Mobile handrail sterilization device

Abstract

This invention discloses a portable handrail sterilization device. The portable handrail sterilization device includes a portable handrail; a first sterilization section disposed in contact with one side of the portable handrail for wiping away foreign matter from the surface of the handrail; a sterilization panel disposed on one side of the first sterilization section for irradiating the first sterilization section with ultraviolet light and plasma; a second sterilization section disposed at a predetermined interval from the first sterilization section along the moving direction of the portable handrail and located at the lower part of the portable handrail for providing a sterilizing agent to the portable handrail; and a fan disposed between the second sterilization section and the portable handrail for supplying air to the portable handrail in a manner that evenly supplies the sterilizing agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a mobile handrail sterilization device. Background Technology

[0002] Escalators or moving walkways are mainly installed in public facilities with high pedestrian traffic, such as subways, department stores, and airports. Handrails are installed on the sides of escalators or moving walkways to allow people to hold on and move safely. As handrails are touched by tens of thousands of people daily, they are often poorly maintained in terms of hygiene. Handrails are easily contaminated with bacteria and can potentially transmit bacteria to others. Therefore, keeping handrails clean is essential. Especially given the global spread of the novel coronavirus in recent years, people are increasingly concerned about the cleanliness and disinfection of public facilities.

[0003] Typically, the handrails of escalators and moving walkways are cleaned by cleaning workers who use wet wipes or alcohol to remove bacteria and debris. However, this method involves manual labor and is therefore inefficient economically. Furthermore, the cleaning workers' contact with disinfectants can potentially cause health problems.

[0004] Alternatively, another method involves installing a sterilization device on the handrail. This method generally includes liquid disinfectant spraying and ultraviolet (UV) sterilization. Liquid disinfectant spraying requires a disinfectant storage tank, making maintenance cumbersome and resulting in low space utilization. Furthermore, since the disinfectant adheres to the handrail, it can cause discomfort and discoloration for users. While UV sterilization is the most common method, excessive pressure applied to the handrail to generate its own power can damage it, and the continuous heat from UV rays may cause the rubber material to harden. Additionally, it requires reinstallation when the escalator reverses direction.

[0005] The aforementioned background technology was possessed or obtained by the inventor in the process of deriving the disclosure of this application, and may not necessarily be publicly known technology disclosed to the general public before this application. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a mobile handrail sterilization device that does not cause deformation of the handrail surface and has high sterilization efficiency.

[0008] The problems to be solved in the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will clearly understand other problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0009] Problem-solving methods

[0010] According to an embodiment, the present invention discloses a mobile handrail sterilization device.

[0011] The portable handrail sterilization device includes a portable handrail; a first sterilization section disposed in contact with one side of the portable handrail for wiping away foreign matter from the surface of the handrail; a sterilization panel disposed on one side of the first sterilization section for irradiating the first sterilization section with ultraviolet light and plasma; a second sterilization section disposed at a predetermined interval from the first sterilization section along the moving direction of the portable handrail and located at the lower part of the portable handrail for supplying sterilizing agent to the portable handrail; and a fan disposed between the second sterilization section and the portable handrail for supplying air to the portable handrail in a manner that evenly supplies the sterilizing agent to the portable handrail.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first sterilization part can be a brush made of antibacterial material.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the brush is cylindrical and can rotate in conjunction with the movement of the handrail.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the above-mentioned sterilization panel may include a light-emitting diode (LED) that generates ultraviolet light and a plasma generator that generates plasma.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the second sterilization section may include a solid chlorine dioxide preparation that sublimates at room temperature.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the aforementioned fan can generate airflow around the second sterilization section so that it is directed toward the surface of the movable handrail.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] As described above, according to the embodiments, the mobile handrail sterilization device can effectively sterilize without causing deformation of the handrail surface.

[0019] The effects of the mobile handrail sterilization device according to an embodiment of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a movable handrail sterilization device installed on a movable handrail according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the first sterilization unit and the sterilization panel in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3This diagram illustrates the configuration of the second sterilization unit and the fan in one embodiment.

[0023] The following accompanying drawings, which are attached to this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are used to describe the invention in detail and to further understand the technical concept of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the matters described in these drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments may have various modifications, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications to the embodiments, equivalent technical solutions, and alternative technical solutions are included within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0025] The terminology used in the embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Unless explicitly stated in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but should not be construed as pre-excluding the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries have the same meaning as in the relevant technical context and should not be construed as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined herein.

[0027] Furthermore, in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same structural elements are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted. In describing embodiments, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies are omitted where it is determined that such detailed explanations may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the embodiments.

[0028] Furthermore, when describing the structural elements of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the structural element from other structural elements, and the nature, order, or sequence of the structural elements are not limited by these terms. When a structural element is described as being "connected," "combined," or "linked" with other structural elements, it may indicate that the structural element is directly connected or directly linked with other structural elements, but it should be understood that other structural elements may also be "connected," "combined," or "linked" between the various structural elements.

[0029] Structural elements included in any embodiment and structural elements that share common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions set forth in any embodiment are also applicable to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions within the scope of repetition will be omitted.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a movable handrail sterilization device 1 installed on a movable handrail 2 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the first sterilization unit 11 and the sterilization panel 12 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the second sterilization unit 13 and the fan 14 in one embodiment.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mobile handrail sterilization device 1 is installed on the mobile handrail 2 of an escalator or moving walkway, and sterilization is performed in two steps, thereby keeping the surface of the mobile handrail 2 clean.

[0032] In the movable handrail 2, the sprocket 21 forms a track, and the cover 22 is disposed on the surface of the sprocket 21. A detailed description of the structure of the movable handrail 2 will be omitted.

[0033] The first sterilization unit 11 is disposed inside the mechanical chamber 23 located at the lower part of the movable handrail 2 and is disposed in contact with the cover 22 of the movable handrail 2. The first sterilization unit 11 includes a cylindrical brush 111, a plurality of bristles 112 arranged at predetermined intervals on the circumferential surface of the brush 111, and a shaft component 113. Without a separate drive device, the cylindrical brush 111 contacts the movable handrail 2 and rotates in conjunction with the movement of the movable handrail 2. Alternatively, the cylindrical brush 111 may have a structure in which a separate drive device (not shown) is provided in the shaft component 113 to rotate separately from the movable handrail 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, a cylindrical brush 111 contacts the cover 22 and rotates in conjunction with the movement of the movable handrail 2. Simultaneously, multiple bristles 112 on the circumferential surface of the brush 111 physically remove foreign objects adhering to the cover 22. The brush 111 and bristles 112 are made of antibacterial material to prevent bacterial growth from foreign objects falling from the movable handrail 2.

[0035] Furthermore, since the first sterilization unit 11 has a simple structure, it can be disassembled and installed from the installation position, and the first sterilization unit 11 that has been used for a long time can be easily replaced.

[0036] On the other hand, in order to sterilize the first sterilization section 11 more effectively and reliably, a sterilization panel 12 is also provided.

[0037] The sterilization panel 12 is disposed on one side of the first sterilization section 11 and is used to irradiate the first sterilization section 11 with ultraviolet light and plasma to sterilize bacteria remaining in the first sterilization section 11 and prevent bacteria from being transferred from the first sterilization section 11 to the movable handrail 2. The sterilization panel 12 includes a panel 121; a light-emitting diode 122 and a plasma generator 123 disposed on the surface of the panel 121; and a panel support 124 for supporting the panel 121. Although not shown, it also includes a power supply device and circuitry.

[0038] The panel 121 is spaced apart from the brush 111 of the first sterilization section 11 and is arranged facing each other at at least one position on the outer peripheral surface of the brush 111. The panel 121 provides ultraviolet light and plasma to the outer peripheral surface of the brush 111, and the brush 111 rotates to perform comprehensive sterilization. Furthermore, the panel support 124 fixes the panel 121 in a predetermined position. The shapes of the panel 121 and the panel support 124 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and the placement and shape of the panel 121 and the panel support 124 can be substantially varied in various ways.

[0039] The light-emitting diode 122 generates short-wavelength ultraviolet light 122a with strong bactericidal power. The light-emitting diode 122 can effectively kill bacteria, molds, microorganisms and viruses present in the first sterilization section 11 by irradiating the short-wavelength ultraviolet light 122a.

[0040] Plasma generator 123 generates plasma 123a. When plasma is generated, ion clusters are formed in the surrounding area, and the ion clusters are used to sterilize bacteria, mold, microorganisms and viruses present in the first sterilization section 11.

[0041] For reference, the light-emitting diode 122, acting as a direct sterilization method by directly applying short-wavelength ultraviolet light to the first sterilization section 11, provides a short-term sterilization effect in confined spaces. The plasma generator 123, acting as an indirect sterilization method by applying charged particles to the air surrounding the first sterilization section 11 to remove bacteria, mold, microorganisms, and viruses, provides a continuous sterilization effect in large spaces. According to this embodiment, the sterilization panel 12 can achieve optimal sterilization by simultaneously executing both ultraviolet light and plasma sterilization methods.

[0042] The second sterilization unit 13 is located inside the mechanical chamber 23 at the lower part of the movable handrail 2, and is arranged at a predetermined interval from the first sterilization unit 11 along the moving direction of the movable handrail 2.

[0043] The second sterilization section 13 includes a chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131; a shell 132 that contains the chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131 and has an open upper part; and a shell support section 133 that supports the shell 132.

[0044] Chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131 sublimates at room temperature and provides chlorine dioxide gas 131a to the surrounding area. Chlorine dioxide gas 131a, as a strong oxidizing agent, is readily soluble in water, highly volatile, and possesses strong oxidizing and bleaching properties, making it suitable for disinfection, sterilization, and deodorization. Furthermore, unlike other chlorine-based compounds that can generate carcinogenic substances such as trihalomethanes, chlorine dioxide gas 131a is safer in that it does not generate carcinogens.

[0045] The chlorine dioxide gas 131a generated on the surface of the chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131 sterilizes bacteria, mold, microorganisms and viruses remaining on the surface of the movable handrail 2, and can maintain the cleanliness of the surface of the movable handrail 2 by forming a barrier film.

[0046] The outer casing 132 is formed to accommodate the solid chlorine dioxide preparation 131 and has an open shape at the top. The outer casing 132 serves to prevent the chlorine dioxide gas 131a sublimated from the solid chlorine dioxide preparation 131 from diffusing in all directions and to guide it toward the movable handrail 2.

[0047] The housing 132 may include a sensor 134 for detecting whether the chlorine dioxide solid dosage form 131 is depleted. For example, the sensor 134 may be a device disposed at the lower part of the housing 132 to measure the weight of the chlorine dioxide solid dosage form 131. The sensor 134 can measure the weight of the chlorine dioxide solid dosage form 131 and transmit information to an external system to determine when to replace it.

[0048] Furthermore, the outer shell 132 and the chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131 can also be integrated into a single unit and formed into a box shape that can be easily replaced.

[0049] A housing support 133 is provided at the lower part of the housing 132 to support the housing 132. The length of the housing support 133 is adjustable, so that the installation position of the chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131 can be adjusted according to the distance between the ground and the movable handrail 2.

[0050] A blower fan 14 is positioned between the second sterilization section 13 and the aforementioned movable handrail 2. The blower fan 14 generates an airflow to uniformly supply chlorine dioxide gas 131a to the movable handrail 2.

[0051] The fan 14 includes a body 141 and blades 142.

[0052] The main body 141 fixes the blade portion 142 at a position between the second sterilization section 13 and the movable handrail 2. The main body 141 may be formed with a connecting member so as to be provided on the inner wall of the machine chamber 23 at the lower part of the movable handrail 2. Alternatively, a support portion may be added to the main body 141 so as to be fixed to the ground. However, this is only an example, and the structure of the fan 14 can be in various shapes so as to effectively generate airflow.

[0053] The blade section 142 is disposed on the body 141 and rotates, forming an airflow around the second sterilization section 13. The blade section 142 can be rotated by a motor (not shown). The blade section 142 forms an airflow so that chlorine dioxide gas 131a generated from the chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131 located at the bottom flows towards the movable handrail 2. The blade section 142 has the function of constantly maintaining the vaporization performance of the chlorine dioxide solid preparation 131, which changes the amount of vaporization according to the humidity of the surrounding air.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the mobile handrail sterilization device 1 has a simple structure and is easy to miniaturize, so it can be flexibly set up without being restricted by the spatial form.

[0055] Furthermore, the mobile handrail sterilization device 1 can effectively eliminate bacteria on the surface of the mobile handrail 2 through multiple sterilization structures.

[0056] Furthermore, the portable handrail sterilization device 1 does not directly irradiate the portable handrail 2 with ultraviolet light, but uses a chemical sterilizing agent. Therefore, sterilization can be carried out without causing deformation or discoloration of the surface of the portable handrail 2, thus complying with the specifications of the Korean Industrial Standard (KS B 6852) and extending the life of the portable handrail 2.

[0057] Furthermore, the movable handrail sterilization device 1 uses a vaporized sterilizing agent instead of a liquid sterilizing agent, so that the surface of the movable handrail 2 will not be covered with sterilizing agent, thus reducing passenger discomfort.

[0058] As described above, several embodiments have been illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art can make various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques can be performed in a different order than the described methods, and / or the structural elements such as the described systems, structures, devices, and circuits can be combined or integrated in a different manner than the described methods, or appropriate results can be achieved even if they are replaced or substituted by other structural elements or equivalent technical solutions.

[0059] Therefore, other instances, other embodiments, and other technical solutions with the same scope of protection as the invention also fall within the scope of the appended invention claims.

Claims

1. A mobile handrail sterilization device, characterized by, The present application relates to a mobile handrail sterilization device, comprising: a mobile handrail; a first sterilization part configured in contact with one side of the mobile handrail for wiping off foreign matters on the surface of the mobile handrail; a sterilization panel configured at one side of the first sterilization part for irradiating ultraviolet rays and plasma to the first sterilization part; a second sterilization part configured at a predetermined interval from the first sterilization part along the moving direction of the mobile handrail, arranged at the lower part of the mobile handrail for providing sterilization agent to the mobile handrail; and a blowing fan configured between the second sterilization part and the mobile handrail for blowing the sterilization agent to the mobile handrail uniformly, wherein the blowing fan forms an air flow for supplying chlorine dioxide gas to the mobile handrail uniformly. The first sterilization part is a brush made of an antibacterial material.

2. The mobile handrail sterilization device of claim 1, wherein, The brush is in a cylindrical shape and can rotate in linkage with the movement of the mobile handrail.

3. The mobile handrail sterilization device of claim 2, wherein, The sterilization panel comprises a light emitting diode for generating ultraviolet rays and a plasma generator for generating plasma.

4. The mobile handrail sterilization device of claim 1, wherein, The second sterilization part comprises a chlorine dioxide solid preparation which sublimates at room temperature.

5. The mobile handrail sterilization device of claim 1, wherein, ​

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