AT500096A1 - CONTROL DEVICE FOR ELECTRICALLY OPERATING TOYS AND THEIR USE - Google Patents

Description

- I - ♦ ·· ♦ # · • ♦ φ

The invention relates to a control device for electrically operable toys, as described in claim 1, and their use according to claims 29 to 33.

There are control devices for electrically driven toy vehicles known, with which the movement speed and direction of movement of the respective toy vehicle can be changed or regulated according to the wishes of the operator. For the control of entire model railway systems or model railways, it is known to use so-called control transformers for operating and for the most stepless change in the speed of model replicas modeled as faithfully as possible. Furthermore, model railway systems for the so-called "digital operation" or multi-train control systems are known in which generated with a plurality of electronic components diverse control commands, output targeted and implemented by the selected model vehicle accordingly. Such digital controls require relatively high expenses and costs due to their structurally complex or complex structure. But even the known control devices for the so-called analog operation of model toys can not meet all economic and technical requirements.

The object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive control device for electrically driven toys. In addition, another object of the invention is to be able to control electrically driven model toys as faithfully as possible from a limited distance.

The object of the invention is solved by the features of claim 1. It is advantageous that a provided with electrically controllable drives toy can be relatively finely controlled or regulated in his movements with simple circuitry measures. Through the combination of half-wave rectification and full-wave rectification, the drive energy supplied to a drive device can be easily controlled or graded N200I / 09X00-2-, so that not only switching on and off, but at least different movement speeds can be realized with simple technical means. The structurally simple components of the control device enable cost-effective production and overall results in a good price / performance ratio for the specified control device. In addition, the specified components result in a particularly lightweight in its weight controller for toys to be supplied with electrical DC voltage, whereby its handling or mobility is favored. It is also essential that the power loss of the control device, especially in the operating mode with low output power, is kept low. Namely, the power dissipation in the operating state with the output energy set low can be reduced by up to 50% by the half-wave rectification operating mode.

Due to the possible embodiment according to claim 2, the number of electrical components of the control device can be further reduced after individual diodes of the bridge rectifier can be used alternately for half-wave rectification and full-wave rectification supplied AC voltage.

In the embodiment according to claim 3, it is advantageous that the control device can be comfortably grasped and optionally operated by only one hand of a user. In addition, a certain mobility of the user is ensured.

In the embodiment according to claim 4 is advantageous that the control device itself, so at least that part which is gripped by the hand of a user, transformer can be formed and thus a high level of security is achieved with respect to electrical protection measures.

According to the embodiment according to claim 5 standard available and manufactured in large quantities components can be used for the construction of the controller and thereby the overall cost of the control device can be further reduced. Furthermore, it is advantageous that standard existing, proven multiple protective measures or overload protection can be used.

In the alternative embodiment according to claim 6 is advantageous that the number of external components and thus the number of cable connections between the components of a corresponding control system can be reduced. N2001 / 09800 -3-

In the embodiment according to claim 7, it is advantageous that a component largely independent of the electrical load or of the respective load current is thereby created for changing the output voltage.

In the embodiment according to claim 8 is advantageous that the output voltage of the control device can be changed within a wide range in relatively small steps.

In the embodiment according to claim 9 is advantageous that the change in the amplitude and at the same time the pulse width of the pulses of the output voltage can be changed in several stages.

In the embodiment according to claim 10 is advantageous that a smooth transition from maximum output voltage to minimum output voltage or output power and vice versa on the intermediate switching stages is possible.

The output voltage or the electrical power of a consumer connected to the output or drive can be sensitively regulated or changed by the embodiment according to claim 11.

Of particular advantage is also the embodiment according to claim 12, as this full-wave rectification and half-wave rectification are combined so that adjusts even when switching from half-wave rectification to full-wave rectification and vice versa, a largely stepless or harmoniously running power transition and thus a nearly linear control of Drive device is enabled.

Due to the multi-stage selector switch according to claim 13 barely jump in speed can be seen when changing from one switching stage to the next switching stage.

Structurally simple, yet functionally reliable switching elements can be achieved by the embodiment according to claim 14.

Due to the embodiment according to claim 15, an operator of the control device 1 has only one actuating or control element to actuate and the change or transition to the different power levels can be carried out fluently and properly or fail-safe.

Due to the particular embodiment according to claim 16 and 17, the switching elements simultaneously act as a means for reversing the voltage applied to the output terminals DC voltage, N 2001/09800 -4- so that the two switching elements are also used to reverse the direction of movement of a drive.

The embodiment of claim 18 can be implemented in a simple manner by means of simple sliding contacts or it can be used as standard existing, multi-tried switch.

The embodiment according to claim 19 allows intuitive operation of the control device, so that little prior knowledge or training is required. In addition, incorrect operation can be largely excluded.

The embodiment according to one or more of claims 20 to 22 enables the realization of multifunctional switching elements with simple structural measures.

The embodiment according to claims 23 and 24 proves to be advantageous since both the speed and the direction of movement of a toy to be controlled can be set or regulated as desired via a single, central control element or control element in the form of a rotary control.

Due to the configuration according to claim 25, both the waveform of the half-wave rectified and the full-wave rectified DC voltage can be changed, so that even when switching between half-wave rectification to full-wave rectification and vice versa no sudden change in the drive power of an electric motor is caused.

A performance or energy leap occurring in the transition from full-wave rectification to full-wave rectification is avoided by the embodiment according to claim 26.

The development according to claim 27 prevents the control device suffers from improper startup or use electrical defects.

An effective security element, which also in the case of activation, an opening of the housing is unnecessary, is given according to claim 28.

Also advantageous are the uses of the control device according to the invention according to claim 29 or 30, since thereby the incentive to play with a suitably equipped toy vehicle or functional model can be increased. N2001 / 09800 -5- • · · < 1

Also advantageous are the uses according to claim 31 or 32, as this most diverse motion functions can be performed as faithfully as possible via remote control.

Finally, the use of the control device according to claim 33 is advantageous, since thereby also special models for model railway systems can be driven or moved realistically.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows an embodiment of a control device for controlling a model railway installation in a simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a possible embodiment of the electrical control device of Fig. 1;

3 shows a possible form of a voltage signal, as can be generated at the output of the control device according to FIG. 1, in a greatly simplified, schematic representation;

4 shows a possible layout for an embodiment of the control device according to FIG. 1 for the solder side of a component carrier in a simplified representation;

5 shows a possible layout for the component side of a component carrier of the control device according to FIG. 4 in a simplified representation.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals and component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to the new situation mutatis mutandis when a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent separate, inventive or inventive solutions. N2001 / 04800 -6-

FIG. 1 illustrates a possible embodiment of a control device 1 for electrically controlling the functions of toys or at least one toy, in particular of at least one toy vehicle 2. The control device I is particularly suitable for controlling the movement functions of a toy model according to the wishes of an operator of the control device 1 or according to the control commands of a user of a corresponding toy system with a plurality of electrically operable toys. Movement functions of a toy model or toy vehicle 2 are to be understood as movement movements and / or rotational movements and / or steering movements and / or movements of any functional models. Such a functional model can be formed, for example, by a crane whose crane jib and / or superstructure and / or cable hook or the like can be moved or adjusted as desired via the control device 1. In order for the various movement functions of a toy vehicle 2 or a functional model can be performed remotely, these include at least one drive device 3, in particular at least one electric motor 4. This electric motor 4 is preferably formed by a DC motor, which with in the pulse width and / or in the amplitude modulated DC voltage is operable and converts supplied electrical voltage into kinetic energy. Instead of supplying pulse width modulated voltage for the operation of the at least one electric motor 4 of the toy model, it is of course also possible to generate frequency-modulated electrical drive energy for its motion control.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device 1 is used for function or movement control of track-guided model vehicles 5, as has been indicated schematically. In particular, the control device 1 is suitable for controlling rail-guided model railway vehicles, such as model railway locomotives or model railway trains, which are track-guided on a track 6 of a rail system.

Deviating from these track-guided model vehicles 5, it is of course also possible to use the control device 1 for the function control of steerable toy vehicles with wired remote control. Likewise, it is of course possible to use the control device 1 to control toy vehicle models that are movable along predefined tracks.

The electrical control device 1 can have an approximately palm-sized housing 7, in which at least some of the electrical components required for controlling the drive device 3 of a toy vehicle N2001 / (W800 -7) are accommodated, The dimensions, in particular the width, length and height dimensions of the housing 7 are selected such that the control device 1 can be held comfortably in the hand and at least partly gripped by the fingers of a user .At least one operating element 9 is arranged at least on an upper side 8 of the housing 7. Preferably, a plurality of operating elements 9 in FIG A central operating element 9 of the control device 1 is formed by a control element 10, which is preferably realized in the manner of a rotary control. instead of a knob a slider to use the regulator as a control element 10.

With this button-type control element 10, both the direction of movement and the speed of movement of the drive device 3 can be selected or regulated for the respective movement function. Instead of this preferred combined direction and speed control of an electric motor drive device 3 by means of the central control element 10, it is of course also possible to regulate only the speed of movement of this control element 10 and a separate control element 9, for example in the form of a button or switch, the direction of movement to choose or pre-set.

If the preferably combined control element 10 for the direction and speed selection is located in a basic position 11 illustrated in FIG. 1, which can be recognized by coincidence or overlapping of a housing-side marking with a marking arranged on the control element 10, then the respectively to be controlled Disabled drive device 3, ie, that this drive device 3, no or only relatively low electrical energy is supplied, which is not sufficient to activate the drive device 3.

If the control element 10 is moved or rotated in the direction of an arrow 12, then at least one drive device 3 which can be connected to an output 13 of the control device 1 or is switched on is activated or set in motion with a certain direction of rotation. The farther the control element 10 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 12, the higher the rotational speed or rotational speed of the respective drive device 3 of a toy vehicle 2 becomes. If the control element 10 is thereby rotated as far as a stop 14, then the respective drive device 3 is supplied with electrical energy in such a way that approximately the maximum possible or the maximum permitted rotational speed or rotational speed is set. N2001 / 09800 - 8

If the control element 10 is moved back in the direction of the basic position 11 or the housing-side marking against the arrow 12, the respective electromotive drive device 3 slows down continuously until it is finally brought to a standstill when the basic position 11 is taken. The same applies if the control element 10 is moved starting from the basic position in the direction of an arrow 15. In this case, the respective drive device 3 is offset in the opposite direction of rotation and depending on the setting winkeis of the control element 10 and the adjustment in the direction of arrow 15 whose speed or speed increases until finally at a stop 16, the maximum speed or maximum speed is reached. In the case of regulation or control of a traction drive, this means that upon movement of the control element 10 in the direction of arrow 12, for example, a backward movement and movement in the direction of arrow 15 results in a forward movement of the respective toy vehicle 2 with dependent on its current angular position driving speed. The speed of the movement can be increased and reduced continuously or as continuously as possible starting from the basic position up to the stops 14 and 16, respectively.

Optionally, the control device 1 also include an emergency stop 17. This emergency stop 17 is preferably designed as a switch or key and advantageously formed in the center region of the disc-shaped or knob-shaped control element 10.

Further optionally formed on the control device I controls 9 may be, for example, switches or buttons for on-demand activation and deactivation of additional functions. So it is e.g. It is possible to operate or activate special functions via these additional operating elements 9. Such special functions are for example in the control of railway models a Lokpfeife, a smoke generator, a decoupling device, a lighting device, a points or signal drive or the like.

Optionally, the control device 1 can also have at least one display element 18, which on the one hand can be realized as a simple light source, for example in the form of a light-emitting diode, or as a display, for example in the form of a seven-segment or LCD display. By means of this display element 18, different operating states or the selection of individual functions can be visualized. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to integrate at least one display element 18, in particular in the form of bulbs or LEDs in control buttons and display via the light state their current switching state N 2001/09800 -9-. Instead of independent display elements 18 and controls, it is of course also possible to provide a combined input and output device in the manner of a touch screen.

It is essential that the control device 1 is provided for forming electrical voltage supplied and for forwarding the correspondingly shaped voltage to the drive device 3 of a toy vehicle 2. In particular, the control device 1 is suitable for controlling track-guided model vehicles, such as e.g. Model railways, in the so-called "analog operation". Under "analog operation" of model railways is to be understood that the provided at the output 13 of the controller 1 electrical energy or voltage via a cable connection 19 is placed on rails 20, 21 of the respective track system and each located in the same circuit on this track system model vehicle. 5 picks up the voltage applied to the track 6 voltage and is moved according to this voltage with appropriate speed in the respective direction. A selective multi-train control is therefore not possible with the described control device 1. For this quasi "analog operation" of the correspondingly controlled toy vehicle 2, the electrical energy supplied to the control device 1 is converted by the control device 1 and provided via the cable connection 19 for a sliding tap by at least one toy vehicle 2 on the track 6. This provision of electrical energy on the track 6 can be done both in the illustrated, so-called two-wire or DC systems and in three-wire or AC systems with point contacts between the rail tracks.

Preferably, the control device 1 is supplied via an external transformer 22, the electrical AC voltage. The transformer 22 is preferably designed as a plug-in power supply 23, which is available by default. Preferably, this plug-in power supply 23 is designed to be short-circuit or overload-proof and can be connected to an input 25 of the control device 1 via a cable connection 24. The transformer 22 or the plug-in power supply 23 serves - as is known per se - to transform the electrical voltage provided by an electrical power supply network into safety extra-low voltage and to supply it to the control device 1 via the input 25. Preferably, the cable connection 24 between the power supply part 23 and the control device 1 is separable. For this purpose, the control device 1 comprises a plug-N2001 / 09800

- 10- • ··· ··· ,, · • · > In this case, a standard plug 27 of the plug-in power supply unit 23 can be plugged in and out as required.

The same applies to the cable connection 19. Also in this output 13 associated cable connection 19, a plug 28 is formed, which is connectable to a socket 29 which forms the output 13 of the control device 1.

The sockets 26, 29 and plug 27, 28 are carried out confusion or polarity reversal safe.

The control device 1 is thus provided as a so-called wired remote control for electrically drivable toys or functional models and represents quasi a wired remote control device for integrated in the toy to be operated drive devices 3.

Instead of using a plug-in power supply 23 as a transformer 22, the plug-in power supply 23 is plugged directly into a conventional electrical outlet for powering single-phase household appliances, it is of course also possible to use conventional block transformers, which via a separate cable connection to the electrical power grid can be switched on. In any case, however, special precautions should be taken to exclude critical voltages on the plug of the primary side of a transformer 22 when connected in parallel with multiple transformers 22 and only partially net connection of the transformers 22.

Preferably, the transformer 22 is arranged externally to the housing 7 of the control device 1, so that there are no voltages above the safety extra-low voltage that is critical due to electric shock within the housing 7. When taking additional, strict safety or insulation measures, but it would of course also conceivable to relocate the transformer 22 in the interior of the housing 7, although this - as mentioned - would be associated with higher technical complexity.

A maximum control range or angle of rotation 30 of the control element 10 is 180 ° to 320 °, preferably approximately 270 °, the left half of the control range - according to arrow 12 - is provided for a first rotational or movement direction and the second half of the control range - According to arrow 15 - is determined for the opposite direction of rotation or movement. N2001 / 09800 - 11 -

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the control device 1 or of the representational hand-held operating device. At least the electrical components shown in solid lines are arranged within the preferably electrically insulating, preferably made of plastic housing 7 - Fig. 1 -.

As can be clearly seen, comprises an electrical circuit 31 in the housing 7 - Fig. 1 - the input 25 for preferably external supply of electrical AC voltage from an external transformer 22 - Fig. 1. The circuit 31 supplied AC voltage is in the range of so-called safety extra-low voltage. The effective value of the alternating voltage, as it is supplied to the receivable by a hand of an operator control device 1, is thus approximately max. 24 V. The control device 1 acts as a kind of DC voltage regulator and can be raised and lowered, the output side voltage applied output or output power. The speed of a thus supplied electric motor 4 can be almost infinitely regulated via this variable output voltage. The control range of the output voltage may for example be between approximately 0 V and 14 V DC.

The input 25 comprises at least two input contacts 32, 33, which are preferably formed on the socket 26 - Fig. 1 - are formed. However, these input contacts 32, 33 may also be provided as input terminals for cable ends. The input contacts 32, 33 are connected via lines 34, 35 to the AC voltage inputs of a bridge rectifier 36. This bridge rectifier 36 can, as is known per se, be constructed discretely by four or more of four semiconductor diodes connected together or formed by a one-piece bridge rectifier 36 with integrated semiconductor diodes. The bridge rectifier 36 serves for full-wave rectification of the electrical AC voltage supplied via the input 25. The bridge rectifier 36 provides at a first output 37 and at a second output 38, the corresponding, formed from the supplied AC voltage DC voltage available. This DC voltage is usually formed by successive, sinusoidal half-waves each having the same polarity. The DC voltage of the bridge rectifier provided at the output 37, 38 can therefore be said to be pulsating. Although not absolutely necessary, an optional smoothing device 39 may also be provided at the output 37, 38 of the bridge rectifier 36, as shown in dotted lines. In the simplest case, this smoothing device 39 is formed by a capacitor 40, for example by an electrolytic capacitor. N2 (X) I / (W80 () -12-

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the positive potential is provided at the first output 37 of the bridge rectifier 36 and the negative potential of the DC voltage is provided at its second output 38.

In addition to the bridge rectifier 36 for full-wave rectification, a diode or semiconductor diode 41 for half-wave rectification is additionally provided in the circuit 31. This semiconductor diode 41 for half-wave rectification of the voltage applied to the input 25 AC voltage can be formed by the same type of component, as it is also used for the bridge rectifier 36 for full-wave rectification. For this purpose, one terminal of the semiconductor diode 41, for example the cathode of the semiconductor diode 41, is conductively connected to the input contact 32. Of course, it is also possible to connect the semiconductor diode 41, in particular its cathode, to the input contact 33 of the input 25.

Of course, instead of using a self-contained semiconductor diode 41 for one-way rectification of AC voltage, it is also possible to use a single or two forward-biased diodes of the bridge rectifier 36 as a means of half-wave rectification. In this case, individual diodes of the bridge rectifier 36 alternately switched from full-wave rectification to half-wave rectification and vice versa. One of the independent, optional semiconductor diode 41 corresponding diode of the bridge rectifier 36 is formed as shown in FIG. 2 by the upper diode in the left bridge branch. To realize a corresponding double use of semiconductor diodes for one-way and full-wave rectification, a switching element, in particular a normally closed or normally open contact, can be provided.

This is to be used at the appropriate location in one of the bridge arms, in particular in the upper bridge branch of the bridge rectifier 36 shown in FIG.

The electrical circuit of the control device 1 thus comprises on the one hand means for full-wave rectification, in particular the bridge rectifier 36, and means for half-wave rectification, in particular at least one semiconductor diode 41 for the half-wave rectification supplied AC voltage. It is essential that during operation or during use of the control device 1, a switch from half-wave rectification to full-wave rectification can be made. This switching is not noticeable per se for the operator or user of the control device 1 or takes place during the operation of the control device 1 and the control element 10 automatically. Thus, the operator does not have to press any switch or button to switch from half-wave rectification to full-path. N2001 / 09800 - 13 - V V • 9 " To accomplish this or vice versa, but this switching takes place automatically during the operation of preferably designed as a knob controller 10 -fig. 1. The switching from one-way rectification to full-wave rectification and vice versa takes place in particular as a function of the position, in particular the rotational angle position of the control element 10-FIG. 1.

For this purpose, an electrical switching element 42 is provided, which is motion-coupled to the control element 10 or via the control member 10 is operable.

This switching element 42 is formed in the manner of a changeover switch 43, which can alternately switch between the means for half-wave rectification, in particular the semiconductor diode 41, and the means for full-wave rectification, in particular the bridge rectifier 36.

In the illustrated circuit diagram of FIG. 2, the switching position of the switching element 42 is set to full-wave rectification. Here, the switching element 42 is connected on the one hand to the second output 38 of the bridge rectifier 36 and on the other hand to an output contact 44 at the output 13. If, however, the switching element 42 is switched to half-wave rectification, it connects the remaining terminal of the semiconductor diode 41, in particular its anode 45, with the output contact 44 at the output 13 of the control device I.

If one symbolizes the alternating switching behavior of the switching element 42 as a changeover switch 43, its root 46, i. a two associated 47.48 associated terminal 49 of the switch 43 with one of the two output contacts, according to the example with the output contact 44 at the output 13 of the control device 1, respectively.

Preferably, the switching element 42 is formed by sliding contact switch, wherein the movement with the control element 10 - Fig. I - motion-coupled element is formed by a contact bridge 50.

Instead of the formation of the switch 43 by means of electrical contacts, it is of course also possible to realize optical, inductive or operating according to another physical principle switch.

A first potential of the one-way or full-wave rectified voltage is therefore applied via the switching element 42 at the output 13, according to the example at the second output contact 44 of the output 13. A reference potential, or second potential, which depends on the position of the filter, can not be used: 2001: 00/00 800 - 14 - - 14- ► * ♦ ··· * * · · · · · 4 · · · tt::: · ··· · ,

Switching element 42 one-way or full-wave rectified DC voltage can be taken directly at the output 37 of the bridge rectifier 36 and provided at a first output contact 51 of the output 13, as indicated by a dashed line 52.

However, at least one component 53 for voltage reduction, in particular for lowering the amplitude of the DC voltage and / or the pulse width of the pulsating DC voltage, is preferably connected to one of the two DC outputs of the bridge rectifier 36, for example at its output 37. Preferably, this component 53 is formed by a series circuit 54 of a plurality of semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 for the stepwise or nearly stepless reduction of the power, in particular the amplitude and / or the pulse width of the DC voltage. The number of series-connected semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 basically depends on the desired control range or on the required reduction range of the electrical power or on the magnitude or amplitude of the supplied DC voltage. Usually, these semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 are constituted by silicon diodes, whereby each semiconductor diode 55 to 63 has a voltage drop equal to the respective forward voltage, i. in about 0.7 V, can adjust. By the series connection of a plurality of semiconductor diodes 55 to 63, therefore, the height of the desired voltage drop in steps of about 0.7 V can be adjusted or regulated.

Of course, instead of using silicon diodes, it is also possible to use germanium diodes with a voltage drop of 0.3 to 0.4 V or zener diodes with a different flow rate. The lower the flow voltage of the selected semiconductor diodes 55 to 63, the finer the voltage regulation can be made.

In a degraded embodiment, it would also be possible to form the voltage reduction element 53 by a variable resistor, in particular by a potentiometer or a resistor decade. In this case, however, a voltage drop dependent on the current flow occurs at the respective resistor, as a result of which this embodiment can only be used to a limited extent.

The advantage of using semiconductor diodes 55-63 is that the voltage drop across each diode is largely independent of the current flow through the diode, and thus, semiconductor diodes 55-63 are better suited for linear voltage regulation that is as independent as possible from current flow at output 13. N2 (X) 1 / 09X00 - 15-; :; : ". ···. ··· ... * ···" · · · ......... ··. *. *

This series circuit 54 of the semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 is connected in the flow direction to the first output 37 of the bridge rectifier 36. Between the individual series-connected semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 and at the end and preferably also at the beginning of this series circuit 54 individual tapping contacts 64 to 73 are formed.

Optionally, one of these tapping contacts 64 to 73 is depending on the position, in particular the rotational angle position of the control element 10 - Fig. 1 - with another switching element 74 in contact or are these tapping contacts 64 to 73 part of this switching element 74. The tapping contacts 64 to 73 are for better identification additionally provided with the information S1 to S10. Different electrical powers of the DC voltage at the output 13 can be provided via these individual tapping contacts 64 to 73. These tapping contacts 64 to 73 represent different power levels at the output 13 of the control device 1. In the case of the speed control of a drive device 3, in particular a traction drive of a toy vehicle 2, these stages can therefore be referred to as switching or driving steps.

The switching element 74 constitutes a kind of multi-stage selection switch, after one of the available tapping contacts 64 to 73 can be conductively connected to a outgoing contact 75 of the switching element 74. This outgoing contact 75 in turn represents a so-called "root" of the multi-stage switching element 74.

This outgoing contact 75 of the second switching element 74 then leads to the first output contact 51 of the control device I.

The second switching element 74 is preferably formed by a simple contact bridge 76, which selectively one of the Abgreifkontakte 64 to 73 between the semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 with the outgoing contact 75 and the output contact 51 is electrically connected to connect. As illustrated by the arrows indicated in full and in dashed lines, the contact bridge 76 is in electrically conductive connection with one of the plurality of tapping contacts 64 to 73 as a function of the position, in particular the rotational angle position of the control element 10 - FIG. If the contact bridge 76 of the switching element 74 in this case with the tapping contact 64 in connection, the device 53 is virtually disabled for voltage reduction or short-circuited and is the full, following the half-wave rectification E or full-wave rectification V available electrical power at the output contact 51. The N 2001/00 800-16- the latter switching position basically corresponds to that state, as it is also achievable when forming a wiring according to the dashed line 52.

Starting from the switching position Sl, in which the tapping contact 64 is active or occupied, in the direction of the switching position S10, in which the tapping contact 73 is occupied by the contact bridge 76 of the switching element 74, the electrical voltage or power provided at the output 13 is reduced for an electromotive drive device 3 to be connected thereto, as will be explained in more detail below.

It is essential that the optional switching element 74 as well as the first switching element 42 via the common control member 10 is simultaneously actuated or moved. In a preferred embodiment, the contact bridge 50 of the first switching element 42 together with the contact bridge 76 of the second switching element 74 on the central control element 10 - Fig. 1 - stored or actuated by this or switchable. This coupling, in particular the movement coupling of the switching elements 42, 74 has been illustrated by a dashed line 77.

The individual semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 or tapping contacts 64 to 73 are preferably not always sequentially or seamlessly shelled by the switching element 74, but tapped such that especially in the switching of half-wave rectification E to full-wave rectification V and vice versa via the switching element 42nd a linear control or as uniform or continuous characteristic curve for the drive device 3 results.

Overall, the schematically illustrated embodiment of the control device 1 has eleven control or speed steps. In the three highest control or driving steps, the supply voltage for a consumer or an electric motor drive device 3 is full-wave rectified and the tapping contacts 68 (S5), 66 (S3) and 64 (S1) are used, as indicated by the letter " V "for full-wave rectification was identified. In the case of the eight lower control or drive stages, the supplied alternating voltage is half-wave rectified - the switching element 42 is in switch position E - and the tapping contacts 73 (S10), 72 (S9), 71 (S8), 70 (S7), 69 (S6), 68 (S5), 67 (S4) and 65 (S2). The essential feature of this partially jumped connection of the tapping contacts 64 to 73 as a function of the speed steps and the one-way or Vollweggleichrichtung that thereby a nearly linearly rising or falling Leistlings- or energy curve or speed N2001 / 09800

- 17- * * * 9 * $ • »• • • t I • * ♦

• # V ·· «• * ·

«I» «* • I adjusts to the switched drive device 3 (see Fig. 1). It can also be clearly seen from the foregoing that individual taps, in particular the tapping contact 68 (S5), are contacted by the switching element 74 both when the half-wave rectification E is activated and when the full-wave rectification V is activated.

Basically, it should be noted that at the highest driving or control stages in which the comparatively largest electric power is available at the output 13, the switching element 42 is set to full-wave rectification V and the first tapping contacts 64, 66, 68 of the component 53 in the current flow direction be used for voltage reduction. At the low driving or control stages, in which comparatively less electric power is to be provided at the output 13, the switching element 42 is set to one-way rectification E and comparatively more taps, in particular the tapping contacts 73,72,71, 70, 69, 68th , 67 and 65 used. It can be clearly seen that the circuit 31 is set at the lower driving or control stages, especially in slow travel, on the one hand to disposable rectification E and compared to the full-wave rectification V relatively many of the existing taps of the component 53 for selective connection for the Voltage reduction are provided. These measures result in a particularly good control behavior, which is comparable to a linear control or with a nearly continuous control via a control transformer.

It is essential that the polarity of the DC voltage at the output 13 in dependence on the position of the control element 10 is variable. For this purpose, the output contacts 44, 51 circuit-wise quasi crossed out, as was illustrated with the contact bridges 50, 76 shown in dashed lines. In particular, the roots of the switching elements 42, 74 or the terminal 49 and the outgoing contact 75 of the two switching elements 42, 74 are exchanged or quasi crossed over. This reversal of the output voltage or DC voltage at the output 13 is coupled to the control element 10 and takes place automatically when changing the control element 10 from the first or left half of the control range to the second or right half of the control range and vice versa, as will be described in more detail below.

It can also be seen from the basic circuit according to FIG. 2 that when the half-wave rectification E is activated, the current path or the output current is also transmitted via a single diode of the bridge N2001 / 09800 - 18- - 18- • * • tmm • # »• *» · · · · · · ··································································. As a result, a relatively small voltage drop at a diode of the bridge rectifier 36 always occurs in the operating state with half-wave rectification.

Preferably, the output 13 of the constructed as a diode circuit or an interconnection of a plurality of diodes control device 1 at least one electrical fuse element 78 for protecting the circuit 31 is preceded by overload or short circuit. This fuse element 78 is at least one of the two output contacts 44, 51, according to the output contact 44, or upstream. This securing element 78 is preferably formed by a self-resetting after a triggering device. Ideally, the fuse element 78 is formed by a PTC thermistor, in particular by a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) resistor. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to form the fuse element 78 by a bimetallic or fuse or to provide the fuse element 78 on the input side or in another current path of the control device 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram 79 with a possible signal form of a DC voltage (U =), as can be generated by an embodiment of the control device 1 described above. It is expressly stated that this diagram 79, in which the time (t) is plotted on the abscissa and a possible course of a direct voltage (U =) which adjusts itself at the output, can only be seen as an example and only for clarification of the principle of operation and the operation of the switching device described is intended from a network or an interconnection of multiple diodes. The individual time blocks or stages PI to P8 along the time axis (t) represent different energy or power levels of the control device 1. The energy or power level PI of the control device 1 represents comparatively little electric drive power or comparatively low electrical track voltage an output side connected drive device available. Thus, an electromotive drive device with relatively low number of revolutions per unit time is moved. With increasing energy or power level in the direction of the time blocks or stages P2 to P8 then increases the output side provided electric drive power or height or amplitude of the DC voltage for an electric motor drive device. As a result, the speed and / or the drive torque of the supplied drive device increases from stage to stage. N200I / 0QK00 - 19-

From this diagram 79 it can be clearly seen that the control device 1 operates at the lower power levels PI to P4 to half-wave rectification E and at the higher power levels P5 to P8 in the operating mode for full-wave rectification V. At the highest power level P8, the circuit described above is thus set to full-wave rectification V, and the above-described voltage reduction element 53-FIG. 2-is preferably inactive. In other words, at this highest power level P8, the DC voltage (U =) is tapped directly at the output of the bridge rectifier 36-FIG. 2. From the diagram 79 is further clearly seen that both the amplitude modulation and a pulse width modulation of the composite of sinusoidal half-waves DC voltage can be made by the diode circuit of the control device and thus the output provided at the output, effective power varied or ideally varied or regulated can be to achieve a linear or steady as possible speed increase or decrease of an electric motor drive device. In particular, by the described circuit or the series connection of the diodes for voltage reduction, for example sinusoidal half-waves of a predetermined AC voltage of certain frequency in their pulse width and in their amplitude in several stages can be reduced, as from the course of the DC voltage (U =) and the shape the individual voltage blocks is clearly visible. Instead of supplying sinusoidal alternating voltage, it would of course also be possible with increased effort to supply the control device 1 or circuit with square-wave voltages, triangular voltages or the like.

In the case of the optionally adjustable energy or power stages PI to P8, the same time period, in particular only one period duration, of an AC voltage 80 fed to the control device 1 -shown in dashed lines-is shown. The course or the form of an output or DC voltage 81 of the control device 1 shown in full lines depends on the selected switching or power level. Depending on the position of the control knob according to one of the switching or power levels PI to P8 is then the corresponding waveform at the output of the control device for the duration of taking the respective switching or power level PI to P8 available. For the sake of simplicity, only one period of time, which corresponds to a period duration of the supplied alternating voltage 80, was represented per power stage PI to P8. In real operation of the control device I, the time duration of the presence of the respective power level PI to P8 can be selected as long as desired in accordance with the wishes of the operator. c c w N 2001 / 09X00 -20-

According to the left half of the diagram 79, the circuit is set to half-wave rectification E and it is clearly seen that, for example, the negative half-waves of the supplied AC voltage 80 is quasi cut off or not passed to the output of the control device. In the full-wave rectification V beginning at power level P5, the negative or second half-waves of the sinusoidal alternating voltage are then reversed and also provided at the output of the control device. In principle, therefore, in the case of active full-wave rectification V, approximately twice the electrical power output is available in comparison with the half-wave rectification E. By alternately wiring of the component 53 for voltage reduction, in particular by the series circuit 54 with semiconductor diodes 55 to 63 - Fig. 2 - then both the operating mode with half-wave rectification E and in the operating mode with full-wave rectification V gradations of power or in the amplitude and / or Pulse width of the half-waves are made. The magnitude of the amplitudes and pulse widths of the individual DC blocks or pulses depends essentially on the number of semiconductor diodes, over which the output current is passed. The more semiconductor diodes are connected upstream of the output, the greater - as is known - the voltage drop .DELTA.U to the series-connected, active semiconductor diodes.

With the described control device, a sensitive speed or power control of a drive device is thus made possible with simple structural components, in particular with a plurality of diodes. The controller is robust and inexpensive to build and yet provides a good control performance for electric motor drive devices.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a possible layout for a control device 1. It is expressly understood that this layout is to be seen only as an example and any other wiring for the realization of the control device 1 is possible. In the preferred embodiment, the tapping contacts 64 to 73 - FIG. 2 - of the individual switching stages S1 to S11 are arranged in a circle around a common center point 82. The tapping contacts 64 to 73 represented by the switching stages S1 to S11-FIG. 2-are formed by individual sliding contact surfaces 83 which extend in a specific radius in a circular arc around the central center point 82. The sliding contact surfaces 83 for the tapping contacts 64 to 73 and switching stages S1 to S11 on the left half of the control range are arranged in mirror image to the sliding contact surfaces 83 of the tapping contacts 64 to 73 or switching stages S1 to S11 for the right half of the control element 10. The N200I / 09X00 -21 -

Sliding contact surface 83 of the switching stage S1 on the left half of the control range (backward) with the sliding contact surface 83 of the switching stage S1 on the right half of the control range (forward) electrically conductively connected. The same applies to the further switching stages S2 to S10 of the left and right control region half of the control element 10, which is preferably designed as a rotary controller.

The root 46 of the first switching element 42 - Fig. 2 - and the outgoing contact 75 of the second switching element 74 - Fig. 2 - are preferably also formed as sliding contact surfaces 83, which are circular, in particular each semicircle around the center point 82 and via line paths in each case to the output 13 are guided. The output 13 upstream sliding contact surfaces 83 are arranged concentrically to the sliding contact surfaces 83 of the individual switching stages S1 to S11.

Similarly, the corresponding 47,48, which are also formed as sliding contact surfaces 83, arranged in a circular arc extending around the center point 82 of the knob or the control element. An extension range or a rotation angle range of the sliding contact surfaces 83, at which the full-wave rectified voltage can be tapped off, is comparatively smaller than an extension range or a rotation angle range of the sliding contact surfaces 83 to which a rectified rectified voltage can be tapped off.

The contact bridge 76 of the second switching element 74 can be seen in FIG. When the contact bridge 76 shown in solid lines, the control element takes the first switching position S1 in the left half of the control range of the control element. Referring to the center point 82 is - as is apparent from Fig. 5 - diametrically opposite to this contact bridge 76 of the second switching element 74, the contact bridge 50 of the first switching element 42 is arranged. Furthermore, it can be clearly seen in FIG. 5 that the contact bridge 50 shown in solid lines transmits full-wave rectified voltage to the output contact 75 in the switching position S1 and the voltage level applied to the corresponding sliding contact 83 in the switching position S1 is applied via the contact bridge 76 to the sliding contact surface 83 trained root 46 - Fig. 4 is transmitted. It is clearly recognizable that the contact bridges 50, 76 quasi outcross depending on the selected control range half, as was illustrated by the contact bridges 50, 76 shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2.

By this "crossing out" or by the diametrical arrangement of the contact bridges 50, 76 on the rotatably mounted control element is achieved that the first switching element 42 and the N 2001/09800 -22- second switching element 74 additionally reversing the voltage provided at the output 13 DC voltage can effect, so that a reversal of direction of each connected drive device takes place. Due to the described arrangement of the sliding contact surfaces 83 and the contact bridges 50, 76, it is thus possible that both the direction of travel and the driving speed of the drive device of a game vehicle to be controlled can be adjusted or regulated as a function of the angular position of the control element.

In a preferred embodiment, the contact bridge 50 and the contact bridge 75 diametrically opposite to a bar-shaped or disk-shaped support element, which is rotatably mounted about the center point 82 via the control member 10, placed. Due to the possible "change over" of the first contact bridge 50 from the left half of the control range to the right half of the control range and the motion-coupled change of the second contact bridge 76 from the right half of the control range to the left half of the control range, a polarity reversal of the operating voltage or the DC voltage applied to the output 13 is thus possible achieved in an effective manner.

The contact bridges 50 and 76 shown in dashed lines show the control element of the control device 1 in another, in particular in the sixth switching position S6. U. a. So is essential in the control device 1 according to the invention, that by switching or. Contact bridges 50, 76 formed between individual sliding contact surfaces 83 switching elements 42, 74 next to the switch between half-wave rectification E and full-wave rectification V or next to the selector switch function for tapping different voltage level as Umpolschalter for transmitted to the output 13 DC voltage.

Preferably, the two contact bridges 50, 76 are motion-coupled with the control element, so that both the speed and the direction of movement can be adjusted or regulated with the single control element.

In the embodiment shown, the switching element 74 is arranged with its sliding contact surfaces 83 on the solder side of a component carrier 84 or a so-called component board. The switching element 42 with its sliding contact surfaces 83 is formed on the component side of the component carrier 84. By the assignment or division of the switching elements 42, 74 on the top and bottom of the component carrier 84 can be made possible by the control element, a control range or angle of rotation 30 - Fig. I - of more than 180 °. N200I / 09800 -23-

Of course, it is also possible to provide both the sliding contacts 83 for the implementation of the first switching element 42 and the sliding contact surfaces 83 for the realization of the second switching element 74 on only one side of the component carrier 84, wherein the maximum control range then to a rotation angle 30 - Fig. 1 - 180 ° is limited.

In particular, from the layout of FIG. 4 is clearly seen that individual tapping contacts 64 to73, in particular the contacts to the switching positions S3 and S6, are interconnected to form a contact group. In particular, individual tapping contacts 64 to 73 (S1 to S10) are electrically connected or combined from the range with half-wave rectification E with certain contacts from the control range with full-wave rectification. This is to achieve a largely steady or linear control characteristic for an electric motor drive device via the control element of particular advantage. Abrupt power changes or energy leaps in the transition from half-wave rectification E to full-wave rectification V can be effectively avoided.

Furthermore, it can be clearly seen that when taking the switching position S11 no electrical energy is transmitted to the output 13. With the control device 1 is thus an approximately stepless speed adjustment or movement control from zero to the maximum speed for two opposite directions of movement possible.

Under drive device of a toy are on the one hand conventional electric motors, electromagnetic linear actuators or other electrically operable actuators to understand.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the design of the control device 1, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Above all, the individual in Figs. 1; 2; 3; 4, 5 embodiments form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures. N2 (X) 1/09800

♦ · · · «· · · · · · · · · ····· * · · · · · · · · ·»

Reference symbol 1 Control device 2 Toy vehicle 3 Drive device 4 Electric motor 5 Model vehicle 6 Track 7 Housing 8 Top 9 Control element 10 Control element 11 Basic position 12 Arrow 13 Exit 14 Stop 15 Arrow 16 Stop 17 Emergency stop 18 Indicator 19 Cable connection 20 Rail 21 Rail 22 Transformer 23 Power supply unit 24 Cable connection 25 input 26 socket 27 plug 28 plug 29 socket 30 rotation angle 31 circuit 32 input contact 33 input contact 34 line 35 line 36 bridge rectifier 37 output 38 output 39 smoothing device 40 capacitor 41 semiconductor diode 42 switching element 43 switch 44 output contact 45 anode 46 root 47 corresponding 48 corresponding 49 connection 50 contact bridge 51 output contact 52 line 53 component 54 series connection 55 semiconductor diode 56 semiconductor diode 57 semiconductor diode 58 semiconductor diode 59 semiconductor diode 60 semiconductor diode 61 semiconductor diode 62 semiconductor diode 63 semiconductordio Tapping contact 65 Tapping contact 66 Tapping contact 67 Tapping contact 68 Tapping contact 69 Tapping contact 70 Tapping contact N2001 / 00800 • · «•» * ΙΙ ·

tapping contact

tapping contact

tapping contact

switching element

outgoing contact

Contact bridge

line

fuse element

diagram

AC

DC

center point

Sliding contact surface

Component carrier N2001 / 09800

Claims (33)

1. Control device for electrically operable toys, with adjustable by an operator control element at least to change as needed the speed of movement of a drive device of toys and at least one motion-coupled to the control element actuator, characterized in that input contacts (32, 33) of an input (25) for supplying electrical alternating voltage (80) to a bridge rectifier (36) for full-wave rectification are connected and one of the two input contacts (32 or 33) with a semiconductor diode (41) is connected to the half-wave rectification and a motion-coupled with the control element (10) or by the control element ( 10) operable switching element (42) depending on the position of the control element (10) full-wave rectified or fully rectified electrical voltage directly or via an optionally interposed device (53) for voltage reduction to an output (13) r connection of an electrical load, such as an electric motor (4), passes on toys. 2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the semiconductor diode (41) for the half-wave rectification by a part or a bridge branch of the bridge rectifier (36) is formed. 3. Control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical components are housed in an approximately palm-sized housing (7). 4. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input (25) by a socket (26) or by input terminals for supplying electrical AC voltage (80) from an external transformer (22) is formed. N200I / 00S00 5. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external transformer (22) is formed by a plug-in power supply unit (23). 6. Control device according to one or more of claims I to 3, characterized in that in the housing (7) is arranged a transformer for transforming the AC voltage of a public power supply network in safety extra-low voltage. 7. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (53) for voltage reduction by semiconductor diodes (55 to 63) is formed. 8. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (53) by a at a first output (37) of the bridge rectifier (36) adjacent series circuit (54) of a plurality of semiconductor diodes (55 to 63) is formed. 9. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least between the individual series-connected semiconductor diodes (55 to 63) tapping contacts (64 to 73) are formed. 10. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the output (37) of the bridge rectifier (36) and / or at the output of the lying in the flow direction series of semiconductor diodes (55 to 63) tapping contacts (64, 73) are formed , 11. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the tapping contacts (64 to 73) in response to the position of the control element (10) contacted with a further switching element (74). N200I / (W800 -3- 12. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one tapping contact (64 to 73) in the operating mode with half-wave rectification with at least one tapping contact (64 to 73) is electrically connected to each other in the operating mode with full-wave rectification to a contact group. 13. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further switching element (74) forms with the Abgreifkontakten (64 to 73) a multi-stage selector switch. 14. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two switching elements (42, 74) as contact bridges (50,76) are formed or comprise two independent contact bridges (50, 76). 15. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first switching element (42) and the second switching element (74) via the control member (10) are actuated simultaneously or the first and second contact bridge (50, 76) together the control element (10) are arranged. 16. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Abgreifkontakten (64 to 73) facing away from the contact bridge (76) of the second switching element (74) in dependence on the position of the control element (10) in a first or in a second control range half connected to the first output contact (51) and to the second output contact (44) of the output (13). 17. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a root (46), i. the half of the semiconductor diode (41) and the bridge rectifier (46) facing away from the contact bridge (50) of the first switching element (42) depending on the position of the control element (10) in the first or in the second Regelbe rich half with the second output contact (44 ) or to the first output contact (51) of the output (13) is connected. N2001 / 00S () () -4- • · · · · ···················································· • 18. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first switching element (42) forms a switch (43) between the semiconductor diode (41) for half-wave rectification and the bridge rectifier (36) for full-wave rectification. 19. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (10) is designed as a rotary control on an upper side (8) of the housing (7). 20. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the contact points, in particular two Corresponding (47, 48), and a root (46) or a terminal (49) of the first switching element (42) and the Tapping contacts (64 to 73) and a leaving contact (75) of the second switching element (74) are arranged in a circular arc around a common rotation or center point (82) of the control element (10). 21. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two output contacts (44, 51) of the output (13) each having a semicircular around the common center point (82) extending sliding contact surface (83) are connected. 22. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that all contact points of the first and the further switching element (42, 74) are formed as on a component carrier (84) or a printed circuit board sliding contact surfaces (83). 23. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the respective rotational angular position of the control element (10) both the direction and the speed of movement of a toy, such as a toy vehicle, adjustable or is adjustable. N 2001/09800 -5- 24. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first switching element (42) and the second switching element (74) at the output (13) applied voltage as a function of the position of the control element (10) in a first or second Part half within a maximum angle of rotation (30) of the control element (10) each umpolen. 25. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that both by means of the switching element (42) activated half-wave rectification E and by means of the switching element (42) activated full-wave rectification V from the switching element (74) and of its contact bridge (76 ) individual tapping contacts (64 to 73) of the component (53) are contacted for voltage reduction. 26. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapping contacts (64 to 73) are contacted when changing between half-wave rectification E and full-wave rectification V and vice versa such from the second switching element (74) that a possible linear characteristic of the electrical Power at the output (13) or a linear as possible control behavior for an electric motor drive device (3) with respect to the respective rotational angular positions of the control element (10) sets. 27. Control device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical fuse element (78) to protect against overload or short circuit at least one of the two output contacts (44,51) of the output (13) is arranged upstream. 28. Control device according to claim 27, characterized in that the securing element (78) is formed by a PTC thermistor, in particular by an automatically resetting PTC resistor. 29. Use of the control device according to one or more of the preceding claims for controlling at least one drive device (3) of a toy vehicle (2) or a functional model. N200 J / 00800 -6- ♦ · · · · · ··· ♦ ·· 30. Use of the control device according to one or more of the preceding claims for on-demand modification of the movement speed and / or direction of movement of a drive device (3) of a toy vehicle (2) or a functional model. 31. Use of the control device according to one or more of the preceding claims for changing the direction of rotation and rotational speed of a motor as an electric motor (4) formed drive device (3) of a toy. 32. Use of the control device according to one or more of the preceding claims for remotely influencing the driving speed and direction of travel of a model railway vehicle. 33. Use of the control device according to one or more of the preceding claims for remotely influencing the movement speed and / or direction of movement of individual functional elements of functional models, such as e.g. Models of cranes, railway construction machines, maintenance or maintenance machines or the like. N2001 / 00 800