Method and system for checking and fault-correcting in the manufacturing of an assembly for a passenger transport system, and control unit for the system

Abstract

A method for checking and fault-correcting in the manufacturing of an assembly (30) for a passenger transport system is proposed. The method comprises: receiving assembly data (BD) which are representative of an actual state of the assembly (30); comparing the received assembly data (BD) with a digital doppelgänger of the assembly (30), which is representative of a desired state of the assembly (30); generating an enable signal which is representative of the fact that the actual state corresponds to the desired state, if the comparison reveals that the actual state corresponds to the desired state; and generating an error signal which is representative of a deviation of the actual state from the desired state, if the comparison reveals that the actual state does not correspond to the desired state.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AND TROUBLESHOOTING DURING THE MANUFACTURE OF AN ASSEMBLY FOR A

[0002] Passenger transport system and control unit for the system

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for checking and correcting errors during the manufacture of an assembly for a passenger transport system which is designed as an elevator, escalator or moving walkway, a control unit which executes the method, and a system with the control unit for checking and correcting errors during the manufacture of the assembly for the passenger transport system.

[0004] Passenger transport systems are used to transport people or loads on or within buildings, for example, between different height levels or within a constant height. For example, escalators and elevators are used to transport people from one floor to another within a building. Moving walkways can be used to transport people within a floor on a horizontal plane or on a slightly inclined plane.

[0005] During the manufacture of passenger transport systems, several assemblies are typically assembled from individual components. These assemblies can optionally be combined, particularly prefabricated, into larger assemblies. In extreme cases, an assembly can correspond to a prefabricated passenger transport system, i.e., a passenger transport system that has not yet been installed at its intended location. In this case, the passenger transport system consists of a single assembly that only needs to be installed at its intended location to complete the passenger transport system.

[0006] For example, a supporting structure of an escalator or moving walkway can form a subassembly of the escalator or moving walkway, which can be prefabricated. Escalators and moving walkways generally have load-bearing structures of this type. The supporting structure can be designed to absorb forces acting on the passenger transport system when transporting people, in particular weight forces, and to transmit them, for example, to load-bearing structures of the building that houses the passenger transport system. Suitable support points can be provided on the building to support the supporting structure. Depending on the design, the supporting structure can extend over two or more levels or stories of the building and / or over shorter or longer distances within a constant story within the building.

[0007] Typically, supporting structures for passenger transport systems are designed as truss structures. Such truss structures are typically manufactured by the manufacturer as a single assembly or subdivided into several subassemblies. The pre-assembled supporting structure, either as a complete assembly or subdivided into several subassemblies, is then transported to and installed in the building where the passenger transport system is to be installed.

[0008] In elevator systems, components can also be prefabricated at the manufacturer's premises and transported to the destination in a prefabricated state. In particular, it is common practice to prefabricate drive modules and / or elevator cabins and / or shaft modules of elevator systems as components before transporting them to the respective construction site.

[0009] At the end of the production line and / or before the prefabricated assemblies are packaged and / or loaded for transport, it is useful to subject the assemblies to a detailed inspection. In particular, it can be checked whether all components of the assemblies are correctly arranged, aligned, and / or connected to one another. This can be a very time-consuming process that usually requires at least one experienced employee, which can lead to increased manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is known to adapt a passenger transport system during production to customer requirements and the conditions of the destination, a process also referred to as "order picking." For example, EP 3 724 118 B1 describes the order picking of a passenger transport system using a digital twin.There may be a need, among other things, to simplify and / or more cost-effectively carry out the inspection and error correction during the manufacture of an assembly for a passenger transport system and to achieve greater certainty that an actual state of the assembly corresponds to a target state of the assembly.

[0010] Such a need can be met by the subject matter according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are explained both in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0011] According to a first aspect, a method for checking and correcting errors during the manufacture of an assembly for a passenger transport system designed as an elevator, escalator or moving walkway is described.The method comprises: receiving assembly data that is generated by one or more sensors and that is representative of an actual state of the assembly; comparing the received assembly data with a digital duplicate of the assembly in a control unit, wherein the digital duplicate is representative of a desired state of the assembly; generating an enable signal by the control unit, which enable signal is representative of the actual state corresponding to the desired state if the comparison shows that the actual state corresponds to the desired state; and generating an error signal by the control unit, which error signal is representative of a deviation of the actual state from the desired state if the comparison shows that the actual state does not correspond to the desired state.The method further comprises the further step of generating a provision signal depending on the error signal if the deviation consists in a component being missing from the assembly, the provision signal being representative of the missing component.

[0012] According to a second aspect, a control unit for the system for monitoring and troubleshooting the production of the assembly for the passenger transport system is described. The control unit has a memory unit for storing the assembly data representative of the actual state of the assembly, as well as for storing the digital duplicate of the assembly. The control unit also has a program, at least temporarily stored in the memory unit, with the method explained above and below, and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the memory unit and configured to execute the method implemented in the program.

[0013] According to a third aspect, the system for monitoring and troubleshooting during the production of the assembly for the passenger transport system is described. The system comprises one or more sensors for generating assembly data representative of the actual state of the assembly, as well as the control unit explained above and below.

[0014] It should be noted that some of the possible features and advantages of the invention are described herein with reference to the different aspects and to different embodiments of the aspects. In particular, possible features and advantages of the invention are described partly with reference to embodiments of the method, partly with reference to embodiments of the control unit, and partly with reference to embodiments of the system. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the features described for individual embodiments can be suitably transferred to other embodiments and / or other aspects, and features can be suitably combined, adapted, and / or exchanged to arrive at further embodiments of the invention.

[0015] The method can, for example, be carried out by the control unit of the system for checking and correcting errors during production of the assembly for the passenger transport system, in particular automatically, i.e. without human intervention. In particular, the control unit can receive the assembly data, compare the received assembly data with the digital duplicate, and generate the release signal and / or the error signal. The release signal can, for example, be transmitted from the control unit to a display unit, which can be used to show a technician that the assembly of the passenger transport system is in perfect condition. The display unit can be part of the system. The display unit can, for example, have a visual and / or acoustic display. The visual display can, for example, be a system monitor, AR (augmented reality) glasses, a tablet computer, a laptop, or the technician's mobile phone.In this context, the deviation can be superimposed on the reality on the optical display, i.e. displayed in the form of augmented reality (AR). The optical display can show the assembly and its surroundings in real time and can also display markers and, if necessary, further information at the points where the actual state deviates from the target state. The assembly and its surroundings can be recorded, for example, using a camera on the device that features the optical display. Alternatively, the deviation can be displayed on the digital doppelganger on the optical display. The acoustic display can, for example, be a loudspeaker. The error signal can be transmitted from the control unit to one or more other units, as explained in more detail below.

[0016] The method can be carried out simply, automatically, quickly and cost-effectively. The method enables the deviation of the actual state from the target state to be detected automatically and precisely. As a result, it is easy to eliminate the deviation, for example automatically, so that the actual state subsequently corresponds to the target state. The method can therefore contribute to ensuring that the actual state of the module corresponds to the target state of the module. Accordingly, the control unit and the system also enable the deviation of the actual state from the target state to be detected automatically and precisely. As a result, it is in turn easy to eliminate the deviation, for example automatically, so that the actual state subsequently corresponds to the target state. The control unit and the system can therefore also contribute to ensuring that the actual state of the module corresponds to the target state of the module.

[0017] The digital doppelganger can also be referred to as a digital twin. The digital doppelganger is represented by a corresponding digital data set, for example referred to as doppelganger data. The doppelganger data can be stored in the memory unit and retrieved by the processor when needed. The digital doppelganger can, for example, be generated and stored as described in the prior art cited above. Comparing the received assembly data with the digital doppelganger can, in particular, involve finding one or more differences between the received assembly data and the digital doppelganger. An example could be a flange that is screwed tight with six screws, but in which only five screws have been installed. The empty screw hole can be detected during the comparison and can be indicated to the installer by means of the error signal.In particular, the assembler can be shown a description of the missing component and the necessary assembly steps, such as the torque required for fastening and / or the application of an anaerobic adhesive. The required material can be automatically provided at a removal station, where the inspector can retrieve it and assemble it according to the displayed instructions. This post-processing data is also transferred to the digital twin.

[0018] The comparison of the received assembly data with the digital doppelganger is carried out automatically. This automatic comparison can be performed using a conventionally programmed algorithm. Alternatively, the automatic comparison can be carried out using artificial intelligence and / or machine learning. For example, a program for creating the digital doppelganger can create numerous digital doppelgangers in which one or more components are missing or too many, and / or are not assembled as intended. These "faulty" digital doppelgangers can then be used to train the artificial intelligence so that, after training, the artificial intelligence is able to recognize one or more deviations between the actual state and the target state based on the received assembly data and the digital doppelganger.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method comprises, before receiving the assembly data: sending an activation signal to one or more sensors that are designed to detect the actual state of the assembly of the passenger transport system in response to receiving the activation signal. Illustratively speaking, the scanning process using the sensors can be initiated by the control unit in that the control unit sends the activation signal to the sensors. After receiving the activation signal, the sensor(s) detect the actual state of the assembly of the passenger transport system. Detecting the assembly of the passenger transport system comprises scanning the assembly using the sensor(s). The scanning can, for example, comprise optical scanning using an optical sensor and / or acoustic scanning using an acoustic sensor.The optical sensor can be, for example, a radiation sensor that detects electromagnetic radiation, for example, in the visible light spectrum or in the infrared range. Thus, the optical sensor can be, for example, a light sensor or an infrared sensor. The acoustic sensor can be, for example, a microphone that detects acoustic waves, for example, in the audible range or in the ultrasonic range. Thus, the acoustic sensor can be, for example, a microphone or an ultrasonic sensor. A CCV sensor, lidar sensor, radar sensor, time-of-flight sensor, PMD sensor, and the like can be used as a sensor.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the method comprises, before sending the activation signal: receiving a start signal, wherein the start signal is representative of the fact that the actual state of the assembly of the passenger transport system can be detected. Before detecting the actual state of the assembly, the assembly can be arranged in the system that serves for monitoring and troubleshooting during production of the assembly for the passenger transport system. For example, the assembly can be arranged on a storage unit provided for this purpose in the system to detect the actual state. The storage unit can be part of a transport device for transporting the assembly. The storage unit represents a measuring station for three-dimensional, in particular optical, detection of the assembly.

[0021] As a result, the start signal can be generated manually by means of a corresponding input, for example, by an assembly operator via an input unit, or automatically, for example, by means of one or more sensors, such as the sensors mentioned above, when the assembly is positioned as intended in the system for inspection and troubleshooting during assembly production. This ensures that the actual state of the assembly is only recorded when the assembly is positioned as intended in the system for inspection and troubleshooting during assembly production.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: generating an indication signal depending on the error signal, wherein the indication signal is representative of where and / or how the actual state deviates from the desired state; and sending the indication signal to the display unit, which is designed to display the deviation of the actual state from the desired state in response to receiving the indication signal. This enables the technician to be informed via the visual display in a particularly simple and intuitive manner where and which deviation exists. This can help the technician to rectify the deviation quickly and easily. The fact that the indication signal is generated depending on the error signal can, in the simplest case, mean that the error signal is used as an indication signal. This is possible if the display unit is capable of correctly interpreting the error signal.Otherwise, the display signal can be generated depending on the error signal, whereby the display signal is generated in a format that can be correctly interpreted by the display unit and that contains the same information content as the error signal, namely which deviation is present where.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the provision signal is sent to a provision device configured to retrieve the missing component from a warehouse and provide it at a removal station. This allows, in the case of a missing component, the missing component to be automatically provided to the assembler or an assembly robot for assembling the assembly. The fact that the provision signal is generated depending on the error signal can, in the simplest case, mean that the error signal is used as the provision signal. This is possible if the provision device is capable of correctly interpreting the error signal.Otherwise, the provision signal can be generated depending on the error signal, wherein the provision signal is generated in a format that can be correctly interpreted by the provision device and that contains the same information content as the error signal, namely which component is missing. The provision device can, for example, comprise a storage robot that is configured to automatically retrieve the component from the warehouse and provide it at the removal station in response to receiving the provision signal.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: checking whether the same deviation has already occurred in previously inspected similar assemblies, depending on the error signal; checking whether a number of previously occurred identical deviations is greater than a predetermined threshold if the same deviation has already occurred in previously inspected similar assemblies; determining a cause of the deviation if the number is greater than the predetermined threshold; determining a procedure for correcting the cause; and generating an instruction signal representative of the procedure for correcting the cause. This can help prevent the deviation from occurring again in the future.The deviations of previously inspected similar assemblies can, for example, be stored in a memory unit of the control unit and retrieved from the memory unit when checking whether the same deviation has already occurred in previously inspected similar assemblies. These test steps can be understood as error analysis and error correction. In particular, this error analysis and error correction can be used to analyze and correct processes of an assembly robot and / or errors in a procurement or logistics system. During this error analysis, appropriate measures for correcting the errors can be suggested, for example by a corresponding AI module. The AI ​​module can be trained using simulated data, historical data and / or the digital doppelganger.

[0025] The threshold value can be specified by the manufacturer of the passenger transport system. The instruction signal can be a signal for the optical display, which, upon receiving the instruction signal, suggests the procedure to the assembler for correcting the cause. Alternatively, the instruction signal can be a signal for the assembly robot, which, upon receiving the instruction signal, makes at least one change in the assembly of future similar assemblies. If the same deviation has not yet occurred in previously inspected similar assemblies, the checking of whether the number of previously occurring identical deviations is greater than the specified threshold value and the subsequent determination of the cause, determination of the procedure, and generation of the instruction signal can be omitted.If the number is not greater than the specified threshold, determining the cause, determining the course of action, and generating the instruction signal can be omitted.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: generating at least one actuating signal for an actuator configured to change the actual state of the assembly based on the digital twin; and sending the actuating signal to the actuator. The actuator can be, for example, a manufacturing robot, in other words an assembly robot, or part of a manufacturing robot. The actuating signal can be generated, for example, during the manufacture of the assembly, i.e., before the actual state of the assembly is detected, and sent to the actuator. In this context, the actuator is configured to manufacture or assemble at least part of the assembly according to the digital twin. In addition to the actuator or robot, further actuators and / or robots can be provided, which are configured to manufacture the assembly according to the digital twin.For example, a manufacturing robot may have multiple actuators. Accordingly, the control signal may be configured to control multiple actuators, and / or multiple control signals may be generated for and sent to the corresponding multiple actuators. Alternatively or additionally, the control signal may be generated as a result of the generation of the error signal, in which case the actuator is configured to at least partially correct the deviation.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the actuator is further configured to change the actual state of the assembly according to a predetermined pattern; and to adapt the predetermined pattern depending on the deviation such that the deviation is reduced or eliminated. The predetermined pattern can, for example, comprise the digital doppelganger. Accordingly, the digital doppelganger can be adapted to reduce or prevent future deviations. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined pattern can comprise one or more characteristic curves based on which the actuator generates its movement(s) in response to the actuating signal. Accordingly, the actuator would then execute a more or less modified movement in response to the same actuating signal. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined pattern can comprise one or more actuator settings.For example, if the actuator performs a movement in a certain direction and / or with a certain amplitude, the direction and / or amplitude can be specified by the scheme and changed when the scheme is adapted. For example, if the actuator is used to attach a fastener, such as a screw or a rivet, to the assembly, a force that the actuator applies to perform the fastening can be specified by the scheme and changed when the scheme is adapted. For example, if the actuator is used to supply a lubricant to the assembly, a quantity of lubricant to be supplied can be specified by the scheme and changed when the scheme is adapted.For example, if the actuator is used to feed a component to the assembly and / or to attach the component to the assembly, the type of component and / or the area of ​​the assembly to which the component is to be attached may be specified by the scheme and changed when the scheme is adapted.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the system further comprises: a gate-like support device with a gate opening through which the assembly can be moved relative to the support device and on which the sensors are arranged such that at least one of the sensors faces the gate opening. The gate-like support device with the sensor(s), which are at least partially aligned toward the gate opening, can contribute to the complete and automatic detection of the actual state of the assembly by means of the sensors on the support device. In particular, the actual state can be detected simultaneously from multiple directions, in particular in 3D, by means of the sensors on the gate-like support device.The fact that the support device is "gate-like" means, for example, that the support device has the shape of a gate, for example rounded in the shape of an upside-down "U" or in the shape of a rectangle open at the bottom, and / or that the assembly can be guided through the gate opening like a trolley can be driven through a gate. According to one embodiment, the system further comprises: a transport device which is mechanically coupled to the assembly and / or to the gate-like support device such that the assembly can be moved through the gate opening relative to the gate-like support device by means of the transport device. The transport device can contribute to the actual state of the assembly being able to be fully and automatically recorded by means of the sensors on the support device.The transport device can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt on which the assembly can be placed and by means of which the assembly can be transported through the door opening. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device can comprise a transport system for moving the carrier device. For example, the transport device can comprise a rail system and a drive by means of which the carrier device can be moved along the assembly.

[0029] According to one embodiment, at least one of the sensors is an optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the sensors generates a sensor signal representative of the distance between the assembly and the sensor. Optionally, the optical sensor can be the sensor that generates the sensor signal representative of the distance between the assembly and the sensor. In this context, the sensor can be referred to as an optical sensor with depth determination. Such a sensor can, for example, be designed as a time-of-flight (TOF) camera. Alternatively, the sensor that generates the sensor signal representative of the distance between the assembly and the sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor. In other words, the fact that the sensor generates the sensor signal such that it is representative of the distance between the assembly and the sensor can mean that the sensor provides depth information.This depth information is representative of how far an area of ​​the assembly currently scanned by the sensor is from the sensor. Since the positions of the sensors are generally known, the depth information can be used to determine exactly where the corresponding area is currently located. Together with image data captured by the optical sensor, or using the image data with depth information, it can then be determined very precisely, in particular three-dimensionally, where each component of the assembly is located. According to one embodiment, the system further comprises: the provision device, which is communicatively coupled to the control unit and which is designed to retrieve the component missing from the assembly from the warehouse in response to a provision signal from the control unit and to make it available at the removal station.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the system further comprises: the removal station for providing the missing component.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a side view of an assembly for a passenger transport system and a system for checking and troubleshooting during the manufacture of the assembly of the passenger transport system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the system according to Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a block diagram illustrating a function of a control unit of the system according to Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for

[0036] Inspection and troubleshooting during the production of the passenger transport system assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figures are merely schematic and not to scale. The same reference numerals designate the same or equivalent features in the various figures.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a side view of an assembly 30 of a passenger transport system and a system 20 for checking and troubleshooting during the manufacture of the assembly 30 for the passenger transport system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The passenger transport system is suitable for transporting people, for example, in buildings between different height levels or within a constant height level. The passenger transport system can be, for example, an escalator, in particular an moving staircase, an elevator system, or a moving walkway. The assembly 30 can comprise the complete prefabricated passenger transport system that is not yet arranged at its destination. Alternatively, the assembly 30 can comprise a part of the passenger transport system, for example a supporting structure, a shaft module, a drive unit, or an elevator car.

[0038] The system 20 is designed to subject the assembly 30 to a precise inspection at the end of a production line for manufacturing the assembly 30. In particular, the system 20 can be used to automatically check and / or monitor whether all components of the assembly 30 are properly arranged, aligned, and / or connected to one another. For example, in the case of a passenger transport system configured as an escalator or moving walkway, a corresponding supporting structure of the passenger transport system can be inspected using the system 20. Alternatively, in the case of an elevator as the passenger transport system, an elevator car and / or a shaft module of the corresponding elevator system can be automatically inspected using the system 20.

[0039] The system 20 comprises a gate-like support device 22. The gate-like support device 22 has a gate opening 28 (see Figure 2) through which the assembly 30 can be moved relative to the support device 22. The fact that the support device 22 is "gate-like" means, for example, that the support device 22 has the shape of a gate, for example, rounded in the shape of an upside-down "U" or in the shape of a rectangle open at the bottom. The fact that the support device 22 is "gate-like" can alternatively or additionally mean that the assembly 30 can be guided through the gate opening 28, like a trolley can be driven through a gate.

[0040] The system 20 further comprises a transport device 24, which is mechanically coupled to the assembly 30 and / or to the gate-like support device 22 such that the assembly 30 can be moved relative to the gate-like support device 22, in particular through the gate opening 28, by means of the transport device 24. The transport device 24 can, for example, comprise a conveyor belt on which the assembly 30 can be arranged and by means of which the assembly 30 can be transported in a direction of movement 26 through the gate opening 28. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device 24 can comprise a transport system for moving the support device 22. For example, the transport device 24 can comprise a rail system and a drive (not shown), by means of which the support device 22 can be displaced along the assembly 30 counter to the direction of movement 26. In this case, the assembly 30 can remain stationary.Alternatively, both the assembly 30 and the support device 22 can be moved in such a way that a relative movement occurs between the assembly 30 and the support device 22.

[0041] The system 20 further comprises a removal station 27 for providing one or more missing components for the assembly 30.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a frontal view of the system 20 according to Figure 1. Figure 2 shows that the system 20 has a plurality of sensors 32. Depending on the design of the assembly 30 to be monitored, only one sensor 32 may be required. The sensors 32 are designed to scan, or in other words, detect, the assembly 30. While scanning the assembly 30, the sensors 32 can generate assembly data BD (see Figure 3) that is representative of an actual state of the assembly 30. The sensors 32 are arranged on the support device 22 such that at least one of the sensors 32 faces the door opening 28. By means of the sensors 32 on the door-like support device 22, the actual state of the assembly 30 can be detected simultaneously from a plurality of directions, in particular three-dimensionally.

[0043] One or more of the sensors 32 can be optical sensors, for example, light sensors, photocells, or CCD cameras, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the sensors 32 generates a sensor signal representative of the distance between the assembly 30 and the corresponding sensor 32. Optionally, the optical sensor can be the sensor 32 that generates the sensor signal representative of the distance between the assembly 30 and the sensor. In this context, the sensor 30 can be referred to as an optical sensor with depth determination. Such a sensor 32 can, for example, be embodied as a radar sensor, lidar sensor, or time-of-flight (TOF) camera. Alternatively, the sensor 32 that generates the sensor signal representative of the distance between the assembly 30 and the sensor 32 can be an ultrasonic sensor.

[0044] The fact that sensor 32 generates the sensor signal in such a way that it is representative of the distance between assembly 30 and sensor 32 can, in other words, mean that sensor 32 provides depth information. This depth information is representative of how far an area of ​​assembly 30 currently being scanned by sensor 32 is from sensor 32. Since the positions of sensors 32 are generally known, the depth information can be used to determine exactly where the corresponding area is currently located. Together with image data that can be captured by the optical sensor, or using image data with depth information, it is then possible to determine very precisely, particularly three-dimensionally, where each component of assembly 30 is located.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a block diagram illustrating a function of a control unit 34 of the system 20 according to Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 34 forms a component of the system 20. The control unit 34 can also be referred to as a control unit 34 for the system 20 for monitoring and troubleshooting during the production of the assembly 30 for the passenger transport system. The control unit 34 has a memory unit 44 for storing the assembly data BD and a digital duplicate of the assembly 30. In addition, the control unit 34 has a program, stored at least temporarily in the memory unit 44, containing the implemented method, as well as a processor 42 that is communicatively coupled to the memory unit 44 and that is designed to process the method implemented in the program, as explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0046] The control unit 34 is configured to communicate with the sensors 32, for example, via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the control unit 32 can be configured to send an activation signal AS to the sensors 23 and / or to receive the assembly data BD from the sensors 32.

[0047] The system 20 further comprises a display unit 36, a provision device 38, and / or an actuator 40. The display unit 36 ​​may, for example, comprise a visual and / or acoustic display unit. The visual display may, for example, be a monitor of the system, AR glasses, a tablet computer, a laptop, or a mobile phone of an assembler of the assembly 30. The control unit 34 may be configured to send a display signal AZ to the display unit 36. The display unit 36 ​​may be configured to display content encrypted in the display signal AZ in response to receiving the display signal AZ.

[0048] The provision device 38 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 34 and is designed to retrieve a component that is missing from the assembly 30 from a warehouse in response to a provision signal BS from the control unit 34 and to provide it at the removal station 27 (see Figure 1). The provision device 38 can, for example, comprise a storage robot that is designed to automatically retrieve the missing component from the warehouse in response to receiving the provision signal BS and to provide it at the removal station 27. Alternatively or in combination, the provision signal BS can also be displayed on the display unit 36 ​​and contain information about the missing component, such as its dimensions, component number, and the like. The actuator 40 can, for example, be a manufacturing robot or part of a manufacturing robot. The manufacturing robot can have multiple actuators 40.Furthermore, the control unit 34 can be communicatively coupled to several manufacturing robots and / or actuators 40 and send control signals RS to them.

[0049] The components of system 20 shown in Figure 3 can be implemented using hardware and / or software. These components can exchange data with each other and, if necessary, with one or more other platforms, such as a central computer, a computer network, and / or the cloud, via known data interfaces, either wired or wirelessly.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for monitoring and troubleshooting during the production of the assembly 30 for the passenger transport system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method can be performed, for example, by the control unit 34 of the system 20 for monitoring and troubleshooting during the production of the assembly of the passenger transport system, in particular automatically, i.e., without human intervention.

[0051] In an optional step S2, a start signal can be received, in particular from the control unit 34. The start signal is representative of the fact that the actual state of the assembly 30 can be detected. Before the actual state is detected, the assembly 30 can be arranged in the system 20 for checking and troubleshooting during the production of the assembly 30 for the passenger transport system. For example, the assembly 30 can be arranged on a storage unit provided for this purpose in the system 20 to detect the actual state. The storage unit can be part of the transport device 24. Consequently, the start signal can be generated, for example manually by means of a corresponding input, for example by the assembler via an input unit, or automatically, for example by means of one or more sensors, for example the aforementioned sensors 32, and sent to the control unit 34 when the assembly 30 is arranged as intended in the system 20.This ensures that the actual state of the assembly 30 is only detected when the assembly 30 is arranged as intended in the system 20. In an optional step S4, the activation signal AS can be sent to one or more of the sensors 32. Illustratively speaking, the scanning process using the sensors 32 can be initiated by the control unit 34 by the control unit 34 sending the activation signal AS to the sensors 32. After receiving the activation signal AS, the sensors 32 detect the actual state of the assembly 30. Detecting the assembly 30 comprises scanning the assembly 30 using the sensor(s) 32. The scanning can, for example, comprise optical scanning using an optical sensor and / or acoustic scanning using an acoustic sensor of the sensors 32.The optical sensor can be, for example, a radiation sensor that detects electromagnetic radiation, for example, in the visible light spectrum or in the infrared range. Thus, the optical sensor can be, for example, a light sensor, such as a CCD camera, or an infrared sensor. The acoustic sensor can be, for example, a microphone that detects acoustic waves, for example, in the audible range or in the ultrasonic range. Thus, the acoustic sensor can be, for example, a microphone or an ultrasonic sensor. Sensor 32 can optionally also obtain depth information.

[0052] In a step S6, the assembly data BD, which are representative of the actual state of the assembly 30, can be received. In particular, the control unit 32 can receive the assembly data BD.

[0053] In a step S8, the received assembly data BD can be compared with a digital duplicate of the assembly 30, which is representative of a desired state of the assembly 30. In particular, the control unit 32 can compare the received assembly data BD with the digital duplicate.

[0054] Comparing the received assembly data BD with the digital doppelganger can, in particular, involve detecting one or more differences between the received assembly data BD and the digital doppelganger. Comparing the received assembly data BD with the digital doppelganger is performed automatically. This automatic comparison can be performed using a conventionally programmed algorithm. Alternatively, the automatic comparison can be performed using artificial intelligence and / or machine learning. For example, a program for creating the digital doppelganger can create a multitude of digital doppelgangers in which one or more components are missing or excessive, and / or are not assembled as intended.These “faulty” digital doppelgangers can then be used as assembly data BD of corresponding supposedly faulty assemblies 30 for training the artificial intelligence, so that after training the artificial intelligence is able to recognize one or more deviations of the actual state from the target state based on the received assembly data BD and the digital doppelganger.

[0055] The digital doppelganger can also be referred to as a digital twin. The digital doppelganger is represented by a corresponding digital data set, for example, referred to as doppelganger data. The doppelganger data can be stored in the memory unit 44 and retrieved by the processor as needed. The digital doppelganger can be generated and stored, for example, as described in the prior art mentioned above. Alternatively, other methods known from the prior art can also be used to create the digital doppelganger.

[0056] In a step S10, an enable signal can be generated that represents that the actual state corresponds to the desired state if the comparison shows that the actual state corresponds to the desired state. In particular, the control unit 32 can generate the enable signal. The enable signal can be transmitted from the control unit 34, for example, to the display unit 36, for example in the form of the display signal AZ. In this case, the display unit 36 ​​can indicate to an installer of the assembly 30 that the assembly 30 is in perfect condition.

[0057] In a step S12, an error signal representative of a deviation of the actual state from the target state can be generated if the comparison shows that the actual state does not correspond to the target state. In particular, the control unit 32 can generate the error signal. The error signal can be transmitted from the control unit 34 to one or more other units, as explained in more detail below.

[0058] In an optional step S14, the display signal AZ can be generated depending on the error signal and sent to the display unit 36, which is configured to display the deviation of the actual state from the target state in response to receiving the display signal AZ. The display signal AZ can, for example, be representative of where and / or how the actual state deviates from the target state. The fact that the display signal AZ is generated depending on the error signal can, in the simplest case, mean that the error signal is used as the display signal AZ, or in other words, that the error signal is looped through as the display signal AZ. This is possible if the display unit 36 ​​is capable of correctly interpreting the error signal.Otherwise, the display signal AZ can be generated depending on the error signal, wherein the display signal AZ is generated in a format that can be correctly interpreted by the display unit 36 ​​and that contains the same information content as the error signal, namely which deviation is present where.

[0059] In an optional step S16, the provision signal BS can be generated depending on the error signal and sent to the provision device 38 if the deviation consists in a component being missing from the assembly 30. The provision signal BS can be representative of the missing component, so that the provision signal BS can be used to identify which component is missing where. The provision device 38 is designed to obtain the missing component from a warehouse (not shown) and to provide it at the removal station 27. The fact that the provision signal BS is generated depending on the error signal can, in the simplest case, mean that the error signal is used as the provision signal BS, or in other words, that the error signal is looped through as the provision signal BS. This is possible if the provision device 38 is able to correctly interpret the error signal.Otherwise, the provision signal BS can be generated depending on the error signal, wherein the provision signal BS is generated in a format that can be correctly interpreted by the provision device 38 and that contains the same information content as the error signal, namely which component is missing. - TI -.

[0060] In an optional step S18, a control signal RS can be generated for the actuator 40 and sent to the actuator 40. The actuator 40 can be configured to change the actual state of the assembly 30 based on the digital doppelganger. The control signal RS can be generated as a result of the generation of the error signal, wherein the actuator 40 is configured to at least partially correct the deviation. Alternatively or additionally, the control signal RS can be generated during the manufacture of the assembly 30, i.e., before the actual state of the assembly 30 is detected, and sent to the actuator 40. In this context, the actuator 40 can be configured to manufacture or assemble at least part of the assembly 30 according to the digital doppelganger.In addition to the actuator 40 or robot, further actuators and / or robots (not shown) may be provided which are designed to produce the assembly 30 according to the digital doppelganger.

[0061] Optionally, the actuator 40 can be further configured to change the actual state of the assembly 30 according to a predetermined pattern and to adapt the predetermined pattern depending on the deviation such that the deviation is reduced or eliminated in the production of future, similar passenger transport systems 30. The predetermined pattern can, for example, comprise the digital doppelganger. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined pattern can comprise one or more characteristic curves based on which the actuator 40 generates its movement(s) in response to the control signal RS. Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined pattern can comprise one or more settings of the actuator 40. If, for example, the actuator 40 executes a movement in a specific direction and / or with a specific amplitude, the direction and / or amplitude can be predetermined by the pattern and changed when the pattern is adapted.For example, if the actuator 40 is used to fasten a fastener, such as a screw or a rivet, to the assembly 30, a force that the actuator 40 applies to perform the fastening can be predetermined by the scheme and changed when the scheme is adapted. For example, if the actuator 40 is used to supply a lubricant to the assembly 30, a quantity of lubricant to be supplied can be predetermined by the scheme and changed when the scheme is adapted. For example, if the actuator 40 is used to supply a component to the assembly 30 and / or to fasten the component to the assembly 30, the type of component and / or the area of ​​the assembly 30 to which the component is to be fastened can be predetermined by the scheme and changed when the scheme is adapted.

[0062] In an optional step S22, the release signal can be used to remove the tested and, if applicable, corrected assembly 30 from the system 20 and to retrieve the next assembly 30 to be tested.

[0063] Steps S14 to S20 can be executed in any order or simultaneously. Furthermore, steps S14 to S18 can be executed before or after the steps described below.

[0064] In an optional step S22, depending on the error signal, it can be checked whether the same deviation has already occurred in previously checked similar assemblies 30, for example by means of the control unit 34.

[0065] If step S22 is performed, a check can be carried out in a step S24 to determine whether the number of previously occurring identical deviations is greater than a predetermined threshold value if the same deviation has already occurred in previously inspected similar assemblies 30. The threshold value can be specified by the manufacturer of the passenger transport system. The deviations of the previously inspected similar assemblies 30 can, for example, be stored in the memory unit 44 of the control unit 34 and retrieved from the memory unit 44 when checking whether the same deviation has already occurred in previously inspected similar assemblies 30. If steps S22 and S24 are carried out, a cause of the deviation can be determined in a step S26 if the number is greater than the predetermined threshold value.For example, historical data and / or a lookup table can be used to determine which cause(s) have previously led to a similar deviation. Furthermore, artificial intelligence can be trained, for example, using historical data that shows which cause(s) have led to which deviations, so that it can determine the cause of the deviation with a high degree of probability.

[0066] If steps S22 to S26 are performed, a procedure for resolving the cause can be determined in step S28. For example, historical data and / or a lookup table can be used to determine which procedure(s) have already been performed to resolve a similar cause. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence can be trained, for example, using historical data that shows which procedure(s) have already been performed to resolve a similar cause, so that it can determine and suggest the appropriate procedure with a high degree of probability.

[0067] If steps S22 to S28 are performed, an instruction signal representative of the procedure for resolving the cause can be generated in a step S30. The instruction signal can be a signal for the display unit 36, which, in response to receiving the instruction signal, suggests the procedure for resolving the cause to the assembler. Alternatively, the instruction signal can be a signal for the assembly robot, which, in response to receiving the instruction signal, makes at least one change in the assembly of future similar assemblies 30.

[0068] If the same deviation has not yet occurred in previously inspected similar assemblies 30, checking whether the number of previously occurred identical deviations is greater than the specified threshold, and the subsequent determination of the cause, determination of the procedure, and generation of the instruction signal can be omitted. If the number is not greater than the specified threshold, determining the cause, determining the procedure, and generating the instruction signal can be omitted.

[0069] 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

Patent claims 1. A method for checking and correcting errors during the manufacture of an assembly (30) for a passenger transport system designed as a lift, escalator or moving walkway, the method comprising: Receiving assembly data (BD) which are generated by one or more sensors (32) and which are representative of an actual state of the assembly (30); Comparing the received module data (BD) with a digital duplicate of the module (30) in a control unit (34), wherein the digital duplicate of the module (30) is representative of a desired state of the module (30); generating an enable signal by the control unit (34), which enable signal is representative of the fact that the actual state corresponds to the desired state if the comparison shows that the actual state corresponds to the desired state; and Generating an error signal by the control unit (34), which error signal is representative of a deviation of the actual state from the target state if the comparison shows that the actual state does not correspond to the target state; characterized in that the method further comprises: Generating a readiness signal (BS) depending on the error signal if the deviation consists in a component being missing from the assembly (30), the readiness signal being representative of the missing component.

2. Method according to claim 1, prior to receiving the assembly data (BD) comprising: Sending an activation signal (AS) to one or more sensors (32) designed to detect the actual state of the assembly (30) in response to receiving the activation signal (AS).

3. Method according to claim 2, prior to sending the activation signal (AS) comprising: Receiving a start signal, wherein the start signal is representative of the fact that the actual state of the assembly (30) is detected.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Generating an indication signal (AZ) depending on the error signal, wherein the indication signal (AZ) is representative of where and / or how the actual state deviates from the target state; and Sending the display signal (AZ) to a display unit (36) which is designed to display the deviation of the actual state from the desired state in response to receiving the display signal (AZ).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Sending the provision signal (BS) to a provision device (38) which is designed to obtain the missing component from a warehouse and to provide it at a removal station (27).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Check whether the same deviation has already occurred in previously checked similar assemblies (30), depending on the error signal; Checking whether a number of previously occurred identical deviations is greater than a predetermined threshold value if the same deviation has already occurred in previously checked similar assemblies (30); Determine the cause of the deviation if the number is greater than the specified threshold; Determine a course of action to correct the cause; and Generate an instruction signal that is representative of the procedure for correcting the cause.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Generating at least one control signal (RS) for an actuator (40) which is designed to change the actual state of the assembly (30) based on the digital doppelganger; and Sending the control signal (RS) to the actuator (40).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the actuator (40) is further configured to change the actual state of the assembly (30) according to a predetermined scheme; and the given scheme is adjusted depending on the deviation so that the deviation is reduced or eliminated.

9. A control unit (34) for a system (20) for monitoring and troubleshooting during the manufacture of an assembly (30) for a passenger transport system configured as an elevator, escalator, or moving walkway, the control unit (34) comprising: a memory unit (44) for storing assembly data (BD) of the passenger transport system that are representative of an actual state of the assembly (30) and for storing a digital duplicate of the assembly (30); a program stored at least temporarily in the memory unit (44) with the implemented method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8; and a processor (42) communicatively coupled to the memory unit (44) and configured to execute the method implemented in the program.

10. A system (20) for monitoring and troubleshooting during the manufacture of an assembly (30) for a passenger transport system configured as an elevator, escalator, or moving walkway, the system (20) comprising: one or more sensors (32) for generating assembly data (BD) of the passenger transport system that are representative of an actual state of the assembly (30); and a control unit (34) according to claim 9.

11. System (20) according to claim 10, further comprising: a gate-like support device (22) having a gate opening (28) through which the assembly (30) can be moved relative to the support device (22) and on which the sensors (32) are arranged such that at least one of the sensors (32) faces the gate opening (28).

12. System (20) according to claim 11, further comprising: a transport device (24) which is mechanically coupled to the assembly (30) and / or to the gate-like support device (22) such that the assembly (30) can be moved through the gate opening (28) relative to the gate-like support device (22) by means of the transport device (24).

13. System (20) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least one of the sensors (32) is an optical sensor, and / or at least one of the sensors (32) generates a sensor signal that is representative of the distance between the assembly (30) and the sensor.

14. System (20) according to one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising: a provision device (38) which is communicatively coupled to the control unit (34) and which is designed to procure a component which is missing from the assembly (30) from a warehouse and to provide it at a removal station (27) in response to a provision signal (BS) of the control unit (34).

15. System (20) according to claim 14, further comprising: the removal station (27) for providing the missing component.

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