Lavatory system with hand dryer.

MX 2019 60826

LAUNDRY SYSTEM WITH HAND DRYER

CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the Provisional Patent Application US 61 / 278,487 filed on October 7, 2009 and the provisional US Patent Application No. 61 / 324,263 filed on April 14, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. In its whole.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a sink system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a washbasin system that combines one or more hand washing stations with one or more hand drying stations.

Basin systems are frequently used in public, commercial or industrial, residential and non-residential environments such as a restaurant. Such sink systems may include one or more sink stations that have a counter, a souk, a sink (with drains) and a tap configured to be coupled to a plumbing or plumbing system that provides water (or other solution). cleaner). Once the user finishes washing their hands at the handwashing station, the user frequently uses a hand drying station to remove excess water from their hands. Examples of the hand dryer system include towel dispensers and hand dryers (eg electric hand dryers, etc.,) hand drying stations are commonly separated from hand washing stations and require the user to move away from the hand washing area to gain access to the hand dryer. When the user moves away from the washing station before drying their hands, this increases the likelihood of water dripping to the floor. Even when the hand drying stations are provided near the washing stations, it is likely that water will drain and / or be splashed to the user as well as adjacent hand washing stations and / or the floor, due to the transition and to the design of hand drying system.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

An example of inclusion of the present invention relates to a washbasin system that includes a counter and a first handwashing station, the first handwashing station includes a tub supported by a counter and a tap supported by the counter. The sink system also includes a hand dryer, for example an electric hand dryer, including a box supported by the counter. The box defines a cavity where the user's hands are inserted during drying, and an engine configured to generate a flow of air that is supplied within the cavity. The box is located in such a way that the user's hands can be inserted into the cavity without the user leaving the first hand washing station.

Another example of inclusion of the present invention relates to a washbasin system that includes a basin, a tap adjacent to the basin and a hand dryer. The hand dryer includes a box attached to the basin, and the box defines a cavity where the user's hands are inserted during the drying process. The hand dryer also includes a first air outlet positioned inside the cavity, a second air outlet inside the cavity and an apparatus configured to generate moving air that is provided by the first and second air vents. The first air outlet is positioned to direct the air flow down and towards the back of the user's hands inside the cavity, and the second water outlet is positioned inside the cavity to direct the moving air in ascending and towards the back of the user's hands in the cavity.

Another example of inclusion of the present invention relates to a hand dryer for use in a sink system that has a basin or sink and a counter. The hand dryer includes a box configured to be supported by the counter and the notch that defines a cavity where the user's hands will be inserted during drying. The hand dryer also includes an engine configured to generate an air jet that is provided inside the cavity.

Another example of inclusion of the present invention relates to a washbasin system comprising a first hand washing station including a first counter, a first sink, a first tap a first electric hand dryer located adjacent to the first basin and the first tap, so that the user of the first sink station can use the first tap and the first electric hand dryer without leaving the first hand washing station. The first hand dryer includes a box defining a cavity where the user's hands are inserted. The box includes a tank configured to collect water when it is shaken from the user's hands. The deposit is in fluid communication with the main drainage line that serves the basin or basin. According to another example, the reservoir is in fluid communication with the main drainage line and has a contour that directs the water inside the basin.

Other examples of the present invention relate to a washbasin system comprising a handwashing station that includes a basin with a drain configured to be coupled to the main drain line and an electric hand dryer adjacent to the basin so that the The user of the hand washing station can use the electric hand dryer without leaving the first washing station. The electric hand dryer includes a box that defines a cavity where the user's hands are inserted. The box includes a reservoir that has a drain configured to collect water when it is blown from the user's hands. The tank drain is in fluid communication with the main drain line. The hand dryer includes a device configured to accelerate the passage of water to the drain of the tank. According to another example of inclusion, the hand dryer motor is coupled to a conduit that is in fluid communication with the reservoir drain and the main drain line such that a pressure differential is created within the conduit and This causes the water to fall into the tank drain. According to another example of inclusion, one or more fittings are added to the conduit to form a venturi nozzle that creates a pressure differential within the conduit and forces water into the reservoir drain.

Another example of inclusion of the present invention relates to a washbasin system comprising a hand washing station including a basin, a counter an electric hand dryer adjacent to the basin so that the user of the washing station can use the dryer Electric hands without leaving the first washing station. The counter provides support for the hand dryer and includes an opening configured to receive the hand dryer so that the hand dryer can be installed from above the counter.

Another example of inclusion of the present invention relates to a washbasin system comprising a hand washing station that includes a basin, an electric hand dryer located adjacent to the basin so that the user of the washing station can use the dryer Electric hands without leaving the first washing station. The electric hand dryer includes a box that defines a cavity where the user's hands are inserted. The box includes a front wall, a back wall and a side wall. The side wall is located opposite the basin and is configured to protect an adjacent washing station from water droplets that are blown around in the cavity. According to another example, the rear wall includes a first portion that extends in a substantially vertical direction and a second portion that extends towards a user in a substantially horizontal direction. According to another example of inclusion, the box defines a first entrance to the cavity along an upper or front face of the box and a second entrance to the cavity provided on the side face of the box opposite the side wall.

Another example of inclusion of the present invention relates to a washbasin system comprising a hand washing station including a basin a hand dryer located adjacent to the basin. The hand dryer includes a box that defines a cavity in which the user's hands are inserted. The hand dryer includes a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The first and second air outlets are positioned such that they direct the air in two different positions inside the cavity to dry the user's hands and are positioned such that said first air outlet and the second air outlet meet at opposite ends of the user's hands when they are inside the cavity. Both the first air outlet and the second air outlet are positioned to direct the air flow to the user's hands and to the back of the cavity. According to another example of inclusion, the box includes at least one upper wall defining an upper end of the cavity, the upper wall prevents water from leaving the cavity in a generally vertical direction during drying of the user's hands .

According to another exemplified inclusion, at least one of the air outlets is intended to direct air down into the cavity. According to another example of inclusion, the cavity has such a way to receive the user's hands in a horizontal position and in another example, the cavity is shaped and is positioned to receive the user's hands in a vertical position. Hand dryers are configured to maximize the visibility of the user's hands during the drying process. According to another example of inclusion, the cavity includes an opening generally facing the front edge of the counter, the opening allows the user's hands to enter and exit the cavity through the opening. According to another example of inclusion, the cavity includes an opening that is generally facing the basin, the opening allows the user's hands to enter and exit the cavity through the opening. The air is directed at an oblique angle relative to the user's skin so any material that is discarded from the user's skin is directed into the storage or drainage cavities.

The inventions of the present also relate to various features and combinations of features, shown and described in the disclosed inclusions. Other ways in which the objects and characteristics of the disclosed inclusions are achieved and will be described in the following specification or will be apparent to those who know the art that has read this specification. These other forms or manner are considered to fall within the scope of the disclosed inclusions if they fall within the scope of the inventions described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1 is a perspective from above of a washbasin system according to an exemplified inclusion.

Figure 2 is a perspective from below of a washbasin system of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective from above of a washbasin system according to another inclusion.

Figure 4 is a bottom perspective of a washbasin system of Figure

3.

Figure 5 is a perspective from above of a washbasin system according to another inclusion.

Figure 6 is a perspective from below of a washbasin system of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective from above of the sink system according to another inclusion.

Figure 8 A is an enlarged view of a washbasin system that has two hand washing stations and a hand dryer according to an exemplified inclusion.

Figure 8B is a top perspective view of a washbasin system that has two handwash stations according to other exemplified inclusions.

Figure 8 C is a top perspective view of a hand dryer according to an exemplified inclusion.

Figure 8 D is a top perspective view of an inclusion box of a hand dryer according to another exemplified inclusion.

Figure 8 E is a side view of an inclusion box of a hand dryer of Figure 8 D.

Figure 8 F is a top perspective view of a hand dryer according to another exemplified inclusion.

Figure 8 G is a side view of an upper case or inclusion of the hand dryer of Figure 8F according to an exemplified inclusion.

Figure 9 is a top perspective view of a washbasin system according to another inclusion.

Figure 10 is a top view of a washbasin system according to another inclusion.

Figure 11 is a top view of a washbasin system according to another inclusion.

Figure 12 is a block diagram of a hand dryer according to an exemplified inclusion.

Figure 13 is a scheme showing the use of the hand dryer of Figure 12 according to an exemplified inclusion.

Figure 14 is a block diagram of a washbasin system that includes a control system according to an exemplified inclusion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGURES 1 to 14 show a system 10 and components thereof according to several examples of inclusions. The sink system 10 generally includes one or more handwashing stations (for example handwashing stations). According to the inclusions presented, the sink system 10 includes two hand washing stations, a first station 12 and a second station 14 (shown in Figure 8 A). Alternatively, the washbasin system may include any number of washing stations (for example, one, three, four or more) configured in a wide variety of distributions (for example upper stations, or low stations, mixed up and / or down, etc. a group of stations with upper / lower patterns, different heights or sequences). The sink stations can be configured to be supported by an adjacent wall or can be a free structure configured to be supported by a base, (for example, legs, bathroom furniture pedestal, Inclusion, cabinet, etc.).

Hand dryers are configured to maximize the visibility of the user's hands during the drying process.

The air is directed at an oblique angle in relation to the user's skin so that any material that is discharged from the user's skin is directed to a containment or drainage cavities. The hand dryer can be provided attached to a counter or cover completely or partially (molded with the rest of the counter or connected later) as illustrated in Figures 1-7 or as a package unit, ready to install which is received in an opening (from above or below) on the counter as illustrated in Figure 8 A.

According to the included inclusions, the washbasin system 10 includes at least one hand washing station and at least one hand drying apparatus. Each handwash station includes a basin. Shown as a sink 16 (eg, container, basin etc.) a drain 18, a counter 20 that at least partially surrounds a portion of the sink 16, a socket 22 extending upwardly in the rear portion of the counter 20, hand wash accessories 24 (eg faucets, soap dispenser, etc.) associated with each of the sinks 16 and, in the inclusions shown a washbasin system 10 that includes an accessory for hand drying (for example an electric hand dryer, etc.) shown as a hand dryer 26, associated with the hand washing station. In several inclusions, the hand dryer 26, the washbasin 16 and / or the handwashing accessories 24 can be supported by (directly coupled to, be integral to it, attached, or formed of the same piece of material, in contact, etc.) the counter 20. In some inclusions, the sink 16 and / or the handwashing accessories 24 can be supported by a counter 20, in contrast to other inclusions where the hand dryer 26 is also supported on the counter 20, a hand dryer 26 can be supported by the wall of the sink near the counter 20.

According to another inclusion of the invention, one or more accessories (for example hand wash accessory 24, hand dryer 26 etc.) can be contactless, which means that the user can operate the accessories without entering physical contact. with them and / or an interface coupled to the accessories (for example hands-free operation). In this way, the washbasin system aims to overcome hygiene problems and / or access limitations frequently associated with conventional accessories. A control system, (eg control system 180 shown in Figure 14) monitors a defined sensor region (an area adequately close to the accessories where the use of said accessories must be placed) to detect the presence of an object (the user's hands, etc.) and control the operation of the accessories in the same way. The control system may include an energy system, a detection system, an accessory activation system. In one inclusion, each washing station includes one or more sensors (sensors for hand dryer 184 and 186, accessory sensors 188 shown in Figure 14.) The control system allows the user to activate one or more accessories (by example accessories for hand washing 24, hand dryer 26, etc.) without touching any part of the sink system 10 in response to signals received from one or more sensors. In one inclusion, each hand station includes a single sensor and the control system allows the user to operate the accessories located in a hand washing station in response to the signals of this single sensor. Another inclusion, each handwashing station includes one or more dedicated sensors for each accessory associated with the sensor (first sensor for handwashing accessory 24, a second dryer sensor 26 etc.) The sensor can be any device that allows hands-free operation of one or more accessories (for example infrared sensors, capacitive sensors, proximity sensors, optical sensors etc.)

The sink system 10 includes a hand dryer 26. The hand dryer 26 is configured to be integrated (coupled to, mounted to, adjacent to, part of, etc.) with the sink system 10.

According to an inclusion example, a hand dryer 26 is provided in each of the first and second handwashing stations 12, 14 so that the user does not have to move away from the handwashing station before drying her hands. In several inclusions, the hand dryer 26 is positioned at a suitable distance from the washbasin to the arms. In various inclusions, the side side of the hand dryer 26 may be less than three feet from the nearest point of the edge of the laundry 16. In several inclusions, the side portion of the hand dryer 26 may be about two to half a foot from the portion closest to the edge of the sink 16, specifically it may be less than about two feet from the closest portion of the edge of the sink 16 and specifically it can be approximately one foot away from the edge of the sink. In one inclusion, the side side of the hand dryer 26 may be approximately less than 6 inches from the nearest portion of the edge of the sink 16.

According to several alternative inclusions, the first and second washing stations 12, 14, have a continuous counter and can share a hand dryer in common 26 (for example the hand dryer can be mounted on the counter between the two washbasins of washing stations, etc.) by having access to the hand dryer 26 of the washing station as opposed to a distance away from the washing station, It is intended to reduce the probability that the water that drains from the user's hands will gather on the floor of the facilities where the washbasin system 10 is located.

According to the inclusions illustrated, the hand dryer 26 is supported by a counter 20 of the washing station in a position that is closely adjacent to the sink 16 and approximately the same depth of the sink 16 at the front edge of the counter 20. As illustrated in the figures, the counter 20 is configured to be larger on one side to accommodate the hand dryer 26 in this space.

According to an exemplified inclusion, the hand dryer 26 is an electric hand dryer, configured to provide pressurized air in the direction of the user's hands. The hand dryer 26 generally includes an upper case 28 (body, inclusion, etc.) that has a first or front portion, shown as the front wall 30 (for example an arm, member, etc.) a second rear portion, shown as a rear wall 32 (for example an arm, member etc.) and a third side or side portion, illustrated as a side wall 34 (for example an arm, member, etc.). The front wall 30, the rear wall 32 and the side wall 34 cooperate to define a cavity 38 configured to receive the user's hands. According to an exemplified inclusion, the hand dryer 26 can also be configured without the side wall 34 (for example the inclusions exemplified and illustrated in Figures 3 and 7).

According to another exemplified inclusion, the hand dryer 26 is supported by the counter 20 in an orientation so that the front wall 30 and the rear wall 32 are substantially parallel to the front edge / rear edge of the counter 20. Such orientation may allow to the user insert their hands inside the hand dryer 26 in an almost continuous and direct movement after using the sink 16, (from one side to the other side and inside the hand dryer 26).

According to other alternative inclusions, the hand dryer 26 can be supported by any number of orientations relating to the components of the washbasin system 10.

To facilitate the insertion of the user's hands into the hand dryer 26, the cavity 38 is open on its side facing the sink 16 and on the opposite side wall 34 as well as on the upper end. The space between the free end (upper end, etc.) of the rear wall 32 and the free end of the front wall 30 provides a first inlet cavity shown as the front face entry 40. the front face entry 40 has the width and height sufficient to allow the user's hands to be inserted at least partially into the cavity 38 through the front entrance 40, when moving the hands from the front, and back and forth inside cavity 38. the space between the side side of the rear wall 32 (shown as the left side in Figure 1) and a side view of the front wall 30 (shown as the left side in Figure 1) provides a second entrance to the cavity, shown as a side face entrance 41 facing the sink 16. The side face entrance 41 is wide and tall enough to allow the user's hands to be inserted at least partially into the cavity 38 through the side entrance 41 when the user moves their hands laterally from the sink 16 and inside the cavity 38 to use the dryer 26.

As can be seen in Figures 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8 C, the shape of the entrance leading to the front 40 is such that the upper edges of the front wall 30 and the rear wall 30 are generally straight and extend laterally across the width of the hand dryer 26. Such a shape may encourage the user to put their hands in the cavity 38 laterally via the side face entrance 41 instead of the front entrance 40, which may be preferable because water in the user's hands may be more likely to be may contain inside the sink system 10 when the side face entry 41 is used. According to other alternative inclusions, one or more of the front edges of the front wall 30 and / or the rear wall 32 may be contoured (ie, curved, angled, sloping, etc.) to follow the shape from the hands of the user using the front entrance 40.

Located in the lower portion of the cavity 38 is a collection area (ie the bottom wall, tray, receptacle, etc.) shown as a reservoir 42, which is configured to at least initially collect water when it is scattered or dripping from the user's hands. As illustrated, cavity 38 is located on reservoir 42. According to an exemplified inclusion, the tank 42 communicates with the drain 18 of the sink 16 and the dryer 26 shares the same main drain. Said configuration may advantageously allow water to be extracted from the hand dryer 26 without having to provide an additional water collection apparatus inside the dryer and / or a separate drain line. By eliminating an additional water collection apparatus inside the dryer, periodic maintenance of the hand dryer is avoided, which would otherwise be necessary to extract the water. By providing a shared drain between the hand dryer 26 and the washbasin 16, it can also simplify the manufacture and / or installation of the washbasin system 10.

Referring to FIGURES 1 to 4, the reservoir 42 of the hand dryer 26 is shown in communication with the drain 18 of the sink 16, in accordance with a first inclusion of the invention. In said inclusion, the tank 42 includes a drain 44 provided in the lower portion of the tank 42. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a conduit 46 is coupled between the drain 44 and a portion of the drain 18 extending from the sink 16. A suitable fitting or connector is provided in the drain pipe 18 to receive the conduit 46. The water collection tank 42 flows through the drain 44 and the conduit 46 to the main drain line of the wash station. The reservoir 42 may be skewed or angled towards the drain 44 to help direct the water towards the drain 44. In accordance with the illustrated inclusion, the conduit 46 is provided under the counter 20 and out of the way (and sight) of the user. The size and shape of the duct 46 and / or drain 44 may vary depending on the specific requirements of the sink system 10.

Referring to Figures 5 to 7 in particular, the tank 42 of the hand dryer 26 is shown in communication with the drain 18 of the sink 16 according to a second example of inclusion. In said inclusion, the tank 42 is in communication with the sink 16 so that any water that accumulates in the tank 42 is transferred to the sink 16 where it can fall through the drain 18 and into the main drain line. According to the inclusion illustrated, the tank 42 is provided on the bottom of the sink 16 and is contoured (ie angled, inclined, curved, etc.) so that the water that reaches the tank 42 is directed and flows down and towards the sink 16. For example, in an illustrated inclusion, the hand dryer 26 is provided together with the right side of the sink

16. As such, the tank 42 has slopes contoured downward from the right to the left side of the sink 16.

According to said inclusion, the reservoir 42 and / or the side wall 34 of the hand dryer 26 may be integrally formed with the sink 16 and / or counter 20 as a single unit member and, the front wall 30 and the rear wall 32 of the box 28 count as separate components configured to be coupled to the counter 20 (as shown in Figure 5 and

6). In this inclusion, both the tank 42 and the sink 16 are defined in recessed portions or portions of the counter 20 so that the tank 42 is integral with the sink 16. In another inclusion, the whole hand dryer 26 can count as a separate unit that is supported by a counter 20 (as illustrated in Figure 8 A). In another inclusion, the upper box 28 (for example the front wall 30 and the rear wall 32) and the tank 42 can be integral with the sink 16 and the counter 20 as a member of a continuous single piece (as illustrated in Figure 7).

The hand dryer 26 also includes a notch and / or lower case 48 (as illustrated in Figures 2, 4 and 6) that is configured to support the motor and the fan (or other suitable apparatus for blowing air) that is driven by the engine The lower notch 48 can support one or more heating elements to heat the air that is moved by the motor and the fan. The lower box 48 is supported substantially below the counter 20. According to an exemplified inclusion, a filter can be provided between the air inlet of the lower case 48 and the engine air inlet to collect contaminants that would otherwise cause damage to the engine and / or the fan, or may contaminate or block air ducts. The fan includes an air outlet that is coupled to one or more air ducts to transfer the air to one or more air passages in the upper case 28.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 6 and in particular, and according to an exemplified inclusion, the hand dryer 26 includes a first air duct 50 that is configured to transfer air to a first or front air passage. The front air passage is substantially located within the front wall 30 and the rear air passage is substantially located within the rear wall 32.

The front air passage directs the fan air (for example a blower or any other device for moving air) to one or more air outlets (openings, nozzles, etc.) located on the inner surface of the front wall 30 while the rear air passage directs the fan air to one or more air outlets (openings, nozzles, etc.) located on the surface of the rear wall 32. Alternatively, the air distribution can be provided by a single manifold that communicates the air to the front wall 30 and to the rear wall 32. According to an exemplified inclusion, the air outlets are configured at the ends (upper ends, lateral ends , etc.) of the front wall 30 and the rear wall 32 in the vicinity of the front entrance 40 and / or side entrance 41. The air outlets are configured to direct an air flow generally through the front inlet 40 and / or side inlet 41 towards the opposite wall of the cavity 38. The air outlets can be positioned (angled, etc.) to that blow air from behind, away from the front inlet 40 and / or away from the side inlet 41 in an effort to hold the water inside the hand dryer 26 and direct the flow of air and water into the reservoir 42. Depending on the particular application, the air outlets may have a plurality of holes (circular, rectangular, etc.) as one or more openings in the form of slots or any combination thereof.

For inclusions in which a drain (eg drain 44, etc.) is provided in the tank 42, an apparatus can be added to help move the water collected in the tank 42, through the drain pipe more fast and fast. Water droplets that collect in the tank 42 can become airborne particles (for example a spray, etc.) if the fan continues to blow air through the air outlets while the water is in the tank 42. Once which are volatile, the drops of water can be sprayed without wanting it again to the user, or in other portions of the washbasin system 10, to the floor and / or in an adjacent washbasin station.

According to a first example of inclusion, the hand dryer motor 26 is used to help accelerate the drainage of water from the tank 42 to the drain 44 . For example, the suction side of the motor may be coupled to a conduit 46 to create a pressure differential between the air near the reservoir 42 near the drain 44 and the air inside the conduit 46 so that the water enters into the conduit 46 towards the drain 18. In this inclusion, a water separator or other suitable apparatus should most likely be inserted into the pipe to prevent water and / or other contaminants from entering the engine. According to a second example of inclusion, one or more accessories can be added to the conduit 46 to form a venturi nozzle that creates a pressure drop in the conduit 46 that draws water through the drain 44, through the conduit 46 and into of drainage 18. According to several alternative inclusions, any other apparatus for creating vacuum and / or a drop in pressure within the conduit 46 can be used to expedite the withdrawal of reservoir water 42.

One or more sensors are positioned to detect the presence of the user's hands when they are inserted into the cavity 38 via the front entrance 40 and / or side entry 41. Said sensors are configured to send a signal to the hand dryer motor when The user's hands are inserted into the cavity 38. According to an exemplified inclusion, the sensors are configured to inhibit or prevent inadvertent activation of the hand dryer.

26.

Referring to Fig. 14, the washbasin system 10 may include a control system, shown as a control system 180, to control the operation and activation of various accessories (for example washbasin accessories, an electronically controlled valve associated with washing accessories, hand dryers 26 etc.) via user interaction with sensors. As illustrated in Figure 14, the control system 180 includes one or more sensors 184, 186 and 188 that are in communication with the control circuit (controller, processor, etc.), shown as controller 182 and controller 182 is in communication with the accessories (for example handwash accessories 24, hand dryer 26, etc.) generally, sensors 184, 186 and 188, detect the presence of the user's hands adjacent to the associated accessories, and controller 182 is configured to control the operation of the accessories based on the output signal received from the sensors. Since the accessories are integrated and located around the washbasin 16 at each washing station, in an inclusion it is preferred that the accessories are not involuntarily activated during the use of other accessories.

In the inclusion illustrated in Figure 14, the control system 180 includes a rear hand dryer sensor 184, a front hand dryer sensor 186 and an accessory sensor 188. The controller 182 may be configured (ie, wired, programmed, etc.) to allow the activation of only one accessory at a time, allowing the activation of two accessories at the same time (for example, the tap and the soap dispenser) or program the activation of the accessories in sequence in predetermined and calculated periods of time and intervals). In addition, the controller 182 can be configured to turn off one or more accessories (the hand wash accessory etc.) when another of the accessories is activated (for example, the hand dryer, etc.) For example, a flow sensor which detects the flow of water through the handwashing accessory 24 that can be used to disconnect the power from the hand dryer. Alternatively, a sensor associated with hand dryer 26 (sensor 184 or sensor 186) communicates with the sensor associated with hand wash accessory 24 (accessory sensor 188) using signals to activate hand dryer 26 and deactivate the hand wash accessory 24. This communication allows controller 182 to prevent activation of hand wash accessory 24 when dryer 26 has been activated. Alternatively, there is no control interaction between the accessories (that is, they are independently operated). The sensors may be configured to provide a certain sensitive area that does not overlap with the areas established for other accessories.

The hand dryer 26 is configured to operate in the following manner together with the washing station for which the hand dryer 26 is associated. When the user of the washing station finishes washing his hands, the user continues in front of the sink 16 and simply moves his hands laterally towards the dryer 26. At all times during this movement, the user's hands are on the washbasin 16, on the counter 20 and / or inside the hand dryer 26, thus allowing the water to remain inside the washbasin system 10. When the user move the hands of the sink 16 to the hand dryer 26, the user's hands are not directly located on the floor of the sink that limits or prevents water from draining from the user's hands to the floor.

In an inclusion, when the user's hands are first inserted into the cavity 38 through the front entrance 40 or the side entrance 41, one or more sensors (rear hand dryer sensor 184, front hand dryer sensor 186) detect the presence of the user's hands and send a signal directly to the motor to drive the fan. The fan thus rotates and the air enters the lower case 48 through the air inlet. The air flow left by the fan is divided into two separate air flows, a first flow is directed into the first duct 50 and a second flow is directed into the second duct 52. Alternatively, the first duct 50 and the second duct 52 they can be the same collecting tube that provides air to the passages of the front wall 30 and rear wall 32. The first duct 50 and the second duct 52 direct the air flow to the passages in the front wall 30 and the rear wall 32 respectively to greet the air outlets. In another inclusion, shown in Figure 14, the sensors associated with the hand dryer communicate with the controller 182, which in turn controls the operation of the motor and fan of the hand dryer.

The air flows from the air outlets and is directed towards the surfaces of the user's hands which, during use, are inserted into the cavity 38 and subsequently removed from the cavity 38 via the front entrance 40 and / or the side inlet 41. when the user's hands pass in and out of the cavity 38, the air that leaves the air vents dries any residual or material water from the user's hands. Drying the user's hands commonly takes a few movements of running the hands between the air vents. Water is removed by air and is collected inside cavity 38 of reservoir 42. Water droplets will fall into reservoir 42 by force of gravity while the air leaves cavity 38 either through the front inlet 40 and / or through the side entrance 41. The water collected in the tank 42 is directed to the central drain line that serves the sink 16. Depending on the configuration of the tank 42, the water is directed to the main drain line when it is emptied into the sink 16 and / or when passing through a conduit 46, which is in communication with the main drain line, as discussed above.

At least partially, due to the configuration of the rear wall 32 and front wall 30, the air leaving the air outlets is contained within the cavity 38. This reduces the risk of air and / or water being blown. in other parts of the user's body (face, torso, etc.) to other parts of the sink system 10, to the floor and / or to the adjacent handwashing station. For example, with reference to Figures 1, 3, 5, and 7, the rear wall 32 may include a first portion 54 extending in a substantially vertical direction and a second portion 56 extending in a substantially horizontal direction for at least partially surround cavity 38. According to an exemplified inclusion, the first portion 54 and the second portion 56 are integrally formed as a one-piece unit, but alternatively, it may have separate components that are coupled to each other. In addition, the second portion 56 is preferably oriented at a slight angle relative to the horizontal plane to facilitate access to the cavity 38 via the front entrance 40 and the side entrance 41. The front wall 30 may also be angled towards the upper edge of the counter 20 for this purpose as illustrated in Figures 3 and 7.

To help further prevent air and / or water from being expelled on the user's body (face, torso, etc.) to other parts of the sink system 10, to the floor and / or to the adjacent sink station, it is provided A third wall 34. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the third wall 34 is a side wall and is provided at a side end of the hand dryer 26 which is located on the opposite side of the hand dryer 26 which is open to the sink 16. The third wall 34 functions as a shield or deflector (deflection plate etc.) and is configured to hold the water when dried from the user's hands. The location of the third wall 34, which is advantageous, makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of water (or dew) being spread to the floor and / or the adjacent handwashing station. According to another example of inclusion, the third wall 34 extends over the entire distance between the front wall 30 and the rear wall 32, but alternatively it can have a single portion of this distance. The height of the side wall 34 may vary depending on several factors (the pressure at which the air exits the air vents, the type of drainage provided for the reservoir 42, etc.) however, in the inclusion shown in the Figure 1, the height of the side wall 34 is greater than the height of any other wall provided on a side opposite side of the hand dryer 26. Preferably, no wall is provided or a relatively small wall is provided on the side opposite the side wall 32, so that the second opening of the cavity 41 remains unobstructed.

Referring to Figures 8 A -8 G, in various inclusions, the basin system 10 is configured to provide better manufacturing, inventory control, assembly, installation and maintenance by incorporating common or universal components (at least in the stage manufacturing) that are configurable or reconfigurable for a variety of washbasin system designs and / or configurations (one station, two stations, three stations, etc.) for example, the washbasin system 10 is shown as formed with an opening 58 in the counter 20 which is configured to accept a hand dryer 26. In this inclusion, the hand dryer 26 can be directly coupled to the counter 20 by a portion of the upper case 28 by seating (in contact, in engagement, coupled, etc.) the portion of the counter 20 surrounding the opening 58 and with the dryer of hands 26 held by various fasteners (eg screws, bolts, adhesives, etc.) can be applied to hold the dryer in place 26. Thus, the hand dryer 26 is coupled to the counter 20 in this inclusion, most of the upper box 28 and the cavity 38 are positioned on the counter 20 while the lower box 48 is positioned below the counter 20. In said Including, the hand dryer 26 may have a self contained unit that can be installed immediately adjacent to the sink 16. Providing a hand dryer that is simply placed on a counter 20 for installation is widely advantageous since it simplifies installation.

In the inclusion exemplified in Figure 8 A, the washbasin system 10 may be configured such that a single hand dryer 26 serves both handwash stations 12 and handwash station 14. In this inclusion, The hand dryer 26 is received in a single opening 58 which is located between the washbasin 16 of the washing station 12 and the washbasin 16 of the washing station 14.

In another inclusion, shown in Figure 8 B, the washbasin system 10 may be configured such that only a hand dryer 26 is required that serves a hand washing station 12 and another hand dryer 26 which serves the washing station 14. In this inclusion, the counter 20 includes an opening 58 located adjacent to the washbasin 16 of the washing station 12 and another opening 58 located adjacent to the washbasin 16 of the hand washing station

14. In this inclusion, a separate hand dryer 26 can be received in the opening 58 associated with each of the washing stations.

The multi-station washbasin systems shown in Figures 8 A and 8 B are configured to provide access to hand washing for multiple users at the same time. Although the first and second wash stations 12, 14 are shown with a substantially similar height, the first and second wash stations 12, 14 may be configured to have different heights to accommodate people with different capacities or characteristics for the use of the washbasin system (for example people with disabilities, tall, short stature, etc.) for example, the first washing station 12 may be a high station, while the second station 14 may be a lower station. In said inclusion, the upper station 12 has a height (distance from the floor to the upper surface of the counter surrounding the sink) that is greater than 34 inches (for example 36 inches) and a second lower station 14, which has a height approximately 34 inches to accommodate an adult user who is in a wheelchair. In another inclusion, the lower station 14 has a height that is approximately 31 inches to accommodate a young user using a wheelchair. In another inclusion, the low station 14 has a height that is less than 31 inches (approximately 28 inches). In another inclusion, the upper station 12 has a height that is approximately 34 inches and a lower station 14 with a height that is 31 inches. In other inclusions, the wash system 10 may include any number of washing stations (for example 3, 4, 5, etc.), each washing station is located at one of the heights discussed above or any other height.

As can be seen in the figures, the inclusions of the hand dryer discussed herein are supported adjacent to the sink, such that the height of the entrances or openings of the hand dryer are substantially equal to the height of the sink adjacent. For example. As illustrated in Figure 7, the heights of the middle front entrance 40 and the side entrance 41 are substantially at the same height as the exit end of the handwashing accessories 24, and the height of the edge Bottom of the side entrance 41 is substantially at the same height as that of the sink 16. In this way, if the user can access the washbasin of a particular hand washing station, the user can also access the hand dryer placed adjacent to the washbasin. Similarly, the configuration of the washbasins and hand dryers of the washbasin system 10 discussed herein, helps to ensure that both the washbasins and the hand dryers are easily accessible to a wide range of people of different characteristics and abilities. .

Referring to Figures 8C-8 G, several inclusions of hand dryers 26 and upper box 28 are shown that can be attached to the counter

twenty. Figures 8 C and 8 F show a hand dryer 26 which has an upper box 28 of the hand dryer 26, has an edge or ring 49 on the box 48. The ring 49 is the portion of the box that seats the counter 20 surrounding the opening 58 to support the hand dryer 26 with the counter 20.

Figure 8 C shows a hand dryer 26 which has an angled front wall 30 and a curved rear wall part 32 similar to the hand dryer illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 8 F shows a hand dryer 26 which is vertically positioned, and front and rear walls 30 and 32 substantially parallel.

Referring to Figures 8 D, 8 E, and 8 G, various inclusions of the modular upper boxes 28 are shown according to various inclusions. In various inclusions, the washbasin system 10 is configured to allow the selection and assembly of a system that uses different shapes, styles, designs, etc. for the upper box 28 in particular which is used together with a specific dryer 26 for the washbasin system. In these inclusions, the lower box 48, including the motor, the fan, etc.) of the hand dryer can be coupled under the counter 20 and the upper box 28 which can be placed inside the opening 58 and connected to the box lower 48 already installed. This flexibility allows the creation of a customized washbasin system 10, which has various combinations of box styles for hand dryers.

In addition, providing superior modular notches 28 facilitates replacement in the event that an upper case 28 is damaged.

Referring to Figures 9 to 11, several additional inclusions of the washbasin system 10 are illustrated. Similar to the previously discussed inclusions, each of the washbasin systems shown in Figures 9 to 11 includes one or more handwash stations and one or more hand dryers positioned adjacent to the handwash station. In each of the inclusions of the washbasin systems shown in Figures 9 to 11, hand dryers are supported by the counter and are configured to provide confinement or containment of air and water during drying to limit or prevent splashing. of accidental water to the user, the floor, to the adjacent handwashing station, to the adjacent hand dryer, etc.

In addition, in several inclusions, each of the hand dryers includes at least two air outlets positioned such that the air is directed to the user's hands from at least two different directions on opposite sides of the user's hands. . Thus, in several inclusions, the hand dryers discussed above, provide bi-directional or multi-directional air flows within the drying cavity. In multiple inclusions, hand dryers include one or more drying cavities. In various inclusions, hand dryers include one or more drying cavities that the user's hands receive during the drying operation, and the drying cavities are sized to provide air and water confinement and still provide a sensation. of adequate freedom for public restrooms. In several inclusions, the drying cavities of the hand dryers are shaped and placed to allow the user to place their hands in a natural and comfortable position, during the drying operation without the user's hands coming into contact with the internal surface of the hand dryer cavity. In addition, in several inclusions, the drying cavity includes one or more openings conveniently located to allow the user's hands to access and exit the drying cavity. The hand dryer can include at least two air outlets at opposite ends and spaced apart to provide air inside the cavity. In one of these inclusions, the air outlets are formed along the internal surface of the case or inclusion of the hand dryer that defines the hand dryer cavity.

As discussed above, the washbasin system 10 includes a washbasin 16 that has a drain 18 a counter 20 and at least a portion partially surrounded around the washbasin 10, a souk 22, which extends upward in the portion rear of the counter 20 and a generally horizontal platform or shelf 36 extending from the upper edge of the socket 22. the washbasin system 10 also includes a plurality of handwashing accessories, shown as a soap dispenser 60, a faucet 62 extending from the front edge of the platform 36 to the upper edge of the counter 20 generally over the washbasin 16.

The inclusion of the washbasin system 10 shown in Figure 9, includes a hand dryer 66 supported by a counter 20. The hand dryer 66 includes a box that has an upper portion, shown as an upper wall 68, a lower portion , shown as a bottom wall 70, a first side portion, shown as the left side wall 72, and a second bottom portion, shown as a bottom wall 74. The internal surfaces of the upper wall 68, the side wall 72, the side wall 74 and the surface of the lower wall 70 define a chamber or cavity 76 configured to receive the user's hands during a drying operation. The upper edges of the upper wall 68 and the side walls 72 and 74 and the surface of the lower wall 70 define an opening 78, generally facing and parallel to the front edge of the counter 20. To use the hand dryer 66, the user's hands are inserted through the opening 78 and into the cavity 76. As illustrated in Figure 9, the position of the opening 78 may allow the user to move their hands in the basin 16 inside the cavity 76 while the user's hands are held on the counter 20. This configuration limits or prevents water from falling to the floor or to the user's garments when the user moves from the sink to the hand dryer .

As illustrated in Figure 9, the upper wall 68 and the side walls 72 and 74 are formed of a single integral piece, and the lower wall 70 is integrally formed with the counter 20. in other inclusions, the different walls of the Hand dryer 66 may be one or more separate pieces or sections assembled together, and coupled to be supported from the counter 20, the base 22, the platform 36, the wall adjacent to the sink 16, a separate pedestal, etc. the upper wall 68 is generally positioned parallel to the generally horizontal plane defined by the counter 20, and has a slightly convex curvature, and the walls 72, 74 are substantially perpendicular to the upper wall 68 and extend between the counter 20 and the edge right and left of the upper wall 68 respectively. In the illustrated inclusion, the upper surface of the lower wall 70 is a bit convex defining a gap that helps to trap or hold water that comes from the user's hands.

In the inclusion shown, the width of the cavity 76 (ie the length of the axis of the cavity 76 is generally parallel to the front edge of the counter 20) is greater than the height of the cavity 76 (the length of the axis of the cavity is generally perpendicular to the bottom wall 70). In several inclusions, the width of the cavity 76 may be more than three times the height of the cavity 76 or more than four times than the height of the cavity 76.

The convex top wall, the convex bottom wall and the relative sizes of the width and height of the cavity 76 are such that the cavity 76 is configured to receive the user's hands in a position with a generally horizontal orientation (i.e. palms are either face up or down and generally parallel with the counter 20 and with the fingertips directed towards the back of the counter 20). In addition, the shape of the cavity 76 may also be configured to receive the user's hands in an oblique orientation / position (i.e., with the palms of the hands positioned at an angle in relation to the counter 20). The shape of the cavity 76 can also provide containment and drainage of water from the user's hands.

In an inclusion, the box of the hand dryer inclusions discussed herein is configured to receive the user's hands in a horizontal position without the user's hands coming into contact with the internal surfaces of the cavity. The horizontal position of the hands during hand drying provided by the cavity 76, can be a natural position, comfortable for the use of hand dryer 66 by the user.

The hand dryer 66 includes one or more air outlets (ports, openings, nozzles, etc.) positioned along the lower surface of the upper wall 68. In one inclusion, the hand dryer 66 includes a plurality (2 , 3, 4, 5, 6) of air outlets along the lower surface of the upper wall 68. In an exemplified inclusion, the air outlets direct the air down and towards the lower wall 70 and back towards the rear edge of the counter 20. The hand dryer 66 includes a front wall 80 positioned next to the front edge of the counter 20 and a front cavity 76. As illustrated, the front wall 80 includes a section that generally extends perpendicular to and on the top surface of the counter 20. The hand dryer 66 includes one or more air outlets placed along the inner and rear surface of the front wall 80. In an exemplified inclusion, the hand dryer 66 includes a single air outlet positioned along the rear inner face of the surface of the front wall 80 and is directed to blow air towards the back of the counter 20. As can be done Note in this inclusion, the air outlets of the upper wall 68 are positioned higher (for example a higher position relative to the vertical axis) than the air outlets of the front wall 80. In addition, the air outlets of the upper wall 68 can be placed the rear edge of the counter 20 and the front wall 80. In another inclusion, the lower wall 79 may include one or more air outlets positioned along the face surface upward. In this inclusion, the air outlets of the lower wall 70 are spaced from and in opposition to the air outlet of the upper wall 68.

As illustrated in Figure 9, the front wall 80 extends vertically on the counter 20. Thus, the front wall 80, in addition to providing mounting surface for one or more air outlets, acts as a deflector shield to the at least partially block or prevent water and air from traveling from the dryer to cavity 76 back to the front edge of the counter 20 and to the user or adjacent handwashing stations.

With the user's hands positioned inside the cavity 76, the air exiting the air outlets of the upper wall 68 and the front wall 80 is directed through the cavity 76 in the directions indicated above.

In this way, during drying, the water and / or particles removed from the user's hands is directed down and towards the bottom wall 70 and back to the rear edge of the counter 20 by the air blown. The position or direction of the air outlets helps to direct and contain both the water from the user's hands and the air blown into the cavity 76. The dryer 66 includes one or more outlet ports 82 positioned within the cavity 76 leading to an exhaust chamber. In the inclusion shown the exhaust ports 82 are shown positioned through the bottom wall 70. The exhaust ports 82 provide an inlet for receiving water and blown air facilitating the removal of water and blown air from the cavity 76. In various inclusions discussed herein, the exhaust chamber may be exposed to some type of vacuum that helps draw water and air blown into the exhaust chamber through the exhaust ports 82.

In the inclusion shown in Figure 9, the hand dryer 66 includes a section 84 (for example, an arm, a bridge, etc.) that extends between the rear edge of the upper wall 68 and the front edge of the platform 36 to provide support to the upper wall 68 and the side walls 72, 74. In one inclusion, section 84 acts as a box or inclusion for one or more air ducts that carry fan air to the wall air outlets higher. In another inclusion, one or more air ducts carrying air from the fan to the air outlets of the upper wall 68 are located within the side walls 72 and / or 74.

According to an exemplified inclusion, the hand dryer increases the volume of air provided to the hands using one or more grooves 83 (openings, nozzles, holes etc.).

The grooves 83 act as nozzles and are shaped (drowned) to provide the desired balance or balance of pressure, speed, and volume of air to the cavity 76. The grooves 83 can be formed with a cross-sectional or cross-sectional mid-section that varies as along the length of the groove to control the flow of air into the cavity 76. The grooves 83 are located in the upper wall 68. Alternatively, the slots can be located in any variety of locations on the hand dryer or counter. The air that moves through the air ducts draws outside air to increase the volume of air that is provided by the air outlets to the user's hands. Although shown in Figure 9, the slots can be provided in any of the inclusions described herein.

The inclusion of the washbasin system 10 shown in Figure 10 includes a hand dryer 90 supported by the counter 20. The hand dryer 90 includes a box or notch that includes an upper portion, shown as an upper wall 92, a lower portion , shown as a bottom wall 94 and a first side portion, shown as the right side wall 96. The inner surfaces of the upper wall 92 and the side wall 96, and the upper surface of the lower wall 94 define a chamber or cavity 98 configured to receive the user's hands during the drying operation. The hand dryer 90 includes a front portion 100 positioned adjacent the front edge of the counter 20 in front of the cavity 98. the front edges of the upper wall 92 and the side wall 96 and the upper surface of the front portion 100 and the upper surface of the counter portion 20 adjacent to the cavity 98 define an opening 102. To use the hand dryer 90, The user's hands are inserted through the opening 102 into the cavity 98. The opening 102 is positioned with a portion facing the washbasin 16 so that the user can move their hands from the washbasin 16, either laterally from left to right and / or from front to back through the opening 102 and inside the cavity 98 of the dryer 90 while keeping the hands on the counter 20.

This configuration can provide convenient access to the cavity 98 of the hand dryer 90 while eliminating the potential for water to fall from the user's hands to the floor of the sink or the user's clothing.

As illustrated in Fig. 10, the upper wall 92 and the side wall 96 are of a single integral piece with the socket 22 and the shelf 36, and the lower wall 94 is integrally formed with the counter 20. In others inclusions, the different walls of the hand dryer 90 may be one or more separate pieces or assembled sections together and coupled to the counter 20, the base 22, the platform 36, the wall adjacent to the sink 16, a separate pedestal, etc. The upper wall 92 is generally a flat section that extends in a generally horizontal direction from the shelf 36. The front edge of the upper wall 92 is continuously curved with a first segment 104 which is generally perpendicular to the upper edge of the counter 20, a second segment 106 that is generally parallel to the front edge of the counter 20, a third curved segment 108 extending from the first segment 104 to the right side of the sink system and then e curves towards the front edge of the counter 20 to join a second segment 106.

As illustrated in Figure 10, the cavity 98 is configured to receive the user's hands in a generally horizontal position and provide containment and drainage of water from the user's hands. Similar to the inclusions shown in Figure 9, the horizontal position of the hands during drying provided by the cavity 98 can be a natural and comfortable position for the user to use the hand dryer 90. In addition, the bottom wall 94 is recessed below the top face of the counter 20 to define a tank 110. As illustrated in Figure 10, the tank 110 is in fluid communication with the wash 16 and the drain 18 in such a way. that the water that drains or is blown from the user's hands inside the cavity 98 flows from the tank 110 into the sink 16 and to the drain 18. The side wall 96 acts to further contain the water and air inside the cavity 98 by inhibiting or preventing water and air from leaving the right side of the cavity 98.

The hand dryer 90 includes one or more air outlets (ports, opening, nozzles, etc.) positioned along the lower surface of the upper wall 92. In one inclusion, the hand dryer 90 includes a plurality of ( 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 etc.) air vents along the lower surface of the upper wall 92. In an example of inclusion, the air outlets of the upper wall 92 are configured to direct the air flow down and towards the lower wall 94 and back towards the rear edge of the counter 20.

The front portion 100 is positioned along the front edge of the counter 20 in front of the cavity 98.

As illustrated, the front portion 100 is positioned vertically below the upper wall 92 and can be integrally a separate piece mounted to the counter 20. In another inclusion, the front portion 100 may be integrally formed with the counter 20. The dryer Handheld 90 includes one or more air outlets positioned along the inner surface that faces the rear of the front portion 100. In an inclusion of the invention, the hand dryer 90 includes a single air outlet positioned along the inner rear face of the front portion 100 which aims to blow the air towards the rear edge of the counter 20. As can be seen in this inclusion, the air outlets of the upper wall 92 are positioned higher (for example in a higher position relative to the vertical axis) than the air outlets of the front portion 100. In addition, the air outlets of the upper wall 92 are positioned rearward of the air outlets of the front portion 100 (for example between the rear edge of the counter 20 and the front portion 100). As illustrated, the front portion 100 is raised from or extends vertically on the outer surface of the counter 20. In this way, in addition to providing a mounting surface for one or more air outlets, the front portion 100 acts as a deflector shield at least partially blocking or preventing water and particles and air traveling outside of the Cavity 98 return to the front of the front edge of the counter 20 and the user.

With the user's hands positioned inside the cavity 98, the air from the air outlets of the upper wall 92 and the front portion 100 is directed into the cavity 98 in the directions indicated above. Thus, during drying, the water and the particulars removed from the user's hands are generally directed downwards and towards the lower wall 94 and backwards towards the rear edge of the counter by the blown air 20. In this way, by directing or placing the air outlets in a way it helps to direct and contain the water and particles of the user's hands and the air blown into the cavity 98. The water and particles left by the user's hands they are received inside tank 110 and flow through tank 110 to drain 18. In various inclusions. The hand dryer 90 may include one or more exhaust ports within the cavity 987 that is directed to the exhaust chamber. The exhaust ports can provide an inlet for receiving water and particles of blown air by facilitating the removal of water and particles and blowing air from the cavity 98. In an inclusion, one or more exhaust ports are located along the surface internal wall 96.

The inclusion of the washbasin system 10 shown in Figure 11 includes a hand dryer 120 supported by the counter 20. A hand dryer 120 includes a notch that includes an upper portion, shown as an upper wall 122, a first side portion, shown as a first left side wall 124 and a central portion shown as the central wall 122 and a second side portion shown as the right side wall 128. The inner surfaces of the upper wall 122, left wall 124, right wall 128 and the upper surface of the lower wall (recessed below the surface of the counter 20) define a cavity or chamber 130 configured to receive the user's hands during operation of drying.

In an inclusion of Figure 11, the cavity 130 is subdivided into a left hand cavity 132 configured to receive the user's left hand during the drying operation and a right hand cavity 134 configured to receive the user's right hand during the drying operation The left hand cavity 132 is defined by a right face surface or surface or side wall 124 and by the left surface of the central wall 126. The cavity for the right hand 134 is defined by the inner left surface of the side wall 128 and by the right face surface of the central wall 126. Thus, in the inclusion of Figure 11, the hand dryer 120 includes cameras separate or individual to dry each of the user's hands. The front edges of the left side wall 124 and the central wall 126 define a left opening 136 and the front edges of the right side wall 128 and center wall 126 define a right opening 138.

The openings 136 and 138 are generally facing the front edge of the counter 20. To use the hand dryer 120, the user's left hand is inserted through the opening 136 into the cavity of the left hand 132, and the The user's right hand is inserted through the opening 138 into the right hand cavity 134.

As illustrated in Fig. 11, the location of the openings 136, 138 allows the user to move the hands of the washbasin 16 into the cavities 132 and 134 while keeping his hands on the counter 20. This configuration limits or prevents the Water falls to the floor or to the user's clothing, when the user moves their hands from the wash to the hand dryer. In addition, the hand dryer 120 includes a bottom wall that is recessed below the top surface of the counter 20 to define the reservoir 140. The reservoir 140 is in fluid communication with the drain 18 such that water drains or is drying of the user's hands enters or flows into the tank 140 to the drain

18.

As shown in Figure 11, the left wall 124, the central wall 126 and the right side wall 128 are integrally formed with the counter 20, and the upper wall 122 extends from the shelf 36 and is generally positioned parallel to a generally horizontal plane defined by the top surface of the counter 20. In other inclusions, the different walls of the hand dryer 120 may be one or more separate pieces or sections assembled and coupled to be supported from the counter 20, the base 22, the platform 36, the wall adjacent to the sink 16, a separate pedestal , etc. In the inclusion shown in Figure 11, the left wall 124, the central wall 126 and the right wall 128 generally have disk-shaped portions that are substantially positioned perpendicular to a generally horizontal plane, defined by the top surface of the counter 20 .

As illustrated, the height of the left hand cavity 132 and the right hand cavity 134 (ie the axis length of each cavity 132 and 134 generally perpendicular to the counter 20) are greater than the width of the left cavity 132 and the right cavity 134 (ie the length of the axis of each cavity 132 and 134 is generally parallel with the front edge of the counter 20).

Thus, the left hand cavity 132 and the right hand cavity 134 have a generally suitable way to receive the user's hands in a generally vertical position (i.e. with the palms of the hands typically facing the central wall 126 and generally perpendicular to the counter 20 with the fingertips generally pointing towards the rear edge of the counter 20) and provide containment and drainage of water and particles from the user's hands. The vertical position of the hands during drying provided by the cavities 132 and 134 can be a natural and comfortable position for the user of the hand dryer 120. Because the user's hands can be placed in a plurality of vertical positions within the cavities 132 and 134, the vertical orientation of the cavities 132 and 134 can allow the hand dryer 120 to be used by users of different heights. In other inclusions, the left side wall 124, center wall 126 and right side wall 128 may be of other shapes (ovals, rectangles, etc.) and may be positioned at other angles relative to the horizontal plane. In an inclusion, the box or notch of the hand dryer inclusions discussed herein is configured to receive the user's hands in an upright position without the user's hands coming into contact with the internal surfaces of the cavity.

As illustrated in Figure 11, the left side wall 124, the center wall 126 and the right side wall 128 each include a generally horizontal section, shown as an upper shield 142, the upper shield 146 and the upper shield 148, which extend from at least a portion of the outer edges of the left side wall 124, the center wall 126 and the right side wall 128. In this inclusion, the lower surfaces of the upper shield 142, the upper shield 146 and the upper shield 148, partially define the upper limits of the left hand cavity 132 and the right hand cavity 134. As can be seen, the upper shield 142, the upper shield 146 and the upper shield 148 act to contain the water and air particles within the left hand cavity 132 and the right hand cavity 134 at least block or partially prevent the passage of water and particles and air and from leaving the cavities.

In one inclusion, the hand dryer 120 includes one or more air outlets (ports, openings, nozzles, etc.) positioned along the lower surface of the upper wall 122. In an exemplified inclusion, the air outlets of the upper wall 122 are directed to blow air down and towards the bottom of the tank 140 and towards the back of the rear edge of the counter

twenty. In another inclusion, the upper wall 122 does not include air outlets and functions as a shield that prevents water and air from leaving the cavity 130 in the vertical direction.

In an inclusion shown in Figure 11, the air outlets are positioned on the left side wall 124, center wall 126 and side wall 128 such that the air inside the cavities 132 and 134 is directed to both sides of the hands of the user positioned vertically. For example, to provide air for the left hand cavity 132, the left side wall 124 includes one or more air outlets positioned along the inner surface of the right side of the side wall 124, and the left face surface of the central wall 126 includes one or more separate opposing air vents 150. To provide dryer air to the right hand cavity 134, the right face surface of the central wall 126 includes one or more outlets and the left inner surface of the side wall 128 includes one or more opposite and separate air outlets 152. This way, as you can see, this configuration provides air to be directed to both sides, right and left of each of the user's hands during the drying operation. In one inclusion, the hand dryer 120 includes a plurality (for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 etc.) of air outlets, positioned along each of the surfaces of the left side wall 124, the central wall 126 and the right side wall 128. In an exemplified inclusion, the air outlets of the left side wall 124, the center wall 126 and the right wall 128 are directed to blow air down and into the bottom of the reservoir 140 and the back of the edge of the counter 20.

With the user's hands positioned inside the cavities 132 and 134, the air from the air outlets of the dryer 120 is directed, through the cavities 132 and 134 in directions indicated above. In this way, during drying, the water that is removed from the user's hands is generally directed downwards and towards the bottom of the tank 140 and backwards or back of the edge of the counter 20 by the air blown. In this way, the position or direction of the air outlets helps to direct and hold both the water from the user's hands and the air blown into the cavities 132 and 134. As mentioned above, the water leaves the hands of the user and is received inside the tank 140 and is allowed to flow into the tank 140 to the drain 18.

The hand dryers 66, 90 and 120 shown in Figures 9 to 11, may include one or more sensors that detect the presence of the user's hands to control the activation / deactivation of the hand dryers. In several inclusions, when the sensors associated with the hand dryers 66, 90 and 120, detect that the user's hands are in the appropriate position within the drying cavities, the blower fan, for each hand dryer is activated in such a way. so that the blown air is released into the cavities via the air outlets to the user's hands. In one inclusion, the sensors associated with the hand dryers are configured and / or positioned such that the fan or apparatus that manages the air flow for the hand dryer is active when the user's hands are fully inserted into The hand dryer cavity. In another inclusion, the sensors associated with hand dryers are configured and / or positioned such that the air speed provided by the fan increases when the user's hands enter the hand dryer cavity.

In an inclusion shown in Figure 14 and as discussed above, the sink system 10 may include a control system 180 and a controller 182. In these inclusions, the sink system 10 includes at least a first sensor 184 and a second sensor 186 associated with the hand dryer, such as hand dryers 26, 66, 90 and 120 and a third sensor 188 associated with an accessory for hand washing as for example hand washing accessory 24. As illustrated in the inclusion of Fig. 14, the sensors 184, 186, 188 are in communication with the controller 182 such that the signal output or signal emission of the sensors can be communicated from the sensors or controller 182 (for example sensors wired to the controller, the sensors are configured for wireless communication with the controller etc.). Controller 182 is also in communication with the controls of the accessories (hand wash accessories 24, hand dryer 26, etc.) or with the controlled accessory components (for example an electronically controlled valve or hand wash accessory 24, a control circuit for the dryer 26, an energy supply element 26 etc.) said control signals from controller 182 are received by each of the accessories and each accessory is operated based on the control signal received.

It should be understood that the control signals received in the accessory or hand dryer may include a control signal that controls electronically controlled circuits, electrical current or valves, timers, switches, intelligent elements or other control devices associated with the accessory for the hand wash or hand dryer 132 and 134. As previously mentioned, the water that leaves the user's hands is received inside the tank 140 and flows into the tank 140 and into the drain 18.

The dryers 66, 90, 120 shown in Figures 9 to 11 may include one or more sensors that detect the presence of the user's hands to control the activation / deactivation of the hand dryers, in various inclusions when the sensors associated with the hand dryers 66. 90 and 120 detect that the user's hands are in the proper position within the drying cavities, the fan for each hand dryer is activated such that the air blown by the fan is provided inside the cavities via the outlets of air to dry the user's hands. In one inclusion, the sensors associated with the hand dryer are configured and / or positioned such that the air handling device fan for the hand dryer is activated when the user's hands are fully inserted into the cavity of the hand dryer. hand dryer. In another inclusion, the sensors associated with the hand dryers are configured and / or positioned such that the air speed provided by the fan increases when the user's hands move inside the hand dryer cavity.

In an inclusion shown in Figure 14, and as discussed above, the washbasin system 10 includes a control system 180 and a controller 182. In these inclusions, the washbasin system 10 includes at least a first sensor 184 and a second sensor 186 associated with the hand dryer such as the dryers 26, 66, 90 and 120 and a third sensor 188 associated with the hand wash accessories such as the meek wash accessory 24. As illustrated in the inclusion of Figure 14, the sensors 184, 188 are in communication with the controller 182 such that the output signals of the sensors can be communicated from the sensors to the controller 182 (for example the sensors are wired to the controller, the sensors are configured for wireless communication with the controller, etc.). The controller 182 is also in communication with the controlled accessories (for example hand wash accessory 24, hand dryer 26 etc.) or with components of the accessory controller (for example an electronically controlled valve of the hand wash accessory 24, a control circuit for the hand dryer 26, an energy or current element for the hand dryer 26, etc.) in such a way that the control signals can be communicated from the controller 182 to each of the controlled accessories.

The control signals of the controller 182 are received by each of the accessories and each accessory is operated according to the control signal received.

It should be understood that the control signals received in the accessories or hand dryers may include receiving control signals in control circuits, energy, electronically controlled valves, timers, intelligent elements and other control devices associated with the hand wash accessory or the dryer In some inclusions, control signals can be received directly from the sensors and a collection of distributed switches or smart circuits for handwashing accessories, hand dryers and / or other sensors can be considered the controller or control system. Alternatively, one of the controllers for the hand wash accessory or the hand dryer controller can serve as a relative master control of the other controller. For example, the hand wash accessory controller may include an intelligent hand detection system and allow or restrict the current to the hand dryer (via a control signal, via a switch that disconnects power, etc.) in another Inclusion, the hand dryer includes its own intelligent hand detection circuit but the on and / or off decisions are made by the hand wash accessory controller. In other inclusions, the hand wash accessory controller may receive a status signal (ie on and / or off) from the hand dryer and may include an intelligent circuit that does not allow the electronically controlled valve of the hand wash accessory hands open when the hand dryer status signal indicates that the hand dryer is active. In another example, the hand dryer may include a master controller that primarily controls the activation and deactivation of the hand dryer and the hand wash accessory.

In another inclusion, the basin system 10 includes a first sensor that is located toward the rear of the drying cavity, shown as a rear hand dryer sensor 184, and a second sensor that is located toward the front of the cavity The drying sensor shown as the hand dryer front sensor 186. In one inclusion, the hand dryer front sensor is positioned near the front or side inlet of the hand drying cavity. The washbasin system 10 can also include a side entrance to the hand drying cavity, the washbasin system 10 can also include a hand wash accessory sensor 188 that detects the user's hands adjacent to the accessory 24. In response to the hand wash sensor 188 signal representing the detection of the user's hands adjacent to the hand wash accessory 24, the controller 182 activates (causes activation, triggers, starts, etc.) the water flow, soap and / or other fluid for handwashing of the accessory 24. In one inclusion, the rear hand drying sensor 184 detects when the user's hands have been completely inserted into the cavity. In response to the signal from the rear sensor of the hand dryer 184 representing the detection of the user's hands fully inserted into the cavity, the controller activates the hand dryer fan 182. In this inclusion, the front sensor of the hand dryer 186 detects when the user's hands leave the dryer cavity. In response to the signal from the front sensor of the hand dryer 186, representing the output of the hands from the drying cavity, the controller 182 deactivates the fan (ie, sends a shutdown signal to the fan controller causing it to cut off the energy to the dryer, etc.) in one of these inclusions, controller 182 may cause the hand dryer to remain on once activated until the front sensor of the hand dryer 186 detects that the user's hands have almost completely or completely gone out of the hand sensor's drying cavity.

In several inclusions, several sensors can be used. For example, light beam sensor, reflectivity sensors, position sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors or any other type of sensors (or sensor system) suitable for detecting the presence or absence of a human hand can be used in the washbasin system 10. It should be understood that in order to detect the user's hands, full sensor detections and outputs of the appropriate type of sensor or sensors used in the sink system 10 can be included. For example if the sensor is a capacitive sensor, the detection of the hands The user can include several sensor output signals in response to changes in the capacitance detected. In some inclusions, controller 182 interprets output signals with variations (eg analog, digital, etc.) of the sensor to determine if one or more threshold conditions are met or exceeded. These activities can all be considered as detecting the user's hands using the control system of the washbasin 10.

The controller 182 can generally be an electronic control circuit or control unit suitable to provide the washbasin system 10 with various control functions discussed herein. Controller 182 can be wired, programmed or both. The controller 182 may be an integrated system, a dedicated circuit or a general system programmed with the functionalities described herein. The controller 182 may include a processing circuit (for example a general purpose processor, a specific application processor, etc.) configured to provide control to the sink system 10 as described in the present application. Controller 182 may include a memory (memory unit, memory device, storage device, etc.) which may be one or more devices for storing data and / or computer code to complete and / or facilitate the different functions discussed in the present. The memory may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The controller 182 may include several communication connections and communication interfaces that provide communication between the sensors, the accessories and the controller of the washbasin system 10. The communication interface may include one or more contacts or other hardware to physically couple the sensors and accessories to the controller 182, an analog to digital converter, a digital to analog converter, signal processing circuits, a transmitter, a receiver, and / or other components suitable for carrying out the communication described in the present application. The communication interface may include hardware configured to connect to controller 182 with sensors and accessories of washbasin system 10 via wireless connection.

Each of the inclusions of the washbasin system shown in Figures 9 to 11 may include a variety of combinations of the features shown in Figures 1 to 8 G.

In particular, each of the inclusions of the washbasin system, shown in Figures 9 to 11 may include a shared drain between the hand dryer and drain 18 of the washbasin 16. For example, each of the inclusions of the washbasin system of Figures 9 to 11, they can include a conduit 46 that joins the hand dryer with the drain 18. In addition, the hand dryers illustrated in Figures 9 to 11 may include one or more fans, a fan notch, such as a lower case 48 and one or more air ducts, such as air ducts 50 and 52 or manifolds of air as discussed previously.

Also, any of the inclusions described herein can provide suction to help remove water and particles into the drain and / or outlet chamber. According to an exemplified inclusion, a source of UV (ultra violet) light can be provided (for the air inlet portion) of any of the hand dryers described herein. UV light is used to treat (blow, sanitize, sanitize clean, filter, carve, etc.) the air blown into the hands of the user.

Alternatively, a filter (HEPA filter) can be used.

In one inclusion, the air provided from the air outlets is high speed, high pressure and high air flow that pushes, removes or dries water particles and other particles from the user's hands unlike hand drying via evaporation. . The air outlets of the different inclusions of the hand dryer are configured to generate a sheet, wall or series of high-speed air columns and the high-speed air scrapes (i.e. clean, remove, move, push, etc.) Water from the user's hands. In other inclusions, the hand dryer inclusions discussed herein provide hot air that dries the user's hands via a combination of evaporation and physical removal of water from the user's hands. The air is directed obliquely in relation to the angle of the skin of the user's hands so that the materials released from the user's skin are directed into the containment or drainage cavities.

According to another example of inclusion, one or more accessories for the washbasin system 10 (hand wash accessories 24, hand dryer 26 etc.) can be operated by a photovoltaic cell and an energy management system such as the which is disclosed in US Application Patent No. 11/041, 882 entitled "Washbasin System" filed on January 21, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. According to other examples of inclusion, one or more of the accessories of the washing system 10 (for example hand wash accessories 24, hand dryer 26 etc.) can be operated by any other energy efficient apparatus such as a wheel with pallets. According to another example of inclusion, one or more accessories in the washbasin system 10 (for example, the hand washing accessories 24, the hand dryer 26, etc.) that can be driven by an AC power line or a supply of DC current.

In various inclusions of the invention discussed herein, hand dryers may be configured to provide pulsed air (ie air that is provided in a series of jets) of the air outlets instead of providing a continuous stream of air during drying. . In several inclusions, the use of pulsed air can provide sufficient air or superior drying performance, may be more comfortable for the user and represents a reduction in energy consumption during the drying process.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, a hand dryer 160 configured to provide pulse air is shown according to an inclusion example. The hand dryer 160 includes a motor 162, a pressure tank or diaphragm 164, a valve apparatus 165, an apparatus for directing the air flow 166 and one or more air outlets 168. The various components of the hand dryer 160 are connected via air ducts or ducts 170 so that the air can communicate between the different components as discussed below. In operation, the engine 162 operates to move air into the diaphragm 164. When the engine 162 fills the diaphragm 164 with air, the pressure inside the diaphragm 164 increases. The engine 162 operates until the pressure in diaphragm 164 reaches a threshold (maximum allowable pressure, minimum allowed threshold, etc.) diaphragm 164 acts to store the pressurized air until the air is provided via air outlets 168 and there to the hand dryer cavity for the drying operation.

When the dryer 160 is activated (via sensors, as discussed above, via activation of a switch or button, etc.) the valve apparatus 165 is briefly open to allow a pulse of pressurized air to be released from the diaphragm 164 and into of the apparatus that directs the air flow 166. The apparatus that directs the air flow 166 directs the pulse of air released through the appropriate ducts to one or more air outlets 168. The air outlets 168 direct the air into the hands of the user inside the cavity of the water dryer to remove water from the hands of the user, the washbasin system equipped with the hand dryer 160, may include a control system that It has a control circuit (for example a processor, etc.) that controls the different components of the hand dryer 160 to provide pulsed air as discussed herein.

In an inclusion, as shown in the diagram of Figure 13, the hand dryer 160 may be configured to provide pulsed air through multiple air outlets 168 in a predetermined sequence or series. As '· <& *' is illustrated in Figure 13, with the user's hands 172 located inside the drying cavity 174 of the dryer 160, the dryer 160 is activated, and the first pulsed air flow is released from the diaphragm 164 through valve opening 165. The apparatus that directs the air flow 166 directs the first pulse of air released to one of the air outlets 168, and the air outlet 168 directs the air towards the user's hands for drying. Then, a second air pulse is released from the diaphragm 164 when the valve 165 is opened. The apparatus that directs the air flow 166 directs the second air pulse released to one of the air outlets 168, and the air outlet 168 directs the air to the user's hands for drying. The air is released from diaphragm 164 as discussed above in the manner that air pulses are provided to each air outlet 168 in the predetermined sequence for the specific drying operation.

As shown in the diagram, the inclusion of the invention of Figure 13, the pulsed air can be directed to the air outlets 168 by the air direction apparatus 166 such that the pulsed air is provided in sequence along the length of the user's hands from the wrist to the fingertips, (or from the forearm to the fingertips). For example in Figure 13, a first air jet can be provided by the nearest outlet on the left side 168 and the second air jet is provided via the central air outlet 168 and a third pulsed air jet is provided at the outlet of air on the right side 168. In this way, the water can be blown or removed from the user's hands 172 by the delivery in sequence of pulsed air from the wrist to the fingertips without requiring the user to move their hands inside the cavity 174. In another Inclusion, each pulse released from air, can be directed through more than one air outlet 168 at the same time in a predetermined sequence or pattern. . in another inclusion, the air released pulses can be directed through the air outlets 168 in any variety of pulse sequences or combinations and, in any other inclusion, the air released pulses can be provided through all the outputs 168 of the hand dryer 160 at a time.

The apparatus that directs the air 166, can be any apparatus or combination of apparatus for directing the air to the appropriate air outlets 168 of the hand dryer 160. For example, in an inclusion, the apparatus that directs the air 166 can include a dedicated duct for each air outlet 168 and a dedicated valve that releases air from diaphragm 164 into the duct to be released to the appropriate air outlet 168 in the sequence. In one of these inclusions, the dedicated valve for each air outlet may be timed by a solenoid valve that is opened to provide pulsed air to each air outlet in the proper sequence. In other inclusions, the apparatus that provides the air 166 may be a single apparatus or valve that provides air in sequence to the appropriate air outlets in sequence. For example, in several inclusions, the apparatus that directs the air 166 can be a rotary piston valve or it can be a multi valve with a rotary cylindrical piston.

In various inclusions, diaphragm 164 may be of the appropriate size to store enough pressurized air to provide pulsed air for multiple drying operations. In this inclusion, the motor 162 is activated to fill the diaphragm 164 when the pressure inside the diaphragm 164 falls below a certain threshold. In another inclusion, diaphragm 164 may be of the appropriate size to store enough pressurized air to provide pulsed air for multiple drying operations, and motor 162 is activated to fill diaphragm 164 after each drying operation. In another inclusion of the invention, the diaphragm 164 may be of adequate size to store enough pressurized air for a single drying operation and in this inclusion, the motor 162 is activated to refill the diaphragm 164 after each drying operation. The use of diaphragm 164 to provide pulsed air may allow the hand dryer 160 to be constructed with a motor 162 that is smaller (less power, etc.) than may be needed to provide air directly from the motor to the outlets air 168. In addition, because the lower power motor can be used to fill the diaphragm 164 as required, in some inclusions, the hand dryer 160 may consume less energy than the dryer that provides pulsed air directly from the motor.

It should be understood that the inventions disclosed herein are not limited to the construction and configuration details of the components set forth in the description or in the illustrations. The inventions are capable of being included in other configurations or of being practiced or carried out in various forms, it should also be understood that the phrases and terminology used herein are used for description purposes and should not be considered as limiting or restrictive.

Also, the specific materials used in the construction of the inclusion examples are illustrative only. For example, the counter, the sink, the hand dryer etc., can be constructed of any variety of solid materials, stainless steel, laminates, fiberglass, stone, natural quartz, materials with quartz surfaces and the like. According to an example of inclusion, the counter is made of a densified solid surface material composed of a polyester resin with modified acrylic and / or other applicable standards or regulations. The upper hand dryer box can be formed of the same material to combine or be the same as the counter and / or sink. The surface material may be any available on the market under the name of TERREON® or EVERO ™ of Bradley Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Also, the terms are intended to be broad terms and not limiting terms. These components can be used in a variety of locations or handwashing stations and are not intended to be limited to use in bathroom or toilet applications. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the union of two members directly or indirectly with one another. Said union may be stationary in nature or of a mobile nature. Such union can be achieved with the two members or two members as well as additional intermediate members that are formed integrally as a single unitary body with one of the other or with two of the members or two members and any additional intermediate member connected one with the other. Said union may be permanent in nature or alternatively it may be removable or liberated in nature. This union is also related to electrical, fluid or mechanical relations between two components.

It is important to note that the construction and configuration of the elements of the washbasin system as illustrated in the inclusion examples are illustrative only. Although the current application shows particular combinations of the features in the claims appended hereto, various inclusions of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein although such combinations are not claimed at this time, and any of these combinations and characteristics can be claimed in this or in future applications. Although only a few inclusions of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art reviewing the disclosure will appreciate, immediately that many modifications are possible (for example variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the different elements, parameter values, mounting configurations, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject recited in the disclosed inclusions. For example, several inclusions are shown as examples of one or two wash stations, but it should be understood that these are only shown as examples of the invention and apply to a variety of wash station configurations (for example, one, two, three , four stations, etc.) in the same way, all modifications are included within the scope of the present inventions as defined in the disclosed inclusions. The order or sequence of any of the processes, or steps of the method can be varied or placed in a new sequence according to alternative inclusions. In the disclosed inclusions any clause of means plus operation is intended to cover the structures described herein as the performance of a recited function and not only structural equivalents but equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and / or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and configuration of the preferred inclusions and other inclusions without departing from the spirit of the inventions of the present.