WO2011048218A1

WO2011048218A1 - Radio control

Info

Publication number: WO2011048218A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/065993
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armin Muth; Jens Neebe
Original assignee: Terra Fernwirktechnik Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-10-22
Filing date: 2010-10-22
Publication date: 2011-04-28
Also published as: EP2491567A1; DE102009050373B4; EP2491567B1; DE102009050373A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a radio control, in particular for a work machine, comprising a remote control unit (10), which has a radio module (20.9) and which is associated with a keyboard (44). In order to be able to adapt such a radio control in a simple manner to different work machines with low effort, according to the invention the keyboard is part of a keyboard unit (40) that can be replaceably connected to the remote control unit.

Description

radio control

The invention relates to a radio control, in particular for a work machine with a remote control unit, which has a radio module, and which is associated with a keyboard unit.

The invention further relates to a remote control unit or a keyboard unit for a radio control.

Radio controls are used to operate stationary or mobile machines. A typical application for such a radio control is given, for example, in crushers, which are used for the comminution of materials, such as rock materials or wood. The radio control allows an operator to control all the work-related functions of the machine, while being able to stand in a secured environment away from the machine. loading Preferably, these radio controls are also used by operators who perform additional functions in the working environment of the working machine. For example, an excavator driver who feeds a crusher can control the functions of the crusher from his cab. The radio control has a radio module, preferably a radio-frequency radio module, which communicates with a radio module of the work machine and thereby exchanges data. As already mentioned above, such radio controls are used to operate a variety of machines of a manufacturer. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the right radio control individually for each machine. In the event that a radio control is defective, a replacement radio control must be kept available to avoid longer machine downtime. This creates a high capital commitment for the provision of the required radio controls.

It is an object of the invention to provide radio controls of the type mentioned above, with which different machines can be controlled with little effort.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a remote control unit for a radio control or a keyboard unit for this purpose.

The radio control related object of the invention is achieved in that the keyboard is part of a keyboard unit, which is interchangeable connected to the remote control unit.

With this structure, the remote control unit is a basic unit that can be customized with the keyboard unit. In this case, the keyboard unit is designed specifically for a work machine and has the keyboard layout suitable for this work machine. The adaptation to different machine types can now be achieved simply by using the appropriate keyboard unit in the remote control unit. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the keyboard unit has a μ-controller, which is electrically connected to the switches of the keyboard. With the μ-controller, the keyboard unit is assigned its own intelligence. The signals of the switches can be converted in the μ-controller and made available to the remote control unit in the required format.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is such that the keyboard unit has a bus coupler connected to a data bus and that the data bus has one or more contacts which are detachably coupleable to contacts of the remote control unit. In this way, the signal transmission between the keyboard unit and the remote control unit succeeds easily and without cabling. The electrical connection between the keyboard unit and the remote control unit is easily established upon insertion of the keyboard unit.

A radio control according to the invention may be in the form that the keyboard unit has power supply contacts, which can be releasably coupled to a power supply, in particular a battery of the remote control unit. In this way, the structure of the keyboard unit is further simplified. This further optimizes the cost of machine customization.

If it is provided that the μ-controller is assigned a programming interface, then the keyboard unit can be set up in a simple manner and later checked for maintenance.

The radio controls according to the invention are often used in harsh environment, which also moisture exposure may be present. For this reason, a variant of the invention is such that the keyboard is designed as a membrane keyboard with controls and a film which is firmly attached to a circuit board. With this embodiment, the film covers the board. The cohesive connection prevents moisture ingress and also has elastic properties that are exploited for shock absorption. A further improvement of the IP-tightness is achieved in a simple manner if it is provided that the keyboard unit comprises a housing which is composed of a lower part and a cover frame, that the cover frame is sealed to the lower part and the keyboard held in the housing interior is accessible through the area enclosed by the cover frame that the keyboard is sealed from the cover frame and that a seal the keyboard unit relative to the remote control unit seals such that the electrical interface between the keyboard unit and the remote control unit relative to the environment is moisture-insulated.

The object of the invention is also achieved with a remote control unit having a radio module, a transmitting and / or receiving circuit and a receiving housing. In this case, the receptacle housing has a keyboard receptacle for a keyboard unit according to the invention. In the field of keyboard recording, an electrical interface for electrical coupling of the keyboard unit is arranged. As described above, the remote control unit serves to interchangeably accommodate the keyboard unit, thereby achieving machine customization.

The electrical interface may have a contact point for a data bus and / or contact points for a power supply. With this measure, an inexperienced user without special expertise to make the individualization of the remote control unit.

The remote control unit may in particular be designed such that the data bus is connected via a bus coupler to a μ-controller, which is connected via an interface to the radio module, and / or that the power supply is formed by a battery, which is held on or in the receiving housing is.

The invention also includes a keyboard unit for radio remote control having a board coupled to one or more switches and a μ-controller, the keyboard unit having a mechanical and an electrical interface with a contact for a data bus. The keyboard unit represents an independent unit that can be installed directly with the remote control unit. With the μ-controller, the keyboard unit can be assigned the machine-specific character. The μ-controller then ultimately also individualizes the remote control unit and determines it as assigned to the desired machine. Because a mechanical interface is present in an individualized manner on the keyboard unit, different keyboard units can be attached to a remote control unit with an adapted interface geometry. In this case, a normalized data transfer is possible via the electrical interface.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings. Show it:

1 shows a remote control unit in a perspective view,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective front view of a keyboard unit;

FIG. 3 shows the keyboard unit according to FIG. 2 in a perspective rear view;

FIG. 4 shows the remote control unit according to FIG. 1 in an exploded view;

5 shows a schematic block diagram of a control of the remote control unit according to FIG. 1, FIG.

6 shows a schematic block diagram of a control of the keyboard unit according to FIGS. 2 and 3, and FIG

Figure 7 shows a charging tray in perspective view.

Figure 1 shows a remote control unit 10 for a work machine, which is designed as a hand-held device. The remote control unit 10 has a receiving housing, the a lower housing part 20 and a housing cover 30 is composed. The receiving housing forms at its opposite longitudinal sides in each case a recessed grip 1 1. These are dimensioned so that the remote control unit 10 can be kept safe especially with gloves. At the lower narrow side of the receiving housing a recessed switch receptacle 13 is indented. In the area of this switch receptacle 13, a switch 20.5 (see FIG. 4) is arranged, with which the remote control unit 10 can be switched on or off. The fact that the switch 20.5 is arranged on the indented switch receptacle 13, an accidental switch operation is avoided. In the area of the upper narrow side of the receiving housing, a display 12 can be seen through a window 12.1 of the housing cover. Below the display 12, a keyboard unit 40 is held in the receiving housing.

With reference to Figure 4, the embodiment of the receiving housing will be explained in more detail below. As can be seen from this illustration, the housing part 20 is made as an injection-molded part and has a bottom 20.1, from which a side wall 20.2 rises circumferentially. The bottom 20.1 is provided with an integrally formed rib structure 20.1 1, so that a stable construction with low weight can be realized. The circumferential side wall 20.2 terminates at its end remote from the bottom 20.1 with a seal receiver 20.10. In this seal receptacle 20.10 can be inserted or foamed all around a sealing cord. This sealing cord serves to cover the attached housing cover 30th

As already mentioned above, the housing part 20 has a lower switch receptacle 13, in which a pressure switch 20.5 (push-button switch) is screwed sealed to the lower side wall 20.2. On supporting structures of the soil 20.1. a circuit board 20.6 is held. The printed circuit board 20.6 carries a radio module 20.9, which in the present case is designed as a radio-frequency radio module, and has a transmitting and receiving circuit for transmitting or for receiving radio signals. On the circuit board 20.6 further electronic components are arranged, which were not shown for clarity in the present case. Like the figure 4 further shows, on the circuit board 20.6 also a contact element 20.7 is attached, which serves for contacting a battery as power supply 31 .7. The power supply 31 .7 is held in the housing cover 30, as will be explained later.

Furthermore, the circuit board 20.6 contact pins are arranged. The contact pins serve as a voltage supply 20.81, 20.83. The third contact pin is part of a bus 20.82, which is integrated on the circuit board 20.6. The contact pins are resiliently mounted in the vertical direction to the circuit board level and precious metal coated to avoid corrosion.

The bottom 20.1 of the housing part 20 carries a plurality of screw domes 20.3, which are penetrated by a through hole. The through holes of the screw dome 20.3 are aligned with threaded receptacles of the housing cover 30. On the back can be passed through the bottom 20.1 fixing screws through the through holes of the screw 20.3 and screwed into the threaded holes of the housing cover 30. In this way, the housing cover 30 is fixedly connected to the housing part 20.

As FIG. 4 further shows, three screw domes 20.4 are on the floor

20.1 attached, which in turn are penetrated by a screw. These screw domes 20.4 are aligned with openings 31 .3 of the housing cover 30 and serve to secure the keyboard unit 40, as will be explained in more detail later.

The housing cover 30 has a gauged keyboard mount 31. This has a support surface 31 .2, which runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of the remote control unit 10 and thus parallel to the bottom 20.1 of the housing part 20. The support surface

31 .2 is bounded by a circumferential wall 31 .1, so that a receiving compartment is formed. In the region of the support surface 31 .2 the above-mentioned openings 31 .3 are arranged, which are aligned with the fastening receptacles of the screw dome 20.4. Furthermore, in the area of the support surface 31 .2 contact bushings 31 .4 exist in the form of an opening. Through the contact bushings 31 .4 protrude the Contact pins forming the power supply 20.81, 20.83 and the contact pin of the bus 20, 82.

The housing cover 30 has a circumferential side wall 31 .8, which is aligned with the circumferential side wall 20. 2 of the housing part 20. The housing cover 30 can be placed on the housing part 20 so that the side wall 31 .8 is fitted with a sealing projection on the circumferential sealing cord of the housing part 20. As mentioned above, the housing cover 30 can be screwed to the housing part 20 using fastening screws (fastening dome 20.3), whereby the sealing cord is compressed. In order to achieve a moisture-proof encapsulation, the openings 31 .3 and the contact bushing 31 .4 are sealed.

When the housing cover 30 is mounted, the display 12 mounted on the printed circuit board 20.6 can be seen through the window element 12.1 of the housing cover 30.

In the area of the keyboard holder 31, a battery holder 31 .5 is recessed. A rechargeable battery can be inserted in this battery holder as power supply 31 .7. The battery has contact elements that come into contact with the contact element 20.7 on the circuit board 20.6. The inserted battery can be fixed in the battery holder 31 .5 by means of a lock 31 .6. The lock 31 .6 is formed by a locking element.

As FIG. 4 also shows, the remote control unit 10 also comprises the keyboard unit 40. In this case, the keyboard unit 40 is embodied as a completely moisture-proof housing unit. It has a lower part 42, which is designed as an injection molded part, and has a bottom 42.1. The bottom 42.1 is stiffened with a molded ribbing 42.2. At the bottom 42.1 a circumferential edge is formed, the locking elements 42.3 carries. Furthermore, two openings 42.4, 42.5 are provided in the bottom 42.1. In this case, the breakthrough 42.4 is aligned with inserted keyboard unit with the contact bushing 31 .4 of the housing cover 30. On the Verrippung 42.2 of the lower part 42, a board 43 can be placed. The board 43 has on its front side 43.1 switch 43.2. On the back of the board 43, an electrical circuit comprising a μ-controller 60 (see Figure 6) is applied. The size of the blank 43 is such that its peripheral side surface 43.3 can be inserted into the region of the base 42 bounded by the edge 42.6. The side surface 43.3 directly adjoins the edge 42.6 on the inside, so that the circuit board 43 is held immovably in its plane of the board. On the front 43.1 of the board 43 designed as a membrane keyboard keypad 44 is placed and connected to the front side 43.1 cohesively, in particular glued. The keyboard 44 has a foil 44.2, under the top of which controls 44.1 are kept moisture-sealed. The front side is above the film 44.2 an applied seal 44.3 before. The keyboard 44 is associated with the board 43 such that the operating elements 44.1 are in contact with the switches 43.2. To fix the keyboard 44, a cover frame 45 is used. The cover frame 45 has a peripheral side part 45.1, which encloses an opening. The side part 45.1 is provided with inwardly turned locking elements 45.2, which are matched to the locking elements 42.3 of the lower part 42. The cover frame 45 can be placed over the keyboard 44, so that the side part 45.1 engages over the edge 42.6 of the lower part 42 and latch the locking elements 45.2 with the locking elements 42.3. In this latching operation, the gasket 44.3 of the keyboard 44 is compressed below a flange 45.3 of the cover frame 45, so that a damp-proof finish is achieved. The keyboard 44 is operable through the opening of the cover 45 therethrough. On the back of the lower part 42, a frame-shaped seal 41 is glued to the floor 42.1.

In Figures 2 and 3, the keyboard unit 40 is shown in an assembled view. As can be seen from FIG. 3, screw-in domes 42. 7 with integrated threaded receptacles are formed on the back side of the bottom 42. Through the breakthrough 42.5 in the bottom 42.1 is a programming interface 62 (see Figure 6) accessible. Through the opening 42.4 voltage supply contacts 63 and a bus contact 64 are accessible, which are mounted on the back of the board 43. The power supply contacts 63 and the bus contact 64 are precious metal coated. Between the back of the board 43 and the associated side of the bottom 42.1 sealing elements are attached, which seal off the region of the openings 42.4 and 42.5 moisture-tight.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the keyboard unit 40 may be inserted into the keyboard seat 31. The screw domes 42.7 penetrate the apertures 31 .3, the threaded receptacles of the screw domes 42.7 being in alignment with the screw receptacles of the screw domes 20.4. Due to the screw receptacles of the screw dome 20.4 fastening screws can be passed from the back of the housing part 20 forth and screwed into the threaded holes of the screw 42.7. In this way, the keyboard unit can be safely and interchangeably set with a few simple steps. The seal 41 .4 of the keyboard unit 40 rests on the support surface 31 .2 of the keyboard holder 31 and seals circumferentially. The contact pins of the power supply 20.81, 20.83 and the bus 20.82 are deflected against the bias of their springs and thus clamped against the power supply contacts 63 and the bus contact 64.

With reference to Figure 5, the basic structure of the control electronics on the circuit board 20.6 of the remote control unit 10 is explained below. Accordingly, a μ-controller 50 is integrated on the circuit board 20.6, which controls the display 12 via a display interface 51. Furthermore, the radio module 20.9 is connected to the μ-controller 50 via an interface 55, which includes an antenna 56.1. The μ-controller 50 has terminals 53 which are routed to the pins of the power supply 20.81, 20.83, and a data bus 54 is coupled to the μ-controller 50 via a bus interface leading to the pin 20, 82 of the data bus 54 , Finally, the switch 20.5 is connected to the μ-controller 50 via a control circuit 57 for switching on and off of the device. The control circuit 57 is also connected to the battery of the power supply 31 .7 in connection and is connected to charging contacts 57.2, via which the power supply 31 .7 can be loaded. Furthermore, a programming interface 59 coupled to the μ-controller 50 through which a simple system programming and maintenance can be made.

Referring to FIG. 6, the structure of the circuit mounted on the board 43 of the keyboard unit 40 will be explained below. As can be seen from this illustration, the μ-controller 60 is integrated on the board 43. This is connected to the power supply contacts 63 and the bus contact 64. In addition, the μ-controller 60 is connected to the switches 43.2. Via a programming interface 62, the μ-controller 60 can be programmed or read for maintenance and installation purposes. To the μ-controller 60 LED's are still connected. The LEDs are used to visualize operating states.

FIG. 7 shows a charging cradle 70 for the remote control unit 10. This charging cradle 70 can be connected, for example, to the electrical system of a vehicle and serves to charge the power supply 31 .7 (rechargeable battery). The charging tray 70 has a support surface 71 which is bounded laterally by two guide elements 72. In the area of the bearing surface 71, two charging contacts 74 are furthermore provided. The remote control unit 10 can be inserted into the charging tray 70 so that the bottom 20.1 of the housing part 20 rests flat on the support surface 71. The recessed grips 1 1 of the remote control unit 10 come to rest in the region of the guide elements 72, wherein the guide elements 72 engage in the recessed grips 1 1 and thus prevent a displacement of the remote control unit 10 in the plane of the support surface 71. Form surfaces 73 of the guide elements 72 correspond to the widened transitions of the recessed grips 1 1. In order to connect the remote control unit 10 captive, but releasably connected to the charging tray 70, a magnet is provided. This magnet is integrated in the lower housing part 20 and cooperates with the ferromagnetic material of the bearing surface 71.

The remote control unit 10 shown in the drawings can be used to control a particular work machine. In this case, the keyboard unit 40 specifies the machine type, since it is designed for this. For this purpose, the μ-controller 60 of the keyboard unit 40 programmed on the machine type. The assignment of the keyboard is set to this machine type. Thus, the μ-controller 60 of the keyboard unit 40 contains the machine-specific data. The μ-controller 50 in the receiving housing, however, controls the units that are housed in the receiving housing, in particular the radio module 20.9, the display 12 and the power supply. According to the invention, the machine type is thus impressed by means of the keyboard unit 40 of the remote control unit 10. If a user now wishes to control another type of machine with the remote control unit 10, then only the keyboard unit 40 is to be replaced with the keyboard unit 40 required for the new machine type. Coordination of the two μ-controllers 50 and 60 can then take place via a program routine, for example, so that the entire remote control unit 10 is now aligned with the new machine type.

Claims

claims

1 . Radio control, in particular for a work machine, having a remote control unit (10) which has a radio module (20.9) and to which a keyboard (44) is assigned,

characterized,

in that the keyboard (44) is part of a keyboard unit (40) which can be interchangeably connected to the remote control unit (10).

2. Remote control according to claim 1,

characterized,

in that the keyboard unit (4) has a μ-controller (60) which is electrically connected to switches (43.1) of the keyboard (44).

3. Remote control according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized,

in that the keyboard unit (40) has a bus coupling unit which is connected to a data bus, and that the data bus has one or more contacts (64) which can be releasably coupled to contacts of the remote control unit (10).

4. Remote control according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized,

the keyboard unit (40) has power supply contacts (63) which can be detachably coupled to a power supply (31, 7), in particular a battery of the remote control unit (10).

5. Radio control according to one of claims 2 to 4,

characterized,

that the μ-controller (60) is associated with a programming interface (62).

6. Radio control according to one of claims 1 to 5,

characterized,

in that the keyboard (44) is designed as a membrane keyboard with operating elements (44.1) and a foil (44.2), which is fastened in a material-locking manner on a circuit board (43).

7. Radio control according to one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized,

in that the keyboard unit (40) has a housing which is composed of a lower part (42) and a cover frame (45),

the cover frame (45) is sealed to the lower part (42) and the keyboard (44) held in the housing interior is accessible through the area enclosed by the cover frame (45),

that the keyboard (44) is sealed from the cover frame (45), and

a seal (41) seals the keyboard unit (40) relative to the remote control unit (10) such that the electrical interface between the keyboard unit (40) and the remote control unit (10) is moisture-isolated from the environment.

8. Remote control unit (10) for a radio control with a radio module (20.9), a transmitting and / or receiving circuit, and with a receiving housing, characterized

in that the receiving housing has a keyboard receptacle (31) for a keyboard unit (40), and

in that an electrical interface for electrical connection of the keyboard unit (40) is arranged in the area of the keyboard receptacle (31).

9. Remote control unit according to claim 8,

characterized,

in that the electrical interface has a contact point (53) for a voltage supply.

10. Remote control unit according to claim 9,

characterized,

that the data bus (54) is connected via a bus coupling unit to a μ-controller (50) which is connected to the radio module (56) via an interface (55), and / or

that the power supply is formed by a battery (57.1) which is held on or in the receiving housing.

1 1. Remote control unit according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by one of claims 1 to 7.

12. Keyboard unit (40) for a radio remote control with a board (43) which is coupled to one or more switches (43.2) and a μ-controller (60), wherein the keyboard unit (40) has a mechanical and an electrical interface with a Contact for a data bus (64).

13. keyboard unit according to claim 12, characterized by one of claims 1 to 1 1.