CN219217212U

CN219217212U - Handrail sterilizing device for passenger conveyer

Info

Publication number: CN219217212U
Application number: CN202223412784.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 手塚晓则
Original assignee: Toshiba Elevator Co Ltd
Current assignee: Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corp
Priority date: 2022-02-08
Filing date: 2022-12-16
Publication date: 2023-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-16
Also published as: JP2023115832A; JP7344326B2

Abstract

The utility model discloses a handrail sterilizing device of a passenger conveyor, which comprises a first sensor, a second sensor and a first control unit, wherein the first sensor senses contact with a handrail, and the handrail runs along a railing of the passenger conveyor at the upper part of the railing; a first sterilization unit configured to sterilize the handrail belt below the balustrade; and a control section that controls the first sterilization section to operate for a prescribed period of time when a first period of time elapses after the first sensor senses contact with the handrail belt. The utility model can rapidly and reliably sterilize the contact part of the handrail belt by a user and simultaneously inhibit the power consumption.

Description

Handrail sterilizing device for passenger conveyer

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present utility model relate to a handrail sterilizing device of a passenger conveyor.

Background

As disclosed in JP2019-52021A, a passenger conveyor provided with a sterilizing device for sterilizing a handrail belt has been conventionally known. The sterilization apparatus of JP2019-52021A acquires operation speed information of the passenger conveyor, and performs sterilization processing of the handrail belt based on the operation speed information. Specifically, if the passenger conveyor is in a low-speed standby operation (i.e., if there is no user of the passenger conveyor), the sterilization device performs a sterilization process of the handrail. On the other hand, if the passenger conveyor is operated normally (that is, if there is a user on the passenger conveyor), the sterilization device stops the sterilization process of the handrail.

However, it is required to sterilize the handrail area where the user touches as early as possible. Therefore, the passenger conveyor is required to perform the sterilization process during the normal operation. In addition, it is required to reliably sterilize the portion of the handrail that is touched by the user. In addition, it is required to suppress the power consumption of the sterilization apparatus.

Disclosure of Invention

The handrail sterilizing device of the passenger conveyor of the present embodiment includes: a first sensor that senses contact with a handrail belt that travels along a balustrade of a passenger conveyor at an upper portion of the balustrade; a first sterilization unit configured to sterilize the handrail belt below the balustrade; and a control section that controls the first sterilization section to operate for a prescribed period of time when a first period of time elapses after the first sensor senses contact with the handrail belt.

The first time period may be a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the first sensor detects the portion of the handrail to when the portion reaches the first sterilizing portion.

The handrail belt sterilizing device may further include a second sterilizing unit configured to sterilize the handrail belt below the balustrade, wherein the first sterilizing unit and the second sterilizing unit are arranged along a traveling direction of the handrail belt, and the control unit may cause the second sterilizing unit to operate for a predetermined period of time when a second period of time passes after the first sensor senses contact with the handrail belt.

The second time period may be a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the portion of the handrail belt sensed by the first sensor is sensed by the first sensor to when the portion reaches the second sterilizing portion.

The first sensor may be a contact type or a non-contact type sensor.

The handrail sterilizing device may further include a second sensor that senses contact with the handrail at an upper portion of the handrail, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along a traveling direction of the handrail, and the control unit may control the first sterilizing unit based on presence or absence of sensing by the second sensor.

The first sterilizing unit may irradiate the handrail with ultraviolet light, and the control unit may control the illuminance of the ultraviolet light of the first sterilizing unit based on whether or not the second sensor senses the handrail.

The present utility model may further include: a second sensor that senses contact with the handrail belt at an upper portion of the balustrade; and a second sterilization unit configured to sterilize the handrail under the balustrade, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along a traveling direction of the handrail, the first sterilization unit and the second sterilization unit are arranged along the traveling direction of the handrail, and the control unit controls the first sterilization unit and the second sterilization unit according to presence or absence of sensing of the second sensor.

The first sterilizing unit and the second sterilizing unit may irradiate the handrail with ultraviolet rays, and the control unit may control the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilizing unit and the second sterilizing unit according to presence or absence of sensing by the second sensor.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a passenger conveyor of the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a view showing a cross section perpendicular to the traveling direction of the handrail belt of the handrail and the handrail belt of the passenger conveyor shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the handrail sterilizing device.

Fig. 4 is a view showing a cross section perpendicular to the traveling direction of the handrail belt of fig. 1, and the sterilization portion.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the handrail sterilizing device shown in fig. 3.

Detailed Description

The handrail sterilizing device of the passenger conveyor of the present embodiment includes:

a first sensor that senses contact with a handrail belt that travels along a balustrade of a passenger conveyor at an upper portion of the balustrade;

a first sterilization unit configured to sterilize the handrail belt below the balustrade; and

a control unit for controlling the first sterilizing unit,

the control part operates the first sterilization part for a prescribed period of time when a first period of time elapses after the first sensor senses contact with the handrail belt.

The handrail sterilizing device according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a passenger conveyor 1 to which a handrail sterilizing device 30 of the present embodiment is attached. Fig. 2 is a view showing a cross section of the handrail 20 and the handrail belt 23 of the passenger conveyor 1 shown in fig. 1, which is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the handrail sterilizing device 30. Fig. 4 is a view showing a cross section perpendicular to the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23 of fig. 1, and the sterilization sections 31 to 35.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the passenger conveyor 1 is an escalator that is installed between two floors F1, F2 of a building. More specifically, the passenger conveyor 1 is an ascending escalator. The entrance 10 of the passenger conveyor 1 is provided at the floor F1, and the exit 11 of the passenger conveyor 1 is provided at the floor F2.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the passenger conveyor 1 includes a plurality of steps 2 for carrying a user, a step chain 3 connecting the steps 2, a guide rail 4 guiding the steps 2, a truss 6 having a machine room 5 provided therein, and a pair of balustrades 20 standing on both sides of the truss 6. A skirt guard 25 is provided at a lower portion of each rail 20. The entrance 10 and the exit 11 of the passenger conveyor 1 are provided with a landing plate 7.

The steps 2 are connected in a ring shape via a step chain 3. The steps 2 circulate on a guide rail 4 formed in a ring shape.

As shown in fig. 2, each rail 20 has a rail plate 21 and a rail 22 attached to an upper portion of the rail plate 21. An endless handrail belt 23 moves along the handrail 22. The handrail belt 23 moves along the handrail 22 and then moves in the skirt guard 25 and the inner space of the truss 6. The handrail belt 23 enters the interior space of the skirt guard 25 and the truss 6 through the

openings

26, 27 provided in the skirt guard 25, and comes out of the interior space.

The machine room 5 is provided below the landing plate 7. The machine room 5 is provided with a motor 15, a control cabinet 16, sprockets 17 to 19, and the like. The motor 15 drives the step chain 3. The control cabinet 16 has an operation control unit 16a that controls the operation of the passenger conveyor 1. The operation control unit 16a controls, for example, driving of the motor 15. The step chain 3 is mounted on the first to

second sprockets

17 and 18. When the motor 15 drives the step chain 3, the first to

second sprockets

17, 18 rotate. A handrail belt 23 is provided on the third sprocket 19. The third sprocket 19 is coupled to the first sprocket 17 through a transmission chain, not shown, and rotates with the rotation of the first sprocket 17. Thus, the handrail 23 moves in synchronization with the steps 2.

A handrail sterilizing device 30 is mounted on the passenger conveyor 1. As shown in fig. 3, the handrail sterilizing device 30 includes first to fifth sterilizing units 31 to 35, first to

second sensors

36, 37, a timer 38, and a sterilizing control unit 39. The first to fifth sterilizing units 31 to 35 are disposed in the inner space of the skirt guard 25 or the truss 6. The first to fifth sterilization units 31 to 35 are disposed along the handrail belt 23 in the internal space. The first to fifth sterilization units 31 to 35 are arranged in this order along the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the first to fifth sterilizing units 31 to 35 are arranged without any gap.

In the example shown in fig. 4, the sterilization units 31 to 35 sterilize the surface of the handrail belt 23 by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the surface of the handrail belt 23. The sterilization units 31 to 35 have LED modules M. The LED module M may be configured in such a manner as to surround the handrail belt 23. Further, by disposing the sterilizing units 31 to 35 in the inner space of the skirt guard 25 or the truss 6, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED modules M are prevented from entering the eyes of the user.

The first to

second sensors

36, 37 sense contact of the hand H of the user or the like with the handrail belt 23 at the upper portion of the balustrade 20. In the example shown in fig. 2, the first to

second sensors

36, 37 are mounted on the upper portion of the balustrade 20. The first to

second sensors

36, 37 may be contact type sensors or non-contact type sensors. The first to

second sensors

36, 37 may be, for example, infrared sensors or microwave sensors. The first to

second sensors

36, 37 may be sensors using an image recognition technique. In this case, the first to

second sensors

36, 37 can detect, for example, a difference in color between the handrail belt 23 and an object (e.g., the hand H of the user) that is in contact with the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the first sensor 36 is provided in a portion of the balustrade 20 in the vicinity of the entrance 11. In addition, the second sensor 37 is provided upstream of the first sensor 36 in the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23. However, the arrangement of the first to

second sensors

36, 37 is not limited thereto. The first sensor 36 may also be provided in a portion of the balustrade 20 adjacent the entrance 10. In addition, the second sensor 37 may be provided on the downstream side of the first sensor 36 in the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23.

The timer 38 begins counting when the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the timer 38 is implemented by a timer circuit assembled to the control cabinet 16, but is not limited thereto. The timer 38 may also be a timer that is mounted separately from the control cabinet 16.

The sterilization control unit 39 controls the sterilization units 31 to 35 based on an input from the timer 38. Specifically, if the timer 38 counts a first time period (i.e., if the first time period has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23), the sterilization control unit 39 operates the first sterilization unit 31 for a predetermined time period. When the timer 38 counts the second time period, the sterilization control unit 39 causes the second sterilization unit 32 to operate for a predetermined time period. When the timer 38 counts the third time period, the sterilization control unit 39 causes the third sterilization unit 33 to operate for a predetermined time period. When the timer 38 counts the fourth time period, the sterilization control unit 39 causes the fourth sterilization unit 34 to operate for a predetermined time period. When the timer 38 counts the fifth time period, the sterilization control unit 39 causes the fifth sterilization unit 35 to operate for a predetermined time period.

The first time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 is sensed by the first sensor 36 to when the portion reaches the first sterilizing portion 31. More specifically, the length of the trajectory of any portion of the handrail belt 23 when the portion moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the first sterilizing portion 31 is divided by the traveling speed of the handrail belt 23. More specifically, the first time period is determined as follows: when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 reaches the first sterilization unit 31, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the first sterilization unit 31 to the portion. Thus, the sterilization treatment of the first sterilization unit 31 is performed on the portion (the portion touched by the user).

The second time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 is sensed by the first sensor 36 to when the second sterilizing portion 32 is reached. More specifically, the length of the trajectory of any portion of the handrail belt 23 when the portion moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the second sterilizing unit 32 is divided by the traveling speed of the handrail belt 23. More specifically, the second time period is determined as follows: when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 reaches the second sterilization portion 32, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the second sterilization portion 32 to the portion. Thus, the sterilization treatment of the second sterilization unit 32 is performed on the portion (the portion touched by the user).

The third time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 is sensed by the first sensor 36 to when the portion reaches the third sterilization portion 33. More specifically, the length of the trajectory of any portion of the handrail belt 23 when the portion moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the third sterilization portion 33 is divided by the traveling speed of the handrail belt 23. More specifically, the third time period is determined in the following manner: when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 reaches the third sterilization portion 33, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the third sterilization portion 33 to the portion. Thus, the sterilization treatment of the third sterilization unit 33 is performed on the portion (the portion touched by the user).

The fourth time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 is detected by the first sensor 36 to when the portion reaches the fourth sterilizing portion 34. More specifically, the length of the locus of any portion of the handrail belt 23 when the portion moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the fourth sterilizing portion 34 is divided by the traveling speed of the handrail belt 23. More specifically, the fourth time period is determined as follows: when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 reaches the fourth sterilization unit 34, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the fourth sterilization unit 34 to the portion. Thus, the sterilization treatment of the fourth sterilization unit 34 is performed on the portion (the portion touched by the user).

The fifth time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 is sensed by the first sensor 36 to when the fifth sterilizing portion 35 is reached. More specifically, the length of the trajectory of any portion of the handrail belt 23 when the portion moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the fifth sterilizing portion 35 is divided by the traveling speed of the handrail belt 23. More specifically, the fifth time period is determined as follows: when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 reaches the fifth sterilizing unit 35, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the fifth sterilizing unit 35 to the portion. Thus, the sterilization treatment of the fifth sterilization unit 35 is performed on the portion (the portion touched by the user).

That is, the sterilization control unit 39 controls the sterilization units 31 to 35 so that the sterilization units 31 to 35 are sequentially performed on the portion of the handrail 23 detected by the first sensor 36. Thus, the portion of the handrail 23 can be sterilized for a period of time longer than or equal to a period of time required for the portion to pass through the sterilization portions 31 to 35. For example, in the case where the traveling speed of the handrail belt 23 is 30m/min and the length of each of the sterilization portions 31 to 35 in the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23 is 0.5m, the length of time required for the above-described portion of the handrail belt 23 to pass through each of the sterilization portions 31 to 35 is 1 second. That is, each of the sterilization sections 31 to 35 can perform sterilization treatment for only 1 second. However, when the first to fifth sterilizing units 31 to 35 are operated in sequence, the sterilizing process can be performed for 5 seconds continuously on the above-mentioned portions.

The sterilization control unit 39 can suppress the power consumption of the handrail sterilizing device 30 by operating the sterilizing units 31 to 35 for a predetermined period of time, in other words, by not operating the sterilizing units 31 to 35 continuously from the start to the end of the operation of the passenger conveyor 1. In addition, deterioration of the handrail belt 23 due to irradiation of ultraviolet rays to the handrail belt 23 can be suppressed. The predetermined time period is a time period corresponding to a time period required for the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 to pass through the sterilization portions 31 to 35. More specifically, the predetermined time period is a time period corresponding to a value obtained by dividing the length of each sterilizing unit 31 to 35 in the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23 by the traveling speed of the handrail belt 23. For example, in the case where the moving speed of the handrail belt 23 is 30m/min and the length of each of the sterilization portions 31 to 35 in the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23 is 0.5m, the length of time required for the above-described portion of the handrail belt 23 to pass through each of the sterilization portions 31 to 35 is 1 second. In this case, the predetermined time period may be 1 second. By thus determining the predetermined time period, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays from the sterilizing units 31 to 35 from being irradiated to the other portions of the handrail belt 23 while ensuring that the ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the portions of the handrail belt 23 (portions touched by the user).

The sterilization control unit 39 controls the sterilization units 31 to 35 based on the input from the second sensor 37. For example, in the case where not only the first sensor 36 but also the second sensor 37 senses contact with the handrail belt 23, there is a high possibility that the user continuously contacts the above-described portion of the handrail belt 23 during the movement of the portion from the position facing the second sensor 37 to the position facing the first sensor 36. In this case, the above-described portion needs to be sterilized more carefully than in the case where the contact with the handrail belt 23 is not sensed by the second sensor 37. Accordingly, when the input is from the second sensor 37, the sterilization control unit 39 increases the ultraviolet illuminance of each of the sterilization units 31 to 35, for example, as compared with the case where the input is not from the second sensor 37.

In the illustrated example, the sterilization control unit 39 is implemented by installing software for controlling the sterilization units 31 to 35 in the control cabinet 16 of the passenger conveyor 1, but the present utility model is not limited thereto. The sterilization control section 39 may be provided separately from the control cabinet 16. In the illustrated example, when the operation control unit 16a receives an input and senses that the passenger conveyor 1 starts to operate, the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operations of the first to

second sensors

36 and 37. When the sterilization control unit 39 receives an input from the operation control unit 16a and senses that the passenger conveyor 1 is finished operating, the operation of the first to

second sensors

36, 37 is finished.

The handrail sterilizing device 30 can be attached to the passenger conveyor 1 as follows. That is, the first to

second sensors

36, 37 are mounted on the passenger conveyor 1 (more specifically, on the upper portion of the balustrade 20). The first to fifth sterilizing units 31 to 35 are attached to the passenger conveyor 1 (more specifically, below the balustrade 20). The control cabinet 16 is provided with software, and a part of the control cabinet 16 functions as the sterilization control unit 39.

Next, the operation of the handrail sterilizing device 30 will be described with reference to fig. 5. First, when the start of the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 is sensed in the sterilization control unit 39 by the input from the operation control unit 16a to the sterilization control unit 39, the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operations of the first to second sensors 36, 37 (step S1).

Next, in the sterilization control unit 39, a determination is made as to whether or not the first sensor 36 has sensed contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S2). Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the first sensor 36 to the sterilization control unit 39. If it is determined that the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail 23 (yes in step S2), the sterilization control unit 39 starts counting the time by the timer 38.

Next, in the sterilization control section 39, a determination is made as to whether or not a first period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S3). Specifically, a determination is made as to whether the timer 38 has counted the first duration. If it is determined that the first time period has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (yes in step S3), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the first sterilization unit 31 (step S4). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the first sterilizing unit 31 is adjusted according to whether or not the second sensor 37 senses contact with the handrail belt 23. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3 that the first period of time has not elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (no in step S3), the determination in step S3 is performed again.

Next, in the sterilization control section 39, a determination is made as to whether or not a second period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S5). Specifically, a determination is made as to whether the timer 38 has timed the second duration. If it is determined that the second period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (yes in step S5), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the second sterilization unit 32 (step S6). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the second sterilization unit 32 is adjusted according to whether or not the second sensor 37 senses contact with the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the predetermined time period elapses after the start of the operation of the first sterilizing unit 31 while the second time period elapses after the first sensor 36 senses the contact with the handrail belt 23. Therefore, the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the second sterilization unit 32 and simultaneously ends the operation of the first sterilization unit 31. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S5 that the second period of time has not elapsed after the first sensor 36 sensed contact with the handrail belt 23 (no in step S5), the determination in step S5 is performed again.

Next, in the sterilization control section 39, a determination is made as to whether or not a third period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S7). Specifically, a determination is made as to whether the timer 38 has counted the third period of time. If it is determined that the third period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (yes in step S7), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the third sterilization unit 33 (step S8). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the third sterilization unit 33 is adjusted according to whether or not the second sensor 37 senses contact with the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the predetermined time period elapses after the start of the operation of the second sterilizing unit 32 while the third time period elapses after the first sensor 36 senses the contact with the handrail belt 23. Therefore, the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the third sterilization unit 33 and simultaneously ends the operation of the second sterilization unit 32. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S7 that the third period of time has not elapsed after the first sensor 36 sensed contact with the handrail belt 23 (no in step S7), the determination in step S7 is performed again.

Next, in the sterilization control section 39, a determination is made as to whether or not a fourth period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S9). Specifically, a determination is made as to whether the timer 38 has counted the fourth period of time. If it is determined that the fourth time period has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (yes in step S9), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the fourth sterilization unit 34 (step S10). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the fourth sterilization unit 34 is adjusted according to whether or not the second sensor 37 senses contact with the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 and then the fourth time period elapses, and the predetermined time period elapses after the operation of the third sterilizing unit 33 is started. Therefore, the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the fourth sterilization unit 34 and simultaneously ends the operation of the third sterilization unit 33. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S9 that the fourth period of time has not elapsed after the first sensor 36 sensed contact with the handrail belt 23 (no in step S9), the determination in step S9 is performed again.

Next, in the sterilization control section 39, a determination is made as to whether or not a fifth period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S11). Specifically, a determination is made as to whether the timer 38 has counted the fifth time period. If it is determined that the fifth period of time has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (yes in step S11), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the fifth sterilization unit 35 (step S12). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the fifth sterilizing unit 35 is adjusted according to whether or not the second sensor 37 senses contact with the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the fifth time period elapses after the first sensor 36 senses the contact with the handrail belt 23, and the predetermined time period elapses after the operation of the fourth sterilizing unit 34 is started. Therefore, the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the fifth sterilization unit 35 and simultaneously ends the operation of the fourth sterilization unit 34. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S11 that the fifth period of time has not elapsed after the first sensor 36 sensed contact with the handrail belt 23 (no in step S11), the determination in step S11 is performed again.

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether or not the predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the operation of the fifth sterilization unit 35 (step S13). When it is determined that the predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of the operation of the fifth sterilizing unit 35, the sterilization control unit 39 ends the operation of the fifth sterilizing unit 35 (step S14). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S13 that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23 (no in step S13), the determination in step S13 is performed again.

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether or not the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has been completed (step S15). Specifically, a determination is made as to whether or not a signal indicating that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has been completed is input from the operation control unit 16a to the sterilization control unit 39. When it is determined that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has been completed (yes in step S15), the sterilization control unit 39 ends the operation of the first to

second sensors

36, 37. Thereby, the operation of the handrail sterilizing device 30 is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 is not completed (no in step S15), the flow returns to step S2, and the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether or not the first sensor 36 has sensed contact with the handrail belt 23.

When it is determined in step S2 that the first sensor 36 does not sense contact with the handrail belt 23 (no in step S2), the sterilization control unit 39 also determines whether or not the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended (step S16). When it is determined that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended (yes in step S16), the sterilization control unit 39 ends the operation of the first to

second sensors

36, 37. Thereby, the operation of the handrail sterilizing device 30 is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has not been completed (no in step S16), the flow returns to step S2, and the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether or not the first sensor 36 has sensed contact with the handrail belt 23.

In addition, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above example, the handrail sterilizing device 30 includes five sterilizing units 31 to 35, but is not limited thereto. The handrail sterilizing device 30 may include any number of sterilizing units 31 to 35. For example, the handrail sterilizing device 30 may include a single sterilizing portion.

In the above example, the predetermined time period for which each of the sterilization units 31 to 35 operates is a time period corresponding to a time period required for the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 to pass through each of the sterilization units 31 to 35, but the present utility model is not limited thereto. The predetermined time period may be a time period required for the portion of the handrail 23 to pass through the sterilization portions 31 to 35 a predetermined number of times. For example, the predetermined time period may be a time period required for the portion of the handrail belt 23 to pass through the sterilization portions 31 to 35 twice. In this case, the above prescribed time period is equal to the time period required for the handrail belt 23 to rotate around the balustrade 20 two times.

In the above example, the sterilization control unit 39 adjusts the ultraviolet illuminance of each of the sterilization units 31 to 35 based on the input from the second sensor 37, but the present utility model is not limited thereto. The sterilization control unit 39 may control the number of sterilization units 31 to 35 to be operated based on the input from the second sensor 37. For example, if no input is provided from the second sensor 37, the sterilization control unit 39 may reduce the number of sterilization units 31 to 35 to be operated, as compared with the case where an input is provided from the second sensor 37. That is, the sterilization control unit 39 may operate only a part of the sterilization units 31 to 35 included in the handrail sterilization device 30.

In the above example, the handrail sterilizing device 30 includes the two

sensors

36 and 37, but is not limited thereto. The handrail sterilization device 30 may also comprise only the first sensor 36.

In the above example, the handrail sterilizing device 30 includes the single timer 38, but is not limited thereto. The handrail sterilization device 30 can also include a plurality of timers 38. Particularly in the case of a passenger conveyor 1 that is available for simultaneous use by a plurality of users, it is conceivable that the first sensor 36 continuously senses the contact of the plurality of users with the handrail belt 23. In this case, the handrail sterilizing device 30 preferably includes a plurality of timers 38, and the timers 38 are allocated to the respective contacts sensed by the first sensor 36. In this case, the sterilization units 31 to 35 can be operated by counting the first to fifth time periods for each contact.

In one embodiment described above, the handrail sterilizing device 30 of the passenger conveyor 1 includes: a first sterilizing portion 31 sensing contact with the handrail belt 23, the handrail belt 23 traveling along the handrail 20 at an upper portion of the handrail 20 of the passenger conveyor 1; a first sterilizing unit 31 for sterilizing the surface of the handrail belt 23 below the balustrade 20; and a control unit 39 that controls the first sterilizing unit 31. If a first time period has elapsed after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23, the control unit 39 operates the first sterilization unit 31 for a predetermined time period. Here, the first time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 is detected by the first sensor 36 to when the portion reaches the first sterilizing portion 31.

According to the handrail sterilizing device 30, the handrail 23 can be reliably sterilized before the handrail 23 rotates around the balustrade 20 once. Further, since the first sterilizing unit 31 is operated for only a predetermined period of time, the power consumption of the handrail sterilizing device 30 can be suppressed.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the handrail sterilizing device 30 further includes the second sterilizing unit 32 for sterilizing the surface of the handrail 23 below the balustrade 20. The first sterilization portion 31 and the second sterilization portion 32 are aligned along the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23. If the second period of time elapses after the first sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23, the control unit 39 operates the second sterilization unit 32 for a predetermined period of time. Here, the second period of time is a period of time corresponding to a period of time taken from when the portion of the handrail belt 23 sensed by the first sensor 36 is sensed by the first sensor 36 to when the second sterilization portion 32 is reached.

In this case, the portion of the handrail 23 can be sterilized for a period of time longer than or equal to a period of time required for the portion to pass through the sterilizing unit 31. Further, since the second sterilizing unit 32 is operated for only a predetermined period of time, the power consumption of the handrail sterilizing device 30 can be suppressed.

In addition, in one embodiment described above, the first sensor 36 is a contact type or a non-contact type sensor.

In addition, in one embodiment described above, the handrail sterilizing device 30 is further provided with a second sensor 37 that senses contact with the handrail 23 at the upper portion of the balustrade 20. The first sensor 36 and the second sensor 37 are arranged along the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23. The control unit 39 controls the first sterilizing unit 31 based on whether the second sensor 37 senses the presence or absence of the second sensor. For example, when the first sterilizing unit 31 irradiates the handrail 23 with ultraviolet light, the control unit 39 controls the illuminance of the ultraviolet light of the first sterilizing unit 31 based on the presence or absence of the sensing by the second sensor 37.

In this case, for example, by increasing the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilizing unit 31, the portion of the handrail belt 23 that is continuously touched by the user can be finely sterilized. Further, in the case where not only the first sensor 36 but also the second sensor 37 senses contact with the handrail belt 23, there is a high possibility that the portion of the handrail belt 23 where the contact is sensed is continuously contacted by the user during the movement of the portion from the position facing one of the two

sensors

36, 37 to the position facing the other.

In addition, in one embodiment described above, the handrail sterilizing device 30 further includes the second sensor 37 that senses contact with the handrail 23 at the upper portion of the balustrade 20 and the second sterilizing portion 32 that sterilizes the handrail 23 below the balustrade 20. The first sensor 36 and the second sensor 37 are arranged along the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23. The first sterilization portion 31 and the second sterilization portion 32 are aligned along the traveling direction of the handrail belt 23. The control unit 39 controls the first sterilizing unit 31 and the second sterilizing unit 32 based on whether the second sensor 37 senses the presence or absence of the first sensor. For example, when the first sterilizing unit 31 and the second sterilizing unit 32 irradiate the handrail 23 with ultraviolet light, the control unit 39 controls the illuminance of the ultraviolet light of the first sterilizing unit 31 and the second sterilizing unit 32 based on whether or not the second sensor 37 senses the presence or absence of the ultraviolet light.

In this case, for example, by increasing the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilizing unit 31 and the second sterilizing unit 32, the portion of the handrail belt 23 that is continuously contacted by the user can be finely sterilized.

In addition, in one embodiment described above, the method of attaching the handrail sterilizing device 30 to the passenger conveyor 1 includes: a step of installing a sensor 36 for sensing contact with the handrail belt 23 to the passenger conveyor 1, wherein the handrail belt 23 travels along the handrail 20 at an upper portion of the handrail 20 of the passenger conveyor 1; a step of installing a sterilizing unit 31 on the passenger conveyor 1, wherein the sterilizing unit 31 sterilizes the handrail 23 below the balustrade 20; and installing software for controlling the sterilizing unit 31 to the control cabinet 16 of the passenger conveyor 1. If a first time period has elapsed after the sensor 36 senses contact with the handrail belt 23, the control cabinet 16 with the software installed operates the sterilization unit 31 for a prescribed time period.

According to the method of installing the handrail sterilizing device 30, the handrail sterilizing device 30 which can rapidly and reliably sterilize the portion of the handrail 23 contacted by the user and which reduces the power consumption can be installed in the conventional passenger conveyor 1.

According to the present embodiment, an object is to provide a handrail belt sterilization device capable of rapidly and reliably sterilizing a portion of a handrail belt that is touched by a user while suppressing power consumption.

Some modifications of the embodiments of the present utility model have been described, but these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. These new embodiments and modifications can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the utility model. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the utility model, and are included in the utility model described in the claims and their equivalents. It is apparent that these embodiments and modifications can be partially and appropriately combined within the scope of the gist of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A handrail sterilizing device for a passenger conveyor, comprising:

a control unit for controlling the first sterilizing unit,

the control portion causes the first sterilization portion to operate for a prescribed period of time when a first period of time elapses after the first sensor senses contact with the handrail belt.

2. The handrail sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein,

the first time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when a portion of the handrail detected by the first sensor is sensed by the first sensor to when the portion reaches the first sterilizing portion.

3. The handrail sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein,

the handrail sterilizing device is also provided with a second sterilizing part for sterilizing the handrail under the railing,

the first sterilization part and the second sterilization part are arranged along the advancing direction of the handrail belt,

the control portion causes the second sterilization portion to operate for a prescribed period of time when a second period of time elapses after the first sensor senses contact with the handrail belt.

4. The handrail sterilization apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,

the second time period is a time period corresponding to a time period taken from when a portion of the handrail belt sensed by the first sensor is sensed by the first sensor to when the portion reaches the second sterilizing portion.

5. The handrail sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein,

the first sensor is a contact type or a non-contact type sensor.

6. The handrail sterilization apparatus of claim 1, wherein,

the handrail sterilizing device is further provided with a second sensor sensing contact with the handrail at an upper portion of the handrail,

the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along the advancing direction of the handrail belt,

the control unit controls the first sterilization unit according to whether the second sensor senses the presence or absence of the second sensor.

7. The handrail sterilization apparatus of claim 6, wherein,

the first sterilizing unit irradiates ultraviolet rays to the handrail belt,

the control unit controls the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilization unit according to whether the second sensor senses the presence or absence of the second sensor.

8. The handrail sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second sensor that senses contact with the handrail belt at an upper portion of the balustrade; and

a second sterilizing unit configured to sterilize the handrail under the balustrade,

the control unit controls the first sterilization unit and the second sterilization unit according to whether the second sensor senses the presence or absence of the second sensor.

9. The handrail sterilization apparatus of claim 8, wherein,

the first sterilization unit and the second sterilization unit irradiate ultraviolet rays to the handrail belt, and the control unit controls the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilization unit and the second sterilization unit according to whether the second sensor senses the handrail belt or not.