KR20210031684A - Devices with self-disinfecting surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-contained self-disinfection device is provided that automatically disinfects the surface of the device using internally generated UV (ultraviolet) light. The device may be a door handle, a push plate, a light switch, a shopping cart, or the like.

Description

Devices with self-disinfecting surfaces

Described herein are devices comprising a UV-transparent or translucent article and at least one optically connected UV light source. The UV light source acts to automatically disinfect the surface of an article by transmitting UV light or radiation to the surface.

1 shows an example of a door handle device described herein. The device comprises a handle mounting bracket and a UV-transmitting handle that can be secured to the door via a mounting plate. The bracket and plate may be made of a UV-opaque material. The UV light of the device is provided by two UV-emitting LEDs (“UVEDs” or “UV LEDs”) powered by a battery.
2 illustrates a second alternative door handle embodiment including battery powered and use-activated disinfecting.
3 illustrates a door push-plate with pressure-activated disinfection.
4 shows a self-disinfecting light switch embodiment.
5 shows a self-disinfection handle.

As used herein, “article” includes a human-contacted surface, which may be made at least partially of a UVC-translucent or UVC-transparent material. These surfaces may include door opening means; Drawer opening means; Power switch means; Light switch means, hand/hold rails, push bars, and keypad or touch screen means; Including, but not limited to, countertops and toilet bowls. Other "goods" include subway/bus hold bars; Stair railings; Balcony railing; Point of sale consoles; remote control; And a keyboard, but is not limited thereto.

Door opening means include, but are not limited to:

● Push handle (vertical or horizontal orientation)

● Pull handle (vertical or horizontal orientation)

● Push plate (all types)

● Rotating door lever

● Rotary knobs

● Push button

Drawer opening means include, but are not limited to:

● Surface-mount full handle (vertical or horizontal orientation)

● Surface-mount knob

● Full handle with recessed

● Spring-actuated push plate

Power switch means include, but are not limited to:

● Toggle switch

● Rocker switch

● Push button

Light switch means include, but are not limited to:

● Toggle switch

● Rocker switch

● Push button

Articles described herein comprise a material that is at least translucent to at least a portion of the spectrum of UV light emitted by at least one optically connected UV light source. In an alternative embodiment, the material is transparent to UV light. UV-transparent or translucent materials suitable for use in the articles described herein include, but are not limited to:

● Acrylic

● Plexiglass

● Glass

● Fiberglass

● PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or other thermoplastic resin

● Quartz glass

● Fused silica

● Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) or other advanced polymer

Those of skill in the art will understand that the choice of material will affect the degree or magnitude by which the article transmits UV light, and the frequency with which the article does so.

The article may further comprise a UV-opaque material that imparts structural stiffness or other desirable properties to the article. For example, a door handle may include a UV-transparent or translucent outer sheath and a metal core capable of transmitting UV light to the surface of the article. UV opaque materials may include metals, ceramics, carbon fibers, plastics, or other materials.

When the article or its surface is of elongated or irregular geometry, the waveguide properties of the UV-transparent/translucent material can serve to transmit sufficient UV light for surface disinfection to all parts of the article's surface. .

In addition, the devices described herein comprise at least one UV light source, which emits light at wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectrum. The wavelength of UV light suitable for use in the articles described herein will be about 100 to about 400 nm. The narrower UV spectrum may be, for example, a UV spectrum limited to the UV-C band (about 100 to about 280 nm); About 200 to about 230 nm; Alternatively, about 250 to about 260 nm may be used. In one embodiment, the UV light spectrum will include 254 nm.

Again, those skilled in the art will understand that there are trade-offs in the selection of the UV wavelength or spectrum, and that some choices may be more suitable for a particular application or article than others. For example, although the spectrum at about 254 nm is most effective in actual disinfection, even shorter wavelengths (e.g., about 200 nm to about 230 nm) are still capable of disinfecting, and the wavelength of UV radiation has a shorter skin depth. Thanks to this, it can be safer for human skin or contact. Other wavelengths and spectra (e.g., about 100 nm to about 200 nm), although still capable of disinfecting, can also produce ozone when contacted with oxygen through a process known as photolysis, so that certain articles depending on their application environment The choice of this wavelength or spectrum may be less desirable.

Any light source that emits UV light of a desired wavelength and intensity can be used in the devices described herein. Suitable light sources include incandescent bulbs; Fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs; Xenon bulbs; Mercury-vapor lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers or other coherent light sources.

The UV light source may be supplied with external power or may include a power source. Suitable power sources include, but are not limited to:

● Batteries (all types including rechargeable)

● Inductively coupled power supply (including "Wi-tricity")

● Kinematically generated power

● Solar or photovoltaic power

Additionally, the device may include a visible power indicator. These visible power indicators can be configured to indicate that the device is functioning properly.

The UV light source will operate with a duty cycle sufficient to disinfect the surface of the article. Suitable duty cycles include, but are not limited to:

● 100% at continuous power

● Timed pulse, <100% power duty cycle

● Pulses enabled or motion activated, <100% power duty cycle

● Controlled algorithm <100% power duty cycle (eg, based on day/time or usage history).

One embodiment of the apparatus described herein is shown in FIG. 1. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a handle 101 made of a UV-transmitting material. The handle 101 may be attached to a door, a drawer, or any other item that opens when the user grabs and pulls the handle. The handle 101 may be directly attached to a door, a drawer, or the like, or may be attached through the mounting plate 102 by one or more handle mounting brackets 103. The handle 101 may be straight and cylindrical, as shown in the figure, or may be of any other convenient shape, and may be curved or angled as desired. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the handle 101 comprises two ends 104. The UV light source 105 may be mounted at each end 104 or at both ends. Each UV light source 105 is driven by a driver circuit 106 and powered by one or more batteries 107. The battery can be accessed for removal and/or replacement through battery retainer 108.

A second embodiment of the apparatus described herein is shown in FIG. 2. 2 is a schematic view showing a cross section of a handle mechanism typically attached to a door. The device may be self-contained within the enclosure or may be mounted directly to a door created or in the presence of a hollow space suitable for enclosing the elements of the device. In FIG. 2, the handle 210 on one side of the door is movable, while the handle 211 on the other side of the door is fixed. Two movable handles 210 may be used together, or two fixed handles 211 may be used according to a request by a user. 2A shows the handle bent at 90 degrees, the handle described herein can be of any desired shape that allows a user to manipulate the handle mechanism. At least one movable handle 210 and fixed handle 211 should be made of at least a UV-translucent material. The handle 210 and/or 211 may be connected through the connection member 220. In one embodiment, the connection member 220 may be in the form of a spline gear, as shown in FIG. 2, which is directly or via the door latch connection means 230 of a conventional door latch mechanism. Can be operatively linked to.

Handle 210 and/or 211 may include one or more UV light source(s) 240. The UV light source(s) are connected to a power supply 250. Power supply 250 may be a removable battery pack, a fixedly mounted battery holder, or other self-contained direct current source that is very close to the door handle and may be part of the device. Alternatively, the power source 250 may be a source of alternating current that is part of the wiring of a building, and in this case, a transformer that converts alternating current to direct current may be required.

In the case of the fixed handle 211, the UV light source 240 may be hard-wired to the power source 250 through the power line 241. In the case of the movable handle 210, the UV light source 240 is powered via any suitable connection means that allows movement of the handle 210 while maintaining the electrical connection between the UV light source 240 and the power source 250. 250). An example of the connection means shown in FIG. 2A includes a power wiring 242 connecting the UV light source 240 to the power transfer posts 243. The power transfer post 243 contacts a power contact surface 244 operatively connected to the power source 250 through a second power line 245.

In an embodiment comprising a splined gear, the power wiring 241, 245 comprises a power splitter with a contact switch 223 and an on-off contact, as shown in the inset of FIG. It can be connected to the power source 250 through an opening 221 that provides access to 222. The on-off contact 223 can be used to initiate a power duty cycle or disinfection sequence.

When the UV light source(s) 240 is a light emitting diode (“LED”), the device may also include one or more LED drivers 251. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, a single LED driver is incorporated in the power supply 250, which is a removable battery pack in the figure. Alternatively, one or more LED drivers may be located at any convenient location within the device that provides electrical contact between the LEDs and a power source.

3, a third embodiment of the apparatus described herein is shown. The above embodiment is a schematic view of a plate 31 that is activated when the plate 31 is pressed to open the door and can be attached to the door. Although the plate 31 shown in FIG. 3 has a substantially rectangular shape, the plate 31 may be formed in any desired shape. The plate 31 is made of a UV-transparent material and can be of any suitable thickness.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plate 310 is mounted to the housing 320 through mounting tabs 330. In the unactivated state, the plate 310 is mounted to the housing 320 in any suitable manner so that when the plate 310 is pressed by the user the switch means is activated and this is for one or more UV light sources 340. As a result of the energy being supplied, the plate 310 can be internally illuminated with UV light. The switch means may include one or more springs 350 and one or more electrical switches 360. In the resting state, the spring(s) 350 maintains the plate 310 at a functional distance from the housing 320 such that the switch(s) 360 is electrically open. When the plate 310 is pressed by the user, the spring(s) 350 are compressed so that the plate 310 contacts the switch(s) 360 and electrically closes the switch. 3 shows an embodiment including four coil springs 350 and two switches 360, but the number and configuration of the springs 350 and switches 360 can be easily changed as needed. It will be easy to understand. Figure 3 shows four mounting tabs 330, but housing the plate 310 as long as it provides a rigid mounting of the plate and allows the switch 360(s) to be activated when the plate 310 is pressed. For mounting to 320, any number of taps or other means may be used.

In addition, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a self-contained power source having a battery 370. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, six UV emitting LEDs 340 are shown, and correspondingly, the power source also includes an LED driver 380. The LED driver 380 need not be positioned as shown and can be mounted in any location that provides electrical continuity between the power source and the UV light source. As described above, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a battery, but the UV light source(s) may be supplied with power through an alternating current source that is a part of the building wiring, and in this case, a transformer that converts alternating current into direct current may be required.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the underlying surface through a mounting screw 321. However, any suitable means for firmly mounting the device to the base surface, for example means such as bolts or nails, may be used, and may include adhesive means such as glue, epoxy or tape, and ; Alternatively, if the device comprises a self-contained power source, the apparatus comprising, for example, by using a removable adhesive, Velcro (Velcro ^®) or other similar means it can be removably mounted to the base surface.

Another embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. The above embodiment is a switch 400, which may be a light switch. The switch 400 includes a plate 410 for activating and deactivating the switch, and a housing 420 surrounding the circuit 430. Plate 410 will be made of a UV-transmitting material. When the switch 400 is activated by a user, energy is supplied to one or more UV light sources 450. Power to supply energy to the UV light source(s) 450 will typically be drawn from the switched circuit via at least one power line 440. If the switch 400 is in the "on" position, the UV light can maintain the energy supplied state; Alternatively, circuit 430 may also include a timer to deactivate the UV light source(s) after a desired time, the desired time being preset or adjusted by the end user as desired. For improved safety, it may be desirable that the switched circuit, when activated, initially pauses for a predetermined amount of time, then activates the disinfection cycle, and then deactivates or stops the energy supply.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is a self-disinfecting handle 510 for a shopping cart. Handle 510 is made of UV-transmitting material(s). As shown in FIG. 5, the handle 510 may include one or more UV light sources 550. In one embodiment the UV light source(s) may be LEDs. The cart includes wheels 520. In addition, the cart may include a power source 530 that may include at least one battery. At least one of the wheels 520 may be attached to the power source 530 through a generator unit that charges at least one battery when the wheel 520 rotates as the cart is pushed. Alternatively, a cord or plug that allows the battery to be charged when the cart is placed in a docking station or other receptacle, or means for attaching the cart to an external battery charging means via an electrical contact, may be provided on the cart. Either the cart may be provided, or the cart may simply use replaceable battery power. In addition, when the UV light source is an LED, one or more of the one or more power source(s) 530 may incorporate the LED driver 540. Depending on the number of LEDs used and whether the power source(s) are wired in series or in parallel, one or more LED drivers 540 may be required. In addition, the power source 530 may include a means for detecting when the cart moves, such as an accelerometer or an equivalent circuit, and a timer for activating the UV light source(s) 550 for a predetermined time. The timer may activate the UV light source(s) 550 with a fixed amount of time after the power source 52 does not detect movement from the wheel 520. Alternatively, the timing system will be activated upon sensing initial movement from the wheel 520. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the handle 510 includes an LED at each end of the handle facing each other. This particular embodiment also includes one additional LED at each end of the 90 degree turn at the handle, each towards a 90 degree turn. This configuration is for illustrative purposes only; One of skill in the art would be able to place the UV light source at other locations within the handle and around the basket area to cover any surface that could be contaminated, as desired and required.

Claims (23)

An apparatus comprising a UV-transparent or translucent article and an optically connected UV light source. The method of claim 1,
Door opening means, drawer opening means, power switch means, light switch means, keypad or touch screen means, hold-rail means or hand-rail means, or push bar means Containing, device. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the door opening means comprises a push handle, a pull handle, a push plate, a rotating door lever or a rotating knob. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the drawer opening means comprises a surface-mounted pull handle, a surface-mounted knob, a recessed pull handle, or a spring-actuated push plate. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the power switch means comprises a toggle switch, rocker switch or push button. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the light switch means comprises a toggle switch, rocker switch or push button. The method of claim 1,
The device, wherein the article is transparent or translucent to UV light. The method of claim 7,
The article is acrylic, Plexiglass, glass, fiberglass, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or other thermoplastic resin, quartz glass, fused silica, COC (Cyclic Olefin Copolymer) or A device comprising a UV-transparent or translucent material selected from the group consisting of other advanced polymers. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the UV light source emits a spectrum of light comprising a wavelength of about 100 to about 400 nm. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the UV light source emits a spectrum of light comprising a wavelength of light in the UV-C band. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the UV light source emits a spectrum of light comprising a wavelength of light from about 250 to about 260 nm. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the UV light source emits UV light comprising light having a wavelength of about 254 nm. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the UV light source emits a spectrum of light comprising a wavelength of light from about 200 to about 230 nm. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the UV light source comprises an incandescent light bulb, a fluorescent light bulb, a halogen light bulb, a xenon light bulb, a mercury-vapor lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), or a laser or other coherent light source. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the light source is connected to a power source. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the power source comprises a battery. The method of claim 15,
The power source comprises an induction power source, a kinetic power generator, an induction power source, or a solar or photovoltaic power source. The method of claim 1,
The apparatus further comprising a visible power indicator. The method of claim 1,
The apparatus, wherein the UV light source operates continuously. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the UV light source emits a timed pulse of UV light. The method of claim 1,
The device, wherein the UV light source is motion-activated, use-activated, or activated by learning or other decision algorithm. An apparatus for integrating, utilizing, using or applying a method of disinfecting the surface of an object, wherein at least a portion of the object including the surface is made of a UV light transmissive (translucent or transparent) material, and the UV light source(s) is the It is integrated behind, within, beneath or inside of an object, and UV light is continuously or periodically applied to the surface from behind, inside, below or inside to disinfect the surface. Applied, how. The method of claim 1,
The apparatus further comprising a UV light switch configured to activate the UV light, wherein the actuation of the door opening means also activates the UV light.

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