Ultraviolet light disinfection device

Abstract

An ultraviolet light disinfection device includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source, a motion detection sensor, and a controller. And the ultraviolet light disinfection device is arranged on or above the operation interface. An ultraviolet (UV) light source is preferably provided to provide illumination coverage of a specific portion of the entire operation surface of the operation interface. An ultraviolet (UV) light source emits UV or UV-C radiation to kill pathogens on the operating surface of the operating interface. A motion detection sensor is used to detect any motion near the operational interface. When the ultraviolet (UV) light source is in the operating mode, emitting UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operating surface of the operating interface, if the motion detection sensor detects any motion of the user on the operating proximity interface, the controller suspends irradiation of the ultraviolet (UV) light source in the operating mode to protect the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a disinfection device. More specifically, the present disclosure particularly relates to an ultraviolet light disinfection device. Background Art

[0002] Ensuring an appropriate level of disinfection as a means of limiting contamination, pathogen transmission, and disease has proven to be a considerable challenge. This has become even more evident as the novel coronavirus infection has transitioned from a local outbreak to a global pandemic.

[0003] It is illuminating to study the mode of transmission of the novel coronavirus infection disease as a new metric of the overall problem and to help determine what measures can be taken to limit such transmission. Like many viruses and infectious diseases, the novel coronavirus infection is mainly transmitted through person-to-person communication, both through close contact and through contaminated objects. Since people are in close proximity to each other, droplets generated by sneezing and coughing can transmit the virus from person to person, and frequently touched surfaces can also cause transmission if contaminated with virus-containing droplets. To reduce transmission, measures must be taken to reduce the number of transmissible airborne and surface live viruses. Regular handwashing and wiping of surfaces can help, but their effectiveness depends on individual vigilance. Since the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection pandemic, the issue of enhanced disinfection has been elevated in our collective consciousness, but the technology has other uses that can not only greatly improve the level of disinfection in our daily lives.

[0004] Irradiating surfaces with ultraviolet light is a common disinfection method. However, the development of UVC radiation that can effectively disinfect target pathogens has provided new opportunities for disinfection involving human tissues. Public buildings such as shopping malls, office buildings, grocery stores, etc. usually have many common public contact points, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc. In most cases, such common public contact points are touched by users with their bare hands. In some cases, the user may have a common cold, influenza, novel coronavirus infection, and / or some other disease. In some cases, the user may be asymptomatic but still infectious. When such a user touches a common public touchpoint such as a doorknob, the user may inadvertently contaminate the touched surface. Such contamination may expose subsequent users who contact the same public contact point to the disease, thus putting subsequent users at risk of contracting the disease.

[0005] Light switches, elevator call buttons, elevator panel buttons, security keypads, toilet flush switch buttons, ATM panel buttons are some examples of contact surfaces that are typical vectors of indirect or direct contact with infectious diseases. For example, the influenza virus can be transmitted through such indirect or direct contact.

[0006] Unfortunately, many potential contamination transfer vector characteristics in medical institutions and public or common areas have not been fully addressed. Electrical or electronic switches (such as light switches, elevator switches, etc.) in public areas such as offices, hotels, hospitals, etc. are usually contaminated. When using a switch or button, contaminants may be transferred from one user of the switch or button to another at the contact surface of the switch or button. This contamination transmission medium is considered to contribute to the spread of various infectious diseases. Therefore, an effective method is needed to keep the contact surfaces of switches or buttons disinfected. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to be able to reduce or eliminate transfer-related contamination from selected touch points, including but not limited to electrical switches and pushbutton switches, such as ordinary light switches, elevator call buttons, elevator panel buttons, keyboards, touchpads, etc., in an efficient, effective, and economical manner.

[0008] The ultraviolet light disinfection device mainly includes an ultraviolet light source, a motion detection sensor, and a controller. The ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection device according to the present invention is installed on or above the operation interface. The ultraviolet (UV) light source is preferably positioned to provide coverage of a specific part of the entire operation surface of the operation interface. The ultraviolet (UV) light source emits UV or UV-C radiation to kill pathogens on the operation surface of the operation interface. The motion detection sensor is used to detect any motion near the operation interface. When the ultraviolet (UV) light source is in the operation mode, emitting UV or UV-C radiation to kill pathogens on the operation surface of the operation interface, if the motion detection sensor detects any motion of a user near the operation interface, the controller will pause the irradiation of the ultraviolet (UV) light source in the working mode to protect the user. Alternatively, when the ultraviolet (UV) light source is in the operation mode of emitting UV or UV-C radiation to kill pathogens on the operation surface of the operation interface, if the operation interface is operated by any user, the controller will pause the irradiation of the ultraviolet (UV) light source in the working mode to protect the user.

[0009] The objects and advantages of the present invention will be partly set forth in the following description, or may become apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with industry standard practice, the various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, for the sake of clarity of discussion, the dimensions of the various features may be increased or decreased arbitrarily.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection device according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for an elevator call button in standby mode.

[0013] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for an elevator call button in operating mode.

[0014] Figure 2C is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for an elevator control panel in standby mode.

[0015] Figure 2D is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for an elevator control panel in operating mode.

[0016] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for a keyboard in standby mode.

[0017] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for a keyboard in operating mode.

[0018] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for a touch panel in standby mode.

[0019] Figure 4B is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for a touch panel in operating mode.

[0020] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for another touch panel in standby mode.

[0021] Figure 5B is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, the device being used for another touch panel in operating mode. Detailed Description

[0022] Numerous different embodiments or examples are provided below for implementing the different features of the present invention. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in the various examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0023] In addition, for ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one component or feature to another component. As shown in the figures. In addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure. The ultraviolet light disinfection device mainly consists of an ultraviolet light source (20), a motion detection sensor (40), and a controller (50) installed within a frame (30). The ultraviolet light disinfection device of the present invention is installed on or above an operation interface (10), such as a light switch, an elevator call button, or an elevator control panel, a security keypad, an ATM panel button, a touch panel, etc. electronic device.

[0025] The ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is installed in the frame (30) and is preferably located to provide coverage illumination of a specific portion of the entire operation surface (11) of the operation interface (10). The ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) mainly emits UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operation surface (11) of the operation interface (10). Other effective UV-C generators or bulbs may be used. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the UV or UV-C generator or bulb may be one or more arrays of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit UV or UV-C radiation.

[0026] The motion detection sensor (40) is used to detect any motion near the operation interface (10). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, passive infrared (PIR), microwave, and dual-mode motion detection sensors that detect any motion near the operation interface (10) can all be used in the ultraviolet light disinfection device according to the present disclosure. When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the operating mode and emits UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operating surface (11) of the operation interface (10), if the motion detection sensor (40) detects any movement of the user near the operation interface (10), the controller (50) will suspend the operating mode of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to protect the user. Alternatively, when the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the operating mode and emits UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operating surface (11) of the operation interface (10), if there is any user operation on the operation interface (10), the controller (50) will also suspend the operating mode of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to protect the user.

[0027] After the user uses the operation interface (10), the controller (50) outputs an operation mode signal to the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) for emitting UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operation surface. According to the power of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) and the size of the disinfection area of the operation interface (10), a predetermined irradiation time period of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is preset in the controller (50). At the same time, the indicator light (52) is displayed in the operation mode in response to the operation mode signal output from the controller (50), for example, displayed in orange. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is not in the operating mode, the frame (30) is in the standby position; when in the operating mode, the frame (30) moves to the working position, so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) installed in the frame (30) is located to provide irradiation coverage of a specific part of the entire operating surface (11) of the operation interface (10). In the operation mode, the movement of the frame (30) between the standby position and the working position is controlled manually by the user or by the operation mode signal output from the controller (50). When the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation for a predetermined time, the ultraviolet light disinfection device completes the entire disinfection process of killing pathogens on the operation interface (10).

[0028] When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the operation mode of emitting UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operation surface (11) of the operation interface (10), if the motion detection sensor (40) detects any movement of the user near the operation interface (10), the controller (50) will immediately output a pause signal to set the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to the pause mode, so as to pause the emission of UV or UV-C radiation light by the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, to prevent the user from being harmed by UV or UV-C radiation, thereby protecting the user. At the same time, in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller (50), the indicator light (52) is displayed in the warning mode, such as red. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the frame (30) moves back from the operation position to the standby position in response to the pause signal output from the controller (50).

[0029] Alternatively, when the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the working mode of emitting UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operation surface (11) of the operation interface (10), if there is any user operation on the operation interface (10), the controller (50) will immediately output a pause signal to set the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to the pause mode, so as to pause the emission of UV or UV-C radiation by the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, to prevent the user from being harmed by UV or UV-C radiation, thereby protecting the user. At the same time, in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller (50), the indicator light (52) is displayed in the warning mode, such as red. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the frame (30) moves back from the operation position to the standby position in response to the pause signal output from the controller (50).

[0030] When the ultraviolet light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time (such as 30 seconds) and the motion detection sensor (40) does not detect any movement of the user near the operation interface (10) or the operation interface (10) is not operated, the controller (50) outputs another working mode signal to the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20), so as to resume the emission of UV or UV-C radiation light by the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to complete the entire disinfection process of killing pathogens on the operation surface (11) of the operation interface (10).

[0031] Optionally, the ultraviolet disinfection device of the present invention further includes a test button (60) located on the operation interface (10). During the test, the engineer can start the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to emit UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operation surface (11) of the operation interface (10) through the test button (60) to ensure that all aspects of the ultraviolet disinfection device function properly.

[0032] Refer to Figure 2A ,Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D , are perspective views of illustrative examples of an ultraviolet disinfection device according to the present disclosure, which is used in the standby mode and the operation mode of an elevator call button and an elevator control panel, respectively. In these embodiments, the elevator call button and the elevator control panel are operation interfaces (10) as shown in Figure 1 . In these embodiments according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2C , when the frame (30) is in the standby mode position, the frame (30) and the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) are located in the same plane as the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220). When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the working mode, in response to the working mode signal output by the controller (50), the frame (30) moves out to the working position, so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the working mode. The UV light source (20) installed in the frame (30) is located to provide specific part coverage illumination of the entire button part (211) of the elevator call button (210) or the button part (221) of the control panel (220).

[0033] As shown in Figure 2B and Figure 2D , the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is installed in the frame (30) of the elongated housing, and the frame (30) is installed on the entire elevator call button (210) or the entire elevator control panel (220) to provide ultraviolet light illumination coverage of the entire button parts (211, 221). The indicator light (52) is provided on the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220), preferably on the outer surface of the frame (30). The motion detection sensor (40) is provided on the frame (30) together with the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) or inside the frame (30), or on the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220) outside the frame (30), as long as the motion detection sensor (40) can detect any motion within the coverage range of the UV or UV-C radiation emitted from the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) near the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220).

[0034] When the user presses the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220), the controller (50) outputs a working mode signal to the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20), and within a predetermined time period preset in the controller (50), UV or UV-C radiation light is emitted to the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to kill pathogens on the button parts (211, 221) of the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (320). At the same time, the indicator light (52) is displayed in the operation mode in response to the operation mode signal output from the controller (50), for example, it is displayed in orange. When the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation for the predetermined time, the ultraviolet light disinfection device completes the entire disinfection process of irradiating pathogens on the button parts (211, 221) of the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220).

[0035] During the operation mode in which the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation, if the motion detection sensor (40) detects any movement of a user near the elevator call button (210) of the elevator control panel (220), the controller (50) will immediately output a pause signal to pause the emission of UV or UV-C radiation by the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds. The pause mode can prevent the user from being harmed by UV or UV-C radiation. Meanwhile, in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller (50), the indicator light (52) is displayed in a warning mode, such as red. After the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time (such as 30 seconds) and the motion detection sensor (40) does not detect any movement of the user near the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220), the controller (50) outputs another operating mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), thereby resuming the emission of UV or UV-C radiation by the ultraviolet light source (20), and thus completing the entire process of killing pathogens on the button parts (211, 221) of the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220). Alternatively, when the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the operating mode, it emits UV or UV-C radiation to kill pathogens on the button parts (211, 221) of the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220). When the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220) is operated by any user, the controller (50) will pause the operating mode of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) in order to protect the user. When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, and the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220) has not been operated by any user, the controller (50) outputs another operating mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), thereby causing the ultraviolet light source (20) to resume emitting UV or UV-C radiation, and thus completing the entire disinfection process of irradiating pathogens on the button parts (211, 221) of the elevator call button (210) or the elevator control panel (220).

[0036] Please refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , which is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, showing the use of the keyboard in the standby mode and the operation mode. In this embodiment, the keyboard is the operation interface (10) as shown in Figure 1 As shown in Figure 3AAs shown, when the frame (30) is in the standby mode position, the frame (30) and the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) are located in the same plane as the keyboard (310). When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the working mode, the frame (30) moves upward to the working position in response to the working mode signal output from the controller (50), so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) installed in the frame (30) is located at a specific part that can provide illumination to cover the entire key portion (311) of the keyboard (310). The ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) installed in the frame (30) of the slender housing is provided at the upper end of the keyboard (310) and is located at a position that can provide illumination to cover the entire key portion (311) of the keyboard (310). The indicator light (52) is preferably provided on the outer surface of the frame (30). The motion detection sensor (40) is located inside or above the frame (30), or on the keyboard (310) outside the frame (30), as long as the motion detection sensor (40) can detect the movement of any user near the keyboard (310) within the coverage range of the UV or UV-C radiation light emitted from the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20).

[0037] After the user uses the keyboard (310), the controller (50) outputs a working mode signal to the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20), and within a predetermined time preset in the controller (50), the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the key portion (311). At the same time, the indicator light (52) is displayed as the operation mode in response to the operation mode signal output from the controller (50), for example, it is displayed in orange. When the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation light for a predetermined time, the ultraviolet disinfection device completes the entire process of disinfecting the pathogens on the key portion (311) of the keyboard (310).

[0038] During the operation mode in which the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation, if the motion detection sensor (40) detects any movement of the user near the keyboard (310), the controller (50) immediately outputs a pause signal to cause the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to pause emitting UV or UV-C radiation for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, to prevent the user from being harmed. At the same time, in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller (50), the indicator light (52) is displayed in a warning mode, such as red. When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time (such as 30 seconds) and the motion detection sensor (40) no longer detects any movement of the user near the keyboard (310), the controller (50) outputs another working mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), so that the ultraviolet light source (20) resumes emitting UV or UV-C radiation, and the entire disinfection process of the pathogens on the buttons (311) of the keyboard (310) irradiated by the ultraviolet light source (20) is completed.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 3A shown, when the frame (30) is in the standby position, the frame (30) and the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) are located in the same plane as the key portion (311) of the keyboard (310). When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the working mode, the frame (30) moves upward to the working position in response to the working mode signal output from the controller (50), so that the upper end of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is located and can provide illumination to cover the entire key portion (311) of the keyboard (310).

[0040] Alternatively, when the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation to kill the pathogens on the entire key portion (311) of the keyboard (310) during the working mode, if there is any user operation on the keyboard (310), the controller (50) will pause the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) in the operation mode, causing the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to pause emitting UV or UV-C radiation for a predetermined time to protect the user. When the ultraviolet light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, and there is no user operation on the keyboard (310), the controller (50) outputs another operation mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), so that the ultraviolet light source (20) resumes emitting UV or UV-C radiation, and the entire disinfection process of the pathogens on the buttons (311) of the keyboard (310) irradiated by the ultraviolet light source (20) is completed.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B, is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, showing the touch panel (410) in standby mode and operation mode. In this embodiment, the touch panel (410) is an operation interface (10) as shown in Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 4A , when the frame (30) is in the standby mode position, the frame (30) and the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) are located in the same plane as the touch panel (410). When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the operating mode, the frame (30) moves upward to the operating position in response to an operating mode signal output by the controller (50), so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) installed in the frame (30) is located at a specific part that can provide illumination to cover the entire touch panel (410). The ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is installed inside the frame (30) of the U-shaped housing, and both ends of the U-shaped frame (30) are pivotally mounted on both sides of the touch panel (410). The indicator light (52) is preferably provided on the outer surface of the frame (30) or on the touch panel (410). The motion detection sensor (40) is located either inside the frame (30) together with the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20), or on the frame (30), or on the touch panel (410) outside the frame (30), as long as the motion detection sensor (40) can detect the movement of any user near the touch panel (410) within the coverage of the UV or UV-C radiation emitted from the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20).

[0042] After the user uses the touch panel (410), the controller (50) outputs an operating mode signal to the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20), causing the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to emit UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the touch surface (411) of the touch panel (410) within a predetermined time preset in the controller (50). At the same time, the indicator light (52) is displayed in the operating mode in response to the operating mode signal output from the controller (50), for example, displayed in orange. After the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation light for a predetermined time, the ultraviolet light disinfection device completes the entire process of disinfecting the pathogens on the touch surface (411) of the touch panel (410).

[0043] During the operation mode in which the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation, if the motion detection sensor (40) detects any motion of the user near the touch panel (410), the controller (50) immediately outputs a pause signal to cause the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to pause emitting UV or UV-C radiation for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, to prevent the user from being harmed. At the same time, in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller (50), the indicator light (52) is displayed in a warning mode, such as red. When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time (such as 30 seconds) and the motion detection sensor (40) no longer detects any motion of the user near the touch panel (410), the controller (50) outputs another operating mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), so that the ultraviolet light source (20) resumes emitting UV or UV-C radiation, and the entire disinfection process of irradiating the pathogens on the touch surface (411) of the touch panel (410) by the ultraviolet light source (20) is completed.

[0044] Alternatively, when the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation in the operating mode to kill the pathogens on it, if there is any user operation on the touch panel (410), the controller (50) will pause the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) in the operating mode, so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) pauses emitting UV or UV-C radiation for a predetermined time to protect the user. When the ultraviolet light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, and the keyboard (310) has not been operated by any user, the controller (50) outputs another operating mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), so that the ultraviolet light source (20) resumes emitting UV or UV-C radiation, and the entire disinfection process of irradiating the pathogens on the touch surface (411) of the touch panel (410) by the ultraviolet light source (20) is completed.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the frame (30) is in the standby mode position, the frame (30) and the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) are located in the same plane as the touch panel (20). 410). When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the operating mode, the frame (30) pivots upward to the working position in response to the operating mode signal output from the controller (50), so that the upper end of the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is located at a specific part that can provide illumination coverage for the entire touch surface (411) of the touch panel (410).

[0046] Please refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , which is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection device according to the present disclosure, showing the touch panel (510) in the standby mode and the operating mode. AsFigure 5A As shown, when the frame (30) is in the standby mode position, the frame (30) and the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) are located at the lower end of the touch panel (510). The frame (30) can slide within two slots (520) located on both sides of the touch panel (510). When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the working mode, the frame (30) slides upward to the working position toward the upper end of the touch panel (510) in response to the working mode signal output by the controller (50), so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) installed in the frame (30) is located to provide light irradiation covering the entire touch panel (510). Alternatively, when the frame (30) is in the standby mode position, the frame (30) and the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) are located at the upper end of the touch panel (510). The frame (30) can slide within two slots (520) located on both sides of the touch panel (510). When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) is in the working mode, the frame (30) slides downward to the working position toward the lower end of the touch panel (510) in response to the working mode signal output by the controller (50), so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) installed in the frame (30) is located to provide light irradiation covering the entire touch panel (510). The indicator light (52) is preferably arranged on the outer surface of the frame (30) or the touch panel (510). The motion detection sensor (40) is located inside the frame (30) together with the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) or on the frame (30), or on the touch panel (510) outside the frame (30), as long as the motion detection sensor (40) can detect the movement of any user near the touch panel (410) within the coverage range of the UV or UV-C radiation emitted from the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20).

[0047] After the user uses the touch panel (510), the controller (50) outputs a working mode signal to the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20), so that the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation light within a predetermined time preset in the controller (50) to kill the pathogens on the touch surface (511) of the touch panel (510). At the same time, the indicator light (52) is displayed as the operation mode in response to the operation mode signal output from the controller (50), for example, displayed in orange. When the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation light for a predetermined time, the ultraviolet disinfection device completes the entire process of disinfecting the pathogens on the touch surface (411) keys of the touch panel (410).

[0048] During the operation mode in which the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation, if the motion detection sensor (40) detects any motion of the user near the touch panel (510), the controller (50) immediately outputs a pause signal to cause the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to pause emitting UV or UV-C radiation for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, to prevent the user from being harmed. At the same time, in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller (50), the indicator light (52) is displayed in a warning mode, such as red. When the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time (such as 30 seconds) and the motion detection sensor (40) no longer detects any motion of the user near the touch panel (510), the controller (50) outputs another operating mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), so that the ultraviolet light source (20) resumes emitting UV or UV-C radiation, and the entire disinfection process of irradiating the pathogen on the touch surface (511) of the touch panel (510) by the ultraviolet light source (20) is completed.

[0049] Alternatively, when the ultraviolet light source (20) emits UV or UV-C radiation to kill the pathogen on it during the working mode, if there is any user operation on the touch panel (510), the controller (50) will pause the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) in the operation mode to cause the ultraviolet (UV) light source (20) to pause emitting UV or UV-C radiation for a predetermined time to protect the user. When the ultraviolet light source (20) has been in the pause mode for a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds, and the keyboard (310) has not been operated by any user, the controller (50) outputs another operation mode signal to the ultraviolet light source (20), so that the ultraviolet light source (20) resumes emitting UV or UV-C radiation, and the entire disinfection process of irradiating the pathogen on the touch surface (511) of the touch panel (510) by the ultraviolet light source (20) is completed.

[0050] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In view of the foregoing description, all modifications and changes fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ultraviolet disinfection device, comprising: An ultraviolet light source for emitting UV or UV-C radiation light on an operation interface; A motion detection sensor for detecting any motion near the operation interface; A controller for controlling the ultraviolet light source; After the operation interface is used by a user, an operation mode signal is output to set the ultraviolet light source to an operation mode, and a first predetermined time is preset in the controller according to the size of the disinfection area of the operation interface to continuously emit UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operation interface; In the operation mode of the ultraviolet light source, when the motion detection sensor detects any movement near the operation interface, a pause signal is output to set the ultraviolet light source to a pause mode, and the operation of the ultraviolet light source is paused for a second predetermined time to prevent the user from being harmed by UV or UV-C radiation; And When the second predetermined time of the pause mode of the ultraviolet light source has passed and the motion detection sensor does not detect any movement near the operation interface, another operation mode signal is output to the ultraviolet light source, thereby resuming the ultraviolet light source to emit UV or UV-C radiation light, thus completing the whole process of killing pathogens on the operation interface.

2. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator light for displaying being in the operation mode in response to the operation mode signal output from the controller, and for displaying being in the warning mode in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller.

3. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 1, further comprising a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, wherein the ultraviolet light source is configured to emit light to cover a specific part of the entire operation interface.

4. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 1, further comprising a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, wherein when the ultraviolet light source is not in the working mode, the frame is in an idle position; when the ultraviolet light source is in the operation mode, the frame moves to a working position so that the ultraviolet light source installed in the frame provides coverage of a specific part of the entire operation interface.

5. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 3, wherein the frame is in an idle position, and the frame is manually moved by the user between the idle position and the working position.

6. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 1, further comprising a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, the frame being in an idle position, and the frame moving from the idle position to the operation position according to the operation mode signal output from the controller.

7. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 3, wherein the operation interface is an elevator control panel, and the frame is a slender housing installed on the elevator control panel so that the ultraviolet light source can emit light to cover the entire elevator control panel.

8. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 3, wherein the operation interface is a keyboard, and the frame is a slender housing installed at the upper end of the keyboard and adjacent to the entire keyboard so that the ultraviolet light source can emit light to cover the entire keyboard.

9. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 8, wherein when the ultraviolet light source is not in the working mode, the frame is in the idle position, the frame and the ultraviolet light source are located in the same plane as the keyboard, and when the ultraviolet light source is in the working mode, the frame moves upward to a working position in response to the working mode signal output by the controller, so that the ultraviolet light source in the frame is located to emit light to cover a specific part of the keyboard.

10. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 2, wherein the operation interface is a touch panel, and further includes a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, the frame is a U-shaped housing, and two ends of the U-shaped housing frame are pivotally connected to both sides of the touch panel.

11. An ultraviolet disinfection device, comprising: an ultraviolet light source for emitting UV or UV-C radiation light on an operation interface; a controller for controlling the ultraviolet light source; after the operation interface is operated by a user, output an operation mode signal to set the ultraviolet light source to the operation mode, and preset a first predetermined time in the controller according to the size of the disinfection area of the operation interface, so as to continuously emit UV or UV-C radiation light to kill pathogens on the operation interface; in the operation mode of the ultraviolet light source, when the operation interface is operated by any user, output a pause signal to set the ultraviolet light source to a pause mode, and pause the operation of the ultraviolet light source for a second predetermined time to prevent the user from being harmed by UV or UV-C radiation; and when the ultraviolet light source is in the second predetermined time of the pause mode and when the operation interface has not been operated, output another operation mode signal to the ultraviolet light source, so as to resume the ultraviolet light source to emit UV or UV-C radiation light, thereby completing the whole process of killing pathogens on the operation interface.

12. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator light for displaying being in the operation mode in response to the operation mode signal output from the controller, and displaying being in the warning mode in response to the pause mode signal output from the controller.

13. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 11, further comprising a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, wherein the ultraviolet light source is configured to emit light to cover a specific part of the entire operation interface.

14. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 11, further comprising a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, wherein when the ultraviolet light source is not in the working mode, the frame is located at an idle position; when the ultraviolet light source is in the operation mode, the frame moves to a working position, so that the ultraviolet light source installed in the frame provides coverage of a specific part of the entire operation interface.

15. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 13, wherein the frame is located at an idle position, and the frame is manually moved by the user between the idle position and the working position.

16. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 11 further includes a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, the frame being located at an idle position, wherein the frame moves from the idle position to the operating position according to an operation mode signal output from the controller.

17. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 13, wherein the operation interface is an elevator control panel, and the frame is an elongated housing mounted on the elevator control panel such that the ultraviolet light source can emit light to cover the entire elevator control panel.

18. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 13, wherein the operation interface is a keyboard, and the frame is an elongated housing mounted at the upper end of the keyboard and adjacent to the entire keyboard such that the ultraviolet light source can emit light to cover the entire keyboard.

19. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 18, wherein when the ultraviolet light source is not in the working mode, the frame is in the idle position, the frame and the ultraviolet light source are located in the same plane as the keyboard, and when the ultraviolet light source is in the working mode, the frame moves upward to a working position in response to a working mode signal output from the controller, so that the ultraviolet light source in the frame is located to emit light to cover a specific part of the keyboard.

20. The ultraviolet disinfection device according to claim 12, wherein the operation interface is a touch panel, and further includes a frame for accommodating the ultraviolet light source, the frame being a U-shaped housing, and both ends of the U-shaped housing frame are pivotally connected to both sides of the touch panel.

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