Claims:We claim:
1. A disinfection device (10) for a handrail (14) of an escalator (11), the escalator (11) having a handrail (14) moving over a balustrade (46), the disinfection device (10) comprising:
a housing (16) configured for placing on a floor plate, the housing (16) defining a UV chamber;
a first handrail opening (38) in the housing (16) for entry of the handrail (14) in the UV chamber;
a second handrail opening (40) defined in the housing (16) for exit of the handrail (14) from the UV chamber; and
a set of UVC lamps (12) having at least one UVC lamp (12) is disposed inside the UV chamber for disinfection of the handrail (14);
wherein the at least one UVC lamp (12) is elongated in shape with the length of the UVC lamp (12) is oriented along a length of the handrail (14) inside the UV chamber.

2. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of UVC lamps (12) comprise:
a top array (56) of the at least one UVC lamps (12); and
a bottom array (58) of the at least one UVC lamps (12);
wherein the top array (56) and the bottom array (58) are positioned in series along the length of the handrail (14) inside the UVC chamber.

3. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the handrail (14) inside the UV chamber is oriented in an arc and the mid-section of each UVC lamp (12) is aligned with mid-section of the corresponding mid-section of the length of the handrails (14) juxtaposed to the UVC lamp (12).

4. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each UVC lamp (12) is of 16 watts rating.

5. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the top array (56) and the bottom array (58) has four UVC lamps (12).

6. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a controller (68) coupled with the UVC lamps (12);
a first sensor (70) coupled with the controller (68), the first sensor (70) configured to detect of an approaching user;
a second sensor (72) coupled with the controller (68), the second sensor (72) configured to detect movement of the handrail (14);
wherein the controller (68) is configured to operate the UVC lamps (12) based on input from at least one of the first sensor (70) and the second sensor (72).

7. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UVC lamp (12) is a UV-C tube type lamp.

8. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a set of bristles (42) disposed at at least one of the first handrail opening (38) and the second handrail opening (40), the bristles (42) configured to prevent leakage of UV light from the housing (16) while allowing passage of the handrail (14) inside the UV chamber.

9. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UVC lamp (12) is configured to be powered based on a working state of the escalator (11).

10. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UV chamber is configured to receive 400-600 mm length of the handrail (14).

11. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UVC lamp (12) emanates UV-C light with intensity of 8-12mw/cm2 at 50mm distance from the UVC lamp (12).

12. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (16) defines a first slit (44) to receive a portion of the balustrade (46) adjacent to the handrail (14) disposed of in the UV chamber.

13. The disinfection device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (16) is made of stainless steel.

Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)

“HANDRAIL DISINFECTION DEVICE”

KUMAR, KAMAL
Indian citizen,
B 58, South City 1, Gurugram, Haryana, India 122007.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
Title: HANDRAIL DISINFECTION DEVICE

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to escalators. In particular, the present disclosure relates to disinfection devices for sterilization or disinfection of handrails of an escalator.

Background
Escalators are widely used in buildings for the movement of people from one place to another. The escalators may move people between different floors in a building, or the escalators may be used as walkways to move from one plate to another. The escalators are generally provided with handrails that a user of the escalator can grab while onboarding the escalator and hold while the escalator is moving. The handrails in the modern escalators move along with the staircase.

People may often carry pathogens or other harmful infectious microorganisms that may spread through touch. Multiple people may touch the handrails of an escalator installed in a public place over a period, and therefore, the handrails may become a source of spreading infectious diseases. Therefore, it is desirable to clean and disinfect the handrails. US Patent document US7854313B1 discloses an escalator handrail sanitizer, which is a unit that can be mounted on the handrails for sanitizing the handrails using a sanitizer fluid. Such a unit appears as an add-on installation and may hamper the overall aesthetic appearance of the escalator. Further, such a unit also includes a sanitizer container that needs to be refilled repeatedly, which may result in downtime and inconvenience.

The present disclosure is directed to address one or more of the abovementioned problems and other problems associated with the art.

Summary
A disinfection device for a handrail of an escalator is disclosed. The escalator may have a handrail moving over a balustrade. The disinfection device has a housing configured for placing on a floor plate and adjacent to the balustrade. The housing defines a UV chamber. A first handrail opening is defined in the housing for entry of the handrail in the UV chamber, and a second handrail opening is defined in the housing for exit of the handrail from the UV chamber. A set of UVC lamps having at least one UVC lamp is disposed inside the UV chamber for disinfection of the handrail. The at least one UVC lamp is elongated in shape with the length of the UVC lamp is oriented along a length of the handrail inside the UV chamber.

In an aspect, the set of UVC lamps has a top array of the at least one UVC lamps, and a bottom array of the at least one UVC lamps. The top array and the bottom array are positioned in a series along the length of the handrail inside the UVC chamber.

In an aspect, the handrail inside the UV chamber is oriented in an arc and the mid-section of each UVC lamp is aligned with mid-section of the corresponding mid-section of the length of the handrails juxtaposed to the UVC lamp.

In an aspect, each UVC lamp is of 16 watts rating.

In an aspect, each of the top array and the bottom array has four UVC lamps.

In an aspect, the disinfection device has a controller coupled with the UVC lamps. Further, a first sensor is coupled with the controller. The first sensor is configured to detect of an approaching user. A second sensor is coupled with the controller, and the second sensor configured to detect movement of the handrail. The controller is configured to operate the UVC lamps based on input from at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor.

In an aspect, the UVC lamp is a UV-C tube type lamp.

In an aspect, the device has a set of bristles disposed at at least one of the first handrail opening and the second handrail opening. The bristles are configured to prevent leakage of UV light from the housing while allowing passage of the handrail inside the UV chamber.

In an aspect, the UVC lamp is configured to be powered based on a working state of the escalator.

In an aspect, the UV chamber is configured to receive 400-600 mm length of the handrail.

In an aspect, the UVC lamp emanates UV-C light with intensity of 8-12mw/cm2 at 50mm distance from the UVC lamp.

In an aspect, the housing defines a first slit to receive a portion of the balustrade adjacent to the handrail disposed of in the UV chamber.

In an aspect, the housing is made of stainless steel.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the disinfection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic see-through side view of the disinfection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the disinfection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back view of the disinfection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the disinfection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a see-through top view of the disinfection device showing the arrangement of UVC lamps in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates the device installed on an escalator in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description
The present disclosure provides for a disinfection device (10) for a handrail (14) of an escalator (11). The device (10) in accordance with the present disclosure utilizes UVC lamps (12) for disinfection of the handrail (14). The device (10), as disclosed, may be installed with a new escalator or may be retrofitted to an existing escalator.

FIG. 1 illustrates a disinfection device (10), hereinafter referred to as the ‘device’, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a see-through side view of the device (10) that schematically illustrates the arrangement of a set of Ultra-violet Type-C (UVC) lamps and the positioning of the handrail (14) in the device (10). Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the device (10) has a housing (16) and the set of UVC lamps (12). As shown, the UVC lamps (12) are arranged proximate to the handrail (14), and the handrail (14) tracks (not shown) to expose the handrail (14) to the UVC rays emanating from the UVC lamps (12). The effectiveness of the disinfection by the UVC lamp (12) depends on the distance of the surface to be disinfected from the UVC lamp (12). The handrail (14) inside the UV chamber may be oriented in an arc. The mid-section of each UVC lamp (12) is aligned with mid-section of the corresponding length of the handrail (14) juxtaposed to the UVC lamp (12). Alignment may be such that the mid-section of the UVC lamp (12) is at shorter distance from the handrail (14) as compared to the end sections. The mid-section of the UVC lamp (12) and the handrail (14) are indicated as the length between the pair of dashed lines (A-A’ and B-B’) indicated in FIG. 2. The UVC lamps (12) may be placed at a distance of 40-60 mm from the surface of the handrail (14). Preferably, the UVC lamps (12) may be positioned at a distance of 50 mm from the handrail (14) surface. In an embodiment, the mid-section of the UVC lamp (12) may be placed at a distance of 40-60 mm from the mid-section of the handrail (14) juxtaposed to the UVC lamp (12). In an embodiment, the mid-section of the UVC lamp (12) may be placed at a distance of 50 mm from the mid-section of the handrail (14) juxtaposed to the mid-section of the UVC lamp (12). The mid-section of the UVC lamp (12) may be 15-40% of the length of the UVC lamp (12) that is located in the middle of the length of the UVC lamp (12). Whereas, the end sections may be remaining length of each lamp starting from the mid-section to the distal ends of the UVC lamp (12).

The device (10) may include other components as required. For example, the device (10) may include one or more power circuits to power the UVC lamps (12), one or more starter circuits (34) for staring the UVC lamp (12), an electrical fuse (52) to protect the device (10) from power surges, device (10) working status indicators, mounting means for mounting the device (10) on the escalator (11), etc.

As shown in FIGs. 1-5, the housing (16) is substantially a cuboidal box that defines a UV chamber. The housing (16) includes a base (18), a top plate (20), a right side plate (22), a left side plate (24), a front plate (26), a back plate (28), and a concave plate (30). Different components of the housing (16) may be attached with each other using suitable means to make the housing (16). In an embodiment, two or more of the components of the housing (16) may be formed integrally with each other. Yet, in an embodiment, a component may be formed by two or more number of parts. The housing (16) may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, fiber, composite materials, etc. The housing (16) may be made with material or appearance matching with the components of the escalator (11) to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the device (10) when installed on the escalator (11). In an embodiment, the housing (16) may be made of stainless steel.

The base (18) is configured for placing on a floor plate of the escalator (11). The base (18) may be mounted on the floor plate of the escalator (11) using any suitable means. Padding (32) may be provided between the base (18) and the floor plate to dampen any vibrations or noise that may be generated due to the operation of the escalator (11). The starter circuits (34) for the UVC lamps (12) are mounted on the base (18). The back plate (28) may be attached with the base (18) being oriented in a plane orthogonal to the plane of orientation of the base (18). An outer surface of the back plate (28) may face a bottom handrail covering (36) of the escalator (11). The back plate (28) may be positioned close to the handrail passage opening of the bottom handrail covering (36). This may substantially conceal the handrail passage opening and any handrail (14) that may otherwise be exposed between the device (10) and the bottom handrail covering (36).

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the housing (16) may include a first handrail opening (38) provided on the back plate (28) and a second handrail opening (40) provided at the top plate (20), respectively. The first handrail opening (38) and the second handrail opening (40), collectively referred to as the ‘handrail openings’, may provide for an entry or exit of the handrail (14) during the operation of the escalator (11) and the device (10). The handrail openings have dimensions suitable for facilitating the entry or exit of handrail (14) along with the handrail tracks over which the handrails (14) move. Each of the handrail openings may be provided with flexible bristles (42) such that the bristles (42) cover the handrail openings to prevent the escape of any UVC light from the handrail openings. The bristles (42) may also brush against the handrails (14) to remove any dust particles deposited on the handrail (14). The dimensions of the handrail openings and the bristles (42) may be configured as suitable depending on the dimensions of the handrail (14). The bristles (42) may be made of any suitable material. For example, the bristles (42) may be made of nylon. The housing (16) may be configured such that a length of 400 to 600 mm of the handrail (14) may reside inside the housing (16) for disinfection at a given instance.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the housing (16) has a first slit (44) that runs between the handrail openings and the concave plate (30). The first slit (44) accommodates a portion of a balustrade (46) of the escalator (11). The balustrade (46) is a component of the escalator (11) that supports the handrail tracks. The edges of the first slit (44) may abut the balustrade (46). The balustrades (46) in the escalators are often made of glass. The first slit (44) may be provided with a rubber gasket on its edges to prevent any damage to the balustrade (46). The gasket may also prevent any noise that may be generated due to vibrations in the escalator (11) during operation. The concave plate (30) of the housing (16) may be shaped corresponding to the shape of the handrail tracks that the housing (16) receives.

The housing (16) may be provided with other provisions such as a wire opening (48) that allows passage of electrical wires that power the device (10), an ON/OFF switch (50), the electrical fuse (52), and mounting provisions etc. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the wire opening (48), the electrical fuse (52) and the ON/OFF switch (50) are provided on the back plate (28). The mounting provisions are provided on the base (18). The mounting provisions may be any suitable provisions such as fasteners, adhesive, or any other similar provisions. In the embodiment, as shown, the housing (16) is provided with a second slit (54) on the front plate (26). The second slit (54) may be illuminated using a lamp to indicate the working status of the device (10).

FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 illustrate the arrangement of UVC lamps (12) inside the housing (16). As shown in FIG. 2, the set of UVC lamps (12) includes a top array (56) and a bottom array (58) of UVC lamps (12). Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the top and the bottom array (58) of the UVC lamps (12) includes four UVC lamps (12). Thus, a total of eight UVC lamps (12) are used in the embodiment as shown. The top array (56) and the bottom array (58) are positioned in series along the length of the handrail (14) inside the UVC chamber. The array may be made by placing the UVC lamps (12) in a same plane. In an embodiment, if the surface of the handrail (14) is slightly curved, the UVC lamps (12) may be arranged in a slightly curved plane corresponding to the surface of the handrail (14).

The UVC lamps (12) may be tube-type UVC lamps (12). Each UVC lamp (12) may be of 16 watts rating. Thus, a total of 128 (16x8) watts of UVC lamps (12) are disposed of inside the housing (16). The UVC energy at the surface of each UVC tube may be 17mW/cm2. The UVC dose at a distance of 50 mm from the surface of the tube may be at a level of 10mw/cm2. The arrangement and configuration of the UVC lamps (12) may enable total disinfection energy of 15-20mJ to be generated in 2 seconds. This configuration of UVC lamps (12) provides for disinfection of handrails (14) that may move at a speed of of 0-200 meters of handrail per minute. Accordingly, the device (10) in accordance with the present disclosure, can be used for a wide range of handrail speeds. Configuration of the UVC lamps (12) in two arrays increases the overall effective exposure area of the handrail (14) for better disinfection results. Furthermore, the two arrays of the UVC lamps (12) may be made from existing standard specification UVC lamps (12) as available in the market to achieve the high-intensity UVC disinfection rates. The device (10) as disclosed may eliminate upto 99.9 % of microorganisms providing for a highly effective UV disinfection system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an escalator (11) with the device (10) installed on the escalator (11) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The escalator (11) provides for the movement of persons between a boarding floor and a destination floor. The escalator (11), as shown, has the handrail (14), the bottom handrail covering (36), steps (60), the balustrade (46), a side cladding (62), a boarding floor plate (64) and a destination floor plate (66). The boarding plate and the destination plate are also, individually or collectively, referred to as the ‘floor plate’. FIG. 7 illustrates a first device (10’) installed at the boarding floor plate (64). The escalator (11) may have a right-hand side handrail and a left-hand side handrail. There may be two devices installed for two handrails (14) on the boarding floor plate (64). In an embodiment, a second device (10’’) may be installed at the destination floor plate (66). It may be understood that the device (10) may be installed at one of the boarding or the destination floor plate (66), or at both of the boarding and the destination floor plate (66).

FIG. 7 illustrates a staircase type escalator (11). It may be understood that the device (10) and its usage is not limited to a staircase type escalator (11). The device (10), as disclosed, may also be installed in a walkway type escalator (11). The device (10) may be made with an appearance corresponding to the appearance of the components of the escalator (11). This may enable the device (10) to appear as part of the escalator (11) and not a separate add-on device, improving the overall user experience of the escalator (11).

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the device (10) may include a controller (68) coupled to the UVC lamps (12) and a first sensor (70) to detect an approaching user. Further, the controller (68) may be coupled to a second sensor (72) that detects movement of the handrail (14). The controller (68) may be configured for automatically switching ON/OFF the UVC lamps (12) based on input from the first position sensor and/or the second position sensor. In an embodiment, the controller (68) may be configured to switch on the UVC lamps (12) on detection of an approaching user. The controller (68) may be configured to switch off the UVC lamps (12) upon stopping of the movement of the handrails (14) based on input from the second position sensor. The escalators are generally provided with position sensors to detect presence of a user. The device (10) may be coupled with the controller (68) or the sensors provided in the escalator (11) for the operation of the device (10). In an embodiment, the device (10) may include a third sensor (74) coupled with the controller (68). The third sensor (74) may be configured to detect load on floor plate. The controller (68) may be configured to operate the UVC lamps (12) based on detection of the load on the floor plate.

The device (10), as disclosed, provides for a cost-effective solution for disinfection of handrails (14) of an escalator (11). The device (10) may either be configured for installation with a new escalator or may be retrofitted to any existing escalators. Further, the overall configuration of the device (10) provides for a high-intensity UVC chamber that can disinfect the entire width of the handrails (14) moving at a speed of 100-200 meters per minute. The high range of applicable handrail speeds makes the device (10) as disclosed capable for installation with a wide range of escalators. Further, the construction and configuration of the device (10) enables the installation of the device (10) with ease.

While the invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes, omissions, and/or additions may be made, and substantial equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teaching of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments, falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc., do not denote any order of importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

List of Reference Numerals
Device (10)
Escalator (11)
UVC Lamps (12)
Handrail (14)
Housing (16)
Base (18)
Top plate (20)
Right side plate (22)
Left side plate (24)
Front plate (26)
Back plate (28)
Concave plate (30)
Padding (32)
Starter circuits (34)
Bottom handrail covering (36)
First handrail opening (38)
Second handrail opening (40)
Bristles (42)
First slit (44)
Balustrade (46)
Wire opening (48)
ON/OFF switch (50)
Electrical fuse (52)
Second slit (54)
Top array (56)
Bottom array (58)
Steps (60)
Side cladding (62)
Boarding floor plate (64)
Destination floor plate (66)
Controller (68)
First sensor (70)
Second sensor (72)
Third sensor (74)