JP6235499B2 - Passenger conveyor handrail sterilizer and passenger conveyor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a novel handrail sterilizer for passenger conveyors, and more particularly to a handrail sterilizer for passenger conveyors that sterilizes the surface of an endless handrail that moves around.

  Passenger conveyors such as escalators and moving walkways are generally provided with endless moving handrails (handrails) that move in synchronization with the steps on both sides of the step where the user stands. This handrail is for gripping passengers who get on and off the step and passengers on the step. For safety reasons, the passenger must always hold the handrail while using the passenger conveyor. Is desirable.

  However, since the passenger conveyor is used by an unspecified number of people, there are also users who do not want to touch the handrail gripped by an unspecified number of users. In recent years, the importance of preventing infections such as influenza has been widely recognized, and in recent times hygiene has increased, there are few users who are concerned about infection via the handrail and avoid touching the handrail. It is not considered.

  The fact that dirt is attached to the handrail with the use of the passenger conveyor is also recognized by the main body providing the passenger conveyor, and it is common that the handrail of the passenger conveyor is regularly cleaned with a dust cloth. It is. However, since the rag itself has no sterilizing effect, if the handrail is cleaned with a rag, even if bacteria and viruses attached to the handrail can be removed, the result is that unless the rag is frequently replaced or washed. In some cases, bacteria and viruses attached to the rag can spread throughout the handrail. Therefore, it is desirable to add a function of positively sterilizing.

  In view of such circumstances, it has been proposed to form a coating layer having a photocatalytic function on the surface of a handrail of a passenger conveyor (Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-26448 A

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, since organic substances and inorganic gases are decomposed by the photocatalytic function, it is considered that an antifouling function and a sterilizing function can be imparted to the handrail. However, when a coating layer having a photocatalytic function is formed on the surface of the handrail, the coating layer and the main body of the handrail are always in contact with each other. There is a concern that it may act on the handrail body composed of a rubber material or an organic polymer material as well as against dirt adhering to the surface, and promote the deterioration of the handrail.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the handrail sterilizer of a passenger conveyor which can suppress deterioration of the handrail by the effect | action of a photocatalyst, applying the sterilization effect by a photocatalyst to a handrail. Moreover, the passenger conveyor provided with this handrail sterilizer is provided.

A first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for sterilizing an endless handrail that moves around in synchronism with the steps of a passenger conveyor,
An endless photocatalyst sheet having a first surface on which a photocatalyst is supported, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the photocatalyst sheet can be moved around in contact with the second surface A photocatalyst contact means for bringing the photocatalyst into contact with the surface of the handrail by bringing the first surface into contact with the surface of the handrail while rotating the photocatalyst sheet around,
Water supply means for supplying water to the first surface;
Having at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode having an emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm, and having photocatalyst excitation means for exciting the photocatalyst by ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode in a region of the first surface where water is attached This is a handrail sterilizer for passenger conveyors.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the photocatalyst excitation means irradiates ultraviolet light from the first surface side to the region of the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet that is not in contact with the handrail. The photocatalyst carried on the surface of 1 can be excited.

  1st aspect of this invention WHEREIN: A water supply means can be made into the form which supplies water to the area | region which is not contacting the handrail among the 1st surfaces of a photocatalyst sheet.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the photocatalyst sheet transmits ultraviolet light irradiated from the photocatalyst excitation unit, and the photocatalyst excitation unit is in contact with the region of the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet that is in contact with the handrail. By irradiating ultraviolet light from the second surface side, the photocatalyst supported on the first surface can be excited.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the water supply means is configured such that water is supplied to the first surface in contact with the surface of the handrail by attaching water to the surface of the handrail before contacting the photocatalyst sheet. It is also possible. In this form, the water supply means may be a high-pressure water washing means for washing the surface of the handrail by spraying pressurized water onto the surface of the handrail before contacting the photocatalyst sheet. It is.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the circular movement of the photocatalytic sheet is performed so that the movement of the first surface is synchronized with the movement of the surface of the handrail. The roller may drive the circular movement of the photocatalytic sheet, or the handrail may drive the circular movement of the photocatalytic sheet by contact between the photocatalytic sheet and the handrail.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to further include a draining means for removing water remaining on the surface of the handrail after the handrail comes into contact with the photocatalytic sheet from the surface of the handrail. In this form, the draining means may have a scraper arranged so as to contact the surface of the handrail.

  1st aspect of this invention WHEREIN: It is preferable to further have a water receiver which receives and collects the water supplied from the water supply means. In such a form, the water purifier further purifies the water collected in the water receiver by at least filtration, and the water that has passed through the water purifier is again sprayed from the high-pressure water washing means onto the surface of the handrail. It can be set as a handrail sterilizer. The water purification apparatus has one or more deep ultraviolet light sources having an emission wavelength of 260 to 320 nm, and irradiates water passing through the water purification apparatus with deep ultraviolet light emitted from the deep ultraviolet light source, thereby purifying water. It is preferred to sterilize the water passing through the device.

  1st aspect of this invention WHEREIN: It further has a sensor which detects the passenger who gets into a passenger conveyor, and the control part which starts and complete | finishes operation | movement of a passenger conveyor, and a control part is a hand by detecting a passenger. A mode in which the operation of the rail sterilizer is started and the operation of the hand rail sterilizer is stopped when the sensor does not detect a passenger for a predetermined time can be preferably adopted. In such a form, the predetermined time is preferably a time required for the endless handrail to move around at least once.

  The second aspect of the present invention includes a step of placing and moving a passenger, a pair of endless handrails arranged on both sides of the step and moving around in synchronism with the step, and the first aspect of the present invention It is a passenger conveyor characterized by having the handrail sterilizer concerning.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the handrail cleaning of a passenger conveyor that can suppress the deterioration of the handrail due to the action of the photocatalyst while applying the antifouling and antibacterial action by the photocatalyst to the handrail. An apparatus can be provided.

  The passenger conveyor according to the second aspect of the present invention has the handrail sterilizer according to the first aspect of the present invention, so that the anti-stain and antibacterial action by the photocatalyst is applied to the handrail, while the action of the photocatalyst. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the handrail due to.

It is a schematic structure figure of passenger conveyor 100 to which handrail sterilizer 40 concerning one embodiment of the present invention is applied. 3 is a schematic view of a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 30. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates typically the handrail sterilizer 40 arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 12b of the lower floor of the passenger conveyor 100. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates typically handrail sterilizer 40 concerning one embodiment. It is CC sectional drawing of FIG. 4, Comprising: It is a figure which illustrates typically the photocatalyst sheet 61 and the photocatalyst excitation means 80. FIG. FIG. 6 is a DD arrow view of FIG. 4. It is the EE arrow line view of FIG. FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line FF in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the control unit 50 is shown without being omitted. It is a flowchart explaining process routine S10 which controls the driving | operation of the handrail sterilizer 40. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates typically handrail sterilizer 40 'concerning other one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view showing only the handrail 30, the guide rail 31, the photocatalyst sheet 61 ', and the photocatalyst excitation means 80' in the CC sectional view of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates typically handrail sterilizer 40 '' concerning other one embodiments. It is CC sectional drawing of FIG. 13, Comprising: It is a figure which illustrates typically water supply means (also high pressure water washing means) 70 ''.

  The above-mentioned operation and gain of the present invention will be clarified from embodiments for carrying out the invention described below. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these forms. In the drawing, some symbols may be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a passenger conveyor 100 to which a handrail sterilizer 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Passenger conveyor 100 is an escalator that transports passengers between upper and lower floors. The passenger conveyor 100 includes a support structure 11 made of, for example, a metal plate that supports the entire passenger conveyor from below. The support structure portion 11 includes an upper support structure portion 11a disposed at the entrance / exit 12a on the upper floor, a lower support structure portion 11b disposed at the entrance / exit 12b on the lower floor, and the upper support structure portion 11a and the lower support. It has the inclination support structure part 11c connected in the state which inclined between the structure parts 11b.

  In the support structure 11, a large number of steps 13, 13,... (Hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “step 13”) that move between the upper and lower floors in a continuous state are disposed. Yes. Step 13 is a member that moves with the passenger on it, and has a tread surface on which the passenger rides. In the forward path region where step 13 is exposed upward, each step 13 moves in a staircase pattern. On the other hand, in the lower return path region located in the support structure portion 11, the tread surface of each step 13 moves in a state where they are substantially in the same plane.

  A drive unit (not shown) including a motor and a speed reducer is disposed in the upper support structure portion 11a. A pair of drive sprockets 14 and 14 are connected to the drive unit on both sides in the width direction of step 13 (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1), and the pair of drive sprockets 14 and 14 are driven by the drive unit. Rotate. A passenger conveyor control panel 20 that controls the entire passenger conveyor including the drive unit is disposed in the upper support structure 11a.

  On the other hand, a pair of driven sprockets 15 and 15 are disposed on both sides in the width direction of the step 13 in the lower support structure portion 11b. A pair of endless step chains 16 and 16 are wound around a pair of drive sprockets 14 and 14 in the upper support structure 11a and a pair of driven sprockets 15 and 15 in the lower support structure 11b. Yes. Both ends of each step 13 in the width direction are connected to the pair of step chains 16 and 16, respectively. When the drive unit drives the pair of drive sprockets 14, 14, steps 13, 13,... Move down or up between the upper floor and the lower floor while forming a stepped shape. In the following description, it is assumed that the passenger conveyor 100 is in a descending operation, that is, a case where steps 13, 13,... That are stepped are moving in the direction of arrow A.

  On the support structure 11, a pair of side walls 17, 17 are erected on both sides of the step 13. The pair of side walls 17 and 17 are formed of a metal plate or a resin plate. A guide rail (not shown) is provided at the peripheral edge of the pair of column trunks 17 and 17, and the endless handrail 30 is synchronized with the movement of steps 13, 13,... Along the guide rail. Move around. It is desirable from the viewpoint of safety that the passenger stands in step 13 and uses the passenger conveyor 100 while holding the handrail 30 by hand.

  The handrail 30 exits the support structure 11 from the upper handrail entrance 18a formed in the upper part of the upper support structure 11a, and makes a U-turn at the entrance 12a on the upper floor to the upper edge of the side wall 17. Along the direction of arrow A, make a U-turn again at the lower floor entrance 12b, and enter the support structure 11 from the lower handrail entrance 18b formed at the upper part of the lower support structure 11b. It moves through the structure 11 to the upper handrail entrance 18a of the entrance 12a on the upper floor.

  A handrail sterilizer 40 is disposed in the upper support structure portion 11a and in the vicinity of the upper handrail entrance 18a. Further, the handrail sterilizer 40 is also disposed in the lower support structure portion 11b and in the vicinity of the lower handrail entrance 18b.

  Human sensors 19a and 19b for detecting that a passenger has arrived at the entrance / exit are provided at the entrance / exit 12a on the upper floor and the entrance / exit 12b on the lower floor. Each of the human sensors 19a and 19b includes a pair of support columns disposed on both sides of the entrances 12a and 12b. One of the pair of support columns has a light emitter, and the other has a light receiver. , Respectively. The light receiver is disposed so as to receive an optical signal emitted from the light emitter. The human sensors 19a and 19b detect that the passenger has come to the entrance when the light signal emitted from the light emitter toward the light receiver is blocked.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the handrail 30 of the handrail 30 included in the passenger conveyor 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the handrail 30 is formed on the surface of the endless handrail base material 32 that moves along the guide rail 31 disposed on the peripheral edge of the side wall 17, and the handrail base material 32. And a barrier coat layer 33. The handrail base material 32 is formed of a resin having sufficient strength and flexibility to maintain the shape of the handrail 30. The barrier coat layer 33 is a layer that protects the handrail base material 31 from the oxidation action of the photocatalyst while enhancing the antifouling property of the handrail 30. For example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride , Polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene-6 fluoropropylene copolymer, and perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the handrail sterilizer 40 disposed in the vicinity of the entrance 12 b on the lower floor of the passenger conveyor 100. The handrail sterilization apparatus 40 includes a sterilization unit 41, a draining means 43, a water receiver 45, a water purification apparatus 46, and a control means 50 (described later) not shown in FIG. The water purification device 46 has a water filtration device 47 and a water sterilization means 48. The water received in the water receiver 45 is led to the water filtration device 47 through the pipe 49a, and the water passed through the water filtration device 47 is led to the water tank 48 also serving as a water sterilization means through the pipe 49b. Water is re-supplied from the water sterilization means 48 to the sterilization unit 41 through the pipe 49c. In the handrail sterilizer 40 disposed in the vicinity of the entrance 12b on the lower floor, the handrail 30 that orbits in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 passes through the sterilization unit 41 and the draining means 43 in this order. The sterilizing unit 41 and the draining means 43 are arranged.

  The sterilization unit 41 sterilizes the surface of the handrail 30 by the action of the photocatalyst. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the handrail sterilizer 40 including the sterilization unit 41. FIG. 4 also shows a bottom 45a and a pair of side walls 45d and 45e of a water receiver 45, which will be described later, together with the sterilization unit 41. In FIG. 4, the moving direction of the handrail 30 is the direction of the arrow A. As shown in FIG. 4, the sterilization unit 41 includes a photocatalyst contact means 60, a water supply means 70, and a photocatalyst excitation means 80.

  The photocatalyst contact means 60 includes an endless photocatalyst sheet 61 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “photocatalyst sheet 61”), a driving roller 62a, and a driven roller 62b. The photocatalyst sheet 61 has a first surface 61a and a second surface 61b opposite to the first surface 61a, and a photocatalyst is supported on the first surface 61a. The first surface 61 a faces the outside of the endless photocatalytic sheet 61, and the second surface 61 b faces the inside of the endless photocatalytic sheet 61. The width of the photocatalyst sheet 61 (length in the depth direction in FIG. 4) is equal to or greater than the width of the main surface of the handrail 30 (length in the depth direction in FIG. 4). The driving roller 62a and the driven roller 62b are in contact with the second surface 61b of the photocatalyst sheet 61 and hold the photocatalyst sheet 61 so as to be able to move around. The driving roller 62a is connected to driving means (not shown) such as an electric motor, and drives the circular movement of the photocatalytic sheet 61. The first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 is brought into contact with the surface of the handrail 30 while the driving roller 62a and the driven roller 62b move the photocatalyst sheet 61 in the direction of the arrow B so as to contact the surface of the handrail 30. The photocatalyst carried on 61 a contacts the surface of the handrail 30. At this time, the moving speed in the arrow A direction of the handrail 30 and the moving speed in the arrow B direction of the first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 at the contact portion between the handrail 30 and the photocatalyst sheet 61 are the same. The circular movement of the photocatalytic sheet 61 is driven.

  The water supply means 70 has a pump 71 driven by a motor (not shown) and a nozzle 72 connected to the pump 71. The water supplied to the sterilization unit 41 from the water storage tank (also serving as a water sterilization means) 48 is pressurized and sent out by the pump 71, led to the nozzle 72 through the pipe 74, and the photocatalyst sheet 61 from the opening of the nozzle 72. 1 is discharged toward the front surface 61a. By discharging water from the opening of the nozzle 72 so as to spread in a fan shape (planar radial shape), the first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 is spread over the entire width direction (depth direction of the paper surface) of the photocatalyst sheet 61. Water adheres. A valve 75 is provided in the middle of the pipe 74 from the pump 71 to the nozzle 72, and the pipe 74 is shut off when the operation of the handrail sterilizer 40 is stopped. As the pump 71 and the nozzle 72 of the water supply means 70, as long as it has an output sufficient for adhering water to the whole of the photocatalyst sheet 61 in the width direction, it is possible to employ a pump and a nozzle having a known configuration without particular limitation. it can.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 4, and schematically illustrates the photocatalyst sheet 61 and the photocatalyst excitation means 80. However, in FIG. 5, elements other than the photocatalyst sheet 61 and the photocatalyst excitation means 80 are omitted. The endless photocatalytic sheet 61 is an endless sheet-like member having a base material layer 611 and a photocatalyst coating layer 612 formed on one surface of the base material layer 611. The base material layer 611 is formed of a material having sufficient strength and flexibility for the circular movement driven by the drive rotor 62a and the driven roller 62b. Examples of the material for forming the base material layer 611 include polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene-6 fluoropropylene copolymer, and perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin. Examples of such a fluororesin and a silicone resin. The photocatalyst coat layer 612 is a coating layer containing a photocatalyst and has a function of oxidatively decomposing organic matter by receiving light irradiation. As a photocatalyst to be contained in the photocatalyst coat layer 612, titanium oxide can be preferably used from the viewpoint of safety. Titanium oxide may be either a rutile type or an anatase type, but anatase type can be preferably employed because of its generally high photocatalytic activity. The method for forming the photocatalyst coating layer 612 on the surface of the base material layer 611 is not particularly limited. For example, after the coating agent containing photocatalytic titanium oxide and a binder is applied to the surface of the base material layer 611, the coating agent It can be formed by curing. As the binder, for example, a known binder that can be cured at a temperature that does not deteriorate the base material layer 611, such as a silicate binder, a phosphate binder, an inorganic colloid, a metal alkoxide, or a fluororesin, is used without any particular limitation. be able to. However, from the viewpoints of water resistance, handleability, and strength, a fluororesin binder can be preferably employed. Of the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst sheet 61, the surface where the photocatalyst coat layer 612 is exposed is the first surface 61a, and the surface where the base material layer 611 is exposed is the second surface 61b.

  The photocatalyst excitation means 80 includes one or more ultraviolet light emitting diodes having an emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm, and irradiates the first surface 61 a of the photocatalytic sheet 61 with ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode. Thus, the photocatalyst contained in the photocatalyst coat layer 612 is excited. In FIG. 5, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the moving direction of the photocatalytic sheet 61. As shown in FIG. 5, the photocatalytic excitation means 80 is an ultraviolet ray having a light emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm, which is arranged to face the first surface 61 a of the photocatalytic sheet 61 and the optical axis is arranged toward the first surface 61 a. The light emitting diodes 81, 81,... And the ultraviolet LED support member 82 that supports the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the ultraviolet LED support member 82 is fixed and held on the side walls 45 d and 45 e (described later) of the water receiver 45. The ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,... Are connected to a power source (not shown), and the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,. The photocatalyst contained in the photocatalyst coat layer 612 of the photocatalyst sheet 61 is excited. As the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,..., Known ultraviolet LEDs having an emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm can be used without any particular limitation. In the photocatalyst excitation means 80, by using the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,... As the light source of the excitation light of the photocatalyst, not only can the power consumption be reduced as compared with the case where a discharge tube light source such as a low pressure mercury lamp is used, The long operating life of the light source can reduce the operating cost. Furthermore, a discharge tube light source such as a low-pressure mercury lamp requires a warm-up operation for a certain period of time (the length varies depending on the light source) until the intensity of the ultraviolet light is stabilized to a sufficient value after the power is turned on. Since the light emitting diode can irradiate ultraviolet light having a stable intensity immediately after the power is turned on, it can sufficiently follow the control of the operation and stop of the passenger conveyor by the combination with the human sensors 19a and 19b described later.

Photocatalysts such as titanium oxide generate active oxygen species such as hydroxy radicals (.OH) and superoxide anions (.O ₂ ⁻ ) from water, oxygen, and the like when irradiated with excitation light. Among these, the hydroxyl radical generated from water has a large oxidizing power and easily breaks the bonds in the molecule of the organic compound that is the main component of the dirt adhering to the handrail 30, so that it can be decomposed and disinfected by the photocatalyst. The contribution of is considered to be large. After the first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 passes through the water supply means 70, it is irradiated with excitation light from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 in a state where water is attached to the first surface 61a, that is, the surface of the photocatalyst coat layer 612. As a result, hydroxy radicals that greatly contribute to the decomposition function and the sterilization function are efficiently generated, so that the decomposition function and the sterilization function by the photocatalyst can be more effectively exhibited. The first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61, which has been irradiated with excitation light from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 after receiving the supply of water from the water supply means 70, further moves around and rotates in the driven roller 62b to reverse the direction of movement. While contacting the surface of the rail 30 and moving in the direction of the arrow B together with the handrail 30, the surface of the handrail 30 is decomposed and sterilized. The first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 that has continued to contact the handrail 30 over the section from the driven roller 62b to the driving roller 62a leaves the surface of the handrail 30 at the driving roller 62a, reverses the moving direction, and supplies water again. In response to the supply of water from the means 70 and the subsequent irradiation of the excitation light from the photocatalyst excitation means 80, the direction of movement is reversed again at the driven roller 62 b to contact the surface of the handrail 30.

  The draining means 43 removes water adhering to the surface of the handrail 30 from the surface of the handrail 30 after the handrail 30 contacts the photocatalyst sheet 61 wet with water. In FIG. 4, the left-right direction of the paper surface is the moving direction of the handrail 30, and when the handrail 30 is moving in the direction of the arrow A in FIGS. 1 and 3, the handrail 30 in FIG. (Ie in the direction of arrow A).

  The water receiver 45 is a container that receives and collects the water supplied from the water supply means 70, and the bottom 45a and the bottom 45a so as to prevent the water discharged from the nozzle 72 of the water supply means 70 from being scattered outside. Water extending in the width direction of the guide rail 30 (the depth direction in FIG. 4), the front wall 45b erected from the rear wall, the rear wall 45c erected on the end of the bottom 45 opposite to the front wall 45b. It has a pair of side walls 45d and 45e (not shown in FIG. 4) erected from the bottom 45a so as to prevent leakage. FIG. 6 is a DD arrow view of FIG. 4, and the shape of the front wall 45 b of the water receiver 45 appears. FIG. 7 is an EE arrow view of FIG. 4, and the shape of the rear wall 45 c of the water receiver 45 appears. The bottom 45a of the water receiver 45 is provided with a water collecting portion 45f that is recessed from other portions of the bottom 45a. The inner surface of the bottom 45a collects water in the water collecting portion 45f, and is therefore directed toward the water collecting portion 45f. Is inclined. One end of the pipe 49a is opened at the bottom of the water collecting part 45f, and the water collected in the water collecting part 45f is guided to the water filtering device 46 through the pipe 49a.

  FIG. 8 is a FF arrow view of FIG. 4, and shows a pair of side walls 45 d and 45 e, a rear wall 45 c, a bottom 45 a, and a draining means 43 of the water receiver 45. The draining means 43 is a scraper provided so that its tip comes into contact with the surface of the guide rail 30, and is fixed to a pair of side walls 45 d and 45 e of the water receiver 45. The tip portion of the draining means 43 that is a scraper that contacts the guide rail 30 is made of a soft resin such as silicone resin so as not to damage the surface of the guide rail 30. The water adhering to the surface of the handrail 30 after the handrail 30 comes into contact with the wet photocatalyst sheet 61 is swept away by the draining means 43, which is a scraper, and removed from the surface of the handrail 30, and the scraper surface. And collected in the water collecting part 45f of the water receiver 45.

  Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 again. The water purification device 46 is a device that purifies the water collected in the receiver 45 by at least filtration. The water purification device 46 supplies the purified water to the sterilization unit 41 again. Thereby, the water which passed through the water purification apparatus 46 is again injected from the nozzle 72 of the water supply means 70 onto the first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61. The water purification device 46 has a water filtration device 47 and a water sterilization means 48. The water received in the water receiver 45 is led to the water filtration device 47 through the pipe 49a, and the water passed through the water filtration device 47 is led to the water tank 48 also serving as a water sterilization means through the pipe 49b. Water is re-supplied from the (water sterilization means) 48 to the high-pressure water washing means 41 through the pipe 49c.

  As the water filtration device 47, a known filtration mechanism having a pump driven by a motor or the like and a filter can be employed without particular limitation.

  The water tank / water sterilization means 48 is a device that sterilizes the stored water with deep ultraviolet light while receiving and storing the water after being filtered by the water filtering device 47. The water tank / water sterilization means 48 is stored in the removable container capable of storing a sufficient volume of water so that water can be stably supplied to the high-pressure water washing means 41, and the removable container. A deep ultraviolet light source that irradiates water with a deep ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 260 to 320 nm. Since the water storage container is detachable, the water can be exchanged periodically, so that it is easier to maintain the water used for the activation of the photocatalyst in a sanitary manner. Since the deep ultraviolet light source of the water tank / water sterilization means 48 is preferably always operated regardless of whether or not the handrail is sterilized by the handrail sterilizer 40, the ultraviolet sterilization lamp and the deep ultraviolet light emitting diode Either may be used, but a deep ultraviolet light emitting diode is preferable from the viewpoint of power consumption and light source life.

  With reference to FIG.9 and FIG.10, the operation control of the handrail sterilizer 40 is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the control unit 50 in FIG. 4 without omitting it. The control unit 50 is a part of the passenger conveyor control panel 20 and can be preferably configured by, for example, a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU) that executes a control program, a memory that stores a control program, and the like. The control part 50 can acquire the information regarding the driving | running state of the passenger conveyor 100, the detection result by the human sensitive sensor 19a, 19b, etc. as a part of the passenger conveyor control board 20, and the driving | operation start of the passenger conveyor 100 A command and an operation stop command can be transmitted. The control unit 50 has a timer function. Further, the control unit 50 includes a drive unit connected to the drive roller 62a of the photocatalyst application unit 60, a pump 71 and a valve 75 of the water supply unit 70, a photocatalyst excitation unit 80, a water filtration device 47, and a water tank / water sterilization unit. 48 is electrically connected, and a command for controlling these operations can be transmitted. The control unit 50 may be configured as a separate element from the passenger conveyor control panel 20.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing routine S10 for controlling the operation of the handrail sterilizer 40. The processing routine S10 is read from the memory at predetermined time intervals by the control means 50 and executed by the CPU. As shown in FIG. 10, the processing routine S10 includes steps S11 to S16.

  First, it is determined whether or not a passenger has come to the entrance 12a (see FIG. 1) on the upper floor (step S11). This determination is made based on the detection signal of the human sensor 19b. If a negative determination is made in step S11, that is, if no passenger has arrived at the entrance / exit 12a on the upper floor, the processing is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S11, that is, if a passenger has arrived at the entrance / exit 12a on the upper floor, the descending operation of the passenger conveyor 100 that has been in an operation suspended state is started (step S12), and then the hand The handrail 30 is sterilized by the rail sterilizer 40 (step S13). Specifically, driving of the driving roller 62a of the photocatalyst contact means 60 is started to start the circumferential movement of the photocatalyst sheet 61; the valve 75 of the water supply means 70 is opened, the pump 71 is operated, and water is supplied from the nozzle 72. The ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,... Of the photocatalyst excitation means 80 are turned on; the pump of the water filtration device 47 of the water purification device 46 is operated to receive the water. The filtration of the water collected in the water collecting part 45f of the vessel 45 is started. The deep ultraviolet light source of the water tank / water sterilization means 48 is always lit regardless of whether or not the passenger conveyor 100 is operated.

  In subsequent step S14, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last passenger detection. This determination is made based on the count value of the timer included in the control unit 50. The timer included in the control unit 50 initializes the count value and starts counting every time a new passenger is detected by the human sensor 19a at the entrance 12a on the upper floor. Thereby, the count value of the timer included in the control unit 50 represents the time elapsed since the last passenger detection. The predetermined time in step S <b> 14 is set to a time required for the endless handrail 30 to move around at least one turn, and the time required for such a turn around one turn is known for the passenger conveyor 100. Information is stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 50. However, the predetermined time in step S14 may be a time during which the handrail 30 makes one or more rounds of movement.

  Since the operation of the handrail sterilizer 40 is continued until a predetermined time has elapsed since the last passenger detection in step S14, the entire surface of the endless handrail 30 is sterilized by the handrail sterilizer 40. And when affirmation judgment that predetermined time passed since the last passenger detection in Step S16 is made, sterilization of handrail 30 by handrail sterilizer 40 is stopped. Specifically, the pump 71 of the water supply means 70 is stopped and the valve 75 is closed; the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,... Of the photocatalyst excitation means 80 are turned off; and the drive of the drive roller 62a of the photocatalyst contact means 60 is stopped. The pump of the water filtration device 47 of the water purification device 46 is stopped, and the filtration of the water collected in the water collecting portion 45f of the water receiver 45 is stopped. The deep ultraviolet light source of the water tank / water sterilization means 48 is kept on. And the operation | movement of the drive unit of the passenger conveyor 100 is stopped and it enters into an operation stop state (step S16).

  In the processing routine S10 described above, the passenger conveyor 100 is operated only when the passenger conveyor 100 needs to be operated, and the handrail 30 is sterilized at the same time. At this time, since the handrail sterilizer 40 uses an ultraviolet light-emitting diode as an excitation light source for the photocatalyst, immediately following the instruction for starting the handrail sterilization in step S13, the excitation light having a stable intensity is supplied to the photocatalyst sheet 61. It is possible to stably sterilize the surface of the handrail 30 by the active oxygen species generated by the action of the photocatalyst by irradiating the surface 61a of one.

  In the above description regarding the present invention, the photocatalyst excitation means 80 irradiates the region of the first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 that is not in contact with the handrail 30 with ultraviolet light from the first surface 61a side. Thus, the handrail sterilization apparatus 40 in the form of exciting the photocatalyst carried on the first surface 61a is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the photocatalyst sheet transmits ultraviolet light irradiated from the photocatalyst excitation means, and the photocatalyst excitation means is on the second surface side with respect to the region of the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet that is in contact with the handrail. It is also possible to provide a handrail sterilizer that excites the photocatalyst carried on the first surface by irradiating with ultraviolet light. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a handrail sterilizer 40 'according to another embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same elements as those already described in relation to the handrail sterilizer 40 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

  The handrail sterilizer 40 ′ has an endless photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ instead of the endless photocatalyst sheet 61, except that the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′ is substituted for the photocatalyst excitation means 80. The same as the handrail sterilizer 40 described. Similar to the photocatalyst sheet 61, the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ has a first surface 61′a and a second surface 61′b opposite to the first surface 61′a. A photocatalyst is supported on the surface 61'a. The first surface 61'a faces the outside of the endless photocatalytic sheet 61 ', and the second surface 61'b faces the inside of the endless photocatalytic sheet 61'. The width of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ (the length in the depth direction in FIG. 11) is equal to or greater than the width of the main surface of the handrail 30 (the length in the depth direction in FIG. 11). Whereas the photocatalyst sheet 61 does not necessarily transmit the ultraviolet light irradiated from the photocatalyst excitation means 80, the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ transmits the ultraviolet light irradiated from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′. The photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ is different from the photocatalyst sheet 61. Further, the photocatalyst excitation means 80 irradiates ultraviolet light from the first surface 61a side to the region of the first surface 61a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 that is not in contact with the handrail 30, thereby the first surface 61a. The photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′ excites the second surface 61 ′ with respect to the region of the first surface 61 ′ a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ that is in contact with the handrail 30. The photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′ is different from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 in that the photocatalyst supported on the first surface 61′a is excited by irradiating ultraviolet light from the b side.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing only the handrail 30, the guide rail 31, the photocatalyst sheet 61 ', and the photocatalyst excitation means 80' in the CC sectional view of FIG. The photocatalyst sheet 61 'is an endless sheet-like member having a base material layer 611' and a photocatalyst coat layer 612 'formed on one surface of the base material layer 611'. The base material layer 611 ′ is made of a material that has sufficient strength and flexibility for the circular movement driven by the drive rotor 62a and the driven roller 62b, and transmits ultraviolet light irradiated from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′. Is formed. As a material for forming the base material layer 611 ′, for example, a (meth) acrylic resin, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a fluororesin such as polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE, for example, NEOFLON (registered trademark) PCTFE) is used. A silicone resin can be exemplified. The photocatalyst coat layer 612 ′ is a coating layer containing a photocatalyst and has a function of oxidizing and decomposing organic matter when irradiated with light. As the photocatalyst to be contained in the photocatalyst coat layer 612 ', the same photocatalyst as that of the above-described photocatalyst coat layer 612 can be used. The method for forming the photocatalyst coat layer 612 ′ on the surface of the base material layer 611 ′ is not particularly limited. For example, a coating agent containing photocatalytic titanium oxide and an ultraviolet transmissive binder is applied to the surface of the base material layer 611 ′. After coating, it can be formed by curing the coating agent. As the ultraviolet transmissive binder, for example, a silicate binder, a fluororesin, or the like, which can be cured at a temperature that does not deteriorate the base material layer 611 ′, and known binders that transmit ultraviolet light are not particularly limited. Can be used. However, from the viewpoints of water resistance, handleability, and strength, a fluororesin binder can be preferably employed. Of the two main surfaces of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′, the surface where the photocatalyst coat layer 612 ′ is exposed is the first surface 61′a, and the surface where the base material layer 611 ′ is exposed is the second surface. 61'b.

  Similar to the photocatalyst excitation unit 80, the photocatalyst excitation unit 80 'includes one or more ultraviolet light emitting diodes having an emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm. Then, the photocatalyst coat layer is irradiated by the ultraviolet light transmitted through the base material layer 611 ′ by irradiating the ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 360 to 400 nm emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode from the second surface 61b ′ side of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′. The photocatalyst contained in 612 ′ is excited. In FIG. 12, the depth direction of the paper surface is the moving direction of the photocatalyst sheet 61 '. As shown in FIG. 12, the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′ faces the second surface 61 ′ b in the region of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ that is in contact with the handrail 30, and the optical axis is set to the second surface 61. .., ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81 ′, 81 ′,... having a light emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm, and ultraviolet LED support members 82 ′ that support the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81 ′, 81 ′,. Have. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the ultraviolet LED support member 82 ′ is fixed and held on the side walls 45 d and 45 e (described later) of the water receiver 45 in the same manner as the ultraviolet LED support member 82 described above. The ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81 ′, 81 ′,... Are connected to a power source (not shown), and the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81 ′, 81 ′,. It is irradiated from the second surface 61′b side of the region where it is present, passes through the base material layer 611 ′, and excites the photocatalyst contained in the photocatalyst coat layer 612 ′. As the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81 ′, 81 ′,..., A known ultraviolet LED having a light emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm can be used without any limitation as in the case of the ultraviolet light emitting diodes 81, 81,.

  Refer to FIG. 11 again. Water discharged from the nozzle 72 of the water supply means 70 adheres to the first surface 61'a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 '. The photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ that has been supplied with water from the water supply means 70 circulates and contacts the surface of the handrail 30 with water adhering to the first surface 61 ′ a. While moving in the direction, it receives irradiation of excitation light from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′, and exerts a decomposition action and a sterilization action on the surface of the handrail 30. The first surface 61′a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ that has continued to contact the handrail 30 over the section from the driven roller 62b to the driving roller 62a leaves the surface of the handrail 30 in the driving roller 62a and reverses the moving direction. Then, water is again supplied from the water supply means 70, the direction of movement is reversed again by the driven roller 62b, and the surface of the handrail 30 is brought into contact with the first surface 61′a in a state where water is attached. Even in such a form, after the first surface 61′a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ has passed through the water supply means 70, water is attached to the first surface 61′a, that is, the surface of the photocatalyst coat layer 612 ′. In this way, by receiving irradiation of excitation light from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′, hydroxy radicals that greatly contribute to the decomposition function and the sterilization function are efficiently generated, so that the decomposition function and the sterilization function by the photocatalyst are more effectively exhibited. It becomes possible.

  In the above description related to the present invention, the water supply means exemplified the handrail sterilizers 40 and 40 'in the form of supplying water to a region of the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet that is not in contact with the handrail. Is not limited to this form. For example, it is possible to provide a handrail sterilizer in which water is supplied to the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet in contact with the handrail surface by attaching water to the surface of the handrail before contacting the photocatalyst sheet. Is possible. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a handrail sterilizer 40 ″ according to another embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same elements as those already described in relation to the handrail sterilizers 40, 40 'are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS.

  The handrail sterilizer 40 '' is the same as the handrail sterilizer 40 'described above, except that it has a water supply means 70' 'instead of the water supply means 70. The water supply means 70 ″ is a high pressure water cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the handrail 30 by spraying pressurized water (high pressure water) toward the surface of the handrail 30 before contacting the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′. This is different from the water supply means 70. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 13 and schematically illustrates a water supply means (also a high pressure water cleaning means) 70 ″. FIG. 14 also shows the bottom 45a of the water receiver 45 and a pair of side walls 45d and 45e. The water supply means 70 '' has a pump 71 '' driven by a motor (not shown) and a nozzle 72 '' connected to the pump 71 ''. The water supplied from the water storage tank (also serving as water sterilization means) 48 to the water supply means (also serving as high pressure water washing means) 70 '' is pressurized by the pump 71 '' to become high pressure water, and the high pressure water is supplied to the pipe 74 ''. Is guided to the nozzle 72 ″ through the opening of the nozzle 72 ″ toward the surface of the handrail 30. High-pressure water is discharged from the opening of the nozzle 72 ″ as a high-pressure water stream 73 ″ so as to spread in a fan shape (planar radial shape), thereby cleaning the exposed portion of the surface of the handrail 30 that touches the passenger's hand. Is done. A valve 75 "is provided in the middle of the pipe 74" from the pump 71 "to the nozzle 72", and the pipe 74 "is shut off when the operation of the handrail sterilizer 40" is stopped. To do. As the pump 71 ″ and the nozzle 72 ″ of the water supply means (also high-pressure water washing means) 70 ″, a pump and a nozzle having a publicly known configuration can be used without particular limitation as those used in the high-pressure water washing apparatus. .

  In the handrail sterilizer 40 ″, water ejected from the nozzle 72 ″ of the water supply means 70 ″ adheres to the surface of the handrail 30 before contacting the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′. The surface of the handrail 30 to which water is attached moves in the direction of arrow A and contacts the first surface 61'a of the photocatalytic sheet 61 'that moves around in the direction of arrow B. Thereby, water is supplied to the first surface 61 ′ a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ in contact with the surface of the handrail 30. The photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ is irradiated with excitation light from the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′ while moving with the handrail 30, and exhibits a decomposition action and a sterilization action on the surface of the handrail 30. The first surface 61′a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ that has continued to contact the handrail 30 over the section from the driven roller 62b to the driving roller 62a leaves the surface of the handrail 30 in the driving roller 62a and reverses the moving direction. Then, the direction of movement of the driven roller 62b is reversed again, and the surface of the handrail 30 to which water has adhered is again brought into contact with the water supply from the water supply means 70 ''. Also in such a form, the photocatalyst excitation means 80 ′ is in a state where the first surface 61′a of the photocatalyst sheet 61 ′ is attached to the first surface 61′a, that is, the surface of the photocatalyst coat layer 612 ′. By being irradiated with excitation light from, the hydroxyl radicals that greatly contribute to the decomposition function and the sterilization function are efficiently generated, so that the decomposition function and the sterilization function by the photocatalyst can be exhibited more effectively.

  In the above description related to the present invention, the handrail sterilizer 40 '' in which the water supply means 70 '' also serving as the high-pressure water washing means supplies water to the surface of the handrail 30 is exemplified, but the present invention is limited to this form. Not. In the handrail sterilizer 40 ″, the water supply means 70 ″ can be replaced with a water supply means having a form having no high-pressure water washing function. However, according to the form in which the handrail surface is simultaneously washed with the high pressure water by the water supply means, the photocatalyst decomposition action and sterilization action are applied after the handrail surface dirt is removed by the mechanical force of the high pressure water. Therefore, it is possible to remove and sterilize the handrail surface more effectively, which is preferable.

  In the above description of the present invention, the handrail sterilizer 40, 40 ', 40' 'in which the water supply means has one nozzle is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this form. The number and arrangement of nozzles (discharge ports) included in the water supply means can be appropriately selected according to the shape and size of the handrail.

  In the above description relating to the present invention, the handrail sterilizer 40, 40 'in a form in which the water supply means supplies water directly to the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet, and the handrail surface before the water supply means contacts the photocatalyst sheet. Although the handrail sterilizer 40 '' of the form which supplies water indirectly to the 1st surface of the photocatalyst sheet which contacted the handrail surface by making water adhere to the handrail was illustrated, the present invention is in these forms. It is not limited. For example, the first water supply means for supplying water directly to the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet, and the water supply means contacted the handrail surface by attaching water to the surface of the handrail before contacting the photocatalyst sheet. It is also possible to provide a handrail sterilizer having both the second water supply means for supplying water indirectly to the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet.

  In the above description related to the present invention, the handrail sterilizer 40, 40 'in a form having two rollers 62a, 62b in which the photocatalyst contact means contacts the second surface of the photocatalyst sheet and holds the photocatalyst sheet so as to be able to move around. Although 40 ″ is exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this form. The number of rollers may be one, or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of making the contact time between the photocatalyst and the handrail surface longer, the number of rollers is preferably two or more. The upper limit of the number of rollers is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined in consideration of the installation space.

  In the above description of the present invention, the photocatalyst contact means has the drive roller 62a and the driven roller 62b, and the handrail sterilizers 40, 40 ′, 40 ″ in the form in which the roller drives the circular movement of the photocatalyst sheet are exemplified. The present invention is not limited to this form. None of the rollers of the photocatalyst contact means is connected to the drive means, and the handrail can also be configured to drive the photocatalytic sheet's circular movement by contact between the rotating handrail and the photocatalyst sheet. .

  In the above description regarding the present invention, the embodiment in which the handrail sterilizers 40, 40 ′, and 40 ″ are applied to the passenger conveyor 100 including the handrail 30 on which the barrier coat layer 33 is formed has been described. The present invention is not limited to these forms. For example, it is also possible to apply the handrail sterilizer of the present invention to a passenger conveyor having a handrail having no barrier coat layer 33 in FIG.

  In the above description regarding the present invention, the handrail sterilizers 40, 40 'and 40' 'having the draining means 43 which is a scraper have been exemplified and described. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, instead of a scraper, it is also possible to employ a draining means that blows away the water on the surface of the handrail by blowing pressurized air. It is also possible to apply a combination of spraying pressurized air and sweeping with a scraper. In addition, after removing the water through the handrail sterilization device provided in the vicinity of the lower handrail entrance, it is left to natural drying using the time until it comes out from the upper handrail entrance, and the draining means is not provided. It is also possible to use a handrail sterilizer.

  In the above description regarding the present invention, the handrail sterilizers 40, 40 ′, 40 ″ having a water purifier 46 that purifies the water collected by the water receiver 45 and supplies it to the water supply means 70 again are exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. According to the handrail sterilizer 40 of the said form, although it is possible to carry out the sterilization by the effect | action of a photocatalyst also sanitarily with respect to the handrail of the passenger conveyor installed in the place where utilization of tap water is difficult, a passenger When the conveyor is installed in a place where tap water can be used, the water purification device is omitted, water is supplied directly from the water supply to the water supply means, and the water collected in the water receiver is directly drained into the sewer. It is also possible to use a handrail sterilizing apparatus in the form of discharging.

  In the above description regarding the present invention, human sensors 19a and 19b each having a pair of support columns provided across the entrance and exit, a light emitter provided on one of the pair of support columns, and a light receiver provided on the other side. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In the handrail sterilizer and passenger conveyor of the present invention, it is possible to employ, for example, an infrared sensor provided on the ceiling or the like as a human sensor, and detect a user by image analysis using an imaging camera. It is also possible to use a device that does this.

  In the above description regarding the present invention, the passenger conveyor 100 in which the handrail sterilizers 40, 40 ′, or 40 ″ are installed on both the upper floor side and the lower floor side is described as an example. When the driving direction is limited to only one direction, for example, descending driving, the handrail sterilizer may be installed only on either the upper floor side or the lower floor side.

  In the above description of the present invention, the passenger conveyor 100 that is an escalator that connects the upper floor and the lower floor and the handrail sterilizer 40 that is installed in the passenger conveyor 100 have been illustrated and described. It is not limited. The handrail sterilization apparatus of the present invention can also be applied to passenger conveyors other than escalators (for example, so-called moving walkways that move passengers in the horizontal direction), and passenger conveyors of the present invention are passenger conveyors other than escalators. There may be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Passenger conveyor 11 Support structure part 11a Upper support structure part 11b Lower support structure part 11c Inclined support structure part 12a Upper floor entrance / exit 12b Lower floor entrance / exit 13 Step 14 Drive sprocket 15 Drive sprocket 16 Step chain 17 Side wall 17
18a Upper hand rail entrance 18b Lower hand rail entrance 19a, 19b Human sensor 20 Passenger conveyor control panel 30 Hand rail 31 Guide rail 32 Hand rail base material 33 Barrier coat layer 34 Photocatalyst coat layer 40, 40 ', 40'' Handrail sterilizer 41 Sterilization unit 60, 60 ′ Photocatalyst contact means 61, 61 ′ (endless) photocatalyst sheet 61a, 61′a first surface 61b, 61′b second surface 611, 611 ′ base material layer 612, 612 'Photocatalyst coat layer 62a Drive roller 62b Follower roller 70 Water supply means 70''Water supply means (also high pressure water washing means)
71, 71 ″ Pump 72, 72 ″ Nozzle 73 ″ High pressure water 74, 74 ″ Pipe 75, 75 ″ Valve 80 Photocatalyst excitation means 81, 81 ′ Ultraviolet light emitting diode 82 Ultraviolet LED support member 43 Drainage means 45 Water Receptacle 45a Bottom 45b Front wall 45c Rear wall 45d, 45e Side wall 45f Water collection unit 46 Water purification device 47 Water filtration device 48 Water tank and water sterilization means 49a, 49b, 49c Piping 50 Control unit

Claims (17)

A device for sterilizing an endless handrail that moves around in synchronism with the steps of a passenger conveyor,
An endless photocatalyst sheet having a first surface on which a photocatalyst is supported, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the photocatalyst sheet orbiting in contact with the second surface A photocatalyst comprising one or more rollers that are movably held, wherein the photocatalyst is brought into contact with the surface of the handrail by bringing the photocatalyst sheet into contact with the surface of the handrail while rotating the photocatalyst sheet. Contact means;
Water supply means for supplying water to the first surface;
Photocatalyst excitation means that has one or more ultraviolet light emitting diodes having an emission wavelength of 360 to 400 nm and excites the photocatalyst by ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting diode in a region of the first surface where water is attached. A handrail sterilizer for passenger conveyors, characterized by comprising:   The photocatalyst excitation means irradiates the ultraviolet light from the first surface side to a region of the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet that is not in contact with the handrail. The handrail sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the photocatalyst carried on the substrate is excited.   The handrail sterilizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water supply means supplies water to a region of the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet that is not in contact with the handrail. The photocatalyst sheet transmits ultraviolet light irradiated from the photocatalyst excitation means,
The photocatalyst excitation means irradiates the region of the first surface of the photocatalyst sheet that is in contact with the handrail with the ultraviolet light from the second surface side, whereby the first surface Exciting the photocatalyst supported on the
The handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The water is supplied to the first surface in contact with the surface of the handrail by causing the water supply means to attach water to the surface of the handrail before contacting the photocatalyst sheet. 4. The handrail sterilizer according to any one of 4 above.   The said water supply means is a high pressure water washing | cleaning means which wash | cleans the surface of the said handrail by injecting the pressurized water on the surface of the said handrail before contacting with the said photocatalyst sheet | seat. Handrail sterilizer.   The handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the circular movement of the photocatalyst sheet is performed so that the movement of the first surface is synchronized with the movement of the surface of the handrail.   The handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the roller drives the circular movement of the photocatalyst sheet.   The handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the handrail drives the circular movement of the photocatalyst sheet by contact between the photocatalyst sheet and the handrail that moves around.   The handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a draining means for removing water adhering to the surface of the handrail after the handrail comes into contact with the photocatalyst sheet.   The handrail sterilizer according to claim 10, wherein the draining means has a scraper disposed so as to contact the surface of the handrail.   The handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a water receiver that receives and collects water supplied from the water supply means. A water purification device for purifying the water collected in the water receiver by at least filtration;
The water that has passed through the water purification device is again supplied to the first surface from the water supply means.
The handrail sterilizer according to claim 12.   The water purification apparatus has one or more deep ultraviolet light sources having an emission wavelength of 260 to 320 nm, and irradiates water passing through the water purification apparatus with deep ultraviolet light emitted from the deep ultraviolet light source, The handrail sterilizer according to claim 13, wherein the water passing through the water purifier is sterilized. A sensor for detecting a passenger entering the passenger conveyor;
A controller for starting and ending the operation of the passenger conveyor,
The controller is
The sensor starts the operation of the handrail sterilizer by detecting a passenger,
Stopping the operation of the handrail sterilizer when the sensor does not detect a passenger for a predetermined time;
The handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 14.   The handrail sterilizer according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined time is a time required for the endless handrail to move around at least one turn. A step of moving with passengers,
A pair of endless handrails arranged on both sides of the step and moving around in synchronism with the step;
A passenger conveyor comprising the handrail sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 16.