JP2011073874A - Device for sterilizing handrail of escalator or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilizing device capable of effectively sterilizing a handrail of an escalator or a moving sidewalk, etc., more particularly, retaining the sterilizing effect during working time of the escalator, etc. <P>SOLUTION: This sterilizing device is each of sterilizing devices 200A and 200B provided in the vicinities of portions through which the rotating handrails 106A and 106B of the escalator 100 pass. Each of the sterilizing devices 200A and 200B includes an ultraviolet ray sterilizing lamp emitting ultraviolet ray for sterilization by power supply from a prescribed power source, and a body 204A of equipment, etc. as a holding means for holding the ultraviolet ray sterilizing lamp. The ultraviolet ray sterilizing lamp is constituted of first, second and third ultraviolet ray sterilizing lamps. The body 204A of equipment holds the first ultraviolet ray sterilizing lamp along a direction orthogonal to a rotating direction of the hand rail 106A in the vicinity of an outer peripheral surface side constituting a main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A, etc., and holds the second and third ultraviolet ray sterilizing lamps along a direction parallel to the rotating direction in the vicinity of each side of both side surfaces of the main surface of the handrail 106A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a handrail sterilizer such as an escalator and a moving sidewalk, and more particularly to a sterilizer that sterilizes the handrail by irradiating electromagnetic waves such as ultraviolet rays.

  In recent years, new types of influenza, such as bird flu and swine flu, have become widespread worldwide, and in Japan, in particular, there have been serious social problems such as the death of patients with new types of swine flu.

  Not only these new types of influenza, but also respiratory infections such as influenza, along with the infection route (air infection) due to droplets such as sneezing and coughing of the patient, the patient touched or sneezing / The infection route (contact infection) caused by other people touching something with coughs and other droplets and touching their nose or eating something with their hands is a problem. It is said that it is effective in preventing infection by masking when going out to the crowd and washing hands with gargle or soap after returning to the crowd. Reference 1).

  From 2008 to 2009, the new swine flu-type influenza mentioned above became a major global problem, and in 2009, there were several serious cases of patient deaths in Japan. Effective prevention measures against the infection are urgently needed, but as mentioned above, masks should be used when going out to the crowd, and hand washing with gargle or soap etc. should be done after going home. It was the actual situation that only preventive measures as an individual were proposed.

  Therefore, infection prevention measures as a system not only from the individual side but also from the society side (public facilities side) for such infectious diseases are eagerly desired.

JP 2005-279226 A

  The present inventor conducted intensive research on infection prevention measures as a system from the social side (facility side, etc.), particularly in the contact route, among the above-mentioned infection routes. As an important opportunity for contact infection in people, we came up with the possibility of escalator belts (hereinafter referred to as handrails) at stations such as trains and subways, and at multi-storey facilities such as department stores. These escalator handrails are provided for safety on both the left and right sides on which a person rides, and almost all escalator passengers including children place at least one hand. Moreover, it is normal for an adult to board while holding the handrail firmly by placing a thumb or little finger on the left and right sides as well as placing the palm on the top of the handrail. Therefore, the infected person may grab the side of the handrail with the thumb or little finger touching the nose as well as placing the palm with splashes due to his cough or sneezing on top of the handrail, The degree of contact or the spread of bacteria and viruses is very high.

  And passengers of these escalators spend their time traveling to the workplace or home by train or subway, or shopping at a department store, etc. There must be many opportunities to touch.

  Thus, while it is a handrail for escalators and the like that are dangerous (in the sense of infection route), it has traditionally been cleaned during non-operating hours of escalators, including the meaning of cleaning rather than disinfection and sterilization. The staff had only wiped the handrail with a wiping cloth soaked in alcohol for disinfection and cleaned it (disinfection / sterilization).

  However, when a cleaning person wipes and cleans (disinfects and disinfects) a handrail with a wiping cloth soaked in alcohol for disinfection in this way, the corrosion of the handrail proceeds due to the alcohol component, and it takes about 2-3 years. There is a need to replace the handrail with a new one, but there was a major problem in terms of cost, such as the cost of over 2 million yen for the replacement (purchasing cost of new handrail and replacement work). In addition, even if the handrail is wiped and cleaned with a wiping cloth soaked in alcohol liquid for disinfection, the disinfection and sterilization effect does not last, and if the alcohol is completely dried, the effect will almost disappear, During the time when the escalator was in operation and many people were touching the handrail, we could not expect anything other than the cleaning effect of removing dirt.

  The above problem applies not only to escalators, but also to handrails on moving walkways that have no so-called height difference.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization apparatus that can effectively sterilize handrails such as escalators and moving sidewalks, and in particular, can maintain the sterilization effect during operation time of escalators and the like. .

  The inventor pays attention to the property that the handrail rotates at a constant period during the operation time of the escalator and the like, and the handrail passes through the same part for each rotation. The present inventors have found a novel sterilization apparatus that can be automatically sterilized without being required and can maintain the sterilization effect in a high state during the operation time of the escalator.

  Moreover, the structure which attaches the sterilizer to an escalator etc. so that a handrail can be continuously continued and sterilized, without disturbing a passenger during the operation time of an escalator etc. was also discovered.

  That is, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a sterilization apparatus provided in the vicinity of a location where an escalator or a moving handrail of a moving sidewalk passes, and sterilizing electromagnetic waves are supplied by power supply from a predetermined power source. At least one electromagnetic wave generating means that emits and the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating means is held in the vicinity so that at least the outer peripheral surface constituting the main surface of the rotating handrail is irradiated. And holding means.

  Here, it is preferable that the sterilizing electromagnetic wave is ultraviolet light, and the electromagnetic wave generating means is constituted by an ultraviolet sterilizing lamp.

  Further, the ultraviolet sterilizing lamp may have a shape capable of directly irradiating the outer peripheral surface side constituting the main surface of the rotating handrail and both side surfaces of the main surface.

  Further, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is composed of three lamps, a first lamp, a second lamp and a third lamp, and the holding means places the first lamp in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface constituting the main surface. The second lamp and the third lamp may be held along a direction parallel to the rotational direction in the vicinity of each side of the both side surfaces. .

  Furthermore, a shielding means may be provided for shielding the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet sterilization lamp from being applied to the escalator or a moving sidewalk passenger.

  The shielding means may shield the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet sterilization lamp from entering the eyes of the escalator or a moving sidewalk passenger.

  According to the present invention, the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating means is irradiated at least on the outer peripheral surface side constituting the main surface of the rotating hand rail in the vicinity of the location where the rotating hand rail of the escalator or moving sidewalk passes. Since the electromagnetic wave generation means is held in the vicinity as described above, the handrails rotate during the operation time of the escalator or the moving sidewalk and pass through the vicinity, so that at least the entire length of the handrail is reached. Sterilization can be performed by automatically irradiating the outer peripheral surface side with electromagnetic waves for sterilization. Therefore, the handrail can be effectively sterilized during the operation time of the escalator and the moving sidewalk. Further, since the sterilizing electromagnetic wave is irradiated every time the handrail is rotated, the sterilizing effect can be maintained. In addition, since it irradiates at least the outer peripheral surface that constitutes the main surface of the handrail, it is possible to effectively sterilize the main surface (the upper surface of the handrail when the passenger puts his hand) where the passenger's palm is usually placed. is there.

  Here, ultraviolet rays are used as the sterilizing electromagnetic wave, and the electromagnetic wave generating means is constituted by an ultraviolet sterilizing lamp, so that a sterilizing apparatus can be constructed relatively easily and at low cost using an existing ultraviolet sterilizing lamp. .

  In addition, by making the UV germicidal lamp in such a shape that it can directly irradiate the outer peripheral surface side and the both side surfaces thereof, not only the outer peripheral surface side but also the both side surfaces are automatically covered over the entire length of the handrail. It can be sterilized by irradiating it with ultraviolet rays. As such a shape, for example, a semicircular shape, an arc shape, or a semirectangular shape can be considered. Further, for example, the semi-rectangular shape may be constituted by one ultraviolet sterilizing lamp or may be constituted by three ultraviolet sterilizing lamps. As a result, not only the outer peripheral surface that forms the main surface of the handrail, but also the side surfaces that the passenger normally holds with the thumb or little finger (both sides of the handrail when the passenger puts their hands) are effectively used. It can be sterilized.

  Further, the ultraviolet sterilization lamp is composed of first, second and third three lamps, and the first lamp is held by the holding means in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface side of the handrail along the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction. Since the second and third ramps are held along the direction parallel to the direction of rotation in the vicinity of the both sides of the handrail, the main surface (passenger's palm) is usually placed. In addition to being able to irradiate and sterilize the upper surface of the handrail when placing a hand, it is possible to irradiate and sterilize without leakage, and both sides that the passenger holds with their thumbs and little fingers (both sides of the handrail when the passenger puts their hands) Can be irradiated and sterilized for a longer time in the same single pass.

  Furthermore, since the shielding means for shielding the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet germicidal lamp from being irradiated to the escalator or the passenger on the moving sidewalk is provided, it is possible to eliminate the influence on the health of the passenger.

  In addition, since the shielding means is configured to shield the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet germicidal lamp from entering the eyes of the escalator or the passenger on the moving sidewalk, it is possible to eliminate the influence on the passenger's eye health. Furthermore, the aesthetics of facilities such as escalators around the sterilizer are not impaired.

It is a perspective view showing the whole escalator composition to which the sterilizer concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention was applied. It is a figure which shows the structure of the ultraviolet sterilization lamp of the sterilizer of FIG. 1, and its holding means (housing | casing). It is a figure which shows the structure of the ultraviolet sterilization lamp of the sterilizer which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  A sterilization apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an escalator to which a sterilizer according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  An escalator 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an escalator used for ascending and descending from an upper floor to a lower floor or from a lower floor to an upper floor in a station such as a normal department store or a subway. Here, it is shown as an escalator for descending from the upper floor to the lower floor.

  The escalator 100 includes side walls 102A and 102B that are erected on both the left and right sides, handrails 106A and 106B that circulate and rotate along the side walls 102A and 102B, and passengers standing on the side rails. It has step 104 for conveying, and the raising / lowering part 108 from which a passenger raises / lowers to step 104 from there. The side walls 102A and 102B are formed of a transparent glass plate or an acrylic plate for facilitating the discovery of dangerous situations such as emergency situations, explosives, etc. when a passenger such as a child falls or is sandwiched between steps 104. Has been. The handrails 106A and 106B rotate and rotate endlessly along the side walls 102A and 102B at approximately the same speed as the moving speed of step 104, and are usually made of an elastic plastic material or rubber material. In this embodiment, it is made of an elastic plastic material. In this embodiment, since the escalator 100 is for descending from the upper floor to the lower floor, the handrails 106A and 106B are slidably rotated along the side walls 102A and 102B in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. Rotate).

  Here, in this embodiment, sterilizers 200 </ b> A and 200 </ b> B are provided in the vicinity of locations where the handrails 106 </ b> A and 106 </ b> B through which the escalator 100 rotates pass, respectively, and provided close to the elevating unit 108. As will be described later, each sterilizer 200A, 200B constitutes an electromagnetic wave generating means that emits ultraviolet rays as a sterilizing electromagnetic wave by supplying power from a predetermined power source, and the main surfaces of the handrails 200A, 200B to which this electromagnetic wave rotates. And holding means for holding the electromagnetic wave generating means at the above vicinity so as to be irradiated to the outer peripheral surface side. That is, in this embodiment, the sterilizing electromagnetic wave is ultraviolet light, and the electromagnetic wave generating means is constituted by an ultraviolet sterilizing lamp. In FIG. 1, the ultraviolet sterilization lamps of the sterilization apparatuses 200A and 200B are not shown.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing the configuration of the ultraviolet sterilization lamp holding means (housing) and the ultraviolet sterilization lamp in each of the sterilization apparatuses 200A and 200B of FIG. For convenience of explanation, only the configuration of the sterilizing apparatus 200A will be described. The sterilizing apparatus 200B is the same as the sterilizing apparatus 200A except that the arrangement of the ultraviolet sterilizing lamp, the lighting unit, the power cord, and the like is symmetrical.

  The sterilizing apparatus 200A has a housing 204A as a holding unit that holds an ultraviolet sterilizing lamp 202A as an electromagnetic wave generating unit in a vicinity where the handrail 106A passes. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 204A is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section, and the three inner surfaces 2041A, 2042A, and 2043A are the outer peripheral surface side and the both side surfaces 1062A constituting the main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A. , 1063A are arranged close to each other. In the present embodiment, on the inner side surface 2041A close to the outer peripheral surface side constituting the main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A, along the width direction of the handrail 106A (direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the handrail 106A), One hollow rod-shaped ultraviolet sterilizing lamp 202A is held. That is, the ultraviolet sterilizing lamp 202A is held and attached so that the outer peripheral surface of the main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays by the housing 204A as a holding means. The ultraviolet sterilizing lamp 202A is connected to the lighting unit 2022A via a cord 2021A, and further connected to a normal AC power source by a plug 2024A at the tip of the power cord 2023A, thereby irradiating ultraviolet rays. . Note that the irradiation may be switched ON and OFF by a switch (not shown) provided in the lighting unit 2022A. Here, the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the ultraviolet sterilization lamp 202A are of sufficient strength to sterilize target bacteria and viruses.

  According to the present embodiment, in the vicinity of the location where the rotating handrail 106A of the escalator 100 passes, the outer surface of the main surface 1061A of the rotating handrail 106A is irradiated with ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet germicidal lamp 202A. Since the ultraviolet sterilization lamp 202A is held in the vicinity so that the escalator 100 is irradiated, the handrail 106A is rotated during the operation time of the escalator 100 and passes through the vicinity, thereby extending the entire length of the handrail 106A. Thus, at least the outer peripheral surface side can be sterilized by automatically irradiating the sterilizing electromagnetic wave. Therefore, the handrail 106A can be effectively sterilized during the operation time of the escalator 100. Further, since the irradiation of the sterilizing electromagnetic wave is performed every time the handrail 106A is rotated, the sterilizing effect can be maintained. In addition, since at least the outer peripheral surface side constituting the main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A is irradiated, the main surface 1061A (the upper surface of the handrail when the occupant puts his / her hand) is usually effective. It can be sterilized. Further, by using ultraviolet light as the sterilizing electromagnetic wave and the electromagnetic wave generating means by the ultraviolet sterilizing lamp 202A, the sterilizing apparatus 200A can be configured relatively easily and at low cost by using an existing ultraviolet sterilizing lamp. it can.

  As a modification, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp may have a shape that can directly irradiate the outer peripheral surface side constituting the main surface 1061A of the rotating handrail 106A and the both side surfaces 1062A and 1063A of the main surface 1061A. good. For example, unlike the single hollow rod-shaped ultraviolet germicidal lamp 202A shown in FIG. 2, a U-shaped lamp disposed along three surfaces of the inner side surfaces 2041A, 2042A, and 2043A, and a half disposed substantially along these three surfaces. A circular or arc lamp may be used. Further, for example, the U-shaped lamp may be constituted by one ultraviolet sterilizing lamp or may be constituted by three ultraviolet sterilizing lamps.

  In this way, the outer peripheral surface constituting the main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A and the side surfaces 1062A and 1063A of the main surface 1061A can be directly irradiated, so that the outer periphery extends over the entire length of the handrail 106A. In addition to the surface side, both side surfaces 1062A and 1063A can be automatically sterilized by irradiating with ultraviolet rays. Thereby, not only the outer peripheral surface side constituting the main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A but also both side surfaces (both side surfaces of the handrail when the passenger puts his hand) 1062A which the passenger normally holds with his thumb or little finger etc. 1063A can be effectively sterilized.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ultraviolet sterilization lamp of the sterilization apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the sterilization apparatus 300A according to the present embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization lamp includes three lamps, a first lamp 301, a second lamp 302, and a third lamp 303, and a housing 310 serving as a holding unit includes: The first lamp 301 is held in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface constituting the main surface 1061A of the handrail 106A along the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the handrail 106A (this is the same as in the first embodiment). The second lamp 302 is held in the vicinity of the side surface 1062A side of the handrail 106A along the direction parallel to the rotation direction, and the third lamp 303 is held on the other side surface 1063A side of the handrail 106A. It is comprised so that it may hold | maintain in the vicinity in the direction parallel to the said rotation direction.

  That is, the first lamp 301 is held on the inner side surface 2041A along the width direction of the handrail 106A (direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the handrail 106A). The second lamp 302 is held on the inner side surface 2042A (inside the inner side surface 2042A) along a direction parallel to the rotation direction of the handrail 106A. Further, the third lamp 303 is held on the inner side surface 2043A (inside the inner side surface 2043A) along a direction parallel to the rotation direction of the handrail 106A.

  According to the present embodiment, the ultraviolet sterilization lamp is composed of three lamps, that is, a first lamp 301, a second lamp 302, and a third lamp 303, and the first lamp 301 is provided by the housing 310 serving as a holding unit. Is held in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface side of the handrail 106A along the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction, and the second and third lamps 302 and 303 are placed in the vicinity of the respective sides 1062A and 1063A of the handrail 106A. Since it is held along the direction parallel to the rotation direction, it is possible to irradiate and sterilize the main surface (the upper surface of the handrail when the passenger puts his hand) 1061A normally without leakage. In addition, both sides (both sides of the handrail when the passenger puts his / her hand) 1062A and 1063A, which the passenger holds with his thumb or little finger, are irradiated and killed for a longer time in the same pass. Possible it is.

  As a modification of the first and second embodiments described above, a shielding means may be provided for shielding ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet sterilization lamp from being irradiated to the passenger of the escalator 100. Further, the shielding means may shield the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet germicidal lamp from entering the eyes of the passenger of the escalator 100.

  According to such a modification, since the shielding means for shielding the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet germicidal lamp from being irradiated to the passenger of the escalator 100 is provided, it is possible to eliminate the influence on the health of the passenger. In addition, since the shielding means is configured to shield the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet germicidal lamp from entering the eyes of the passenger of the escalator 100, it is possible to eliminate the influence on the health of the passenger's eyes, The appearance of equipment such as the escalator 100 around the sterilizer is not impaired.

  As an embodiment for obtaining the same operational effect as this last modification, the sterilizer 200A or 300A similar to the first or second embodiment is provided below the escalator 100, for example, below the side walls 102A and 102B (the escalator 100 It is good also as an embodiment arrange | positioned in the same place as the arrangement | positioning place of this drive mechanism. Thereby, since the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet sterilization lamp are not irradiated to the passenger of the escalator 100, it is possible to eliminate the influence on the health of the passenger. Further, since the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet sterilization lamp do not enter the eyes of the passenger of the escalator 100, it is possible to eliminate the influence on the health of the passenger's eyes, and the escalator 100 and the like around the sterilization apparatus. Does not impair the beauty of the equipment Such a form is desirable for an escalator sterilization apparatus such as a department store.

  While the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

  For example, in the above embodiment, sterilization is performed by irradiating ultraviolet rays onto the handrail on which the escalator rotates, but the same sterilization apparatus can be applied to a handrail on a moving sidewalk.

  In addition, it should be installed in the vicinity of a place where an escalator or a moving handrail passes on a moving sidewalk, and the handrail rotates to automatically irradiate electromagnetic waves that sterilize over the entire length of the handrail. For example, other than ultraviolet rays, other electromagnetic waves such as an electron beam may be irradiated.

  The present invention is not limited to a sterilization apparatus that is installed in the vicinity of a place where an escalator or a moving handrail of a moving sidewalk passes and irradiates the handrail with ultraviolet rays as in the above-described embodiment. If there is no escalator or a moving sidewalk where the rotating handrail passes, and the handrail rotates, it automatically irradiates electromagnetic waves that sterilize over the entire length of the handrail. For example, the present invention can be widely applied to other sterilization apparatuses that irradiate an electron beam or the like.

100 escalator, 102A, 102B side wall,
106A, 106B handrail, 104 steps,
108 Elevator, 200A, 200B Sterilizer,
202A UV germicidal lamp, 204A housing,
2041A, 2042A, 2043A inner surface, 1061A main surface,
1062A, 1063A side surface,

Claims (6)

  A sterilization apparatus provided in the vicinity of a location where an escalator or a moving handrail of a moving sidewalk passes, at least one electromagnetic wave generating means for generating a sterilizing electromagnetic wave by supplying power from a predetermined power source, and the electromagnetic wave generating means And a holding means for holding the electromagnetic wave generating means in the vicinity so that at least the outer peripheral surface constituting the main surface of the rotating handrail is irradiated with the electromagnetic wave generated by the sterilization apparatus. .   The sterilizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sterilizing electromagnetic wave is ultraviolet light, and the electromagnetic wave generating means is constituted by an ultraviolet sterilizing lamp.   The sterilizing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet sterilizing lamp has a shape capable of directly irradiating the outer peripheral surface side constituting the main surface of the rotating handrail and both side surfaces of the main surface. .   The ultraviolet sterilizing lamp is composed of three lamps, a first lamp, a second lamp and a third lamp, and the holding means moves the first lamp near the outer peripheral surface constituting the main surface in the rotation direction. The second and third lamps are held in the vicinity of each side of the both side surfaces along a direction parallel to the rotation direction. The sterilizer according to claim 3.   5. The sterilizer according to claim 2, further comprising a shielding unit configured to shield the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet sterilization lamp from being applied to a passenger on the escalator or a moving sidewalk.   6. The sterilizing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the shielding means shields ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet sterilizing lamp from entering the eyes of the escalator or a moving sidewalk passenger.

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