-
- 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
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
- A61H2201/5007—Control means thereof computer controlled
-
- 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
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
- A61H2201/5023—Interfaces to the user
- A61H2201/5025—Activation means
- A61H2201/503—Inertia activation, i.e. activated by movement
-
- 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
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
- A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
- A61H2201/5082—Temperature sensors
-
- 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
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/06—Artificial hot-air or cold-air baths; Steam or gas baths or douches, e.g. sauna or Finnish baths
- A61H33/08—Air douches for hygienic purposes
-
- 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
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
- E03C1/044—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths having a heating or cooling apparatus in the supply line
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
- E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/126—Installations for disinfecting or deodorising waste-water plumbing installations
Abstract
Disclosed is a combined washing and drying hand cleaning apparatus hand cleaning apparatus with more convenient access for maintenance whilst maintaining a good degree of vandal-resistance. The hand cleaning apparatus comprises one or more of or all of an air blower, a soap dispenser and a water dispenser; and a frame with fixing means for fixing the frame to a structure. A facia comprises a hand port for receiving the hands of a user and a frame connecting means for connecting the facia to the frame. The frame connecting means comprises a first hinge connecting the facia to the frame whereby access to the rear of the facia is provided by hinged movement of the facia relative to the frame. A chassis has one or more of or all of an air blower, a soap dispenser and a water dispenser mounted on it. A chassis connecting means connects the chassis to the facia, the chassis connecting means comprising a second hinge connecting the chassis to the rear of the facia whereby greater access to said one or more of or all of the air blower, soap dispenser and the water dispenser is provided by hinged movement of the chassis relative to the rear of the facia. The chassis also comprises a hand-sensor and a connection to a controller. penser; and a frame with fixing means for fixing the frame to a structure. A facia comprises a hand port for receiving the hands of a user and a frame connecting means for connecting the facia to the frame. The frame connecting means comprises a first hinge connecting the facia to the frame whereby access to the rear of the facia is provided by hinged movement of the facia relative to the frame. A chassis has one or more of or all of an air blower, a soap dispenser and a water dispenser mounted on it. A chassis connecting means connects the chassis to the facia, the chassis connecting means comprising a second hinge connecting the chassis to the rear of the facia whereby greater access to said one or more of or all of the air blower, soap dispenser and the water dispenser is provided by hinged movement of the chassis relative to the rear of the facia. The chassis also comprises a hand-sensor and a connection to a controller.
Description
HAND CLEANING APPARATUS
The present invention relates to hand cleaning apparatus.
A combined hand washing and drying device is described in the
applicant’s UK patent GB 1,365,763. The device comprises a warm water
dispenser, a soap dispenser and an air dispenser intended to be used to both
wash and dry the hands of a user. Devices according to GB 1,365,763 have
been produced and sold and often find use in public facilities such as public
lavatories and public washrooms.
Such devices are usually produced in such a way that they are
mounted to a structure (e.g. an aperture in a wall of the structure or a hollow
unit which is itself mounted on a wall of the structure) in order to reduce or
prevent vandalism to the device. In the past, the two types of mounting have
required different designs of device. Maintenance and access to the device
differs according to the mounting type, and may be difficult.
There is now a need to provide hand cleaning apparatus with more
convenient access for maintenance whilst maintaining a good degree of
vandal-resistance.
It is an aim of the present invention to address that need.
The present invention accordingly provides hand cleaning apparatus
comprising a frame, fixing means for fixing the frame to a structure, a facia
comprising a hand port for receiving the hands of a user to be cleaned, frame
connecting means for connecting the facia to the frame, a chassis, and
chassis connecting means for connecting the chassis to the facia and/or to
the frame.
Preferably, the chassis connecting means comprises (or is) facia
connecting means for connecting the chassis to the facia.
Preferably the frame comprises the fixing means, and/or the facia
comprises the frame connecting means, and/or the chassis comprises the
facia connecting means.
The apparatus is intended to perform one or more of the steps in hand
cleaning such as hand drying or hand washing (which generally involves
providing soap, providing water and subsequently performing hand drying).
The great advantage of the present invention is that it provides in a
modular apparatus for hand cleaning wherein the chassis of the hand
cleaning apparatus is accessible by moving the facia. Consequently, the
same design of hand cleaning apparatus may enable access through the front
and through the rear of the device. Thus, the apparatus according to the
present invention provides more convenient access for maintenance whilst
still retaining a good degree of vandal resistance. Furthermore, the modular
nature of the apparatus enables parts of the apparatus to be interchanged.
Thus, for example, the facia may be changed (i.e. to a facia of a different
material and/or different design), or the chassis or components of the chassis
may be replaced to enable speedy repair.
Preferably, the frame connecting means comprises a hinge for hingedly
connecting the facia to the frame. This arrangement enables the frame
connecting means to be opened for ready access to the chassis. Preferably
the hinge of the frame connecting means is positioned such that the facia may
be opened horizontally (e.g. the hinge(s) are preferably mounted on the side
of the facia).
The frame connecting means for connecting the facia to the frame is
preferably a lockable connecting means, in other words it preferably
comprises a locking mechanism to lock the facia to the frame. This is
advantageous because it reduces the chances of the chassis being accessed
by an unauthorised person. Preferably, the locking mechanism is a spring-
loaded locking mechanism.
Preferably, the chassis connecting means comprises a hinge for
hingedly connecting the chassis to either the facia or the frame. This is
convenient because it enables access to other parts of the chassis by, once
the facia has been opened, (partially) rotating the chassis on the hinge of the
chassis connecting means for access to otherwise relatively inaccessible
parts of the chassis. It is preferred if the chassis connecting means
comprises a hinge for connecting the chassis to the facia (in this case, the
chassis connecting means would comprise a facia connecting means).
Generally, the chassis comprises the functional parts of the hand
cleaning apparatus. Preferably, the chassis will comprise a hand sensor
(which is preferably an infra-red hand sensor and is adapted to detect the
hands of the user when within the range of the hand sensor) and an air blower
(to perform at least the hand drying step in hand cleaning) and connection to
a controller. Preferably, the chassis comprises the controller. For hand
cleaning apparatus that is designed to both wash and dry hands of the user,
the chassis will preferably further comprise a soap dispenser and/or a water
dispenser.
The air blower will preferably be a variable speed air blower, the speed
being controllable either through factory setting or by the installer/owner of the
hand cleaning apparatus using the controller. Generally, the air blower will
have at least three different speeds (e.g. fast, medium and slow).
The air blower may or may not provide heated air. An advantage if
heated air is not provided is a reduction in power consumption by removing
the need for an air heater. Instead, of providing a separate air heater the air
flow from the air blower may pass through the body of the chassis thereby
exchanging heat from the heat generated within the chassis (e.g. from the
blower motor) and thereby warming the air above ambient. The air blower
preferably comprises an impeller, in particular a relatively shallow impeller and
most preferably a high-speed impeller.
If an air heater is provided it enables a relatively lower power air blower
to be used.
An optional feature of the apparatus is a decontamination trap which
preferably comprises a heatable vessel for collecting water draining from the
apparatus and which is capable of being heated to sterilise the water in the
trap.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller is
adapted to control the operation of the air blower, soap dispenser, water
dispenser and/or the optional decontamination trap, preferably in response to
a signal from the hand sensor.
The controller will generally comprise one or more microprocessors
and memory components (e.g. non-volatile memory) and will be programmed
to control the operation of the air blower, soap dispenser, water dispenser
and/or decontamination trap in response to a signal from the hand sensor.
Generally, the controller will be adapted so that the operation of the air
blower, soap dispenser, water dispenser and/or decontamination trap
comprises the time of operation and/or the sequence of operation of one or
more of these components. In other words, the controller may be adapted so
that the timing of each of the component parts of the hand washing procedure
and the sequence of that procedure is controllable through the controller.
A typical hand washing procedure will generally begin with insertion of
the user’s hands within the hand port of the apparatus. Such insertion is
detected by the hand sensor which then sends a signal to the controller. This
results in the operation of a typical hand-washing sequence of: soap being
dispensed, a pause, water being dispensed for a set period of time, a pause
and then air being blown in the hand port in order to dry the hands of the user.
If the optional decontamination trap is present, the controller may also
be adapted to operate the decontamination trap at set periods of time (e.g.
every 12 hours and/or particular days of the week).
Generally, the apparatus according to the invention will further
comprise input means for the controller. Input means for the controller will
usually comprise a control panel for providing control signals and
programming e.g. the microprocessor of the controller. Such a control panel
is preferably a manual control panel in communication with and/or
incorporated in, the chassis. Further input means may comprise further
sensors in the water, soap or air supply systems (e.g. flow rate, level and/or
temperature sensors) and clock means (e.g. a real time clock and/or timing
mechanism) to enable the sequence and timing of the various operations of
the apparatus to be controlled.
The great benefit of manual control panels is that the owners of the
apparatus are able to fully control the sequence and timing of the operation of
the apparatus e.g. to reduce power or water use or, in circumstances where
more extensive hand washing is necessary, to increase supply of soap, water
or air during the hand washing sequence.
In a preferred embodiment, the controller is programmable to produce
a hygiene flush in the apparatus at one or more predetermined time(s). The
hygiene flush comprises identifying that the apparatus has not been used for
a predetermined period (which may be a period selected by the installer of the
apparatus and may be typically from 1 hour to 2 days or any other convenient
period), and activating the water dispenser to flush the system. The hygiene
flush function is particularly advantageous in situations where the apparatus
has not been used for a period and it prevents or reduces water in the supply
becoming stagnant and reduces growth of micro-organisms. The hygiene
flush function finds particular utility in low-volume use facilities, e.g. hospitals,
offices or schools (especially during holidays and the weekend). The pre-
determined time is preferably set using the real time clock. Often the hygiene
flush function will find use in apparatus which comprises the decontamination
trap.
The hand cleaning apparatus of the invention will preferably further
comprise a water heater. It is preferred if the water heater is an in-line water
heater which operates (i.e. switches on) on passage of water through the
heater. This is convenient because it simplifies the control of the apparatus
and enables the controller to merely control the water valve without the
complexity of further control of the temperature and power supply to a water
heater.
The apparatus of the present invention preferably further comprises
illumination means to illuminate the hands of the user in the hand port.
Illumination means will usually be configured so as to illuminate the hands
when they are present within the hand port and optionally to change the
colour or intensity of the illumination during the sequence of operation of the
apparatus. It is preferred if the sequence, timing and intensity of the
illumination means is fully controllable from the controller and, in particular,
from the control panel.
In order that the present invention may be better understood, it will now
be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates hand cleaning apparatus according to a first
embodiment of the present invention installed in a structure; (a) illustrates the
apparatus ready for use, (b) illustrates the apparatus with the facia open and
(c) illustrates the apparatus with the facia open and the chassis rotated for
accessibility.
Figure 2 illustrates a portion of the apparatus of Fig 1 in rear, plan view.
Figure 3 illustrates the facia of Fig 1 in (a) exploded view and (b)
assembled view.
Figure 4 illustrates the frame of Fig 1 in (a) exploded and (b)
assembled views.
Figure 5 illustrates the apparatus of Fig 1 in exploded view.
Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the control system for the
apparatus.
Figure 7 illustrates hand cleaning apparatus according to a second
embodiment of the present invention installed in a structure; (a) apparatus
ready for use, (b) illustrates the apparatus with facia open, and (c) illustrates
the apparatus with the facia open and the chassis rotated for accessibility.
Figure 8 illustrates a portion of the apparatus of Fig 7 in rear, plan view.
Figure 9 illustrates the facia of the apparatus of Fig 7 in (a) exploded
view and (b) assembled view.
Figure 10 illustrates the frame of the apparatus of Fig 7 in (a) exploded
and (b) assembled views.
Figure 11 illustrates the apparatus of Fig 7 in exploded view.
Figure 1 illustrates the hand cleaning apparatus 1 as installed in a
structure 2. Structure 2 may be a wall of a building (e.g. a public
convenience) or may, alternatively be a box (not shown) attached to a wall of
a building. The apparatus in Figure 1a) comprises a facia 116 produced from
polymeric material (for example fire resistant resin) having a hand port 4 and
a shroud 20 for supply of air for drying hands, water and soap for washing.
In Figure 1(b) the hand cleaning apparatus 1 is illustrated with the facia
116 open for access to the components of the apparatus especially the main
chassis 302. The facia hinges 108 are so arranged as to enable horizontal
opening of the apparatus. Connected to the chassis 302 is the facia 116.
The chassis 302 comprises an inline water heater 6 (which operates when
water flows), soap pump assembly 18 and soap container 309. In the aperture
in the frame assembly 305 is the waste connector coupler 214 which connects
the drain sump 105 to the waste pipe (not shown) when the facia 116 is
closed and the apparatus is ready for use. The facia hinges 108 allow easy
access after the locking mechanism comprising locking strip 101 is unlocked.
Figure 1c) illustrates the chassis 302 once the chassis hinge pin 306 is
released enabling the chassis 302 to rotate partly on the facia 116 thereby
enabling greater access to components of the chassis 302 including soap
container 309 and controller 8.
Figure 2 illustrates a rear, plan view of a cropped portion of the
apparatus comprising facia 116 and chassis 302. As discussed in relation to
Figure 1, the chassis 302 comprises a water heater 6, soap container 309, a
soap pump assembly 18 and a controller 8. The controller 8 comprises a
display panel 10 and display circuit 12 and also includes a manual control
input pad for the owner/installer of the apparatus to modify the operation of
the hand cleaning apparatus. The facia hinge 108 is also illustrated together
with the water hose 14, water flow regulator assembly 16 and the locking strip
101.
Figure 3 illustrates (a) an exploded view of the facia 116 and (b) the
assembled facia. The solid surface facia 116 comprises a bowl in the hand
port 4 (the rear of this feature is visible in Figure 3) for convenient hand
washing by the user. Connected to the facia 116 are locking screw nut 102,
circlip 104 and lock screw 103 for fixing the locking strip to the facia. The drain
sump 105, drain sump fastener 106 and drain sump gasket 107 (to reduce
leakage) receive waste water from the bowl of the hand port 4. The drain
sump 105 may be connected to an optional decontamination unit (not shown)
which is provided with a heating mechanism in order to heat and thereby
sterilise waste from the hand wash procedure. The locking strip 101 is
connected to the facia 116 including with lock strip spacer 117. Other
components connected to the facia are chassis mount plate 119 and the
hinge mechanisms including hinge side lock plate 109, lock plate sleeve 110,
facia hinge 108 and various fixing mechanisms. In the front of the hand port 4
portion of the facia 116 is the nozzle housing 111 comprising the shroud 20.
The nozzle housing 111 provides outlets for air, water and soap during the
hand washing procedure.
Figure 4 illustrates the frame assembly 305 in (a) exploded view and
(b) assembled view. The frame assembly 305 comprises a wall frame 205 for
insertion in an aperture either in a box structure attached to a surface or an
aperture in e.g. the wall of a structure itself. The frame assembly 305 also
comprises cable strain relief 201 and water connections comprising water inlet
hose 206, water inlay elbow and back plate 203, anti-loss washer 202 and
fixed elbow 204, block screw 210 and cable grip 211. Other components
incorporated within the frame are waste connector coupler 214 and support
block 212 and terminal block 213 and connectors to the mains power supply
protected by mains input cover 207.
Figure 5 illustrates the apparatus in exploded form including the facia
116, the frame assembly 305, the chassis 302 and chassis cover 303. The
chassis cover 303 is connected to the chassis 302 by frame screw 417 and
washer 312 together with cover anti-loss washer 301. The soap container
309 is inserted into the chassis 302. The hinge release lock 307 and frame
screws 308 are inserted together with the chassis stay 304 and the chassis
hinge pin 306 (which as indicated in Figure 1, upon removal enables the
chassis to hinge down for ready access).
Figure 6 illustrates in schematic form the control system operated by
the controller. Controller 402 comprises a microprocessor which contains
non-volatile memory. The controller 402 can be modified by the display circuit
and panel 410 by the user in order to adjust the sequence and timing of the
various parts of the hand wash operation. The controller 402 receives input
from the hand sensor circuit 404 which is connected to an infrared sensor
situated in the hand port to detect the entry of hands within the hand port.
The controller 402 is arranged to operate the hand dryer/air blower circuit 406
and the soap pump circuit 408 together with water valve circuit 414 according
to the program set in terms of sequence and timing by the display circuit and
panel 410.
The second embodiment of the apparatus as illustrated in Figs 7 to 11
is similar to the first embodiment illustrated in Figs 1 to 5, and the description
of Figs 1 to 5 generally also applies to the corresponding figures of Figs 7 to
The differences are as follows. In the second embodiment, the soap
container 309 is mounted so the cap is on top. This design feature simplifies
manufacture, reduces leaks and improves ease of maintenance.
The locking strip 101 (see Fig 9) is of different design with a spring
arranged so the lock activates when the facia is shut. To this end the locking
mechanism comprises a lower lock spring 103_1 arranged with lock screw
103 and anti rotation pin 103_4 at the bottom of lock cam plate 103_3 with
upper lock spring 103_4 positioned above. The arrangement of the locking
strip 101 is such that the lock must be rotated and pushed up in order to open
it, reducing the ease of opening by vandals. The anti-rotation pin 103_4 is to
reduce damage to the lock when rotated. The circlip 104 is removed.
Referring to Fig. 8, the flow regulator 16 of the first embodiment has
been removed in the second embodiment, because the regulator built into the
water heater is often sufficient to control water flow over usual pressure
ranges of the water supply. The water hose 14 is straight with an elbow to
ease manufacture and maintenance.
As illustrated in Fig 10, the wall frame 205 is of sheet metal (for ease of
manufacture) and the support block 212 is of lower profile to improve
operation. The water supply system is of different design with push fit
connectors 415, a shut off valve 416 connecting to pipes, usually of copper.
In operation, a typical hand wash cycle would involve the following
steps:
1) The user inserts hands into the hand port 4 which is detected by
the infrared hand sensor resulting in a signal from the hand
sensor circuit 404 to the controller 402.
2) The controller 402 operates the soap pump circuit 408 to
release a measured quantity of soap (either foamed or
unfoamed depending on how the owner/installer arranges the
settings of the soap pump unit).
3) After a timed delay (typically 1 to 5 seconds) water is released
via the controller operating the water valve circuit 414 for a
predetermined period (typically 5 to 10 s). Flow of water through
the water valve circuit 414 results in the water heater 412 (an in-
line water heater with its own temperature controls) being
operated and heating the water. Consequently, warm water is
released into the hand port 4 from the shroud 20.
4) A time delay (typically 1 to 5 seconds) is followed by air being
released by the controller 402 operating the hand dryer/air
blower circuit 406. Air is provided for a predetermined time and
at a predetermined flow rate as set by the owner/installer.
The air blower is preferably a high velocity air blower with or without a
separate heater unit, however passage of the air through the chassis in
association with the relatively warm components of the hand wash apparatus
will raise the temperature of the air somewhat.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention there is a light (not
shown) which acts as illumination means for hands in the hand port. The light
will typically be operated upon detection of hands in the hand port through the
hand sensor circuit 404 and will be operated by the controller 402. The colour
and intensity of the light may vary between predetermined conditions
determined by the owner/installer.
The component parts illustrated in the Figures are as follows:
Reference Description
Numeral
1 Hand cleaning apparatus
2 Structure
4 Hand port
6 Water heater
8 Controller
Display panel
12 Display circuit
14 Water hose
16 Water flow regulator assembly
18 Soap pump assembly
Shroud
22 Blower cover
101 Locking Strip
102 Lock Screw Nut
103 Lock Screw
103_1 Lower lock spring
103_2 Upper lock spring
103_3 Lock cam plate
103_4 Anti-rotation pin
104 Circlip
105 Drain Sump
106 Drain Sump Fastener
107 Drain Sump Gasket
108 Facia Hinge
109 Hinge Side Lock Plate
110 Lock Plate Sleeve
111 Nozzles Housing
116 Solid Surface Facia with Bowl
117 Lock Strip Spacer
118 Star Lock Washer
119 Chassis Mount Plate
201 Cable Strain Relief
202 Anti Loss Washer
203 Water Inlet Elbow and Back Plate
204 Fixed Elbow
205 Wall Frame
206 Water Inlet Hose
207 Mains Input Cover
210 Block Screw
211 Cable Grip
212 Support Block
213 Terminal Block
214 Waste Connector Coupler
301 Cover Anti Loss Washer
302 Main Chassis
303 Chassis Cover
304 Chassis Stay
305 Frame Assembly
306 Chassis Hinge Pin
307 Hinge Release Lock
308 Frame Screws
309 Soap Container
310 Solid Surface Facia
312 Washer
402 Controller
404 Hand sensor circuit
406 Hand dryer/air blower circuit
408 Soap pump circuit
410 Display circuit and panel
412 Water heater
414 Water valve circuit
415 Push fit connectors
416 Shut off valve
417 Cover screw
Claims (14)
1. Hand cleaning apparatus including, one or more of: an air blower, a soap dispenser and a water dispenser; 5 a frame; fixing means for fixing the frame to a structure; a facia comprising a hand port for receiving the hands of a user; frame connecting means for connecting the facia to the frame, wherein the frame connecting means comprises a first hinge connecting the facia 10 to the frame whereby access to the rear of the facia is provided by hinged movement of the facia relative to the frame; a chassis on which is mounted said one or more of: an air blower, a soap dispenser and a water dispenser; and chassis connecting means for connecting the chassis to the facia, the 15 chassis connecting means comprising a second hinge connecting the chassis to the rear of the facia whereby greater access to said one or more of the air blower, soap dispenser and the water dispenser is provided by hinged movement of the chassis relative to the rear of the facia. 20
2. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis comprises a hand-sensor and a connection to a controller.
3. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the chassis further comprises all of an air blower, a soap dispenser and a water dispenser.
4. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame connecting means comprises a locking mechanism to lock the facia to the frame.
5 5. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis connecting means comprises a locking mechanism, preferably a sprung locking mechanism.
6. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a decontamination trap. 10
7. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air blower is a variable speed air blower.
8. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller is adapted to control the operation of the air blower and/or a soap dispenser and/or a water dispenser and/or a decontamination trap in response to a 15 signal from the hand-sensor.
9. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein operation of the air blower, soap dispenser, water dispenser and/or decontamination trap comprises the time of operation and/or sequence of operation thereof.
10. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in either claim 8 or claim 9, further 20 comprising input means for the controller.
11. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the controller is programmable to produce a hygiene flush at a pre- determined time.
12. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 11, further 5 comprising a water heater.
13. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising illumination means to illuminate the hands of a user in the hand port.
14. Hand cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first hinge is 10 arranged to enable the facia to hinge relative to the frame about a vertical axis and the second hinge is arranged to enable the chassis to hinge relative to the rear of the facia about a horizontal axis.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB201110571A GB201110571D0 (en) | 2011-06-22 | 2011-06-22 | Hand cleaning apparatus |
GB1110571.5 | 2011-06-22 | ||
PCT/GB2012/051444 WO2012175974A2 (en) | 2011-06-22 | 2012-06-21 | Hand cleaning apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ620227A NZ620227A (en) | 2014-12-24 |
NZ620227B2 true NZ620227B2 (en) | 2015-03-25 |
Family
ID=
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