Device for controlling access of a unit, such as a water-closet

• US 20020145523A1
• Filed: 03/25/2002
• Published: 10/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Jacques Robaey
• Original Assignee: Jacques Robaey
• Inventors: Robaey, Jacques
• Application Number:
  US10/103,870
• Publication Number:
  US 20020145523A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/057 touchless, i.e. using sensors
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/86 by hand
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/112 for restrooms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/245 Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands

Abstract

Device for controlling access to a unit, such as a water closet including: a wash basin with its tap, and a door controlling access of the room, and a device for deactivating a device associated with the unauthorized opening of the door in response to the maneuver of the tap, this device being characterized in that it includes: a device for first detecting the functioning of the tap, and second the presence of hands under the water jet of the tap.

Claims

1. Device for controlling the access of a unit, such as a water closet including:

wash basin (3) with its tap, and

a door controlling access of the room, and

a device (100) for deactivating a device (10/30) associated with the unauthorised opening of the door in response to the manoeuvre of the tap,

this device being characterised in that it includes;

a device (9) for firstly detecting the functioning of the tap, and secondly the presence of hands under the water jet of the tap.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it includes:

a lock (8) with electric unlocking on the door, and

a device (10) for controlling unlocking of the door in response to the detection of the use of the tap in the presence of hands under the water jet for a minimum period.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the detection device (9) includes a monitoring element (11) via the transmission/receiving of an electromagnetic wave in a zone situated under the water jets.

4. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the tap includes a motor element (12) for manoeuvring the obturator in response to detection of the monitored portion of a human body.

5. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that a time counter (13) is provided on the system so as to oblige an individual wash his hands at least in the time required and sufficient to eliminate microbes.

6. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it includes:

a system (14) for monitoring functioning of the bowl, and

associated with this monitoring system, a device (16) for controlling closing of the lock, said lock only being able to be unlocked provided that the hands of an individual have been washed for a minimum period.

7. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it includes a manual stand-by unlocking system.

8. Device for controlling the access of a water closet room including:

a main door (101),

at least one wash basin (102) and its associated tap (103), and

several water closet units (104) each closed by a secondary door,

this device being characterised in that it includes;

on each wash basin, a device (105) for firstly detecting the functioning of the tap, and secondly the effective presence of hands under the water jet,

an identification element (106) worn by each individual,

in each water closet unit, a device (107) for reading the identification element worn by the individual present,

on each wash basin, a device (108) for reading the identification element worn by the individual in the process of washing his hands,

on the door of the water closet unit, a device (110) for reading the identification element (106) worn by the individual appearing in front of the door before leaving, and

a device (111) for managing the various elements of information originating from the reading devices for, after detection of the passage of the individual in the water closet unit, washing of his hands and appearing in front of the door of the room, authorising exit or sending him a reminder message.