DE102022205396A1 - Handle element for a modular operating system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle element (1) for operating a device (5, 7) with a drive by an operator, the handle element (1) having a cylindrical basic shape, the handle element (1) having an electronic interface (10) for direct or indirect connection to the drive, and that a sensor surface (12) with at least two touch-sensitive sensors (121, 122) is provided on or under a lateral surface of the handle element (1), with the sensors (121, 122) being contacted by the operator causes a signal at the electronic interface (10) to operate the drive in an operating mode that can be changed by contacting the sensors (121, 122). The invention further relates to an operating system comprising a handle element or two handle elements and a device with a drive comprising a handle element or an operating system.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF TECHNOLOGY

The invention relates to a handle element for operating a device with a drive by an operator, as well as an operating system comprising one handle element or two handle elements and a device with a drive comprising a handle element or an operating system.

There are numerous devices with a drive, in particular a travel drive or a drive for raising or lowering or otherwise moving the device or parts thereof, such as mobile construction or work machines, industrial trucks, mobile hospital beds, strollers, golf trolleys, or others, which are known an operator can be operated to move over a surface. For this purpose, operating systems with one or two handle elements are known, with throttles with wing handles being provided on the operating systems, for example, by means of which a travel drive can be controlled.

Depending on the application, the handle elements are usually individually designed and combined with appropriate components to build the operating system.

TASK AND SOLUTION

It is an object of the invention to create a handle element for operating a device with a drive by an operator, which can be used in numerous operating systems. Further tasks include creating an operating system comprising one handle element or two handle elements and a device with a drive comprising a handle element or an operating system.

According to a first aspect, a handle element is created for operating a device with a drive by an operator, the handle element having a cylindrical basic shape, the handle element having at least one end a mechanical interface for connection to the device and/or an intermediate component and an electronic interface for direct or indirect connection to the drive, and wherein a sensor surface with at least two touch-sensitive sensors is provided on or under a lateral surface of the handle element, with contacting the sensors by the operator causing a signal at the electronic interface in order to activate the drive in one to operate a variable operating mode by contacting the sensors.

The terms “a”, “an” etc. are only used in connection with the registration as indefinite articles and not as counting words. The terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used only to distinguish elements and do not indicate a hierarchy of elements.

The handle element is particularly suitable for use in a modular operating system, wherein the handle element can be combined with other components. The other components can be designed in one embodiment from simple plastic injection molded parts without electronics.

In connection with the registration, electronic systems for detecting a touch on the control surface and/or a force input on the control surface with a human finger or an input element are referred to as touch-sensitive sensors. Such sensors are also referred to as touch sensors.

Various technologies are known for detecting a touch and/or a force input. In one embodiment, the sensors are designed as force sensors, by means of which forces acting on the sensor surface can be detected. In one embodiment, the acting forces cause a movement of the sensor surface. In other embodiments, the sensors are suitable for detecting contact with the sensor surface even without forces acting on it for an adjustment movement.

The signals from the sensor are provided to the device at an electrical interface. Depending on the application, the electrical interface can be designed as a wired interface, for example comprising an electrical plug connector, or a wireless interface, for example comprising a transceiver.

The handle element can thus be designed as a complete or at least partially functional unit, which can be combined with components that can be designed appropriately depending on the application, with or without functionality, to build an operating system.

The handle element has a cylindrical basic shape for gripping with one hand. Depending on the requirements, the lateral surface of the base element can have convex or concave curvatures, finger grooves or similar elements.

In one embodiment, the sensor surface comprises a first touch-sensitive sensor and a second touch-sensitive sensor, the first sensor and the second sensor being circumferential direction are spaced apart. The design allows the handle element to be installed in different arrangements.

In one embodiment it is provided that the sensor surface comprises more than two sensors, which are arranged in a matrix. In one embodiment, the sensors are each arranged in pairs, with each pair of sensors comprising two sensors arranged offset in the circumferential direction and the pairs being offset in the axial direction.

In one embodiment, the handle element has a mechanical interface at opposite ends for connection to the device and/or an intermediate component. The mechanical interface or the mechanical interfaces can be designed appropriately depending on the application. If the electrical interface is wired, the mechanical interface has a cable passage at least at one end. For easy installation, the mechanical interface is designed as a socket or pin of a plug connection. In one embodiment, the mechanical interfaces of both ends are designed to be identical for flexible assembly with different orientations and combinations with different components. If an end that has a mechanical interface is not to be combined with another component, the end can be closed with a cap.

In one embodiment, an evaluation unit for evaluating a signal from the sensors is provided on the handle element. This allows a completely functional handle element to be provided, which is made available as a pre-assembled component according to a subsequent area of application.

In one embodiment, the first sensor, the second sensor and the evaluation unit form a signal generator for a drive, in particular a throttle for the travel drive, the drive being activated by contacting the first sensor by the operator for forward travel and by contacting the second sensor by the operator can be operated for reverse travel. A signal generated by the signal generator or throttle created in this way and provided at the interface can be varied appropriately depending on the application, for example with a duration of contact between the sensors, a signal provided gradually or continuously for an increase in the speed of the drive up to a maximum value is increased. In one embodiment it is provided that a signal for a change in the drive direction, in particular a direction of travel, can only be effected from a standstill. In another embodiment, the sensors are each designed as surface sensors, with a speed being increased by sweeping the sensors in one direction and a speed being reduced by sweeping the sensors in an opposite direction. In yet other embodiments, a signal output is proportional to a pressure detected by the sensors, so that a speed can be increased by increasing the pressure and a speed can be reduced as the pressure decreases.

In one embodiment it is provided that actuation areas of the sensor surface for forward travel or reverse travel are marked using arrows.

In one embodiment, the touch-sensitive sensors are designed to be redundant. In one embodiment, redundant training takes place in accordance with DE 102020212536 A1 using two sensors, in which detection is based on different technologies. The details of this design are hereby fully relied upon DE 102020212536 A1 Referenced.

According to a second aspect, an operating system is created for operating a device with a drive by an operator, the operating system comprising one handle element or two handle elements for one-handed or two-handed operation of the device. Depending on the application, the operating system can be designed to ensure ergonomic operation of the device. In one embodiment, the operating system is designed such that steering maneuvers of the device are possible using the operating system.

The operating system can include various components with or without integrated electronics. In one embodiment, the handle element does not have an evaluation unit, with a central evaluation unit being provided on another component of the operating system. In other embodiments, the handle element has a suitable evaluation unit.

In one embodiment, the handle element of the operating system comprises a mechanical interface for a plug connection in the axial direction of the handle element. To connect the handle element in an orientation that is not predetermined by a plug-in direction of the plug-in connection, in one embodiment the operating system has an angle element for connecting the handle element.

According to a third aspect, a device with a drive comprising a handle element or an operating system is created.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Griffelements;
• 2 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Bediensystems mit zwei Griffelementen;
• 3 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung mit einem Antrieb und einem Bediensystem mit zwei Griffelementen;
• 4 ein Detail des Bediensystems gemäß 3;
• 5 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung mit einem Antrieb und einem Bediensystem mit zwei Griffelementen;
• 6 ein Detail des Bediensystems gemäß 5;
• 7 ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung mit einem Antrieb und einem Bediensystem mit zwei Griffelementen; und
• 8 ein Detail des Bediensystems gemäß 7.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention result from the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. The schematic figures show in perspective representations:

• 1 an embodiment of a handle element;
• 2 an embodiment of an operating system with two handle elements;
• 3 a first exemplary embodiment of a device with a drive and an operating system with two handle elements;
• 4 a detail of the operating system according to 3 ;
• 5 a second embodiment of a device with a drive and an operating system with two handle elements;
• 6 a detail of the operating system according to 5 ;
• 7 a third embodiment of a device with a drive and an operating system with two handle elements; and
• 8th a detail of the operating system according to 7 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a handle element 1 for operating an in 1 Device not shown with a drive.

The handle element 1 has a cylindrical basic shape and is dimensioned so that it can be gripped by one hand of an operator. Depending on the requirements profile, the grip element 1 can have a convex curvature, a concave curvature, finger grooves and/or similar design elements in order to enable ergonomic gripping.

The handle element 1 has an electronic interface 10 for direct or indirect connection to the drive, not shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 10 includes a three-pin plug 100. However, this design is merely an example and numerous modifications are conceivable for a wired or wireless interface. In particular, the interface 10 includes 10-pin plugs in embodiments

A sensor surface 12 is provided on the lateral surface of the handle element 1, which in the exemplary embodiment shown comprises a first touch-sensitive sensor 121 and a second touch-sensitive sensor 122, which are arranged offset in the circumferential direction of the handle element. The sensors 121, 122 are touch-sensitive, so that contacting the sensors 121, 122 by the operator causes a signal to the electronic interface 10, the signal being usable to operate the drive, not shown, in at least one operating mode and to set an operating mode change.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sensor surface 12 is enclosed and can therefore be visually perceived by the operator. In one embodiment, the visual perception is further supported by a color design of the sensor surface 12.

The handle element 1 shown also has an evaluation unit 15, by means of which signals from the sensors 121, 122 can be evaluated and processed accordingly for subsequent operation of the drive.

For example, the handle element 1 with the two sensors 121, 122 and the evaluation unit 15 is designed and can be coupled to the device (not shown) in such a way that the device is driven by contacting the first sensor 121 by the operator for forward travel and by contacting the second sensor 122 can be operated by the operator for reversing.

In another embodiment, only operation of the drive for forward travel is provided, whereby a speed can be increased by contacting the first sensor 121 by the operator and the speed can be reduced by contacting the second sensor 122 by the operator.

In the handle element 1 shown, an actuation area of the sensor surface 12 for forward travel or an increase in speed or for reverse travel or a speed reduction is marked by arrows.

At both ends 13, 14 there is a mechanical interface for connecting the handle element 1 to the device or to an intermediate element (both not shown in 1 ) intended. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mechanical interfaces 13, 14 are each designed as a socket of a plug connection If an interface is not required for a specific application, this can be done using a cap (also not shown in 1 ) are covered.

In one embodiment it is provided that each sensor 121, 122 is designed to be redundant and the sensor signals are evaluated by means of the evaluation unit 15. In other embodiments, an evaluation unit arranged separately from the handle element is provided, the evaluation unit being provided, depending on the design, in the device or an operating system comprising two handle elements 1.

The handle element 1 can be used for numerous applications. Some possible applications are shown below.

2 shows schematically an operating system designed as a tiller head 3 for operating an industrial truck, not shown, with a drive. The tiller head 3 comprises two handle elements 1, which are arranged on opposite sides of a horn 30 at its front end, projecting laterally from the horn 30. To connect the handle elements 1, the horn 30 in the exemplary embodiment shown has pins 300 onto which the handle elements 1 can be attached. The pin 300 is preferably designed as a hollow element in order to allow a possibly existing plug of an electrical interface 10 to pass through (cf. 1 ) to enable.

For good aesthetics, ergonomic handling and high stability, the tiller head 3 shown also has two U-shaped arms 31, each of which connects an end of the handle elements 1 facing away from the horn 30 to a rear end of the horn 30. For a connection to the handle elements 1, the arms 31 in the illustrated embodiment also have pins 310, which can be inserted into the handle elements 1.

Depending on the design, the tiller head 3 can be designed for one-handed or two-handed operation. For two-handed operation, in one embodiment an evaluation unit is provided on the horn 30 and evaluates the signals from the sensors of the handle elements 1. In other embodiments, the handle elements 1 each have an evaluation unit, with the two handle elements 1 in particular being switched for a hierarchical operation for two-handed operation.

3 shows schematically a device designed as a pallet truck 5 with a drive and an operating system 4 for operating the pallet truck 5. 4 shows a schematic exploded view of a detail of the operating system 4. The operating system 4 according to 3 and 4 comprises two handle elements 1, which are arranged on opposite sides of a horn 40 arranged in an extension of a handle 50 of the pallet truck 5. The handle elements 1 are arranged in such a way that they extend essentially in the same direction as the handle 50. To connect the handle elements 1, two angle elements 41 arranged between the horn 40 and the handle element 1 are therefore provided. On their side facing the handle elements 1, the angles 41 have pins 410, which can be inserted into the handle elements 1. An opposite end of the handle elements 1 remains free in the exemplary embodiment shown and can be closed by means of a cap 42.

5 shows schematically a device designed as a movable hospital bed 7 with a drive and an operating system 6 for operating the hospital bed 7. 6 shows a schematic exploded view of a detail of the operating system 6. The operating system 6 according to 5 and 6 comprises two handle elements 1, which are arranged on opposite sides of a fastening sleeve 60. The fastening sleeve 60 is in the in 5 and 6 illustrated embodiment is provided on a rod 70 which is provided at the head or foot end of the hospital bed 7 and extends in the horizontal direction. The handle elements 1 are arranged in such a way that they extend essentially in the same direction as the rod 70. To connect the handle elements 1, two angle elements 61 are provided, each arranged between the fastening sleeve and the handle element 1. On their side facing the handle elements 1, the angles 61 have pins 610, which can be inserted into the handle elements 1. An opposite end of the handle elements 1 remains free in the exemplary embodiment shown and can be closed by means of a cap 62. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fastening sleeve 60 is divided into two parts and the parts can be clamped together using screws 63.

7 shows schematically the device designed as a movable hospital bed 7 with a drive and an alternative operating system 8 for operating the hospital bed 7. 8th shows schematically an exploded view of a detail of the alternative operating system 8. The operating system 8 according to 3 and 4 also includes two handle elements 1, which are connected coaxially by means of a connecting sleeve 83. The connecting sleeve 83 and the handle elements 1 are arranged parallel to the rod 70. To the one from the connection An angle element 81 arranged between the rod 70 and the handle element 1 is provided at each end of the handle elements 1 projecting from the sleeve 83. On their side facing the handle elements 1, the angles 81 have pins 810, which can be inserted into the handle elements 1.

The ones in the 2 until 8th The operating systems 3, 4, 6, 8 shown and their applications are merely examples and numerous modifications are conceivable. In particular, alternative applications are conceivable in which only one handle element 1 is provided, for example for a golf trolley with a drive.

Thanks to the cylindrical basic shape, in which protruding elements are completely dispensed with in one design, and the mechanical interfaces at both ends, easy integration into various operating systems is possible.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102020212536 A1 [0019]

Claims (10)

Handle element for operating a device (5, 7) with a drive by an operator, the handle element (1) having a cylindrical basic shape, characterized in that the handle element (1) has a mechanical interface (13, 14) at at least one end Connection to the device and/or an intermediate component and an electronic interface (10) for direct or indirect connection to the drive, and that on or under a lateral surface of the handle element (1) there is a sensor surface (12) with at least two touch-sensitive sensors (121 , 122) is provided, wherein contacting the sensors (121, 122) by the operator causes a signal to the electronic interface (10) in order to operate the drive in an operating mode that can be changed by contacting the sensors (121, 122). Handle element Claim 1 , characterized in that the first sensor (121) and the second sensor (122) are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the handle element (1). Handle element Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the sensor surface (12) comprises more than two sensors (121, 122), the sensors being arranged in a matrix. Handle element Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , characterized in that the handle element (1) has a mechanical interface (13, 14) at opposite ends for connection to the device and / or an intermediate component, the mechanical interface (13, 14) in particular as a socket or pin of a plug connection is designed. Handle element according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that an evaluation unit (15) for evaluating a signal from the sensors (121, 122) is provided on the handle element (1). Handle element Claim 5 , characterized in that the first sensor (121), the second sensor (122) and the evaluation unit (15) form a throttle for the drive, the drive being activated by contacting the first sensor (121) by the operator for forward travel and by means of Contacting the second sensor (122) can be operated by the operator for reverse travel, in particular actuation areas of the sensor surface for forward travel or reverse travel being marked by arrows. Handle element according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the touch-sensitive sensors (121, 122) are each designed to be redundant. Operating system for operating a device with a drive by an operator, characterized in that the operating system (3, 4, 6, 8) has a handle element (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 or two handle elements (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 for one- or two-handed operation of the device. operating system Claim 8 , characterized in that an angle element (41, 61, 81) is provided for connecting the handle element (81). Device with a drive comprising a handle element (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 or an operating system (3, 4, 6, 8). Claim 8 or 9 .