EP2443013A1 - Operating device and method for operating same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to an operating device (10) having an operating lever (20) for controlling a vehicle, particularly for controlling a locomotive engine or a traction vehicle. According to the invention, the operating device comprises a control device (50), which allows a position-dependent operating mode (BA=0) and a time-dependent operating mode (BA=1) of the operating device, and a selection device (60), which allows the operator to select the position-dependent operating mode or the time-dependent operating mode of the operating device, is connected to the control device. Depending on the selected operating mode and the respective position of the operating lever, the control device is suited to generate a control signal (ST) on the output side, which determines the respective operating command (BF) of the operating lever.

Description

description

Operating device and method for its operation

The invention relates to an operating device with a control lever for controlling a vehicle, in particular for controlling a locomotive or a traction vehicle.

In rail vehicles, such as locomotives or locomotives, usually operating lever are used, in which by adjusting the deflection angle of the operating lever, the operating function to be performed operator side is selected. Deflection angle, which is associated with a specific operating function, are fixed for example by a locking disc.

The invention has for its object to provide an operating device that is user-friendly than previous control devices.

This object is achieved by an operating device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the operating device according to the invention are specified in subclaims.

Thereafter, the invention provides that the operating device has a control device which enables a position-dependent mode and a time-dependent mode of operation, with the control device is connected to a selector with which the position-dependent mode or the time-dependent mode of operation of the operator can select, and the Control device is suitable, depending on the selected operating mode and the respective position of the operating lever on the output side to generate a control signal indicating the respective operating command of the operating lever.

A position-dependent operating mode is understood to mean that the operating command is determined by the respective position of the operating lever. A time-dependent mode of operation is understood to mean that the operating command depends inter alia on how long the operating lever remains in a predetermined position. For example, in the time-dependent operating mode, it is possible for the driving force of the drive to be increased continuously, as long as the operating lever is in the position "Increasing the driving force" is located, and continuously reduced, as long as the operating lever is in the position "reduction of the driving force". In a corresponding manner, the braking force can also be increased or reduced by setting appropriate positions of the operating lever for increasing or reducing the braking force.

A significant advantage of the operating device according to the invention is the fact that it has a switchover, so that it is an operator, ie usually the driver, allows to control the vehicle either position-dependent or time-dependent. Such a changeover allows a change in the operating philosophy, without requiring a replacement of the operating lever or other parts would be required.

Another essential advantage of the operating device according to the invention is that switching is also possible while the vehicle is running, and the driver thus has the possibility, depending on the driving situation, of mix that operating mode or that operating philosophy to choose the best fits the particular driving situation.

In order to avoid that there is an undesirable change in the driving behavior, in particular the drive or braking behavior of the vehicle, it is considered advantageous if the control device is designed such that it, after a user-side change of mode, the operating device for a predetermined Time period inactive switches. Such inactive switching gives the driver the opportunity to check whether the position of the operating lever is correct or desired so that, in the event of a deviation, he can correct the position of the operating lever within the predetermined period of time; This makes it possible, for example, to prevent the vehicle from accelerating after switching the operating mode, although braking of the vehicle is necessary and previously set.

Preferably, in the predetermined time period of the inactive switching, the control device outputs a control signal which corresponds to the control signal at the time of the changeover of the operating mode; this ensures continuity in the handling of the vehicle. In other words, the control device is preferably configured such that it leaves the control signal unchanged after a user-side changeover of the operating mode for a predefined period of time.

The operating device preferably has a display device which displays the respectively selected operating mode. Thus, the driver is always signaled which mode is currently active, and it is a misoperation avoided.

Preferably, the display device alternatively or additionally also displays the respectively selected operating command of the operating device. Such an indication of the present operating command makes the vehicle control particularly comfortable.

The respective operating position can be determined particularly simply and thus advantageously if an angle measuring device for detecting the adjustment angle of the operating lever is in communication with the control device and the control device is suitable for generating the control signal with the detected angle value of the angle measuring device and the operating mode selected ,

Preferably, the control lever is assigned an individual adjustment angle range for each operating command, and the control device checks, for example, which operating mode is selected and in which adjustment range the detected angle value falls, and generates the control signal as a function of the determined adjustment angle range and the determined operating mode.

In order to simplify a double use of the operating lever for the two different operating philosophies, it is considered advantageous if the operating lever has no detent position and is self-holding within the entire adjustment range of the operating lever.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the operating lever has a single detent position, namely a detenting zero position. riding and working restless and is self-holding within the rest of the adjustment range of the operating lever. The latching zero position is preferably located in an axis of symmetry of the adjustment angle range or the operating device.

The invention also relates to a method for generating a control signal indicative of an operating command of an operating lever, in particular for controlling a locomotive or a traction vehicle.

To ensure the greatest possible ease of use when controlling the vehicle, the invention provides that it is checked whether a position-dependent mode or a time-dependent mode has been selected operator side, and depending on the selected mode and the respective position of the operating lever on the output side Control signal is generated indicating the respective operating command of the operating lever.

With regard to the advantages of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages of the operating device according to the invention, since the advantages of the method according to the invention essentially correspond to those of the operating device according to the invention.

It is regarded as advantageous if, after a user-side changeover of the operating mode, the operating device is switched inactive for a predetermined period of time and a control signal which corresponds to the control signal at the time of the changeover of the operating mode is output in the predetermined period of inactivation. Preferably, the adjustment angle of the operating lever is measured, and the control signal is generated with the measured angle value, taking into account the operating mode selected operating mode.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the method is provided that the control lever for each operating command each an individual Verstellwinkelbereich is specified and is checked which mode is selected and in which Verstellwinkelbereich the detected angle value falls, and the control signal in dependence on the determined Verstellwinkelbereich and the determined operating mode is generated.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment; thereby show by way of example

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an operating device according to the invention, based on which also an embodiment of the inventive

Procedure is explained

FIG. 2 shows the division of the swivel angle range of an operating lever of the operating device according to FIG. 1 into adjustment angle ranges for a time-dependent operation;

FIG. 3 shows the assignment of adjustment angle values of the operating lever to operating commands for a position-dependent operating mode of the operating device according to FIG. 1, FIG. 4 shows the mode of operation of a control device of the operating device according to FIG. 1, wherein an inactive switching of the operating device in the case of a change of the operating mode is explained on the basis of time profiles.

For the sake of clarity, the same reference numbers are always used in the figures for identical or comparable components.

FIG. 1 shows an operating device 10 which is equipped with an operating lever 20. The operating lever 20 is held pivotably within a swivel angle range or adjustment range γ and can assume an arbitrary displacement angle α within the adjustment range γ.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the adjustment range Y is configured symmetrically and has a center axis or symmetry axis 30 which divides the adjustment range into two large partial angle sections. In the area of the axis of symmetry 30 or center axis of the operating lever 20 is held detent, so that the center axis forms a latching zero position for the operating lever 20. Outside the region of the center axis or outside the axis of symmetry 30, the adjustment range is restless, wherein the operating lever is self-holding in any position outside the axis of symmetry 30. Such a latching can be achieved for example by a corresponding friction of the operating lever 20.

For detecting the respective adjustment angle α of the operating lever 20, the operating device 10 has an angle measuring device 40, which measures the displacement angle α, generates a corresponding displacement angle value D (α) and outputs it on the output side. Downstream of the angle device 40 is a control device 50 of the operating device 10.

Also connected to the control device 50 is a selection device 60 of the operating device 10. With the selection device 60 can be selected on the operator side or on the vehicle driver side, with which operating mode the operating device 10 is to be operated. A time-dependent operating mode BA is selected, which is characterized in FIGS. 2 and 4 by a logical one (BA = I), as well as a position-dependent operating mode, which is identified by a logical zero in FIGS. 3 and 4 (BA = O). ,

A time-dependent mode of operation (BA = I) is understood to mean that the operating command, which is generated on the output side by the control device 50 in the form of a control signal ST, depends inter alia on how long the operating lever remains in a predetermined position: on the time-dependent Operating mode can be provided, for example, that the driving force of the drive is continuously increased, as long as the operating lever is in the position "increase the driving force", and is continuously reduced, as long as the operating lever is in the position "reduction of the driving force". In a corresponding manner, the braking force can also be increased or reduced by setting appropriate positions of the operating lever for increasing or reducing the braking force. An exemplary embodiment of a time-dependent mode of operation will be explained in more detail below in connection with FIG.

A position-dependent operating mode BA = O is understood to mean that the operating command is determined by the respective position of the operating lever and is independent of how long he remained in the respective position already. An exemplary embodiment for a position-dependent operating mode will be explained below in connection with FIG.

With the selection device 60, therefore, it can be determined on the operator side whether the operating device is to be operated time-dependent or position-dependent. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the selection device 60 is a separate component which is connected to the control device 50. Alternatively, the selection device 60 can also be arranged in or on the operating lever 20, in particular in or on the knob 70 of the operating lever 20.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, the operating device 10 has a display device 80, which is connected to the control device 50.

The operating device 10 can be operated, for example, as follows:

The control device 50 determines with the signals present on the input side, ie the displacement angle value D (α) of the angle measuring device 40 and the selection signal AS of the selection device 60, a control signal ST and outputs this on the output side. With the control signal ST, the respective operating command BF of the operating lever 20 is displayed or output.

In addition, the control device 50 generates on the output side a display signal AZ, which arrives at the display device 80 and determines which display is to be displayed on the display device 80. Preferably, the display signal AZ causes a display of the respectively current operating command BF and the current operating mode BA. FIG. 2 shows by way of example how a division of the adjustment range Y according to FIG. 1 into adjustment angle ranges Δγ0 to Δγ6 can take place in order to enable a time-dependent operating mode (BA = I) of the operating device 10. For example, the following operating commands are assigned to the individual adjustment angle ranges Δγ0 to Δγ6:

ΔγO: Driving force and braking force = 0

Δγl: driving force is continuously reduced Δγ2: driving force remains constant

Δγ3: Driving force is continuously increased Δγ4: Braking force is continuously reduced Δγ5: Braking force remains constant Δγ6: Braking force is continuously increased.

In the case of a time-dependent mode of operation, the set driving force or the set braking force thus depends on how long the operating lever 20 is in the driving force-changing or braking force-changing adjustment angle range Δγ1, Δγ3, Δγ4 and Δγ6. In the Verstellwinkelbereiche Δγ2 and Δγ5 the driving force or the braking force remains unchanged or constant at their respective value.

FIG. 3 shows by way of example how the adjustment range γ can be used in the case of a position-dependent operating mode (BA = 0). In the case of a position-dependent mode of operation, the resulting operating command depends on which adjustment angle α of the operating lever 20 respectively.

If the operating lever 20 is in the adjustment angle range Δγ7, then the drive of the vehicle should exert a positive driving force. The respective drive force value is determined by the respective adjustment angle α within the adjustment For example, the drive force is set the larger, the greater the displacement angle α of the operating lever.

In a corresponding manner, the braking force is adjusted by pivoting the operating lever 20 in the Verstellwinkelbereich Δγ8, for example, a large displacement α - with respect to the axis of symmetry 30 - a large braking force and a small adjustment angle α has a small braking force.

In the adjustment angle range ΔγO neither a driving force nor a braking force is generated, so that the vehicle unrestrained and unaccelerated maintains its state of motion - apart from friction, air resistance and other influences - retains.

The mode of operation of the operating device 10 according to FIG. 1 will now be explained in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 4: FIG. 4 shows how actuating the selection device 60 and generating a selection signal AS causes a change in the operating mode BA. If the selection device 60 is activated and generates a selection signal with a logical "1", this does not directly lead to a change in the operating mode; only when the selection signal AS is generated at least during a predetermined minimum period Tmin with a logical "one", a switching of the mode BA is caused.

FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, a changeover of the operating mode at the time t = t1. At the time t1, the selection signal AS has a logical "1" for the predetermined time Tmin, so that the mode of operation from BA = 0 to BA = 1 is switched. This means that a position-dependent operating mode (BA = 0), as has been explained in connection with FIG. 3, is converted into a time-dependent operating mode (BA = 1), as has been explained in connection with FIG.

In addition, FIG. 4 shows the respective status Z of the operating device 10. If the status Z has a logic "1", then the operating device 10 is active and the control device 50 generates the control signal ST on the output side, which corresponds to the respective operating position or the respective displacement angle α of the operating lever 20. If, however, the status Z has a logical "0", then the operating device 10 is inactive and generates on the output side a control signal ST which indicates the respectively selected operating command which the operating device 10 had displayed at the time before the operating mode was changed over. In other words, during the state Z = 0, ie during the time period Ts, the control signal ST will remain constant and correspond to the control signal ST generated at the time t1. Only after expiration of the time period Ts, the operating device 10 is again activated, so that the control signal ST again corresponds to the respective adjustment angle α of the operating lever 20 and the respectively selected mode BA. The reactivation of the operating device 10 after expiry of the inactive phase Ts is symbolized in FIG. 2 by a return of the status Z from a logical "0" to a logical "1". At the time t1 + Ts, the operating device 10 is thus active and subsequently operates in the time-dependent operating mode (BA = 1).

In addition, in FIG. 4, a changeover from the time-dependent operating mode BA = 1 into a position-dependent one Operating mode BA = 0 shown. Thus, it can be seen from FIG. 4 that, at the time t = t2, a mode change is produced due to generation of the selection signal AS with a logical 1 for a period of time greater than or equal to Tmin. Even with this switching of the operating mode from BA = 1 to BA = 0, the status Z of the operating device 10 is changed and the operating device 10 is switched inactive for a time Ts. This means that the control signal ST, which has been generated at the time t = t2, remains constant at the output of the control device 50 and is changed only after expiration of the time period Ts, ie at the time t2 + Ts, of course only if so then the respective position of the operating lever 20, so the Verstellwinkelwert D (α), taking into account the then activated position-dependent mode BA = 0 commands.

By inactivating the operating device 10, it is avoided that after a change of operating mode, that is to say switching from BA = 0 to BA = 1 or switching from BA = 1 to BA = 0, an undesired change in the vehicle condition can take place. Namely, during the predetermined inactive phase Ts, the vehicle driver or the operator of the operating device has the option of setting the respective position of the operating lever 20 with the knob 70 in accordance with the desired driving state of the vehicle in the newly set operating mode.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, a changeover of the operating mode BA is brought about when the actuation of the selector 60 and the generation of the selection signal AS with a logic 1 occur at least during the predetermined minimum time Tmin. Alternatively, a changeover of the operating mode BA can also take place under other conditions, for example, when a selection signal AS with a predetermined binary or analog coding sequence, for example in the form of "short-long-long" or "short-short-long" or the like.

Reference sign list

10 operating device

20 operating lever 30 symmetry axis

40 angle measuring device

50 control device

60 selection device

70 Knob 80 Display

AS selection signal

AZ indication signal

BA Operating mode BF operating command

ST control signal t time tl time t2 time Ts time span

Tmin time span

Z status

Y adjustment range

ΔγO - Δγ8 Adjustment angle ranges α Displacement angle

D (α) adjustment angle value

Claims

claims 1. operating device (10) with an operating lever (20) for controlling a vehicle, in particular for controlling a locomotive or a traction vehicle, characterized in that the operating device comprises a control device (50) having a position-dependent mode (BA = O) and a time-dependent operating mode (BA = I) of the operating device is enabled, to which a selection device (60) is connected, with which the position-dependent operating mode or the time-dependent operating mode of the operating device can be selected on the operator side, and - the control device is suitable, depending on from the selected operating mode and the respective position of the operating lever on the output side to generate a control signal (ST) indicating the respective operating command (BF) of the operating lever. 2. Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device is designed such that, after a user-side changeover of the operating mode, the operating device switches inactive for a predetermined period of time (Ts). 3. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device outputs a control signal in the predetermined period of inactive switching, which corresponds to the control signal at the time of switching the mode. 4. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, in that a control device is designed such that it leaves the control signal unchanged after a user-side changeover of the operating mode for a predetermined period of time (Ts). 5. Control device according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e s in that the operating device has a display device (80) which displays the selected operating mode (BA). 6. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h e k e n e c e s in that the operating device has a display device (80) which displays the respectively selected operating command (BF) of the operating device. 7. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the control device, an angle measuring device (40) for detecting the adjustment angle (α) of the operating lever is in communication and the control device is suitable, with the detected Verstellwinkelwert (D (α)) of the angle measuring device and the operator selected operating mode to generate the control signal. 8. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating lever for each operating command in each case an individual Verstellwinkelbereich or Verstellwinkelwert is specified and the control device checks which operating mode is selected and in which adjustment angle range the detected angle value falls or with which adjustment angle value the measured angle value is identical or similar and generates the control signal as a function of the determined adjustment angle range or adjustment angle value and the determined operating mode. 9. Operating device according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h e c e n e c i n e s that the operating lever provides a restoring zero position and incidentally works restless and is self-holding within the rest of the adjustment range of the operating lever. 10. Operating device according to claim 9, characterized in that the latching zero position in an axis of symmetry (30) of the Adjusting angle range is arranged. 11. Rail vehicle with an operating device according to one of claims 1 to 10. 12. A method for generating a control signal (ST) indicating an operating command (BF) of an operating lever (20), in particular for controlling a locomotive or a traction vehicle, characterized in that depending on a selected mode (BA) and the respective Position of the operating lever on the output side, a control signal (ST) is generated, indicating the respective operating command of the operating lever. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that after a user-side switching of the operating mode, the operating device for a predetermined period (Ts) is switched inactive and in the predetermined period of inactiv tivschalts a control signal is output, which corresponds to the control signal at the time of switching the mode. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the adjustment angle (α) of the operating lever is measured and the control signal is generated with the measured angle value D (α)) taking into account the operating mode selected operating mode. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the control lever for each operating command in each case an individual Verstellwinkelbereich or Verstellwinkelwert is given and it is checked which mode is selected and in which Verstellwinkelbereich the detected angle value falls or with which Verstellwinkelwert the measured angle value identical or is similar, and the control signal is generated in dependence on the determined Verstellwinkelbereich or Verstellwinkelwert and the determined operating mode.