MOBILE HANDWASHING SYSTEM

Abstract

A mobile handwashing system (1) includes a freestanding supply station (2) and at least one freestanding handwashing station (3). The supply station (2) includes a freshwater tank (4), which is fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one handwashing station (3) via a first freshwater supply line (5) and is fluidly connected or connectable to a freshwater supply system via a second freshwater supply line (6). The supply station (2) includes a wastewater or graywater tank (7) and/or a wastewater pump (23) which is fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one handwashing station (3) via a first wastewater line (8) and is fluidly connected or connectable to a wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system via a second wastewater line (9).

Claims

1. Mobile handwashing system (1) comprising the following: a freestanding supply station (2); and at least one freestanding handwashing station (3), wherein the supply station (2) comprises a freshwater tank (4), which is fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one handwashing station (3) via a first freshwater supply line (5) and is fluidly connected or connectable to a freshwater supply system via a second freshwater supply line (6); and wherein the supply station (2) comprises a wastewater or graywater tank (7) and/or a wastewater pump (23), which is fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one handwashing station (3) via a first wastewater line (8) and is fluidly connected or connectable to a wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system via a second wastewater line (9).

2. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least two freestanding handwashing stations (3) are provided, wherein the at least two handwashing stations (3) are fluidly connected in series such that a first of the at least two handwashing stations (3) is fluidly connected or connectable directly to the freshwater tank (4) of the supply station (2) via the first freshwater supply line (5) and a second of the at least two handwashing stations (3) is fluidly connected or connectable via a third freshwater supply line (10) to the first of the at least two handwashing stations (3) and from there to the freshwater tank (4) of the supply station (2) via the first freshwater supply line (5).

3. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 2, wherein each handwashing station (3) comprises a first line connection (11) for the first or a third freshwater supply line (5, 10) and a second line connection (12) for a third freshwater supply line (10), wherein a seal, in the form of a backflow blocker, is assigned to each line connection (11, 12) for self-actuated or manual closing of the corresponding line connection (11, 12) when no freshwater supply line (5, 10) is connected to the line connection (11, 12) in question.

4. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first line connection (11) is fluidly connected to the second line connection (12) via a first freshwater connection line (13) integrated in the handwashing station (3), and wherein the first freshwater connection line (13) is fluidly connected to a sensor-controlled faucet (15) of the handwashing station (3) via a second freshwater connection line (14) that is integrated in the handwashing station (3).

5. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least two freestanding handwashing stations (3) are provided, wherein the at least two handwashing stations (3) are fluidly connected in series such that a first of the at least two handwashing stations (3) is fluidly connected or connectable directly to the wastewater or graywater tank (7) of the supply station (2) via the first wastewater line (8) and a second of the at least two handwashing stations (3) is fluidly connected or connectable via a third wastewater line (17) to the first of the at least two handwashing stations (3) and from there to the wastewater or graywater tank (7) of the supply station (2) via the first wastewater line (8).

6. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 5, wherein each handwashing station (3) comprises a first line connection (18) for the first or a third wastewater line (8, 17) and a second line connection (19) for a third wastewater line (17), wherein a seal, in the form of a backflow blocker, is assigned to each line connection (18, 19) for self-actuated or manual closing of the corresponding line connection (18, 19) when no wastewater supply line (8, 17) is connected to the line connection (18, 19) in question.

7. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first line connection (18) is fluidly connected to the second line connection (19) via a first wastewater connection line that is integrated in the handwashing station (3), and wherein the first wastewater connection line is fluidly connected to a sink (33) of the handwashing station (3) via a second wastewater connection line (20) that is integrated in the handwashing station (3).

8. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one handwashing station (3) comprises a bypass for the fluid connection of the second line connection (12) for the third freshwater supply line to the second line connection (19) for the third wastewater line (17), as needed.

9. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the supply station (2) comprises a freshwater pump (22) for establishing and/or maintaining a default or adjustable water pressure in the freshwater tank (4); and/or wherein the supply station (2) comprises a freshwater pump (22) for establishing and/or maintaining a default or adjustable water pressure in the first freshwater supply line (5); and/or wherein the supply station (2) comprises a wastewater pump (23) which is fluidly connected or connectable on the suction side to the first wastewater line (8) and is fluidly connected or connectable on the pressure side to the second wastewater line (9); and/or wherein the supply station (2) comprises a wastewater pump (23) which is fluidly connected or connectable on the suction side to the wastewater or graywater tank (7) and is fluidly connected or connectable on the pressure side to the second wastewater line (9).

10. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the freshwater tank (4) of the supply station (2) is arranged at least in regions above the wastewater or graywater tank (7) of the supply station (2), and wherein further a bypass line (24) with a valve, which can be operated manually or controlled via a control device (26), is provided in order to form a fluid connection between the freshwater tank (4) and the wastewater or graywater tank (7) of the supply station (2), as needed.

11. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the freshwater supply system is separate from the public freshwater network, and wherein the freshwater supply system is an on-board drinking water supply system of a ship (27); and/or wherein the wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system is separate from the public wastewater network, and wherein the wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system is an on-board wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system of a ship (27).

12. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the supply station (2) and the at least one handwashing station (3) are respectively configured as a mobile unit and equipped with heavy-duty rollers or heavy-duty wheels (25); and/or wherein the at least one handwashing station (3) comprises a power supply that is autonomous from the supply station (2) in order to supply power to the electrical consumers of the handwashing station (3), wherein the self-contained power supply comprises an accumulator and a water-flow generator and/or a photovoltaic cell.

13. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein a level sensor is assigned to the freshwater tank (4) of the supply station (2), said level sensor being signally connected to a control device (26) of the supply station (2), wherein the control device (26) is configured in order to establish a fluid connection of the freshwater tank (4) to the freshwater supply system via the second freshwater supply line (6) upon reaching or falling below a default or adjustable liquid level in the freshwater tank (4) sensed by means of the level sensor; and/or wherein a level sensor is assigned to the wastewater or graywater tank (7) of the supply station (2), said level sensor being signally connected to a control device (26) of the supply station (2), wherein the control device (26) is configured in order to establish a fluid connection of the wastewater or graywater tank (7) to the wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system via the second wastewater line (9) upon reaching or exceeding a default or adjustable liquid level in the wastewater or graywater tank (7) sensed by means of the level sensor.

14. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is assigned to the wastewater or graywater tank (7) of the supply station (2) and/or the freshwater tank (4) of the supply station (2) for monitoring the temperature of the wastewater supplied by the at least one handwashing station (3) to the wastewater or graywater tank (7) or for monitoring the temperature of the freshwater supplied by the freshwater tank (4) of the at least one handwashing station (3), wherein the at least one temperature sensor is signally connected to a control device (26) of the supply station (2), and wherein the control device (26) is configured in order to interrupt or prevent a supply of freshwater to the at least one handwashing station (3) when the temperature of the freshwater in the freshwater tank (4) and/or the temperature of the wastewater in the wastewater or graywater tank (7) sensed by the temperature sensor reaches or exceeds a default or adjustable value of approximately 40° C.

15. Handwashing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein a tempering device is assigned to the freshwater tank (4) of the supply station (2) in order to temper the liquid received in the freshwater tank (4).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] The figures show:

[0057] FIG. 1 schematically, an exemplary embodiment of the mobile handwashing system according to the invention when in use on the pier of a cruise ship;

[0058] FIG. 2 schematically, a hydraulic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the mobile handwashing system according to the invention when in use in a cruise ship;

[0059] FIG. 3 schematically and in an isometric view, an exemplary embodiment of the supply station of the handwashing system according to the invention;

[0060] FIG. 4 schematically, the components used in the exemplary embodiment of the supply station according to FIG. 3;

[0061] FIG. 5 schematically and in an isometric view, an exemplary embodiment of a handwashing station of the handwashing system according to the invention;

[0062] FIG. 6 schematically and in a side view, the handwashing station according to FIG. 5 in a partially-cut view; and

[0063] FIG. 7 schematically, the handwashing station according to FIG. 5 in a front view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Although an exemplary embodiment of the mobile handwashing system 1 according to the invention is described below partly in connection with a cruise ship 27, the invention is in no way limited to this scope.

[0065] In particular, the mobile handwashing system 1 according to the invention is not only suitable for providing a handwashing station 3 outside a ship, in particular a cruise ship 27. Rather, of course, the mobile handwashing system 1 according to the invention can also be used on board, for example in front of a restaurant or casino area of a ship, in particular a cruise ship 27.

[0066] The mobile handwashing system 1 according to the invention is also suitable for totally different applications, for example for concerts or other events or for conferences within a building complex. Of course, the above list is not to be considered to be exhaustive.

[0067] Briefly summarized, the mobile handwashing system 1 according to the invention comprises a supply station 2 and a flexibly selectable number of handwashing stations 3, which can be connected in series and serviced with freshwater and wastewater from the supply station 2 (see, for example, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

[0068] The individual handwashing stations 3 (see, for example, FIG. 5 to FIG. 7) are preferably made of stainless steel and have an exterior design that is appealing and easy to clean, in particular. Each handwashing station 3 preferably contains an integrated and sensor-controlled faucet 15 and soap foam dispenser 30 in order to allow for touchless handwashing. A paper towel dispenser 31 and an easily removable trash can 32 are also preferably integrated.

[0069] There is preferably a large trash receptacle at the front of the handwashing station 3. Lateral splash protection and wind protection walls are integrated in order to protect the water jet and soap against wind when set up outdoors. The drain of the sink 33 is protected with a grid in order to prevent clogs.

[0070] By means of an integrated laser (protection class 1), the positions for the leakage of soap and water are indicated. As soon as soap or water is activated, an LED lights up in order to visually signal the respective operation. As soon as the water is activated, a visual countdown, for example of 20 to 30 seconds, runs in order to support the duration of handwashing. The faucet 15, the soap dispenser 30, the laser, and the LED's are powered by a common battery, which is recharged by a hydrogenerator (water flow generator). The faucet 15 has an integrated continuous rinsing function, which can be manually activated or deactivated at the touch of a button.

[0071] The handwashing station 3 has two heavy-duty rollers 25 and corresponding handles 34, which make the unit movable by tilting. Adjustable feet guarantee a firm footing any all times. Furthermore, the handwashing station 3 is equipped with a plurality of heavy-duty hooks 35 in order to be moved with a crane.

[0072] Lateral fold-out coat hooks are preferably integrated in order to be able to hang items of clothing, such as jackets, etc., during handwashing. The handwashing station 3 has a labeled storage shelf for handbags, briefcases, and other items.

[0073] On the individual handwashing stations 3, the freshwater and the wastewater can be connected bilaterally and forwarded accordingly to a further handwashing station 3.

[0074] The supply station 2 is equipped in the upper level with a freshwater tank 4 and a freshwater pump 22. The freshwater tank 4 is connected to an on-site or on-board water connection. The freshwater pump 22 establishes the necessary water pressure for the connected handwashing stations 3.

[0075] Further, in the lower level, the supply station 2 has a wastewater tank 7 and a wastewater pump 23, which pumps the collected wastewater in a line back to an on-site or on-board drain. The contents of the freshwater tank 4 can be manually drained into the wastewater tank 7. The fresh and wastewater line connections 8, 9 11, 12 are designed in order to be non-exchangeable.

[0076] The supply station 2 has two heavy-duty rollers 25 and corresponding handles 34, which make the unit movable by tilting. Adjustable feet guarantee a firm footing any all times. Furthermore, the supply station 2 is equipped with a plurality of heavy-duty hooks in order to be moved with a crane.

[0077] The freshwater and wastewater can be connected bilaterally, both for forwarding to the handwashing station 3 and for on-site or on-board supply.

[0078] Temperature monitoring in the wastewater tank 7 ensures that an emergency shutdown is activated at, for example, above 40° C. in order to prevent possible burning/scalding from heated water.

[0079] The supply station 2 is scalable according to the number of handwashing stations 3 that are to be connected.

[0080] According to embodiments, the PLC control of the supply station 2 has a display and can map the following functions: [0081] power on/off; [0082] emergency off switch; [0083] water flow monitoring; [0084] leakage detector; and/or [0085] visual error output.

[0086] A continuous water flow rate can be established by means of a bypass at the last handwashing station 3. This prevents the standing water from heating to over 40° C. when the system is constructed outdoors in high solar irradiation and the sinks are not in use.

[0087] The connection lines/connection hoses between the individual stations have a seal so that water does not leak out during disassembly of the system. The connection hoses/connection lines can be drained through a nozzle of the wastewater tank.

[0088] After use of the system, a cleaning tablet can be inserted into the freshwater tank 4 in order to clean the system with the cleaning function of the handwashing stations 3.

[0089] A specific exemplary embodiment of the handwashing system 1 according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 1.

[0090] Briefly summarized, the handwashing system 1 comprises a freestanding supply station 2 as well as a flexible number of freestanding handwashing stations 3.

[0091] As can be seen in the hydraulic diagram according to FIG. 2, the supply station 2 comprises a freshwater tank 4, which is fluidly connected or connectable to the handwashing stations 3 via a first freshwater supply line 5.

[0092] Furthermore, the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 is fluidly connected or connectable to a freshwater supply system via a second freshwater supply line 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the freshwater supply system is separate from the public freshwater network and is, in particular, an on-board drinking water supply system of a cruise ship 27.

[0093] The hydraulic diagram according to FIG. 2 further shows that the supply station 2 of the handwashing system 1 comprises a wastewater or graywater tank 7 that is fluidly connected or connectable to the handwashing stations 3 via a first wastewater line 8 and is fluidly connected or connectable to a wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system via a second wastewater line 9.

[0094] Like the freshwater supply system, the wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system is separate from the public wastewater system and is, in particular, an on-board wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system of a ship.

[0095] In the handwashing system 1 according to the invention, the handwashing stations 3 are fluidly connected in series such that a first handwashing station 3 is directly connected or connectable to the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 via the first freshwater supply line 5, wherein a second handwashing station 3 adjacent to the first handwashing station 3 is fluidly connected or connectable to the first handwashing station 3 via a third freshwater supply line 10 and from there to the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 via the first freshwater supply line 5. A third handwashing station 3 adjacent to the second handwashing station 3 is in turn fluidly connected or connectable to the second handwashing station 3 via a third freshwater supply line 10 and from there to the first handwashing station 3 via the aforementioned third freshwater supply line 10 assigned to the second handwashing station 3 and from there to the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 via the first freshwater supply line 5.

[0096] Similarly, with respect to the wastewater line, the individual handwashing stations 3 are fluidly connected in series. Specifically, the first handwashing station 3 is fluidly connected or connectable directly to the wastewater or graywater tank 7 of the supply station 2 via the first wastewater line 8, wherein the second handwashing station 3 is fluidly connected or connectable to the first handwashing station 3 via a third wastewater line 17 and from there to the wastewater or graywater tank 7 of the supply station 2 via the first wastewater line 8. The further handwashing stations 3 are also fluidly connected to the adjacent handwashing station 3 via a correspondingly assigned third wastewater line 17 and from there ultimately to the wastewater or graywater tank 7 of the supply station 2.

[0097] As can be seen in the illustration in FIG. 6, in particular, each handwashing station 3 comprises a first line connection 11 for the first or a third freshwater supply line 10 and a second line connection 12 for a third freshwater supply line 10. In particular, in the embodiments shown in the drawings, it is provided that the first line connection 11 is configured on a first side of the handwashing station 3 and the second line connection 12 is configured on an opposite second side of the handwashing station 3 in order to be able to implement as simple a serial connection as possible for the individual handwashing stations 3.

[0098] It can be seen from the hydraulic diagram according to FIG. 2 that the first line connection 11 is fluidly connected to the second line connection 12 of the corresponding handwashing station 3 via a first freshwater connection line 13, which is preferably integrated in the handwashing station 3. In addition, the first freshwater connection line 13 is fluidly connected to a particularly sensor-controlled faucet 15 of the handwashing station 3 via a second freshwater connection line 14, which is preferably integrated in the handwashing station 3.

[0099] Although not shown in the drawings, it is advantageous for the handwashing station 3 to have a bypass line for the fluid connection of the first freshwater connection line 13 to the first wastewater connection line, as needed. This bypass line can be opened as needed when, for example, the temperature of the freshwater temporarily stored in the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 has heated too far, in particular due to intense solar irradiation, so that this freshwater can no longer be used for handwashing, because scalding could otherwise occur.

[0100] The activation of the bypass line is preferably carried out automatically by means of a control device of the supply station 2.

[0101] It can also be seen in the illustration in FIG. 6 that each handwashing station 3 has a first line connection 18 for the first or a third wastewater line 8, 17 and a second line connection 19 for a third wastewater line 17. Like the line connections 11, 12 for the freshwater supply lines 5, 10, the first line connection 18 for the wastewater line 8, 17 is arranged on a first side of the handwashing station 3, and the second line connection 19 for the wastewater line 17 is arranged on an opposite second side of the handwashing station 3.

[0102] In this context, it is fundamentally advantageous that all of the line connections 11, 12, 18, 19 of the handwashing station 3 are equipped with a seal, in particular in the form of a backflow blocker, in order to automatically close the line connection 11, 12, 18, 19 when no line (freshwater supply line or wastewater line) is connected to the nozzle in question.

[0103] The hydraulic diagram according to FIG. 2 shows that the first line connection 18 for the wastewater line 8, 17 is fluidly connected to the second line connection 19 for the wastewater line 17 via a first wastewater connection line, which is preferably integrated in the handwashing station 3. The first wastewater connection line is fluidly connected to a sink 33 of the handwashing station 3 via a second wastewater connection line 20, which is preferably integrated at the handwashing station 3.

[0104] According to the illustration in FIG. 4, the supply station 2 comprises a freshwater pump 22 for establishing and maintaining a default or adjustable water pressure in the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2.

[0105] Furthermore, the supply station 2 comprises a wastewater pump 23, which is fluidly connected or connectable on the suction side to the first wastewater line 8 and is fluidly connected or connectable on the pressure side to the second wastewater line 9.

[0106] In particular, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment that the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 is arranged at least in regions above the wastewater or graywater tank 7 of the supply station 2. Further, a bypass line 24 with a valve, which can be operated preferably manually or controlled via a control device 26, is provided in order to form a fluid connection between the freshwater tank 4 and the wastewater or graywater tank 7 of the supply station 2, as needed.

[0107] According to the invention, it is provided in particular that the supply station 2 and the respective handwashing stations 3 are respectively configured as mobile units and are equipped in particular with heavy-duty rollers or heavy-duty wheels 25. In this manner, the individual units of the handwashing system 1 can be easily assembled and disassembled, in particular manually.

[0108] Preferably, a level sensor is assigned to the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2, said level sensor being signally connected to a control device 26 of the supply station 2. In particular, the control device 26 is configured in order to establish a fluid connection between the freshwater tank 4 and the freshwater supply system via the second freshwater supply line 6 upon reaching or falling below a default or adjustable liquid level in the freshwater tank 4 sensed by means of the level sensor.

[0109] In the same manner, it is appropriate for a level sensor to be assigned to the wastewater or graywater tank 7 of the supply station 2, said level sensor being signally connected to a control device 26 of the supply station 2, wherein the control device 26 is configured, in particular, in order to establish a fluid connection of the wastewater or graywater tank 7 to the wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system via the second wastewater line 9 upon reaching or exceeding a default or adjustable liquid level in the wastewater or graywater tank 7 sensed by means of the level sensor.

[0110] According to further developments of the invention, it is provided that a temperature sensor is assigned to the wastewater or graywater tank 7 of the supply station 2 and/or the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 for monitoring the temperature of the wastewater supplied by the at least one handwashing station 3 to the wastewater or graywater tank 7 or for monitoring the temperature of the freshwater supplied by the freshwater tank 4 to the handwashing stations 3.

[0111] Preferably, the at least one temperature sensor is signally connected to a control device 26 of the supply station 2, wherein the control device 26 is configured, in particular, in order to automatically or selectively interrupt or prevent a supply of freshwater to the handwashing stations 3 when the temperature of the freshwater in the freshwater tank 4 and/or the temperature of the wastewater in the wastewater or graywater tank 7 sensed by the temperature sensor reaches or exceeds a default or adjustable value of approximately 40° C., in particular.

[0112] Although not shown in the drawings, it is appropriate for a tempering device to be assigned to the freshwater tank 4 of the supply station 2 in order to temper the liquid received in the freshwater tank 4. This tempering device can be a heating element or a cooling element, for example.

[0113] With the handwashing system 1 according to the invention, the most important and best method of hand hygiene is expanded in an easy-to-implement yet effective manner, namely in applications where it is currently not yet possible. The handwashing system 1 according to the invention thus contributes to improved hygiene safety.

[0114] The advantages achievable with the handwashing system 1 according to the invention can be summarized as follows: [0115] simple mobility in order to allow for set-up anywhere; [0116] ensuring rapid assembly and disassembly; [0117] flexibly adaptable for any number of people (also suitable for large events with several thousand people); [0118] independence of sanitary facilities or supply on-site; [0119] robust design to ensure longevity and sustainability; [0120] contactless handwashing; and [0121] simple storage due to minimized storage surfaces.

[0122] The invention is not limited to the specific embodiment shown in the drawings, but rather results from a joint consideration of all of the features disclosed herein.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0123] 1 Mobile handwashing system [0124] 2 Supply station [0125] 3 Handwashing station [0126] 4 Freshwater tank [0127] 5 First freshwater supply line [0128] 6 Second freshwater supply line [0129] 7 Wastewater or graywater tank [0130] 8 First wastewater line [0131] 9 Second wastewater line [0132] 10 Third freshwater supply line [0133] 11 First line connection for freshwater supply line [0134] 12 Second line connection for freshwater supply line [0135] 13 First freshwater connection line [0136] 14 Second freshwater connection line [0137] 15 Faucet [0138] 16 Bypass line of the handwashing station [0139] 17 Third wastewater line [0140] 18 First line connection for wastewater line [0141] 19 Second line connection for wastewater line [0142] 20 Second wastewater connection line [0143] 22 Freshwater pump [0144] 23 Wastewater pump [0145] 24 Bypass line of the supply station [0146] 25 Heavy-duty rollers [0147] 26 Control device [0148] 27 Cruise ship [0149] 30 Soap foam dispenser [0150] 31 Paper towel dispenser [0151] 32 Trash can [0152] 33 Sink [0153] 34 Handle [0154] 35 Heavy-duty hook