Hand treatment device and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a hand treatment device (1) comprising an active cavity (2) for accommodating the hands and forearms of a user, a dual entrance (3) for the insertion of the user's hands and forearms into the active cavity, a treatment assembly (4) comprising two brushes (5), a dispenser (6) for dispensing active product, and a drying blower (7).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a treatment device for hands and forearms comprising an active cavity for housing the hands and forearms of a user, a double inlet for insertion of the hands and forearms of the user into the active cavity, a treatment assembly comprising two rotating brushes and an active product dispenser. The invention also relates to a corresponding treatment method for hands and forearms. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] Over the years, many different types of hand cleaning devices have been designed to meet specific needs. For example, in industrial applications involving frequent handling of lubricants or other dirty products, hand cleaning systems with rotating brushes or high-velocity water jets have been designed. The user places their hands against the brushes and moves their fingers and hands to perform the cleaning action in the various areas where they notice dirt.

[0003] For example, document JP11299680 describes a hand washing system using an assembly comprising two rollers operated in rotation, but without translational movement. The action of the rotating rollers makes it possible to clean the hands effectively as long as the user takes care to carry out the required actions on the entire surface of the hands.

[0004] THEDocument WO2016082635 describes a sprayer and blower assembly for spraying a cleaning product onto the hands and forearms and then drying the hands, all without contact. As shown in figures 2 And 3 , the whole thing is mobile so that it can move back and forth between the fingers and forearms.

[0005] THE Document US2008099043 describes a system for providing automated washing to remove debris from the skin of a user's hands. At least one structure such as a brush is provided to apply friction to the hands. The system includes RFID capability to identify when at least one component, such as a removable brush, needs to be replaced.

[0006] Thus, in known systems, cleaning depends on the user's actions and gestures. In general, the user concentrates cleaning gestures on the areas where he or she sees significant dirt. The level of quality is therefore random. On the other hand, if the user's hands carry contaminants, these are highly likely to be transmitted to the next user who uses the machine, for example by contact with rollers or brushes contaminated by a first user.

[0007] None of these machines can truly treat hands against both dirt and contaminants in a reliable and repeatable manner and in compliance with the standards required, for example, in the health sector or in certain industries applying very strict health protocols.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a machine and a process for treating hands that can reliably meet all health requirements.

[0009] To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First of all, a first objective of the invention is to provide a device and a method for carrying out a complete treatment of the hands with washing and disinfection; Another objective of the invention is to provide a device and a method for carrying out an automatic treatment of the hands which complies with the standards or prescriptions in force; Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a device and a method for carrying out a treatment of the hands which is repetitive and reliable; Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a device and a method for carrying out a serial treatment of the hands of several users, without risk of contamination between the users.

[0011] To do this, the invention provides a multi-phase treatment device for the hands comprising: i) an active cavity for accommodating the hands and forearms of a user; ii) a double inlet for inserting the hands and forearms of the user into the active cavity; iii) at least one active product dispenser and at least one water dispensing nozzle; iv) a treatment assembly comprising two rotating brushes and a drying blower; v) said assembly being movable in the active cavity between a position remote from the double inlet of the cavity for treating the fingers and a position close to the double inlet of the cavity for treating the forearms.

[0012] The mobile assembly with immobile hands allows for standard, reliable treatment with guaranteed repeatability. The quality of cleaning and disinfection does not depend on the user's actions, thus ensuring a standardized, repetitive and reliable process.

[0013] OfAdvantageously, the assembly is designed to carry out a treatment in two successive phases, namely a washing phase, with injection of washing product and rotation of the brushes at a washing speed, and a disinfection phase with injection of disinfectant product and rotation of the brushes at a disinfection speed, the disinfection speed being lower than the washing speed. The speed reduction is preferably at least 50%.

[0014] The device allows for a double treatment involving washing followed by disinfection to ensure complete hand treatment, without the risk of transmitting contaminating agents between successive users of the machine. The high rotation speed of the rollers during the cleaning phase allows for an effective and reliable mechanical action for friction cleaning. The reduced rotation speed of the rollers during the disinfection phase allows the disinfectant agent to be applied to all surfaces to be treated while preventing this agent from being projected into the cavity by the centrifugal action of the rotating brushes. The reduced speed corresponds to a speed at which projections are avoided or reduced.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, for the washing phase, the active product is a cleaning agent, and for the disinfection phase, the active product is an antimicrobial agent. The device thus provides for the sending and application of specific active solutions, each being associated with a suitable mechanical action of the device.

[0016] Advantageously, the treatment device also comprises an anti-splash blower arranged at the inlet of the active cavity to produce an air flow preventing splashes towards the user. The protective blower generates an air curtain making it possible to block most, or even all, of the splashes generated by the treatment process, in particular during the washing phase, in which the rollers rotate at high speed, generating splashes.

[0017] OfAdvantageously, each of the openings of the double entrance has a support ring for the user's forearms. The supports ensure good positioning of the hands and forearms in the cavity and ensure that they remain in a stationary position.

[0018] The invention also provides a multi-phase treatment method for hands for washing and successive decontamination of the hands and forearms of a user, comprising the following steps: i) a washing phase in an active cavity of a treatment device as previously described, with injection of water and a cleaning agent then cleaning by rubbing using rotating brushes rotating at a washing speed and moving the brushes in the cavity by rubbing the hands and forearms of the user; ii) a rinsing step in the cavity of the treatment assembly (preferably by moving the assembly in the cavity); iii) a disinfection phase in the active cavity of the treatment device with injection of an antimicrobial agent (bactericidal and / or fungicidal and / or virucidal) and disinfection by application of the antimicrobial agent using rotating brushes rotating at a disinfection speed and moving the brushes in the cavity with contact of the hands and forearms of the user; the disinfection speed being lower than the washing speed.

[0019] Advantageously, after the rinsing step and before the disinfection phase, the method comprises a drying step, for example by moving the blower in the cavity.

[0020] Alternatively, the method comprises, after the disinfection phase, a drying step by moving the drying blower in the cavity.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the disinfection phase includes a waiting step for disinfection. This step allows the antimicrobial agent to act on the one hand on the user's hands and forearms, and on the other hand on the machine elements, in particular the brushes, to avoid contaminating the next user.

[0022] According to another advantageous embodiment, the method comprises, at least during the cleaning phase, and preferably during the cleaning phase and the disinfection phase, a generation of an anti-splash air net or curtain at the double inlet of the active cavity using a blower arranged to produce a splash-capture air flow. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0023] All the details of the implementation are given in the following description, supplemented by the figures 1 to 6 , presented solely for non-limiting example purposes, and in which: there figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an exemplary embodiment of a treatment device; the figure 2 is an enlarged view of the internal cavity; the figure 3 shows the mobile processing unit in perspective; figure 4shows an enlarged view of the cavity during a step of spraying cleaning solution into the cavity; the Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the cavity during a step of spraying disinfectant solution into the cavity; the figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the cavity during a step of spraying water into the cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The technology presented consists of a hand washing and disinfection device for cleaning and decontaminating hands effectively and reliably, and even for performing hand treatments in compliance with the disinfection standards recommended for example by standard NF EN 1499 (or other prescribing body). The system is thus particularly suitable for use in clean environments (hospitals, medical clinics, clean rooms, pharmaceutical and medical device industries, etc.). The system comprises an active assembly with two rotating rollers, preferably in opposite directions, and a blower, the whole being mobile in an active chamber so as to be able to move along the user's arms to treat the fingers, hands, and forearms, with a back and forth movement.

[0025] THEThe developed concept also includes a two-phase treatment process, on the one hand a washing or cleaning phase and on the other hand a disinfection phase. Each of the phases takes place under specific mechanical conditions of the device.

[0026] THE figures 1, 2 And 3illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a multi-phase treatment device or apparatus 1 for the hands and forearms. The interior of the device comprises an active cavity 2 delimited by walls 13 and a bottom 17 and in which the active elements of the device are located. Furthermore, the cavity is of sufficient size to accommodate the hands 20 and forearms of a user. A double inlet 3, provided in one of the walls 13 of the cavity, allows the insertion of the hands and forearms. Each of the openings of the double inlet 3 comprises a support ring 11 for the user's forearms. The ring 11 has a dual function. It forms a support on which the user's arms rest, allowing the arms to remain immobile during treatment. Its diameter is also provided to limit the insertion of the arms to the portion located before the elbows.Other support points for the hands or forearms can be provided in the cavity to minimize hand and forearm movements.

[0027] A or several water distribution nozzles 12 are arranged to allow the humidification of the user's hands and forearms. In the example illustrated, the nozzles 12 are arranged in the upper part of the active cavity and allow the sending into the cavity of water jets 24 in the direction of the hands 20 and forearms, as shown in figure 6. In this example, other water jets 24 can also be sprayed at the forearms using nozzles 12 provided near the double inlet 3. The sprayed water can be mains water if the machine is connected to the water network, or water from an internal tank. Tanks 14 of cleaning and disinfecting solution are also provided to supply the cavity with active products. A drain 16, provided at the bottom 17, allows the cleaning water and / or other products and dirt to be recovered to be recovered.

[0028] The active cavity 2 also houses a mobile treatment assembly 4 comprising two rotating brushes 5, preferably in opposite directions to each other, and a drying blower 7. The mobile assembly 4 is designed to move in the active cavity 2 between a position distant from the double inlet 3 of the cavity for treating the fingers and a position close to the double inlet of the cavity for treating the forearms. figure 3illustrates a rail 9 for moving the treatment assembly. This rail allows the assembly 4 to perform translational movements between its two extreme positions, in the active cavity. The rail 9 serves as an interface between the fixed upper wall of the cavity 2 and the treatment assembly, movable along this rail. In the example illustrated, the movements are implemented by a traction chain 10 of the treatment assembly. Alternatively, other drive means may be used, such as for example a belt or a rack.

[0029] A An active product dispenser 6 is arranged at the upper wall of the cavity. This dispenser allows a dose of active solution to be sprayed. At the time of cleaning, the active solution sent into the cavity is a cleaning solution 22 as shown in the example of the figure 4The jet of cleaning solution is favorably directed towards the brushes 5. During the disinfection phase, the active solution sent into the cavity is a disinfectant solution 23 as shown in the example of the Figure 5 In this same example, two distributors 6 of active products located near the double inlet 3 allow the spraying of jets of disinfectant solution 23 at the level of the user's forearms.

[0030] The two brushes 5 are mounted parallel to each other so that their axis of rotation is perpendicular to the user's arms. The two brushes 5 are sufficiently spaced apart from each other to allow the hands and forearms to be inserted between them. The bristles of the brushes are long and flexible and can cover the entire surface of the hands and forearms. The bristles of the brushes are, for example, made of polyamide or polypropylene. Alternatively, the device may include a larger number of brushes. Also as an alternative, the brushes may be oriented parallel to the hands and forearms.

[0031] An anti-splash blower 8 is arranged at the inlet of the active cavity to produce an air flow preventing splashes towards the user. As shown in figure 2, in operation, the blower 8 sends a jet of air 21 in the immediate vicinity of the double inlet 3. The jet or stream of air forms a screen preventing water or disinfectant solutions from being sprayed out of the device towards the user. This protective barrier prevents the user from receiving sprays that could wet their clothes. It also prevents the risk of contamination by blocking the spraying of contaminated droplets and / or particles.

[0032] Alternatively, the treatment device includes a disinfection means, such as a UVC lamp, to disinfect the cavity and the brushes between each user.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the treatment device provides for the emission of an audible or visual signal to authorize its use, recognition of users by code to allow traceability of the actual treatment of the hands, a means of monitoring the batches of products used retaining traceability data such as batch numbers, expiry dates, quantities, etc. As a further variant, the device provides casters to allow easy movement either for installation, cleaning, maintenance, or other needs. TWO-PHASE PROCESS

[0034] As previously indicated, the invention also relates to a multi-phase treatment method for the hands and forearms of a user comprising successively cleaning and decontamination of the hands and forearms of a user.

[0035] The mobile treatment assembly 4 is designed to carry out a treatment in two successive phases. The complete cycle firstly comprises a washing phase. After moistening the hands and forearms with one or more water jets 24, a dose of cleaning solution 22 is sent into the cavity 2. In the example illustrated in figure 4, a dose of cleaning solution is sent by a dispenser 6 of active product, such as for example a nozzle oriented towards the brushes 5. Alternatively, a dose of cleaning solution can be transmitted by one or more orifices provided in the brushes 5. During and / or after the spraying of the cleaning solution, the brushes 5 are rotated and driven in translation to perform one or more back and forth movements along the stroke of the treatment assembly. During the washing phase, the brushes rotate at high speed, such as for example a speed between 300 and 500 revolutions / minute, to optimize friction and allow good cleaning. The rotating brushes are also moved by a translational movement by sliding the mobile treatment assembly 4 on the rail 9.The two combined rotational and translational movements of the brushes allow a rubbing action to be performed over the entire surface to be cleaned, from the fingertips to the forearm. At least one pass is made, but preferably several back-and-forth passes are provided, rubbing the user's hands and forearms. Then, the water jets 24 are activated again to perform a rinse, preferably with the double rotational and translational movement of the brushes 5.

[0036] After cleaning, drying can be carried out using the drying blower 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the blower 7 is movable in translation along the movement rail 9, which allows hands and forearms to be dried quickly and thoroughly. The blown air is preferably heated.

[0037] The second part of the treatment cycle includes a disinfection phase. During this phase, a dose of disinfectant solution is sprayed into the cavity 2, for example by active product dispensers 6 as illustrated in Figure 5. The spraying aims to send the disinfection solution 23 over the entire surface of the user's hands and forearms. During and / or after spraying, the brushes 5 are rotated and driven in translation to perform one or more back and forth movements along the stroke of the treatment assembly. During this phase, the rotation speed of the brushes is preferably reduced compared to that of the cleaning phase. The reduced speed of the brushes is for example between 100 and 300 revolutions / minute. The low-speed rotation of the brushes makes it possible to spread the disinfectant solution to cover all the surfaces to be disinfected, avoiding projecting the solution under the effect of centrifugal force. The two combined movements of rotation and translation of the brushes make it possible to carry out a spreading and covering action of the entire surface to be disinfected, from the fingertips to the forearm.At least one pass is made, but preferably several back-and-forth passes are planned, dispersing and applying the disinfectant agent to the user's hands and forearms.

[0038] The rotation speed of the brushes during the disinfection phase is lower than that used during the washing phase. The speed reduction to access the disinfection phase is preferably at least 50% and preferably between 50% and 100%.

[0039] The disinfection phase may include a waiting stage, for example 10 to 30 seconds, to allow the disinfectant agent to take effect.

[0040] A drying phase can be planned after the disinfection phase, in addition to or instead of the drying following the washing phase. Drying is carried out by one or more air jets.

[0041] The durations of the different stages are established according to the specifications of the products used for cleaning and disinfection.

[0042] During the course of the treatment, in particular during the cleaning phase, the method comprises generating an air stream 21 or anti-splash air curtain at the double inlet of the active cavity using a blower arranged to produce a splash-capture air flow.

[0043] After removal of the user's hands, the procedure advantageously provides a step of disinfection of the treatment enclosure by a UVC lamp system.

[0044] The end of the treatment cycle can be signaled to the user by a light, an audible signal, or other means. According to an advantageous variant, the treatment system provides a hand presence detector which, if the hands leave the system before the end of the cycle, allows the current cycle to be stopped and / or an alert signal to be generated for non-compliant treatment. Reference numbers used in the figures

[0045] 1. Multi-phase hand treatment device 2. Active cavity 3. Double inlet 4. Mobile treatment assembly 5. Brushes 6. Active product dispenser 7. Drying blower 8. Anti-splash blower 9 Treatment assembly movement rail 10. Treatment assembly traction chain 11. Support ring 12. Water distribution nozzles 13. Cavity walls 14. Cleaning and disinfectant solution reservoir 15. --------- 16. Drain 17. Cavity bottom 18. ------- 19. ------- 20. User's hand and forearm 21. Air stream 22. Cleaning solution jet 23. Disinfectant solution jets 24. Water jets

Claims

1. A multi-phase hand treatment device (1) comprising: i) an active cavity (2) for housing a user's hands and forearms; ii) a double inlet (3) for insertion of the user's hands and forearms into the active cavity; iii) at least one active product dispenser (6) and at least one water distribution nozzle (12); iv) a treatment assembly (4) comprising two rotating brushes (5); characterized in that the treatment assembly (4) further comprises a drying blower (7); v) said assembly (4) being movable in the active cavity (2) between a position remote from the double inlet (3) of the cavity for treatment of the fingers and a position close to the double inlet of the cavity for treatment of the forearms.

2. Treatment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said treatment assembly (4) is designed to perform treatment in two successive phases, namely a washing phase, with injection of washing product and rotation of the brushes (5) at a washing speed, and a disinfecting phase with injection of disinfecting product and rotation of the brushes (5) at a disinfecting speed, the disinfecting speed being lower than the washing speed.

3. Treatment device (1) according to claim 2, in which, for the washing phase, the active product is a cleaning agent, and for the rinsing phase, the active product is an antimicrobial agent.

4. Treatment device (1) according to claim 1, also comprising an anti-splash blower (8) arranged at the entrance to the active cavity (2) to produce an air flow preventing splashing towards the user.

5. Treatment device according to claim 1, in which each of the openings of the double inlet (3) comprises a support ring (11) for the user's forearms.

6. Multi-phase treatment process for washing and successive decontamination of a user's hands, comprising the following steps: i) a washing phase in an active cavity (2) of a treatment device (1) according to claim 1, with injection of water and a cleaning agent, followed by scrub cleaning by means of rotating brushes (5) rotating at a washing speed, and movement of the brushes in the cavity while scrubbing the user's hands and forearms; ii) a rinsing step in the active cavity (2) of the treatment device (1); iii) a disinfection phase in the active cavity (2) of the treatment device (1) with injection of an antimicrobial agent and disinfection by application of the antimicrobial agent using rotating brushes (5) rotating at a disinfection speed and movement of the brushes in the cavity with contact of the user's hands and forearms; the disinfection speed being lower than the washing speed.

7. Multi-phase treatment process as claimed in claim 6, comprising, after the rinsing step and before the disinfection phase, a drying step.

8. Multi-phase treatment process as claimed in claim 6, comprising a drying step after the disinfection phase.

9. Multi-phase treatment process as claimed in claim 6, in which the disinfection phase comprises a waiting stage for disinfection.

10. Multi-phase treatment process according to claim 6, also comprising, at least during the cleaning phase, generation of an anti-splash air curtain at the double inlet of the active cavity using a blower arranged to produce a splash-catching air flow.

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