TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a disinfectant dispenser to be placed at the entrance and/or exit of an area, for controlling the hand hygiene compliance of people entering and exiting.

PRIOR ART

As a result of disease-causing microorganisms or parasites entering the human body in any way, infectious diseases cause various complaints in people. Infectious diseases are transmitted from person to person by contact or by air, thus jeopardizing public health, and also causing serious losses. To protect against infectious diseases, all kinds of disease factors should be removed from public use environments. A hygienic environment can be provided by removing the disease factors from the said environment. One of the most effective methods of providing hygiene is to provide hand hygiene. In our daily life, our hands are the organs that provide all kinds of connections with the environment, and therefore contain the most bacteria. Hand hygiene is a simple, cost-effective, applicable by every segment of society, and highly effective method for the protection of individual and public health. Studies that have been carried out reveal that poorly-washed hands are effective in the spread of infectious diseases. Thus, providing hand hygiene not only is effective in keeping infectious diseases under control but also helps increase the quality of life in society.

Hand disinfectant dispensers have been developed to provide immediate hand hygiene in the present art. Patent application No. CN202288053U discloses a hand disinfectant dispenser. Disinfectant dispensers known in the present art are placed in an area, a place, but their use is at the discretion of the person. Disinfectant dispensers known in the present art do not include a technical feature to warn people about maintaining hand hygiene. This situation may lead to the spread of the infectious disease as a consequence of a person with an infectious disease entering the public area without using a hand disinfectant.

As a result, all of the above-mentioned problems have made it necessary to make an innovation in the related technical field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disinfectant dispenser to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and bring new advantages to the related technical field.

One object of the invention is to provide a disinfectant dispenser that ensures hand hygiene compliance in an area and warns people to use the hand disinfectant.

To realize all objects that are mentioned above and will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is a disinfectant dispenser to be placed at the entrance and/or exit of an area, for controlling the hand hygiene compliance of people entering and/or exiting, comprising: a reservoir for accommodating a disinfectant liquid; an outlet for ejecting the disinfectant from the said reservoir; a first sensor provided in the reservoir for sensing the presence of a user’s hand; a driving element for transferring the disinfectant in the reservoir to the outlet; a processor unit for actuating the driving element based on the presence signal received from the first sensor. Accordingly, it comprises at least one second sensor for determining the number of people entering the said area and exiting the said area; a communication unit associated with the processor unit; the processor unit is configured to allow calculating hand hygiene compliance in the area from the data collected from the first sensor and said second sensor; and transmitting the collected and calculated data to a remote server (cloud server) via the said communication unit. Thus, it will be possible to follow and report the data obtained in the web environment.

A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the power source.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a memory unit associated with the processor unit; said memory unit is configured to store collected and calculated data in the processor unit.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the second sensor is configured to rotate 180 degrees around itself. Thus, the disinfectant dispenser can be placed on the right and/or left of the door at the entrance of the area. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the second sensor is configured to sense entries and exits to/from the area. Thus, the number of people entering and exiting the area, and the number of people using and not using the disinfectant while entering the area can be determined, and immediate hand hygiene compliance in the area is calculated based on the said data.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a level sensor for determining the fill rate of the disinfectant liquid in the reservoir. Thus, the disinfectant dispenser will be able to provide an alarm before the disinfectant therein is run out and it will be possible to refill the disinfectant.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a user terminal connected to the server.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises an alarm unit to warn the people entering the area without using a disinfectant. Thus, people entering the area are warned to use disinfectant.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said alarm unit comprises at least one audible alarm unit.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the said alarm unit comprises at least one visual alarm unit.

Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a user screen for informing the people entering the area about hand hygiene compliance, the number of people, the number of people who have maintained hand hygiene, and the number of people who have not maintained hand hygiene in the area. Thus, people who are about to enter the area are warned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A representative frontal and side view of a disinfectant dispenser is given in Figure 1. A representative view of the operating scenario of a disinfectant dispenser is given in Figure

2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, a disinfectant dispenser according to the invention is only explained by way of examples that will not have any limiting effect on understanding the subject matter better.

The invention relates to a disinfectant dispenser (10) to be placed at the entrance and/or exit of an area, for controlling the hand hygiene compliance of people entering and exiting.

As can be shown in Figure 1, said disinfectant dispenser (10) comprises a disinfectant reservoir (100) accommodating a disinfectant therein. There is at least one outlet (101) for ejecting the said disinfectant from the said disinfectant reservoir (100). There is at least one first sensor (106) for sensing a user’s hand at predetermined distances, that is positioned around the said outlet (101). A presence sensor, a presence detector, etc. is used as the said first sensor (106) in a possible embodiment of the invention. The disinfectant dispenser (10) comprises a driving element that is triggered to guide disinfectant in the reservoir (100) to the outlet (101) once the said user brings his/her hand closer to the first sensor (106). Preferably, a pump, etc. is used as the said driving element in a possible embodiment of the invention. There is a processor unit (103) that triggers the driving element based on the data received from the first sensor (106). The disinfectant dispenser (10) also comprises a level sensor (109) for measuring the amount of disinfectant liquid within the disinfectant reservoir (100). A level detector, etc., is used as the said level sensor in a possible embodiment of the invention.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the disinfectant dispenser (10) also comprises at least one second sensor (107) for determining the number of people entering the said area and exiting the said area. A presence sensor, a photocell, etc. is used as the said second sensor (107) in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Measurements are made via two light beams sent parallel to each other through the said second sensor (107). If the first light beam among the said light beams stops before the second light beam, it is determined that a person enters the area. If the second light beam stops before the first light beam, it is determined that a person exits the area. Thus, the number of people entering the area and exiting the area is determined. The second sensor (107) is configured to rotate 180 degrees around itself. Thus, according to the opening direction of the door, it will be possible to use the disinfectant dispenser such that it is on the right or left of the door.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the disinfectant dispenser (10) comprises a communication unit (105) associated with the processor unit (103). Said communication unit (105) allows transmission of the data collected and calculated in the processor unit (103) to a remote server (20). The said server (20) can be a cloud platform in a possible embodiment of the invention. Data transmitted to a remote server (20) can be accessed via a user terminal (21). The said user terminal (21) can be a mobile application etc. provided to a mobile device in a preferred embodiment of the invention. There is a memory unit (104) associated with the processor unit (103) such that it can read and write data. The processor unit (103) allows instantly recording the data to the said memory unit (104). There is an alarm unit (108) that is actuated by the processor unit (103) to necessitate the people entering the area to use the disinfectant. Said alarm unit (108) comprises an audible alarm unit (1081) to warn the user audibly. The audible alarm unit (1081) can be a speaker, etc. in a possible embodiment of the invention. The alarm unit (108) also comprises a visual alarm unit (1082) to warn the user visually. A lighting element, etc., can be used as the visual alarm unit (1082) in a possible embodiment of the invention. There is at least one user screen (30) provided in the area to display the number of people in the area and hand hygiene compliance with numerical data. The people in the area can be informed through the said user screen (30). There is a power source (110) to meet the energy requirement of the disinfectant dispenser (10). A battery etc. is used as the power source (110) in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the case of using a battery, etc. as the power source (110), the processor unit (103) is instantly informed about the status of the battery. If the processor unit (103) determines that the battery status falls below a predetermined level, it allows warning the relevant personnel via the communication unit (105). A battery, etc. that is wirelessly rechargeable can be used as the power source (110) in another exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this case, the processor unit (103) is instantly warned about the charge of the wireless battery. If the processor unit (103) determines that the wireless battery status falls below a predetermined level, it allows warning the relevant personnel via the communication unit (105). As explained in Figure 2, the processor unit (103) allows determining the number of people entering the area and the number of people exiting the area via the second sensor (107). The processor unit (103) determines if the person maintains hand hygiene once the user entering the area uses the first sensor (106) via the second sensor (107). In this case, the processor unit (103) actuates the alarm unit (108), thereby warning the person to maintain hand hygiene if it is determined that a person entering the area does not maintain hand hygiene. The processor unit (103) allows instantly calculating the number of people in the area and the hand hygiene compliance of the said people according to the number of people entering the area, the number of people exiting the area, and the number of people using the disinfectant dispenser (10), based on the data collected from the sensors. The processor unit (103) allows instantly writing the collected and calculated data to the memory unit (104). The processor unit (103) also allows instantly transmitting the data written in the memory unit (104) to the server (20) via the communication unit (105). A remote user having access to the server (20) is informed about the hand hygiene compliance of the area via the user terminal (21). The processor unit (103) also allows obtaining the amount of disinfectant within the reservoir (100) from the level sensor (109) located in the disinfectant reservoir (100). If the amount of disinfectant falls below a predetermined level based on the data received from the level sensor (109), a warning message including the information that the disinfectant must be refilled is transmitted to the user terminal (21) of an employee via the communication unit (105). The processor unit (103) allows informing the people in the area via the user screen (30). The processor unit (103) also allows actuating the alarm unit (108) to warn the people entering the area without maintaining hand hygiene.

An exemplary operating scenario of the invention is explained below;

A disinfectant dispenser (10) is placed at the entrance of an area. The people entering the area are determined via the second sensor (107). The processor unit (103) allows instantly determining the number of people entering the area. If the person entering the area uses the disinfectant dispenser (10), the processor unit (103) allows receiving a signal including the information on the wish to use the disinfectant from the first sensor (106). Once the processor unit (103) receives the said signal, it triggers the actuation of the driving element. By actuating the driving element, the disinfectant in the reservoir (100) is sprayed from the outlet (101) in a predetermined amount. Thus, the disinfectant liquid is sprayed on the person’s hand. The processor unit (103) increases the number of people using the disinfectant by one. If it is determined that the person entering the area does not use the disinfectant dispenser (10), the processor unit (103) actuates the alarm unit (108). By actuating the alarm unit (108), the user is warned via the audible alarm unit (1081) and the visual alarm unit (1082) to maintain his/her hand hygiene. The number of people entering and the number of people maintaining hand hygiene is instantly determined. The processor unit (103) also allows determining the number of people exiting the area via the second sensor (107). Thus, the number of people currently in the area and the number of people maintaining hand hygiene are determined via the processor unit (103), and the hand hygiene compliance of the area is calculated. The processor unit (103) allows instantly recording the calculated data to the said memory unit (104) based on the data received from the first sensor (106) and the second sensor (107). The memory unit (104) stores the data. The processor unit (103) allows instantly transferring the data stored in the memory unit (104) to the server (20) via the communication unit (105). The remote user can access the data via the user terminal (21) connected to the server (20). The user terminal (21) can be used by an authorized officer, an employee, a central unit, etc. For example, if hand hygiene compliance is below the determined limits, the central unit can close or warn the area. Thus, the spread of infectious diseases is tried to be prevented by instantly following the area, especially under pandemic conditions. The processor unit (103) also allows instantly receiving data from the level sensor (109) provided in the disinfectant reservoir (100). If the disinfectant level in the reservoir (100) falls below the predetermined level based on the received data, a warning signal is transmitted to the user terminal (21) of the employee. Thus, the disinfectant in the reservoir (100) is instantly controlled and measures are taken against the situations in which the disinfectant is run out. The processor unit (103) also allows displaying the number of people in the area and hand hygiene compliance on the user screen (30) positioned in the regions such as the entrance of the area, the exit of the area, etc. at any time within the area. In this case, particularly the people entering the area are informed about the hand hygiene of the people in the area.

A disinfectant dispenser (10) is placed at the entrance of a (106) restaurant in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Once the first person entering the said restaurant brings his/her hand closer to the disinfectant dispenser (10), a predetermined amount of liquid disinfectant is sprayed from the disinfectant reservoir (100) onto the hand of the first person. In this case, the processor unit (103) increases the number of people entering the restaurant and the number of people entering the restaurant who have maintained hand hygiene by one. The second sensor (107) determines if a second person has entered the restaurant. In this case, the processor unit (103) increases the number of people in the restaurant by one. If the processor unit (103) determines that said person has not used the disinfectant dispenser (10), the alarm unit (108) is actuated. By actuating the alarm unit (108), a warning saying “Please use the disinfectant dispenser (10)!” is provided from a speaker provided around the disinfectant dispenser (10). Furthermore, the LEDs provided at the entrance door are illuminated. Thus, the second person is warned visually and audibly. The processor unit (103) allows calculating hand hygiene compliance based on the total number of people. The processor unit (103) allows displaying the calculated hand hygiene compliance and the total number of people on a LED screen provided around the entrance door of the restaurant. The processor unit (103) also allows transmitting a signal including the information received from the level detector provided in the disinfectant reservoir (100) that the amount of disinfectant liquid is low and it should be refilled as a message to the phone of the relevant personnel officer via the communication unit (105). The said message is transmitted to the personnel at predetermined intervals. In this case, the reservoir (100) is refilled before the disinfectant is run out, by warning the personnel. In this case, the problem of not using disinfectant since the disinfectant in the reservoir (100) is run out is eliminated. Once the first person passes through the exit door of the restaurant, it is determined that the first person exits the restaurant via the presence sensor. In this case, the processor unit (103) decreases the total number of people by one, thereby recalculating hand hygiene compliance. Furthermore, it allows displaying the current number of people and the current hand hygiene compliance on the LED screen. The processor unit (103) allows instantly recording the collected and calculated data to the memory unit (104) in a way to include time data. It allows instantly transferring the data recorded in the memory unit

(104) to the remote server (20) via the communication unit (105). A remote person can be informed about the number of people in the restaurant and hand hygiene compliance via a mobile application connected to the server (20). The said data can be instantly transmitted to the relevant central unit of the state to provide hygiene control in restaurants during pandemic periods. If the relevant central unit of the state determines that the values received are outside the predetermined values, it allows decreasing the number of individuals in the restaurant by instantly warning the restaurant personnel, or allows warning people about maintaining hand hygiene. In this case, increasing the infectiousness of the epidemic in the restaurant is reduced. Furthermore, the controls can be carried out regularly by the central unit of the state. In this case, while the communication unit (105) allows transferring the data, at the same time it allows transmitting the warning messages received from the central unit to the personnel via the processor unit (103). The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the attached claims and cannot be limited in any way to what is described in this detailed description for exemplary purposes. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can provide similar embodiments in the light of what has been described above without departing from the main theme of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURES

10 Disinfectant dispenser

100 Reservoir

101 Outlet

102 Driving mechanism

103 Processor unit

104 Memory unit

105 Communication unit

106 First sensor

107 Second sensor

108 Alarm unit

1081 Audible alarm unit

1082 Visual alarm unit

109 Level sensor

110 Power source

20 Server

21 User terminal

30 User screen