Personnel transport equipment with disinfection devices and its operation method

Abstract

A personnel transport device (1) and a method for operating the personnel transport device are introduced. The personnel transport device has a personnel transport unit (13) for transporting personnel within a building (5), a control unit (15) for controlling the operation of the personnel transport unit (13), and a disinfection unit (23) for disinfecting a surface (41) to be disinfected on the personnel transport unit (13). The disinfection unit (23) has a controller (25) for controlling the operation of the disinfection unit (23). The control unit (15) of the personnel transport device (1) and the controller (25) of the disinfection unit (23) are configured such that a status signal reflecting information about the current operation, current state, and / or current configuration of the disinfection unit (23) is sent from the controller (25) to the control unit (15), and the control unit (15) generates a control signal in consideration of the received status signal and transmits it to the controller (25), wherein the controller (25) controls the operation of the disinfection unit (23) in consideration of the received control signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a personnel transport device, particularly a personnel transport device with a disinfection device, and a method for operating such a personnel transport device. Background Technology

[0002] Personnel transport equipment is used to transport people within a building structure or building. Personnel transport equipment can be designed as, for example, escalators, moving walkways, or lifts.

[0003] Viruses, bacteria, and / or microbial pathogens can accumulate on the surfaces of passenger transport equipment. To prevent the transfer of these pathogens to passengers, disinfection devices can be installed within the equipment. These devices can be configured to disinfect the surfaces, for example, by killing and / or removing the pathogens present there.

[0004] Possible designs for disinfection devices utilize light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which emit germicidal electromagnetic radiation. For example, so-called UVC-LEDs that emit high-energy ultraviolet radiation, also known as UVC radiation, can be used for this purpose, typically with wavelengths ranging from 100 nm to 300 nm, mostly from 180 nm to 260 nm.

[0005] The applicant of this patent application previously filed patent application EP20165562.8, which describes a people transport device in the form of an escalator or moving walkway, equipped with a disinfection device in the form of a handrail disinfection device. The handrail disinfection device preferably uses UVC-LEDs to irradiate the handrail from different directions and thereby disinfect it. Similar designs, as described in the earlier patent application regarding the handrail disinfection device, can also be implemented for the disinfection device of the people transport device described in that patent application. The entire contents of the earlier patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] JP2017220328A also describes a device for estimating LED lifespan. CN106608587A discloses a personnel transport device with a disinfection unit and sensors integrated into the handrail. The control device of the personnel transport device is connected to the sensors of the disinfection unit via a communication module. Summary of the Invention

[0007] There will be a need for personnel transport equipment and a method for operating the personnel transport equipment, which enables reliable operation of the personnel transport equipment at low cost and, in particular, reliable disinfection of the surfaces on the personnel transport equipment with low maintenance and cost.

[0008] This need can be met by the subject matter according to one of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a personnel transport device is provided, comprising a personnel transport apparatus for transporting personnel within a building, a control apparatus for controlling the operation of the personnel transport apparatus, and a disinfection apparatus for disinfecting surfaces to be disinfected on the personnel transport apparatus. The disinfection apparatus has a controller for controlling its operation. The controller of the disinfection apparatus is connected to the control apparatus of the personnel transport apparatus via a bidirectional communication system. The control apparatus of the personnel transport apparatus and the controller of the disinfection apparatus are configured such that the controller sends a status signal reflecting information about the current operation, current state, and / or current configuration of the disinfection apparatus to the control apparatus, and the control apparatus generates a control signal and transmits it to the controller, taking into account the received status signal, wherein the controller controls the operation of the disinfection apparatus, taking into account the received control signal. Furthermore, the controller of the disinfection apparatus is configured to control the disinfection intensity according to the control signal transmitted from the control apparatus of the personnel transport apparatus to the controller, the disinfection intensity referring to the disinfection intensity at which the disinfection apparatus disinfects the surface to be disinfected. In this case, these control signals indicate the operating parameters of the disinfection apparatus related to the currently desired disinfection intensity.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a personnel transport device according to an embodiment of the first aspect is provided. The method comprises at least the following steps:

[0011] The controller transmits status signals to the control equipment, reflecting information about the current operation, current status, and / or current configuration of the disinfection device.

[0012] The operation of the disinfection device is controlled in consideration of the received control signals, which are transmitted by the control device to the controller in consideration of the received status signals.

[0013] Here, the status signal can preferably be sent from the control device to a remotely located computer and processed at that computer. Furthermore, preferably, the control signal can be transmitted from the remotely located computer to the control device and further transmitted from there to the controller to control the operation of the disinfection device.

[0014] The feasible features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention may be primarily, but not limitingly, considered based on the concepts and understanding described below.

[0015] In short, the basic concept of the present invention lies in the recognition that a disinfection device in a personnel transport device should advantageously not operate entirely independently of other components of the personnel transport device. On the one hand, the current manner in which the disinfection device operates may depend on the conditions present in other components of the personnel transport device and / or the operating conditions of the personnel transport device. On the other hand, the conditions and states applicable to the disinfection device may also have a reciprocal effect on other components of the personnel transport device. Therefore, it is proposed that the controller of the disinfection device and the control device of the personnel transport device be interconnected by means of a two-way communication system, so that signals and data can be transmitted between them in both directions. Thus, on the one hand, it is shown that status signals relating to the disinfection device, and especially its current operation, current state, and / or current configuration, can be transmitted from the controller of the disinfection device to the control device of the personnel transport device via the two-way communication system, so that this information can be taken into account when controlling the personnel transport device and / or, if necessary, processed by the control device and / or transmitted to other components, especially to an external computer, for further processing at the external computer. On the other hand, control signals can be generated by the control device of the personnel transport device and transmitted to the controller of the disinfection device, so that the disinfection device can then be controlled according to these control signals. Here, the control device can consider the status signals previously received by the controller of the disinfection device when generating control signals. Finally, the disinfection device can therefore be controlled or regulated, for example, in a manner in which not only information provided to the control device of the personnel transport device due to communication between the personnel transport device and other components of the personnel transport equipment, but also information concerning the disinfection device itself is controlled or regulated. Here, for example, the information can be used to identify early when components of the disinfection device are nearing the end of their service life, thereby enabling timely planning and implementation of maintenance or replacement measures. Furthermore, this information can also be used, for example, to better assess the impact of the disinfection device's operation on other components of the personnel transport equipment, for example, by considering the status signals of the disinfection device in the maintenance and analysis of the digital twin of the personnel transport equipment.

[0016] The following explains in more detail the feasible features and advantages of implementing personnel transport equipment or its operation method.

[0017] The personnel transport equipment can be designed as an escalator, moving walkway, or elevator. The personnel transport device is configured by means of a combination of units and actuators that move along a travel path to transport one or more persons within a building. In the design as an escalator, the personnel transport device has a step belt, in which multiple steps are connected one after another in the direction of travel and can be driven rotatably by an actuator. Similarly, the personnel transport device of a moving walkway has a step belt with multiple steps arranged one after another and connected to each other, wherein the step belt can also be driven rotatably by an actuator. In the case of an elevator, the personnel transport device has at least one elevator car, which is generally capable of vertical movement within an elevator shaft by an actuator.

[0018] Control equipment for personnel transport devices is configured to control the operation of the personnel transport device, and in particular, the operation of its drive mechanism. Furthermore, the movement, direction of movement, and / or speed can be controlled. Various parameters and / or conditions can be considered here. For example, in escalators or moving walkways, appropriate sensors can be used to detect whether one or more people are in the entry area and / or on the steps or treads. Based on signals from such sensors, the control equipment can then manipulate the drive mechanism of the escalator or moving walkway to transport people in the desired direction and at the desired speed by means of the personnel transport device. In elevators, sensors, buttons, etc., on the passenger control panel can be manipulated, for example, to transmit to the control equipment where the elevator car should be moved by the drive mechanism. When controlling a personnel transport device, the control equipment can supplementarily consider other information. This information can come from other sensors, such as those determining environmental or load conditions. Information can also come from other sources. For example, information or instructions contained therein can be transmitted to the control equipment from an external device (e.g., a remotely located computer) to indicate how the personnel transport device should currently be operated or manipulated.

[0019] Disinfection devices are configured to disinfect at least one surface in the area of ​​a passenger transport device. In particular, the disinfection device should be able to disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched by passengers and thus facilitate the spread of bacteria between different passengers. For example, the disinfection device can disinfect the surface of the handrail of an escalator or moving walkway. In elevators, the disinfection device can, for example, disinfect surfaces at the control panel and / or handrails, or even, if necessary, the entire interior space of the elevator car.

[0020] In a preferred design, the disinfection device includes a light source that emits high-energy ultraviolet light to render bacteria harmless. For example, one or more UVC-LEDs can be used as the light source. The disinfection intensity of the surface being disinfected depends decisively on the irradiation dose, that is, the amount of light incident on the given surface per unit time. To ensure sufficient disinfection, this radiation dose or disinfection intensity should be greater than a predetermined minimum disinfection intensity.

[0021] However, disinfection devices can also be constructed differently. For example, the surface to be disinfected in a disinfection device can be sprayed or wetted with a disinfecting liquid (e.g., alcohol). Here, the disinfection intensity can depend on the amount, temperature, chemical composition, and / or other parameters of the applied disinfecting liquid. Alternatively, the surface to be disinfected in a disinfection device can be aerated with a disinfecting gas (e.g., ozone). Here, the disinfection intensity can depend on the gas flow rate, gas concentration, gas temperature, chemical composition, and / or other parameters.

[0022] The disinfection device has a controller that controls its operation. Specifically, it can control the disinfection activity, disinfection intensity, and / or disinfection mode. Here, disinfection activity indicates whether the disinfection device is currently activated or deactivated. Disinfection intensity indicates the degree of disinfection effect to be achieved. The disinfection mode, for example, can specify which actuating mechanism of the disinfection device should currently be used.

[0023] Here, the controller of the disinfection device is preferably able to control the operating parameters related to the disinfection work to be achieved by the disinfection parameter adjustment device.

[0024] For example, the controller of a disinfection device can control the current supplied to a light source as an operating parameter. This disinfection device uses a light source that emits UV light as the disinfection mechanism, and the disinfection intensity in the mechanism depends primarily on the light intensity. The stronger the current, the higher the light intensity, and typically the higher the disinfection intensity.

[0025] In principle, it is conceivable that the disinfection device operates completely autonomously and independently of other components of the personnel transport equipment.

[0026] However, on the one hand, it has been found that disinfection devices can adapt to different operating conditions of personnel transport equipment and therefore operate as needed.

[0027] For example, according to one implementation, it is advantageous for the control equipment to generate control signals taking into account information about the operating speed of the personnel transport device and / or the number of people transported using the personnel transport device. This typically stems from the understanding that a large number of people to be transported necessitates increased activity of the disinfection device. It can also stem from the understanding that when the personnel transport device is at a higher speed, the disinfection device should operate at a higher power than at a lower speed, because, on the one hand, more passengers may be transported per unit time. On the other hand, for surfaces to be disinfected that move with the personnel transport device (e.g., in the case of escalator handrails), where the duration of disinfection by the disinfection device on the surface decreases with increasing speed, disinfection should be performed more quickly. In the case of elevator equipment, it is also necessary to ensure that no personnel are in the elevator car during the disinfection process, as the disinfection measures are usually disinfectants and may therefore endanger the health of users. In summary, information available, for example, to the control equipment of personnel transport equipment can also be used to control the disinfection device to achieve compliant operation of the disinfection device.

[0028] On the other hand, it is also considered advantageous to make information about the current status of the disinfection device accessible to other components of the personnel transport equipment and / or to provide such information for external monitoring of the personnel transport equipment.

[0029] To this end, it is proposed that the controller of the disinfection device and the control equipment of the personnel transport device be interconnected through a two-way communication system. This two-way communication system allows data transmission in two opposite directions, i.e., from the control equipment to the controller and from the controller to the control equipment. The two-way communication system can be implemented technically in different ways, such as via a bus system, Bluetooth communication, or similar methods. It can be implemented either wired or wirelessly.

[0030] In addition, the controllers of the disinfection device and the control equipment of the personnel transport device should be configured to not only generate signals on their own side and transmit signals to the corresponding other component, but also receive signals from the other component.

[0031] Specifically, the controller of the disinfection device should be able to generate status signals reflecting information about the current operation, current status, and / or current configuration of the disinfection device. Here, information about current operation, for example, indicates whether the disinfection device is currently activated or deactivated. Information about the current status may, for example, indicate what rated characteristics and / or actual characteristics of the disinfection device or its components have been adjusted, for example, due to wear and tear that occurs over time and is preferably recorded collectively. The current status can be determined, for example, by means of sensors and / or by analyzing previous states and considering experienced and current operating parameters and / or operating duration. Information about the current configuration may, for example, indicate which of several feasible parameter settings the disinfection device is currently operating at. In a disinfection device operating with a light source, the current configuration may, for example, include information about the current intensity supplied to the light source.

[0032] The control equipment for personnel transport should be capable of generating control signals itself and / or obtaining control signals from other sources (e.g., a remotely located computer), and then transmitting them to the controller of the disinfection unit. This control signal should instruct the controller which operating parameters should be used to operate the disinfection unit. Here, the control signal may, for example, indicate the current operating and / or rated preset values ​​of the disinfection unit's current configuration.

[0033] Based on the two-way communication and information exchange between the disinfection device and the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment, the current status of the disinfection device can be communicated to the control equipment, and the control equipment can take the current status of the disinfection device into account when controlling the disinfection device and / or other components of the personnel transport equipment. Information about the status of the disinfection device can be considered approximately in real time, thereby enabling adjustments to the disinfection device. Alternatively, time-related information can be accumulated, allowing the historical data of the disinfection device to be considered when controlling it, such as the duration of operation to date, adjusted operating parameters (e.g., supplied current intensity), existing environmental conditions (e.g., temperature), usage time, etc. This enables effective, reliable, and / or demand-compliant operation of the disinfection device.

[0034] As mentioned above, the controller of the disinfection device is configured to control the disinfection intensity based on a control signal transmitted to the controller by the control device of the personnel transport equipment, which indicates the operating parameters of the disinfection device corresponding to the current disinfection intensity to be achieved. The disinfection intensity refers to the disinfection intensity at which the disinfection device disinfects the surface to be disinfected.

[0035] In other words, the bidirectional communication capability already described between the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment and the controller of the disinfection device is applied to control the operation of the disinfection device with respect to the desired disinfection intensity via control signals transmitted from the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment to the controller of the disinfection device. The control signals instruct the controller of the disinfection device to adjust one or more operating parameters of the disinfection device to achieve the desired disinfection intensity.

[0036] Here, disinfection intensity can be defined, for example, as a degree that indicates what percentage of the bacterial load present on the surface should become harmless per unit time.

[0037] For example, in a disinfection device with a UV light source, a control signal indicates what amount of electrical power should be delivered to the UV light source. Here, the electrical power is related to the intensity of light emitted by the light source over a period of time and therefore ultimately to the disinfection intensity achieved.

[0038] According to one particular implementation, the control device may generate a control signal, in particular, taking into account a status signal received by the control device, which indicates the rated values ​​of the operating parameters of the disinfection device related to the current disinfection intensity to be achieved.

[0039] In other words, when generating control signals, the control equipment should take into account status signals received by the controller of the disinfection device in the current or previous time period. Accordingly, the disinfection device can be controlled in a manner that primarily considers information about its own operation, status, and / or configuration. Here, the control signals may indicate the rated values ​​of operating parameters corresponding to the disinfection intensity to be achieved.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the disinfection device can be configured to, in a new state, achieve a control signal with a minimum disinfection intensity greater than that required for sufficient disinfection of the surface to be disinfected, as a maximum disinfection intensity. The control device of the personnel transport equipment and / or the controller of the disinfection device can be configured to operate the disinfection device at a disinfection intensity higher than the minimum disinfection intensity during normal operation and to gradually increase the operating parameters of the disinfection device corresponding to the currently achieved disinfection intensity.

[0041] In other words, the disinfection device can be designed to exceed specifications to a certain extent, that is, designed so that it can achieve a maximum disinfection intensity higher than the minimum disinfection intensity required to adequately disinfect bacterial-containing surfaces before wear and tear occurs. The minimum disinfection intensity can be defined here according to hygiene regulations. The maximum disinfection intensity of the over-specification design can, for example, exceed the minimum disinfection intensity by a predetermined percentage, such as at least 10% or at least 20%.

[0042] It has been recognized that the actual disinfection intensity achieved by a disinfection device decreases over time due to losses. For example, the radiation intensity emitted by a UVC-LED has been observed to decrease over time, even though the supply current remains constant. Accordingly, disinfection devices to date have always been designed to some extent beyond specifications. Here, such disinfection devices are typically always operated at their stated rated power, that is, they are manipulated to output their maximum disinfection intensity. Therefore, a higher disinfection intensity is initially achieved than is required for reliable disinfection. Consequently, not only increased energy consumption but also increased losses occur in the disinfection device.

[0043] It is now recommended that the over-specification design of the disinfection device be utilized in such a way that it is operated at the start of operation with parameters that achieve a disinfection intensity lower than the maximum disinfection intensity. Therefore, the disinfection device should initially operate at a power level lower than its rated power. However, the disinfection device should always be operated in such a way that the achieved disinfection intensity is higher than the necessary minimum disinfection intensity.

[0044] Therefore, over time, the operating parameters of the disinfection device should be gradually increased to correspond to the currently achieved disinfection intensity. This gradual increase in operating parameters can compensate for, for example, the reduction in disinfection intensity over time due to losses occurring within the disinfection device.

[0045] In summary, this approach ensures sufficient disinfection at all times while preventing the disinfection device from operating at excessively high disinfection intensities, thereby minimizing energy consumption and losses.

[0046] According to one specific implementation, the control device of the personnel transport equipment and / or the controller of the disinfection device may be configured to increase the operating parameters of the disinfection device related to the currently achieved disinfection intensity based on the running time since the disinfection device was commissioned.

[0047] In other words, the operating parameters of the disinfection device, corresponding to the achieved disinfection intensity, can initially be set below the rated power value and then gradually increased based on the operating time elapsed since the device began operation. Here, the increase in operating parameters can be carried out at certain time intervals, such as days or weeks, i.e., periodically. Alternatively, the operating parameters can increase linearly over time. This increase in operating parameters, which depends solely on the current operating time, can be implemented simply and inexpensively.

[0048] Based on the extent to which the disinfection device was initially designed beyond specifications, it can be known at what frequency or for what period of time the operating parameters can be increased until the disinfection device finally operates at the maximum permissible operating parameters, which is before the end of its service life.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the disinfection device may further include a sensor for detecting a measurement value related to the disinfection intensity. Here, the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment and / or the controller of the disinfection device may be configured to improve the operating parameters of the disinfection device related to the currently achieved disinfection intensity based on the measurement value detected by the sensor.

[0050] In other words, the disinfection device can preferably have a sensor by means of which the disinfection intensity actually achieved by the disinfection device can be determined. Therefore, the disinfection intensity actually achieved by the disinfection device no longer needs to be estimated based on the operating parameters used to operate the disinfection device, but can be actually measured by means of the sensor. The measured value detected by the sensor can then be taken into account by the control equipment or controller so as to appropriately adapt the operating parameters related to the achieved disinfection intensity, and improve over time in such a way that a sufficient, but not necessarily very high, disinfection intensity is always achieved.

[0051] According to another specific implementation, the control device of the personnel transport equipment and / or the controller of the disinfection device may be configured to adjust the operating parameters of the disinfection device in relation to the currently achieved disinfection intensity based on the measurement values ​​detected by the sensors.

[0052] In other words, the measured values ​​detected by the sensors (which reflect the actual disinfection intensity achieved by the disinfection device) can be used to not only control but also regulate the operation of the disinfection device by appropriately adjusting the operating parameters. Here, the measured values ​​detected by the sensors can be used as the regulating values ​​in the regulation loop.

[0053] Particularly preferably, according to one embodiment, the operating parameters of the disinfection device corresponding to the current disinfection intensity to be achieved can be monitored continuously or at appropriate time intervals, and an alarm signal is issued when the operating parameters exceed a predetermined threshold, indicating that the lifespan of the disinfection device is about to end.

[0054] In other words, the operating parameters that enable the disinfection device and correspond to the achieved disinfection intensity can be monitored, and their performance relative to a predetermined threshold can be examined. Initially, the disinfection device operates with operating parameters significantly below this threshold. As the operating parameters are gradually increased, they approach the threshold over time. Here, the threshold can be less than or equal to the maximum permissible value of the operating parameters. When the threshold equals the maximum permissible value of the operating parameters, reaching the threshold means that the operating parameters should not be further increased, as this could lead to adverse consequences, such as damage to the disinfection device. Therefore, reaching the threshold is equivalent to reaching the end of the disinfection device's service life, requiring maintenance or replacement. Preferably, the threshold is selected to be slightly below the maximum permissible value of the operating parameters. Accordingly, reaching the threshold means that although the disinfection device's service life is nearing its end, sufficient time is preferably reserved for taking measures such as maintenance or replacement of the disinfection device.

[0055] When a threshold is reached, a corresponding alarm signal can be issued. This alarm signal can, for example, be transmitted to the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment. At the control equipment, the alarm signal can be output in a manner perceptible to technicians. Alternatively, the alarm signal can be forwarded by the control equipment to an external monitoring device, where, for example, appropriate maintenance or replacement measures are triggered.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the disinfection device further includes sensors for detecting the temperature inside the disinfection device and / or for detecting the temperature in the environment adjacent to the disinfection device. Here, the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment and / or the controller of the disinfection device are configured to control the operation of the disinfection device based on the temperature measured by the sensors.

[0057] It has been recognized that some disinfection devices may alter their disinfection effect or even become damaged under certain temperature conditions depending on temperature. For example, it has been recognized that UVC-LEDs should not be operated at temperatures above a certain temperature limit, as this would otherwise damage them.

[0058] Therefore, it is proposed that the disinfection device should be equipped with a sensor to determine the temperature of the disinfection device or its various components and / or the ambient temperature. The sensor signal representing this temperature can then be considered by the controller of the disinfection device and / or the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment during operation. For example, in the case of an increased measured temperature, the power supply to the disinfection device can be reduced or limited to prevent further heat generation.

[0059] Regarding the above-described design of a disinfection device having a sensor and / or a temperature sensor for detecting a measurement value related to disinfection intensity, according to one embodiment, the controller of the disinfection device may be configured to send the measurement value determined by the sensor and / or the data signal related to the measurement value determined by the sensor to the control device of the personnel transport equipment.

[0060] In other words, the controller of the disinfection device preferably not only transmits status signals relating to the current operation, state, or configuration of the disinfection device to the control device of the personnel transport equipment, but also provides the control device with measurement values ​​from sensors integrated in the disinfection device. Here, the measurement values ​​themselves determined by the sensors, or the data signals obtained by processing these measurement values, can be sent to the control device.

[0061] Therefore, the control device can, for example, process the information contained in the data signal itself and use it when controlling the disinfection device or other components. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can store the corresponding data for later use and / or forward the corresponding data to other components. In particular, for example, the data can be forwarded to an external computer, such as a remote monitoring device or part of a data cloud (“Cloud”). At the external computer, the determined measurement values ​​can be monitored and / or processed.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the personnel transport equipment may therefore have an interface device configured to send data from the control device of the personnel transport equipment to a remotely located computer and / or provide data from the remotely located computer for reception by the control device of the personnel transport equipment.

[0063] In other words, the personnel transport equipment can exchange data or signals with a remotely deployed computer via an interface device. The remotely deployed computer can be located outside the building structure where the personnel transport equipment is installed. Specifically, the remotely deployed computer can be part of an external monitoring device used to monitor the personnel transport equipment or its operation. Alternatively, the computer can be part of a data cloud, in which information about the personnel transport equipment can be stored, for example. Here, the control equipment of the personnel transport equipment can, in particular, forward signals and data previously obtained by the controller of the disinfection device to the external computer via the interface device.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the method for operating the personnel transport equipment proposed herein, for example, a digital twin of the personnel transport equipment can be maintained in a remotely deployed computer. Thus, the characteristics of the personnel transport equipment can be determined based on the digital twin of the personnel transport equipment, taking into account the status signals transmitted by the controller of the disinfection device.

[0065] The term "digital twin" here can refer to a set of data that reflects the physical and / or functional characteristics of a personnel transport device as closely as possible to reality. For example, a digital twin may include information about the geometric, electrical, magnetic, thermal, and / or other characteristics of the personnel transport device. Based on this data, the current, or, if necessary, future, characteristics of the personnel transport device can be calculated, simulated, or modeled.

[0066] It is now proposed that status signals reflecting the current characteristics of the disinfection device be supplementarily added to the digital twin. Accordingly, by also considering the characteristics of the disinfection device here, the characteristics of personnel transport equipment can be determined more accurately when using a digital twin.

[0067] For example, the effects on other components of the personnel transport equipment can be inferred from information provided about the intensity and / or activity of disinfection during the operating period experienced by the personnel transport equipment.

[0068] Specifically, in an example where a disinfection device generates a disinfection effect using UVC-LEDs, by storing this information in a digital twin, information about the operating period and / or lighting intensity can be obtained: for example, to what extent the UVC radiation emitted here may damage other components of the personnel transport equipment, such as the fabric and / or synthetic materials of the handrails of escalators, over time.

[0069] According to another embodiment, the disinfection device also has an output device configured to output a signal perceptible to a human, indicating the current state of the disinfection device.

[0070] In other words, output devices, such as light sources, displays, speakers, or similar technical components, can be directly installed on the disinfection device to output signals that can be perceived by people optically, acoustically, or otherwise.

[0071] These output devices can be used, for example, to transmit information about the current status of the disinfection device to maintenance technicians. Thus, maintenance technicians can determine directly on-site and in a simple manner whether the disinfection device is functioning as expected, or, for example, requires maintenance or replacement. However, the output device can also be a screen or optical display, clearly visible to users of the personnel transport equipment, indicating to them that the disinfection device is functioning, and thus, that the disinfection device can be used to disinfect handrails.

[0072] It should be noted that some feasible features and advantages of the present invention are described here with reference, on the one hand, to different embodiments of the personnel transport equipment and on the other hand, to methods for operating the transport equipment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these features can be combined, adapted, or substituted in a suitable manner to achieve other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0073] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0074] Figure 1 A simplified view of a personnel transport device designed as an escalator, featuring handrail disinfection equipment, is shown.

[0075] The accompanying drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. The same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent features. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Figure 1 A simplified view of the passenger transport device 1 is shown. The passenger transport device 1, constructed as an escalator, connects the lower plane E1 to the upper plane E2 of the building 5. The passenger transport device 1 allows entry and exit through the entry areas 3. A rotating step belt 9 is arranged in the supporting structure 7, which turns in the upper plane E2 and in the lower plane E1, thus having forward and return sections. For better overview, detailed illustrations of the return section, as well as the ribs, guide rails, and track blocks, are omitted. The passenger transport device 1 has a drive unit 11 to drive the step belt 9. The step belt 9 and the drive unit 11 together form a passenger transport device 13, by which passengers in the building 5 can be transported between the entry areas 3. A control device 15 is used to control the operation of the passenger transport device 13.

[0077] Personnel transport equipment 1 also has two guardrails 17, which extend along each longitudinal side of the step belt 9, wherein, Figure 1 Only the guardrails 17 arranged in the foreground in the observation plane are visible. A handrail 19 is arranged around each guardrail 17, with its return section guided within a guardrail base 21. The handrail base 21 connects the handrail 17 to the load-bearing structure 7.

[0078] Furthermore, the personnel transport equipment 1 has at least one disinfection device 23 for each rotating handrail 19. The disinfection device is, for example, also installed in the base 21 of the guardrail 17, and is thus shielded from view by the user of the personnel transport equipment 1. The operation of the disinfection device 23 is controlled by a controller 25.

[0079] In the example shown, the disinfection device 23 may be equipped with one or more UVC-LEDs 27. The UVC light emitted from these UVC-LEDs 27 irradiates a portion of the surface of the handrail 19, where the high-energy UVC light kills bacteria located there. The controller 25 may also control the power supply to the disinfection device 23 or its UVC-LEDs 27.

[0080] Furthermore, the disinfection device 23 may have one or more sensors 29, 31, by means of which operating conditions and / or environmental conditions can be detected. Alternatively, such sensors may also be individually provided and transmit signals to the disinfection device 23. The disinfection device 23 may, for example, have a UVC sensor 29, whose measurement signal indicates the intensity of UVC light currently emitted by the UVC-LED 27 and incident on the UVC sensor 29. In addition, a temperature sensor 31 may be provided, by means of which the current temperature of the disinfection device 23 or its components, especially the UVC-LED 27, and / or the temperature of the ambient temperature of the disinfection device 23 can be measured.

[0081] The disinfection device 23 or its controller 25 and the control device 15 of the personnel transport equipment 1 are connected to each other via a two-way communication system 33. Figure 1 In the diagram, the bidirectional communication system 33 is shown as a simple circuit. However, in practical applications, this bus system can also be part of a wired bus system or a wireless data communication device.

[0082] The controller 25 of the disinfection device 23 is configured to transmit status signals reflecting information about the current operation, current state, or current configuration of the disinfection device 23 to the control device 15 via the communication system 33. The transmitted signals may, for example, indicate the activation of the disinfection device 23, that is, whether it is running or for how long. Alternatively or supplementarily, the transmitted signals may indicate information about the conditions currently present in the disinfection device 23, that is, for example, which temperature is currently measured by the temperature sensor 31. As another alternative or supplementary option, the transmitted signals may indicate how the components of the disinfection device 23 are currently configured, that is, for example, at what power the UVC-LED 27 is currently operating.

[0083] The status signals transmitted by the disinfection device 23 can be received and processed by the control device 15. For example, the control unit 15 can take the received status signals into account when controlling the function of personnel transporting the device 1.

[0084] The control device 15 can also control the function of the disinfection device 23 by transmitting appropriate control signals to the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23 via the communication system 33. Information contained in previously received status signals can also be considered here. This allows the disinfection device 23 to be controlled, for example, taking into account the temperature currently present therein and / or its characteristics changing over time, for example, due to wear and tear. Furthermore, the control device 15 can also consider information relating to other components of the passenger transport equipment 1 when controlling the disinfection device 23. For example, the control device 15 can control the operation of the disinfection device 23 such that the current passenger flow and / or the current speed at which the passenger transport equipment 13 or handrail 19 is moved are taken into account.

[0085] Advantageously, the disinfection device 23 can be designed such that, at least in its new state, it operates in such a way that it can provide a disinfection intensity greater than at least the minimum required to reliably disinfect the surface 41 to be disinfected. The disinfection device 23 equipped with the UVC-LED 27 can be designed, for example, with respect to the UVC-LED 27 installed therein, such that, if the minimum disinfection intensity is sufficient, the UVC-LED 27 operates at, for example, only 80% of its rated power. Here, the rated power is the maximum permissible power supplied to the UVC-LED 27 without the risk of sudden or excessive damage to the UVC-LED.

[0086] The disinfection device 23 designed in this way preferably operates at least initially below its rated power. In other words, the disinfection device 23 operates at a disinfection intensity higher than the minimum disinfection intensity but lower than the maximum achievable disinfection intensity.

[0087] The power delivery within the sterilization device 23, that is, the current intensity supplied, for example, to the UVC-LED 27, is typically related to the currently achieved sterilization intensity. Initially, this power delivery is preferably set below the rated power. This keeps energy consumption, and, if necessary, losses at the sterilization device 23 and / or the surfaces 41 sterilized thereby, very low.

[0088] However, since it is known that, for example, UVC-LED 27 emits less UVC light over time due to loss phenomena under the same power supply, the power delivery of UVC-LED 27 can be gradually increased. For example, the power delivery can be continuously increased at regular time intervals or linearly according to the operating time since the commissioning of the sterilization device 23. Once the power supply approaches or reaches its rated power, it means that the sterilization device 23, or specifically its UVC-LED 27, has reached the end of its service life and may need to be replaced.

[0089] Because various influences may cause the actual disinfection intensity achieved by the disinfection device 23 to change over time in a definite manner, it is particularly preferable to monitor the actual disinfection intensity, for example, using a UVC sensor 29. The measurement signal from the UVC sensor 29 can then be considered by the controller 15. For example, the disinfection device 23 can be controlled using a suitable higher power supply if the measured UVC light intensity tends to decrease to below the level required for the minimum disinfection intensity.

[0090] Advantageously, the actual power delivery (i.e., the operating parameter corresponding to the currently achieved disinfection intensity) can be monitored and compared, for example, with a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the current intensity delivered to the UVC-LED 27 can be compared with a current intensity threshold. Here, the threshold can be set such that it corresponds to or falls below the rated power of the UVC-LED 27 by a predetermined degree. If the actual power delivery approaches the rated power and reaches the threshold, this triggers the output of an alarm signal indicating that the service life of the disinfection device 23 is nearing its end. Technicians can then maintain or replace the disinfection device 23. Predictive maintenance is achieved here because the alarm signal can be generated sufficiently in time before a failure of the disinfection device 23 actually occurs, in which the UVC-LED 27 of the disinfection device is damaged due to excessive power delivery or can no longer achieve the required minimum disinfection intensity when supplied with rated power.

[0091] The status signals transmitted by the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23 can be used not only in the control device 15 of the personnel transport equipment 1, but also directly and advantageously in other locations. For example, the control device 15 can be designed via interface device 37 to transmit the current operating data of the personnel transport equipment 1 to a remotely located computer 35. This remotely located computer 35 can be a monitoring device or part of a data cloud for monitoring the function of the personnel transport system 1 from a distance. The status signals of the disinfection device 23 can then also be transmitted to such a remotely located computer 35. At the remotely located computer, the status signals can be used, for example, to monitor the function and / or operating status of the disinfection device 23.

[0092] The remotely deployed computer 35 can also be used to remotely control the personnel transport equipment 1 or, more specifically, the functions and / or operating status of its disinfection device 23. To this end, the remotely deployed computer 35 can transmit appropriate control signals to the control device 15, which in turn can send control signals to the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23.

[0093] In one particular design, the data set of the digital twin can be stored or maintained on a remotely located computer 35. The digital twin here provides structural, physical, and / or functional characteristics of the personnel transport equipment 1, and especially the components installed therein. Status signals of the disinfection device 23 can be used in this case to maintain the digital twin. For example, the data stored in the digital twin can be updated by taking into account the information contained in the status signals regarding the current operation, current status, or current configuration of the disinfection device 23. In this way, current information about the disinfection device 23 can always be included in the digital twin. Furthermore, the effects of the disinfection device 23 on other components or parameters of the personnel transport equipment 1 can be analyzed, modeled, or simulated using the currently included digital twin. For example, the effects of UVC light emitted by the disinfection device 23 on other components (e.g., the handrail 19, especially the surface 41 to be disinfected) can be inferred.

[0094] To simplify maintenance of personnel transport equipment 1 by on-site maintenance technicians, the personnel transport equipment 1 may also have an output device 39 capable of outputting information about the current status of disinfection device 23 in a manner perceptible to maintenance technicians. For example, LEDs emitting in the visible spectrum could be used for this purpose. Depending on which signal is output by output device 39, i.e., for example, in which color and / or flashing sequence the LEDs are driven, this can signal the maintenance technicians.

[0095] (i) The disinfection device 23 operates without problems (e.g., continuously emitting LED light);

[0096] (ii) Although the disinfection device 23 is still working, its service life is nearing its end (e.g., the LED is flashing slowly);

[0097] (iii) The disinfection device 23 has reached the end of its service life (e.g., rapid flashing of the LED), or

[0098] (iv) The disinfection device 23 is currently turned off (e.g., LED off).

[0099] However, the output device 39 may also be a screen or optical display that is clearly visible to the user of the passenger transport equipment 1 and indicates to the user that the disinfection device 23 is in operation, thereby anticipating the disinfection of the handrail 19.

[0100] In summary, through the bidirectional exchange between the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23 and the control device 15 of the personnel transport equipment 1, as proposed herein, the disinfection device 23 can operate as needed, and information related to the disinfection device 23 can be processed and used by the control device 15 of the personnel transport equipment 1, for example, to identify wear and tear on the disinfection device 23 and to plan countermeasures in advance. Furthermore, the disinfection device 23 can be controlled by a remotely deployed computer 35 through its connection with the control device 15, or information about the disinfection device 23 can be forwarded to the remotely deployed computer 35 and used, for example, for maintaining a digital twin of the personnel transport equipment 1.

[0101] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" or "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "an" or "a" do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that the features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A disinfection device (23) for disinfecting surfaces (41) on a personnel transport device (13), the personnel transport device (13) being part of a personnel transport equipment (1) and for transporting personnel within a building (5); in, The disinfection device (23) has a controller (25) for controlling the operation of the disinfection device (23); The controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is configured to connect with the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) via a two-way communication system (33), and The controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is configured to send a status signal reflecting information about the current operation, current status, and / or current configuration of the disinfection device (23) to the control device (15), and to receive a control signal generated by the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) in consideration of the received status signal. The controller (25) controls the operation of the disinfection device (23) in consideration of the received control signal. The characteristic is that the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is configured to control the disinfection intensity according to the control signal sent by the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) to the controller (25) and indicating the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) corresponding to the current disinfection intensity to be achieved, the disinfection intensity being: the disinfection device (23) disinfects the surface (41) to be disinfected at the disinfection intensity.

2. A personnel transport device (1), comprising: Personnel transport device (13) for transporting personnel within a building (5); Control equipment (15) for controlling the operation of the personnel transport device (13); and The disinfection device (23) according to claim 1 is used to disinfect the surface (41) to be disinfected on the personnel transport device (13); in, The disinfection device (23) has a controller (25) for controlling the operation of the disinfection device (23). The controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is connected to the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) via a two-way communication system (33), and The control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) and the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are configured to send status signals reflecting information about the current operation, current status, and / or current configuration of the disinfection device (23) from the controller (25) to the control device (15), and the control device (15) generates control signals and transmits them to the controller (25) after considering the received status signals, wherein the controller (25) controls the operation of the disinfection device (23) after considering the received control signals. The characteristic is that the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is configured to control the disinfection intensity according to the control signal sent by the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) to the controller (25) and indicating the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) corresponding to the current disinfection intensity to be achieved, the disinfection intensity being: the disinfection device (23) disinfects the surface (41) to be disinfected at the disinfection intensity.

3. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2, in, The control device (15) generates a control signal in consideration of the status signal received by the controller (25), the control signal indicating the rated values ​​of the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) related to the current disinfection intensity to be achieved.

4. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The disinfection device (23) is configured to achieve a disinfection intensity greater than the minimum disinfection intensity required for sufficient disinfection of the surface to be disinfected (41) in the new state, as the maximum disinfection intensity. Among them, the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are configured to enable the disinfection device (23) to operate at a disinfection intensity higher than the minimum disinfection intensity during normal operation and to gradually increase the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) corresponding to the currently achieved disinfection intensity.

5. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are configured to increase the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) corresponding to the currently achieved disinfection intensity according to the operating period since the commissioning of the disinfection device (23).

6. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The disinfection device (23) also has a sensor (29) for detecting a measurement value corresponding to the disinfection intensity, and The control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are configured to increase the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) corresponding to the currently achieved disinfection intensity based on the measurement values ​​detected by the sensor (29).

7. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 6, in, The control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are configured to adjust the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) corresponding to the currently achieved disinfection intensity based on the measurement value detected by the sensor (29).

8. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The system monitors the operating parameters of the disinfection device (23) corresponding to the current disinfection intensity to be achieved and outputs an alarm signal when the operating parameters exceed a predetermined threshold, the alarm signal indicating that the service life of the disinfection device (23) is about to end.

9. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The disinfection device (23) also has sensors (31) for detecting the temperature inside the disinfection device (23) and / or for detecting the temperature in the environment adjacent to the disinfection device (23), and The control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are configured to control the operation of the disinfection device (23) based on the temperature determined by the sensor (31).

10. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 6, in, The controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is configured to send the measured value determined by the sensor (29) and / or the data signal corresponding to the measured value determined by the sensor (29) to the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1).

11. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 9, in, The controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is configured to send the measured value determined by the sensor (31) and / or the data signal corresponding to the measured value determined by the sensor (31) to the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1).

12. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The personnel transport equipment (1) also includes an interface device (37) configured to transmit data from the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) to a remotely located computer (35) and / or provide data from the remotely located computer (35) for the control device (15) of the personnel transport equipment (1) to receive.

13. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The control device (15) generates a control signal after taking into account information about the speed of the personnel transport device (13) and / or the number of people transported by the personnel transport device (13).

14. The personnel transport equipment according to claim 2 or 3, in, The disinfection device (23) also has an output device (39) configured to output a signal perceptible to a human, the signal indicating the current state of the disinfection device (23).

15. A method for operating a personnel transport device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein, The method includes: The status signal is transmitted from the controller (25) to the control device (15), the status signal reflecting information about the current operation, current status and / or current configuration of the disinfection device (23), and The operation of the disinfection device (23) is controlled in consideration of the received control signals, which are transmitted from the control device (15) to the controller (25) in consideration of the received status signals. The status signal may also be sent from the control device (15) to a remotely located computer (35) and processed at the computer, and / or the control signal may also be transmitted from the remotely located computer (35) to the control device (15) and further transmitted from the control device to the controller (25) to control the operation of the disinfection device (23).

16. The method according to claim 15, in, A digital twin of the personnel transport equipment (1) is stored in a remotely deployed computer (35), and the characteristics of the personnel transport equipment (1) are determined based on the digital twin of the personnel transport equipment (1) and taking into account the status signals transmitted by the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23).

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