JP7344326B2 - Passenger conveyor handrail belt sterilizer and method of installing the handrail belt sterilizer on the passenger conveyor - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a handrail belt sterilizer for a passenger conveyor and a method for attaching the handrail belt sterilizer to a passenger conveyor.

As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a passenger conveyor equipped with a sterilizer for sterilizing a handrail belt is known. The sterilization device disclosed in Patent Document 1 acquires operating speed information of a passenger conveyor and performs sterilization processing on a handrail belt based on the operating speed information. Specifically, when the passenger conveyor is in low-speed standby operation (that is, when there is no user of the passenger conveyor), the sterilization device performs a sterilization process on the handrail belt. On the other hand, when the passenger conveyor is in normal operation (i.e., when there are occupants on the passenger conveyor), the sterilizer stops sterilizing the handrail belt.

JP 2019-52021 Publication

By the way, there is a demand for sterilizing the parts of the handrail belt that the user comes in contact with as soon as possible. Therefore, it is required to carry out sterilization treatment even while the passenger conveyor is in normal operation. Additionally, it is required to reliably sterilize the parts of the handrail belt that the user comes into contact with. There is also a need to reduce power consumption by sterilizers.

The present invention has been made with these points in mind, and provides a handrail belt sterilizer that is capable of quickly and reliably sterilizing the parts of the handrail belt that are in contact with the user, while also reducing power consumption. The purpose is to provide

The passenger conveyor handrail belt sterilization device according to this embodiment is as follows:
a first sensor that detects contact with a handrail belt running along the handrail at the top of the handrail of the passenger conveyor;
a first sterilization section that sterilizes the handrail belt below the handrail;
a control unit that controls the first sterilization unit;
Equipped with
The control section operates the first sterilizing section for a predetermined period of time when a first period of time has elapsed since the first sensor detected contact with the handrail belt.

The method of attaching the handrail belt sterilizer to the passenger conveyor according to this embodiment is as follows:
a step of attaching to the passenger conveyor a sensor that detects contact with a handrail belt running along the handrail at the upper part of the handrail of the passenger conveyor;
attaching to the passenger conveyor a sterilizing unit that sterilizes the handrail belt below the handrail;
installing software for controlling the sterilization section on the control panel of the passenger conveyor;
Equipped with
The control panel on which the software is installed operates the sterilizing section for a predetermined period of time when a first period of time has elapsed since the sensor detected contact with the handrail belt.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a passenger conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section of the handrail and handrail belt of the passenger conveyor shown in FIG. 1, perpendicular to the running direction of the handrail belt. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the handrail belt sterilizer. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of the handrail belt and the sterilizing section shown in FIG. 1, perpendicular to the running direction of the handrail belt. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the handrail belt sterilizer shown in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a handrail belt sterilizer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a passenger conveyor 1 to which a handrail belt sterilizer 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the handrail 20 and handrail belt 23 of the passenger conveyor 1 shown in FIG. 1, perpendicular to the running direction of the handrail belt 23. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the handrail belt sterilizer 30. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of the handrail belt 23 and the sterilizing sections 31 to 35 shown in FIG. 1, perpendicular to the running direction of the handrail belt 23.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the passenger conveyor 1 is an escalator that spans between two floors F1 and F2 of a building. More specifically, the passenger conveyor 1 is an up escalator. The entrance 10 of the passenger conveyor 1 is provided on the floor F1, and the exit 11 of the passenger conveyor 1 is provided on the floor F2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the passenger conveyor 1 includes a plurality of steps 2 for carrying users, a step chain 3 that connects the steps 2, a guide rail 4 that guides the steps 2, and a machine room 5 inside. It has a truss 6 installed in the truss 6, and a pair of parapets 20 erected on both sides of the truss 6. A skirt guard 25 is provided at the bottom of each parapet 20. Boarding boards 7 are installed at the entrance 10 and exit 11 of the passenger conveyor 1.

The steps 2 are connected via a step chain 3 in an endless ring shape. The steps 2 circulate on a guide rail 4 formed in an annular shape.

Each balustrade 20 has a balustrade panel 21 and a handrail 22 attached to the top of the balustrade panel 21, as shown in FIG. An endless handrail belt 23 moves along the handrail 22. After moving along the handrail 22, the handrail belt 23 moves through the inner space of the skirt guard 25 and the truss 6. The handrail belt 23 enters and exits the interior space of the skirt guard 25 and the truss 6 through openings 26 and 27 provided in the skirt guard 25, and exits from the interior space.

The machine room 5 is installed below the boarding board 7. In the machine room 5, a motor 15, a control panel 16, sprockets 17 to 19, etc. are installed. Motor 15 drives step chain 3. The control panel 16 includes an operation control section 16a that controls the operation of the passenger conveyor 1. The operation control unit 16a controls driving of the motor 15, for example. A step chain 3 is stretched between the first and second sprockets 17 and 18. When the motor 15 drives the step chain 3, the first and second sprockets 17 and 18 rotate. A handrail belt 23 is wrapped around the third sprocket 19. The third sprocket 19 is connected to the first sprocket 17 by a transmission chain (not shown), and rotates as the first sprocket 17 rotates. Therefore, the handrail belt 23 moves in synchronization with the steps 2.

A handrail belt sterilizer 30 is attached to the passenger conveyor 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 includes first to fifth sterilizers 31 to 35, first to second sensors 36, 37, a timer 38, and a sterilizer controller 39. The first to fifth sterilizing parts 31 to 35 are arranged in the inner space of the skirt guard 25 or the truss 6. The first to fifth sterilizing units 31 to 35 are arranged along the handrail belt 23 in the internal space. The first to fifth sterilization units 31 to 35 are arranged in this order along the running direction of the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the first to fifth sterilizing sections 31 to 35 are lined up without gaps.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the sterilizing units 31 to 35 sterilize the surface of the handrail belt 23 by irradiating the surface of the handrail belt 23 with ultraviolet rays. The sterilization units 31 to 35 have LED modules M. The LED module M may be arranged to surround the handrail belt 23. Furthermore, by arranging the sterilizing sections 31 to 35 in the inner space of the skirt guard 25 or the truss 6, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the LED module M are prevented from entering the user's eyes.

The first and second sensors 36 and 37 detect contact of the user's hand H or the like with the handrail belt 23 at the upper part of the handrail 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first and second sensors 36 and 37 are attached to the upper part of the parapet 20. The first and second sensors 36 and 37 may be contact type sensors or non-contact type sensors. The first and second sensors 36 and 37 may be, for example, infrared sensors or microwave sensors. Furthermore, the first and second sensors 36 and 37 may be sensors that utilize image recognition technology. In this case, the first and second sensors 36 and 37 detect, for example, the difference between the color of the handrail belt 23 and the color of something that is in contact with the handrail belt 23 (for example, the user's hand H). good. In the illustrated example, the first sensor 36 is provided at a portion of the parapet 20 near the exit 11. Further, the second sensor 37 is provided upstream of the first sensor 36 in the running direction of the handrail belt 23. However, the arrangement of the first and second sensors 36, 37 is not limited to this. The first sensor 36 may be provided in a portion of the parapet 20 near the entrance 10. Further, the second sensor 37 may be provided downstream of the first sensor 36 in the running direction of the handrail belt 23.

The timer 38 starts timing when the first sensor 36 detects contact with the handrail belt 23. In the illustrated example, the timer 38 is implemented by a timer circuit built into the control panel 16, but is not limited thereto. Timer 38 may be a timer installed separately from control panel 16.

The sterilization control section 39 controls the sterilization sections 31 to 35 based on input from the timer 38. Specifically, when the timer 38 measures the first time length (that is, when the first time length elapses after the first sensor 36 detects contact with the handrail belt 23), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the sterilization control unit 39. 1. The sterilizing section 31 is operated for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, when the timer 38 measures the second time length, the sterilization control unit 39 operates the second sterilization unit 32 for a predetermined time length. Further, when the timer 38 measures the third time length, the sterilization control unit 39 operates the third sterilization unit 33 for a predetermined time length. Furthermore, when the timer 38 measures the fourth time length, the sterilization control unit 39 operates the fourth sterilization unit 34 for a predetermined time length. Further, when the timer 38 measures the fifth time length, the sterilization control unit 39 operates the fifth sterilization unit 35 for a predetermined time length.

The first time length is a time length that corresponds to the time length required from when the point detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 is detected by the first sensor 36 until it reaches the first sterilization section 31. More specifically, the length of the trajectory of an arbitrary part of the handrail belt 23 when the handrail belt 23 moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the first sterilizer 31 is calculated as the length of the trajectory of the handrail belt 23. The length of time is calculated by dividing 23 by the traveling speed. More specifically, during the first time length, when a location detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 reaches the first sterilization section 31, the UV rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the first sterilization section 31 to the location. It has been determined that As a result, the first sterilizing section 31 performs sterilization treatment on the location (the location that the user has come into contact with).

The second time length is a time length that corresponds to the length of time it takes for the location of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 to reach the second sterilization section 32 after being detected by the first sensor 36 . More specifically, the length of the trajectory of the handrail belt 23 when the handrail belt 23 moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the second sterilization section 32 is determined by the handrail belt 23. The length of time is calculated by dividing 23 by the traveling speed. More specifically, during the second time length, when a location detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 reaches the second sterilization section 32, the UV rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the second sterilization section 32 to the location. It has been determined that As a result, the second sterilization unit 32 performs sterilization treatment on the location (the location that the user has come into contact with).

The third time length is a time length that corresponds to the length of time it takes from when the point detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 is detected by the first sensor 36 until it reaches the third sterilization section 33. More specifically, the length of the trajectory of an arbitrary part of the handrail belt 23 when the handrail belt 23 moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the third sterilization part 33 is calculated as the length of the trajectory of the handrail belt 23. The length of time is calculated by dividing 23 by the traveling speed. More specifically, during the third time length, when the location detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 reaches the third sterilization section 33, the UV rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the third sterilization section 33 to the location. It has been determined that As a result, the third sterilization unit 33 performs sterilization treatment on the location (the location that the user has come into contact with).

The fourth time length is a time length that corresponds to the length of time it takes for the location of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 to reach the fourth sterilization section 34 after being detected by the first sensor 36 . More specifically, the length of the trajectory of an arbitrary part of the handrail belt 23 when the handrail belt 23 moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the fourth sterilizer 34 is determined by the length of the trajectory of the handrail belt 23. The length of time is calculated by dividing 23 by the traveling speed. More specifically, during the fourth time length, when the location detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 reaches the fourth sterilization section 34, the UV rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the fourth sterilization section 34 to that location. It has been determined that As a result, the fourth sterilizing section 34 performs sterilization treatment on the location (the location that the user has come into contact with).

The fifth time length is a time length that corresponds to the length of time it takes for the location of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 to reach the fifth sterilization section 35 after being detected by the first sensor 36 . More specifically, the length of the trajectory of an arbitrary part of the handrail belt 23 when the handrail belt 23 moves from the position facing the first sensor 36 to the position facing the fifth sterilization part 35 is calculated as the length of the trajectory of the handrail belt 23. The length of time is calculated by dividing 23 by the traveling speed. More specifically, during the fifth time length, when the location detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 reaches the fifth sterilization section 35, the UV rays are irradiated from the LED module M of the fifth sterilization section 35 to the location. It has been determined that As a result, the fifth sterilizing section 35 performs sterilization treatment on the location (the location that the user has come into contact with).

That is, the sterilization control unit 39 controls the sterilization units 31 to 35 so that the sterilization units 31 to 35 sequentially perform sterilization treatment on the locations detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23. Thereby, the sterilization process can be performed on the above-mentioned parts of the handrail belt 23 for a time longer than the time required for the above-mentioned parts of the handrail belt 23 to pass through each of the sterilization sections 31 to 35. For example, if the running speed of the handrail belt 23 is 30 m/min and the length of each sterilizing section 31 to 35 along the running direction of the handrail belt 23 is 0.5 m, the above-mentioned parts of the handrail belt 23 are The time required to pass through sections 31 to 35 is 1 second. That is, each of the sterilization units 31 to 35 can perform sterilization treatment on the above-mentioned locations for only one second. However, when the first to fifth sterilization units 31 to 35 are operated in sequence, the sterilization process can be continuously performed on the above locations for 5 seconds.

In addition, the sterilization control unit 39 operates the sterilization units 31 to 35 for a predetermined length of time, in other words, the sterilization units 31 to 35 are not kept in operation from the start of operation to the end of operation of the passenger conveyor 1. , power consumption by the handrail belt sterilizer 30 can be suppressed. Further, deterioration of the handrail belt 23 due to irradiation of the handrail belt 23 with ultraviolet rays can be suppressed. The predetermined time length is a time length corresponding to the time required for the portion of the handrail belt 23 detected by the first sensor 36 to pass through each of the sterilization sections 31 to 35. More specifically, the predetermined time length is a time length corresponding to the value obtained by dividing the length of each sterilizing section 31 to 35 along the running direction of the handrail belt 23 by the running speed of the handrail belt 23. For example, if the moving speed of the handrail belt 23 is 30 m/min and the length of each sterilizing section 31 to 35 along the running direction of the handrail belt 23 is 0.5 m, the above-mentioned parts of the handrail belt 23 are The time required to pass through sections 31 to 35 is 1 second. In this case, the predetermined time length may be 1 second. By determining the above-mentioned predetermined time length in this way, it is possible to ensure that the ultraviolet rays from the sterilizing parts 31 to 35 are irradiated to the above-mentioned parts of the handrail belt 23 (the parts that the user has touched), while also ensuring that the handrail belt 23 is Irradiation to other parts can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the sterilization control section 39 controls the sterilization sections 31 to 35 based on input from the second sensor 37. For example, if contact with the handrail belt 23 is detected not only by the first sensor 36 but also by the second sensor 37, the above-mentioned part of the handrail belt 23 changes from the position facing the second sensor 37 to the position facing the first sensor 36. It is highly likely that the user was in continuous contact with the area during the journey. In this case, compared to the case where the second sensor 37 does not detect contact with the handrail belt 23, it is required to sterilize the above-mentioned area more carefully. Therefore, when there is an input from the second sensor 37, the sterilization control section 39 increases the ultraviolet illuminance of each of the sterilization sections 31 to 35, for example, compared to when there is no input from the second sensor 37.

In the illustrated example, the sterilization control unit 39 is realized by installing software for controlling the sterilization units 31 to 35 on the control panel 16 of the passenger conveyor 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sterilization control section 39 may be provided separately from the control panel 16. In the illustrated example, when the sterilization control unit 39 detects that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has started in response to an input from the operation control unit 16a, it starts operating the first and second sensors 36 and 37. let Further, when the sterilization control section 39 receives an input from the operation control section 16a and detects that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended, it ends the operation of the first and second sensors 36 and 37.

Note that such a handrail belt sterilizer 30 can be attached to the passenger conveyor 1 in the following manner. That is, the first and second sensors 36 and 37 are attached to the passenger conveyor 1 (more specifically, to the top of the handrail 20). Further, the first to fifth sterilization units 31 to 35 are attached to the passenger conveyor 1 (more specifically, below the handrail 20). Further, software is installed in the control panel 16 to cause a part of the control panel 16 to function as a sterilization control section 39.

Next, the operation of the handrail belt sterilizer 30 will be explained with reference to FIG. First, when the sterilization control section 39 detects that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has started due to an input from the operation control section 16a to the sterilization control section 39, the sterilization control section 39 controls the first to second sensors 36, 37 is started (step S1).

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether the first sensor 36 has detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S2). Specifically, it is determined whether there is an input from the first sensor 36 to the sterilization control unit 39. When it is determined that the first sensor 36 has detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (YES in step S2), the sterilization control unit 39 causes the timer 38 to start timing.

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether a first length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S3). Specifically, it is determined whether the timer 38 has timed the first time length. When it is determined that the first length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (YES in step S3), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the first sterilization unit 31. (Step S4). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted by the first sterilizing section 31 is adjusted depending on whether the second sensor 37 detects contact with the handrail belt 23 or not. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the first length of time has not elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (NO in step S3), the determination in step S3 is performed again. .

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether a second length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S5). Specifically, it is determined whether the timer 38 has timed the second time length. When it is determined that the second length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (YES in step S5), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the second sterilization unit 32. (Step S6). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted by the second sterilizing section 32 is adjusted depending on whether the second sensor 37 detects contact with the handrail belt 23 or not. In the illustrated example, the second time period elapses after the first sensor 36 detects contact with the handrail belt 23, and at the same time, the predetermined time period elapses from the start of the operation of the first sterilizing section 31. Elapse. Therefore, the sterilization control section 39 starts the operation of the second sterilization section 32 and ends the operation of the first sterilization section 31 at the same time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the second length of time has not elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (NO in step S5), the determination in step S5 is performed again. .

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether a third length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S7). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the timer 38 has counted the third time length. When it is determined that the third length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (YES in step S7), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the third sterilization unit 33. (Step S8). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted by the third sterilizing section 33 is adjusted depending on whether the second sensor 37 detects contact with the handrail belt 23 or not. In the illustrated example, at the same time when the third time period elapses after the first sensor 36 detects contact with the handrail belt 23, the predetermined time period elapses from the start of the operation of the second sterilization section 32. Elapse. Therefore, the sterilization control section 39 starts the operation of the third sterilization section 33 and ends the operation of the second sterilization section 32 at the same time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the third time period has not elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (NO in step S7), the determination in step S7 is performed again. .

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether a fourth length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S9). Specifically, it is determined whether the timer 38 has timed the fourth time length. When it is determined that the fourth length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (YES in step S9), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the fourth sterilization unit 34. (Step S10). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted by the fourth sterilizing section 34 is adjusted depending on whether the second sensor 37 detects contact with the handrail belt 23 or not. In the illustrated example, at the same time that the fourth time period has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23, the predetermined time period has elapsed since the operation of the third sterilization section 33 was started. Elapse. Therefore, the sterilization control section 39 starts the operation of the fourth sterilization section 34 and ends the operation of the third sterilization section 33 at the same time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the fourth time period has not elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (NO in step S9), the determination in step S9 is performed again. .

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether a fifth time period has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (step S11). Specifically, it is determined whether the timer 38 has timed the fifth time length. When it is determined that the fifth time period has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (YES in step S11), the sterilization control unit 39 starts the operation of the fifth sterilization unit 35. (Step S12). At this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted by the fifth sterilizing section 35 is adjusted depending on whether the second sensor 37 detects contact with the handrail belt 23 or not. In the illustrated example, at the same time that the fifth time period has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23, the predetermined time period has elapsed since the fourth sterilization section 34 started operating. Elapse. Therefore, the sterilization control section 39 starts the operation of the fifth sterilization section 35 and ends the operation of the fourth sterilization section 34 at the same time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the fifth time period has not elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (NO in step S11), the determination in step S11 is performed again. .

Next, the sterilization control section 39 determines whether the predetermined length of time has elapsed since the operation of the fifth sterilization section 35 was started (step S13). When it is determined that the predetermined length of time has elapsed since the start of the operation of the fifth sterilization section 35, the sterilization control section 39 ends the operation of the fifth sterilization section 35 (step S14). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (NO in step S13), the determination in step S13 is performed again. .

Next, the sterilization control unit 39 determines whether or not the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended (step S15). Specifically, it is determined whether a signal indicating that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended has been input from the operation control section 16a to the sterilization control section 39. When it is determined that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended (YES in step S15), the sterilization control unit 39 ends the operation of the first and second sensors 36 and 37. This completes the operation of the handrail belt sterilizer 30.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 is not finished (NO in step S15), the process returns to step S2 and determines whether the first sensor 36 has detected contact with the handrail belt 23 or not. This determination is made in the sterilization control unit 39.

Note that even if it is determined in step S2 that the first sensor 36 has not detected contact with the handrail belt 23 (NO in step S2), the determination as to whether or not the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended may be due to sterilization. This is performed in the control unit 39 (step S16). When it is determined that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has ended (YES in step S16), the sterilization control unit 39 ends the operation of the first and second sensors 36 and 37. This completes the operation of the handrail belt sterilizer 30. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the operation of the passenger conveyor 1 has not ended (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S2 and determines whether or not the first sensor 36 has detected contact with the handrail belt 23. This determination is made in the sterilization control unit 39.

Note that various changes can be made to the embodiment described above.

For example, in the example described above, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 includes five sterilizers 31 to 35, but is not limited thereto. Handrail belt sterilizer 30 may include any number of sterilizer sections 31-35. For example, handrail belt sterilizer 30 may include a single sterilizer section.

Furthermore, in the above example, the predetermined length of time during which each of the sterilizing units 31 to 35 operates is equal to the length of time required for the location detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 to pass through each of the sterilizing units 31 to 35. The length of time depends on the length of time, but is not limited to this. The predetermined length of time may be the length of time required for the portion of the handrail belt 23 to pass through each of the sterilization sections 31 to 35 a predetermined number of times. For example, the predetermined length of time may be the length of time required for the portion of the handrail belt 23 to pass through each of the sterilization sections 31 to 35 twice. In this case, the predetermined length of time is equal to the length of time required for the handrail belt 23 to rotate around the parapet 20 twice.

Further, in the above example, the sterilization control unit 39 adjusts the ultraviolet illuminance of each sterilization unit 31 to 35 based on the input from the second sensor 37, but the invention is not limited thereto. The sterilization control section 39 may control the number of sterilization sections 31 to 35 to be activated based on the input from the second sensor 37. For example, when there is no input from the second sensor 37, the sterilization control section 39 may reduce the number of sterilization sections 31 to 35 to be activated compared to when there is an input from the second sensor 37. That is, the sterilization control section 39 may operate only some of the sterilization sections 31 to 35 included in the handrail belt sterilization device 30.

Furthermore, in the example described above, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 includes two sensors 36 and 37, but is not limited thereto. The handrail belt sterilizer 30 may include only the first sensor 36.

Additionally, in the example described above, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 includes a single timer 38, but is not limited thereto. Handrail belt sterilizer 30 may include multiple timers 38. Especially in the case of a passenger conveyor 1 that can be used by a plurality of users at the same time, it is expected that the first sensor 36 will continuously detect the contact of the handrail belt 23 by a plurality of users. In this case, the handrail belt sterilization device 30 preferably includes a plurality of timers 38 and assigns a timer 38 to each contact detected by the first sensor 36. In this case, the sterilizing units 31 to 35 can be operated by measuring the first to fifth time lengths for each contact.

In the embodiment described above, the handrail belt sterilizing device 30 for the passenger conveyor 1 includes a first sensor that detects contact with the handrail belt 23 running along the handrail 20 at the upper part of the handrail 20 of the passenger conveyor 1. 36, a first sterilizing section 31 that sterilizes the surface of the handrail belt 23 below the balustrade 20, and a control section 39 that controls the first sterilizing section 31. When a first length of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23, the control unit 39 operates the first sterilizing unit 31 for a predetermined length of time. Here, the first time length is a time length corresponding to the length of time it takes for the point detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 to reach the first sterilization section 31 after being detected by the first sensor 36. It is.

According to the handrail belt sterilizing device 30, the parts of the handrail belt 23 that the user has touched can be reliably sterilized before the handrail belt 23 goes around the parapet 20. Furthermore, since the first sterilizing section 31 is operated for a predetermined period of time, power consumption by the handrail belt sterilizing device 30 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 further includes a second sterilizer 32 that sterilizes the surface of the handrail belt 23 below the balustrade 20. The first sterilizing section 31 and the second sterilizing section 32 are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt 23. The control unit 39 operates the second sterilizing unit 32 for a predetermined period of time when a second period of time has elapsed since the first sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23. Here, the second time length is a time length corresponding to the length of time it takes for the point detected by the first sensor 36 of the handrail belt 23 to reach the second sterilization section 32 after being detected by the first sensor 36. It is.

In this case, the sterilization process can be performed on the above-mentioned part of the handrail belt 23 for a time longer than the time required for the above-mentioned part of the handrail belt 23 to pass through the sterilization section 31. Furthermore, since the second sterilizing section 32 is operated for a predetermined period of time, power consumption by the handrail belt sterilizing device 30 can be suppressed.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the first sensor 36 is a contact type or non-contact type sensor.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 further includes a second sensor 37 that detects contact with the handrail belt 23 at the upper part of the handrail 20. The first sensor 36 and the second sensor 37 are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt 23. The control unit 39 controls the first sterilization unit 31 depending on whether or not the second sensor 37 detects the sterilization unit. For example, when the first sterilizing section 31 irradiates the handrail belt 23 with ultraviolet rays, the control section 39 controls the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilizing section 31 depending on whether or not the second sensor 37 detects the ultraviolet rays.

In this case, the portion of the handrail belt 23 that the user has been in continuous contact with can be thoroughly sterilized, for example, by increasing the ultraviolet irradiance of the first sterilizing section 31. Note that when not only the first sensor 36 but also the second sensor 37 detects contact with the handrail belt 23, the part of the handrail belt 23 where the contact is detected is located at one of the two sensors 36 and 37. It is highly likely that the user was in continuous contact with the user while moving from the position facing the other person to the position facing the other person.

In the embodiment described above, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 also includes a second sensor 37 that detects contact with the handrail belt 23 at the top of the handrail 20, and a second sensor 37 that sterilizes the handrail belt 23 at the bottom of the handrail 20. It further includes a second sterilization section 37. The first sensor 36 and the second sensor 37 are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt 23. The first sterilizing section 31 and the second sterilizing section 32 are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt 23. The control unit 39 controls the first sterilizing unit 31 and the second sterilizing unit 32 depending on whether or not the second sensor 37 detects. For example, when the first sterilizing section 31 and the second sterilizing section 32 irradiate the handrail belt 23 with ultraviolet rays, the control section 39 controls the first sterilizing section 31 and the second sterilizing section 32 depending on whether or not the second sensor 37 detects the ultraviolet rays. 2. Control the ultraviolet illuminance of the sterilization section 32.

In this case, the parts of the handrail belt 23 that the user has been in continuous contact with can be thoroughly sterilized by, for example, increasing the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilizing section 31 and the second sterilizing section 32.

In the embodiment described above, the method of attaching the handrail belt sterilizer 30 to the passenger conveyor 1 is to contact the handrail belt 23 running along the handrail 20 at the upper part of the handrail 20 of the passenger conveyor 1. a step of attaching a sensor 36 to the passenger conveyor 1 to detect the sterilization, a step of attaching a sterilizing section 31 for sterilizing the handrail belt 23 below the handrail 20 to the passenger conveyor 1, and a step of controlling the sterilizing section 31 to the control panel 16 of the passenger conveyor 1. and a step of installing software to do so. The control panel 16 equipped with software operates the sterilizing section 31 for a predetermined period of time when a first period of time has elapsed since the sensor 36 detected contact with the handrail belt 23.

According to such an installation method of the handrail belt sterilizer 30, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 can quickly and reliably sterilize the parts of the handrail belt 23 that are in contact with the user on the existing passenger conveyor 1. Therefore, the handrail belt sterilizer 30 with reduced power consumption can be installed.

Although embodiments and some modifications of the present invention have been described, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. Furthermore, it goes without saying that these embodiments and modifications can be partially combined as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

1: Passenger conveyor, 2: Steps, 3: Step chain, 4: Guide rail, 5: Machine room, 6: Truss, 16: Control panel, 16a: Operation control section, 20: Handrail, 22: Handrail, 23: Handrail belt, 25: Skirt guard, 30: Handrail belt sterilizer, 31: First sterilization section, 32: Second sterilization section, 33: Third sterilization section, 34: Fourth sterilization section, 35: Fifth sterilization section, 36: First sensor, 37: Second sensor, 38: Timer, 39: Sterilization control section

Claims (12)

a first sensor that detects contact with a handrail belt running along the handrail at the top of the handrail of the passenger conveyor;
a first sterilization section that sterilizes the handrail belt below the handrail;
a control unit that controls the first sterilization unit;
Equipped with
The control unit operates the first sterilizing unit for a predetermined length of time when a first length of time has elapsed since the first sensor detected contact with the handrail belt,
The first time length is a time length that corresponds to the length of time it takes for the part of the handrail belt detected by the first sensor to reach the first sterilization section after being detected by the first sensor. , passenger conveyor handrail belt sterilization device. a first sensor that detects contact with a handrail belt running along the handrail at the top of the handrail of the passenger conveyor;
a first sterilization section and a second sterilization section that sterilize the handrail belt below the handrail;
a control unit that controls the first sterilization unit and the second sterilization unit;
Equipped with
The control unit operates the first sterilizing unit for a predetermined length of time when a first length of time has elapsed since the first sensor detected contact with the handrail belt,
The first sterilizing section and the second sterilizing section are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
The control unit operates the second sterilizing unit for a predetermined length of time when a second length of time has elapsed after the first sensor detects contact with the handrail belt. . A first sensor and a second sensor that detect contact with a handrail belt running along the handrail at the upper part of the handrail of the passenger conveyor;
a first sterilization section that sterilizes the handrail belt below the handrail;
a control unit that controls the first sterilization unit;
Equipped with
The control unit operates the first sterilizing unit for a predetermined length of time when a first length of time has elapsed since the first sensor detected contact with the handrail belt,
The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
The control section is a handrail belt sterilizing device for a passenger conveyor, wherein the control section controls the first sterilization section depending on the presence or absence of detection by the second sensor. A first sensor and a second sensor that detect contact with a handrail belt running along the handrail at the upper part of the handrail of the passenger conveyor;
a first sterilization section and a second sterilization section that sterilize the handrail belt below the handrail;
a control unit that controls the first sterilization unit and the second sterilization unit;
Equipped with
The control unit operates the first sterilizing unit for a predetermined length of time when a first length of time has elapsed since the first sensor detected contact with the handrail belt,
The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
The first sterilizing section and the second sterilizing section are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
The control section is a handrail belt sterilizing device for a passenger conveyor, wherein the control section controls the first sterilizing section and the second sterilizing section depending on the presence or absence of detection by the second sensor. further comprising a second sterilizing section that sterilizes the handrail belt below the handrail,
The first sterilizing section and the second sterilizing section are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
Claims 1 , 3, and 4 , wherein the control unit operates the second sterilizing unit for a predetermined time when a second time has elapsed after the first sensor detects contact with the handrail belt. The handrail belt sterilizer according to any one of the above . The second time length is a time length that corresponds to the time required for the part of the handrail belt detected by the first sensor to reach the second sterilization section after being detected by the first sensor. , the handrail belt sterilizer according to claim 2 or 5 . The handrail belt sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the first sensor is a contact type or non-contact type sensor. further comprising a second sensor that detects contact with the handrail belt at the top of the handrail,
The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
The handrail belt sterilizing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the first sterilizing unit depending on whether or not there is detection by the second sensor. The first sterilization section irradiates the handrail belt with ultraviolet rays,
The handrail belt sterilizer according to claim 3 or 8 , wherein the control section controls the ultraviolet illuminance of the first sterilization section depending on whether or not the second sensor detects the ultraviolet rays. a second sensor that detects contact with the handrail belt at the top of the handrail;
a second sterilization section that sterilizes the handrail belt below the handrail;
further comprising;
The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
The first sterilizing section and the second sterilizing section are arranged along the running direction of the handrail belt,
The handrail belt sterilizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the control unit controls the first sterilizing unit and the second sterilizing unit depending on whether or not there is detection by the second sensor. The first sterilizing section and the second sterilizing section irradiate the handrail belt with ultraviolet rays, and the control section irradiates the first sterilizing section and the second sterilizing section depending on the presence or absence of detection by the second sensor. The handrail belt sterilization device according to claim 4 or 10 , wherein the handrail belt sterilization device controls the ultraviolet illuminance of the area. A method for attaching a handrail belt sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising:
a step of attaching to the passenger conveyor a sensor that detects contact with a handrail belt running along the handrail at the upper part of the handrail of the passenger conveyor;
attaching to the passenger conveyor a sterilizing unit that sterilizes the handrail belt below the handrail;
installing software for controlling the sterilization section on the control panel of the passenger conveyor;
A method of attaching a handrail belt sterilizer to a passenger conveyor, comprising :