EP2207462B1 - Combined handwashing and drying device - Google Patents

Abstract

Combined handwashing and drying device having at least one water outlet (1), at least one air outlet (2) and a trough-like water basin (3) for collecting washing water (4), wherein the water outlet (1) discharges the washing water (4), and the air outlet (2) discharges the drying air (5), essentially to the same location, characterized in that the drying air (5) is discharged transversely to the user.

Description

The invention relates to a combined hand washing and drying apparatus according to claim 1, which allows a user to perform both the hand washing and the drying process of the hands in the same place.

For manual hands-drying of hands, public toilets are usually provided with hand dryers which blow a heated stream of air onto the user's hands, thus causing the hands to dry from the wash water. This has the advantage that the care of public toilets is facilitated because the dispensers for disposable paper towels required for hygienic reasons do not always have to be replenished. These dryers are usually located away from the hand basins in most cases less than the hand basins. So it is necessary for a user to go from the hand basin to the drying device. This results in the following disadvantages: On the one hand drips from the hands just washed the remaining wash water on the way from the sink to the dryer and dripping on the floor. This leads to a messy image of the toilet and possibly even accidents due to the increased risk of slipping on the wet ground. Furthermore, it is unpleasant for physically disabled persons, such as wheelchair users to go in the wheelchair with wet hands to the dryer. Ultimately, it can come at high frequency of the toilet to "queues" in front of the dryer, since the number of dryers is usually less than the number of sinks.

From the prior art combined hand washing and drying devices are known.

So revealed the US 4,295,233 an automatic hand washing and drying device, where the outlet for the washing water and the outlet for the drying air are arranged side by side on a side facing away from the user of the sink and submit the wash water or the drying air in the direction of the user. Since the wash water outlet and the drying air outlet are juxtaposed, it is necessary to increase the width of the wash basin to arrange both outlets within the wash basin. If several such combined hand washing and drying devices are to be arranged side by side, for example on public toilets, this results in a very high overall width of the arrangement of these devices. Also, after hand washing, the user must move his hands from the outlet of the wash water to the outlet of the drying air to dry his hands. Also, it is perceived by most users as unpleasant when the stream of drying air from the outlet of the drying air is directed at the user.

From the CA 2,256,376 For example, an automatic hand-washing and drying apparatus is known which provides both the washing water and the drying air from above onto the hands of the user. For this purpose, the device comprises a cavity in which the user holds his hands, wherein on the ceiling of the cavity both the outlet for the washing water and the outlet for the drying air is arranged. In this device, however, the user is forced to wash and dry his hands without visual contact, since the outlets for water and drying air are by design between the user's head and hands. The access into the cavity and the subsequent hands on washing water and drying air without looking at your own hands is perceived by many users as unpleasant.

From document FR 22 53 884 is also a combined hand washing and drying device known. This document discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention therefore has as its object to provide a device with which a user can dry his hands comfortably after washing.

This object is achieved by a combined hand washing and drying apparatus according to claim 1. The subclaims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

The device according to the invention comprises at least one water outlet, which provides the water for washing the hands, at least one air outlet, which provides the drying air for drying the hands, and a sink which is trough-shaped for collecting the washing water and the remaining water dripping from the hands during the drying process is. In this case, both the washing water and the drying air are discharged substantially to the same location, so that the user can leave his hands in the same place during the entire washing and drying process. Since the blowing of the hands with drying air in the direction of the user is perceived by most to be unpleasant, the drying air is thereby discharged across the user, so that the user comes with his hands not in direct contact with the air flow.

The term "transverse" used here is to be understood as follows: If the user stands in front of the washbasin, then a connecting line is drawn between the side of the washbasin facing it, ie the side of the washbasin facing away from it and thus away from it runs horizontally. Each plane orthogonal to this connecting line, which is in front of the user, ie on the side of the user on which the washbasin is located, should be understood here as a plane across the user. Thus, any direction that lies on such a transverse plane is then a direction across the user. It must be mentioned that the said transverse direction does not have to lie exactly on a transverse plane, but rather that an angle between the transverse direction and the transverse plane can also be formed. So should also be understood a direction as a direction across the user, which is not exactly parallel to a transverse plane, but includes a certain angle with this. This angle should be less than 45 °, preferably less than 30 °.

Further, the place to which the washing water and the drying air are discharged should not be understood as an exact point, but rather as a volume area. Thus, it is conceivable that the location is within the trough-shaped wash basin, that occupies the area, or forms a part thereof, which is enclosed by the wash basin body and the comprehensive the upper edge of the washbasin body level. Furthermore, the said location can also be arranged or additionally above the wash basin.

Advantageously, the user can then leave his hands at this location during the entire washing and subsequent drying process, whereby his hands are first charged with washing water and then with drying air.

However, it is also conceivable that the location is defined as an area above the washbasin trough. Thus, the point to which washing water is discharged may be different from the point at which the drying air is discharged, as long as both points are located above and inside the wash basin. This has the advantage that the user's hands, for example, during the drying process can not be accidentally re-pressurized with wash water.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the drying air is discharged substantially horizontally. This means that the drying air has a predominantly horizontal directional component but not that it only has to have a horizontal directional component. So it can also have a vertical directional component, which is less than the horizontal directional component. However, it should be understood that the drying air is discharged in a direction that is substantially horizontal.

In a preferred embodiment, the drying air coming from the air outlet is directed towards the wash basin. In the direction of the wash basin, the drying air is directed to an area above the wash basin, and / or into the wash basin, ie into the area enclosed between the wash basin body and the level surrounding the upper edge of the wash basin body.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the air outlet is arranged laterally of the trough-shaped wash basin. So it can be arranged at any point circumferentially of the sink body and provide drying air (unclaimed).

In a further preferred embodiment, the combined hand washing and drying device comprises a further air outlet. The air outlets can be arranged opposite sides of the sink. It should be noted that the air outlets need not be located exactly opposite.

Further, if the device comprises a plurality of air outlets, the streams of drying air coming from the air outlets may be oppositely directed. This is to say that the air streams meet or in other words intersect. At least, however, the air currents are close to each other.

Preferred is an embodiment in which the air outlet is arranged on one side of the washbasin, which is to be referred to as the side of a plane between the user and the side facing away from the washbasin. In particular, a position is preferred which, as seen by the user, is located between a two o'clock position and a four o'clock position or between an eight o'clock and a ten o'clock position, in other words, laterally by the user, but still within Near the washbasin. If now drying air is discharged in the direction of the sink, the air flow would also be described as transverse to the user. To define the "clock positions", a fictional clock face is placed in the plane encompassing the rim of the washbasin such that the 6 o'clock position faces the user and the 12 o'clock position of the user facing away side facing the washbasin.

It is also conceivable that the position of the air outlet is defined to be in the areas that represent 90 ° circle segments and that are located at the 3 o'clock position or 9 o'clock position. Thus, the area can extend on both sides in equal parts, ie at 45 ° from the 3 o'clock position or the 9 o'clock position away.

In addition, it is conceivable that the air outlet in the above-mentioned areas on the "dial" is, but this dial is pivoted about the connecting line between 6 o'clock position and 12 o'clock position. Thus, the air outlet does not necessarily have to be arranged on the horizontal "dial", so it may also have a height offset to the sink rim.

In also unclaimed versions, in particular for the retrofitting of existing washbasin with an air outlet according to the invention, it is conceivable that the air outlet is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the existing washbasin, for example, in or on a near the washbasin vertical side wall or a sink supporting the frame , preferably vanity. Consequently, the air outlet is no longer a direct part of the sink and can be mounted independently of this.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the air outlet is arranged at the edge of the washbasin, so not only in the immediate vicinity of the washbasin, but adjacent to the sink rim. Thus, the washbasin body can also form a unit with the air outlet (s), which can be mounted as a whole.

In a further embodiment, the one or more air outlets are arranged in the washbasin trough, ie below the upper edge of the washbasin or below the level surrounding the upper edge of the washbasin.

Also, the one or more air outlets or at least one of which may be arranged in a receptacle of the washbasin. Thus, the air outlet itself may no longer be visible to the user, thereby increasing the visual appeal of the combined hand-washing and drying apparatus. Also, this can be achieved a closed visual appearance.

Thus, it is also conceivable, as claimed in claim 1, that the one or more air outlets are arranged in one or more overflows of the washbasin. In order to prevent overflow of the washbasin when the drain is closed or blocked, an overflow is usually provided in a washbasin. This opening below the edge of the sink can also be provided to receive an air outlet. Thus, the overflow of the washbasin on the one hand fulfills the function of water drainage, as well as the inclusion of one or more air outlets that provide drying air.

Furthermore, the one or more air outlets can be integrated directly into the sink (unclaimed). So it is not necessary to provide separate components for the air outlets next to the sink, but the sink itself may have openings from which the drying air emerges. Thus, the sink takes over both the function of catching the wash water and the air flow of the drying air. Thus, it is conceivable that only an air connection must be provided at the sink itself, wherein the drying air is then passed through the washbasin body to the air outlets to then escape from them. The washbasin may have both one or more such outlets.

In another, unclaimed embodiment, the air outlet surrounds the water outlet in whole or in part. Thus, both the air outlet and the water outlet may be coaxial, with the air outlet completely surrounding the water outlet, or the water outlet being located within the air outlet but in an edge region of the air outlet. The water outlet releases the water parallel to the discharged air. In particular, in the first embodiment, the washing water is completely surrounded by the supplied drying air or is only partially surrounded by the drying air in the second embodiment, since the water outlet is arranged in an edge region of the air outlet and there is no drying air is provided. Further, it is conceivable that the supply of the washing water is surrounded by the drying air supply at least over a partial length in front of the water outlet, that is guided in this. This has the consequence that only one guide is visible from the outside, which in turn leads to a closed and visually pleasing appearance for the user. Also, then when using valves not several fittings, namely for wash water and drying air must be provided, but it is sufficient a single combined fitting that provides both wash water and drying air.

It is also possible for the drying air to be heated before it leaves the air outlet in order to accelerate the drying process of the hands by increasing the temperature of the drying air. Thus, it is conceivable that the drying air, as known from the prior art, is heated, for example by an electric filament. The place the heating does not play a major role, but an arrangement of the heater under the sink, so not visible to the user, would be preferable. In addition to or together with the heating device, a blower already known from the prior art can be provided which effects the flow of drying air through the feed and finally through the air outlet (s).

Both the heater and blower may be part of the combined hand-washing and drying apparatus, or they may be externally provided and connected to the combined hand-washing and drying apparatus.

Furthermore, it is possible to redirect the drying air shortly before exiting the air outlet. Thus, the drying air can be directed independently of the supply in any area to be blown without being affected by structural limitations of the combined hand washing and drying device. It is also conceivable that the supply of the drying air is arranged as adjustable by the user, for example by one or more joints near the drying air outlet. Thus, the user can choose at his discretion the place blown by the drying air and is not bound to a rigid drying air duct.

In order to bring about the supply of the washing water and / or the drying air, activation means can also be provided by the device. In particular, light barriers are conceivable which activate a feeder as soon as the user holds his hands near the wash basin. Also, separate means can be provided both for the supply of water and for the supply of air, which activate either the water supply or the air supply depending on the position of the user's hands. Once the user holds his hands close to the wash water supply, it can be activated, activating the air supply as he moves his hands away from the wash water supply to the drying air supply. Also, a combined activation is conceivable, for example, by a timer first activates the wash water supply for a certain time, then the air supply to activate for a while. Also, a manual operation, for example by foot pedals conceivable, both a separate operation of Waschwaaserzuführung and air supply is conceivable, as well as a combined, that is delayed activation of both. Furthermore, all known in the art activation possibilities are conceivable.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figur 1

eine kombinierte Handwasch- und Trocknungsvorrichtung in einer vom Benutzer aus gesehenen Ansicht

Figur 2

einen Schnitt durch das erfindungsgemäße Waschbecken, bei dem ein Luftauslass in einem Überlauf des Waschbeckens angeordnet ist

Figur 3

eine Ausführungsform bei dem Waschwasser und Trocknungsluft durch eine Armatur bereitgestellt wird,

Figur 4a,

b Ausführungsformen mit vom Waschbecken beabstandeten Luftauslässen.

Showing:

FIG. 1

a combined hand washing and drying device in a user-viewed view

FIG. 2

a section through the sink according to the invention, in which an air outlet is arranged in an overflow of the washbasin

FIG. 3

an embodiment in which washing water and drying air is provided by a fitting,

FIG. 4a,

b Embodiments with spaced from the sink air outlets.

The FIGS. 1 . 3 . 4a and 4b do not form part of the invention.

In the FIG. 1 is a combined hand washing and drying device shown, the sink 3 is embedded in a vanity. In this case, the outlet 1 for the washing water in the rear, ie the user facing away from the area of the sink 3 and is this in the sink 3 from. Under the outlet 1, an overflow 7 is arranged in the washbasin body 3, which prevents the overflow of the washbasin 3, by discharging water from a certain level. Furthermore, the washbasin 3 comprises a peripheral edge 6, on each of which an air outlet is arranged on both sides of the washbasin 3. In this case, drying air is supplied from below to the air outlets 2 and is deflected just before leaving the air outlets so that the air flows are directed towards the wash basin. The air streams have a substantially horizontal orientation, but are directed somewhat downwards into the trough-shaped wash basin body 3. As a result, there is no direct blowing of the user through the drying air. It is also advantageous that the user always has both the place of hand washing and the place of hand drying can see and also his hands during the entire washing and Trockunungsvorganges in one place, that can leave in or above the sink 3. Advantageously, the air streams 5 from the air outlets 2 also dry remaining water in the washbasin 3, so that the washbasin 3 always leaves the user a well-groomed impression. Also, by such an arrangement of the valves 1 and 2, the function of this recognized immediately by the user. This does not have to intervene as before in a non-visible cavity for washing and drying the hands.

A further advantage is that the drying air 5 blown out of the air outlets 2 is not directed at the user, which is often perceived as unpleasant. The two-sided arrangement of the air outlets 2, the user's hands are blown from both sides, causing a shortening of the drying process compared with a one-sided blowing of the hands.

The FIG. 2 shows a section through a washbasin body 3, in which an air outlet 2 is arranged in the overflow 7, which blows out the drying air 5 in the direction of the washbasin trough 3. In this case, the fitting of the air outlet 2 is not visible by the user, in particular when the air outlet 2 is withdrawn behind the actual overflow 7.

In the FIG. 3 a combined fitting is shown that includes both the air outlet 2 and the wash water outlet 1. In this case, both the washing water 4 and the drying air 5 is supplied from below the valve and are guided in the outlets 2 for the drying air 5 and 1 for the washing water 4. In this case, the outlet 1 for the washing water 4 over the entire length of the fitting within the outlet 2 for the drying air 5, but is located at the inner edge of the air outlet 2. When the washing water 4 or the drying air 5 exits the fitting, the outlet 1 for the washing water 4 can protrude from the air outlet 2 in order to clarify the function of the fitting to the user, but this does not have to be so that it can be flush with the air outlet 2 to lock. The fitting is placed on the edge 6 of the sink 3, so it can be mounted as a unit with the sink 3. Further, both the washing water 4 and the drying air 5 is guided inside the valve and deflected, so that the vertical upward feed ultimately in a downward direction in the sink 3 direction.

In the FIG. 4a is an embodiment can be seen in which a sink 6 with the water outlet 1 subsequently to air outlets 2, which are not a direct part of the sink 6 has been extended. These air outlets 2 are arranged on both sides of the washbasin 6 on side walls.

In the FIG. 4b is a sink to see 6 with the water outlet 1, on both sides of air outlets 2 are arranged, which have a certain distance from the sink 6 and to a washstand, which carries the sink 6, are mounted. The embodiments of the FIGS. 4a and 4b are particularly suitable for retrofitting existing washbasins, but they can also be part of a so designed from the outset hand washing and drying unit.

Claims (16)

1. A combined hand washing and drying device, comprising:

   - at least one water outlet (1);

   - at least one air outlet (2);

   - a trough-shaped wash basin (3) for collecting washing water (4); and

   - at least one overflow (7) of the trough-shaped wash basin (3),
   wherein the water outlet (1) discharges the washing water (4) and the air outlet (2) discharges the drying air (5) towards substantially the same location, and wherein the drying air (5) is discharged transverse to the user, characterised in that the air outlet (2) is arranged in the at least one overflow (7).
2. The combined hand washing and drying device according to claim 1, characterised in that the location lies within and/or above the trough-shaped wash basin (3).
3. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying air (5) is discharged substantially horizontally.
4. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying air (5) is discharged towards the trough-shaped wash basin (3), preferably into the trough-shaped wash basin (3).
5. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air outlet (2) is arranged on one side of the trough-shaped wash basin (3), preferably in or on the wash basin (3).
6. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises another air outlet (2), wherein the air outlets (2) are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the trough-shaped wash basin (3), preferably in or on the wash basin (3).
7. The combined hand washing and drying device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the drying air (5) is discharged in substantially opposite directions.
8. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the air outlet (2) is arranged between the two o'clock and four o'clock position or between the eight o'clock and ten o'clock position as viewed from a user standing in front of the device.
9. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one air outlet (2) is arranged on the edge (6) of the trough-shaped wash basin (3), preferably in or on the wash basin (3).
10. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one air outlet (2) is arranged below an upper edge (6) of the trough-shaped wash basin (3).
11. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one air outlet (2) is accommodated in a recess formed in the trough-shaped wash basin (3).
12. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one air outlet (2) is embedded in the trough-shaped wash basin (3), preferably moulded directly into the body of the wash basin.
13. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the air outlet (2) is spaced from the wash basin (3) and preferably forms a component which is separate from the wash basin (3).
14. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying air (5) is heated before it exits the air outlet (2).
15. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying air (5) is provided by a blower which is preferably arranged below the trough-shaped wash basin (3).
16. The combined hand washing and drying device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drying air (5) is deflected shortly before it exits the air outlet (2), preferably by an angle in the range of 60° to 120°.

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