Passenger transport system with disinfection device and method for its operation

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger transport system, in particular a passenger transport system which has a disinfection device, and to a method for operating such a passenger transport system.

[0002] Passenger transport systems are used to transport people within buildings or

[0003] To transport people within buildings. Passenger transport systems can be designed as escalators, moving walkways, or elevators, for example.

[0004] Germs in the form of viruses, bacteria, and / or microbes can accumulate on the surfaces of a passenger transport system. To prevent their transmission to passengers, the passenger transport system can be equipped with a disinfection device. The disinfection device can be designed to disinfect the relevant surfaces, for example, by killing and / or removing germs present there.

[0005] One possible design for a disinfection device uses light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which emit germicidal electromagnetic radiation. For example, so-called UVC LEDs can be used for this purpose. These emit high-energy ultraviolet radiation, also known as UVC radiation, and typically have a wavelength range of 100–300 nm, usually 180–260 nm.

[0006] JP 2017 220328 A describes a device for estimating the service life of an LED. CN 106 608 587 A discloses a passenger transport system with a disinfection device and sensors integrated into the handrail. A control unit of the passenger transport system is connected to the sensors and the disinfection device via a communication module.

[0007] There may be a need for a passenger transport system and a method for its operation which enable the passenger transport system to be operated reliably with little effort and, in particular, to be able to disinfect surfaces on the passenger transport system reliably and with little maintenance and cost.

[0008] Such a 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 passenger transport system is proposed, which comprises a passenger conveyor for transporting persons within a building, a control unit for controlling the operation of the passenger conveyor, and a disinfection unit for disinfecting a surface on the passenger conveyor to be disinfected. The disinfection unit has a controller for controlling the operation of the disinfection unit. The controller of the disinfection unit is connected to the control unit of the passenger conveyor via a bidirectional communication system.The control unit of the passenger transport system and the control unit of the disinfection device are configured to send status signals, which represent information about the current operation, current state, and / or current configuration of the disinfection device, from the control unit to the control unit. The control unit generates control signals taking into account the received status signals and transmits them to the control unit. The control unit controls the operation of the disinfection device taking into account the received control signals. Furthermore, the control unit of the disinfection device is configured to control the disinfection intensity with which the disinfection device disinfects the surface to be disinfected, depending on control signals sent to the control unit from the control unit of the passenger transport system.These control signals indicate an operating parameter of the disinfection device that correlates with the disinfection intensity currently to be achieved.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for operating a passenger transport system according to an embodiment of the first aspect is described. The method comprises at least the following steps: Transmitting status signals, which represent information about a current operation, a current state and / or a current configuration of the disinfection device, from the controller to the control unit, and controlling an operation of the disinfection device taking into account received control signals, which are transmitted from the control unit to the controller taking into account received status signals.

[0011] The status signals can optionally be sent from the control unit to a remote computer for processing there. Furthermore, control signals can optionally be transmitted from the remote computer to the control unit, and from there to the controller to control the operation of the disinfection device.

[0012] Possible features and advantages of embodiments of the invention may be considered, among other things and without limiting the invention, to be based on ideas and findings described below.

[0013] In brief, an essential idea underlying the invention is the recognition that a disinfection device in a passenger transport system should advantageously not be operated completely independently of other components of the passenger transport system. On the one hand, the way in which the disinfection device is to be operated at any given time can depend on conditions prevailing in other components of the passenger transport system and / or on the operating conditions of the passenger transport system. On the other hand, conditions and states applicable to the disinfection device can also have a retroactive effect on other components of the passenger transport system. It is therefore proposed to couple the control of the disinfection device and the control unit of the passenger conveyor system using a bidirectional communication system so that signals and data can be transmitted between them in both directions.Thus, on the one hand, status signals indicating information concerning the disinfection device, and in particular concerning its current operation, current status, and / or current configuration, can be transmitted from the control unit of the disinfection device via the bidirectional communication system to the control unit of the passenger conveyor, so that this information can be taken into account when controlling the passenger conveyor and / or this information can be processed by the control unit and / or transmitted to other components, in particular to an external computer, for further processing there. On the other hand, control signals can be generated by the control unit of the passenger conveyor and transmitted to the control unit of the disinfection device, so that the latter can then be controlled according to these control signals.When generating the control signals, the control unit can take into account status signals previously received from the disinfection system's control unit. Ultimately, the disinfection system can therefore be controlled or regulated, for example, in a manner that incorporates both the information available to the control unit of the passenger conveyor system due to its communication with other components of the passenger transport system, as well as information relating to the disinfection system itself. This information can be used, for example, to detect early on when components of the disinfection system are approaching the end of their service life, so that maintenance or replacement measures can be planned and initiated in a timely manner.The information can also be used, for example, to better estimate the impact of the operation of the disinfection device on other components of the passenger transport system, for example by taking the status signals relating to the disinfection device into account when maintaining and analyzing a digital twin of the passenger transport system.

[0014] In the following, possible properties and advantages of embodiments of the passenger transport system and their operating procedures are explained in more detail.

[0015] The described passenger transport system can be designed as an escalator, moving walkway, or elevator. The passenger transport device of the passenger transport system is designed to transport one or preferably several people within the building using a combination of a unit that moves along a travel path and a drive. When designed as an escalator, the passenger transport device has a step belt in which several steps are coupled one behind the other in a travel direction and which can be driven in rotation by a drive. Similarly, the passenger transport device of a moving walkway has a pallet belt with several pallets arranged one behind the other and coupled to one another, whereby the pallet belt can also be driven in rotation by a drive.When designed as an elevator, the passenger conveying device has at least one elevator car, which can usually be moved vertically within an elevator shaft by a drive device.

[0016] The control unit of the passenger transport system is designed to control the operation of the passenger conveyor and in particular its drive. Among other things, a travel activity, a travel direction and / or a travel speed can be controlled. Various parameters and / or conditions can be taken into account. For example, in an escalator or a moving walk, suitable sensors can be used to detect whether one or more people are in an access area and / or on the step belt or pallet belt. Based on signals from such sensors, a control unit can then activate the drive of the escalator or moving walk in order to transport the people using the passenger conveyor in a desired direction and at a desired speed. In an elevator, for example,Sensors, buttons, or similar devices on control panels are operated by passengers to tell the control unit where the elevator car should be moved by the drive. When controlling the passenger conveyor, the control unit can also take additional information into account. This can come from other sensors that determine, for example, environmental conditions or load conditions. The information can also come from other sources. For example, information or instructions contained therein can be transmitted from external devices such as a remotely located computer to the control unit to instruct it on how the passenger conveyor should currently be operated or controlled.

[0017] The disinfection device is designed to disinfect at least one surface in the area of ​​the passenger conveyor. In particular, the disinfection device should be able to disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched by passengers and can therefore promote the spread of germs between different passengers. For example, the disinfection device can disinfect the surface of a handrail on an escalator or moving walkway. In an elevator, the disinfection device can, for example, disinfect surfaces on a control panel and / or grab handles, or possibly even the entire interior of an elevator car.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the disinfection device has a light source that can emit high-energy ultraviolet light to neutralize germs. One or more UVC LEDs, for example, can serve as the light source. The disinfection intensity with which such a disinfection device disinfects surfaces depends largely on the irradiation dose, i.e., the amount of light that hits a given surface per unit of time. To ensure a sufficient disinfection effect, this irradiation dose or disinfection intensity should be greater than a predetermined minimum disinfection intensity.

[0019] In general, however, the disinfection device can also be designed differently. For example, a surface to be disinfected can be sprayed or wetted by the disinfection device with a disinfectant liquid, such as alcohol. The disinfection intensity can depend on the quantity, temperature, chemical composition, and / or other parameters of the applied disinfectant liquid. Alternatively, the disinfection device can gass the surface to be disinfected with a disinfectant gas, such as ozone. The disinfection intensity can depend on the gas flow, gas concentration, gas temperature, chemical composition of the gas, and / or other parameters.

[0020] The disinfection device has a control system that regulates its operation. In particular, a disinfection activity, disinfection intensity, and / or disinfection type can be controlled. The disinfection activity indicates whether the disinfection device is currently activated or deactivated. The disinfection intensity specifies the degree of disinfection effect to be achieved. The disinfection type can, for example, specify which mechanism of action the disinfection device should currently use.

[0021] The control of the disinfection device can preferably control operating parameters which correlate with the disinfection activity to be carried out by the disinfection device.

[0022] For example, the control system of a disinfection device that uses light sources to emit UV light as a disinfectant mechanism, and where the disinfection intensity depends predominantly on the light intensity, can control the current supplied to the light sources as an operating parameter. The higher this current, the higher the light intensity and, typically, the higher the disinfection intensity.

[0023] In principle, it would be conceivable for the disinfection system to be operated completely autonomously and independently of other components of the passenger transport system.

[0024] However, it was recognized as advantageous to be able to adapt the disinfection system to different operating conditions of the passenger transport system and thus operate it according to requirements.

[0025] For example, according to one embodiment, it may be advantageous if the control unit generates the control signals taking into account information about a speed at which the passenger conveyor is operated and / or a number of persons transported by the passenger conveyor. In general, it can be assumed that a high number of persons to be transported may require increased activity of the disinfection device. It can also be assumed that at a higher speed of the passenger conveyor, the disinfection device should be operated at a higher power than at lower speeds, since, on the one hand, more passengers are presumably transported per unit of time.On the other hand, it can be assumed that if the surface to be disinfected moves along with the passenger transport system, as is the case with the handrail of an escalator, for example, the time it takes for this surface to be disinfected by the disinfection system will decrease with increasing speed, so disinfection should be carried out more quickly. In the case of an elevator system, it must be ensured that no one is in the elevator car during the disinfection process, as the disinfecting measures usually contain biocides and could therefore endanger the health of the users. Overall, the fact that information that is available to the control unit of the passenger transport system, for example, can also be used to control the disinfection system can enable more needs-based operation of the disinfection system.

[0026] On the other hand, it was also recognized as advantageous to make information about the current status of the disinfection device accessible to other components of the passenger transport system and / or to provide such information to an external monitoring system of the passenger transport system.

[0027] For this purpose, it is proposed to link the controller of the disinfection device and the control unit of the passenger conveyor via a bidirectional communication system. Such a bidirectional communication system enables data transmission in both opposite directions, i.e., from the control unit to the controller and from the controller to the control unit. The bidirectional communication system can be technically implemented in different ways, for example, using a bus system, Bluetooth communication, or similar. It can be wired or wireless.

[0028] In addition, both the control unit of the disinfection device and the control unit of the passenger conveyor device should each be designed to generate signals and transmit them to the other component as well as to receive signals from the other component.

[0029] Specifically, the disinfection device's control system should be able to generate status signals that provide information about the current operation, current state, and / or current configuration of the disinfection device. Information about current operation indicates, for example, whether the disinfection device is currently active or deactivated. Information about the current state can, for example, indicate the desired properties of the disinfection device or its components and / or the actual properties that have developed over time, for example due to wear and tear that has occurred and is preferably logged. The current state can be determined, for example, using sensors and / or by analyzing previous states and taking into account past and current operating parameters and / or operating times.The information about the current configuration can, for example, indicate which of a variety of possible parameter settings the disinfection device is currently operating with. For a disinfection device operated with light sources, the current configuration can, for example, include information about the current supplied to the light sources.

[0030] The control unit of the passenger transport system should be able to generate control signals itself and / or receive them from other sources, such as a remotely located computer, and then transmit them to the control system of the disinfection device. These control signals should instruct the control system regarding the operating parameters with which the disinfection device should be operated. The control signals can, for example, specify target specifications for current operation and / or a current configuration of the disinfection device.

[0031] Due to the bidirectional communication and exchange of information between the disinfection device and the control unit of the passenger transport system, the current status of the disinfection device can be communicated to the control unit, which can then take this into account when controlling the disinfection device and / or other components of the passenger transport system. The information about the status of the disinfection device can be taken into account in real time, so that a type of control of the disinfection device can be achieved. Alternatively, the information can be accumulated over time, so that when controlling the disinfection device, its history, such as the duration of previous operation, set operating parameters (e.g. supplied current), prevailing ambient conditions (e.g. temperatures), periods of use, etc., can be taken into account.This enables efficient, reliable and / or demand-based operation of the disinfection system.

[0032] As already mentioned above, the control of the disinfection device is designed to control a disinfection intensity with which the disinfection device disinfects the surface to be disinfected, depending on control signals which are sent to the control by the control unit of the passenger transport system and which indicate an operating parameter of the disinfection device correlating with a disinfection intensity to be achieved at that time.

[0033] In other words, the previously described bidirectional communication capability between the control unit of the passenger transport system and the control unit of the disinfection device is intended to be used to control the operation of the disinfection device with regard to the desired disinfection intensity using control signals transmitted from the control unit of the passenger transport system to the control unit of the disinfection device. The control signals instruct the control unit of the disinfection device to adjust one or more operating parameters of the disinfection device in such a way that a desired disinfection intensity is achieved.

[0034] The disinfection intensity can, for example, be defined as a measure that indicates how many percent of a germ load present on a surface should be rendered harmless in a unit of time.

[0035] For example, in a disinfection system with UV light sources, a control signal can specify the electrical power to be supplied to the UV light sources. The electrical power correlates with the light intensity emitted by the light sources over time and thus ultimately with the disinfection intensity achieved.

[0036] According to a specific embodiment, the control device can, in particular, generate control signals which indicate a target value for the operating parameter of the disinfection device correlating with a disinfection intensity currently to be achieved, taking into account the status signals received from the controller.

[0037] In other words, when generating the control signals, the control unit should consider the status signals currently received or received in a previous period from the disinfection device's control system. Accordingly, the disinfection device can be controlled in a manner that, among other things, takes into account information about its own operation, status, and / or configuration. The control signals can specify a target value for the operating parameter that correlates with the current disinfection intensity to be achieved.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the disinfection device can be configured to achieve a maximum disinfection intensity in a new state that is greater than the minimum disinfection intensity required for adequate disinfection of the surface to be disinfected. The control unit of the passenger transport system and / or the control system of the disinfection device can be configured to operate the disinfection device during normal operation at a disinfection intensity above the minimum disinfection intensity and to successively increase an operating parameter of the disinfection device that correlates with the currently achieved disinfection intensity.

[0039] In other words, the disinfection device can be oversized to a certain extent, i.e., designed in such a way that, before signs of wear occur, it can achieve a maximum disinfection intensity that is higher than the minimum disinfection intensity required to adequately disinfect a germ-contaminated surface. The minimum disinfection intensity can be defined according to hygiene requirements. The oversized maximum disinfection intensity can, for example, be a predetermined percentage, for example, at least 10% or at least 20%, higher than the minimum disinfection intensity.

[0040] It has been recognized that the actual disinfection intensity achieved by the disinfection device can decrease over time due to wear and tear. For example, it has been observed that the radiation intensity emitted by a UVC LED can decrease over time despite a constant supply current. Accordingly, previous disinfection devices have always been oversized to a certain extent. Such disinfection devices were typically always operated at their stated rated power, i.e., they were controlled to deliver their maximum disinfection intensity. Initially, a higher disinfection intensity was achieved than was necessary for reliable disinfection. This resulted in both increased energy consumption and increased wear and tear on the disinfection device.

[0041] It is now proposed to exploit the initial oversizing of the disinfection system by operating the disinfection system at the beginning of operation with operating parameters that result in a disinfection intensity below the maximum disinfection intensity. The disinfection system should therefore initially be operated at less than its rated power. However, the disinfection system should always be operated in such a way that the achieved disinfection intensity is above the required minimum disinfection intensity.

[0042] Over time, the operating parameter of the disinfection system, which correlates with the current disinfection intensity, should be gradually increased. This gradual increase in the operating parameter can compensate for effects that reduce disinfection intensity over time, for example, due to wear and tear on the disinfection system.

[0043] Overall, this ensures that, on the one hand, a sufficient disinfection effect can always be guaranteed, but on the other hand, the disinfection device is not operated with an excessively high disinfection intensity, so that energy consumption and wear can be minimized.

[0044] According to a specific embodiment, the control unit of the passenger transport system and / or the control unit of the disinfection device can be configured to increase the operating parameter of the disinfection device, which correlates with a currently achieved disinfection intensity, depending on the operating time since the disinfection device was put into operation.

[0045] In other words, the operating parameter at which the disinfection device is operated, which correlates with the disinfection intensity achieved, can initially be operated at less than a nominal power value and then gradually increased depending on the operating time that has elapsed since the disinfection device was put into operation. The increase in the operating parameter can occur at certain intervals of, for example, several days or weeks, i.e., periodically. Alternatively, the operating parameter can be increased linearly over time. Such an increase in the operating parameter, dependent solely on the previous operating time, can be implemented easily and cost-effectively.

[0046] Depending on the extent of the initial over-dimensioning of the disinfection device, it may be known how often or over what period of time the operating parameters can be increased until the disinfection device is finally operated with maximum permissible operating parameters and is thus close to the end of its service life.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the disinfection device can further comprise a sensor for detecting a measured variable that correlates with the disinfection intensity. The control unit of the passenger transport system and / or the controller of the disinfection device can be configured to increase the operating parameter of the disinfection device that correlates with a currently achieved disinfection intensity depending on the measured variable detected by the sensor.

[0048] In other words, the disinfection device can preferably be equipped with a sensor that can be used to determine the disinfection intensity actually achieved by the disinfection device. The disinfection intensity actually achieved by the disinfection device therefore no longer needs to be estimated based on the operating parameters with which the disinfection device is operated, but can actually be measured using the sensor. A measured variable recorded by this sensor can then be taken into account by the control unit or controller in order to be able to appropriately adapt the operating parameter correlating with the achieved disinfection intensity and to increase it over time in such a way that a sufficient, but not unnecessarily high, disinfection intensity is always achieved.

[0049] According to a further specific embodiment, the control unit of the passenger transport system and / or the control unit of the disinfection device can be configured to regulate the operating parameter of the disinfection device correlating with a currently effected disinfection intensity depending on the measured variable detected by the sensor.

[0050] In other words, the measured variable detected by the sensor, which reflects the actual disinfection intensity achieved by the disinfection device, can be used not only to control but also to regulate the operation of the disinfection device by appropriately adjusting the operating parameters. The measured variable detected by the sensor can serve as a controlled variable in a control loop.

[0051] According to one embodiment, it may be particularly preferred to monitor the operating parameter of the disinfection device, which correlates with a currently required disinfection intensity, continuously or at suitable time intervals and, if the operating parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value, to issue a warning signal which indicates an approaching end of the service life of the disinfection device.

[0052] In other words, the operating parameter at which the disinfection device is operated, which correlates with the disinfection intensity achieved, can be monitored and checked for its behavior in relation to a predetermined threshold value. Initially, the disinfection device is operated with an operating parameter that is significantly below this threshold value. By successively increasing the operating parameter, it approaches the threshold value over time. The threshold value can be less than or equal to a maximum permissible value of the operating parameter. If the threshold value is equal to the maximum permissible value of the operating parameter, reaching the threshold value means that the operating parameter should not be increased any further, as otherwise disadvantages such as damage to the disinfection device may arise.Reaching the threshold thus corresponds to the end of the disinfection device's service life, meaning it should be maintained or replaced. Preferably, the threshold is set slightly lower than the maximum permissible value of the operating parameter. Accordingly, reaching the threshold means that the end of the disinfection device's service life is imminent, but preferably there is sufficient time for measures such as maintenance or replacement of the disinfection device.

[0053] When the threshold value is reached, a corresponding warning signal can be issued. This warning signal can, for example, be transmitted to the control unit of the passenger transport system. There, the warning signal can be issued in a manner perceptible to a technician. Alternatively, the warning signal can be forwarded from the control unit to an external monitoring device, where it can, for example, trigger the initiation of appropriate maintenance or replacement measures.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the disinfection device further comprises a sensor for detecting a temperature within the disinfection device and / or for detecting a temperature in an environment adjacent to the disinfection device. The control unit of the passenger transport system and / or the controller of the disinfection device are configured to control the operation of the disinfection device depending on the temperature detected by the sensor.

[0055] It has been recognized that some disinfection devices can change their disinfection effects depending on temperature conditions or even be damaged under certain temperature conditions. For example, it has been recognized that UVC LEDs should not be operated above certain temperature limits, as they will otherwise be damaged.

[0056] It is therefore proposed to equip the disinfection device with a sensor that can be used to determine the temperature of the disinfection device or individual components thereof and / or an ambient temperature. A sensor signal representing this temperature can then be taken into account by the control system of the disinfection device and / or the control unit of the passenger transport system when controlling the operation of the disinfection device. For example, if elevated measured temperatures are present, the power supply to the disinfection device can be reduced or limited to counteract further heating.

[0057] With regard to the above-described embodiment of the disinfection device with a sensor for detecting a measured variable correlating with the disinfection intensity and / or a temperature sensor, according to one embodiment the control of the disinfection device can be configured to send the measured variable determined by the sensor and / or a data signal correlating with the measured variable determined by the sensor to the control unit of the passenger transport system.

[0058] In other words, the control system of the disinfection device can preferably not only transmit status signals regarding the current operation, condition, or configuration of the disinfection device to the control unit of the passenger transport system, but also provide the control unit with measured values ​​from sensors integrated in the disinfection device. Either the measured value determined by the sensor itself or a data signal determined by processing this measured value can be sent to the control unit.

[0059] The control unit can then process the information contained therein itself, for example, and use it to control the disinfection device or other components. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can store the corresponding data for later use and / or forward it to other components. In particular, the data can be forwarded to an external computer, for example, which is part of a remote monitoring system or a data cloud. There, the measured values ​​can be monitored and / or processed.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the passenger transport system can have an interface device for this purpose, which is configured to send data from the control unit of the passenger transport system to the remotely arranged computer and / or to provide data from the remotely arranged computer for reception by the control unit of the passenger transport system.

[0061] In other words, the passenger transport system can, with the aid of the interface device, have the option of exchanging data or signals with a remotely located computer. The remotely located computer can be located outside the building in which the passenger transport system is installed. In particular, the remotely located computer can be part of an external monitoring device with which the passenger transport system and its operation are to be monitored. Alternatively, the computer can be part of a data cloud in which, for example, information relating to the passenger transport system can be stored. The control unit of the passenger transport system can, in particular, forward signals and data which it has previously received from the control unit of the disinfection device to the external computer via the interface device.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the method for operating the passenger transport system proposed herein, a digital twin of the passenger transport system can be stored in the remotely located computer, for example. Properties of the passenger transport system can then be determined based on the digital twin of the passenger transport system, taking into account the status signals transmitted by the controller of the disinfection device.

[0063] The term "digital twin" can refer to a data set in which the physical and / or functional properties of the passenger transport system are represented as realistically as possible. For example, the digital twin can contain information about the geometric, electrical, magnetic, thermal, and / or other properties of the passenger transport system. Based on this data, current or, if necessary, future properties of the passenger transport system can be calculated, simulated, or modeled.

[0064] It is now proposed to additionally incorporate the status signals, which reflect current properties of the disinfection device, into the digital twin. Accordingly, the properties of the passenger transport system can be determined even more precisely using the digital twin, by also taking into account the properties of the disinfection device.

[0065] For example, information that provides information about disinfection intensity and / or disinfection activity during a previous operating period of the passenger transport system can be used to infer any resulting influence on other components of the passenger transport system.

[0066] Specifically, in an example where the disinfection device generates the disinfection effect using UVC LEDs, information about operating times and / or lighting intensities can be incorporated into a digital twin, for example, to enable conclusions to be drawn about the extent to which UVC radiation emitted in this way could have damaged other components of the passenger transport system, such as a fabric and / or plastic of an escalator handrail, over time.

[0067] According to a further embodiment, the disinfection device may further comprise an output device which is configured to output a signal perceptible to a human, which indicates a current state of the disinfection device.

[0068] In other words, an output device can be provided directly on the disinfection device, for example in the form of a light source, a display, a loudspeaker or a similar technical component, with the aid of which a signal that is perceptible to humans optically, acoustically or in another way can be output.

[0069] This output device can be used, for example, to provide a maintenance technician with information about the current status of the disinfection device. The maintenance technician can then easily determine on-site whether the disinfection device is functioning as expected or, for example, whether it needs maintenance or replacement. The output device can also be a screen or a visual display clearly visible to users of the passenger transport system, indicating that the disinfection device is functioning and that they can therefore expect disinfected handrails.

[0070] It should be noted that some of the possible features and advantages of the invention are described herein with reference to different embodiments of a passenger transport system, on the one hand, and a method for operating this transport system, on the other. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the features can be combined, adapted, or exchanged as appropriate to achieve further embodiments of the invention.

[0071] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein neither the drawings nor the description are to be interpreted as limiting the invention.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a simplified view of a passenger transport system designed as an escalator with a handrail disinfection device.

[0073] The figure is merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent features.

[0074] Figure 1shows a simplified view of a passenger transport system 1. The passenger transport system 1, designed as an escalator, connects a lower level E1 with an upper level E2 of a building 5. The passenger transport system 1 can be entered and exited via access areas 3. A circumferential step belt 9 is arranged in a supporting structure 7, which is deflected in the upper level E2 and in the lower level E1 and thus has a leading section and a returning section. For the sake of clarity, a detailed illustration of the returning section has been omitted, as has a detailed illustration of the frames, guide rails, and rail blocks. The passenger transport system 1 has a drive unit 11 to drive the step belt 9.Together, the step belt 9 and the drive unit 11 form a passenger conveyor 13, by means of which passengers can be transported in the structure 5 between the access areas 3. A control unit 15 serves to control the operation of the passenger conveyor 13.

[0075] The passenger transport system 1 further comprises two balustrades 17 which extend along each longitudinal side of the step band 9, wherein Figure 1 only the balustrade 17, located in the foreground in the viewing plane, is visible. A handrail 19 is arranged circumferentially on each balustrade 17, with its return strand guided in a balustrade base 21. This balustrade base 21 connects the balustrade 17 to the supporting structure 7.

[0076] Furthermore, the passenger transport system 1 has at least one disinfection device 23 for each circumferential handrail 19. This device is also installed, for example, in the balustrade base 21 of the balustrade 17 and is thus concealed from the users of the passenger transport system 1. Operation of the disinfection device 23 is controlled by a controller 25.

[0077] In the example shown, the disinfection device 23 can be equipped with one or more UVC LEDs 27. Using the UVC light emitted by these UVC LEDs 27, a partial surface of the handrail 19 can be irradiated, whereby the high-energy UVC light can kill germs located there. The controller 25 can, among other things, control a power supply to the disinfection device 23 or its UVC LEDs 27.

[0078] The disinfection device 23 can further comprise one or more sensors 29, 31, with the aid of which operating conditions and / or ambient conditions can be detected. Alternatively, such sensors can also be provided separately and transmit signals to the disinfection device 23. For example, the disinfection device 23 can comprise a UVC sensor 29, whose measurement signals indicate the radiation intensity of UVC light currently actually emitted by the UVC LEDs 27 and incident on the UVC sensor 29. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 31 can be provided, with the aid of which a current temperature of the disinfection device 23 or of components thereof, in particular the UVC LEDs 27, and / or a temperature of the surroundings of the disinfection device 23 can be measured.

[0079] The disinfection device 23, or its control 25, and the control unit 15 of the passenger transport system 1 are connected to each other via a bidirectional communication system 33. In Figure 1 The bidirectional communication system 33 is illustrated as a simple line. However, in practical implementation, it can also be part of a wired bus system or a wireless data communication device.

[0080] The controller 25 of the disinfection device 23 is configured to transmit status signals, which provide information about the current operation, the current state, or the current configuration of the disinfection device 23, to the control unit 15 via the communication system 33. Transmitted signals can, for example, indicate an activity of the disinfection device 23, i.e., whether or for how long the disinfection device 23 is being operated. Alternatively or additionally, transmitted signals can provide information about conditions currently prevailing in the disinfection device 23, i.e., for example, indicate which temperature is currently being measured by the temperature sensor 31. As a further alternative or addition, transmitted signals can indicate how components of the disinfection device 23 are currently configured, i.e., for example, at what power the UVC LED 27 is currently being operated.

[0081] The status signals transmitted by the disinfection device 23 can be received by the control unit 15 and processed there. For example, the control unit 15 can take the received status signals into account when controlling functions of the passenger transport system 1.

[0082] In particular, the control unit 15 can also control functions of the disinfection device 23 by transmitting suitable control signals via the communication system 33 to the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23. Among other things, the information contained in the previously received status signals can be taken into account. This makes it possible to control the disinfection device 23, for example, taking into account the temperatures currently prevailing therein and / or taking into account properties of the disinfection device 23 that change over time, for example due to wear and tear. Furthermore, when controlling the disinfection device 23, the control unit 15 can also take into account information relating to other components of the passenger transport system 1.For example, the control unit 15 can control the operation of the disinfection device 23 in such a way that a current passenger volume and / or a current speed at which the passenger conveyor 13 or the handrail 19 is displaced is taken into account.

[0083] Advantageously, the disinfection device 23 can be designed such that, at least in its new state, it can be operated in such a way that it can achieve more than the minimum disinfection intensity required to reliably disinfect a surface 41 to be disinfected. A disinfection device 23 equipped with UVC LEDs 27 can, for example, be designed with respect to the UVC LEDs 27 installed therein such that, for a minimum disinfection intensity, it would be sufficient to operate the UVC LEDs 27 at, for example, only 80% of their rated power. The rated power is the maximum power that can be supplied to the UVC LEDs 27 without risking sudden or excessive damage to them.

[0084] A disinfection device 23 designed in this way is then preferably operated below its rated power, at least initially. In other words, the disinfection device 23 is operated at a disinfection intensity that is above the minimum disinfection intensity but below the maximum achievable disinfection intensity.

[0085] A power supply within the disinfection device 23, i.e., for example, a current supplied to the UVC LEDs 27, typically correlates with the currently achieved disinfection intensity. Initially, this power supply is preferably set lower than the nominal power. This can minimize energy consumption and, if applicable, wear and tear on the disinfection device 23 and / or on surfaces 41 disinfected thereby.

[0086] However, since it is known that, for example, UVC LEDs 27 emit less UVC light over time due to wear and tear at the same power supply, the power supply of the UVC LEDs 27 can be gradually increased. For example, the power supply can be gradually increased at regular intervals or linearly, depending on the operating time since commissioning of the disinfection device 23. As soon as the power supply approaches or reaches the rated power, this means that the disinfection device 23, or specifically its UVC LEDs 27, have reached their operating life and probably need to be replaced.

[0087] Since various influences can lead to the disinfection intensity actually achieved by the disinfection device 23 not changing clearly over time, it may be particularly preferable to monitor the actual disinfection intensity, for example, using the UVC sensor 29. Measurement signals from the UVC sensor 29 can then be taken into account by the control unit 15. For example, in the event that a measured UVC light intensity threatens to drop below a level necessary for the minimum disinfection intensity, the disinfection device 23 can be controlled with a suitably higher power supply.

[0088] It may be advantageous to monitor the actual power supply, that is, generally speaking, the operating parameter that correlates with the current disinfection intensity to be achieved, and to compare this, for example, with a predetermined threshold value. Specifically, an electrical current supplied to the UVC LEDs 27 can be compared with a current threshold value. The threshold value can be set such that it corresponds to the nominal power of the UVC LEDs 27 or lies below this nominal power by a predetermined amount. If the actual power supply approaches the nominal power and thereby reaches the threshold value, this can trigger the output of a warning signal indicating an approaching end of the service life of the disinfection device 23. A technician can then service or replace the disinfection device 23.This enables predictive maintenance, as the warning signal can be generated sufficiently in advance before the disinfection device 23 actually fails, resulting in either damage to its UVC LEDs 27 due to excessive power supply or the required minimum disinfection intensity no longer being achieved when the rated power is supplied.

[0089] The status signals transmitted by the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23 can be used advantageously elsewhere, in addition to being used directly in the control unit 15 of the passenger transport system 1. For example, the control unit 15 can be designed, with the aid of an interface device 37, to transmit current operating data of the passenger transport system 1 to a remotely located computer 35. This remotely located computer 35 can be part of a monitoring device or a data cloud used to remotely monitor functionalities of the passenger transport system 1. The status signals of the disinfection device 23 can then also be transmitted to such a remotely located computer 35. There, they can be used, for example, to monitor functionalities and / or an operating state of the disinfection device 23.

[0090] The remotely located computer 35 can also be used to remotely control functionalities and / or operating states of the passenger transport system 1, or specifically of its disinfection device 23. For this purpose, the remotely located computer 35 can transmit suitable control signals to the control unit 15, which, based thereon, can in turn send control signals to the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23.

[0091] In a special embodiment, a data set of a digital twin can be stored or maintained on the remotely located computer 35. The digital twin indicates structural, physical, and / or functional properties of the passenger transport system 1 and, in particular, of the components installed therein. The status signals of the disinfection device 23 can be used in this case to maintain the digital twin. For example, data stored in the digital twin can be updated taking into account the information contained in the status signals about the current operation, the current state, or the current configuration of the disinfection device 23. In this way, the digital twin can always contain up-to-date information regarding the disinfection device 23.Furthermore, it is also possible to analyze, model, or simulate an influence caused by the disinfection device 23 on other components or parameters of the passenger transport system 1 using the up-to-date digital twin. For example, this can be used to draw conclusions about an influence that UVC light emitted by the disinfection device 23 may have on other components, such as, in particular, the surface 41 to be disinfected, for example, the handrail 19.

[0092] To simplify on-site maintenance of the passenger transport system 1 for a maintenance technician, the system can further comprise an output device 39, which can output information about the current status of the disinfection device 23 in a manner perceptible to the maintenance technician. For example, an LED emitting in the visible spectrum can be provided for this purpose. Depending on which signal is output by the output device 39, e.g., the color and / or flashing sequence with which its LED is operated, this can signal to the maintenance technician that (i) the disinfection device 23 is working properly (e.g., the LED is permanently lit), (ii) the disinfection device 23 is still working but is nearing the end of its service life (e.g., the LED is flashing slowly), (iii) the disinfection device 23 has already reached the end of its service life (e.g., the LED is flashing quickly), or (iv) the disinfection device 23 is currently switched off (e.g., the LED is off).

[0093] However, the output device 39 can also be a screen or a visual display that is clearly visible to users of the passenger transport system 1 and indicates to them that the disinfection device 23 is functioning and that they can therefore expect disinfected handrails 19.

[0094] In summary, the bidirectional signal exchange proposed here between the controller 25 of the disinfection device 23 and the control unit 15 of the passenger transport system 1 allows the disinfection device 23 to be operated as needed, and information relating to the disinfection device 23 can be processed and used by the control unit 15 of the passenger transport system 1, for example, to detect wear and tear on the disinfection device 23 and to plan countermeasures at an early stage. Furthermore, the disinfection device 23 can be controlled from a remotely located computer 35 via its connection to the control unit 15, or information relating to the disinfection device 23 can be forwarded to the remotely located computer 35 and used there, for example, to maintain a digital twin of the passenger transport system 1.

[0095] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having," "comprising," etc., do not exclude other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. A disinfection device (23) for disinfecting a surface (41) on a passenger conveying device (13), which passenger conveying device (13) is part of a passenger transport system (1) and is used for conveying passengers within a building structure (5); wherein the disinfection device (23) comprises a controller (25) for controlling an operation of the disinfection device (23); wherein the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is adapted to be connected to a control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) via a bidirectional communication system (33), and wherein the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is adapted to send status signals, which reflect information about a current operation, a current state and / or a current configuration of the disinfection device (23), to the control unit (15) and to receive control signals generated by the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) taking into account received status signals, wherein the controller (25) controls the operation of the disinfection device (23) taking into account received control signals, characterized in that the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is adapted to control a disinfection intensity with which the disinfection device (23) disinfects the surface (41) to be disinfected, depending on control signals which are transmitted to the controller (25) by the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) and which indicate an operating parameter of the disinfection device (23) correlating with a disinfection intensity currently to be effected.

2. A passenger transport system (1), comprising: - a passenger conveying device (13) for conveying passengers within a building structure (5); - a control unit (15) for controlling an operation of the passenger conveying device (13); and - a disinfecting device (23) according to claim 1 for disinfecting a surface (41) to be disinfected on the passenger conveying device (13); wherein the disinfection device (23) comprises a controller (25) for controlling an operation of the disinfection device (23); wherein the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is connected to the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) via a bidirectional communication system (33), and wherein the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) is adapted in such a manner that status signals, which reflect information about a current operation, a current state and / or a current configuration of the disinfection device (23), are received from the controller (25), and the control unit (15) generates control signals taking into account received status signals and transmits them to the controller (25), wherein the controller (25) controls the operation of the disinfection device (23) taking into account received control signals.

3. The passenger transport system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (15) generates control signals which indicate a setpoint value for the operating parameter of the disinfection device (23) correlating with a disinfection intensity currently to be effected, taking into account the status signals received from the controller (25).

4. The passenger transport system according to any one of claim 2 or 3, wherein the disinfection device (23) is adapted to be able, in a new state, to effect as maximum disinfection intensity a disinfection intensity which is greater than a minimum disinfection intensity necessary for sufficient disinfection of the surface (41) to be disinfected, and wherein the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are adapted to operate the disinfection device (23) in normal operation with a disinfection intensity above the minimum disinfection intensity and to successively increase an operating parameter of the disinfection device (23) correlating with a currently effected disinfection intensity.

5. The passenger transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are adapted to increase the operating parameter of the disinfection device (23) correlating with a currently effected disinfection intensity depending on an operating time since start-up of the disinfection device (23).

6. The passenger transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the disinfection device (23) further comprises a sensor (29) for detecting a measured variable which correlates with the disinfection intensity, and wherein the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are adapted to increase the operating parameter of the disinfection device (23) correlating with a currently effected disinfection intensity depending on the measured variable detected by the sensor (29).

7. The passenger transport system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are adapted to regulate the operating parameter of the disinfection device (23) correlating with a currently effected disinfection intensity depending on the measured variable detected by the sensor (29).

8. The passenger transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the operating parameter of the disinfection device (23) correlating with a disinfection intensity currently to be effected is monitored and, if the operating parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a warning signal is output which indicates an approaching end of a service life of the disinfection device (23).

9. The passenger transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the disinfection device (23) further comprises a sensor (31) for detecting a temperature inside the disinfection device (23) and / or for detecting a temperature in an environment adjacent to the disinfection device (23), and wherein the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) and / or the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) are adapted to control the operation of the disinfection device (23) depending on the temperature detected by the sensor (31).

10. The passenger transport system according to claim 6 or 9, wherein the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23) is adapted to send the measured variable determined by the sensor (29, 31) and / or a data signal correlating with the measured variable determined by the sensor (29, 31) to the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1).

11. The passenger transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the passenger transport system (1) further comprises an interface device (37) adapted to send data from the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1) to a remotely arranged computer (35) and / or to provide data from a remotely arranged computer (35) for reception by the control unit (15) of the passenger transport system (1).

12. The passenger transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the control unit (15) generates the control signals taking into account information about a speed at which the passenger conveying device (13) is operated and / or a number of passengers conveyed by the passenger conveying device (13).

13. The passenger transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the disinfection device (23) further comprises an output device (39), which is adapted to output a signal which can be perceived by a human being and which indicates a current state of the disinfection device (23).

14. A method for operating a passenger transport system (1) according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 13, the method comprising: - transmitting status signals reflecting information about a current operation, a current state and / or a current configuration of the disinfection device (23) from the controller (25) to the control unit (15), and - controlling an operation of the disinfection device (23) taking into account received control signals which are transmitted from the control unit (15) to the controller (25) taking into account received status signals, wherein, furthermore, the status signals are optionally sent from the control unit (15) to a remotely arranged computer (35) and processed there and / or wherein, furthermore, control signals are optionally transmitted from the remotely arranged computer (35) to the control unit (15) and from the control unit further to the controller (25) to control the operation of the disinfection device (23).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein a digital twin of the passenger transport system (1) is stored in the remotely arranged computer (35) and wherein properties of the passenger transport system (1) are determined based on the digital twin of the passenger transport system (1) taking into account the status signals transmitted by the controller (25) of the disinfection device (23).