Clean room signage device, signage system and method for operating a signage system

Abstract

The present invention provides a cleanroom signage device (1) for displaying information about a cleanroom or a cleanroom item, further a signage system comprising the cleanroom signage device (1), and a method for operating the same. The signage device (1) has a housing consisting of a frame (10), a transparent front panel (11) defining a display area, and a housing shell (17) that is tightly and seamlessly connected to the frame (10) enclosing the front panel (11). It also has at least one fastening device for attaching the signage device (1) to the cleanroom or the cleanroom item.Furthermore, the housing contains an electronic paper (12) located behind the front glass (11) and extending across the display area, electronics (14) for controlling the electronic paper (12), and a low-energy radio interface (15) that communicates with the electronics (14). An energy storage device (16) supplies energy to the low-energy radio interface (15), the electronics (14), and the electronic paper (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleanroom signage device, a signage system with one or more cleanroom signage devices and a method for operating such a signage system.

[0002] Cleanrooms are required for specialized production processes that demand extremely low concentrations of airborne particles and microbes. These include chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as semiconductor production, optics and laser technology, aerospace engineering, and applications in life sciences, medicine, and nanotechnology. Typically, the number of particles and microbes is monitored to ensure compliance with cleanroom conditions. Cleanroom parameters such as temperature, humidity, and pressure are also monitored, as maintaining these parameters ensures consistent production conditions.

[0003] Since devices used in cleanrooms must be cleaned regularly before and during use, they require cleaning-resistant surfaces, which is why cleanroom-suitable devices must meet the IP65 protection class, i.e., that the device housing is completely dustproof and protected against the ingress of water jets from all directions.

[0004] In GMP-compliant (Good Manufacturing Practice) production, it is ensured that the manufactured products are consistently produced and inspected according to defined quality standards, including the highest levels of accuracy and cleanliness. However, many documentation processes are still carried out on paper, such as handwritten confirmation of completed cleaning – and are therefore prone to errors.

[0005] Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for labeling cleanrooms or cleanroom objects.

[0006] This problem is solved by a cleanroom signage device having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The further task of providing an improved system for labeling cleanrooms and cleanroom items is solved by the signage system with the features of independent claim 8.

[0008] The further task of providing a method that allows such an improved system for labeling cleanrooms and cleanroom objects to be handled more effectively is solved by the method with the features of independent claim 9.

[0009] Further developments of the devices and the method are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, a cleanroom signage device according to the invention, designed to display information about a cleanroom or a cleanroom item, comprises a housing consisting of a frame, a transparent front panel defining a display area, and a housing shell. This shell is sealed and seamlessly connected to the frame, which seals and seamlessly encloses the front panel. Furthermore, the signage device includes at least one fastening device designed to attach the signage device to the cleanroom or the cleanroom item. Within the housing, the signage device contains an electronic paper element arranged behind the front panel and extending over the display area.It also has electronics designed to control the electronic paper, as well as a low-energy radio interface that communicates with the electronics. Furthermore, the signage device includes an energy storage device for supplying electrical power to the low-energy radio interface, the electronics, and the electronic paper.

[0011] Since the signage device has no mobile communication interface and no integrated display lighting, and the electronic paper only requires power when the display changes, the energy storage device, which can be a battery or a rechargeable battery, enables years of operation without replacement. This allows for a cleanroom-compatible seal of the housing.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the battery of the signage device, it can be designed to be inductively rechargeable.

[0013] Paper signs with handwritten labels for documentation purposes can be dispensed with, thus reducing or avoiding errors that may arise from them.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the signage device according to the invention, the frame is sealed to the front panel and to the housing shell by an adhesive seam. Preferably, the frame and the transparent front panel can be formed in one piece from a transparent material, with the frame being printed on to define the display area.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the signage device according to the invention, the energy storage device is arranged in a battery housing which is sealed to the housing shell by an adhesive seam.

[0016] In this context, "sealing" means tightly connected in such a way that substances, including dust, or fluids cannot penetrate through the connection point.

[0017] The adhesive bonds can be designed to be permanent, as opening the signage device to replace the energy storage unit is not intended due to the long operating time of up to five years that is permitted.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment, the signage device according to the invention has, as a fastening device, at least one magnet and / or an adhesive layer and / or a wall bracket with a ball joint adapter for articulated arrangement or without the ball joint adapter.

[0019] Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the signage device according to the invention can have an additional output interface and / or an input interface.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the signage device according to the invention, the additional output interface has a translucent area in the frame next to the display area and behind it a multicolor LED which is communicatively connected to the electronics and is electrically supplied by the energy storage device.

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of the signage device according to the invention, the input interface can be a button, a knob or a touchpad (touch-sensitive keypad) and can be arranged seamlessly and sealed on the frame next to the display area or on a side surface of the housing shell.

[0022] Further embodiments of the signage device according to the invention may provide that the electronic paper is designed to display three (or more) colors, at least black, white and red, optionally as a full-color display, and / or that the low-energy radio interface is designed for communication via at least one ISM band.

[0023] According to a first embodiment, a signage system according to the invention comprises a server and a local wireless network with at least one signage device according to at least one of the previously described embodiments. The local wireless network provides communication between the at least one signage device and the server, which is configured to run signage software for operating the at least one signage device by managing at least one graphical display interface for displaying information about a cleanroom or a cleanroom item. The at least one signage device is configured to display the at least one graphical display interface.

[0024] According to a first embodiment, a method according to the invention for operating a signage system according to the invention comprises the following steps: Attaching at least one signage device to a cleanroom or cleanroom item, establishing a communication link between the server and the at least one signage device via the local wireless network, managing at least one graphical display interface with information about the cleanroom or cleanroom item for display on the at least one signage device by running signage software on the server, and displaying the at least one graphical display interface with the information about the cleanroom or cleanroom item on the at least one signage device.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the information displayed on the at least one graphical display surface is selected from a group comprising at least unchanging information, fixed information, and changeable information. The unchanging information includes at least a designation of the cleanroom or the cleanroom object, and the fixed information includes at least an indication of a product manufactured in the cleanroom, at least an indication of a production component present in the cleanroom, and / or at least an indication of a medium stored in the cleanroom object.The modifiable information includes at least one room parameter relating to temperature, humidity or pressure in the cleanroom, and / or at least one production parameter relating to a batch number or room, component or item status.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, a timestamp of the last display change and / or a defined additional information about a stored medium, which includes a hazard marking and / or a barcode or QR code, is also displayed on the at least one graphic display surface.

[0027] According to yet another embodiment of the inventive method, managing the at least one display surface comprises the following steps: Setting up at least one display interface with the unchanging information and / or the fixed information and / or the modifiable information, for example by input from an administrator via the local network, wherein the administrator's authorization is determined upon login to the server, and adjusting the modifiable information upon detection of a change in at least one room parameter and / or at least one production parameter, wherein the detection of a change in at least one room parameter and / or at least one production parameter includes input from a user via the local network, wherein the user's authorization is determined upon login to the server.

[0028] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention relates to the signage system comprising several signage devices that are attached to several cleanrooms and / or cleanroom objects and communicate with the server via the local wireless network. Several graphical display interfaces are managed by running the signage software on the server, and the management of the graphical display interfaces comprises the following steps: Identifying each of the signage devices by means of an identification label, assigning each signage device with the identification label to the cleanroom or cleanroom item to which the identified signage device is attached, setting up and / or adjusting the graphical display interface for each signage device with the information about the assigned cleanroom or cleanroom item, where each signage device displays the graphical display surface with information about the associated cleanroom or cleanroom item.

[0029] Further embodiments of the devices according to the invention, as well as some of the advantages associated with these and further embodiments, will become clearer and more easily understood through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures. Objects or parts thereof that are essentially the same or similar may be provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely a schematic representation of one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] This shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a signage device according to the invention from the front, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the signage device from behind, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the battery housing with the energy storage unit, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the signage device from the rear before the battery housing with the energy storage unit is attached, Fig. 5 a perspective exploded view of the signage device without battery housing and energy storage, Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of the signage device, Fig. 7 a perspective view of the signage device from the rear in an embodiment with magnetic attachments as a fastening device, Fig. 8 a side view of the signage device Fig. 7 mounted on a mounting wall with a magnetizable substrate, Fig. 9 a side view of a signage device according to the invention with integrated magnets according to Fig. 5 mounted on a wall using a magnetic wall bracket, Fig. 10 a perspective view of the magnetic wall mount made of Fig. 9 , Fig. 11 a perspective view of a signage device according to the invention with integrated magnets according to Fig. 5 prior to mounting on a wall using an alternative magnetic wall bracket, Fig. 12 A perspective view of a larger signage device before mounting it on a wall using an alternative magnetic wall bracket. Fig. 13 a perspective view of a ball joint attachment that can be mounted on the signage device and a ball joint adapter that can be connected to a wall bracket, Fig. 14 a perspective exploded view of the ball joint attachment and the ball joint adapter made of Fig. 13 , Fig. 15 a side view of a signage device according to the invention, which is attached by means of a ball joint adapter according to Fig. 13 and is mounted on a wall bracket on a mounting wall (pipe wall), Fig. 16 a side view of a signage device according to the invention, which is attached by means of a ball joint adapter according to Fig. 13 and can be mounted on an alternative wall bracket, Fig. 17 a perspective view of a wall bracket for attachment to a vertical pipe wall as a mounting wall with a contact surface for connection to the signage device, Fig. 18 A perspective view of a wall bracket for mounting on a vertical pipe wall as a mounting wall with an adapter for a ball joint attachment, Fig. 19 a side view of two signage devices according to the invention, which are mounted on the wall using the wall brackets according to Fig. 17 und 18 are mounted on a vertical pipe wall as a mounting wall, Fig. 20 a perspective view of a wall bracket for attachment to a horizontal pipe wall as a mounting wall with a contact surface for connection to the signage device, Fig. 21 a side view of a signage device according to the invention, which is mounted on a wall bracket according to Fig. 20 is mounted on a horizontal pipe wall as a mounting wall, Fig. 22 a perspective view of a mounting battery housing, which in a further embodiment of the signage device according to the invention replaces the battery housing made of Fig. 3 and a ball joint attachment Fig. 13 can be used Fig. 23 a side view of a signage device according to the invention with a mounting battery housing according to Fig. 22 , which is connected by means of a ball joint adapter to Fig. 13 and a wall mount Fig. 17 is mounted on a vertical pipe wall as a mounting wall, Fig. 24 a side view of a signage device according to the invention with a mounting battery housing according to Fig. 22 , which is connected by means of a ball joint adapter to Fig. 13 and can be mounted on a hook-like wall bracket, Fig. 25 a perspective view of a hook-like wall bracket similar to the one from Fig. 24 , Fig. 26 a perspective view of a signage device 1 according to the invention with a wall bracket made of Fig. 25 , Fig. 27 a perspective view of a wall bracket for a horizontal mounting wall, Fig. 28 a perspective view of a signage device 1 according to the invention with a wall bracket made of Fig. 27 , Fig. 29 a schematic representation of the system architecture, Fig. 30 a signage device with a graphical display interface showing room parameters as changeable information, Fig. 31 a signage device with an additional graphical display surface showing production parameters as changeable information, Fig. 32 a signage device with an additional graphic display surface showing room and production parameters as changeable information, Fig. 33 a signage device with an additional graphical display surface showing substance parameters as changeable information.

[0031] The invention relates to a signage device 1 for labeling a cleanroom or a cleanroom item. Several signage devices 1 can be used to label multiple cleanroom rooms and cleanroom items in a building, a factory, or a production facility; they then form a signage system, where "system" here means that the devices and rooms are linked to each other in some way, forming a unit, so to speak—for example, the rooms can belong to a specific research unit. There are many ways to define such a link. Accordingly, the signage devices of a system can be operated or handled by the method according to the invention.

[0032] Such a signage device 1, as used, for example, in Fig. 1 As shown, it allows information about the respective cleanroom or cleanroom item to be displayed in text, image and / or barcodes or QR codes instead of conventional stickers or printouts.

[0033] A signage device 1, as in Fig. 1 und 2 As shown by way of example, the display comprises a display area surrounded by a frame 10, which is enclosed by a front panel 11. The frame 10 is sealed to a housing shell 17, so that no grooves or joints are formed at the connecting edge. The transition between the frame 10 and the front panel 11 is also seamlessly sealed. The frame 10 and front panel 11 are, as shown in Fig. 5 as seen, made in one piece from a transparent material, with the frame 10, which limits the display area, printed on it.

[0034] Inside the housing, which consists of frame 10 with the front panel 11 and the housing shell 17, an electronic paper 12 is arranged behind the front panel 11 in the display area, which is in Fig. 5 simplified, it is represented by a display medium 120 applied in layers to a carrier substrate 121. Furthermore, the housing contains electronics 14, which, as shown in Fig. 6 The electronics 14 are connected to the electronic paper 12 via a circuit 130 and include memory and a processor. The electronics 14 are connected to a low-energy radio interface 15, both of which are arranged on a base plate 13. Electrical contacts 131 are also located on the base plate 13. Fig. 4 shown, which are connected to the corresponding electrical contacts 160 of the energy storage device 16 (see below). Fig. 3 )The energy storage device 16 is located in a battery housing 18, which is sealed and seamlessly connected to the housing shell 17. The plus and minus symbols shown on the battery housing 18 and the housing shell 17 help to ensure the correct orientation of the energy storage device 16 during assembly.

[0035] For the signage device 1, the electronic paper 12 is designed to display three colors: black, white, and red, and has a fixed resolution. Since the structure of electronic paper with the display medium 120, which is applied to a substrate 121 between electrodes and comprises microcapsules with differently charged pigments in a transparent, viscous polymer, is known per se, it will not be discussed in detail here. The electronic paper 12 requires energy only to change the displayed surface, in order to rearrange the pigments in the microcapsules by means of the electrical voltage applied to the electrodes.

[0036] An electrochemical energy storage device 16, preferably a battery or optionally a rechargeable battery, is used as the energy storage device 16. The signage device 1, with its electronic paper 12 limited to three colors, without integrated lighting and without a mobile communication interface, enables a service life of over five years without replacing or recharging the energy storage device 16. The low-energy radio interface 15 is configured for communication via a wireless local area network (not shown) in an ISM frequency band, e.g., 433 or 868 MHz, or with an application such as WLAN (2.4 GHz band, 5.8 GHz band, or 60 GHz band), Bluetooth® or Zigbee (2.4 GHz band), or UWB (24 GHz band or 60 GHz band), or in another frequency band.

[0037] The signage device 1 need not have any further output interface or user input interface other than the display area, but may: In Fig. 1 In frame 10, next to the front window 11, an optional additional output interface 19 is represented by the dashed round element 19. This is a translucent area 19 of frame 10, behind which a multicolor LED 19' is arranged for visualizing status information. As in Fig. 5 As can be seen, the multicolor LED 19` is arranged on the base plate 13 and connected there to the electronics 14 via circuits (not shown). Thus, the multicolor LED 19` can, for example, indicate an update of the status information by means of a green flashing light signal or issue a warning or alarm by means of a red flashing light signal. The translucent area 19 of the further output interface is formed in the one-piece version of the front panel 11 with frame 10 by a recess in the printed frame 10.

[0038] It can be printed with a semi-transparent layer, which is not shown here.

[0039] Alternatively (not shown), the translucent area, as shown in Fig. 1 Designated with 19, it may also be formed by a semi-transparent cover, which, like the windshield 11, is made of Fig. 1 is arranged seamlessly and sealed within frame 10.

[0040] The multicolor LED can be used to locate a cleanroom or cleanroom item within the building, labeled with the respective signage device 1, by emitting a light signal. A power management module of the electronics 14, which controls the energy supply from the energy storage device 16 to the electronic paper 12, the low-energy radio interface 15, and other electronic components of the electronics 14, can trigger the output of a warning message when the battery voltage drops below a predetermined value – either as a display on the electronic paper 12 or via the optional additional output interface, for example, by means of a continuous red light signal from the multicolor LED 19.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, a signage device 1 can also have a user input interface (not shown) so that, for example, a user can acknowledge a change in the status information. For this purpose, the user input interface can be provided as a simple button or key that is recessed into the frame 10 or, if applicable, a side surface of the housing shell 17 and sealed seamlessly, for example, by an elastic cover. Alternatively, a touchpad or keypad, i.e., a touch-sensitive surface the size of a button, placed in the frame 10 can be used as an optional user input interface.

[0042] The sealed and seamless housing, consisting of the housing shell 17 and frame 10 with the integrated front window 11, allows for the cleaning required for cleanroom use in accordance with IP65 and protects the electronic paper 12 and the electronics 14, etc., not only against the ingress of cleaning agents but also against any particulate or liquid substances. Therefore, to facilitate cleaning, the entire exterior of the housing has no ribs, edges, or grooves in which dust or dirt could accumulate. Optionally, the front window 11 can serve to reduce light reflection or background reflection. For this purpose, the front window 11 can be made of several layers, so that reflected light can be attenuated by interference at the interfaces between the layers.If the front disc 11 is made of a UV-absorbing material, UV-induced degradation of the pigments in the microcapsule can be suppressed.

[0043] The housing and front panel can be advantageously made of lightweight plastics that are resistant to the relevant cleaning agents. High scratch resistance is also beneficial, as dirt could accumulate in scratches. Alternatively, the housing can be made of metal, such as stainless steel, for particularly robust applications.

[0044] The front panel 11, which allows viewing of the electronic paper 12, is made of a transparent plastic, such as PETG, a glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, characterized by its exceptionally high transparency, flame retardancy, and very good chemical resistance. Alternative transparent plastics include, for example, acrylic glass (polymethyl methacrylate), which combines very high light transmission with UV resistance and scratch resistance; polycarbonate (with high transparency, UV resistance, shatter resistance, and flame retardancy); and polyvinyl chloride (high transparency and good chemical resistance). This list is only an example; the front panel 11 can also be made of other transparent plastics not listed here that are cleanable according to IP65, or of tempered glass.

[0045] In principle, the aforementioned plastics can also be used to manufacture the housing shell 17, the battery housing, and, if applicable, a frame 10, provided the frame is not printed on. However, an opaque and / or colored plastic may be preferable for this purpose in order to conceal the internal electronics 14, etc. Besides polyethylene terephthalate, which is chemically resistant, including to alkaline solutions, as well as alcohols, especially IPA or isopropanol, and dilute acids, other suitable materials include, for example, polyetheretherketone, polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluoropolymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene, or polyetrafluoroethylene.

[0046] This list is also only exemplary and other plastics not listed here, which are cleanable according to IP65, can be used for the housing shell 17 and the frame 11.

[0047] The sealing of the housing or the connecting edges between housing shell 17 and frame 10 or the front window 11 (in the case of a printed frame 10), between housing shell 17 and battery housing 18 and optionally between front window 11 and frame 10 is preferably carried out by an adhesive seam 170, for which a resin, e.g. acrylic-based, a methacrylic resin, an epoxy resin or similar, can be used, which may cure by exposure to light, UV radiation or heat radiation.

[0048] Advantageously, all housing parts and the front window are permanently bonded together.

[0049] However, it may also be provided that one, several or all adhesive bonds can be dissolved by heating, thereby enabling the reprocessing or replacement of the energy storage device, the electronic components and / or the electronic paper.

[0050] Base plate 13, see Fig. 5 ,The electronics 14 and the low-energy radio interface 15, which here carry the electronics, can be made of plastic or a light metal as a support frame to save weight. It can be secured by positive locking with the inside of the housing shell 17 and, for example, by threaded studs inside the housing. Adhesive can be used to secure the electronic paper 12 inside the housing; for this purpose, adhesive points 171 are provided inside the housing, which are located in Fig. 5 The illustration shows four magnets 172, which are attached to the housing shell 17 by means of a positive fit, i.e., interlocking with a correspondingly shaped receiving recess 174 and / or adhesive. Of course, it is also possible for a signage device to have more or fewer than four magnets 172, the arrangement of which in the housing shell 17 may also differ from the arrangement shown. The illustration further details Fig. 5 The illustrated threaded inserts 173 are intended for the mechanical connection of attachments and mounting elements, but can be omitted if the integrated magnets 172 are sufficient for mounting the signage device 1. The through-holes in the housing shell 17 provided for the threaded inserts 173 can then be sealed with foil or filled with a sealant to provide a smooth outer surface.

[0051] To attach the signage device 1 for labeling a cleanroom or a cleanroom item to a mounting wall of the cleanroom or cleanroom item, various mounting methods can be used. The mounting wall here refers not only to room walls, but to all wall-like objects on and in the cleanroom that provide a mounting surface, e.g., a door or table surface, container wall, machine or pipe wall, etc.

[0052] In an embodiment of the signage device 1 (not shown in the figure) without a protruding battery housing 18, in which the energy storage device 16 is housed within the housing shell 17, the signage device 1 can be attached to any magnetizable surface in or on the cleanroom using the integrated magnets 172. If necessary, a recess can be provided in a mounting wall so that the surface of the signage device 1 is flush with the wall surface. If the integrated magnets 172 are sufficiently strong and the protrusion of the battery housing 18 is small, it is also possible to attach a signage device 1 with a battery housing 18 to a magnetizable surface using the integrated magnets 172.

[0053] In the event that the strength of the integrated magnets 172 is insufficient for the height of the protruding battery housing 18, the mounting device of the signage device 1 can be supplemented with a magnetic attachment 180, which is arranged on the housing shell 17 next to the battery housing 18. As shown in Fig. 7 und 8 As can be seen, the two magnetic attachments 180, whose height corresponds to the height of the battery housing 18, ensure secure attachment to the mounting wall 7, which has a magnetizable surface or contour.

[0054] Fig. 9 und 10 As an alternative to the embodiment with the magnetic attachments 180, we show a magnetic wall bracket 8, which is attached (here with screws) to the mounting wall 7. With a height corresponding to the battery housing 18, the wall bracket 8 rests against the housing shell 17, allowing the magnetic attraction between the integrated magnets 172 of the signage device 1 and the magnetic wall bracket 8 to act. Furthermore, the contour of the wall bracket 8 is adapted to the contour of the battery housing 18, which therefore rests securely on the wall bracket 8. Naturally, more than one wall bracket 8 can also be used, which can be attached to the wall 7 to frame the battery housing 18. Fig. 11 und 12 show a further development of the magnetic wall mount 8, which is designed in various sizes as a frame to enclose the battery housing 18, so that the magnetic attraction between the integrated magnets 172 and the magnetic wall mount 8 can be sufficient.

[0055] Fig. 13 bis 16 These figures refer to an embodiment of the signage device 1, the mounting device of which comprises a ball joint attachment 181 and a ball joint adapter 8'. The ball joint attachment 181 has a magnetizable ball joint head 182 and is attached to the signage device 1, in this case to the battery housing 18, preferably by means of an adhesive seam 170. The ball joint adapter 8', which consists of a joint socket 80 and a mounting base 81 in which a magnet 82 is received, is provided for attachment, here by means of threaded inserts 83, to a wall bracket 8. The figures in Fig. 15 The wall bracket 8 shown is designed with a pipe clamp 85 for arrangement on a vertical pipe wall 7 as a mounting wall 7. Fig. 16 Figure 8 shows a wall bracket 8 with hook 86, which allows the signage device 1 to be suspended from a strand (e.g. chain, rope or similar), which is also understood here as the mounting wall.

[0056] Various wall brackets 8 for attaching the signage device 1 to vertical or horizontal pipe walls 7 without ball joint adapters are available in Fig. 17 bis 21 shown. The wall bracket 8 in Fig. 17 und 18 has a planting area of ​​84, on which the in Fig. 19 upper signage device 1 and the signage device 1 in Fig. 21 directly, i.e., without a ball joint attachment 181. The wall bracket 8 in Fig. 18 has an adapter mount 84` in which the ball joint head 182 of a ball joint attachment 181 of the in Fig. 19 The lower signage device 1 is included. In all wall brackets 8, the pipe clamp 85 is provided with an anti-slip feature 87.

[0057] Fig. 22 bis 24 The signage device 1 with a mounting battery housing 18`, which combines a battery housing and a ball joint head 182 that interacts with a ball joint adapter 8' which is attached to a wall bracket 8. For this purpose, in Fig. 23 a wall bracket 8 with pipe clamp 8 for fastening to a vertical pipe wall as a mounting wall 7 and in Fig. 26 A wall bracket 8 with hook 86 is shown.

[0058] The wall bracket 8 with hook 86 has a contact surface 84, as shown in Fig. 25 to be seen, which is also suitable for being connected directly - without a ball joint - to the signage device 1, which in Fig. 26 is shown.

[0059] Fig. 27 und 28 Figure 1 shows an example of a wall bracket 8 for a horizontal mounting surface. For this purpose, the wall bracket 8 has four horizontal support arms 88, from which a mounting surface 84 rises, which is intended for connection with the signage device 1.

[0060] Not shown is an embodiment of the signage device 1, which, in the form of a sticker, is provided with an adhesive layer as a fastening device on the back of the housing shell 17 or the battery housing 18. Before being attached to a mounting surface 7, the adhesive layer can be covered by a release film 174, which can be peeled off for mounting. If the surface of the mounting surface 7 is sufficiently flat and smooth, no wall bracket is required. It may be sufficient to clean the mounting surface to ensure adequate adhesion of the adhesive.

[0061] The signage device 1 is suitable for use in companies or production facilities with cleanrooms, particularly in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, etc. The signage device 1 can display various pieces of information relating to the signposted cleanroom or the signposted cleanroom equipment. Fig. 30 bis 33 Examples of some graphical display interfaces are shown below.

[0062] Fig. 29 Figure 1 shows an exemplary system architecture of a signage system 100 with three signage devices 1, the number of which is limited to three for the sake of clarity. In a factory or production facility, a signage system 100 can have significantly more signage devices 1; the number of signage devices 1 that can be operated with the system is not limited.

[0063] The signage devices 1 of the signage system communicate with a dedicated base station (not shown) of a local network 3, which is also used by a local console 2 and, if applicable, other user devices. This base station, or multiple base stations, ensures, like a WLAN router or similar device, a sufficiently large range for the local network 3 within the operating environment and low energy consumption for the signage devices 1. These devices are connected via the base station(s) to a server 4 via the local network 3. The server 4 runs signage software for operating the signage devices 1. The local network 3 uses a cryptographic network protocol, such as SSH (Secure Shell), for maintenance and updates of the signage devices 1. The SSH network protocol enables the secure operation of network services over an unsecured local network 3.

[0064] The system component referred to here as "Server 4" comprises server software consisting of databases and various interfaces with an integrated web server for an administrator interface and the display of data on the signage devices 1. These can be web-based or adapted to the specific interface for the hardware of the signage devices 1.

[0065] The term "signage software" here refers to all programs, documentation, and other data running on the server that are necessary for the operation of the signage system with the signage devices 1. Naturally, the other hardware components of the signage system, such as the company's network computer for databases 5, the local console 2, any additional user devices, the base station(s), and ultimately the signage devices 1 themselves, also contain software and executable programs, possibly with documentation and other data, which are not described in detail here, as their functions are self-explanatory.

[0066] Database(s) 5, as a system component, essentially comprises data sources such as images, PDFs, databases, web interfaces, protocols, etc., which are connected as customer-specific data sources. The data retrieved from these sources is processed by Server 4 and displayed on the respective signage device 1. Crucially for cleanroom production, the system, or rather the data transfer process from Database 5 to the display on the signage device 1, must be validatable. For this purpose, a validation function is integrated into the Server 4-based signage software. Upon successful validation, this function saves the entire configuration with a hash value. Any configuration change will invalidate the hash value, rendering the validation status invalid and necessitating revalidation.

[0067] Further hardware components of a signage system 100 may include, in particular, additional display devices such as digital LCD-based displays, whereby the described signage software is designed not only for the signage devices 1, but also for operating such additional display devices. Thus, it is possible for the signage software in a signage system 100 to control not only the signage devices 1, but also additional digital LCD-based displays. This applies in particular to regularly changing and non-static information, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, as described below in conjunction with Fig 32 is executed. This server-based signage software provides a dashboard application 40 with a graphical user interface for managing graphical display surfaces 20 for the signage devices 1 and includes a single sign-on program 41 with identity and access management, e.g., Keycloak. The single sign-on program 41 has access, via a network protocol such as LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), to a user directory 6 of the organization, which lists the users authorized to change the editable information on the graphical display surfaces 20 for the signage devices 1 and the administrator (or any administrator) authorized to access an administrator area of ​​the dashboard application 40.By logging in via the single sign-on program 41, the authorized user can, with a user terminal device 2, initiate changes to the editable information on the graphical display interface 20 for the signage devices 1 via the local network 3. And the administrator can access the administrator area of ​​the dashboard application 40 from the local console 2 by logging in via the single sign-on program 41, where the graphical display interfaces 20 of the signage devices 1 can be configured and maintained.

[0068] For setup, each signage device 1 is identified in the administrator area of ​​the dashboard application 40, as illustrated in Fig. 29 by their designations ID1, ID2, ID3, and each assigned to a cleanroom or cleanroom item. For this purpose, the dashboard application 40 communicates with an operational database 5, which contains information on the cleanrooms and cleanroom items of the facility. Using a configurator function of the dashboard application 40, a suitable graphical display interface 20 is created or selected for each identified signage device 1 (ID1, ID2, ID3) for the respective cleanroom or cleanroom item and, if necessary, specifically adapted. Both the design and the type of information 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 displayed can be adapted, as exemplified in Fig. 30 bis 33 This illustrates the point.

[0069] Dashboard application 40 contains design templates for graphical display interfaces 20 for the signage of cleanrooms and cleanroom equipment in pharmaceutical or chemical production, or other cleanroom applications. These templates can also be created. The information displayed can be individually customized to the needs of the operation in the administrator area of ​​dashboard application 40, and the setup and changes can be documented with a timestamp of the last update time.

[0070] Once set up, the graphical display surfaces 20 of the signage devices 1 of the facility are managed by means of a dashboard application 40. While the unchanging information 21, the fixed information 22, and the fixed additional information 26 displayed on the respective display surface 20 can only be changed by the administrator in the administrator area of ​​the dashboard application 40, the change of the displayed changeable information 23, 24, and 25 can be initiated by any user who is registered in the user directory 6 and is therefore authorized by the SSO program 41.With regard to the changeable information on room parameters 23, the respective sensors, which also communicate with the server 4 via the local network 3, are considered authorized users who, like a human user, can enter changes to changeable information about a specific cleanroom or cleanroom item into the dashboard application 40 via an input interface. This identifies the signage device 1 (ID1, ID2, ID3) assigned to the specific cleanroom or cleanroom item and adapts the graphical display interface 20 of the identified signage device 1 (ID1, ID2, ID3) with regard to the changeable information.The data relating to the modified graphical display surface 20 are then communicated via the local network 3 using the SSH protocol to the identified signage device 1 (ID1, ID2, ID3), whose electronics 14 control the electronic paper 12 to change the graphical display surface 20 accordingly.

[0071] In Fig. 30 bis 33 Examples of some graphical display interfaces 20 are shown, where the display interfaces 20 consist of Fig. 30 bis 32 for the signage of a cleanroom and the display surface 20 made of Fig. 33 are designed for the labeling of a cleanroom item (here a container).

[0072] The displayed information includes unchanging information 21, such as a designation of the cleanroom (e.g., room number) or the cleanroom item (e.g., equipment number), and fixed information 22. The fixed information 22 includes details of a product manufactured in the cleanroom (substance A, substance B) and / or of production components present in the cleanroom (machine I, II, III) or of a medium stored in the cleanroom item (agent X). The fixed information 22 remains unchanging for a specific production run but can be adjusted if the production changes (e.g., if different production components or media are used in the respective cleanroom). Without a production change, the signage device 1 therefore requires no energy for the continuous display of the unchanging information 21 and the fixed information 22 on the electronic paper.

[0073] Furthermore, the signage device 1 displays changeable information relating to the labeled cleanroom or cleanroom item. Energy is only expended when the displayed information is changed. The changeable information includes, for example, room parameters 23 such as temperature T, humidity φ, and pressure Δp, and / or production parameters 24 such as batch number, room and / or system status ("in production" or "occupied"), or item status ("contaminated").

[0074] The room parameters 23 can be detected by sensors, which are also configured in the local network 3 and can be listed as authorized users in directory 6. The sensors, or a connected processing unit, can be configured to communicate a change notification to the dashboard application 40, assigned to the respective cleanroom, when a detected room parameter changes. This notification then makes a corresponding change to the display interface 20 of the signage device 1 assigned to the corresponding cleanroom. The data for the changed display interface 20 is then communicated via the local network 3 to the signage device 1, which adjusts the display of the room parameters 23 accordingly.

[0075] If a production parameter 24 changes, the change in the display on the signage device 1 of the corresponding cleanroom or cleanroom item is initiated by an authorized user responsible for the cleanroom or cleanroom item. To do this, the user can communicate the change of a production parameter assigned to the cleanroom or cleanroom item to the dashboard application 40 by entering the information on a user terminal 2 via the local network 3 after logging in. The dashboard application then makes a corresponding change to the display interface 20 for the signage device 1 assigned to the cleanroom or cleanroom item. The signage device 1 receives the data for the changed display interface 20 via the local network 3 and adjusts the display of the room parameters 23 accordingly.

[0076] For example, if production of a batch is completed in a cleanroom, the room and / or system status can be changed from "in production," "occupied," or another suitable designation to "no production," "to be cleaned," or similar. After cleaning and any necessary maintenance, it can then be changed to "ready for operation" or "cleaned" (not shown). The expressions mentioned are merely examples of how production parameters can be described. Naturally, production parameters can be described using different terms and in different languages. This is configured by the administrator for each specific operation when setting up the display interfaces.

[0077] Furthermore, the respective graphical display interface 20 can be as in the example of Fig. 31 und 32 also include a timestamp 25 of the last display change. Furthermore, a display surface 20 that can be displayed with the signage device 1, especially if it is as shown in Fig. 33 depicted as intended for the signage of a cleanroom item, it may contain a defined additional information 26 about a stored agent such as a hazard label and / or a barcode or QR code.

[0078] Another (not shown) example of status information that can be displayed alternatively or additionally on a display surface for the labeling of a cleanroom item could be, for example, the fill level of a medium stored in a container.

[0079] The signage device 1 can be provided in various sizes with suitable display diagonals, for example, 4", 7", 9", or 12", to display different types of signage that vary in the number and size of the information shown. The signage device 1 replaces conventional, often paper-based signage and enables a paperless digital signage system with multiple signage devices 1 in a factory or production facility for labeling cleanrooms and cleanroom equipment such as tools, pipes, tanks, containers, etc. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0080] 1 Signage device 10 Frame 11 Front panel 12 Electronic paper 13 Base plate 14 Electronics 15 Low-energy radio interface 16 Energy storage / battery 17 Housing shell 18 Battery housing, mounting battery housing 19 Additional output interface / transparent area, multicolor LED 100 Signage system 120 Display medium 121 Carrier substrate 130 Circuit 131 Electrical contact 160 Electrical contact 170 Adhesive seam 171 Internal adhesive point 172 Magnet 173 Threaded insert 174 Mounting recess 180 Magnetic attachment 181 Ball joint attachment 182 Magnetizable swivel head 2 User terminal / local console 3 Local (wireless) network 4 Server 40 Dashboard application 41 Single Sign-On Program 5 Database - Status Information 6 User Directory 7 Mounting Wall 8, 8' Wall Mount, Ball Joint Adapter 80 Joint Socket 81 Mounting Base 82 Magnet 83 Threaded Insert 84, 84' Mounting Surface, Adapter Receptacle 85 Pipe Clamp 86 Hook 87 Anti-Slip 88 Foot Extension ID1, ID2,ID3 Identification designation of the signage devices , 20 Graphical display interface 21 Unchanging information 22 Fixed information 23, 24, 25 Changeable information (room parameters, production parameters, timestamps) 26 Additional information

Claims

1. Cleanroom signage device (1) for displaying information about a cleanroom or a cleanroom item, wherein the signage device (1) comprises: - a housing consisting of a frame (10), a transparent front panel (11) defining a display area, and a housing shell (17) which is sealed and seamlessly connected to the frame (10) which seals and seamlessly surrounds the front panel (11), and - at least one fastening device configured to attach the signage device (1) to the cleanroom or the cleanroom item, and in the housing: - an electronic paper (12) arranged behind the front panel (11) and extending over the display area, and - electronics (14) configured to control the electronic paper (12), - a low-energy radio interface (15) communicatively connected to the electronics (14),and - has an energy storage device (16) for supplying electrical energy to the low-energy radio interface (15), the electronics (14) and the electronic paper (12).

2. Signage device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (10) is sealedly connected to the front window (11) and to the housing shell (17) by an adhesive seam (170).

3. Signage device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy storage device (16) is arranged in a battery housing (18, 18`) which is sealed to the housing shell (17) by an adhesive seam (170).

4. Signage device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening device has at least one magnet (172) and / or an adhesive layer and / or a wall mount (8) with a ball joint adapter (8`) or without the ball joint adapter (8`).

5. Signage device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signage device (1) has an additional output interface (19) and / or an input interface.

6. Signage device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the additional output interface (19) has a translucent area (19) in the frame (10) and behind it a multicolor LED (19`) which is communicatively connected to the electronics (14) and is electrically supplied by the energy storage device (16).

7. Signage device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the input interface is a button, a knob or a touchpad and is arranged seamlessly and sealed on the frame (10) next to the display area or on a side surface of the housing shell (17).

8. Signage system (100) comprising a server (4) and a local wireless network (3) with at least one cleanroom signage device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the local wireless network (3) provides communication between the at least one signage device (1) and the server (4), and the server (4) is configured to run signage software for operating the at least one signage device (1) by managing at least one graphical display interface (20) for displaying information about a cleanroom or a cleanroom item, and the at least one signage device (1) is configured to display at least one graphical display interface (20).

9. Method for operating a signage system (100) according to claim 8, comprising the steps of: - attaching the at least one signage device (1) to a cleanroom or to a cleanroom item, - establishing a communication link between the server (4) and the at least one signage device (1) via the local wireless network (3), - managing at least one graphical display interface (20) with information about the cleanroom or the cleanroom item for display on the at least one signage device (1) by executing signage software on the server (4), and - displaying the at least one graphical display interface (20) with the information about the cleanroom or the cleanroom item on the at least one signage device (1).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the information displayed on the at least one graphic display surface (20) is selected from a group comprising at least unchanging information (21), fixed information (22), and changeable information (23, 24), wherein the unchanging information (21) comprises a designation of the cleanroom or the cleanroom item, the fixed information (22) comprises at least one indication of a product manufactured in the cleanroom, at least one indication of a production component present in the cleanroom, and / or at least one indication of a medium stored in the cleanroom item, and the changeable information (23, 24) comprises at least one room parameter (23) relating to a temperature, humidity, or pressure in the cleanroom, and / or at least one production parameter (24) relating to a batch number or a room,refers to component or item status.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one graphic display surface (20) additionally displays a timestamp (25) of the last display change and / or a defined additional information (26) relating to a stored medium, comprising a hazard label and / or a barcode or QR code.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein managing the at least one display interface (20) comprises: - setting up the at least one display interface (20) with the unchanging information (21) and / or the fixed information (22) and / or the modifiable information (23, 24) by input from an administrator via the local network (3), wherein the administrator's authorization is verified upon login to the server (4), and - adjusting the modifiable information (23, 24) upon detection of a change in the at least one room parameter (23) and / or the at least one production parameter (24), wherein the detection of a change in the at least one room parameter (23) and / or the at least one production parameter (24) comprises input from a user via the local network (3), wherein the user's authorization is verified upon login to the server (4).

13. A method according to at least one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the signage system (100) comprises several signage devices (1) that are attached to several cleanrooms and / or cleanroom items and communicate with the server (4) via the local wireless network (3), wherein several graphical display interfaces (20) are managed by executing the signage software on the server (4), and the management of the graphical display interface (20) comprises the steps of: - identifying each signage device (1) by means of an identification label (ID1, ID2, ID3), - assigning each signage device (1) with the identification label (ID1, ID2, ID3) to the cleanroom or cleanroom item to which the identified signage device (1) is attached,- for each signage device (1) setting up and / or adapting the graphic display surface (20) with the information on the associated cleanroom or cleanroom item, wherein the graphic display surface (20) with the information on the associated cleanroom or cleanroom item is displayed on each signage device (1).

Images