Electronic display device and method for disinfecting an electronic display device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic display device comprising a screen, in particular a reflective screen, for displaying information, and also comprising a disinfecting device which is designed to disinfect at least part of the electronic display device, in particular the exterior thereof.

Description

[0001] title

[0002] Electronic display device and method for disinfecting the electronic display device

[0003] Description

[0004] Technical field

[0005] The invention relates to an electronic display device and a method for disinfecting the electronic display device.

[0006] background

[0007] Electronic display devices are known, for example, from WO2019076447A1 and are used to provide information graphically as images and / or text. Such electronic displays are used, among other things, in retail as electronic product and / or price displays. These devices are now also increasingly being used in hospitals, nursing homes, and similar settings to provide information to staff and patients. In these applications, the maintenance of electronic display devices is paramount. Electronic display devices must be cleaned regularly to suppress or prevent the spread of potentially dangerous germs, which is currently very time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0008] The invention therefore has for its object to provide an electronic display device and a method which overcomes the problems mentioned.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] This object is achieved by an electronic display device according to claim 1. The subject matter of the invention is therefore an electronic display device which has a screen, in particular a reflective screen, for displaying information, and which has a disinfection device which is designed to disinfect at least a partial area of ​​the electronic display device, in particular its outer side.

[0011] This object is further achieved by a method according to claim 15. The invention therefore relates to a method for disinfecting an electronic display device by autonomously disinfecting a partial area of ​​the electronic display device by means of a disinfection device integrated into the electronic display device.

[0012] The measures according to the invention have the advantage of drastically reducing maintenance costs, both in terms of labor and time. Furthermore, consistent disinfection quality can be ensured because the disinfection process is autonomous, particularly (fully) automated, thus avoiding human errors or inaccuracies.

[0013] Further, particularly advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description. The effects and advantages mentioned in connection with the device also appear in the corresponding method claims.

[0014] Disinfection is understood as the process of rendering dead or living material in a state where it can no longer infect. The effectiveness of disinfection can be divided into "log 10" levels, specifically "log 1 to log 8" levels, which indicate the degree of reduction in the number of viable microorganisms during disinfection.

[0015] For some applications, it has proven advantageous for the electronic display device to be designed to achieve at least a 1-log10 level of germ reduction, i.e., a reduction of 90% of viable microorganisms. This is advantageous, for example, for the use of electronic display devices in business areas to keep the germ count low between regular cleaning appointments.

[0016] For some applications, it has proven advantageous for the electronic display device to be designed to achieve at least a 2-log10 level of germ reduction, i.e., a reduction of 99% of viable microorganisms. This is advantageous, for example, for the use of electronic display devices in nursing homes to keep the germ count low between regular room cleaning appointments.

[0017] For some applications, it has proven advantageous for the electronic display device to be designed to achieve at least a 3-log10 level of germ reduction, i.e., a reduction of 99.9% of viable microorganisms. This can be used, for example, to render spores incapable of germination. In addition to the previously mentioned application examples, this is advantageous, for example, for the use of electronic display devices in a doctor's office to keep the germ count low.

[0018] For some applications, it has proven advantageous for the electronic display device to be designed to achieve at least a 4-log10 level of germ reduction, i.e., to reduce viable microorganisms by 99.99%. This can be used, for example, to render spores incapable of germination. In addition to the aforementioned application examples, this is advantageous, for example, for the use of electronic display devices in intensive care units to keep the germ count low. In addition to the aforementioned application examples, this is also advantageous, for example, for the use of electronic display devices in hospital kitchens to keep the germ count low.

[0019] For some applications, it has proven advantageous for the electronic display device to be designed to achieve at least a 5-log10 level of germ reduction, i.e., a reduction of 99.999% of viable microorganisms. This can be used, for example, to render spores incapable of germination. In addition to the aforementioned application examples, this is advantageous, for example, for the use of electronic display devices in operating rooms to keep the germ count low.

[0020] For some applications, it has proven advantageous that the electronic display achieves a germ reduction of greater than 5 log10. This can be used, for example, to make spores even more resistant to germination. Disinfection can be achieved in various ways, and these features can also be used in combination.

[0021] For example, the disinfection device can be designed as a mechanical disinfection device for mechanical disinfection, in particular as an ultrasonic disinfection device for disinfection using ultrasound. For example, the ultrasonic disinfection device can comprise an ultrasonic vibration generator, in particular comprising a piezoceramic. The ultrasonic vibration generator is preferably located in the electronic display device such that the electronic display device, and in particular the outer layer of the electronic display device, can be set into vibration by the ultrasonic vibration generator such that at least a portion of the electronic display device is disinfected on its exterior.The ultrasonic vibration generator can also be located in the electronic display device in such a way that the electronic display device can be exposed to ultrasound for disinfection via a medium, for example a liquid or preferably via air.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the disinfection device is designed as a disinfectant-disinfection device. The disinfection device is thus designed to dispense a disinfectant, in particular a disinfectant liquid. Thus, preferably, at least a portion of the electronic display device is disinfected with the disinfectant by means of the disinfection device of the electronic display device.

[0023] A fluid, i.e. a liquid disinfectant, is used here as the disinfectant because it is particularly easy to release and distribute. In this embodiment, the disinfection device has a disinfectant reservoir, particularly preferably a liquid container, in particular a tank. Furthermore, the disinfection device has a disinfectant distribution device for distributing the disinfectant from the disinfectant reservoir to a desired location. For this purpose, the disinfectant distribution device can, for example, have pipes and / or hoses, a conveying device, e.g. a pump, one or more valves, etc. Furthermore, a disinfectant release device is provided, which is intended to release the disinfectant at the location to be identified (such as the outside) of the display device. This can, for example, be a nozzle orThis could be an atomizer for atomizing the disinfectant and / or an evaporator for vaporizing the disinfectant. The nozzle can be designed, for example, as a slit or slot nozzle, etc.

[0024] However, the disinfectant can also be present as a gaseous disinfectant or can be applied in gaseous form, for example by evaporation.

[0025] The desired disinfection effect can be adjusted by the disinfectant used, the amount, the frequency, and the exposure time. This allows the aforementioned log10 levels of disinfection to be achieved. The operating parameters required for this on the display device can be preset or programmed on an ad hoc basis.

[0026] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the disinfection device is designed as an ultraviolet radiation disinfection device. The disinfection device is thus preferably designed to emit ultraviolet radiation or UV light. This embodiment allows for resource-conserving and energy-saving disinfection, thus significantly reducing maintenance requirements. This is because not only does the disinfection process occur autonomously, but the electronic display device also requires minimal maintenance to provide this disinfection. This eliminates the need to refill the disinfectant reservoirs, and due to the low energy consumption compared to the previously mentioned embodiments, the electronic display device or its energy storage device rarely needs to be replaced and / or recharged.

[0027] The electronic display device, in particular the ultraviolet radiation disinfection device, preferably has an ultraviolet radiation source, which will be discussed further below. The ultraviolet radiation source is designed to emit ultraviolet radiation and thus irradiate at least a portion of the electronic display device and / or its surroundings with the ultraviolet radiation.

[0028] The electronic display device preferably has a screen, in particular a reflective screen, for displaying information. The ultraviolet radiation source is designed or configured to disinfect at least a portion of the electronic display device and / or its surroundings, but in particular to disinfect the screen. This can be important if the screen is frequently touched during operation of the display device.

[0029] In this case, the desired disinfection effect, i.e., the log10 level to be achieved, can be achieved, for example, by selecting the wavelength of ultraviolet radiation used, the exposure duration, or the radiation intensity. With this design, the necessary operating parameters can also be preset on the display device or programmed on an ad hoc basis.

[0030] During operation of the display device, disinfection is carried out by irradiating at least a partial area of ​​the electronic display device by means of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the disinfection device.

[0031] It has proven advantageous that the electronic display device has electronics for controlling the activity of the disinfection device and wherein the electronics are designed to control the disinfection device, in particular to activate or deactivate it, depending on at least one of the following events.

[0032] The event can be a user interaction. A control element or input device can be provided for this purpose. The control element or input device can be, for example, a switch, a button, a keyboard, a Kinect sensor or a camera for capturing facial expressions or gestures as an input action, or a motion sensor or radar sensor, etc. The screen of the electronic display device can also be designed as a touchscreen on which the user interaction can be carried out.

[0033] The event can be the reception of an external signal, in particular a radio signal. For this purpose, a communication stage, in particular a radio stage (transceiver), which is intended for the wireless reception and / or transmission of signals, such as radio or light signals, can be provided. The communication stage can, for example, have an antenna configuration for radio communication and / or an infrared transmitter and / or receiver for light communication. The event can be the fulfillment of a time-dependent condition. The time-dependent condition can be the determination of a time. A time recording stage, for example a clock quartz, can be provided for this. For example, disinfection can always take place automatically at a defined time if there is usually no person in the vicinity of the electronic display device.In a nursing home, for example, this time or period of time might occur when patients leave their rooms for lunch. It could also be a time-dependent condition related to another event. For example, disinfection might be initiated a certain time after user interaction and / or the receipt of an external signal. When using ultraviolet radiation, for example, this allows the operator sufficient time to leave the area surrounding the electronic display device to avoid unwanted exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

[0034] The event can be the determination that there are no people in the vicinity of the electronic display device. The event can also be that there are no animals in the vicinity of the electronic display device. For this purpose, a detection device can be provided which is designed to detect whether a living being (possibly under certain conditions such as a minimum size or a certain body shape), in particular a human, is in the vicinity of the electronic display device. The detection device can be a camera, for example, which is designed to record the surroundings of the electronic display device. The camera itself and / or the control stage can be designed toVideos, for example, using image recognition, to detect whether a person (or other living being) is in the vicinity of the electronic display device. The detection device can also be a motion sensor, for example, an ultrasonic sensor.

[0035] As mentioned, the implementation of disinfection, in particular the emission of ultraviolet radiation, can depend on the fulfillment or occurrence of several of these events. Thus, the electronic display device is preferably designed to emit ultraviolet radiation after a user action has been input, as soon as it has been determined that a temporal condition has been met and / or that no person is in the vicinity of the electronic display device. The electronic display device can also be designed to emit ultraviolet radiation only if no person has been detected for a certain period of time. The same applies analogously to the other types of disinfection.

[0036] During operation of the display device, it has proven advantageous for the disinfection, in particular the irradiation, to be stopped when a person is detected in the vicinity of the electronic display device. Accordingly, the electronic display device, in particular the control stage, is preferably designed to stop or prevent the disinfection irradiation when a person is detected. The same applies to other living beings. This measure thus makes it possible to prevent damage that would otherwise occur to a person or animal due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

[0037] The following primarily deals with the disinfection device designed to emit ultraviolet radiation or UV light as well as with preferred features of such an electronic display device with a disinfection device designed to emit ultraviolet radiation or UV light.

[0038] Appropriate germ reduction can be achieved by selecting an appropriately strong ultraviolet radiation source, its operating parameters such as duration, modulation, intensity, etc., or exposure time. Furthermore, improved germ reduction can be achieved by positioning the ultraviolet radiation source and directing the radiation emission direction, as discussed below.

[0039] Depending on the application, i.e. in particular depending on the desired effectiveness of the disinfection, different ultraviolet radiation can be used.

[0040] It has proven advantageous for the disinfection device to be designed to emit UV-C radiation, particularly in the wavelength range from 100 to 280 nm. Particularly preferably, the ultraviolet radiation source is designed to emit ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 254 nm + / - 20 nm. This allows for particularly efficient virus inactivation. It has also proven advantageous for the ultraviolet radiation source to be designed to emit ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 235 nm + / - 20 nm. This allows for the efficient destruction of proteins.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the disinfection device comprises at least one of the following components, namely an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, in particular a UV-C light-emitting diode, an ultraviolet gas discharge lamp, an excimer lamp, a laser, in particular an excimer laser and / or an ultraviolet diode laser, and / or an ultraviolet cold cathode tube.

[0042] It has proven particularly advantageous that the ultraviolet radiation source is an ultraviolet light-emitting diode. This enables a particularly energy-efficient delivery of ultraviolet radiation. Thus, the energy storage device, which is usually provided by the electronic display device, rarely needs to be recharged or replaced, further reducing maintenance requirements. Such an ultraviolet light-emitting diode can also be controlled relatively easily, either analogously or digitally.

[0043] The electronic display device typically includes means for being mounted to a structure such as a shelf, a wall, a hospital bed, or the like, or for being placed on a table.

[0044] Furthermore, the electronic display device typically has an energy storage device, in particular a replaceable and / or rechargeable battery, to provide the electrical power for the screen and, if necessary, other components. The electronic display device can also be supplied with electrical power via a wired connection, in particular a cable. In this case, the electrical power supply to the disinfection device is also provided via the electrical power supply to the display device. Alternatively, a separate electrical power supply can be provided so as not to impair the operating performance of the electrical supply provided for displaying the information.

[0045] The electronic display device can be designed to directly irradiate the desired (partial) area with ultraviolet radiation. For this purpose, the ultraviolet radiation source can, for example, be designed and positioned so as to protrude from the electronic display device and be directed at the desired (partial) area. Multiple ultraviolet radiation sources can also be provided so that a larger area can be irradiated (this also applies to designs that do not irradiate directly). The ultraviolet radiation sources can also be designed to irradiate the surroundings of a different ultraviolet radiation source. This measure allows the most optimal utilization of the power for operating the ultraviolet radiation source.

[0046] The electronic display device is preferably designed (only or also) for indirect illumination of at least a partial area. For this purpose, the electronic display device preferably has a radiation deflection structure, in particular a radiation deflection structure separate from an ultraviolet radiation source, preferably a light guide, for deflecting the ultraviolet radiation, in particular toward the screen.

[0047] "Separate from the ultraviolet radiation source" here means that it is a radiation-deflecting structure intended to direct the ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet radiation source to the desired area and is not part of the ultraviolet radiation source. The ultraviolet radiation source itself can thus have UV-transmissive components or even UV-deflecting components, such as a lens, particularly an epoxy resin lens, or similar, which, however, are not part of the separate radiation-deflecting structure.

[0048] The radiation deflection structure can be designed as a light guide or comprise one (i.e., exactly one or more) light guides. It has proven particularly advantageous if the light guide is designed as a planar light guide. The light guide is preferably positioned parallel to the screen and designed to direct the ultraviolet radiation onto the screen.

[0049] The radiation-deflecting structure preferably comprises a diffuser or is designed as a diffuser to scatter the ultraviolet radiation over a surface, in particular over a region of the screen, preferably over the entire screen. Furthermore, the radiation-deflecting structure preferably comprises a mirror or a reflective or reflecting structure for reflecting the ultraviolet radiation, or is designed as such a mirror or such a structure.

[0050] These measures allow for optimal utilization of ultraviolet radiation, especially with a shallow installation depth, as is desirable for electronic display devices. This allows for the most optimal and uniform disinfection effect possible.

[0051] The aforementioned measures can also be used in combination. Thus, several (identical or different) radiation deflection structures can be used to direct the ultraviolet radiation to the desired location. The radiation deflection structure can also comprise multiple components. Thus, the radiation deflection structure particularly preferably comprises a light guide for directing the ultraviolet radiation away from the ultraviolet radiation source to an area to be irradiated, a diffuser for distributing or scattering the ultraviolet radiation, and possibly also a reflective structure. The reflective structure is attached, for example, to those ends of the light guide and / or the diffuser that do not face the area to be irradiated or that are not coupled to the ultraviolet radiation source.Thus, those rays that would otherwise leave the radiation deflection structure undesirably at these end sections are redirected so that the available radiation can be optimally utilized.

[0052] The radiation deflection structure preferably covers at least part of the screen or is formed as a part of the screen, particularly preferably as a layer of the screen.

[0053] The radiation deflection structure can be understood as a part of the disinfection device. Therefore, the disinfection device preferably comprises the radiation deflection structure.

[0054] The electronic display device preferably has a light-emitting diode, in particular a light-emitting diode, for emitting light visible to humans for illuminating the screen or for visually perceptible signaling. This improves the perceptibility of the information provided. The emitted light can have different colors. Preferably, it is polychromatic light, in particular white light. However, it can also be light of a specific color or a combination of several colors. Several light-emitting diodes can also be provided for emitting (the same or) different colors. The light-emitting diode can further be designed to emit light of different colors depending on the control.For example, the light source can be used to either illuminate the screen with white light to make it easier to understand the information, or to illuminate the screen in a signal color, such as red, to indicate special information, such as the information that the patient is allergic to a particular medication.

[0055] The lamp can be positioned independently of the ultraviolet radiation source and can illuminate the screen independently.

[0056] The electronic display device is preferably designed to redirect the light emitted by the illuminant by means of the radiation-deflecting structure, in particular to direct it toward the screen. Thus, the radiation-deflecting structure, or at least part of the radiation-deflecting structure, is designed to redirect both the radiation from the ultraviolet radiation source and the illuminant. Because no additional bulky components need to be provided to distribute the ultraviolet radiation, this measure allows the ultraviolet radiation to be distributed over a large area of ​​an electronic display device with a compact design.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic display device is designed to emit the ultraviolet radiation over a large area. For this purpose, for example, a radiation deflection structure can be provided which is designed to redirect the ultraviolet radiation such that it is emitted over a large area, for example by means of a flat light guide which is designed, in particular, to have a diffuser surface for emitting ultraviolet radiation over a large area. An ultraviolet radiation source can also be provided for this purpose, which is designed to emit the ultraviolet radiation over a large area. For this purpose, the ultraviolet radiation source can be located in the electronic display device in such a way, for example positioned at an appropriate angle, that the ultraviolet radiation irradiates the desired area over a large area.

[0058] Preferably, the electronic display device is designed to irradiate the screen, at least in part, preferably completely, with ultraviolet radiation, in particular to backlight and / or surround it.

[0059] The screen can, for example, be reflective, transflective or transmissive.

[0060] A reflective screen is designed to be illuminated from the front and is designed to reflect light incident from the front in such a way that the image displayed on the screen is illuminated, meaning that the contrast of the image becomes perceptible through the light. "Front" is the area from which an observer typically views the screen. The light usually comes (at least partially) from the environment, for example, from a ceiling light and / or the sun. When using a reflective screen, the light source is preferably also used to illuminate the screen from the front.

[0061] A transmissive screen is designed to be illuminated from behind and is configured to transmit light incident from behind in such a way that the image displayed on the screen is illuminated, meaning that the contrast of the image becomes perceptible through the light. "Rear" here is the side facing away from the front. "From behind" therefore usually means that the light originates from the interior of the electronic display device. It has proven advantageous for the electronic display device to have a light source and, if appropriate, a radiation deflection structure positioned such that the screen can be transilluminated or backlit by the light from the light source.

[0062] A transflective screen has the properties of both a transmissive screen and a reflective screen. It can therefore be illuminated from both the front and back.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the screen is designed as a transmissive screen or a transflective screen, and the electronic display device is configured to backlight the screen with ultraviolet radiation. For this purpose, the ultraviolet radiation source can be located behind the screen, for example, and / or a radiation deflection structure can be provided, which beam deflection structure is configured to direct the ultraviolet radiation behind the screen in order to irradiate the screen from behind. The ultraviolet radiation disinfection device is thus configured to backlight the screen. The screen is therefore preferably illuminated from within the electronic display device.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, the screen is designed as a reflective screen or a transflective screen, and the electronic display device is configured to illuminate the front of the screen with ultraviolet radiation, in particular to illuminate it around the screen. For this purpose, for example, the ultraviolet radiation source can be provided in front of the screen, in particular at the edge region of the screen, and / or a radiation deflection structure configured to direct ultraviolet radiation onto the front of the screen in order to irradiate it from the front can be provided. The ultraviolet radiation disinfection device is thus configured to illuminate the screen, in particular to illuminate it around the screen. The screen is therefore preferably irradiated here at its edge region on its surface.

[0065] In the case of a transflective screen, ultraviolet irradiation can be applied in either form. The screen can therefore be backlit and simultaneously illuminated from both sides or from the front.

[0066] Both training methods enable particularly space-saving training in order to emit ultraviolet radiation over a large area in the area of ​​the screen.

[0067] In both cases, it has proven advantageous if the ultraviolet radiation source, and if applicable, the light source for emitting light visible to humans, is / are located in or around the edge of the screen. Thus, depending on the arrangement, the screen can be illuminated from the front or from around it and / or backlit from behind. The radiation deflection structure can also be provided to direct the ultraviolet radiation and, if applicable, the visible light from the edge of the screen to the desired area and / or to scatter the radiation or light.

[0068] The screen itself or a part of the screen, in particular a transparent layer of the screen, can be realized or used as part of the radiation deflection structure.

[0069] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic display device has a housing, wherein the electronic display device is designed to irradiate, in particular backlight, at least a partial area of ​​the housing with the ultraviolet radiation.

[0070] The electronic display device preferably has a frame surrounding the screen, wherein the electronic display device is designed to irradiate, in particular backlight, at least a partial area of ​​the frame with the ultraviolet radiation.

[0071] The frame is usually part of the housing or is formed from housing components. However, the frame can also be mounted on the housing. This is particularly advantageous for drawing attention to the electronic display device and / or influencing the incidence of light, for example, from light sources in the space around the electronic display device. The frame can therefore be provided as a screen, in particular as a light screen.

[0072] Irrespective of this, part or all of the frame and / or part or all of the housing may have the ultraviolet radiation source located on its outside so that it can irradiate a partial area from there.

[0073] It has proven advantageous for at least part of the frame and / or the housing, preferably the entire frame and / or the entire housing, to have the radiation deflection structure. For this purpose, optical fibers can be provided, for example, that penetrate the corresponding area. Thus, passages filled with optical fibers can be provided. The corresponding areas themselves can also be light-conducting and / or translucent or ultraviolet-radiation-transmissive and / or designed as a diffuser.

[0074] By irradiating the frame and / or housing, this area, which is frequently touched during passing, can be disinfected, thus effectively reducing the spread of germs. At the same time, this reduces the workload on maintenance personnel, as this frequently touched area of ​​the electronic display device needs to be cleaned less frequently, allowing staff to focus on other areas, such as cleaning and disinfecting otherwise neglected areas.

[0075] It has proven advantageous if the electronic display device is designed to irradiate at least a portion of the screen and at least a portion of the frame and / or the housing with ultraviolet radiation. A single ultraviolet radiation source or multiple ultraviolet radiation sources can be provided for this purpose.

[0076] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the electronic display device to have a rear wall, wherein the electronic display device is designed to irradiate, in particular backlight, at least a portion of the rear wall with ultraviolet radiation. The rear wall is a wall of the electronic display device on the side facing away from the screen. Typically, the rear wall is the side facing a structure supporting the electronic display device, for example a shelf, a shelf rail, or a hospital bed. Between the rear wall and this structure, there is usually a distance or gap, at least in some areas. This area and the rear wall itself are usually not sufficiently reached by conventional cleaning agents, meaning that germs have been able to multiply here unhindered. This measure therefore makes it possible to disinfect or clean these otherwise largely inaccessible areas.to disinfect these areas without dismantling the electronic display device, thus significantly reducing maintenance effort.

[0077] For this purpose, for example, an ultraviolet radiation source can be provided on the rear wall and the electronic display device can be designed to irradiate the rear wall with the ultraviolet radiation.

[0078] A part of the rear wall can also have the radiation deflection structure or be designed as a radiation deflection structure.

[0079] The electronic display device preferably has a fastening device for locating the electronic display device at a desired location in a desired position. Such a fastening device can, for example, have a handle, a hook, a clamping device, a gripping device, and / or other components. The electronic display device can also have a stand or the like for positioning the electronic display device upright or lying at a desired angle. Preferably, the fastening device and / or the stand has the radiation deflection structure. This allows the disinfection of the contact point between the electronic display device and the environment, and thus precisely the point that can only be disinfected manually with great effort, namely by (temporarily) relocating the electronic display device.

[0080] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous that the electronic display device is designed to illuminate a partial area of ​​the environment around the electronic display device, in particular the environment behind the electronic display device.

[0081] The area behind the electronic display device is therefore the area on the side of the electronic display device that is facing away from the screen, usually the area around the rear wall.

[0082] To irradiate the partial area of ​​the environment around the electronic display device, the ultraviolet radiation source can be arranged such that the area can be irradiated directly or via the radiation deflection structure.

[0083] Furthermore, the aforementioned measures, such as irradiating the rear panel and / or the frame or housing, can be applied, with the electronic display device being designed to continue directing the ultraviolet radiation onto the surrounding area to disinfect the surrounding area. This allows areas around the electronic display device that would otherwise be difficult to access to be easily disinfected.

[0084] Preferably, the electronic display device, in particular the screen, comprises at least one of the following materials, namely: glass, acrylic, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polyphenylene sulfide.

[0085] These materials have proven advantageous due to their good resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Using these materials thus ensures a longer service life of the electronic display device and thus reduces the maintenance effort otherwise associated with replacing the electronic display devices.

[0086] These materials have proven beneficial for the casing, frame, and back panel. The screen may also contain these materials.

[0087] It has proven particularly advantageous for the screen to be made of glass, acrylic, high-density polyethylene, and / or polycarbonate. These materials can be realized in a transparent form and are preferably used in their transparent form. It is particularly preferred to use at least one of these materials as a layer of the screen.

[0088] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the radiation deflection structure to be made of glass, acrylic, high-density polyethylene, and / or polycarbonate. This enables low-wear or even wear-free delivery of ultraviolet radiation to the preferred location, thus reducing maintenance requirements.

[0089] Furthermore, it should be noted that the ultraviolet disinfection device comprises the ultraviolet radiation source and may also comprise a light-guiding structure designed to direct the UV light to those areas of the display device where disinfection is to take place. This light-guiding structure may be coupled to the radiation source and at least partially encompass the housing and / or the screen or a light-guiding layer covering the screen.

[0090] As mentioned, disinfection involves putting dead or living material into a state where it can no longer infect. Depending on the intensity of the disinfection, for example the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source or the composition or concentration of the disinfectant liquid or the amplitude and frequency of the sound, varying degrees of germ reduction can be achieved. Thus, by adapting the intensity of the disinfection, different log10 levels can be achieved. As mentioned, different levels of disinfection may be necessary or desired for different applications. For example, in areas of hospitals where a higher germ load is expected, such as in an intensive care unit, a powerful ultraviolet radiation source and thus intense (strong) ultraviolet radiation can be used.Here, too, the application can be quite frequent, meaning it can be repeated relatively often. On the other hand, for example, in nursing homes where the same patient occupies the same room equipped with the electronic display device for an extended period of time and only a small amount of potentially infectious material comes into contact with the electronic display device, less intense ultraviolet radiation can be emitted by a possibly also less powerful ultraviolet radiation source, which is associated with lower energy requirements. The frequency and duration of irradiation can also be adjusted depending on the application. The electronic display device can also be designed so that the intensity and / or duration can be adjustable.

[0091] Finally, it should be generally mentioned that the electronic devices discussed, in particular the electronic display device, comprise electronics. The electronics can be discrete or comprise integrated electronics, or even a combination of both. Microcomputers, microcontrollers, and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), possibly in combination with analog or digital electronic peripheral components, can also be used. Many of the device functionalities mentioned are implemented—possibly in conjunction with hardware components—with the aid of software executed on a processor of the electronics. Devices designed for radio communication usually have an antenna configuration for transmitting and receiving radio signals as part of a transceiver module.The electronic devices can also have an internal electrical power supply, which can be implemented, for example, with a replaceable or rechargeable battery. The devices can also be powered wired, either via an external power supply or via "Power over LAN."

[0092] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from the figures discussed below.

[0093] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using exemplary embodiments, to which, however, the invention is not limited. In the various figures, identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. They show schematically:

[0094] Fig. 1 a spatial representation of an electronic

[0095] display device;

[0096] Fig.2 the electronic display device mounted on a

[0097] sickbed;

[0098] Fig. 3A - 3B an embodiment of the electronic display device with a disinfection device;

[0099] Fig. 4A - 4B a second embodiment of the electronic display device with the disinfection device;

[0100] Fig. 5A - 5B a third embodiment of the electronic display device with the disinfection device;

[0101] Fig. 6A - 6B a fourth embodiment of the electronic display device with the disinfection device;

[0102] Fig. 7A - 7B a fifth embodiment of the electronic display device with the disinfection device.

[0103] Description of the embodiments

[0104] Figure 1 shows an electronic display device 1 having a screen 2 for displaying information. The electronic display device 1 has a housing 3. The housing 3 is divided into a front part, which is referred to below as a frame 4, and a rear part, which is referred to below as a rear wall 5. The screen 2 is located on the front side 6 of the electronic display device 1. On the rear side 7 of the electronic display device 1, i.e. on the side facing away from the screen 2, the electronic display device 1 has a fastening device 8 for fastening the electronic display device 1 to another structure.

[0105] Figure 2 shows the electronic display device 1 attached to a structure 9, wherein the structure 9 is the bed front of a hospital bed, which is encompassed by the fastening device 8. Between the rear wall 5 and the structure 9 there is a gap that is difficult to reach with conventional cleaning agents, for example a cloth and soapy water. Furthermore, the structure 9 beneath the rear wall 5 and the rear wall 5 itself can only be efficiently cleaned with the cloth if the electronic display device is removed from the structure 9 or at least folded away. To provide low-maintenance disinfection, the electronic display device has an ultraviolet radiation source 10, for example in the form of a UV LED, as shown in the following figures.

[0106] Figure 3A shows a first embodiment of the electronic display device 1, wherein the ultraviolet radiation source 10 is implemented as a central ultraviolet radiation source 10 in the edge region of the screen 2. In this embodiment, the screen 2 is a reflective screen. Arranged at the edge region of the screen 2, the electronic display device 1 has two illuminants 12, designed as light-emitting diodes 12, or LEDs 12 for short, for illuminating the screen 2 with light visible to humans. The electronic display device 1 has a radiation deflection structure 11, which is intended to direct both the ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet radiation source and the visible light from the illuminants 12 to the desired areas. In the case of visible light, the desired area is primarily the screen 2, although the frame 4 can also be illuminated to a certain extent.The ultraviolet radiation is directed to the entire outer surface of the electronic display device 1, i.e., to the frame 3, the back panel 5 (i.e., the housing 3), and the screen 2. The path along which the ultraviolet radiation and the visible light are directed is represented by the arrows P.

[0107] Figure 3B shows the electronic display device 1 from Figure 3A, sectioned along section line AA. The radiation deflection structure 11 is comprised of several substructures. It should be noted that each of these substructures can also be understood as a radiation deflection structure 11 itself. The radiation deflection structure 11 has a first areal partial radiation deflection structure 11A that covers the screen 2. The first partial radiation deflection structure 11A simultaneously forms a protective layer for the screen 2 and thus the outermost layer above the screen 2. The first partial radiation deflection structure 11A is designed to direct the ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet radiation source 10 toward the outermost layer above the screen 2, i.e., toward the outer surface of the electronic display device 1 at the screen 2, and simultaneously toward the opposite side of the frame 4.Furthermore, the first partial radiation deflection structure 11A is designed to direct the visible light from the lighting means towards the screen 2.

[0108] Behind the screen 2 is a reflective layer 13 for reflecting the light toward the front side 6 of the electronic display device 1. Behind the reflective layer 13, the electronic display device 1 has an electronics unit 14 with which a control stage (e.g., implemented by means of a microprocessor or a microcontroller) is realized. Furthermore, the electronics unit 14 has an energy storage device (not shown) that can be charged via a plug connection (not shown) in the rear panel 5.

[0109] A second partial radiation deflection structure 11B extends around the electronics 14, below the ultraviolet radiation source 10. The second partial radiation deflection structure 11B surrounds the electronics 14 and directs the ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet radiation source toward the frame 4 and the rear wall 5.

[0110] The parts of the housing 3 each form a further part of the radiation deflection structure 11. Thus, the frame 4 forms a third partial radiation deflection structure 11C, and the rear wall 5 forms a fourth partial radiation deflection structure HD. For this purpose, the parts of the housing 3 are made of a largely transparent material with low opacity or with corresponding reflective elements in the material. The housing 3 is thus designed to be transmissive to ultraviolet radiation. Thus, the ultraviolet radiation is evenly directed outwards, where it can exert its disinfecting effect on the housing surface or in its surroundings.

[0111] The ultraviolet radiation structure 10 and the radiation deflection structure 11 thus form an ultraviolet radiation disinfection device 16, which is designed to use ultraviolet radiation or UV light to disinfect at least a portion of the electronic display device 1, in particular its exterior. The electronic display device 1 thus comprises the ultraviolet radiation disinfection device 16, the ultraviolet radiation structure 10, and the radiation deflection structure 11. The electronic display device 1 further comprises a motion sensor 15, which is designed as an ultrasonic sensor. The motion sensor is used to detect whether a person (or another living being large enough to be detected) is in the vicinity of the electronic display device 1.

[0112] Depending on the time and whether the motion sensor 15 has detected the presence of a person, the control stage activates the ultraviolet radiation source 10 and / or the lamps 12 such that, when people are present (and possibly at times when daylight is insufficient), the lamps 12 illuminate the screen so that the information displayed on the screen is clearly visible to observers. If it is determined that no people are present, the ultraviolet radiation source 10 is activated at regular intervals to emit the ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet radiation is guided via the radiation deflection structure 11 to the outer surface of the electronic display device 1, where it has a disinfecting effect. The area around the electronic display device 1 is also irradiated.In this way, the area between the rear wall 5 and the structure 9 is also irradiated, so that the structure 9 is also disinfected in this otherwise difficult-to-access area.

[0113] It should be noted that the fastening device 8 can also be formed as part of the radiation deflection structure 11 or can have a radiation deflection structure 11. Thus, the fastening structure 8 itself can be disinfected, or the area of ​​the structure 9 encompassed by it.

[0114] Figures 4A and 4B show a further embodiment of the electronic display device 1, wherein the screen 2 is designed as a transmissive screen. The screen 2 is covered by a transparent protective layer 17 that protects it from mechanical stress. Behind the screen 2, i.e., inside the electronic display device 1, there are arranged planar lamps 12, which are designed as light-emitting diodes, and ultraviolet radiation sources 10, which are designed as ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. The various light-emitting diodes serve to emit, on the one hand, visible light and, on the other hand, ultraviolet radiation toward the screen 2 and, subsequently, onto the protective layer 17. Behind this layer of lamps 12 and ultraviolet radiation sources 10 is the electronics 14, which includes the control stage.The electronics 14 are surrounded by ultraviolet radiation sources 10, which are designed to radiate the ultraviolet radiation toward the rear wall 5 and the frame 4. The rear wall 5 and the frame 4 are designed as parts of the radiation deflection structure 11, i.e., as partial radiation deflection structure 11C and partial radiation deflection structure HD, and serve to direct the ultraviolet radiation to the outer surface of the housing 3 and the surroundings of the electronic display device 1, in order to exert the disinfecting effect there.

[0115] A further ultraviolet radiation source 10 is provided between frame 4 and rear wall 5 (located to the right of screen 2 in Figure 4B), which is also intended to irradiate the corresponding areas by means of rear wall 5 and frame 4.

[0116] In this exemplary embodiment, a button 18 is also provided as an input device for inputting user interaction. By pressing the button 18, as soon as the motion sensor 15 determines that no person is present in the vicinity of the electronic display device 1, each of the ultraviolet radiation sources 10 is instructed to emit ultraviolet light until a predetermined emission duration is reached or a person is detected in the vicinity of the electronic display device 1. Such an input device can also be combined with other screen configurations and / or ultraviolet radiation source arrangements.

[0117] In this embodiment, too, the radiation deflection structure 11 and the ultraviolet radiation source 10 form an ultraviolet radiation disinfection device 16.

[0118] Figures 5A and 5B show a further embodiment of the electronic display device 1, which does not require a radiation deflection structure 11 separate from the ultraviolet radiation source 10. Here, the electronic display device has a plurality of ultraviolet radiation sources 10 designed as UV LEDs. These protrude from the frame 4 such that they can irradiate the screen 2, as indicated by the arrows P. It should be noted that the ultraviolet radiation is emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source 10 in many directions, in particular all around the ultraviolet radiation sources 10. The arrows P merely indicate some of these directions by way of example. In the rear wall 5, the electronic display device 1 has further ultraviolet radiation sources 10 for irradiating the rear wall 5 and the surrounding area.Here, the electronic display device 1 comprises an ultraviolet radiation disinfection device 16, which comprises the ultraviolet radiation sources 10 arranged to irradiate the desired area.

[0119] It should be noted that the ultraviolet radiation source 10 naturally also comprises light-transmitting and UV-radiation-transmitting components, particularly lenses for protecting the underlying electronics or semiconductors. However, these components are not part of the radiation deflection structure 11, which is separate from the ultraviolet radiation source 10.

[0120] It should be noted that the ultraviolet radiation sources 10 can also be located in a raised portion of the housing 3, for example, in Figures 4A and 4B instead of or next to the motion sensor 15 and / or next to or instead of the button 18, in order to emit the ultraviolet radiation from there. From there, a particularly large area can be irradiated, thus enabling particularly comprehensive disinfection. Such an electronic display device is shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0121] Figures 6A and 6B show the electronic display device 1, wherein the ultraviolet radiation source 10, embodied as a UV-C LED, is located beneath a radiation deflection structure 11 comprising a partial radiation deflection structure 11E. The partial radiation deflection structure 11E is embodied as a light guide, which is designed to guide the light, in particular, toward the screen 2. For this purpose, the material is selected accordingly, resulting in the light being refracted in this direction.

[0122] Figures 7A and 7B show an electronic display device 1 designed for disinfection using disinfectant. For this purpose, the electronic display device 1 has a disinfection device 16 designed as a disinfectant-disinfection device. The disinfection device 16 has a disinfectant reservoir 19 that houses disinfectant (in this example, liquid). The disinfectant reservoir 19 is connected to a disinfectant distribution device 20. The disinfectant distribution device 20 has a pump (not shown) and an atomizer (not shown) and sucks the disinfectant from the disinfectant reservoir 19 and air from the surrounding area and mixes them to create an aerosol, which is released by a disinfectant release device 21 and directed to the areas to be disinfected.The disinfectant release device 21 thus distributes the disinfectant aerosol, as indicated by the arrows P', to the desired locations on the electronic display device 1, in particular on its screen 2, as well as on the surroundings adjacent to the electronic display device 1.

[0123] Finally, it should be noted once again that the figures described in detail above are merely exemplary embodiments that can be modified in a variety of ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that the relevant features may be present multiple times.

Claims

Claims 1. Electronic display device (1), - which has a screen (2), in particular a reflective screen (2), for displaying information, and - which has a disinfection device (16) which is designed to disinfect at least a partial area of ​​the electronic display device (1), in particular its outer side.

2. Electronic display device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection device is designed to dispense a disinfectant, in particular a disinfection liquid.

3. Electronic display device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the disinfection device is designed to emit ultraviolet radiation or UV light.

4. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display device (1) has an electronics (14) for controlling the activity of the disinfection device (16), and wherein the electronics (14) are designed to control, in particular to activate or deactivate, the disinfection device (16) depending on at least one of the following events: - a user interaction; - receiving an external signal, in particular a radio signal; - the fulfillment of a time-dependent condition, in particular the determination of a time, - determining that there are no people in the vicinity of the electronic display device (1).

5. Electronic display device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the disinfection device (16) is designed to emit UV-C radiation, in particular in the wavelength range from 100 to 280 nm.

6. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein the disinfection device (16) comprises at least one of the following components, namely: - an ultraviolet light-emitting diode, in particular a UV-C light-emitting diode, - an ultraviolet gas discharge lamp, - an excimer lamp - a laser, in particular an excimer laser and / or an ultraviolet diode laser, and / or - an ultraviolet cold cathode tube.

7. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, wherein the electronic display device (1) has a radiation deflection structure (11), in particular a radiation deflection structure (11) separate from an ultraviolet radiation source (10), preferably a light guide, for deflecting the ultraviolet radiation, in particular towards the screen (2).

8. Electronic display device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic display device (1) has a lighting means (12), in particular a light-emitting diode (12), for emitting light visible to humans for illuminating the screen (2), and wherein the electronic display device (1) is designed to deflect the light emitted by the lighting means (12) by means of the radiation deflection structure (11), in particular to direct it towards the screen (2).

9. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 8, wherein the electronic display device (1) is designed to emit the ultraviolet radiation over an area.

10. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 9, wherein the electronic display device (1) is designed to irradiate the screen (2), at least in part, preferably completely, with the ultraviolet radiation, in particular to backlight and / or to surround it.

11. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 10, comprising a housing (3) and / or a frame (4) surrounding the screen (2), wherein the electronic display device (1) is designed to irradiate, in particular backlight, at least a partial area of ​​the frame (4) and / or the housing (3) with the ultraviolet radiation.

12. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 11, comprising a rear wall (5), wherein the electronic display device (1) is designed to irradiate, in particular backlight, at least a partial area of ​​the rear wall (5) with ultraviolet radiation.

13. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 12, wherein the electronic display device (1) is designed to illuminate a partial area of ​​the environment around the electronic display device (1), in particular the environment behind the electronic display device (1).

14. Electronic display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 13, wherein the electronic display device (1), in particular the screen (2), comprises at least one of the following materials, namely: - Glass, - Acrylic, - High Density Polyethylene, - polycarbonate, - polyetherimide, - Polyphenylene sulfide.

15. Method for disinfecting an electronic display device (1) by autonomously disinfecting a partial area of ​​the electronic display device (1) by means of a disinfection device (16) integrated into the electronic display device.

16. Method for disinfecting an electronic Display device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the disinfection device is designed as an ultraviolet radiation disinfection device (16) and the disinfection is carried out by irradiating at least a partial area of ​​the electronic display device (1) by means of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the disinfection device (16).

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims 15 to 16, wherein the autonomous disinfection, in particular the irradiation, is automatically stopped or prevented when a person is detected in the vicinity of the electronic display device (1).

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