WO2019059858A2

WO2019059858A2 - A cleaning unit with sterilizing feature operating based on the motion of an escalator

Info

Publication number: WO2019059858A2
Application number: PCT/TR2018/050123
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Ali ALPCAN; Murat Avci
Original assignee: Alpcan Mehmet Ali
Priority date: 2017-07-15
Filing date: 2018-03-27
Publication date: 2019-03-28
Also published as: WO2019059858A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a sterilization unit which sterilizes the escalators that provide access between floors in living spaces where human crowds are present, such as airports, shopping malls, stadiums, subway stations and schools. The invention, in particular, relates to an aspect of the mentioned cleaning unit in that it comprises a tacho sensor wheel to enable it to be activated based on the escalator's motion, and comprises a transmitter module to provide enable it to be controlled remotely via remote wireless communication.

Description

A CLEANING UNIT WITH STERILIZING FEATURE OPERATING BASED ON THE

MOTION OF AN ESCALATOR

Technical Field

The invention relates to a sterilization unit which sterilizes the escalators that provide access between floors in living spaces where human crowds are present, such as airports, shopping malls, stadiums, subway stations and schools.

The invention, in particular, relates to an aspect of the mentioned cleaning unit in that it comprises a tacho sensor wheel to enable it to be activated based on the escalator's motion, and comprises a transmitter module to provide enable it to be controlled remotely via remote wireless communication.

Background Art In common living spaces, which have been occupied by larger crowds with the advancing technology, such as airports, shopping malls, stadiums, subway stations and schools, staircases are still the primary mode of access between floors.

An escalator is an electricity powered staircase whose stairs are mounted on a continuously cycling mechanism. They are used for carrying people up or down. They have the capacity to carry larger numbers of people, as compared with elevators.

End users hold flexible handrails while they are using escalators.

One of the most important health problems regarding the use of escalators is associated to cleaning and hygiene of the mentioned handrails.

Research studies report that lack of hand washing habits take up between 40%-47% among the factors that promote spreading of contagious diseases. There are campaigns that have been set all around the world regarding this issue. World Health Organization (WHO) has declared May 5^th as the day of hand hygiene with the slogan "clean your hands: save lives". There are various viruses, bacteria and microorganisms that can rapidly multiply and infect in case of lack of hand hygiene. Studies report existence of M. Tuberculosis, MRSA, Escherichia Coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV-1 , H5N1 and SARS viruses on uncleaned handrails. There are various applications in the background art to remove the detected viruses and provide hygiene on the mentioned handrails while overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages. An example is given by the patent application no PCT/TR2014/000225. According to the mentioned patent document, the invention is an escalator handrail cleaner essentially comprising a body, on which an area for advertisements for escalator handrail is introduced, comprising main bodies (1 ), at least one disinfectant tube (2) introduced inside the main body (1 ) in a position that will allow it to spray disinfectant to the handrail (9), and a cartridge (4) introduced on the handrail (9) to wipe the handrail (9) without interfering with the motion of the handrail (9), prepared to be adapted to different escalator and handrail forms of different models. However, in this application, spray operation continues when the escalator is standing by. Therefore, the cleaning fluid is wasted without performing cleaning operation. Another application is given by the Korean patent application no KR201 10016145. Its object is to resume handrail cleaning in escalators by emitting long infrared beams towards the user's hand. Even though a handrail cleaning device with an advertisement surface is provided, it fails to deliver the desired hygiene level.

Having studied all the relevant technical documents, disadvantages of the background art have made it necessary to development in order to achieve the object of cleaning escalator handrails while eliminating 98% of the mentioned viruses and bacteria.

Objet of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning unit for handrail sterilization which overcomes all disadvantages of the prior art and provide further advantages.

Based on the current state of the art, the object of the invention is to develop a sterilizing handrail cleaning unit which is able to detect if the escalator is not running and cease unnecessary spraying.

Another objet of the invention is to develop a sterilizing handrail cleaning unit which is able to measure ambient temperature, humidity etc. and provide the relevant information on its digital screen. Another object of the invention is to develop a sterilizing handrail cleaning unit which is able to be mounted to all types of escalators. Another object of the invention is to develop a sterilizing handrail cleaning unit comprising a controller device for programming and controlling a Mainboard in order to perform the mentioned hygiene operation.

Another object of the invention is to develop a sterilizing handrail cleaning unit which shuts down the system and switches to a safe mode in case of an emergency during the mentioned hygiene operation.

In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the invention is characterized in that it comprises framework, block panel, back plate, screw and driver.

In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, it is characterized in that it comprises a cartridge fixed onto a mounting surface by means of suction cups, linear motor, valve, pump, smps power supply, tach sensor wheel, covers, liquid level indicator screen, presentation screen, emergency button and container.

In order to achieve all of the aforementioned advantages along with those that will be apparent from the detailed description below; the present invention provides various conveniences thanks to the mentioned features.

The structural and characteristic properties of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the illustrations below, therefore, assessment should be based on these illustrations and the detailed description.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 : Gives a Representation of Mounting the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention.

Figure 2: Gives a Front Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention.

Figure 3: Gives a Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the

Invention with The Front Cover Open and When It is Mounted to an Escalator.

Figure 4: Gives a Side Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention without the Right Side Cover When It is Mounted to an Escalator. Figure 5: Gives an Exposed Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention from the Right Side When It is Mounted to an Escalator.

Figure 6: Gives a Side Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention Without the Left Side Cover When It is Mounted to an Escalator.

Figure 7: Gives an Exposed Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning

Unit of the Invention from the Left Side When It is Mounted to an Escalator.

Figure 8: Gives a Perspective View of the Framework, Which is a Component Part of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention.

Figure 9: Gives a Perspective View of the Body, Which is a Component Part of the

Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention.

Figure 10: Gives a Perspective View of the Container, Which is a Component Part of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention.

Figure 1 1 : Gives a Perspective View of the Suction Cup, Which is a Component Part of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention.

Figure 12: Gives a Perspective View of the Tacho Mounting Bracket, Which is a

Component Part of the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit of the Invention.

Reference Numbers

1. Handrail Sterilization Unit 100. Tacho Sensor Wheel

10. Front Cover 101. Tacho Wheel Housing

11. Left Cover 110. Nozzle

12. Right Cover 120. Container

20. Framework 121. Container Hole

21. Tacho Mounting Bracket 122. Container Outlet

22. Support Bracket 130. Remote Control

23. Cartridge Mounting Bracket 131. Remote Control Screen

24. Framework Connection Point 140. Remote Access Control Unit

30. Suction Cup 150. Emergency button

40. Cartridge 160. Liquid Level Indicator 50. Linear Motor 161. Liquid Level Indicator Window

60. Valve 170. Presentation Screen

70. Pump 180. Smps Power Supply

80. Mainboard 190. Body

90. Handrail 200. Mounting Surface

Detailed Description of the Invention

In the detailed description herein, which is provided only for exemplary purposes without imposing any limitations, preferred embodiments of the sterilizing handrail cleaning (1 ) of the invention

Properties and functions of the LED panel lamp (100) of the invention is described below.

• Framework (20) is the component which allows all of the components of the mentioned sterilization unit (1 ) to be positioned on the mentioned mounting surface (200) by means of the suction cups (30).

• Body (190) is the component which allows all of the components of the mentioned sterilization unit (1 ) to be positioned on the opposite side of the mounting surface (200) by means of suction cups (30).

• Support brackets (22) are the components which allow all of the components of the mentioned sterilization unit (1 ) to be resiliently stabilized on both sides of the mentioned mounting surface (200).

• Suction cup (30) allows the Sterilizing Handrail Cleaning Unit (1 ) of the invention to be engaged to the mounting surface (200) on the escalator.

• Covers (10, 1 1 , 12) are the components which protect the components of the mentioned sterilizing cleaning unit (1 ) from external factors while at the same time comprising the presentation screen (170) and the liquid level indicator (160).

• Cartridge (40) is connected to the linear motor (50). It engages to the handrail (90) upon receiving the cleaning command from the mainboard (80). It is a cleaner containing a microfiber cloth which performs disinfection operation with the motion of the handrail (90) by being rubbed against it with the sprayed disinfectant. It is replaceable since it is expected to wear out in time due to friction. Linear motor (50) is positioned just above the mentioned cartridge (40). It allows the cartridge (40) to be engaged to the handrail (90) and then disengage from it after the rubbing and completing the cleaning operation.

Valve (60) is introduced on the framework (20) and positioned between the hose connected to the container (120) and the hose connected to the pump (70). It allows the flow of sterilization liquid towards the pump (70) by switching to the open state upon sterilization command.

Pump (90) is positioned on the framework. It delivers the sterilization liquid from the container (120) to the nozzle (1 10) upon reception of the sterilization command from the mainboard (80).

Mainboard (80) is the main component which monitors operation of all of the components required for automatic execution of the cleaning process, which generates start and stop commands, generates start or delay commands based on the signals received from the tacho wheel (100), with a custom software which is preferably entirely developed locally.

smps power supply (180) delivers the energy requirement of the sterilization unit (1 ) from the 220V mains supply. It is a voltage transformer which converts 220V input to 12V and functions as a power supply.

Tacho sensor wheel (100) is the most important component of the sterilization unit (1 ) of the invention and it is in contact with the handrail (90). It has a wheel shape and performs rolling motion with in contact with the handrail (90) with the escalator's motion. It generates a signal while performing the rolling motion. This components allows checking whether the handrail (90) is in motion or not, when a preset sterilization time comes. The mainboard (80) decides if the sterilization process will be commenced or not. If tacho sensor wheel (100) is generating a signal, then it is inferred to be in motion and hence the sterilization process commences; and if the mentioned tacho sensor wheel (100) is not generating a signal, then it is inferred that the handrail is not moving. In this case, the mainboard (80) prohibits the process to be commenced and delays it until the next duty time.

Nozzle (1 10) is a component with holes that allow the disinfection liquid to be applied over the handrail (90) by spraying. It is connected with the cartridge (40) just below the linear motor (50). • Container (120) is introduced inside the space within the body (190) and used to store the sterilization liquid.

• Remote control (130) is designed to program and control the mainboard (80). It comprises a membrane keypad resistant to water and sunlight.

· Emergency button (150) is introduced at a place which is easily accessible both by hand and by foot just below the mentioned sterilization unit (1 ). It is introduced between the mains supply and the smps power supply (180). It shuts down the sterilization unit (1 ) by cutting off the system's power supply.

• Liquid level indicator (160) is introduced over the front cover (10). It allows monitoring the sterilization liquid level in the container (120) via the sensors placed inside the container (120). When it drops below a defined level, it reminds to add sterilization liquid to the container (120) with a warning.

• Presentation screen (170) is introduced on the front cover (10). Using its own controller board, it displays a presentation of prepared and uploaded visuals such as videos, images etc. during the period when the escalator is running. It is maintained shut by the main controller board during the preprogrammed period when the escalator is not used.

• Remote access control unit (140) allows access to the display on the mentioned sterilization unit (1 ) via a web based software. Its identification over a Wi-Fi network allows remote access and uploading. Thereby advertisements, broadcasts, controlling devices, counting the number of people using cameras on the access screens, remotely accessing temperature and air humidity measurements provided by the included sensors can be administered, broadcasted by the presentation screen (170) and accessed live. Figure 1 Gives a Representation of Mounting the Sterilizing Handrail (90) Cleaning Unit (1 ) of the Invention. At the same time, it also represents administration from any given place around the world via the remote control unit (140) and administration from a close range using a remote control (130).

Figure 2 Gives a Front Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail (90) Cleaning Unit (1 ) of the Invention. A liquid level indicator (160) is introduced over the front cover (10). It allows monitoring the sterilization liquid level in the container (120) via the sensors placed inside the container (120). When it drops below a defined level, it reminds to add sterilization liquid to the container (120) with a warning. Presentation screen (170) is introduced on the front cover (10). Using its own controller board, it displays a presentation of prepared and uploaded visuals such as videos, images etc. during the period when the escalator is running. It is maintained shut by the mainboard (80) during the preprogrammed period when the escalator is not used. Figure 3 Gives a Perspective View of the Sterilizing Handrail (90) Cleaning Unit (1 ) of the Invention with The Front Cover Open and When It is Mounted to an Escalator. The front cover (10) is able to be opened and closed by pivoting about the axis which coincides to its lower edge. Thereby, it allows adding sterilization liquid to the container (120). The container (120), which is introduced inside the body (190) and whose perspective view is given in Figure 10, comprises a container outlet (122). The mentioned container outlet (122) is connected with the container hole (121 ) introduced on the mentioned body. Therefore, addition of sterilization liquid to the mentioned container (120) becomes possible by opening the front cover (10).

Figure 4 gives a side perspective view of the sterilizing handrail (90) cleaning unit (1 ) of the invention without the right side cover when it is mounted to an escalator. The framework (20), whose perspective view is given in Figure 8, is mounted to the mounting surface (200) using the suction cups (30). It has an ergonomic design in order to be mounted to escalators with different designs and dimensions. Valve (60), pump (70), mainboard (80) and smps power supply (180) is held together by the mentioned framework (20). In addition, the cartridge mounting bracket (23) and the tacho mounting bracket (21 ) are also connected to the framework (20) and stable. Support brackets (22) are introduced in order to engage the right cover (12) and enable full closing.

Figure 5 gives an exposed perspective view of the sterilizing handrail (90) cleaning unit (1 ) of the invention from the right side when it is mounted to an escalator. The mentioned framework (20) is mounted to the mounting surface (200) from upper and lower sides by means of the suction cups (30), whose perspective view is given in Figure 9. The tacho sensor wheel (100), which is the most important component of the sterilizing cleaning unit (1 ) of the invention, is connected to the handrail (90) on one side, and to the framework (20) on the other side, by means of the tacho mounting bracket (23), whose perspective view is given in Figure 12. No gap is left between the mentioned handrail (90) and the tacho sensor wheel (100). The sensor wheel (100) performs rolling motion as a result of the motion of the handrail (90). In general, a tacho sensor wheel (100) operates in two different ways. The handrail (90) starts moving in synchronization with the escalator when it starts running. Therefore, the tacho sensor wheel (100), which is in contact with the mentioned handrail (90), also starts performing rolling motion, and generates an amount of electricity per each revolution depending on its diameter, or it generates a frequency depending on its rate of revolution. Therefore, the mainboard (80) becomes able to transmit the information whether the escalator is running or not.

Figure 6 gives a side perspective view of the sterilizing handrail (90) cleaning unit (1 ) of the invention without the left side cover (1 1 ) when it is mounted to an escalator, and Figure 7 gives an exposed perspective view of the sterilizing handrail (90) cleaning unit (1 ) of the invention from the left side when it is mounted to an escalator. The body (190) is mounted to the left side of the mounting surface (200) by means of the suction cups (30). Support is provided again and strength is increased by the support bracket (22) between the body (190), whose perspective view is given in Figure 9, and the mounting surface (200). The container (120) is positioned at the gap between the mounting surface (200) and the body (190). The container outlet (122) is placed to sit inside the container hole (121 ). The cartridge (40), which is placed right above the handrail (90), is connected to the framework (20) via the cartridge supporting bracket (23) on the right side of the mounting surface (200), while it is connected to the body (190) on the left side of the mounting surface (200). Therefore, hygienic conditions are achieved with the sterilization liquid and with the wiping cloth rubbing firmly against the when the cartridge (40) is engaged to the handrail (90).

With all the components mounted to their mentioned positions, the sterilizing handrail (90) cleaning unit (1 ) of the invention is mounted to the escalator as seen in Figure 1 and is ready for use. Essential operating principles are given below.

Power required by the sterilization unit (1 ) is supplied by the smps power supply by converting 220V mains power to 12V. Escalators goes into standby mode after failing to detect any user. The handrail (90) sterilization unit (1 ) of the invention is particularly designed for this kind of user sensitive escalators. Therefore, the system is programmed to run only when the escalator is in motion, and to stop when the escalator is not cycling. Once the handrail (90) sterilization unit (1 ) is ready for use, it can be controlled via a remote access control unit (140) using WI-FI, 3G, 4.5G or similar connection methods. It will possible to perform actions such as administering duty cycle periods, administering advertisements and contents that will be displayed on the presentation screen (170), commencing or ceasing the operation of the system remotely from any location around the world via an internet connection. All the mentioned actions may also be performed using a custom design remote control (120), which is able to establish communication via an RF-433MHz Transmitter Module, powered by a Li-Po battery, includes a remote control screen (121 ), where warning commands can be easily monitored using the mentioned screen (121 ), and which has a membrane keypad resistant to water, humidity and sunlight.

The handrail (90) sterilization unit (1 ) of the invention is provided to disinfect the mentioned handrail (90), wherein it operates based on the escalator's motion. The entire system is monitored and controlled by a mainboard (80). Using a custom software installed on the mainboard, the sterilization process can be programmed to be executed within predefined periods. Duration of the period can be set as desired.

Disinfection operation is performed as follows. The sterilization unit (1 ) commences the sterilization process upon receiving a command from the mainboard (80) comprised by it. The mentioned mainboard (80) decides if the sterilization process will commence. If a signal is received from the tacho sensor wheel (100), then it is implied that the escalator is running. The mainboard (80) issues a command to commence the sterilization process. First, the valve (60) is activated. Flow path of the sterilization liquid is cleared. A liquid transfer is realized between the container (120) and the pump (70) through a hose. Sterilization liquid drawn out of the container (120) is delivered to the nozzle (1 10) due to the pressure created by the pump (70) and since the valve (60) is open. Structure of the mentioned nozzle (1 10) allows the sterilization liquid to be sprayed onto the handrail (90). The nozzle (1 10) is positioned just below the linear motor (50). Meanwhile, the mainboard (80) sends the required instructions to the linear motor (50). When the linear motor (50) is activated, it allows the cartridge (40) to be engaged to the handrail (90) and start rubbing. The sterilization liquid sprayed through the nozzle (1 10) completes the sterilization process on the handrail (90) with the cartridge's (40) action. Furthermore, sterilization unit (1 ) switches into standby mode with the instruction of the mainboard (80). Sterilization process is configured based on a complete cycle of the handrail (90). By means of the software introduced on the mainboard (80), period of the sterilization process can be set as desired. The sterilization unit (1 ) with a timing setup repeats the process during each period based on the instructions sent by the mainboard (80). In the beginning of each process, the mainboard (80) checks if a signal is received from the tacho sensor wheel (100). If the escalator is not active, then the handrail (90) is not cycling. Therefore, the tacho sensor wheel (100) in contact with the handrail (90) is not rolling and no signal will be generated. Since no signal is received from the tacho sensor wheel (100), the mainboard (80) will not commence the sterilization process, instead, it will be delayed later period. Thereby, spraying of sterilization liquid onto the stationary handrail will be prevented, saving both energy and sterilization liquid.

Claims

The invention is a sterilization unit (1 ) developed for disinfection for handrails, which are flexible holding places of escalators that provide access between floors in living spaces where human crowds are present, such as airports, shopping malls, stadiums, subway stations and schools, with a framework (20) fixed to a mounting surface by means of the suction cups (30) and a body (190) surrounded by right, left and front covers (12, 1 1 , 10), and controlled by a mainboard (80), wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises,

An smps power supply (180) which delivers the 12V energy requirement of the sterilization unit (1 ) from the 220V mains supply,

A tacho sensor wheel (100) which generates and transmits signals to the mainboard (80) in order to inform whether the handrail (90), with which it is in contact, is cycling or not,

Al least one pump (70) which allows the sterilization liquid stored inside a container (120) to be sprayed onto the handrail (90),

A linear motor (50) which allows the cartridge (40) to be engaged to the handrail (90) and therefore enables sterilization of the handrail (90).

The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it comprises at least one replaceable cartridge (40) which is rubbed against the handrail (90) to clean it and therefore deforms in time.

The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one valve (60) which is connected to the container (120) with a hose on one end and connected to the pump (70) with a hose on the other end, in order to control the flow of sterilization liquid.

The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; the it is characterized in that it comprises at least one support bracket (22) which allow the mentioned framework (20) and the mentioned body (190) to be resiliently stabilized with the right cover (12) and the left cover (1 1 ).

The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one tacho mounting bracket (21 ) which allows the mentioned tacho sensor wheel (100) to be connected to the framework (20) on one side and to be fixed, and to the handrail (90) on the other side.

6. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one nozzle (1 10), which allows the sterilization liquid to be sprayed onto the handrail due to the pressure created by the pump (70).

7. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one container (120) in order to store the sterilization liquid, which is introduced within the gap between the mentioned body (190) and the mounting surface (200), comprising a container outlet (122).

8. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one container hole (121 ) introduced on the mentioned body (190) and connected to the container outlet (122) in order to allow refilling the mentioned container (120).

9. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one remote control (130), which is able to establish communication via an RF-433MHz Transmitter Module, powered by a Li-Po battery, includes a remote control screen (121 ), where warning commands can be easily monitored using the mentioned screen (121 ), and which has a membrane keypad resistant to water, humidity and sunlight.

10. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one remote control (130) screen (121 ) on which warning commands can be easily monitored.

11. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one remote access control unit (140) which allows performing actions such as administering duty cycle periods, administering advertisements and contents that will be displayed on the presentation screen (170), commencing or ceasing the operation of the system remotely from any location around the world via WI-FI, 3G, 4.5G or similar connection methods.

12. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one emergency button (150) which is introduced at a place which is easily accessible both by hand and by foot just below the mentioned sterilization unit (1 ) and connected with the mains supply and the smps power supply (180) in order to shut down the sterilization unit (1 ) by cutting off the system's power supply in case of an emergency. The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one liquid level indicator (160) introduced over the front cover (10) in order to allow monitoring the sterilization liquid level in the container (120) via the sensors placed inside the container and when it drops below a defined level, it reminds to add sterilization liquid to the container (120) with a warning.

The sterilization unit (1 ) of the claim 1 , wherein; it is characterized in that it comprises at least one presentation screen (170) which is introduced on the front cover (10) and which allows displaying, on a location easily visible by users, a presentation of prepared and uploaded visuals such as videos, images etc. for commercial or informative purposes and presents temperature, humidity etc. measurements obtained from the measurement devices contained within the unit