Bacteria removal system

Abstract

In use of escalator, it is recommended to hold the handrail, and along with this, the demand for cleaning and sterilization is increased, but there is a concern that the sterilization system of the structure directly blowing sterilization liquid to the belt will cause deterioration due to friction and the like. Therefore, a sterilization system that can effectively suppress the deterioration of the belt and allow the user to hold the surface subjected to sterilization is provided, and in particular, a sterilization system that does not require a power source and functions in conjunction with the operation of the escalator. The sterilization system of the handrail belt of the rotating passenger conveyor is provided with: a film of a multi-layer structure having an adhesive surface capable of being attached and peeled off to the handrail belt and an absorption surface provided on the upper surface of the adhesive surface and capable of holding liquid; a sterilization device that applies sterilization liquid to the absorption surface; an attaching device that pressure-bonds the adhesive surface to the handrail belt; and a winding device that recovers the film sent from the attaching device and rotated along with the handrail belt from the handrail belt, and sends the recovered film to the sterilization device.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-120440, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to sterilization systems, and more particularly to sterilization systems for handrails of passenger conveyors. Background Technology

[0004] When using escalators, it is recommended to hold the handrail while riding. Consequently, the demand for cleaning and disinfection has increased in recent years. For handrails that are touched by numerous hands, some systems have added cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization functions, such as structures that directly blow disinfectant onto the handrail or structures that allow for direct wiping. However, since these methods achieve their purpose by directly treating the handrail, there are concerns about potential deterioration due to friction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Not limited to escalator handrails, but also for objects that users directly touch, it is proposed to cover them with a sterilized and disinfected film in advance, and to move the film to periodically disinfect the surface. However, in this case, a power source is needed to move the film.

[0006] Therefore, in this embodiment, a sterilization system is proposed that, instead of directly blowing disinfectant onto the escalator handrail, wraps a sterilized film around the handrail. This effectively inhibits belt deterioration and allows users to grip the sterilized surface. Furthermore, this sterilization system operates in conjunction with the escalator's movement, allowing it to be added to ordinary escalators without requiring a separate power source. Moreover, by installing the sterilization system of this embodiment as an external component, it can be added later, even after the escalator body is installed, without requiring large-scale construction work.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, the sterilization system of this embodiment is a sterilization system for the handrail belt of a rotating passenger conveyor, comprising: a multi-layered film having an adhesive surface capable of being attached to and peeled off the handrail belt and an absorbent surface provided on the upper surface of the adhesive surface and capable of retaining liquid; a disinfection device that applies disinfectant to the absorbent surface; an attachment device that presses the adhesive surface to the handrail belt; and a winding device that retrieves the film, which has been delivered from the attachment device and rotated with the handrail belt, from the handrail belt and delivers the retrieved film to the disinfection device. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an overall diagram of a typical escalator.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the escalator according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the thin film in this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view showing the sterilization system and surrounding structure of this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 These are the side view and front view of the attachment device in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 These are the side view and front view of the winding device in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the elevator and its surroundings according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to denote substantially the same functions and components, and explanations will be provided as needed.

[0015] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the escalator 10 will be described. Figure 1 This is a side view of a typical escalator 10, with trusses 12 supporting the upper and lower floors of building 1 using supporting angle irons 2 and 3.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, inside the machine room 14 on the upper floor side, located at the upper end of the truss 12, there is a drive unit 18 for moving the steps 30, a pair of left and right drive sprockets (drive wheels) 24, 24, and a pair of left and right belt sprockets 27, 27. The drive unit 18 includes a motor 20, a reducer, an output sprocket mounted on the output shaft of the reducer, a drive chain 22 driven by the output sprocket, and a disc brake that stops the motor 20 from rotating and maintains the stopped state. The drive chain 22 rotates the drive sprocket 24. The pair of left and right drive sprockets 24, 24 and the pair of left and right belt sprockets 27, 27 are connected by a connecting belt (not shown) and rotate synchronously. In addition, inside the machine room 14 on the upper floor side, there is a control device 50 for controlling the motor 20 and the disc brake, etc.

[0017] A driven sprocket (driven wheel) 26 is provided inside the machine room 16 on the lower floor side at the lower end of the truss 12. A pair of left and right annular ladder chains 28 are installed between the drive sprocket 24 on the upper floor side and the driven sprocket 26 on the lower floor side. Figure 1 As shown, multiple front wheels 301 of steps 30 are installed at equal intervals on a pair of left and right step chains 28, 28. The front wheels 301 of steps 30 travel along a front guide rail (not shown) fixed to the truss 12, and engage with the outer peripheral recesses of the drive sprocket 24 and the driven sprocket 26 to rotate up and down. Figure 1 As shown, the rear wheel 302 travels on the rear guide rail 25 fixed to the truss 12.

[0018] On the left and right sides of the truss 12, there are a pair of skirt panels 44, 44 and a pair of railings 36, 36. A handrail guide rail 39 is provided on the upper part of the railing 36, and the handrail belt 38 moves along the handrail guide rail 39. An upper floor-side front skirt panel 40 is provided on the lower front of the upper floor side of the railing 36, and a lower floor-side front skirt panel 42 is provided on the lower front of the lower floor side of the railing 36. The entrances and exits 46, 48, serving as the entrances and exits of the handrail belt 38, protrude from the front skirt panels 40, 42, respectively. The skirt panels 44 are located on the lower side of the railing 36, and the steps 30 travel between the left and right pairs of skirt panels 44, 44. On the inner sides of the upper and lower floor skirt panels 44, there are control panels 52, 56 and speakers 54, 58, respectively.

[0019] The handrail belt 38 enters the front skirt panel 40 from the upper floor side entrance / exit 46 and is mounted on the belt sprocket 27 via guide rollers 64. It then moves within the skirt panel 44 via the guide rollers 66 and appears outside the front skirt panel 42 from the lower floor side entrance / exit 48. The belt sprocket 27 rotates together with the drive sprocket 24, thereby causing the handrail belt 38 to move synchronously with the steps 30. Additionally, a pressing member 68 is provided to press the moving handrail belt 38 against the rotating belt sprocket 27.

[0020] At the entrance to the upper floor of the machine room 14, a horizontal upper-floor-side passenger / flight platform 32 is provided. At the entrance to the lower floor of the machine room 16, a horizontal lower-floor-side passenger / flight platform 34 is provided. A comb-shaped toothed member 60 is provided at the front end of the passenger / flight platform 32, through which the steps 30 enter, exit, or intrude. Additionally, a comb-shaped toothed member 62 is also provided on the passenger / flight platform 34.

[0021] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 6 The design of the sterilization system in this embodiment will be described.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an escalator equipped with the sterilization system of this embodiment.

[0023] The escalator is designed to provide a sterilized film 70 to the disinfection device 72 in conjunction with the movement of the handrail 38. Here, it is assumed that the escalator 10 is ascending from the lower floor to the upper floor, with the steps 30 and handrail 38 moving upwards. The disinfection device 72 is located on the lower floor side before the user rides and provides the sterilized film 70. The film 70 is attached to the upper surface of the handrail 38, i.e., the side for the passenger to hold, and moves integrally with the handrail 38 to the upper floor. Afterwards, the film 70, together with the handrail 38, enters the truss 12 through the entrance / exit 46, moves in conjunction with the operation, and emerges from the entrance / exit 48. The film 70, together with the handrail 38, rotates approximately one revolution and returns to the disinfection device 72.

[0024] The film 70 has a length that allows it to be attached to and rolled from the handrail 38, forming a loop longer than the handrail 38. Furthermore, the film 70 has a multi-layered structure with a layer that contacts the handrail 38 and a layer that allows passengers to hold onto it. In this embodiment, users, especially those already riding on the steps 30, are recorded as passengers. Figure 3 The diagram shows a simplified perspective view of the film's structure. The film 70 integrally has an adhesive surface (hereinafter referred to as adsorbent material 70a) and an absorbent surface (hereinafter referred to as absorbent material 70b). The adhesive surface (hereinafter referred to as adsorbent material 70a) is a layer that is adsorbed and bonded to the handrail belt 38 and can be peeled off. The absorbent surface (hereinafter referred to as absorbent material 70b) is a layer with antibacterial function that is located on the upper surface of the adsorbent material 70a when the film 70 is rotated.

[0025] The absorbent material 70a can be installed on the handrail belt 38 by adhesive, and is intended to be a waterproof material that is difficult to leak from liquids such as disinfectants.

[0026] Absorbent material 70b is disposed on the upper surface of absorbent material 70a and can be held by passengers. Absorbent material 70b is a material capable of retaining liquid, such as polymer sheets using a high-molecular absorbent or cellulose pulp, and is coated with disinfectant each time the film 70 rotates. Materials with antibacterial properties or those that do not cause rapid deterioration or damage when coated with disinfectant are more suitable. Furthermore, absorbent material 70b is intended to absorb and retain disinfectant so that passengers can clearly feel the disinfected material upon contact. Thus, by using a film containing disinfectant, passengers are encouraged to touch the disinfectant, potentially motivating them to hold the handrail 38 and use the escalator 10. In this case, it is desirable to absorb only a portion of the disinfectant that evaporates during the passenger's movement from lower to upper floors or during one rotation with the handrail 38. Since disinfectant is further applied each time the escalator rotates, it is always kept in a hygienic state.

[0027] In this way, the structure of the membrane 70 prevents the disinfectant held by the uppermost absorbent material 70b from seeping into the lower surface of the absorbent material 70a, which is less prone to leakage, thus keeping the liquid on the upper surface. By preventing the disinfectant from reaching the handrail belt 38, the deterioration of the handrail belt 38 is effectively suppressed.

[0028] The thickness of the film 70, which integrates the adsorbent material 70a and the absorbent material 70b, is approximately 0.1 mm, such as a water-retaining tape. Furthermore, as long as it is approximately 0.8 mm or less, it will not affect the movement of the handrail belt 38 within the truss, and will not impact operation. The absorbent material 70b can also be a combination of an open-pore film and an absorbent such as an absorbent polymer. Moreover, even if the adsorbent material 70a and the absorbent material 70b cannot be peeled off, as long as they have an adhesive surface and a sterilizing surface, they are not limited to the shape described above.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the lower floor side of the escalator 10, showing the sterilization system and its surrounding structure. The sterilization system includes a disinfection device 72, an attachment device 74, and a winding device 76.

[0030] The disinfection device 72 includes a driven roller 78 that is linked to the movement of the handrail belt 38, a pressing spring 80 that prevents the film 70 from loosening, a driven roller 82 that is linked to the driven roller 78, a guide roller 84 that indicates the guide line of the film 70, a guide roller 86 that indicates the guide line of the film 70 after it is peeled off from the handrail belt 38 when it rotates, an adhesive 88 for preventing the adhesive force of the adhesive surface from decreasing each time it rotates, and a disinfectant 90 that is applied to the absorbent material 70b each time it rotates.

[0031] The attachment device 74 is used to attach the disinfectant-coated film 70 to the handrail belt 38. Figure 4 The structure of the attachment device 74 in the middle, Figure 5 The diagram shows a side view (a) and a front view (b). The film 70, drawn from the disinfection device 72, overlaps with the handrail belt 38 via an indicator mechanism 74a that indicates the guide path, and is then attached by a pressing mechanism 74b. The pressing mechanism 74b consists of pressing rollers, respectively provided on the flat portion and the curved portion of the handrail, thereby enabling pressing in a manner that prevents it from being peeled off during the movement of the handrail belt 38.

[0032] The winding device 76 is a device for peeling the film 70, which rotates together with the handrail belt 38, off the handrail belt 38. As... Figure 4 The structure of the winding device 76 in the middle, Figure 6 The diagram shows a side view (a) and a front view (b). The film 70, moving along with the handrail strap 38 within the truss 12, is peeled off and recovered from the handrail strap 38 by the peeling mechanism 76a. The peeling mechanism 76a is a scraper for peeling off the film 70, and like the crimping mechanism 74b, it is located on both the flat portion and the curved portion of the handrail. The peeled film 70 then proceeds to the next step in the sterilization device 72.

[0033] Furthermore, whether the film 70 is installed on the handrail belt 38 or after it is peeled off by the winding device 76, it operates in a manner in which the adsorbent material 70a and the absorbent material 70b are integrated.

[0034] The adhesive 88 and disinfectant 90 in the disinfection device 72 are positioned to hold the recovered film 70 between the upper and lower surfaces. The disinfectant 90 can be designed to either have a reservoir and be applied to the surface, or it can be designed to be sprayed. Furthermore, the film 70 peeled off and recovered from the handrail belt 38 is reused and repeatedly adhered to the handrail belt 38.

[0035] In this way, by using a mechanism that disinfects the membrane 70 every time the handrail 38 rotates once, the deterioration of the handrail 38 can be effectively inhibited, and passengers can hold the sterilized membrane 70. When using water-retaining materials, passengers can come into contact with the disinfectant absorbed in the membrane 70, so they can realize that it has been disinfected and are encouraged to hold the handrail 38 when using it.

[0036] Furthermore, during the operation of the escalator 10, the sterilization system and the driven roller 78 work in conjunction, and at this time, the message "Disinfecting" or "Sterilizing" can be displayed to passengers in a visible manner. This display mechanism can be located, for example, outside the sterilization device 72 constituting the sterilization system, near the passenger side platform 34, or on the steps 30, but other display devices such as LCD screens can also be installed. This provides reassurance to passengers who are hesitant to hold onto the handrail 38, becoming an element in recommending safe use of the escalator 10.

[0037] In the film 70, a display layer is provided between the adsorbent material 70a and the absorbent material 70b as another layer, on which information for providing to the user is displayed. The information provided may include, for example, displays that draw attention to the concept of sterilization, displays promoting safe use such as "Please hold the handrail," or promotional content such as packaging advertisements. Furthermore, the form of information is not limited to text; it may also include graphics, illustrations, etc.

[0038] That is, regarding the thin film 70, it is not limited to a two-layer structure; a thickness of three or more layers can be considered. This allows for visual proximity to the passenger. Furthermore, the absorbing material 70b is a transparent material that allows text and illustrations on the opposite side to be transmitted. This ensures that the content displayed on the display surface is visible to the passenger.

[0039] Furthermore, the disinfectant 90 can also be configured such that it is equipped with a spraying device that blows disinfectant when a user approaches or rides on the device, based on a sensor linked to the disinfection unit 72. This provides the advantage of conserving disinfectant during off-peak hours, as the disinfectant is applied every time the device is rotated.

[0040] In this embodiment of the sterilization system, the case where the escalator 10 is operating upwards has been described, but it can also be applied when operating downwards. In this case, the disinfection device and other devices required for the sterilization system are located on the upper floor side. This allows the handrail to be sterilized before passengers use it, and a film 70 can be provided before the disinfectant evaporates.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 4As shown, the disinfection device of the sterilization system is externally installed in a location visible to the user, but it is not limited to this. It can be installed in any design that performs sterilization every one revolution of the escalator, such as inside the truss 12 or the machine room 16. If the sterilization system is installed externally, it is easier to install later. After the escalator 10 body is installed, additional installation does not require large-scale construction, thus ensuring ease of installation during upgrades. Conversely, if installed inside the escalator 10, the installation location can be kept hidden. This ensures both the continued usability of the escalator 10 and allows for flexible placement of the sterilization system depending on the situation.

[0042] In this embodiment, a system for sterilizing the handrail belt 38 of an escalator 10 that transports passengers across floors is described as an example. However, any device that moves at a certain speed can be used, and it can also be applied to other passenger conveyors such as horizontal escalators, inclined escalators, and so-called moving walkways (automatic roads).

[0043] As described above, according to the embodiment, the sterilization system includes a mechanism for applying disinfectant to the film 70 and a mechanism for attaching the film 70 to the handrail belt 38. By providing this sterilization system and ensuring that the sterilized film 70 is always attached to the handrail belt 38, it is possible to effectively inhibit the adhesion of bacteria and other contaminants to the hands when gripping the handrail belt 38. The sterilized film 70 is attached to the handrail belt 38 and rotates once with the handrail belt 38 before being retrieved by the sterilization system for further sterilization. Furthermore, by using a leak-proof material, the film 70 prevents direct contact between the disinfectant and the handrail belt 38, thus reducing deterioration. Compared to the handrail belt 38, the film 70 is easier to maintain, inspect, and replace. In this way, by flexibly using the sterilization system, both the deterioration of the handrail belt 38 can be effectively inhibited, and a sterilized surface can be provided for passengers.

[0044] Embodiments and some variations of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A sterilization system for the handrail belt of a rotating passenger conveyor, characterized in that, The sterilization system includes: A multi-layered film having an adhesive surface that can be attached to and peeled off from the handrail and an absorbent surface on the upper surface of the adhesive surface that can retain liquid; a disinfection device that applies disinfectant to the absorbent surface. An attachment device that indicates and guides the adhesive surface to press against the handrail strap; as well as A take-up device that retrieves the film, which is fed out from the attachment device and rotated together with the handrail, from the handrail and sends the retrieved film to the disinfection device.

2. The sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adhesive surface is a material that has an adsorption function and prevents liquid from leaking to the side of the handrail.

3. The sterilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The absorbent surface is made of a material with antibacterial properties or a material that absorbs the disinfectant and can retain water.

4. The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The film can be wound up by the winding device in such a way that the adhesive surface and the absorbent surface are integrated.

5. The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The film has a thickness of less than 0.8 mm that does not affect the movement of the handrail within the truss supporting the passenger conveyor.

6. The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The film has a display surface layer between the adhesive surface and the absorbent surface, and the absorbent surface has transmissive properties, allowing the user to see the display surface from the absorbent surface side.

7. The sterilization system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The display surface shows information intended for use by the user.

8. The sterilization system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The disinfection device, the attachment device, and the take-up device are externally located near the entrance / exit or the boarding / alighting area on the front side of the passenger conveyor in the direction of travel.

9. The sterilization system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The disinfection device, the attachment device, and the take-up device are located inside the truss of the passenger conveyor.

10. The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sterilization system is equipped with sensors that detect users boarding the passenger conveyor and are linked to the disinfection device. The disinfection device applies the disinfectant solution when the sensor detects the user's proximity.

11. The sterilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sterilization system has a display device in a location visible to the user, which displays the meaning of sterilization during the sterilization of the film using the sterilization device.

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