Door handle with self-cleaning disinfection function

Abstract

The application discloses a door handle with self-cleaning and disinfecting functions, and relates to the technical field of clean technology for medical treatment and public health. The door handle comprises a door handle body, a ring-shaped belt-shaped cleaning element which is covered on a holding surface and can rotate circularly, a cleaning assembly which is sequentially provided with a decontamination part, a disinfectant soaking part and a drying part along the movement direction of the cleaning element, a disinfectant supply module which is communicated with the cleaning assembly, a sensor which is used for detecting the reset state of the door handle, and a control module which is electrically connected with the sensor, the disinfectant supply module and a cleaning element driving mechanism. The control module controls the disinfectant supply module to supply disinfectant to the cleaning assembly, and then drives the cleaning element to move, so that the outer surface of the cleaning element is sequentially subjected to decontamination, disinfectant soaking and drying treatment only after receiving the reset signal sent by the sensor. The application realizes instant and complete self-cleaning of the door handle after each use, has compact structure, is intelligent and energy-saving, and is suitable for wide application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical and public health cleanliness technology, specifically a door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function. Background Technology

[0002] Door handles, especially those in crowded places such as hospitals, schools, office buildings, and public transportation, are easily carriers of pathogenic microorganisms (such as SARS-CoV-2, norovirus, and Staphylococcus aureus) due to frequent contact by different users, exacerbating the risk of cross-infection. How to achieve efficient, real-time, and low-cost automatic disinfection of door handles has become a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field.

[0003] Currently, automatic disinfection technologies for door handles mainly include three methods: manual periodic disinfection, ultraviolet irradiation disinfection, and wet linear reciprocating motion cleaning. Manual disinfection is labor-intensive, has a low frequency of disinfection, and cannot guarantee immediate disinfection after each use, resulting in a significant disinfection window period.

[0004] Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection solutions (such as the Xermosol series) utilize UVC light for sterilization, but they have inherent drawbacks: UV light travels in a straight line, resulting in disinfection dead zones on curved surfaces and in shadowed areas of door handles; insufficient irradiation time in high-frequency use scenarios significantly reduces the sterilization effect; at the same time, UV light poses a potential risk of harm to human skin and eyes, and long-term irradiation can accelerate the aging of non-metallic parts and even cause fire hazards due to the accumulation of pollutants.

[0005] Wet linear reciprocating motion cleaning solutions (such as Tweaq Touch) use a sliding sleeve to wipe the surface of the door handle back and forth, which also has significant technical defects: the reciprocating motion spreads contaminants back and forth, which can easily cause secondary pollution; the unstable contact pressure and stroke lead to uneven application of disinfectant; the surface is left with wet disinfectant after cleaning, which affects the user experience and may irritate the skin; in addition, the wiping sponge itself continuously accumulates contaminants and cannot clean itself, and the cleaning effect continues to decline with the number of uses.

[0006] In conclusion, existing technologies generally cannot achieve efficient, thorough, safe, and comfortable automatic cleaning and disinfection of door handles after each use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function, comprising: The door handle body has a gripping surface for the user to hold; A cleaning component that at least partially covers the grip surface and is movable relative to the grip surface; A cleaning component, which contacts and engages with the cleaning element, for cleaning and disinfecting at least a portion of the surface of the cleaning element; A disinfectant supply module, connected to the cleaning component, is used to supply disinfectant to the cleaning component; Sensors are used to detect the usage status of the door handle and send signals; The control module is electrically connected to the sensor, the disinfectant supply module, and the drive mechanism of the cleaning component. Based on the signal emitted by the sensor, the control module controls the disinfectant supply module to supply disinfectant to the cleaning component and controls the drive mechanism to drive the cleaning component to move, so that at least a portion of the surface of the cleaning component is sequentially cleaned and disinfected by the cleaning component.

[0008] Furthermore, the cleaning component is an annular strip, and the door handle body also includes at least two support members. The annular strip is sleeved on the support members, and the driving mechanism is connected to at least one of the support members to drive the annular strip to rotate cyclically.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner surface of the cleaning component contacts the gripping surface, and the outer surface of the cleaning component frictionally engages with the cleaning assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the cleaning assembly is provided with a stain removal section, a disinfectant immersion section, and a wiping section in sequence along the movement direction of the cleaning component.

[0011] Furthermore, the disinfectant supply module includes a disinfectant storage container and a pumping device. The input end of the pumping device is connected to the disinfectant storage container, and the output end is connected to the disinfectant wetting section.

[0012] Furthermore, the sensor is a position sensor, which sends a reset signal when the door handle is reset to the ready-to-use position, and the control module only starts the cleaning and disinfection program after receiving the reset signal.

[0013] Furthermore, the cleaning component is in elastic contact with the cleaning element.

[0014] Furthermore, the door handle body is U-shaped, and the cleaning component is disposed in the U-shaped groove of the door handle body.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a power module, which is electrically connected to the control module, the drive mechanism, and the disinfectant supply module.

[0016] Furthermore, after receiving the reset signal, the control module first controls the disinfectant supply module to supply disinfectant to the cleaning component, and then controls the drive mechanism to drive the cleaning component to move.

[0017] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: 1. The circular, unidirectional circulating motion prevents repeated application of contaminants. This invention employs a ring-shaped cleaning element fitted onto a support member, driven by a mechanism to rotate in a unidirectional cycle. During rotation, the outer surface of the cleaning element continuously transports contaminants from the grip area in the same direction, sequentially passing them through the cleaning components, unlike linear reciprocating solutions such as Tweaq Touch which smear contaminants back and forth. This design fundamentally avoids secondary contamination, ensuring the grip surface is clean after each use.

[0018] 2. Sequential multi-stage cleaning, achieving integrated stain removal, disinfection, and drying. This invention features a cleaning section, a disinfectant-wetting section, and a wiping section arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the cleaning component. Within a single rotation cycle, the cleaning component completes the entire process of "large particle scraping → disinfectant wetting → two-stage drying and polishing." In contrast, existing wet solutions rely solely on a single sponge component for both application and wiping, which is ineffective at removing large particles of dirt and fails to thoroughly dry the surface after disinfection. The multi-stage processing of this invention not only ensures efficient sterilization but also guarantees the outer surface of the cleaning component remains dry, preventing user contact with residual disinfectant and significantly improving user comfort and safety.

[0019] 3. The reset signal triggers the system uniquely, ensuring precise response for each use. This invention uses sensors to detect the reset status of the door handle. The control module only initiates the cleaning and disinfection program upon receiving a reset signal, supplying liquid before driving the cleaning component to rotate. This triggering mechanism ensures automatic cleaning after each complete use (from opening to resetting), rather than timed or continuous operation. This avoids the lag of manual spraying and overcomes the shortcomings of insufficient disinfection time in UV solutions under high-frequency use. Furthermore, compared to Tweaq Touch's mode that relies on immediate triggering after use, this invention's reset triggering precisely defines the complete "use-reset" cycle, preventing accidental triggering or repeated activation when the door handle is continuously held or briefly operated, thereby saving energy and extending component lifespan.

[0020] 4. The cleaning components are self-cleaning, maintaining cleaning effectiveness for a long time. In this invention, the entire outer surface of the cleaning component undergoes decontamination, disinfection, and drying processes sequentially during each rotation, thus purifying the component itself while cleaning the door handle. This ensures that the parts of the cleaning component that come into contact with the user remain clean at all times, overcoming the inherent drawbacks of existing wet cleaning solutions where cleaning sponges continuously accumulate contaminants and cannot self-clean, thus ensuring consistent cleaning performance over long-term use.

[0021] 5. Integrated and compact layout, ready to use immediately, with wide adaptability. This invention integrates all functional modules (self-cleaning module, liquid supply module, sensor, control module, and power supply module) inside the door handle body or within a U-shaped groove, requiring no modification to the door or additional space, and can directly replace existing ordinary door handles. This structure is suitable for various high-frequency contact locations such as hospitals, schools, office buildings, shopping malls, and transportation vehicles, and also meets household needs, offering excellent versatility and ease of installation.

[0022] 6. Intelligent, energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and with low operation and maintenance costs. The control module triggers a brief rotation (3-5 seconds) and micro-metered liquid dispensing (0.1-0.3 ml / time) only after reset, eliminating idling and liquid waste. Combined with a low-power microcontroller and a rechargeable lithium battery (with low battery indicator), it achieves long-term stable and low-energy operation. Furthermore, the cleaning components are reusable, significantly reducing solid waste compared to disposable door handle gloves or frequently replaced disinfectant sponges, aligning with sustainable design principles.

[0023] 7. The material system is weather-resistant and reliable, ensuring biosafety. The cleaning components and cleaning parts are in elastic contact. The door handle body is made of medical-grade stainless steel or antibacterial engineering plastic, the cleaning parts are made of flexible and wear-resistant silicone / polyurethane, and the cleaning components are made of porous elastic adsorption materials. The overall material system has excellent corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance and biocompatibility. It can withstand high-frequency opening and closing operations and is easy to clean and maintain, effectively extending the product service life. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0027] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0028] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0029] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0030] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 4 .

[0031] Reference numerals: 1-Door handle body; 2-Self-cleaning module; 201-Support component; 202-Cleaning component; 203-Cleaning assembly; 204-Drying tube one; 205-Drying tube two; 206-Disinfectant immersion section; 207-Stain removal section; 3-Disinfectant supply module; 301-Disinfectant storage container; 302-Conduit; 303-Pumping device; 4-Sensor; 5-Control module; 6-Power module. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function, including a door handle body 1, a self-cleaning module 2, a disinfectant supply module 3, a sensor 4, a control module 5, and a power module 6.

[0034] The door handle body 1 is U-shaped and made of medical-grade stainless steel or antibacterial engineering plastic. The bottom of the U-shape forms a gripping surface for the user to hold. The self-cleaning module 2, disinfectant supply module 3, sensor 4, and control module 5 are all directly or indirectly installed on the door handle body 1.

[0035] The self-cleaning module 2 includes two support members 201, one cleaning member 202, and one cleaning assembly 203. The two support members 201 are respectively mounted to the two free ends of the U-shaped structure of the door handle body 1 via bearings. One of the support members 201 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism (a miniature drive motor in this embodiment, not shown separately). The cleaning member 202 is sleeved on the two support members 201, forming an annular track structure that can circulate along the gripping surface of the door handle body 1.

[0036] The cleaning component 202 is made of a flexible, wear-resistant material (such as silicone or polyurethane) and is tightly fitted onto the two support components 201. The inner surface of the cleaning component 202 is in direct contact with the gripping surface of the door handle body 1, covering the gripping surface; its outer surface maintains a frictional fit with the cleaning assembly 203.

[0037] The cleaning component 203 is disposed within the U-shaped groove of the door handle body 1, and is made of a porous absorbent material (such as polyurethane sponge or fiber absorbent material), maintaining elastic contact with the outer surface of the cleaning component 202. The cleaning component 203 is provided with the following sequentially arranged along the movement direction of the cleaning component 202: Decontamination section 207: Uses a stiffer fiber material or brush structure to initially scrape away large particles of dirt and dust from the outer surface of the cleaning part 202; Disinfectant immersion section 206: connected to the output end of the pumping device 303, used to absorb and store disinfectant, and to immerse the outer surface of the cleaned part 202 with disinfectant. Wiping Device 1 204 and Wiping Device 2 205: Made of highly absorbent and soft materials (such as microfiber), they are used to absorb excess disinfectant residue on the outer surface of the cleaning part 202, while also serving to dry and polish it.

[0038] The aforementioned cleaning section 207, disinfectant immersion section 206, wiping section 205, and wiping section 1 204 are arranged in sequence so that the outer surface of the cleaning component 202 passes through four stages in sequence during rotation: cleaning, disinfectant immersion, first wiping, and second wiping.

[0039] The disinfectant supply module 3 includes a disinfectant storage container 301, a flexible conduit 302, and a pumping device 303 (a miniature diaphragm pump in this embodiment). The disinfectant storage container 301 is fixed inside the door handle body 1, and its outlet is connected to the inlet of the pumping device 303 via the conduit 302. The outlet of the pumping device 303 is connected to the disinfectant wetting section 206 provided on the cleaning assembly 203 via another conduit. The pumping device 303 pumps out 0.1 to 0.3 ml per operation, which is sufficient to wet the disinfectant wetting section 206 without dripping.

[0040] Sensor 4, employing a Hall effect sensor or a microswitch, is installed in the reset position of the door handle body 1 (i.e., the position where the door handle contacts or approaches the door frame). When the door handle is in the reset (closed) state, sensor 4 outputs a first signal; when the door handle is pulled away from the reset position, it outputs a second signal. Specifically, a "use signal" is issued when the door handle leaves the ready-to-use position, and a "reset signal" is issued when the door handle returns to the ready-to-use position. The control module 5 determines the "use" and "reset" events by detecting changes in these signals.

[0041] The control module 5 uses a low-power microcontroller (such as the STM8 series) with a built-in timer and preset program. Its input is connected to the output of sensor 4, and its output is connected to the motor of pumping device 303 and the drive mechanism of self-cleaning module 2 via drive circuits. The preset logic of control module 5 is as follows: the cleaning and disinfection program is started only after receiving the "reset signal" from sensor 4 (i.e., the door handle returns to the reset state from the away state), and the following steps are executed in sequence: start pumping device 303 for 0.5 seconds to pump disinfectant to disinfectant immersion part 206; wait 0.2 seconds to allow disinfectant to fully immerse; then start drive mechanism to rotate for 3-5 seconds; then stop, completing one complete cleaning and disinfection program.

[0042] The power module 6 uses a rechargeable lithium battery or an external power interface and is electrically connected to the control module 5, the drive mechanism, and the pumping device 303. The power module 6 is also equipped with a low battery indicator (such as an LED indicator or a buzzer) that issues a warning when the battery level is below a preset threshold.

[0043] The working principle of this invention is as follows: Users open and close the door by gripping the outer surface of the cleaning component 202 that covers the gripping surface of the door handle body 1, thus leaving bacteria and viruses on the outer surface of the cleaning component 202.

[0044] Initial state: The door handle is in the reset position, sensor 4 outputs the first signal (reset signal), and control module 5 is in standby mode with extremely low power consumption.

[0045] Usage process: When the user pulls the door handle, the door handle leaves the reset position, the sensor 4 outputs a second signal (use signal), and the control module 5 records this event but does not take any action.

[0046] Reset Trigger: When the user releases the door handle, the door handle returns to the reset position under the action of the hinge spring or other reset device. The sensor 4 outputs the first signal (reset signal) again. The control module 5 detects this change and starts the cleaning and disinfection program.

[0047] Cleaning and disinfection process: Control module 5 drives pumping device 303 to work for 0.5 seconds, pumping disinfectant from storage container 301 to disinfectant wetting part 206 of cleaning component 203. The disinfectant is absorbed and evenly distributed by this part. Then, control module 5 drives mechanism to rotate for 3-5 seconds, causing support 201 and cleaning component 202 to rotate. The outer surface of cleaning component 202 passes sequentially through cleaning component 203's decontamination part 207, disinfectant wetting part 206, wiper part one 204, and wiper part two 205. Decontamination part 207 scrapes off large particles of dirt from the outer surface, disinfectant wetting part 206 coats the outer surface with disinfectant, and wiper part one 204 and wiper part two 205 absorb excess disinfectant and wipe dry. After rotation stops, the cleaning and disinfection process is completed, and the door handle returns to standby mode, ready for the next use.

Claims

1. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function, characterized in that, include: The door handle body (1) has a gripping surface for the user to hold; The cleaning component (202) at least partially covers the grip surface and is movable relative to the grip surface; A cleaning component (203) engages with the cleaning element (202) to clean and disinfect at least a portion of the surface of the cleaning element (202); The disinfectant supply module (3) is connected to the cleaning component (203) and is used to supply disinfectant to the cleaning component (203); Sensor (4) is used to detect the usage status of the door handle and send a signal; The control module (5) is electrically connected to the sensor (4), the disinfectant supply module (3), and the drive mechanism of the cleaning component (202), respectively. The control module (5) controls the disinfectant supply module (3) to supply disinfectant to the cleaning component (203) according to the signal sent by the sensor (4), and controls the drive mechanism to drive the cleaning component (202) to move, so that at least part of the surface of the cleaning component (202) is cleaned and disinfected by the cleaning component (203) in sequence.

2. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning component (202) is an annular strip. The door handle body (1) also includes at least two support members (201). The annular strip is sleeved on the support member (201). The driving mechanism is connected to at least one of the support members (201) to drive the annular strip to rotate cyclically.

3. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surface of the cleaning component (202) is in contact with the gripping surface, and the outer surface of the cleaning component (202) is in frictional engagement with the cleaning assembly (203).

4. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning component (203) is provided with a decontamination part (207), a disinfectant immersion part (206), and a drying part (204, 205) in sequence along the movement direction of the cleaning component (202).

5. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The disinfectant supply module (3) includes a disinfectant storage container (301) and a pumping device (303). The input end of the pumping device (303) is connected to the disinfectant storage container (301), and the output end is connected to the disinfectant immersion part (206).

6. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor (4) is a position sensor. When the door handle is reset to the position to be used, a reset signal is issued. The control module (5) only starts the cleaning and disinfection program after receiving the reset signal.

7. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning component (203) is in elastic contact with the cleaning element (202).

8. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The door handle body (1) is U-shaped, and the cleaning component (203) is disposed in the U-shaped groove of the door handle body (1).

9. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a power module (6), which is electrically connected to the control module (5), the drive mechanism and the disinfectant supply module (3).

10. A door handle with self-cleaning and disinfection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: After receiving the reset signal, the control module (5) first controls the disinfectant supply module (3) to supply disinfectant to the cleaning component (203), and then controls the drive mechanism to drive the cleaning component (202) to move.

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