EP3232883B1

EP3232883B1 - Dispenser for dispensing hand-cleaning agents

Info

Publication number: EP3232883B1
Application number: EP15839137.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sophie DOUTERLOIGNE
Original assignee: Creavest bvba
Current assignee: Creavest bvba
Priority date: 2014-12-15
Filing date: 2015-12-15
Publication date: 2020-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-15
Also published as: BE1022870A1; EP3232883A1; WO2016094969A1; BE1022870B1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing hand-cleaning agents. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispenser which allows the efficient delivery of hand-cleaning agents. The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing hand-cleaning agents. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method which allows the efficient delivery of hand-cleaning agents.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Good hand care is a critical factor in ensuring the comfort of life for consumers. Thus, regular cleaning of hands, for example, results in a pleasant, fresh feeling. This is connected to the removal of body secretions and possibly dirt from the hands. In addition, good hand care may keep the skin of the hands young and flexible, for example by means of hydration. Hydrating the hands may be effected by the addition of hand-moisturizing agents to a hand-cleaning liquid, for example as described in US2009226498 . In addition to providing comfort in daily life, good hand care also offers significant advantages in the medical field. Thus, good hand hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of infections, bacteria and/or diseases. This applies, inter alia, to hospitals, home environments and public places. In hospital environments, a good hand hygiene is rigorously adhered to. Thus, many hospitals have implemented rules on cleaning hands which specify that staff have to wash or clean their hands at regular intervals or when performing certain activities, such as entering a patient's room. Because good care results in a pleasant, fresh feeling which significantly increases the comfort of life and because good hand hygiene is important from a medical point of view, good hand hygiene is not only important in hospitals, but also in home environments and in public places. However, the use of soap and water is often cumbersome and not convenient in every space. There is therefore a need for an alternative to water and soap in spaces where there is no water or in situations where washing hands using water and soap would be too cumbersome. For this reason, non-water-based hand-cleaning agents are being used increasingly often in daily situations.
The efficiency of placing dispensers for such hand-cleaning agents at readily accessible locations has been shown, for example, in a medical context in [C. White et al., The effect of hand hygiene on illness rate among students in university residence halls, Am J Infect Control. 2003 Oct;31(6):364-70.]. This study comprised monitoring 430 students from four different student halls during the fall semester at the Boulder campus of the University of Colorado. Student halls were divided into product groups and control groups. In the product groups, alcohol-gel hand cleaner dispensers were fitted in each room, bathroom and eatery. The effect of providing these alcohol-gel hand cleaner dispensers was analyzed statistically. In particular, the difference between the product groups and the control groups regarding symptoms, occurrence of diseases and absenteeism was investigated. This study showed that positioning alcohol-gel hand cleaner dispensers at readily accessible locations resulted in improved hand hygiene. On the one hand, this was the result of a higher frequency in washing hands, which was the result of raised awareness of good hand hygiene. On the other hand, this was caused by the regular use of alcohol-gel hand cleaner. The cumulative result of these effects resulted in fewer symptoms related to diseases of the upper respiratory tract, fewer cases of disease and lower absenteeism.
However, in the prior art, dispensers for dispensing hand cleaners are not very convenient to use. Thus, at the moment, a switch has to be pushed manually in order to dispense hand-cleaning agent, which is counterproductive since this switch becomes a breeding ground for germs as a result of being in contact with many dirty hands. In addition, dispensers for hand cleaners according to the prior art are inconvenient to use in an everyday environment, such as in retail spaces, living spaces, restaurants, and so on.
GB-A-2468728 discloses the features of the preamble of independent claims 1 and 10.
The present invention provides a solution to the above challenges.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides in automatic dispensers for dispensing hand-cleaning agents, preferably disinfectant liquids. These dispensers offer people the opportunity to clean their hands at locations where no water (and soap) are available.
In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a dispenser (100) according to claim 1.
Preferred embodiments of the dispenser are defined in dependent claims 2-9.
In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a method according to independent claim 10.
Preferred embodiments of the method are defined in dependent claims 11-14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 shows a dispenser (100) not according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows a dispenser (100) not according to a specific embodiment of the present invention which indicates a cleaning location (210) on a hand (200).
Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatic illustration of some components of a dispenser (100) not according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows a dispenser (100) not according to a specific embodiment of the present invention which indicates a cleaning location (210) on a hand (200) and which is fitted to a stand (300) with a base (310).
Fig. 5A shows an example of a dispenser not according to the invention as well as the gradual opening of the housing by sliding down, as a result of which the batteries become visible.
Fig. 5B shows the spray direction of the example of Fig. 5A in a front and side view.
Fig. 5C shows, on the left-hand side, a dispenser without integrated collecting tray, and
Fig. 5C shows, on the right-hand side, a dispenser with integrated collecting tray.
Fig. 5D shows the dispenser from Fig. 5A with a hand situated underneath in order to activate the system.
Fig. 5E shows the dispenser from Fig. 5A with an LED beam which is directed at the hand, so that the person can keep his/her hand in the correct spot, and how the spray system then becomes operative and how the hands can then be cleaned.
Fig. 6 shows how a dispenser is fitted to the wall using a fitting piece which can be attached by means of screws, as a result of which the housing can be attached, each with their method of attachment in side view.
Fig. 7 shows an example of a wall model of the dispenser on the left and a stand model of the dispenser on the right.
Fig. 8 shows possible liquid containers (also known as bottles or refills).
Fig. 9 shows the liquid container from Fig. 8, wherein the closure consists of a technical cap with a snap connection (first use seal) and a cover. In this way, the bottle is provided with a double cap.
Fig. 10 describes an embodiment of the dispenser which is provided with a collecting system.
Fig.11 shows a dispenser not according to the invention hung from a wall.
Fig.12 shows a dispenser according to the invention hung from a wall.
Fig.13 shows components of a dispenser according to the invention.

Throughout the figures, the following numbering is used: 100 - dispenser; 110 - liquid container; 111 - sensor (for measuring the liquid level in the liquid container); 112 - connecting pin; 113 - hose; 114 - pump; 115 - valve; 116 - nozzle; 117 - PCB; 120 - housing; 121 - microprocessor; 122 - batteries; 123 - hand-detecting sensor; 124 - fluidic system; 125 - display; 126 - light-emitting body; 200 - hand(s); 210 - cleaning location; 300 - stand; 310 - base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used below in this text, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The terms "comprise", "comprises" as used below are synonymous with "including", "include" or "contain", "contains" and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional unmentioned parts, elements or method steps. The terms "comprise", "comprises" include the term "contain".
The enumeration of numeric values by means of ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the cited end points.
The term "approximately" as used when referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, an amount, a time period, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, insofar as the variations apply to the invention disclosed herein. It should be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers per se has also been disclosed.
All documents cited in the present description are hereby incorporated in their entirety by way of reference.
Unless defined otherwise, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning which a person skilled in the art usually gives them. For further guidance, definitions are included to further explain terms which are used in the description of the invention.
The present invention relates to dispensers for hand-cleaning agents, and a method for dispensing hand-cleaning agents in living spaces, office spaces, retail spaces and/or medical facilities. Some dispensers for hand-cleaning agents according to the present invention comprise a liquid container and a housing. The housing comprises batteries which are configured to provide electrical power to the various electronic or electromechanical components of the dispenser. The liquid container preferably comprises a liquid-level sensor which is operationally connected to a microprocessor in the housing. When the liquid-level sensor detects that the liquid level in the liquid container is below a critical value, the liquid-level sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor. Following this signal, the microprocessor sends a signal to an operationally connected display which is also comprised in the housing. Thereupon, the display will light up, so that a user can replace the empty liquid container. The housing also comprises a hand-detecting sensor, for example a proximity sensor or movement detector which is configured to detect the presence of hands in a cleaning location. Upon detection of hands in a cleaning location, the hand-detecting sensor, for example the proximity sensor or movement sensor, sends a signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then sends a signal to a light-emitting element, preferably a laser, which indicates the cleaning location on the hands. If the hands are detected in the cleaning location for two successive seconds, the microprocessor sends a signal to the fluidic system. The fluidic system pumps cleaning agent to a spraying system which is configured to spray cleaning agent to the cleaning location in the form of a mist. Preferably, 1 to 5 ml, more preferably 2 to 4 ml, and most preferably approximately 3 ml cleaning liquid is atomized in the direction of the cleaning location.
In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a dispenser (100) according to claim 1.
The spraying system and the light-emitting body are preferably embedded in a hand-cleaning unit (130) which is situated at the bottom of the housing.
The term "mist", as used herein, refers to a suspension of liquid drops in a gas.
The term "liquid container", as used herein, refers to a receptacle for cleaning liquid. This liquid container is available separately and is filled with the cleaning liquid and is provided with a closure.
The liquid container preferably has a volume of 0.1 to 5 liters, more preferably a volume of 0.2 to 2 liters, and most preferably a volume of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 or 1.2 liters.
The term "hand-cleaning liquid", as used herein, refers to a supplement or alternative for washing hands using soap and water described. The present invention is described in the context of dispensing hand-cleaning liquid in the form of a liquid solution which is atomized as a mist. However, hand-cleaning liquids may also be in the form of a gel or foam, but not in the context of the present invention. The active ingredient in a hand-cleaning liquid may be, for example, an alcohol, preferably isopropanol, ethanol and/or n-propanol. More preferably, the active component of the hand-cleaning liquid is ethanol in an aqueous solution, and the ethanol concentration in the hand cleaner is between 60% and 85%. Most preferably, the ethanol concentration in the hand cleaner is approximately 70%. It should be noted that these concentrations are given as volume concentrations here. Hand-cleaning liquid may also comprise other substances, for example perfume, substances which hydrate the hands and/or additional substances to kill germs.
The term "housing" as used herein refers to an object which forms a surrounded space which contains the majority of the components of the dispenser.
Preferably, the liquid container and housing are configured to be reversibly connected to each other by means of a snap connection.
The term "fluidic system" as used herein refers to a system for transporting fluids which comprises a network of one or more pumps, one or more valves and one or more pipes.
The term "light-emitting body", as used herein, refers to an LED lamp or a laser which is configured to direct a light ray onto a cleaning location on the hand(s). Preferably, the light-emitting body is configured as a laser or LED lamp.
A light-emitting element as an LED lamp preferably comprises a white LED. The light-emitting element preferably lights up when an object is detected under the dispenser. The light-emitting element preferably switches off after the spray has stopped. The light cone of the light-emitting element indicates the surface that has to be sprayed by the spray.
The term "hand-detecting sensor", as used herein, refers to a sensor which is configured to detect the presence of one or two hands at a cleaning location. Proximity sensors and movement sensors are two examples of hand-detecting sensors.
The term "proximity sensor", as used herein, refers to a sensor which can detect the presence of one or two hands at a cleaning location. A proximity sensor is for example an infrared sensor or a capacitive sensor.
The term "movement sensor", as used herein, refers to a sensor which is configured to detect the presence of one or two hands at a cleaning location by means of movement of the one or two hands. Examples of movement sensors are movement sensors based on microwave radiation and/or infrared radiation.
Using an apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to apply cleaning agents efficiently to hand(s) which are to be cleaned and the user can choose the location on the hand(s) at which he wants the spray of cleaning liquid to end up. In addition, manual contact with a switch or the like of the cleaning agent dispenser is prevented, which aids in preventing the spread of germs.
The cleaning agent which is atomized may comprise an antibacterial substance to form a disinfectant which may be atomized.
By atomizing the cleaning agent as a mist, a large surface area of the hand is efficiently moistened with hand-cleaning agent. Moreover, atomizing the cleaning agent as a mist eliminates the risk of cleaning agent leaking; any liquid drops which are atomized and miss the hands are so small that they will evaporate before reaching the ground. Preferably, the mist comprises drops having a diameter which is smaller than 1000 micrometers; more preferably, the drops have a diameter of 50 to 200 micrometers; most preferably, the drops have a diameter of approximately 100 micrometers.
Preferably, the fluidic system and the spraying system are configured so that the liquid drops are atomized in an air stream which is directed at the hand-cleaning location. In this way, even relatively small drops can be atomized efficiently in the direction of the cleaning location.
In some embodiments, the light-emitting body is configured to light up only when the presence of one or two hands is detected by the hand-detecting sensor;

the microprocessor is configured to register how long hands were detected for at the cleaning location; and
the microprocessor is configured to only emit a signal to the fluidic system if the microprocessor has received an uninterrupted signal from the hand-detecting sensor for 0.5 to 5, preferably 1 to 3, most preferably approximately 1.5 seconds. Quite a few hand-detecting sensors cannot distinguish between hands and between other objects, for example a coat. Since, in this embodiment, the cleaning liquid is only atomized when an object is detected at the cleaning location for a relatively long period of time, this prevents hand-cleaning agent from being sprayed on, for example, coats of passers-by each time they enter the cleaning location. The inventors have discovered that a continuous presence of an object at the cleaning location of 0.5 to 5.0, preferably 1.0 to 3.0, most preferably approximately 1.5 seconds, results in a good trade-off between, on the one hand, quick and efficient use of the hand cleaner and, on the other hand, preventing hand-cleaning agent from being sprayed at the wrong points in time.

The light-emitting element firstly lights up upon detection of an object in the cleaning location in order to give visual feedback to a user, so that the user has time to move his/her hand so that the cleaning location is situated in the center of the hand when the cleaning liquid is being atomized. A time span of approximately 0.5 to 5.0, preferably 1.0 to 3.0, most preferably approximately 1.5 seconds appears to be sufficient to give users the time to correctly position their hands.
Switching off the light-emitting body when no hands are detected in the cleaning location prevents electricity from being wasted, which is associated with allowing the light-emitting body to burn continuously. In addition, a light-emitting body which burns continuously in the dispenser may be annoying in some spaces.
In some embodiments, the liquid container comprises a sensor which is configured to measure the liquid level in the liquid container, and the housing comprises a display which is configured to display the liquid level in the liquid container; and

the display is operationally connected to the liquid level sensor in the liquid container via the microprocessor.

In this way, it is possible to make it clear to a user when the liquid container is almost empty.
Preferably, the dispenser also comprises a sensor which is able to detect when the apparatus is faulty and/or a sensor which is able to detect when the batteries are almost empty. This additional sensor is also operationally connected to the microprocessor which is contained in the housing and which is configured to send a signal to a respective display contained in the housing. This respective display is preferably an LED lamp, for example a red LED lamp, and the respective display is configured to emit a signal to a user when the batteries are almost empty or when the dispenser is faulty.
In some embodiments, the display is a light-emitting body which is embedded in the housing;

the display is configured to light up when the liquid level has reached a critical value; and
the display is configured not to light up when the liquid level has not reached this critical value.

This is an effective anchoring method of the light-emitting body at a location where a cleaning location can be clearly indicated.
In some embodiments, the liquid container is removably attached to the housing. The liquid container is then available separately and is already filled with hand-cleaning liquid and provided with a closure. In order to fit a new liquid container, the closure is removed or opened and the liquid container is fitted. The liquid container is usually transparent and may have a different color to the rest of the dispenser, such as for example slightly fluo-transparent materials.
In this way, the liquid container can be replaced efficiently when there is no more cleaning liquid left. In particular, the old liquid container is removed from the housing and a new liquid container is fitted to the housing.
In some embodiments, a collecting tray is provided below the spraying system so that the cleaning location is situated above the collecting tray and below the spraying system.
If the dispenser is configured to dispense cleaning liquid in a mist which comprises a relatively large amount of liquid and/or large drops, there may be a risk that cleaning liquid is spilled. Providing a collecting tray is an effective method of preventing spillage of excess cleaning liquid.
In some embodiments, the dispenser is configured to be fittable to a wall or stand.
By fitting the dispenser to a wall, the existing space is used very efficiently. In addition, this results in a cost saving as no stand has to be provided. The dispenser is fitted to, for example, the wall by means of screws.
However, the use of a stand allows greater flexibility in placing the dispenser at any desired location in a space. A stand may be, for example, a leg having three legs, as is also used in the context of balancing photographic cameras. A stand may also be configured as one single leg connected to a base, as is illustrated in Fig. 4. The dispenser is preferably attached to a stand by means of a clamping connection.
The length of the stand determines whether a dispenser according to the present invention will be used as a tabletop model or as a floorstanding model. In the case of a tabletop model, the stand preferably has a height of between 20 and 50 cm, more preferably the stand has a height of approximately 35 cm. With a floorstanding model, the dispenser is preferably placed on the stand in such a manner that the spraying system is situated at a height of 50 cm to 1.5 m, preferably at a height of 75 cm to 1.25 m, and most preferably at a height of 1.00 m to 1.15 m.
Preferably, the nozzle is arranged at a height which is such that the dispenser can be used in a comfortable way. If the dispenser is intended to be used by children, for example in a school, the dispenser may also be arranged at a lower height, for example at a height of 50 cm to 70 cm.
In some embodiments, the dispenser is provided with a stand to which one or more dispensers can be attached. In this way, it is possible to place dispensers effectively in locations where potentially many people want to clean their hands at the same time, for example at the till in a shop. Dispensers fitted at different heights are useful to enable people of different heights to clean their hands. This can be done, for example, on one or more stands fitted to 1 base, so that the dispensers at the various heights can be placed centrally in a space.
In some embodiments, the hand-detecting sensor is selected from the list consisting of proximity sensors and movement sensors. Thus, hands can be detected very efficiently in a cleaning position.
In some embodiments, the detection range of the hand-detecting sensor is 5 cm to 20 cm, preferably 10 cm. This detection range is sufficiently large to provide good ease of use and is still sufficiently small to minimize delivery of hand-cleaning liquid at undesirable points in time. Preferably, the detection range of the hand-detection sensor comprises the cleaning location. This increases the efficiency of the dispenser.
The dispensers according to the present invention are rather operated automatically and hands free. One of the associated challenges is the configuration of the dispensers so that the dispenser is not activated if an object other than a hand is held in a cleaning location. This other object may be, for example, the head of a child which is standing underneath the dispenser. In such a situation, it is not desirable to disperse hand-cleaning liquid.
In some embodiments, a dispenser according to the present embodiment offers a solution to the aforementioned need by providing a hand-detecting sensor, the central axis of the detection range of which, in normal use, forms an oblique angle with the vertical direction. In normal use, the central axis of its detection range preferably makes an angle of 20 to 40°, more preferably an angle of approximately 30° with the vertical direction. Such a dispenser in normal use is illustrated in Fig. 11.
The expression "central axis of its detection range", as used herein, refers to the direction in which a hand-detecting sensor "points". This concept is further explained in the figures and in the examples.
The dispenser comprises two hand-detecting sensors, in which case the two hand-detecting sensors have a different detection range. This may increase the safety of the dispenser.
The two hand-detecting sensors comprise a first hand-detecting sensor and a second hand-detecting sensor. The first hand-detecting sensor is preferably a hand-detecting sensor whose central axis of its detection range, in normal use, makes an oblique angle with the vertical direction, as described above. The central axis of the detection range of the second sensor makes an angle with the horizontal plane which is less than 10°. Preferably, the second hand-detecting sensor is positioned on the same side of the dispenser as the nozzle. This may increase the safety of the dispenser. Preferably, the central axes of the detection ranges of the two hand-detecting sensors form an obtuse angle. In normal use, the following angle is preferably approximately equal to 90°: the angle between the horizontal plane and the plane defined by the central axes of the detection ranges of the two hand-detecting sensors.
The second hand-detecting sensor is configured to detect objects in front of the dispenser (in the horizontal direction of the nozzle) up to a distance of 40 cm. Preferably, the second sensor is only activated when the first sensor has detected an object. Preferably, hand-cleaning liquid is dispersed when an object has been detected by both sensors.
Preferably, the dispenser comprises one and only one nozzle and the dispenser comprises two hand-detecting sensors as described above. This may increase the safety of the dispenser.
In some embodiments, the dispenser comprises a liquid container having a volume of 1.5 liters.
In some embodiments, the liquid container is sealed by means of a sealing cap, in which case the sealing cap ensures the liquid container is sealed. Preferably, the sealing cap comprises a bayonet connection in order to connect it to the housing of the dispenser. Preferably, the sealing cap comprises a mechanism to produce a connection to a connecting pin which is free of leaks. Preferably, the sealing cap provides an aeration function (for the liquid container).
In some embodiments, a connecting pin provides the connection between the liquid container and a hose. The pin is then part of the dispenser.
Preferably, the hose is ethanol-proof. Preferably, the hose is flexible. Preferably, the hose is able to withstand bending and pressure. Such a hose forms part of the fluidic system of the dispenser.
Preferably, the fluidic system furthermore comprises a pump. The pump is preferably a membrane pump. The pump preferably provides sufficient pressure to create a mist in the nozzle.
Preferably, the fluidic system comprises a valve (115). The valve ensures that no liquid runs through the hose (113) to the nozzle (116) when at rest. During the spraying of hand-cleaning liquid, the valve (115) will open.
Preferably, the nozzle is configured to spray a narrow (narrow-angle) mist during delivery of the hand-cleaning liquid. In particular, the angle which the mist makes is preferably sufficiently small to be dispensed quickly via an opening in the front of the housing of the dispenser. Preferably, the nozzle provides a spray image of a full circle. Individual drops of the mist are preferably sufficiently small, so that any mist which is sprayed and misses the hand will evaporate as quickly as possible.
Preferably, the batteries are type AA batteries (penlites) 1.5 V.
Preferably, the dispenser comprises a PCB which preferably comprises all electronic components which control the dispenser. In particular, the following components are preferably controlled by the electronic components of the PCB: hand-detecting sensors, the display, the light-emitting body, the pump, and the valve. In addition, the electronic components of the PCB are preferably configured to activate a red LED (contained in the display) when the level of the batteries is too low.
Preferably, the dispenser comprises a display which comprises a red LED. The red LED preferably lights up when the battery level is too low. Preferably, the red LED lights up 48 hours before the batteries are empty. If a fault occurs in the dispenser, the red LED preferably flashes.
In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a method according to independent claim 10.
Preferably, the spraying system and the light-emitting body are embedded in a hand-cleaning unit (130) which is situated at the bottom of the housing.
The cleaning agent which is atomized may comprise an antibacterial substance in order to form a disinfectant which can be atomized.
Preferably, the fluidic system and the spraying system are also configured such that the liquid drops are atomized in an air stream which is directed at the hand-cleaning location. In this way, even relatively small drops can be atomized efficiently in the direction of the cleaning location.
This method comprises atomizing the cleaning agent as a mist, in which case a large surface area of the hand is efficiently moistened. In addition, atomizing the cleaning agent as a mist eliminates the risk of cleaning agent leaking; any liquid drops which are atomized and miss the hands are so small that they evaporate before touching the ground. Preferably, the mist comprises drops having a diameter which is smaller than 1000 micrometers; more preferably, the drops have a diameter of 50 to 200 micrometers; most preferably, the drops have a diameter of approximately 100 micrometers.
In some embodiments, the light-emitting body comprises a white LED, i.e. an LED which emits white light, such as an RBG LED.
In some embodiments, the light-emitting body only lights up when the presence of one or two hands is detected by the hand-detecting sensor;

the microprocessor registers how long the hands were detected for at the cleaning location; and
the microprocessor only emits a signal to the fluidic system when the microprocessor has received an uninterrupted signal from the hand-detecting sensor for 0.5 to 5, preferably 1 to 3, most preferably approximately 1.5 seconds.

In this way, no energy is wasted as a result of the light-emitting body burning continuously. In addition, a light-emitting body which burns continuously in the dispenser may be annoying in some spaces.
Quite a number of hand-detecting sensors cannot distinguish between hands and between other objects, for example a coat. Since, in this embodiment, the cleaning liquid is only atomized when an object is detected at the cleaning location for a relatively long period of time, this prevents hand-cleaning agent from being sprayed on, for example, coats of passers-by each time they enter the cleaning location. The inventors have discovered that a continuous presence of an object at the cleaning location of 0.5 to 5, preferably 1 to 3, most preferably approximately 1.5 seconds, results in a good trade-off between, on the one hand, quick and efficient use of the hand cleaner and, on the other hand, preventing hand-cleaning agent from being sprayed at the wrong points in time.
The step of detecting hands at the cleaning location comprises providing a hand-detecting sensor whose central axis of the detection range, in normal use, makes an oblique angle with the vertical direction, as has already been indicated above. This may increase the safety of dispensers according to the present invention.
In some embodiments, the step of detecting hands comprises the use of two hand-detecting sensors, a first hand-detecting sensor and a second hand-detecting sensor, with the two hand-detecting sensors having a different detection range. Hand-cleaning liquid is only dispersed when both hand-cleaning sensors have detected an object. If appropriate, the object has to be detected for 1 to 5 seconds, for example for 2, 3, or 4 seconds. The two hand-detecting sensors are described in detail above. This may increase the safety of the dispenser.
Preferably, the second hand-detecting sensor is only activated when an object has been detected by the first hand-detecting sensor. This may improve the energy efficiency of the device.
In some embodiments, a sensor in the liquid container measures the liquid level in the liquid container;

the sensor passes the measured liquid level on to the microprocessor;
the microprocessor sends a signal to a display in the housing, based on the measured liquid level; and
the display in the housing displays the liquid level in the liquid container.

In this way, it is possible to alert a user when the liquid container is almost empty.
Preferably, it is also detected when the apparatus has become faulty and/or it is detected when the batteries are almost empty. This information is preferably displayed by means of a display contained in the housing.
In some embodiments, the display is configured as a light-emitting body characterized in that

the display lights up when the liquid level has reached a critical value; and
the display does not light up when the liquid level has not reached this critical value.

A light-emitting body, preferably an LED light, may be a very efficient embodiment of the light-emitting body which warns of a too low liquid level.
In some embodiments, the liquid container is removably attached to the housing.
In this way, a liquid container may be replaced in an efficient manner when there is no more cleaning liquid. In particular, when replacing the cleaning liquid, the old liquid container is removed from the housing and a new liquid container is fitted to the housing. In some embodiments, the removable attachment between the liquid container and the housing comprises a bayonet connection. Thus, said connection can be produced very quickly and easily.
In some embodiments, a collecting tray collects any spilled cleaning agent underneath the cleaning location.
If the dispenser is configured to distribute cleaning liquid in a mist containing a relatively large amount of liquid and/or large drops, there may be a risk that cleaning liquid is spilled. Providing a collecting tray is an efficient way of preventing spilling of excess cleaning liquid.
In some embodiments, the dispenser is fitted to a wall.
By fitting the dispenser to a wall, the existing space is used very efficiently. In addition, it results in a cost saving since no stand has to be provided. The dispenser is fitted to the wall, for example, by means of screws.
In some embodiments, the dispenser is provided with a stand to which one or more dispensers can be attached.
The use of a stand allows great flexibility with regard to placing the dispenser at any desired location in a space. A stand may be, for example, a leg having three legs, as is also used in the context of balancing photographic cameras. The dispenser is preferably attached to a stand by means of a clamping connection. Preferably, the stand is provided with a base. The base provides additional stability to the stand by enlarging the supporting surface.
In a specific embodiment not according to the invention, a dispenser (100) is provided Z as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The dispenser (100) comprises a liquid container (110) and a housing (120). The housing (120) comprises a hand-cleaning unit (130) which in turn comprises a hand-detecting sensor, a light-emitting body, and a spraying system. The hand-cleaning unit (130) is situated at the bottom of the housing (120). The housing (120) furthermore comprises batteries, a fluidic system and a microprocessor. The batteries are configured to provide electrical power for the microprocessor, the hand-detecting sensor, the fluidic system and the light-emitting body. The microprocessor is operationally connected to the hand-detecting sensor and to the fluidic system. The light-emitting body is configured to indicate a cleaning location on the hands. More specifically, the light-emitting body is configured to indicate a cleaning location (210) on the hands (200) by means of a light ray (140). The hand-detecting sensor is configured to detect the presence of one or two hands (200) near the cleaning location (210). The hand-detecting sensor is configured to emit a signal to the microprocessor when one or two hands (200) are detected in the cleaning location (210). The microprocessor emits a signal to the fluidic system when it receives a hand-detection signal from the hand-detecting sensor. The fluidic system then transports hand-cleaning agent from the liquid container (110) to the spraying system in a pressurized manner. The spraying system receives the cleaning agent from the fluidic system and atomizes a mist comprising the cleaning agent in the direction of the cleaning location on the hands.
In a further specific embodiment not according to the invention, a method is provided for cleaning hands in living spaces, office spaces, retail spaces, and/or medical facilities, as illustrated fin Figs. 1 and 2. This method inter alia involves the use of a dispenser (100). The dispenser (100) comprises a liquid container (110) and a housing (120). The housing (120) comprises a hand-cleaning unit (130) which in turn comprises a hand-detecting sensor, a light-emitting body, and a spraying system. The hand-cleaning unit (130) is situated at the bottom of the housing (120). The housing (120) furthermore comprises batteries, a fluidic system and a microprocessor. The batteries are configured to provide electrical power for the microprocessor, the hand-detecting sensor, the fluidic system and the light-emitting body. The presence of one or two hands (200) near the cleaning location is detected by means of a hand-detecting sensor. When the presence of hands (200) is detected by the hand-detecting sensor, a cleaning location (210) is indicated on the hands (200) by means of a light-emitting body which emits a light ray (140) to the hands (200). The microprocessor then emits a signal to the fluidic system and the fluidic system transports hand-cleaning agent from the liquid container to the spraying system in a pressurized manner after receiving a signal from the microprocessor. The spraying system receives cleaning agent from the fluidic system and atomizes the cleaning agent as a mist in the direction of the cleaning location on the hands.
In a further specific embodiment not according to the invention, a dispenser (100) comprises the components as illustrated in Fig. 3. The dispenser (100) comprises a liquid container (110) and a housing (120). The liquid container (110) comprises a sensor (111) which is configured to measure the liquid level in the liquid container (110). The sensor (111) is operationally connected to a microprocessor (121). The microprocessor (121) is also operationally connected to a display (125), configured as an LED lamp. The system comprising the sensor (111), the microprocessor (121) and the display (125) is configured in such a way that the display (125) lights up when the liquid level in the liquid container (110) is lower than a preset critical value. The housing (120) also comprises a hand-detecting sensor (123), operationally connected to the microprocessor (121), which is configured to detect the presence of one or more hands (200) in a cleaning location (210). The housing also comprises a light-emitting unit (126), operationally connected to the microprocessor (121), which is configured to indicate a cleaning location (210) on the hands (200). The housing (120) also comprises batteries (122) which are configured to provide electrical power for the microprocessor (121), the hand-detecting sensor (123), the fluidic system (124), the display (125) and the light-emitting body (126). The housing (120) also comprises a fluidic system (124) which is operationally connected to the microprocessor (121) and which is configured to pass cleaning agent to a spraying system when hands (120) have been detected in the cleaning location (210) by the hand-detecting sensor (123). The spraying system is configured to provide the cleaning agent in the form of a mist at the cleaning location (210).
In a specific embodiment not according to the invention, (100) is provided, as is illustrated in Fig. 4. The dispenser (100) comprises a liquid container (110) and a housing (120). The housing (120) comprises a hand-cleaning unit (130) which in turn comprises a hand-detecting sensor, a light-emitting body and a spraying system. The hand-cleaning unit (130) is situated at the bottom of the housing (120). The housing (120) furthermore comprises batteries, a fluidic system and a microprocessor. The batteries are configured to provide electrical power for the microprocessor, the hand-detecting sensor, the fluidic system and the light-emitting body. The microprocessor is operationally connected to the hand-detecting sensor and to the fluidic system. The light-emitting body is configured to indicate a cleaning location on the hands. More specifically, the light-emitting body is configured to indicate a cleaning location (210) on the hands (200) by means of a light ray (140). The hand-detecting sensor is configured to detect the presence of one or two hands (200) near the cleaning location (210). The hand-detecting sensor is configured to emit a signal to the microprocessor when one or two hands are detected in the cleaning location. The microprocessor emits a signal to the fluidic system when it receives a hand-detection signal from the hand-detecting sensor. The fluidic system then transports hand-cleaning agent from the liquid container (110) to the spraying system in a pressurized manner. The spraying system receives the cleaning agent from the fluidic system and atomizes a mist comprising the cleaning agent in the direction of the cleaning location (210) on the hands (200). The dispenser (100) was attached to a stand (300) with a base (310) so that the dispenser can be placed at any desired location in a space in a stable manner. The stand (300) has a length of approximately one and a half meters - not to scale in FIG. 4 - so that the dispenser is readily noticeable and easy to use.

EXAMPLES

By way of example, reference is made to Figs. 5 to 10.
Fig. 5A shows the dispenser when in use. Furthermore, this series of images show the gradual opening of the housing by sliding down, as a result of which the batteries become visible. The cleaning liquid is present in the upper liquid container. The cleaning unit having two openings which comprise a sensor and a spraying system can be seen on the round section at the bottom. Fig. 5B shows how the spraying direction is fitted in a front and side view. Fig. 5C shows a standard dispenser on the left and a dispenser with integrated collecting tray on the right. The collecting tray may be useful in case of any cleaning liquid leaks. Fig. 5D shows the dispenser with a hand which is held underneath. Fig. 5E shows how the LED ray is first directed onto the hand, so that the person can hold his/her hand in the correct position and how the spraying system then becomes operative and how the hands can then be cleaned.
Fig. 6 shows how a dispenser is fitted to the wall using a mounting piece which may be attached using screws, as a result of which the housing may be attached, each with their method of attachment in side view.
Fig. 7 shows a wall-mounted model of the dispenser on the left and a stand-mounted model of an example of a dispenser according to the invention.
Figures 8 and 9 show possible liquid containers (also referred to as bottles or refills) provided with a closure, such as these can be produced separately, filled with cleaning liquid and provided with a closure to serve as a separate unit to be attached to the dispenser. The closure consists of a technical cap with a snap fastening (first use seal) and a cover. In this way, the bottle is provided with a double cap, as is illustrated in Fig. 9.
Fig. 10 describes an embodiment of the dispenser which is provided with a collecting system.
By way of further example, we describe a method for dispensing hand-cleaning agents not according to the present invention. When a hand-detecting sensor (123) detects a hand (200) in a cleaning location (210), the light-emitting body (126) lights up; in the present example, the light-emitting body (126) is a white LED. When the white LED lights up, a light ray of the white LED shines on the cleaning location (210) on the hand (200). Subsequently, the dispenser (100) is activated and the dispenser (100) sprays hand-cleaning agent on the cleaning location (210) on the hand (200). With a method according to the present example, the following cycle is moved through:

detecting an object by the hand-detecting sensor (123) within a distance of 10 cm to the hand-detecting sensor (123);
indicating the cleaning location (210) on the hand (200) by the white LED
dispensing, by means of spraying as a mist, the hand-cleaning agent by the dispenser (100);
extinguishing the white LED.

By way of further example, we refer to Fig. 11. This figure shows a dispenser (100) not according to the invention, hung from a wall (400). The dispenser has a hand-detecting sensor with a well-defined sensor range (1230). Panel A shows how a 9-month old toddler is unable to activate the dispenser (100). This is achieved by ensuring that the sensor range (1230) is outside the reach of the toddler (510). Panels B, C, and D show how a 3-year old child (520), a 6-year child (530) and an adult (540), respectively, can activate the dispenser (100) without any problems.
By way of further example, we refer to Fig. 12. This figure shows a dispenser (100) according to the invention, which is hung from a wall (400). In the present example, the dispenser (100) is provided with two hand-detecting sensors: a first hand-detecting sensor and a second hand-detecting sensor. The detection range (1230) of the first hand-detecting sensor is situated at an angle underneath the dispenser (100), with a central axis which forms an angle of 25° in the direction of the wall (400). The detection range (1230) of the second hand-detecting sensor is situated next to the dispenser (100), away from the wall (400), and has a central axis which runs approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. Both hand-detecting sensors have to be activated for the dispenser (100) to disperse hand-cleaning agent. Panel A shows how a three-year old child (520) only succeeds in activating the first sensor. Consequently, the three-year old child (520) fails to disperse hand-cleaning agent. Panel B shows how a six-year old child (530) succeeds in activating the first and the second sensor. Consequently, the six-year old child (530) succeeds in dispersing hand-cleaning agent. This configuration of the dispenser (100) may be useful to ensure that very young children cannot activate the dispenser in an unguarded moment.
By way of further example, we refer to Fig. 13. This figure shows different components of a dispenser according to the invention. The dispenser comprises a liquid container (110). The liquid container (110) has a volume of 1.5 liters.
The liquid container (110) is sealed by means of a sealing cap (118). The sealing cap (118) ensures that the liquid container (110) is sealed. The sealing cap also comprises a bayonet connection to produce a connection to the housing of the dispenser. Furthermore, the sealing cap (118) comprises a mechanism to produce a connection to a connecting pin (112) which is free of leaks. Furthermore, the sealing cap has an aeration function.
The connecting pin (112) provides the connection between the liquid container (110) and a hose (113). The pin forms part of the dispenser.
The hose (113) is ethanol-proof. In addition, the hose (113) is flexible. The hose (113) is also able to withstand bending and pressure.
The hose (113) forms part of the fluidic system of the dispenser. The fluidic system furthermore comprises a pump. The pump is a membrane pump. The pump provides sufficient pressure to create a mist in the nozzle (nozzle (116)).
The dispenser furthermore comprises batteries (122) as a source of power. The batteries are type AA batteries (penlites) 1.5 V.
Furthermore, the fluidic system comprises a valve (115). The valve ensures that no liquid can run through the hose (113) towards the nozzle (116) when at rest. When spraying hand-cleaning liquid, the valve (115) opens.
The nozzle (116) sprays a narrow (narrow angle) mist when dispensing the hand-cleaning liquid. In particular, the angle which the mist makes is sufficiently small to be dispensed quickly via an opening in the front of the housing of the dispenser. Preferably, the nozzle provides a spray image of a full circle. Individual drops of the mist are preferably sufficiently small, so that any mist which is sprayed and misses the hand will evaporate as quickly as possible.
The PCB (117) comprises all electronic components which control the dispenser. In particular, the following components are controlled by the electronic components of the PCB (117): hand-detecting sensors (123), the display (125), the light-emitting body (126), the pump (114) and the valve (115). In addition, the electronic components of the PCB (117) are configured to activate a red LED (contained in the display (125)) when the level of the batteries (122) is too low.
The dispenser comprises a display (125) which comprises a red LED. The red LED lights up when the battery level is too low, that is the red LED lights up 48 hours before the batteries (122) are empty. If a fault develops in the dispenser, the red LED will flash.
The dispenser furthermore comprises a light-emitting body (126) which comprises a white LED. The white LED lights up when an object is detected underneath the dispenser. The white LED will extinguish after the spray has stopped. The light cones of the LED indicates the surface area which is covered by the spray.
The dispenser comprises a hand-detecting sensor (123) which comprises a movement sensor. The movement sensor has a sensor range of between 5 and 10 cm, underneath the dispenser, and the sensor range has a central axis which is at an angle of 30° to the vertical direction, towards the rear side of the dispenser. When the movement sensor detects an object, it sends a signal to the electronic components on the PCB (117).
The dispenser furthermore comprises an additional hand-detecting sensor (123) which also comprises a movement sensor. The additional hand-detecting sensor is configured to detect objects in front of the dispenser (in the horizontal direction of the nozzle) up to a distance of 40 cm. This additional sensor is only activated when the first sensor has detected an object. Hand-cleaning liquid is dispersed when an object has been detected by both sensors.

Claims

A dispenser (100) for dispensing hand-cleaning agents in living spaces, office spaces, retail spaces or medical facilities
- which comprises a liquid container (110); and

- which comprises a housing (120); wherein

- the housing (110) comprises batteries (122), a fluidic system (124), at least one hand-detecting sensor (123), such as a proximity sensor or movement sensor, a light-emitting body (126), a microprocessor (121) and a spraying system;

- the batteries (122) are configured to provide electrical power for the microprocessor (121), the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123), the fluidic system (124), and the light-emitting body (126);

- the microprocessor (121) is operationally connected to the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123) and to the fluidic system (124);

- the light-emitting body (126) is configured to indicate a cleaning location (210) on one or two hands (200);

- the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123) is configured to detect the presence of one or two hands (200) near the cleaning location (210);

- the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123) is configured to emit a signal to the microprocessor (121) if one or two hands (200) are detected at the cleaning location (210);

- the microprocessor (121) is configured to emit a signal to the fluidic system (124) after receiving a hand-detection signal from the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123);

- the fluidic system (124) is configured to transport a hand-cleaning agent from the liquid container (110) to the spraying system in a pressurized manner after it has received said signal from the microprocessor; and

- the spraying system is configured to atomize a mist comprising the disinfectant in the direction of the cleaning location (210) on the hand(s) (200) upon receiving cleaning agent from the fluidic system (124);
wherein
the dispenser (100) comprises two hand-detecting sensors (123), a first hand-detecting sensor and a second hand-detecting sensor, the two hand-detecting sensors having a different detection range;
and wherein the central axis of the detection range of the first hand-detecting sensor makes an oblique angle with the vertical direction;
characterized in that
the central axis of the detection range of the second hand-detecting sensor makes an angle with the horizontal plane which is less than 10°; and in that
the second hand-detecting sensor is configured to detect objects in front of the dispenser up to a distance of 40 cm.
The dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that
- the light-emitting body (126) is configured to only light up when the presence of one or two hands (200) is detected by the hand-detecting sensors (123);

- the microprocessor (121) is configured to register how long hands (200) were detected for at the cleaning location (210); and

- the microprocessor (121) is configured to only emit a signal to the fluidic system (124) if the microprocessor (121) has received an uninterrupted signal from the hand-detecting sensors (123) for 0.5 to 5, preferably 1 to 3, most preferably approximately 1.5 seconds.
The dispenser (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that
- the liquid container (110) comprises a sensor (111) which is configured to measure the liquid level in the liquid container (110), and that the housing (120) comprises a display (125) which is configured to display the liquid level in the liquid container (110); and

- the display is operationally connected to the liquid level sensor (111) in the liquid container (110) via the microprocessor (121).
The dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that
- the display (125) is a light-emitting body which is embedded in the housing (120);

- the display (125) is configured to light up when the liquid level has reached a critical value; and

- the display (125) is configured not to light up when the liquid level has not reached this critical value.
The dispenser (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the liquid container (110) is removably attached to the housing.
The dispenser (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a collecting tray is provided underneath the spraying system so that the cleaning location (210) is situated above the collecting tray and below the spraying system.
The dispenser (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dispenser (100) is configured to be fittable to a wall or stand (300).
The dispenser (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dispenser (100) is provided with a stand (300) to which one or more dispensers (100) can be attached.
The dispenser (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the hand-detecting sensors (123) are selected from the list consisting of proximity sensors and movement sensors.
A method for dispensing hand-cleaning agents in living spaces, office spaces, retail spaces and/or medical facilities
- wherein a dispenser (100) is used
- which comprises a liquid container (110); and

- which comprises a housing (120);
wherein

- the housing (120) of the dispenser comprises batteries (122), a fluidic system (124), at least one hand-detecting sensor (123), such as a proximity sensor or movement sensor, a light-emitting body (126), a microprocessor (121), and a spraying system;

- the batteries (122) of the dispenser (100) provide electrical power to the microprocessor (121), the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123), the fluidic system (124), and the light-emitting body (126);

- the presence of a cleaning location (210) is indicated on the hand(s) (200) by means of a light-emitting body (126);

- the presence of one or two hands (200) in the cleaning location (210) is detected by means of the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123);

- the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123) emits a signal to the microprocessor (121) when one or two hands (200) are detected near the cleaning location (210);

- the microprocessor (121) emits a signal to the fluidic system after receiving a hand-detection signal from the at least one hand-detecting sensor (123);

- the fluidic system (124) transports a hand-cleaning agent from the liquid container (110) to the spraying system in a pressurized manner after receiving a signal from the microprocessor (121); and

- the spraying system receives cleaning agent from the fluidic system (124) and atomizes it as a mist in the direction of the cleaning location (210) on the hand(s) (200);
wherein the housing (120) of the dispenser (100) is provided with two hand-detecting sensors (123), a first hand-detecting sensor and a second hand-detecting sensor, the two hand-detecting sensors having a different detection range, and wherein the step of detecting the presence of one or two hands comprises the use of said two hand-detecting sensors (123); and wherein the central axis of the detection range of the first hand-detecting sensor making an oblique angle with the vertical direction;
characterized in that
the central axis of the detection range of the second hand-detecting sensor making an angle with the horizontal plane which is less than 10°; and in that the second hand-detecting sensor is configured to detect objects in front of the dispenser up to a distance of 40 cm.
The method as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that
- the light-emitting body (126) only lights up when the presence of one or two hands (200) is detected by the hand-detecting sensors (123);

- the microprocessor (121) registers how long the hands (200) were detected for at the cleaning location (210); and

- the microprocessor (121) only emits a signal to the fluidic system (124) if the microprocessor (121) has received an uninterrupted signal from the hand-detecting sensors (123) for 0.5 to 5, preferably 1 to 3, most preferably approximately 1.5 seconds.
The method as claimed in one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that
- a sensor (111) in the liquid container (110) measures the liquid level in the liquid container (110);

- the sensor (111) passes the measured liquid level on to the microprocessor (121);

- the microprocessor (121) passes a signal to a display (125) in the housing based on the measured liquid level; and

- the display (125) in the housing displays the liquid level in the liquid container (110).
The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the display (125) is configured as a light-emitting body, characterized in that
- the display (125) lights up when the liquid level has reached a critical value; and

- the display (125) does not light up when the liquid level has not reached this critical value.
The method as claimed in one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the liquid container (110) is removably attached to the housing (120).