DE202023103105U1 - System for data transmission between components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system - Google Patents

Abstract

System (1) for data transmission between a first component (11) and a second component (12) of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system (10), wherein
- the first component (11)
- a first coupling element (21) and
- has a first transceiver device (31), wherein the first coupling element (21) comprises the first transceiver device (31),
- the second component (12)
- a second coupling element (22) and
- has a second transceiver device (32), wherein the second coupling element (22) comprises the second transceiver device (32), wherein the two coupling elements (21, 22) can be connected to one another in such a way that when the coupling elements (21 , 22) the transceiver devices (31, 32) comprised by the two coupling elements (21, 22) can be operatively coupled, and wherein the two transceiver devices (31, 32) are each adapted to handle optical data transmission (35) between them .

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a system for data transmission between components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system, a correspondingly adapted coupling element, and a component of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system.

Background of the Invention

In the area of sewer inspection and/or maintenance, additional components such as camera modules or other measurement modules that require a high data rate or bandwidth are usually detachably connected to the feed unit (e.g. a trolley).

Camera units are usually provided with a rotation-swivel mechanism. In order to transmit the signals or data from the camera to the feed unit, slip rings and plug contacts are usually used.

Camera modules with 1k sensors deliver raw data rates from 1.5 to 3 Gbibs. With a 4k camera module, the data rates quadruple to 12 Gbit/s. Other sensors such as high-resolution ultrasonic scanners, LIDAR, etc. can also require high bandwidths for efficient data transmission.

Due to the limited number of plug contacts in conventional solutions, serial data interfaces with few data lines are preferably used. For example, LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) via Serializer / Deserializer, CoaXPress, Cameralink, USB 3.0, Single-Pair Ethernet, GigE Vision, SDI, enable data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s.

In some cases, however, conventional analogue video interfaces are also used.

Due to the high bandwidth, the first-mentioned digital interfaces place increased demands on the connectors or rotary unions. The connectors then usually have to be coaxial or twisted pairs. The robustly designed plug contacts are not suitable for high data rates. In order to meet the requirements for explosion protection, air and creepage distances between the plug contacts are necessary, but these have a negative effect on the signal integrity.

Another approach known from the prior art is that the data rate is already reduced by compression methods before transmission via the one slip ring or plug contact. However, high-performance video processing units are required for the compression of high-resolution videos, which take up space and require a cooling concept due to the performance. In most cases, the space available in the additional components (camera etc.) is not sufficient to integrate a processor module, an FPGA or the like.

Furthermore, there is the possibility of transmitting the data wirelessly via electromagnetic waves. Inductive near-field communication or a radio standard (WiFi) is used here. Both transmission options have a limited bandwidth.

object of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system for data transmission between components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system that at least partially avoids the disadvantages mentioned and can nevertheless be made robust and ensures a high bandwidth for data transmission between the components.

Solution according to the invention

This problem is solved with a system, a coupling element and a component according to the independent claims. Advantageous configurations are specified in the respective dependent claims.

• - die erste Komponente
  • - ein erstes Koppelelement und
  • - eine erste Transceiver-Einrichtung
  aufweist, wobei das erste Koppelelement die erste Transceiver-Einrichtung umfasst,
• - die zweite Komponente
  • - ein zweites Koppelelement und
  • - eine zweite Transceiver-Einrichtung

aufweist, wobei das zweite Koppelelement die zweite Transceiver-Einrichtung umfasst,
wobei die beiden Koppelelemente miteinander verbindbar sind, derart, dass bei miteinander verbundenen Koppelelementen die von den beiden Koppelelementen umfassten Transceiver-Einrichtungen operativ koppelbar sind, und
wobei die beiden Transceiver-Einrichtungen jeweils angepasst sind, zwischen ihnen eine optische Datenübertragung abzuwickeln.Accordingly, a system for data transmission between a first component and a second component of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system is provided, wherein

• - the first component
  • - a first coupling element and
  • - a first transceiver device
  has, wherein the first coupling element comprises the first transceiver device,
• - the second component
  • - a second coupling element and
  • - a second transceiver device

has, wherein the second coupling element comprises the second transceiver device,
wherein the two coupling elements can be connected to one another in such a way that when the coupling elements are connected to one another, the transceiver devices comprised by the two coupling elements are operatively linkable, and
wherein the two transceiver devices are each adapted to handle an optical data transmission between them.

It is advantageous if the two transceiver devices are each adapted to handle bidirectional optical data transmission between them.

• - das erste Koppelelement eine erste elektrische Schnittstelle und
• - das zweite Koppelelement eine zweite elektrische Schnittstelle

umfassen, die angepasst sind, bei miteinander verbundenen Koppelelementen eine Übertragung von elektrischer Energie und/oder Daten zwischen den beiden Komponenten abzuwickeln. Damit wird es möglich sowohl eine optische Datenübertragung als auch eine Übertragung von elektrischer Energie über eine einzige Verbindung abzuwickeln.It can also be advantageous if

• - The first coupling element has a first electrical interface and
• - The second coupling element has a second electrical interface

which are adapted to handle a transmission of electrical energy and/or data between the two components when the coupling elements are connected to one another. This makes it possible to handle both optical data transmission and transmission of electrical energy via a single connection.

It can be advantageous if the two electrical interfaces are adapted to handle the transmission of electrical energy on an inductive basis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the two coupling elements can be connected to one another so as to be rotatable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation.

The transceiver devices can each have transmission and/or reception optics, which are arranged in the axis of rotation of the respective coupling element. As a result, the coupling elements can be rotated relative to one another about the common axis of rotation without the optical data transmission being affected.

It can be advantageous if the two coupling elements are designed in such a way that in the connected state they form a largely gas-tight and fluid-tight volume between the two coupling elements for the transmission path of the optical data transmission between the two transceiver devices.

It can also be advantageous if the components are designed to be gas- and fluid-tight, in particular if they are each arranged in a gas- and fluid-tight housing.

• - empfangene optische Lichtimpulse, die empfangene Daten repräsentieren, in ein die empfangenen Daten repräsentierendes elektrisches Signal, und/oder
• - ein elektrisches Signal, das zu sendende Daten repräsentiert, in zu sendende optische Lichtimpulse, die die zu sendenden Daten repräsentieren,

umzuwandeln.In one embodiment of the invention, the two transceiver devices can each be adapted

• - received optical light pulses representing received data into an electrical signal representing the received data, and/or
• - an electrical signal representing data to be transmitted, into optical light pulses to be transmitted representing the data to be transmitted,

to convert

It is advantageous if the two coupling elements can be releasably connected to one another.

Also provided is a coupling element for a component of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system, the coupling element comprising a transceiver device, the coupling element being able to be coupled to a further coupling element having a transceiver device, the transceiver device being adapted to be an optical one Set up data transmission to the transceiver device of the other coupling element.

The coupling element can comprise an electrical interface which is adapted to handle a transmission of electrical energy and/or data with an electrical interface of the further coupling element.

The transceiver device can have transmission and/or reception optics, with the transmission and/or reception optics preferably being arranged in an axis of rotation of the coupling element.

Finally, the invention provides a component of a channel inspection and/or maintenance system, having a coupling element and a transceiver device, the coupling element comprising the transceiver device, and the transceiver device being adapted to handle optical data transmission.

The coupling element can include an electrical interface, the electrical interface being adapted to transmit electrical energy and/or data.

The electrical interface can be adapted to transfer the electrical energy on an inductive basis.

The transceiver device may include an optical interface adapted to transmit data.

The component of the sewer inspection and/or maintenance system can be, for example, a trolley, a camera, a manipulator, sensor systems. For example, a camera can be coupled to the trolley by means of the system according to the invention—the data transmission can then be handled on an optical basis.

character list

• 1 zwei erfindungsgemäße Komponenten eines Kanalinspektions- und/oder Wartungssystems;
• 2 eine Ausgestaltung erfindungsgemäßer Koppelelemente im Detail;
• 3 ein konkretes Anwendungsbeispiel der Erfindung anhand eines drehbaren und/oder schwenkbaren Kameramoduls eines Kanalinspektions- und/oder Wartungssystems;
• 4 eine alternative Ausgestaltung zweier erfindungsgemäßer Komponenten eines Kanalinspektions- und/oder Wartungssystems; und
• 5 eine weitere alternative Ausgestaltung zweier erfindungsgemäßer Komponenten eines Kanalinspektions- und/oder Wartungssystems.

Further details and features of the invention as well as specific, particularly advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention result from the following description in conjunction with the drawing. It shows:

• 1 two components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system according to the invention;
• 2 an embodiment of coupling elements according to the invention in detail;
• 3 a concrete application example of the invention using a rotatable and/or pivotable camera module of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system;
• 4 an alternative embodiment of two components according to the invention of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system; and
• 5 a further alternative embodiment of two components according to the invention of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention advantageously makes it possible to securely and efficiently handle data transmission between two components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system that can be coupled with high bandwidths. According to the invention, the two components each have a transceiver device that is adapted to handle optical data transmission between them. The components or the coupling elements of the components are designed in such a way that, when they are coupled to one another, high data rates over short distances are made possible.

The exchange of energy between the components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system can take place via conventional plug contacts. In one embodiment of the invention, however, provision is made for the transmission of electrical energy to be effected by means of inductive coupling.

In one embodiment of the invention, provision can be made for arranging the optical components of the transceiver devices in the axis of rotation of the coupling elements or the components. As a result, the mechanical coupling of the two components can be carried out in a rotatable manner without the optical data transmission being affected as a result.

In the case of non-rotatable mechanical coupling, as can be provided in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the transceiver devices can also be placed outside the axis of rotation of the coupling elements or the components.

Due to the optical data transmission over very short distances with coupled components, very high data rates are possible. At the same time, complex slip rings or the like can be dispensed with, at least if the optical components of the transceiver devices are arranged in the axis of rotation of the coupling elements or the components.

1 shows a system 1 according to the invention with a first component 11 and a second component 12. The two components 11, 12 are components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system that can be coupled to one another and between which data transmission is to be processed .

The first component 11 has a first coupling element 21 and a first transceiver device 31 , the first coupling element 21 including the first transceiver device 31 . The second component 12 has a second coupling element 22 and a second transceiver device 32 , the second coupling element 22 including the second transceiver device 32 .

The two coupling elements 21, 22 can be connected to one another. In one embodiment of the invention, the two coupling elements 21, 22 can also be releasably connected to one another. The two coupling elements 21, 22 can in any case be connected to one another in such a way that when the coupling elements 21, 22 are connected to one another, the transceiver devices 31, 32 comprised by the two coupling elements 21, 22 can be operatively coupled. In this context, “operably coupleable” means that when the two coupling elements are coupled to one another, the two transceiver devices can be coupled in the sense of data transmission, ie can be coupled in order to process optical data transmission between them. Optical data transmission is 5 indicated by the double arrow 35. Both unidirectional and bidirectional optical data transmission between the two transceiver devices 31, 32 is possible.

In one embodiment of the invention, the two components 11, 12 are preferably each accommodated in a gas-tight and fluid-tight housing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the two coupling elements 21, 22 can be designed in such a way that, when they are coupled to one another, a gas- and fluid-tight volume or a gas- and fluid-tight space is formed between them, in which volume or Space the two transceiver devices 31, 32 are arranged. This can be realized, for example, with a radially circumferential seal. This prevents dirt from getting between the two transceiver devices 31, 32 during operation, which could adversely affect the optical data transmission. In one embodiment, the space between the two transceiver devices 31, 32 is only protected against the ingress of dirt, which could have a negative impact on the optical data transmission.

The first component 11 can be a camera module, for example, and the second component 12 can be a carriage of a sewer inspection system, for example. The camera module can be connected to the trolley by means of the two coupling elements 21, 22, so that image and/or video data can be transmitted via the two transceiver devices 31, 32.

Appropriate locking means (not shown here) can be provided for locking the first component on the second component. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking means can be designed in such a way that although they prevent the first component from being unintentionally released from the second component, they still allow the first component to rotate about an axis of rotation relative to the second component, such as in 2 shown.

If the camera module has an integrated energy supply (for example an accumulator or a battery), an external energy supply, for example via the trolley or via the two coupling elements 21, 22, can be dispensed with. Embodiments of the invention according to the invention, in which an energy supply can be handled via the two coupling elements 21, 22, are in 4 and 5 shown.

2 shows an enlarged view of the two in 1 shown coupling elements 21, 22. In the two in 2 The coupling elements 21, 22 shown are advantageous configurations of the same, which allow the coupling elements to be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation X, without the optical data transmission being affected in the process. The two coupling elements 21, 22 can be connected to one another so as to be rotatable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation X.

The two transceiver devices 31, 32 each have transmission and/or reception optics 31a, 32a (which are also used in the configurations according to FIG 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 are present, but are not shown there), which are arranged in the common axis of rotation X of the respective coupling element 21, 22. When the coupling elements 21, 22 are rotated about the axis of rotation X, the relative position of the two transmission and/or reception optics 31a, 32a does not change, so that an optical transmission 35 is ensured regardless of the angle of rotation.

The coupling elements 21, 22 are designed in such a way that, in the coupled state, a predetermined distance between the two transmission and/or reception optics 31a, 32a is achieved, which is adapted to optimal optical data transmission. For example, circumferential projections (not shown here) can be provided in the second coupling element 22, which prevent the two coupling elements from falling below a certain minimum distance between the two transmission and/or reception optics 31a, 32a. However, this can also be achieved with other means suitable for this purpose.

3 shows a specific application example of the invention using a rotatable and/or pivotable camera module of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system 10.

The camera module here has a camera head and a mounting fork for mounting the camera head. The camera head here forms the first component 11 within the meaning of the invention. The receiving fork here forms the second component 12 within the meaning of the invention.

The camera head 11 is arranged in the receiving fork 12 so as to be pivotable about a pivoting axis SA relative to the receiving fork 12 . This allows the direction of view of the camera head to be changed if necessary. Figure (a) shows the camera head 11 in a first pivoted position, figure (b) shows the camera head 11 in a second pivoted position.

The camera head 11 has a first coupling element 21 according to the invention, and the receiving fork 12 has a second coupling element 22 according to the invention. The coupling elements 21, 22 are arranged in the area of the pivot axis SA, so that the two coupling elements 21, 22 can be rotated relative to one another about the pivot axis SA. The two transmission and/or reception optics 31a, 32a of the coupling elements 21, 22 are each arranged in the pivot axis SA of the coupling elements 21, 22, so that a pivoting of the camera head 11 relative to the receiving fork 12 has no influence on the optical data transmission.

The rear end of the receiving fork 12 can be rotated, for example connected to a lifting arm of a trolley. It has proven to be advantageous to provide a first coupling element 21 there as well, which interacts with a second coupling element of the lifting arm. In this way, continuous optical data transmission from the camera head 11, via the receiving fork 12, further via the lifting arm to the carriage can be implemented without the need for sliding contacts or the like. Since the respective components can also have their own power supply (accumulators or batteries), all coupling points (between camera head 11 and mounting fork 12, between mounting fork 12 and lifting arm, and possibly also between lifting arm and trolley) can also be completely wireless. If one of the components does not have its own power supply, only the appropriate supply lines are required (such as in 4 shown). In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, the power supply can also be handled from the outside in a cable or wireless manner (ie wirelessly between two components), as in 5 shown.

4 shows an alternative embodiment of two components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system according to the invention.

The design according to 4 essentially corresponds to the in 1 shown embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the in 1 In the embodiment shown, the coupling elements 21, 22 also have a first electrical interface 41 and a second electrical interface 42 here. The two electrical interfaces 41 , 42 are designed here as a sleeve 41 or as a pin 42 corresponding to the sleeve 41 . When the two coupling elements 21, 22 are coupled, the pin 42 engages with the sleeve 41 so that an electrical contact is established between them and electrical energy can be transmitted. As an alternative or in addition, data can also be transmitted via the electrical interfaces 41, 42.

It is also conceivable that further pairs of electrical interfaces are provided, so that the power supply can be handled via the first pair of interfaces and data transmission can be handled via the further pairs of interfaces. For example, a system for data transmission between a first component 11 and a second component 12 of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system can be provided in which data transmission that requires a high bandwidth via the optical interface and data transmission that only requires a low Bandwidth required to be handled via an electrical interface.

In addition to the bidirectional optical data transmission via the two transceiver devices 31, 32, the data transmission via the electrical interface can also be bidirectional.

5 shows a further alternative embodiment of two components of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system according to the invention.

The design according to 5 essentially corresponds to the in 4 shown embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the design according to 4 are in accordance with the design 5 the two electrical interfaces 41, 42 are designed without contact or wirelessly. The two electrical interfaces 41, 42 are preferably adapted to handle the transmission 45 of electrical energy on an inductive basis.

In the embodiments of the invention shown above, the transceiver devices 31, 32 can each be adapted to convert received optical light pulses, which represent received data, into an electrical signal representing the received data, and/or an electrical signal representing data to be transmitted to convert optical light pulses to be sent, which represent the data to be sent.

A camera head was described above as the first component within the meaning of the invention. However, a measuring module, an ultrasonic module, a manipulator module, a second carriage part, an additional camera, a milling module or a sensor module can also be provided as the first component. Within the meaning of the present invention, each module that is used in sewer inspection and/or maintenance and to which data is transmitted or from which data is received can have a coupling element 21, 22 according to the invention in order to have a component 11, 12 to build.

Reference List

1

system for data transmission

10

Sewer inspection and/or maintenance system

11

first component of the sewer inspection and/or maintenance system 10

12

second component of the sewer inspection and/or maintenance system 10

21

first coupling element of the first component 11

22

second coupling element of the second component 12

31

first transceiver device of the first coupling element 21

31a

Transmission and/or reception optics of the first transceiver device 31

32

second transceiver device of the second coupling element 22

32a

Transmission and/or reception optics of the second transceiver device 32

35

optical data transmission between the two transceiver devices 31, 32

41

first electrical interface of the first coupling element 21

42

second electrical interface of the second coupling element 22

45

electrical energy transmission between the two electrical interfaces 41, 42

SA

pivot axis

X

Axis of rotation of the two coupling elements 21, 22

Claims (17)

System (1) for data transmission between a first component (11) and a second component (12) of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system (10), wherein - the first component (11) - a first coupling element (21) and - has a first transceiver device (31), wherein the first coupling element (21) comprises the first transceiver device (31), - the second component (12) - a second coupling element (22) and - has a second transceiver device (32), wherein the second coupling element (22) comprises the second transceiver device (32), wherein the two coupling elements (21, 22) can be connected to one another in such a way that when the coupling elements (21 , 22) the transceiver devices (31, 32) comprised by the two coupling elements (21, 22) can be operatively coupled, and wherein the two transceiver devices (31, 32) are each adapted to handle optical data transmission (35) between them . system after claim 1 , wherein the two transceiver devices (31, 32) are each adapted to handle a bidirectional optical data transmission (35) between them. system after claim 1 , wherein - the first coupling element (21) comprises a first electrical interface (41) and - the second coupling element (22) comprises a second electrical interface (42), which are adapted so that when the coupling elements (21, 22) are connected to one another, a transmission (45 ) of electrical energy and/or data between the two components (11, 12). System according to the preceding claim, wherein the two electrical interfaces (41, 42) are adapted to handle the transmission (45) of electrical energy on an inductive basis. system after claim 1 , wherein the two coupling elements (21, 22) relative to each other about a common axis of rotation (X) are rotatably connected to each other. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the transceiver devices (31, 32) each have a transmission and/or reception optics (31a, 32a) which are arranged in the axis of rotation (X) of the respective coupling element (21, 22). system after claim 1 , wherein the two coupling elements (21, 22) are designed in such a way that, in the connected state, they form a largely gas-tight and fluid-tight volume between the two coupling elements for the transmission path of the optical data transmission (35) between the two transceiver devices (31, 32). (21, 22) form. system after claim 1 , wherein the components (11, 12) are each designed to be gas- and fluid-tight, in particular each being arranged in a gas- and fluid-tight housing. system after claim 1 , wherein the two transceiver devices (31, 32) are each adapted - received optical light pulses, which represent received data, into an electrical signal representing the received data, and/or - an electrical signal, which represents data to be transmitted, into transmitting optical light pulses representing the data to be transmitted to convert. system after claim 1 , The two coupling elements (21, 22) being detachably connectable to one another. Coupling element (21, 22) for a component (11, 12) of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system (10), the coupling element comprising a transceiver device (31, 32), the coupling element (21, 22) having a further A coupling element (22, 21) having a transceiver device (32, 31) can be coupled, the transceiver device (31, 32) being adapted for optical data transmission (35) to the transceiver device (32, 31) of the further coupling element (22, 21) to set up. Coupling element according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupling element (21, 22) comprises an electrical interface (41, 42) which is adapted to an electrical interface (42, 41) of the further coupling element (22, 21) for transmission of electrical energy and /or to process data. coupling element claim 11 , wherein the transceiver device (31, 32) has a transmission and / or reception optics (31a, 32a), wherein the transmission and / or reception optics (31a, 32a) preferably in a rotation axis (X) of the coupling element (21, 22) is arranged. Component (11, 12) of a sewer inspection and/or maintenance system (10), having a coupling element (21, 22) and a transceiver device (31, 32), wherein the coupling element (21, 22) transmits the transceiver device (31 , 32), and wherein the transceiver device (31, 32) is adapted to handle optical data transmission (35). Component according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupling element (21, 22) comprises an electrical interface (41, 42), wherein the electrical interface (41, 42) is adapted to transmit electrical energy and/or data. Component according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical interface (41, 42) is adapted to transmit the electrical energy on an inductive basis. component after Claim 14 , wherein the transceiver device (31, 32) comprises an optical interface (31a, 32a) adapted to transmit data.

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