EP1836434A2

EP1836434A2 - Equipment safety system for the protected operation of dangerous motor equipment, in particular gardening equipment and tools

Info

Publication number: EP1836434A2
Application number: EP05850250A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Richter
Original assignee: Ident Technology AG
Current assignee: Microchip Technology Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2004-12-09
Filing date: 2005-12-09
Publication date: 2007-09-26
Also published as: US20100194209A1; WO2006061248A2; WO2006061248A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the protected operation of dangerous motor equipment, in particular gardening equipment, such as hedge or edge cutters, power saws and lawnmowers. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions for improving the operational safety during the operation of motor equipment, in particular hand-held gardening and forestry equipment, in addition to power tools. To achieve this, the invention provides a solution in the form of an equipment safety system for averting dangerous operational situations during the use of motor-driven equipment. Said system comprises field preparation elements for generating a capacitive spatial alternating field and detection elements for detecting a dangerous state and/or a state which necessitates disconnection, by the detection of influences on the electric field, when an object penetrates the area detected by said field.

Description

Device fuse system for safe operation of hazardous motor equipment, in particular

Gardening tools and tools

The invention is directed to a system for the secured

Operation of hazardous motor equipment, in particular

Gardening tools, such as hedge or edge shears, chainsaws and lawnmowers.

In such devices, the problem is that by the drive of cutting or knife structures of these devices, at selbigen cutting or knife structures high workforce, so that these devices inherent significant risk potential, the risk of injury especially inappropriate, or inattentive use of these devices is particularly high.

It is known to provide multiple switches in such devices, so that an operation of these devices is only possible if the device is taken in a certain way. However, such switches can be manipulated. Furthermore, hazardous situations may occur despite the use of such switches.

The invention has for its object to provide solutions through which arise in the operation of motor equipment, especially manually manageable garden and forestry equipment, as well as power tools in terms of operational safety advantages. This object is achieved in a first abstract description he inventungs according to a device backup system to avert hazardous operating situations in the use of motor-driven devices, the system

Field generating means comprises, for generating a capacitive spatial change field, and detection means comprises, for detecting a danger and / or Abschalttrelevant categorized state by detecting changes in the field structure in the Emdrmgung an Obj ectes in the field of j by a field.

An evaluation circuit is preferably provided for the classification of the danger and / or switch-off-relevant state, wherein this evaluation circuit is coupled to particular detection means and the detection means are designed so that they can be detected via these field-electrical changes in the environment of the hazardous structure.

This makes it possible in an advantageous manner to detect the occurrence of injury-relevant situations sufficiently early and to prevent the drive of the hazardous components of the protected device.

It is possible to detect inadmissible, or shutdown-relevant situations by frequency change effects, by phase-shifting effects, by changes in the resonance behavior of the LC networks, and / or by intensity or threshold considerations. The inventive system may be selbststeichend.

The capacitive alternating field can be generated by an electrode device that forms part of the hazard-relevant structure.

The capacitive change field can also by a

Electrode device can be generated, which is arranged m neighborhood to the hazard-relevant structure. Furthermore, the capacitive alternating field can also be generated by an electrode device which is arranged in an access area to the hazardous structure.

The alternating field can be coupled in particular in combination with the aforementioned measures in a power supply cable, so that, for example, in unzuläs siger approach to the cable, the operation of the device is suppressed.

It is possible to provide a switching device, to interrupt the Ans chlus ses of the power supply cable. These

Switching device can be provided in the plug-side end region of the power supply cable. It is possible to cause the control of the switching device via signal events, which are coupled into the cable.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the capacitive alternating field can also be generated by coupling into the user. The coupling can be performed by a user-side leading circuit device, for. B. IdentCard can be realized. It is also possible to accomplish the coupling by means of an electrode device which is arranged in a grip region or otherwise in the case of proper handling of a device structure close to the user.

The capacitive alternating field can be coupled into the user so that this forms an aura surrounding the user. Also in this case, the capacitive alternating field can be generated by a device-side system component, or by a system component to be supplied by the user.

It is possible to use the capacitive alternating field in accordance with a

To generate modulator such that s this one

Carries information content. This information content can be evaluated, for example, as proof of authorization. Under threat in the present context, in particular, but not exclusively danger by pinching, crushing, cutting, heat, cold and electricity to understand.

The invention is also directed to the components of said system as such. Furthermore, the invention also includes the implementable by the aforementioned apparatus measures protection method for switching off the drive hazardous structures in devices, especially garden or forestry equipment or other cutting tools.

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description m connection with the drawings.

The erfmdungsgemaße device fuse system is particularly suitable for authorized verification of cutting Gartengeraten with other protection features.

Achievable effects on the basis of the inventive concept:

Only authorized persons can start the device

Device starts only when handled correctly

Device only starts when used as intended, especially personal protective equipment

In particular, the following protection features can be implemented as protection against injury:

Sensor protects cables from being cut, and therefore also people Sensor protects people from injury o Sensor protects the operator himself o Sensor protects unauthorized persons o Sensor protects helpers

As further security features, in particular the following effects can be achieved:

theft contactor childlock

Registered use (duration, damage, fault,

Opening, service)

The invention is particularly directed to the protection of electric motor-driven cutting garden tools, such as hedge trimmers, hacklers, lawnmowers, power saws, etc. Such devices are often readily accessible to persons (e.g., children) and potentially potentially hazardous to use.

The main danger points besides the unauthorized operation are the wrong handling, which can lead to damage of humans and material. Additional handles are therefore equipped with mechanical switches that can be manipulated (adhesive tape). The cutting of the supply cable can lead to el. Hitting. Cutting parts can get into the area of body parts and injure them, if e.g. the device is not kept and guided properly. Gartengerate can also be stolen.

For certain Gartengeraten (Motorsagen, trimmer, etc.), the wearing of personal protective equipment is strongly recommended, but not always.

Since Gartengerate are in a tough sales competition, a problem solving must be neither expensive nor expensive.

The present invention advantageously partially solves the known problems in a contactless way. In this case, a capacitive alternating field such as an aura is generated around an authorized operator, his helpers and / or the cable feed line. The proof of this aura by a suitable detector leads with proper handling to the switching on of the device. In case of incorrect operation, however, for immediate shutdown, even before the cutter can reach a human body part or the el. Supply line. The supply of an alternating field permitting the switching on can also take place via personal protective equipment, which can also consist of several parts.

On the basis of the concept according to the invention, it becomes possible to provide a hedge trimmer which switches off automatically as soon as the cutting area approaches the power supply cable in an inadmissibly strong manner. Both the cutting system and the cable can be connected as receiving devices to a sensor system comprising an LC network. Preferably, the protective field is generated by the cutting system. If this protective field is coupled into the cable, it is switched off.

Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. It shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation to illustrate the inventive concept for securing a motor device;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation to illustrate the further mode of action of a system according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a simplified representation of a designed as a donor card element which serves the coupling of a quasi-static alternating field in a user;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the signal transmission between a donor and a receiver with the involvement of the limbs of a user;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a receiving and evaluation system capable of displaying different proximity states; Figure 1 shows Schemata.seh the construction of a Gartengerates, which includes a switching and braking device and an electric motor. The invention provides a generator which can output a medium-frequency AC voltage (eg 200 kHz) capacitively to the film A. This is preferably housed in the handle near the switch. A second film B is located for example in an additional handle. Its enclosure with the other hand is absolutely necessary. For example, a user carries a user card, a helper carries a protection card.

These cards generate data-modulated alternating fields which are transmitted capacitively to the skin of the respective wearer and form a "synthetic aura ^M which can be detected, detected and demodulated by a suitable receiver at a definable distance of 0-30 cm. If the user authorized in this way activates the device, the internal controller first checks via the foil B the authorization code of the user card transmitted via the skin. At the same time, it is ensured that the user actually uses the handle (accommodated in the sheet B).

The device can be started on it. The controller then turns off the film B and the film C on. This is capacitively connected to the cutting device, on film A is now a modulated AC voltage signal (pulse), which can be modulated with a Abschaltcode, on the skin of the operator. The pulse is tension designed to increase the "synthetic aura" around the operator, and if this comes too close to the cutter body parts, the receiver will detect it and immediately stop the machine until the operator removes his limbs from the danger zone In this way, a serious injury can be prevented in a simple manner, since the shut-off signal from foil A also acts on the supply cable, this is likewise protected from severing, and the operator is protected from a possibly resulting electric shock. Helpers can be equipped with a device (eg in the form of a check card) that generates a switch-off AC signal and capacitively couples it to the wearer's skin so that the helper also forms a "synthetic protective aura." If the helper gets too close to the cutting device , the receiver can detect this and stop the motor before injury.

According to Figure 2, the invention provides a further circuit by which it can be ensured that certain areas of a cutting tool are not touched.

Often there are handles on metal bars; at the lower end of the housing with the drive motor, and mounted at the top of the cutter. Since the handle is often adjustable, it should not be wired. In the handle, therefore, a rectifier is accommodated, which rectifies the alternating field of encoder 1 only when the handle touches and thus operates an oscillator which operates on a different frequency, the detector 2 can receive. If, on the other hand, the rod is touched, the signal for detector 2 remains off, which causes the machine to be switched off.

Structure of a transducer device

An encoder consists of an oscillator, which preferably generates a square wave signal (approximately 20OkHz). This signal can be boosted via a series resonant circuit, if necessary. Thereafter, it is guided on a conductive surface (e.g., copper foil). This forms one side of a capacitor. The other is formed by the human skin.

By switching the oscillator on and off and / or by changing the frequency according to a specific scheme, data can also be transmitted in this way. Such donors can be accommodated in the Gartengeraten, or as shown in Figure 3, for example in check card form mitgefuhrt by the operator. To the outside, the films are insulated, for example, with plastic or paint. In principle, switch-on and switch-off signals are distinguished. While operators are driving the switch-in, helpers should carry switch-off transmitters. This ensures that the helper can not operate the equipment, but disable it when a helper comes in the danger zone of the snow device. The operator himself is protected by the switch-off signal (foil A) present in the garden implement, which also secures the supply cable from being severed. The device can only be switched on if the operator carries a switch-on device AND the device is handled as intended. Since the device does not start without a (coded) switch-on signal, this effect can also be used eg for theft and / or parental control.

FIG. 4 shows the structure of a transmitter and a receiver for the "synthetic aura" of capacitive alternating fields.

A dielectric (e.g., copper) receiver sheet (plastic of the device housing or handles) is fed to a selective amplifier to a filter and decoder. An (extremely weak) AC circuit is closed via the human skin (for example between foil A and foil B, so-called bodybπdge). Portable donors (maps) make this circle parasitic to earth. As input amplifiers, i.a. high impedance operational amplifiers (e.g., Max9003), transimpedance amplifiers (e.g., TEMIC U2538B with integrated decoder), or parallel resonant circuit comparators.

FIG. 6 shows further design possibilities of the system according to the invention:

Follow-up: first a handle must be enclosed, then the machine can be turned on the main handle releasing the handle stops the machine, follow-up has no effect. So that the machine does not start up accidentally, it must first be switched on again at the switch (a LED color RED indicates: FILL STOP) When approaching the power cord or to a part of the operator's / helper's body, the engine will stop, but will continue to run if the hazard is no longer present (LED Yellow color: DANGER) A green LED may indicate proper handling The system may also display operating data (transit times, Faults, operator changes, hazards etc.) and output via the capacitive coupling point. An external receiver can be connected to a PC via an interface A spiral arrangement of the internal coupling surfaces can be used to detect the enclosure of a handle by hand. A second signal couples into the surface if it is not shielded by an enclosing hand (Faraday cage).

Claims

claims

1. Device backup system for averting hazardous operating situations when using motorized devices, the system comprises field preparation means for generating a capacitive alternating field, and detection means comprises, for detecting a hazardous and / or Abschaltrelevant gradable state, wherein for the classification of the danger and / or an evaluation circuit is provided for switching-off relevant state, and this evaluation circuit is coupled to those Ξrfassungsmitteln and the detection means are designed so that these field electrical changes in the environment of the hazardous structure can be detected.

2. Device backup system according to claim 1, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated by an electrode device which forms part of the hazardous structure.

3. Device backup system according to claim 1, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated by an electrode device which is arranged m neighborhood to the hazardous structure.

4. Device backup system according to claim 1, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated by an electrode device which is arranged in an access or access area to the hazardous structure.

5. Device backup system according to claim 1, characterized in that the alternating field m is coupled to a power supply cable.

6. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a switching device is provided for interrupting the connection of the power supply cable.

7. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated by coupling into the user.

8. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated as the user surrounding aura.

9. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to

8, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated by a device-side system component.

10. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to

9, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated by a user-side leading system component.

11. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to

10, characterized in that the capacitive alternating field is generated in accordance with a modulator such that it carries an information content.

12. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to

11, characterized in that the information content can be evaluated as a proof of authorization.

13. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to

12, characterized in that the system is realized in connection with a Gartengerat.

14. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to

13, characterized in that the user side leading system component is designed as a use card element.

15. Device backup system according to at least one of claims 1 to

14, characterized in that the user-side leading system component is integrated in a user-side to be worn protection device.

16 gardening device with a device backup device to avert hazardous operating situations when using the same, with a field preparation means for generating a capacitive alternating field, and detection means for detecting a gradable as hazardous and / or Abschalttrelevant states, wherein the classification of the hazardous and / or switch-off-relevant state, an evaluation circuit is provided, and this evaluation circuit is coupled to those detection means and the detection means are designed so that these field electrical changes in the environmental region of the hazardous structure can be detected.

17. Operating circuit component as a component of a safety system for enabling the operation of a garden implement equipped with a device fuse complementary to the operating circuit component for the purpose of averting hazardous operating situations when using the garden implement, comprising: a field preparing means for generating a field electric aura surrounding a user.

18 operating circuit component according to claim 17, characterized in that the device side detection means are provided for detecting a gradable as hazardous and / or relevant state, an evaluation circuit is provided for the classification of the hazardous and / or Abschalttrelevanten state, and this evaluation circuit with those Detection means is coupled and the detection means are designed so that these field electrical effects in the environment of the hazardous structure can be detected.