DE202020001896U1 - Disinfection of handles using UV radiation - Google Patents

Abstract

Claim for protection Arrangement for disinfection and removal of germs on surfaces of handles (door, window, etc.), characterized in that it consists of a hollow cylindrical arrangement which can be inserted / pushed over the handle to be disinfected, within the cylindrical arrangement or several UV lamps are arranged which emit radiation in the UVC range between 200-300 nm, the cylinder is provided with a handle in which the power supply, electronics and display are located.

Description

There is currently a high demand for the disinfection of surfaces which are touched by humans, in particular by the hands. Such surfaces are, for example, door handles, handles, handrails, railings, touchpads, input keyboards, cell phones, etc. The surfaces can be made of metal, plastic, glass, textiles or the like. The problem is that the surfaces are contaminated with germs in a variety of ways (e.g. pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, etc.). The contamination can occur, for example, through direct contact with another contaminated surface (e.g. hand), the ambient air or through exhaled air from people (e.g. exhalation, coughing, sneezing, etc.). Corresponding germs settle on the surfaces mentioned. Humans can absorb these germs by touching them with their hands or other parts of the body or indirectly through objects. Subsequently, contact with the mouth, nose or eyes can lead to the transmission of the germs to humans. As a result, damage / disease can occur in humans.

It is therefore necessary to disinfect surfaces that often come into contact with human skin, especially the hands. H. keep germs free. There are basically different methods for this. The surfaces mentioned above are currently being cleaned with the aid of liquid, ethanol-containing disinfectants (e.g. spraying or wiping). This method is relatively complex.

It is also known that surfaces can be disinfected by means of radiation in the UVC range between 200 and 300 nm (peaks at 220 and 270 nm). In these areas, the germs or their DNA / RNW absorb UV light and there is permanent damage to the DNA / RNA. This damage in turn means that the germ cannot multiply or die. The effect depends on the wavelength (correlates with the absorption of the light and the depth of penetration into the surface) and intensity of the light, the duration of the radiation and the medium to be disinfected. However, such UV radiation is problematic because it is harmful to the eyes and also to the human skin. There are a number of arrangements that cause disinfection based on UV radiation sources (e.g. UV medium / low pressure lamps, LEDs, UV tubes).

• Es besteht die Patentschrift DE 10 2016 013 087 A1 , welche eine Türklinke beschreibt, die den Griff durch eine bewegte Einheit desinfiziert. Dabei erfolgt die Desinfektion durch UV-Licht und wird über die Griffanordnung bewegt. Diese Anordnung hat den Nachteil, dass sie stationär eingesetzt wird und für den Einsatz eine aufwendige Umrüstung der Türgriffe erfolgen muss. Des Weiteren werden das Design und die Form des Türgriffes vorgegeben. Solch eine Vorrichtung könnte insbesondere in medizinischen Einrichtungen Anwendung finden, aber nicht für den breiten Gebrauch. Weiterhin ist die Patentschrift DE 699 12 849 T2 bekannt, welche ein tragbares Gerät zur Desinfektion von kleinen Gegenständen über eine Blitzlampe beschreibt. Diese Anordnung ist für kleine Gegenstände, die im Innenraum arretiert werden anwendbar.
• So ist bspw. auch eine Desinfektionsvorrichtung für Innenräume bspw. für Geschirrspüler bekannt ( DE 20 2012 102 250 U1 ). Des Weiteren sind Patentschriften bekannt, welche sich mit der Desinfektion von Oberflächen und Raumluft befassen ( DE 20 2017 100 914 U1 ). Die Patentschrift DE 20 2018 103 840.0 beschreibt die Desinfektion von textilen Gegenständen, bspw. Kleidung. Die Patentaschrift DE 20 2019 002 973 beschäftigt sich mit der UV-Desinfektion für Küchen, insbesondere eine besondere geometrische Anordnung zur Desinfektion von Küchenschwämmen mit UV-Strahlung.
• Es ist weiterhin die Gebrauchsmusterschrift DE 20 2019 003 728 U1 bekannt, welche ein mobiles Schimmelbeseitigungsgerät, was auf der Basis von UV-Strahlung arbeitet, beschreibt.

A patent search was carried out with the online database of the DPMA. Some relevant patent applications and utility model applications were found during this search:

• There is the patent specification DE 10 2016 013 087 A1 , which describes a door handle that disinfects the handle by a moving unit. Disinfection is carried out using UV light and is moved using the handle arrangement. This arrangement has the disadvantage that it is used in a stationary manner and that the door handles have to be retrofitted for use. The design and shape of the door handle are also specified. Such a device could be used in particular in medical facilities, but not for widespread use. Furthermore, the patent DE 699 12 849 T2 known, which describes a portable device for disinfecting small objects using a flash lamp. This arrangement is applicable for small items that are locked in the interior.
• For example, a disinfection device for interiors, for example for dishwashers, is also known ( DE 20 2012 102 250 U1 ). Furthermore, patents are known which deal with the disinfection of surfaces and indoor air ( DE 20 2017 100 914 U1 ). The patent DE 20 2018 103 840.0 describes the disinfection of textile objects, e.g. clothing. The patent specification DE 20 2019 002 973 deals with UV disinfection for kitchens, in particular a special geometric arrangement for disinfecting kitchen sponges with UV radiation.
• It is still the utility model DE 20 2019 003 728 U1 known, which describes a mobile mold removal device, which works on the basis of UV radiation.

These arrangements are not suitable for safely and efficiently disinfecting handles, door handles, handrails or the like with the aid of a portable, simple device and at the same time being radiation-proof for people to work.

goal

The subject of the present utility model application is to develop a handy device which can be carried by humans without any problems and which enables surfaces of door handles, window handles, handrails, backrests or the like to be disinfected easily before use. It must be ensured that there is no damage to the human eye or skin during use.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in that the device consists of a hollow cylindrical Arrangement with a diameter between 10 and 200 mm, usually about 50 mm, and on the inside of which one or more UV lamps with a wavelength range between 200 and 300 nm are attached. These radiators can be arranged geometrically in one or more lines or can be evenly distributed on the inside. One side of the hollow cylinder also has an opening for introducing the object to be disinfected (e.g. handle) and on the other side of the hollow cylinder there is a handle for the arrangement in which the power supply, the electronics and a display are located. The material of the arrangement can be plastic, metal and flexible rubber. In the case of a flexible rubber or other plastic, the shape of the arrangement can be changed so that it adapts to different geometries (diameter, length, shape) z. B. can adjust the handle. The opening of the cylinder can be open or can also be provided with opaque bristles, so that the device can easily be slipped onto a handle, for example, and there is no danger to the user or other persons due to escaping UV radiation. Batteries or rechargeable batteries for power supply are installed in the handle of the device. In the case of a built-in battery, there is usually a charging socket at the end of the handle. Alternatively, the device can also be charged inductively. The UV lamps are usually UV LEDs in the wavelength range 200 - 300 nm.

Thus, the arrangement can easily be placed over a surface to be disinfected (e.g. handle). The UV radiation is switched on for a time between 1 and 120 s. The device can then be removed. The radiation can be switched on and off manually via a switch or via an automatism with a timer, which allows the radiation time to be set. The intensity can also be controlled via a switch. Electronics is usually located inside the handle; this can control the switching on and off (irradiation time and intensity) accordingly. There are usually displays and / or acoustic signals and / or a vibration unit on the device, which indicate that the radiation is taking place and / or signal the successfully completed radiation process and the state of charge. Furthermore, it is possible for a distance sensor to measure the optimal position of the arrangement on the surface to be disinfected (for example a handle) and to indicate via a display whether it is in the center of the handle or not. Furthermore, the radiation can be switched on and off as a safety function via the distance measurement, i. H. the radiation only takes place when the cylinder is above the surface to be disinfected. It is also possible that one or more sensors on the outer and inner surface, which operate in the visible and / or infrared range, measure the light intensity and only switch on the UV radiation from a predetermined ratio of the signals. This is to guarantee that the UV lamps in the cylinder are on a surface to be disinfected and that no radiation penetrates outside. Furthermore, a sensor can be attached in the inner part of the cylinder, which works in the UV and / or VIS and / or IR range and a corresponding excitation (e.g. LED), which works in the UV and / or VIS and / or IR Area radiates, the sensor measures the signal reflected by the surface to be disinfected and uses this signal to set the optimal irradiation time or intensity using an algorithm or does not carry out irradiation, e.g. B. if the material is not suitable for radiation.

It is also possible that the handle is designed with or without electronics, with or without sensors, so that another UV radiation unit, e.g. B. a panel for individual disinfection of surfaces can be replaced.

Due to mutations, new germs with different properties (e.g. resistance to UV) can form. Therefore, the arrangement should also be able to adapt to the respective situation if, for example, the required radiation doses and times change. This is partly due to the fact that new investigation and research results are constantly available on this problem. It is therefore provided that the required irradiation parameters can be changed both manually and via a remote service via a data transmission interface, which can be entered into the electronic system.

The arrangement is shown on a drawing.

Reference symbol list

1 -

to brush

2 -

UV lamp

3 -

Hollow cylinder with UV lamps

4 -

Protection sensors

5 -

Handle from the device

6 -

battery pack

7 -

display

8th -

electronics

9 -

Charging port

10 -

object to be disinfected, e.g. door handle

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102016013087 A1 [0004]
• DE 69912849 T2 [0004]
• DE 202012102250 U1 [0004]
• DE 202017100914 U1 [0004]
• DE 202018103840 [0004]
• DE 202019002973 [0004]
• DE 202019003728 U1 [0004]

Claims (15)

Claim for protection Arrangement for disinfection and removal of germs on surfaces of handles (door, window, etc.), characterized in that it consists of a hollow cylindrical arrangement which can be inserted / pushed over the handle to be disinfected, within the cylindrical arrangement or several UV lamps are arranged which emit radiation in the UVC range between 200-300 nm, the cylinder is provided with a handle in which the power supply, electronics and display are located. Protection claim arrangement according to point 1, characterized in that the UV lamps are UV LEDs in the range from 200 to 300 nm. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1 and 2, characterized in that the hollow cylinder consists of a flexible material and thus can adapt its shape to different surfaces. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1 to 3, characterized in that a brush-like finish is applied to the open front part, which on the one hand allows the cylinder to be placed over the handle without any problems and on the other hand prevents the escape of UV radiation. Protection claim arrangement according to point 1 - 4, characterized in that the UV lamp is switched on and off via a switch. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1-5, characterized in that the arrangement has a controller for controlling the intensity of UV radiation. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1-6, characterized in that the device contains a controller that regulates and / or determines the duration of the UV radiation. Protection claim arrangement according to point 1 - 7, characterized in that the charge status of the power supply is indicated by one or more LEDs or a display. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1-8, characterized in that the treatment with UV radiation is indicated by an LED and / or an acoustic signal and / or a display and / or the end of the required radiation duration via an LED and / or an acoustic Sensor and / or a display is signaled after completion of the treatment. Protection claim arrangement according to point 1 - 9, characterized in that the arrangement has one or more sensors which automatically switch on and off when placed on the handle to be disinfected. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1-10, characterized in that the arrangement can be charged via the batteries with a charging electronics located at the closed end of the cylinder or inductively. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1-11, characterized in that the arrangement contains a distance sensor inside the cylinder that determines the optimal position of the handle and electronics that determine the radiation in terms of duration and intensity. Protection claim arrangement according to point 1 - 12, characterized in that the hollow cylindrical arrangement with the internal UV lamps are interchangeably attached to the handle. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1-13, characterized in that the arrangement has an interface for adjusting the parameters intensity and / or radiation time. Protection claim arrangement according to items 1-16, characterized in that a radiator in the VIS and / or IR is attached to the inside of the cylinder and a photodiode in the VIS and / or IR sensitivity range, which measures radiation reflected from the surface.

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