WO1989009087A1

WO1989009087A1 - Simplified remote control device for multiple functions

Info

Publication number: WO1989009087A1
Application number: PCT/FR1989/000146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guy Mongodin
Original assignee: Guy Mongodin
Priority date: 1988-03-31
Filing date: 1989-03-29
Publication date: 1989-10-05
Also published as: FR2629359A1; FR2629359B1

Abstract

Device for remotely controlling multiple functions sequentially by means of a signal receptor for a signal transmitted in space, capable of detecting a single signal with specific characteristics. Said receptor (1) controls, firstly, a sequencer system designed to successively close a series of circuits corresponding to the various functions to be controlled, and, secondly, a power supply authorization system shared by the various circuits to be controlled but triggered by the receptor so that when the control signal is received, it sets said system to the neutralization position while positioning the sequencer system on the desired function makes said authorization system authorize the power supply to this function. Moreover, the different circuits corresponding to the various functions to be controlled each have a differentiated signalling element, for example a light, which allows the operator, who only needs to glance at the controlled apparatus or toy, to interrupt control signal emission as soon as the sequencer system has closed the circuit corresponding to the desired function. Said device is suitable for toys, models and other devices.

Description

"Simplified remote control device with multiple functions"

The present invention relates to remote control devices with multiple functions, for example for controlling the various organs of a toy or of a model, which may include a construction machine, such as a crane or a mechanical shovel, or another fairground ride, a car, a truck or a boat.

In general, commands of this kind are carried out by radio in authorized frequency ranges, for example 27.145 MHZ. Many transmitter / receiver devices exist on the market and are entirely satisfactory. However, these devices are particularly expensive because they must allow several independent functions to be controlled simultaneously, which leads to complex electronic circuits.

The resulting sale prices are admissible in the case of toys or scale models which themselves have a certain value, for example scale models of airplanes or helicopters. But it is not the same when it comes to toys or small models of low value.

This is why the subject of the present invention is a simplified low-cost control device which nevertheless makes it possible to control multiple functions on a toy, a reduced model or other device. To this end, this device is designed to operate sequentially and relatively slowly to be compatible with human reactions, by means of a single signal receiver transmitted in space and capable of detecting a single characteristic signal. determined, this receiver being installed on the device or toy to be controlled. This device is characterized Ï

- in that the signal receiver controls: on the one hand a sequencing system capable of ensuring successively the closing of a series of circuits corresponding to the different functions to be controlled, on the other hand a power authorization system which is common to the various circuits to be controlled, while being slaved to the receiver so that in the event of reception of the control signal, the latter puts this system in neutralization position, while the stopping of the sequencer system on the selected function acts on this authorization system to authorize the supply of this function,

- And in that the various circuits corresponding to the different functions to be controlled each comprise a differentiated signaling member, for example an indicator light, allowing the operator, by simple visual control of the device or of the toy controlled, to stop the 'emission of the control signal when the sequencing system has closed the circuit corresponding to the desired function. Thus, the present device effectively makes it possible to control one or the other of several distinct functions by a simple selection by the operator himself thanks to the simple monitoring of the signaling members of these different functions. However, this is obtained by means of an extremely simplified apparatus since it operates under the effect of a very simple receiver, designed to detect a single signal of determined characteristics. This device can therefore be used in all cases where it is not essential that some of the functions to be controlled are performed simultaneously, but can be done one after the other in any order.

The receiver provided in the control device according to the invention can be in particular: - a radio receiver associated with a single-channel radio transmitter and tuned to the single frequency thereof,

- a receiver of infra-red rays, associated with a transmitter of the type of those commonly used for the remote control of television receivers, - a receiver of a sonic or ultrasonic emission, the transmitter being able to be then as well an electronic sound production system, or a simple sonic or ultra-sonic whistle (dog whistle), or even more simply a vocal whistle or even a simple short applause with the hands.

In a particular embodiment of the present device, the sequencing system provided therein consists of an electro-mechanical device capable of ensuring: - on the one hand, in the absence of a control signal received by the receiver, the closing of a contactor, common to the various circuits corresponding to the different functions to be controlled, and which constitutes the system for authorizing the supply of these circuits, - on the other hand, in the presence of a control signal received by the receiver, opening of this common contactor and successively closing each of the particular contactors, so that it suffices to stop the operation of the transmitter at the desired time to obtain the selection of the desired function, this stop causing the contactor to close common, and consequently the operation of the engine or other device corresponding to the previously selected function.

In another embodiment, the sequencer system is an electronic system comprising, under the signal receiver dependence:

on the one hand, an electronic clock capable of delivering, at regular intervals, a succession of pulses in the direction of an electronic circuit forming a shift register and into which the supply conductors of the various functions to be controlled are connected,

- And on the other hand, a series of electronic locks, each interposed on the supply conductor of a given function and whose control inputs are connected in parallel on a circuit determining the authorization to supply the corresponding conductors,. this circuit itself being controlled by the signal receiver. However, other particularities and advantages of the control device according to the invention will appear during the following description of two embodiments of it. This description is given with reference to the attached drawing for information only, and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a simplified diagram thereof. FIG. 3 represents the diagram of the sequencing system of the device according to the invention in another embodiment of it.

The control device shown in Figures and 2 is intended to be controlled by a single channel radio transmitter operated by the operator by means of a single control member, and which operates by all or nothing, for example on a frequency of 27.145 MHZ, that is to say in. the authorized frequency band for toys. The power of this transmitter can be a few milliwatts, with a range of a few meters and a fixed low frequency modulation, in amplitude. Consequently it is a radio transmitter whose circuit is particularly simple although it includes a quartz control. Therefore its cost is very low. In addition, this transmitter has the advantage of having a weight of only a few tens of grams, without its power supply battery.

Yet another advantage of this transmitter lies in the fact that, because of its very great simplicity, its design lends itself particularly well to an explanation within the reach of children, contrary to what is the case for the usual radio transmitters. multi-channel control. It is moreover possible to take advantage of this fact for an educational purpose. The control device installed on the toy or

The device to be controlled comprises first of all a radio receiver 1 provided with a reception antenna 2. This receiver is tuned to the single frequency of the transmitter.

It is therefore also a component whose circuit is very simple and whose cost price is reduced. This receiver is powered by a battery 3, for example a three-volt battery via a switch 4 intended to be closed by the operator from the start of the use of the toy or of the corresponding device. The radio receiver 1 controls a gear motor 5 which is part of the electro-mechanical sequencing device which constitutes the essential element of this command. It is a DC motor associated with a very high ratio gear train. This motor is supplied and started as soon as the switch 4 is closed by the operator. However, the circuit of the receiver 1 includes a rocker reverser system which has the effect of reversing the direction of supply of the motor 5, and consequently the direction of rotation of the output shaft 6 thereof, according to whether or not this receiver receives a signal from the command transmitter. Thus, when the receiver 1 receives no signal, the transmitter 5 rotates in its first direction of rotation FI. On the other hand, when the receiver receives a radio signal coming from the transmitter, this same motor turns in the opposite direction F2.

The sequencing system of which the geared motor 5 is a part comprises several contactors inserted in the supply circuits of the various motors or other electrical devices to be controlled and which correspond to the various functions capable of being obtained. Firstly, a contactor common to all these circuits is provided, the closing of which is necessary for one or the other of them to be closed. But secondly, there is a series of individual contactors, each of which is specific to a motor or other device determined to be controlled.

In the example shown, the contactor 7 common to all of the controlled circuits comprises a movable contact 8 actuated by the shaft 6 of the gear motor 5. The arrangement is such that during rotation in the direction FI this contact mobile comes to bear against a fixed contact 9. On the opposite side, there is simply provided a fixed retaining stop 10. On this subject it should be noted that the mobile contact 8 is actuated by the shaft 6 by means of a light friction clutch system consuming very little energy. In the example shown, the movable contact 8 is carried by a washer 11 mounted on the shaft 6 but free to rotate relative to the latter, and a pressure spring 12 applies this washer to a disc 13 which is integral in rotation of the shaft 6. Thus after the movable contact 8 has come to bear against the fixed contact 8, or possibly the stop 10, the washer 11 remains stationary while the shaft 6 continues to rotate.

The individual contactors provided in the various circuits to be controlled are actuated by a secondary rotary shaft 14. This is connected to the output shaft 6 of the gear motor 5 by a coupling system which is active only in one direction of rotation of this shaft , in this case its direction of rotation F2. In the example shown, this coupling system is carried by a toothed wheel 15 which turns idly on the shaft 14 and meshes with a pinion 16 carried by the output shaft 6 of the gear motor 5. The coupling system provided includes pawls 17 with return spring which are pivotally mounted on the toothed wheel 15. These pawls are arranged opposite a ratchet wheel 18 integral in rotation with the secondary shaft 14. The inclination of the teeth of this wheel and the orientation of the pawls 17 are such that this system ensures the coupling of the wheel 18, therefore of the secondary shaft 14, with the toothed wheel 15, only if the latter rotates in the direction of the arrow F3 , that is to say if the shaft 6 of the gear motor 5 turns itself in its second direction of rotation F2. The contactors provided in the various control circuits each comprise a movable contact carried by the secondary shaft 14 and which is intended to cooperate successively, as the rotation of this shaft, with one or the other a series of individual contacts 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d distributed in different angular positions around the trajectory of the corresponding movable contact. In the example shown, these series of fixed contacts are carried by wafers 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d opposite each of which moves a movable contact 20a, 20b, 20c or 20d carried by the secondary shaft 14. Furthermore , a latching system 22 is provided, for example a ball latching system, making it possible to obtain a precise positioning of the movable contacts on the fixed contacts, and this in each useful angular position of the tree 14.

As shown in the diagram in FIG. 2, the different fixed contacts 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d provided opposite the movable contacts 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d correspond to different functions. However, for simplicity, only four out of eight functions are shown wired in the diagram in Figure 2.

In the present example, the fixed contacts 21a and 21b, arranged opposite the movable contacts 20a and 20b, correspond to commands for reversing the direction of rotation of a motor as well as to a stop position. As for the fixed contacts 21c placed opposite the movable contact 20c, they correspond to the power supply, therefore to the starting of the various motors or other electrical devices to be controlled. In the example shown, only the windings 23 of two motors are shown to simplify the drawing.

Finally, each of the fixed contacts 21d, arranged opposite the movable contact 20d, controls the supply of an indicator light 24 intended to signal the command of a determined function, and this according to the angular position of the secondary shaft 14.

It should be noted that the assembly thus constituted corresponds to a standard commercial rotary switch, with four pancakes and twelve positions, at least in the example shown. Such a switch makes it possible to scroll successively eight different functions to be controlled. However, it is possible to use a sixteen-position switch, also of standard design, in order to add two additional functions. However, such standard switches, of small dimensions, exist on many electrical equipment. Consequently, these are very widespread components and of low cost price. Furthermore, the couples required for their training are very low and therefore much lower than the maximum torque authorized for the gear motor 5 of this control system.

The operation of this device is as follows: As soon as it is desired to operate the toy or the reduced model equipped with such a device, the manual switch 4 must be closed. This has the effect of immediately running the engine. 5 in the direction of the arrow FI, therefore causing the closing of the common switch 7. Consequently, if the rotary switch is at this moment in a position corresponding to the control of a particular function in a determined direction, the motor is supplied with power and performs this function. However, if the rotary switch is then in a stop position, no function is performed.

To control a specific function, the radio transmitter must be activated. This has the effect of operating the motor 5 in its second direction of rotation F2, which immediately opens the contactor 7 preventing any electrical supply to the motors of the various functions.

However, the rotation of the shaft 6 in this direction also results in causing the coupling thereof with the secondary shaft 14 via the coupling system 17-18 previously described. As a result, the movable contacts carried by the shaft 14 pass in front of the corresponding fixed contacts 21a, 21b,

21c and 21d. If the speed of rotation of the shaft 14 is four revolutions per minute, then one passes from one of the twelve peripheral contacts to the next in about 1.3 seconds.

At the same time, the various indicators 24 light up and go out successively. This therefore allows the operator to know what is, at each moment, the function selected by the angular position then adopted by the secondary shaft 14. For better differentiation, the indicators 24 are of various colors, for example green, yellow and red and they are divided into several groups. Under these conditions, the operator just has to release the control unit of the radio transmitter as soon as he notices, due to the lighting of the corresponding indicator light, that the desired function has been selected. As explained above, stopping the transmitter instantly causes the gear motor 5 to rotate in its first operating direction FI. This causes the common contactor 7 to close, which allows the previously selected function to be effectively carried out by means of the rotary switch. Of course to obtain this result it is necessary that the various contactors of the rotary switch be stopped on one of the functions provided. If these stop at one of the "Stop" positions, no function is put into service. The present device therefore makes it possible to commission one or other of the functions provided, and this in any order. It is, moreover, the alternating use of the two directions of rotation of the motor which allows the sequential control, from the electro-mechanical elements of the sequencing system. On this subject, it should be noted that it takes approximately 15 seconds to put the same function back into service after having abandoned it, because it is necessary to make a complete revolution of the rotary switch.

However, this slowness is not a drawback for the applications envisaged for this order. Indeed it is intended to equip all toys or models for which the different functions can be controlled one after the other in any order without it being necessary to perform two or more distinct functions simultaneously. Rest the rotation speed of the rotary switch could be doubled, which would considerably reduce the time required to restore the same function to service after having abandoned it. Of course, the various indicators 24 can be placed in any clearly visible location of the toy or other device equipped with this control. They can then be placed in line or in groups of three so that they can be easily observed by the operator. The essential advantage of the present device consists in that, compared to the usual multi-channel radio controls, this device allows the performance of multiple functions for an extremely low cost price, it being understood. that these functions can only be performed one after the other, and not simultaneously. However, these functions can be controlled in any order since the operator can stop the shaft 14 of the rotary switch in any desired position. Consequently, this control device is particularly suitable for toys which are currently controlled by a remote guidance system using an electric cable, which is extremely impractical due to the very presence of the connecting cable. They are therefore toys such as models of harbor cranes, public works machines, rides, robots, etc. Thus in the case of a toy representing a crane, it is possible to remotely control the various motors provided in this toy and corresponding to the following functions:

- forward travel

- reverse gear

- rotation in one direction of the crane boom

- rotation in the opposite direction - lifting of the crane boom - descent thereof

- winding of the lifting hook cable

- unwinding of the same cable.

But these are obviously simple examples. Moreover, the control device according to the invention could also be used to control reduced models other than toys, or even possibly all other types of electro-mechanical devices.

As already indicated, the receiver provided in the present device can be, not only a radio receiver as in the example described above, but also a receiver of another type, capable of detecting a signal transmitted in the 'space and having specific characteristics. Thus it can be: - a receiver of infrared rays, associated with a transmitter of the type of those commonly used for the remote control of television receivers,

- a receiver of a sonic or ultrasonic emission, the transmitter being able to be then as well, an electronic sound production system, or a simple sonic or ultra-sonic whistle (dog whistle), or more simply a whistle vocal or even a simple brief applause.

Furthermore, the transmissions can be either continuous and constant, or continuous and modulated during the entire duration of the "function selection operation" that one plans to do with the remote control, or even simulated continuous, seen from the receiver. In the latter case, the receiver 1, the of the control signal is associated with a bisable flip-flop capable of being triggered under the effect of a first pulse from this receiver and of being triggered under the action of a second impulse from there. Thus, the selection operation can be started by sending a first brief signal, for example a signal sound, and then be stopped by sending a second identical signal. This therefore makes it possible to replace the emission of a continuous signal by the sending of two separate spaced signals which thus "simulate" such a continuous signal. FIG. 3 represents the diagram of the sequencing system provided in a second embodiment of the control device according to the invention. This sequencing system is entirely electronic instead of being electro-mechanical as provided in the previous embodiment.

There is then provided a signal receiver 1a which is associated with an electronic clock 25 capable of regularly delivering, approximately every second, a pulse on the input of a circuit 25 forming shift register, and this throughout the period of time. during which the receiver receives a signal from the command transmitter. As soon as the emission of such a signal ceases, the clock 25 stops to resume sending pulses when the receiver receives it a new control signal.

On the circuit 26 forming the shift register are connected as many output conductors (27a, 27b,

27c ...) that there are functions to select and control, including the "stop" functions. So in the example illustrated the first two output conductors

27a and 27b lead to the circuit 28 for supplying a drive motor 29 provided on the device to be controlled.

It is a power amplifier circuit comprising two inputs on both of which are connected the conductors 27a and 27b. The arrangement is such that depending on whether one or the other is supplied, the motor 29 rotates in one direction or the other. As for the third conductor 27c of the shift register output

26, it corresponds to the stop function of this same motor 29. To simplify, the other functions have not been illustrated in Figure 3, because the design of their circuits is the same.

The circuit 26 forming shift register replaces the electro-mechanical sequencing system provided for in the previous embodiment. Indeed, it successively supplies power to each of the conductors 27a, 27b, 27c ... corresponding to the various functions to be controlled.

The operation is as follows: In the absence of pulses from the clock

25, therefore apart from a function selection action, all the outputs of the shift register 26 are at zero, except for an output conductor which is at 1 (eg 5 volts). This conductor raised to 1 is defined by the preceding choice of function.

As soon as a function selection operation begins by sending a signal by means of the command transmitter, the clock 25 starts and at each pulse, the next output conductor 27a, 27b ... etc passes to one, all others being zero. When the last of the output conductors of the shift register 26 has been reached, it is the first 27a which returns to 1, and so on, until the function selection operation ceases. At this moment the output conductor which is at 1 is the one which corresponds to the chosen function.

However, as in the previous embodiment, there is provided, on the device itself, a series of indicators 30a, 30b, 30c ... intended to signal the effective selection of the corresponding function. This allows the operator to stop the selection operation as soon as the desired function is selected.

However, the device of FIG. 3 also includes a system ensuring, as in the previous embodiment, that during the operation of selection the various functions, which are "called" successively, are not put into service at this time, the operation of the chosen function only taking place after the selection operation has ceased.

In the present case, this power authorization system comprises a series of electronic locks 31a, 31b ... each inserted into the supply conductor 27a, 27b of a determined function, with the exception, however, of the stop functions. The inputs of these latches 31a, 31b ... are connected in parallel to the output 32 of a control circuit 33, itself connected to the receiver 1a of this device.

This control circuit 33 is capable of delivering a signal to zero during the whole time when the receiver receives it a control signal coming from the transmitter, that is to say during the whole duration of the selection operation, and instead deliver a constant signal to

1 (for example a voltage of + 5volts) during the periods during which the receiver 1a does not receive any control signal. Thus, in the first case, the various locks 31a, 31b, ... ensure that it is impossible to supply all the functions to which the output conductors 27a, 27b ... lead to the shift register 26.

By cons, in the second case, so after the selection operation has been stopped by the operator when obtaining the selection of the desired function, all the locks 31a, 31b, ... allow the possible passage current in the output conductors 27a, 27b ... leading to the various functions provided. But only the conductor 27a or 27b or ... corresponding to the previously selected function is supplied through the shift register 26.

So there is an absolute design identity of the device of Figure 3 with that of Figures 1 and 2. Consequently, the operation is the same in both cases.

Claims

1. Device for simplified remote control of multiple functions, sequentially by means of a signal receiver transmitted in space and capable of detecting a single signal of determined characteristics, this receiver being installed on the device or the toy to order, characterized:

- in that the signal receiver (1) controls: on the one hand a sequencing system capable of ensuring successively the closing of a series of circuits corresponding to the different functions to be controlled,. on the other hand a power authorization system which is common to the various circuits to be controlled, while being slaved to the receiver so that in the event of reception of the control signal, the latter puts this system in the neutralization position , however that stopping the sequencer system on the selected function acts on <this authorization system to authorize the supply of this function,

- And in that the various circuits corresponding to the different functions to be controlled each comprise a differentiated signaling member, for example an indicator light, allowing the operator, by simple visual control of the device or of the toy controlled, to stop the 'emission of the control signal when the sequencing system has closed the circuit corresponding to the desired function.

2. Control device according to claim

1, characterized in that the sequencing system consists of an electro-mechanical device capable of ensuring:

- on the one hand in the absence of control signal received by the receiver (1), the closing of a contactor (7), common to the various circuits corresponding to the different functions to be controlled, and which constitutes the system for authorizing the supply of these circuits, - on the other hand, in the presence of a control signal received by the signal receiver (1), the opening of this common contactor (7) and successively the closing of each of the particular contactors, so that it suffices to stop the operation of the transmitter at the desired time to obtain the selection of the desired function, this stop causing the closing of the common contactor (7), and consequently the operation of the motor or other device corresponding to the previously selected function.

3. Remote control device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

- the sequencing device comprises an actuating geared motor (5) connected in series with the signal receiver (1) in a supply circuit comprising a manual switch (4) and this geared motor is controlled by this receiver ( 1) signal so that in the absence of a signal from the transmitter the output shaft (6) of this geared motor (5) rotates in a first direction of rotation (FI) and that in case of reception of a signal transmitted for this transmitter this shaft turns in opposite direction (F2),

- And in that this sequencing device is capable of ensuring: on the one hand, during the rotation of the shaft of the control micro-motor in its first direction of rotation

(FI): the closing of the common contactor (7) for controlling the various motors (23) or other devices to be controlled, on the other hand, during the rotation of the shaft of the control micro-motor in its direction of rotation reverse (F2): the opening of this common contactor (7) and successively closing each of the particular contactors, so that it suffices to stop the operation of the transmitter at the desired time to obtain the selection of the desired function, this stop causing the rotation of the control gear motor (5) again in its first direction of rotation (FI), and consequently the closing of the common contactor (7), therefore the operation of the motor or other device corresponding to the previously selected function.

4. Remote control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the contactor (7), common to the various motors or other devices to be controlled, is actuated by the output shaft (6) of the gear motor (5) of the sequencer system.

5. Remote control device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that:

- the sequencing device comprises a secondary rotary shaft (14) connected to the output shaft (6) of the gear motor (5) by an active coupling system in one direction of rotation of the output shaft (6 ) of the motor (5), in this case its second direction of rotation (F2),

- And this secondary shaft (14) carries movable contacts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) capable of coming to cooperate successively, as the rotation of this shaft, with each of the individual contacts (21a, 21b, 21c , 21d) provided in the different supply circuits of the various motors (23) or other devices to be controlled, these contacts being distributed in different angular positions around the trajectory of the corresponding movable contact carried by the secondary shaft (14).

6. Remote control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is provided, on the toy or other device to be controlled, a series of separate indicator lights (24) each corresponding to one of the functions capable of being controlled, which allows the operator to stop the operation of the transmitter when he has selected the desired function.

7. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sequencer system is constituted by an electronic system comprising, under the dependence of the signal receiver (la):

- On the one hand an electronic clock (25) capable of delivering, at regular intervals, a succession of pulses in the direction of an electronic circuit (26) forming a shift register and to which the supply conductors (27a) are connected , 27b, 27c ...) of the different functions to be controlled,

- on the other hand, a series of electronic locks (30a, 30b ...) each interposed on the supply conductor (27a, 27b) of a determined function and whose control inputs are connected in parallel on a circuit ( 33) determining the authorization to supply the corresponding conductors, this circuit (33) being itself controlled by the signal receiver (la).

8. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiver (1, la) of the control signal is associated with a bisable rocker capable of being triggered under the effect of a first pulse from of this receiver and to be triggered under the action of a second pulse from it, so that the selection operation can be started by sending a first brief signal, for example an audible signal, and then be stopped by sending a second identical signal.