Operating device

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for operating a functional unit, having an operating unit carrier (12) on which an operating unit (16) is arranged which can be illuminated from behind by means of a back lighting mechanism (17), wherein the operating unit (16) has a plurality of operating fields (18a-e) which each belong to an operating field unit (19a-e) and are each assigned to a specific function of an assigned functional unit, wherein each operating field unit (19a-e) has a switching mechanism (20) which can be actuated by actuation of the assigned operating field (18a-e) for activating the function of the assigned functional unit. The back lighting mechanism (17) has a plurality of back lighting units (21a-e) which each belong to one of the operating field units (19a-e).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an operating device for operating functional units, particularly in BOS vehicles. The operating device has an operating unit carrier in which operating units, such as button areas, that can be illuminated from behind by means of a backlighting mechanism are arranged. The operating units have multiple operating areas, each belonging to an operating area unit and assigned to a specific function of the assigned functional unit. Each operating area unit has a switching structure that can be operated by manipulating the assigned operating area to activate the function of the assigned functional unit. Background Technology

[0002] Such operating areas have long been known and used in the field of BOS vehicles (BOS: agencies and mechanisms with safety missions). Advantageously, in this field, different functional units of a vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle, can be operated from a central operating device, such as a console. For example, onboard pumps, projectors, foam mixing mechanisms, or lighting systems can belong to these functional units.

[0003] For operators, especially under stressful use, it is often difficult to maintain an overview of the numerous operating areas of the device. In order to follow the optimal operating sequence for the different operating areas, and thus activate the functional units in the most advantageous order, practice and training are required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide an operating device of the type mentioned at the beginning, which allows an operator to control different functional units.

[0005] This task is accomplished by an operating device. Improvements to the invention are shown in the dependent claims.

[0006] The distinguishing feature of the operating device according to the invention is that the backlighting mechanism has a plurality of backlighting units, each belonging to one of the operating area units, and the assigned operating areas are each illuminated from the back by the backlighting units in a plurality of different display colors. The operating area units are each connected to an electronic control mechanism, which is configured such that, in the unoperated basic state, at least one operating area is illuminated from the back by means of a display color indicating the operating area is ready, while other operating areas are not illuminated from the back. When an operating area in the ready state is operated, it is illuminated from the back in a different display color indicating the activated state if the color changes. Additionally, at least one other operating area that has not been illuminated from the back so far is illuminated from the back by either a display color indicating the ready state or a different display color indicating a malfunction.

[0007] The operating device provides the user or operator with easily understandable menu guidance, for which only the following operating areas are illuminated or backlit, and the assigned functional units of these operating areas should be activated by manipulating them. Other operating areas assigned to other functional units do not initially appear on the operating unit. Furthermore, the operating areas, after activation, are backlit with a different display color than in their previously inactive, ready state. This also assists the operator. Another important aspect is that after manipulating one operating area to activate a specific functional unit, another operating area appears on the operating unit, thereby enabling the activation of other functional units. In summary, this provides an easy and comfortable way for the operator to operate the operating device. The menu guidance guides the operator and pre-defines the sequence of operations.

[0008] The ready state of the operation area represents the ready state of the assigned functional unit. The activated state of the operation area represents the activated state or operating mode of the assigned functional unit. The operation unit carrier can be a housing or an instrument panel in which the operation unit is received, and the operation unit is fixed on the instrument panel. The operation unit can be configured as a button area.

[0009] In one improved embodiment of the invention, the electronic control mechanism is configured such that, when operating an operational area in a ready state, assigned to a specific function, a single operational area that has not been illuminated from behind is illuminated from the back, provided there is no functional malfunction. This area is then assigned to the next function logically following the function of the operated operational area, or alternatively, multiple operational areas that have not been illuminated from the back are illuminated from the back. This pre-determines the operating sequence for the operator, which is coordinated with the optimal operating sequence of the functional units according to the intended use.

[0010] In one improved embodiment of the invention, the electronic control mechanism is configured to pulse the backlighting process of the operating area in a ready state. This provides further support to the operator, as the pulses indicate that an operating area is ready for operation.

[0011] The electronic control mechanism is configured in a particularly preferred manner such that the backlighting process of the operating area during operation flashes particularly rapidly at a higher frequency than the pulses in the ready state, or by means of continuous backlighting.

[0012] In one improved embodiment of the invention, the backlighting process is first performed with flashing light, thereby displaying the functional requirements assigned to the operating area, and then performed thereafter by means of continuous backlighting, thereby displaying the implementation of the function.

[0013] In one improved embodiment of the invention, the functional unit is selected from a group consisting of a pump mechanism, a foam mechanism, a projector mechanism, and a lighting mechanism, such as a lamp post and its control mechanism. However, this group is not final, and other functional units that can be controlled by means of the operating device can also be considered.

[0014] Possibly, the backlighting units of the operating area units each have at least one light-emitting element, which can be manipulated by means of the electronic control mechanism to emit light in different display colors. Manipulation of the operating area can be triggered by the electronic control mechanism to switch at least one light-emitting element, thereby changing the display color.

[0015] The at least one light-emitting element is configured as an LED unit, particularly an RGB-LED, in a particularly preferred manner.

[0016] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the electronic control mechanism has a circuit board arranged on the operating unit carrier, which is distributed among the operating area units such that when the selected operating area is manipulated, the circuit board is contacted by means of a contact device belonging to the corresponding operating area unit.

[0017] The contact device preferably has a button element or button arranged below the operating unit, which is movable toward the circuit board and triggers contact when the operating area is manipulated. Such a button offers many advantages over "touch" operation, especially in the field of fire protection technology. The button provides tactile feedback regarding the manipulation of the operating area. Furthermore, the button-operating area can be easily operated with gloves, which is particularly advantageous in the field of fire protection technology.

[0018] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the button element has a light-transmitting ammonium key head and a button body facing the circuit board.

[0019] The button head preferably has at least one diffuser plate, thereby scattering light emitted by at least one light-emitting element and thus producing optimal backlighting for the operating area. For example, two diffusers plated vertically can be provided, wherein the lower diffuser plate is white and the upper diffuser plate is printed (bedruckt) or dyed gray. Alternatively, a dyed carrier layer can be considered instead of the printed gray or dyed gray diffuser plate.

[0020] Multiple operating area units are incorporated in an operating area unit-module in a particularly preferred manner, the operating area unit-module being configured as a pre-installed component and mounted on the housing of the operating device.

[0021] In an improved embodiment of the invention, the operating unit has at least one opaque, preferably black or gray, covering layer.

[0022] Possibly, the operating unit has at least one transparent carrier layer disposed on at least one covering layer. Preferably, the carrier layer is constructed as a film.

[0023] The at least one covering layer is preferably embossed, laminated onto the carrier layer, or constructed as a film.

[0024] With regard to the cover layer-film and / or the carrier layer-film, the film is suitably applied to the assigned components of the operating unit carrier by means of an adhesive.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention includes an emergency vehicle, particularly a fire truck, characterized by at least one operating device. Attached Figure Description

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings and will be explained in detail below.

[0027] In the attached diagram:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the operating device according to the invention is shown, the operating device having an operating area in a ready state;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an operating device, which has two backlit operating areas, one of which is in an activated state and the other is in a ready state;

[0030] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and 2 A schematic diagram of the operating device, which includes four operating areas illuminated from behind, two of which are in an activated state and two in a ready state;

[0031] Figure 4 It shows Figures 1 to 3 A schematic diagram of the operating device, in which three operating area units are in an activated state, one operating area unit is in a ready state, and one operating area unit displays a functional fault;

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The longitudinal section along line VV of the operating area unit schematically shows the operating area unit and its associated components. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 A preferred embodiment of the operating device 11 according to the invention is shown. The operating device 11 is described below exemplarily in use in a BOS vehicle. However, the operating device 11 is not limited to this field of use. In cases of use in firefighting technology, such an operating device 11 can be located, for example, on emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, THW-, DLRG-, disaster prevention-, and police vehicles. For example, such an operating device 11 can be arranged as a central control panel in the driver's cab of such an emergency vehicle. However, it is also possible to arrange it in the rear area of ​​such an emergency vehicle, for example, near an embedded pump.

[0034] The structure of such an operating device 11 is in Figure 5 As exemplarily shown in the figure.

[0035] The operating device 11 has an operating unit support 12, for example, in the form of a housing, which is exemplarily shown in a basic rectangular shape. The operating unit support 12 can be made of metal or plastic.

[0036] Especially in Figure 5 As shown, the operating unit support 12 has a bottom 13 and a wall (not shown), which in this example is formed by four wall sections (not shown). The wall and the bottom 13 together enclose an interior space 15. The operating unit support 12 is open upward and closed on its upper side by an operating unit 16, which is fixed to the operating unit support 12 in a manner that will be explained in more detail below.

[0037] A backlighting mechanism 17 is arranged in the interior space 15, which enables the operating unit 16 to be illuminated from behind.

[0038] The wall has a mounting strip (not shown) that is recessed relative to its upper edge and is constructed in a tab-like manner for securing the components of the operating device 11, which will be described in detail below.

[0039] Especially in Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the operation unit 16 has a plurality of operation areas 18a-e, which belong to operation area units 19a-e and are respectively assigned to specific functions of the assigned functional units.

[0040] In the example where the operating device 11 is located on an emergency mission vehicle, considering the numerous functional units that can be activated via the allocated operating areas 18a-e, examples of these functional units include, for instance, a pump mechanism having an embedded pump mounted on the emergency mission vehicle, a foam mechanism having an additive pump or metering pump dispensing to a foam tank, a projector mechanism having at least one projector, and an illumination mechanism having at least one lamp post and a spotlight arranged thereon, etc.

[0041] The operating device 11 will be described below by way of example using three different functional units: an embedded pump on the emergency vehicle, a foam mechanism also on the emergency vehicle, and a projector mechanism also on the emergency vehicle.

[0042] The operation area units 19a-e with corresponding operation areas 18a-e each have a switching structure 20 that can be manipulated by manipulating the assigned operation area 18a-e to activate the function of the assigned functional unit.

[0043] Especially in Figure 5 As shown, the backlighting mechanism 17 has a plurality of backlighting units 21a-e, each belonging to one of the operation area units 19a-e, and the assigned operation areas 18a-e are each illuminated from behind by the backlighting units with a variety of different display colors.

[0044] Figure 5 The structure of the rear lighting units 21a-e and the electronic control mechanism 22 is schematically shown. The electronic control mechanism 22 has a circuit board 23 arranged in a region of the bottom 13, which has a switching structure (not shown) arranged thereon.

[0045] The backlighting mechanisms 21a-e each have at least one light-emitting element 24, which can be manipulated by means of an electronic control mechanism 22 to emit light in different display colors. The light-emitting element 24 is exemplarily shown in the form of an LED unit. In the example case, the LED unit is configured as RGB-LEDs. Depending on the operation, the RGB-LEDs can provide red, yellow, and blue light, or a mixture thereof, that is, white, green, orange, and purple light.

[0046] The RGB-LEDs are arranged on the circuit board 23.

[0047] Furthermore, the operation area units 19a-e have contact devices for contacting the circuit board 23 when the assigned operation areas 18a-e are manipulated. The contact devices have button elements 25 disposed below the operation unit 16. The button elements 25 are guided in a movable manner on button element carriers 26, also belonging to the operation area units 19a-e. The button elements 25 have a light-transmitting button head 26, which can also be referred to as a button cap, and a button body 28 facing the circuit board 23.

[0048] Especially in Figure 5 As shown, the button head 27 has a sleeve shape, such as a square, rectangular, or circular cross-section. The button head 27 is guided on the side of the button element carrier 26. At least one diffuser plate 29a, 29b is supported on the button head 27. In the illustrated example, two diffuser plates 29a, 29b are arranged vertically, with the lower diffuser plate being white and the upper diffuser plate being printed or dyed gray. The button body 28 is disposed on the lower diffuser plate 29b and extends downwards from there toward the circuit board 23.

[0049] The operation area units 19a-e are suitably incorporated into an operation area unit module (not shown), wherein the module has a module housing that forms a key element support 26 for the key element 25 for the plurality of operation area units. For example, two, four, or six operation area units 19a-e can be housed in the operation area unit module. The plurality of such operation area unit modules are suitably fixed to the operation unit support 12 of the operation device 11, particularly screwed onto the tab-shaped edge strip of the housing 12.

[0050] Such an external Figure 5 As shown, the operating unit 16 has at least one light-transmitting, in the example, black or gray covering layer 30. Multiple covering layers can be arranged vertically.

[0051] Furthermore, the operating unit 16 has at least one transparent carrier layer in the form of a carrier film. The at least one cover layer 30 is suitably embossed or laminated onto the carrier film.

[0052] The operating areas 18a-e are constructed on at least one cover layer 30 in such a way that the operating areas are formed through light-transmitting areas of the otherwise opaque cover layer 30. The operating areas 18a-e are arranged such that their positions are precisely positioned above the assigned button elements 25. The composite structure consisting of the carrier film 31 and the imprinted cover layer 30 is applied to the upper side of the operating area unit-module by means of an adhesive.

[0053] An important aspect of the operating device 11 according to the invention is the menu guidance of the operating areas 18a-e on the operating unit 16.

[0054] Figure 1 The initial or original state of the operating device 11 is illustrated here as an example. In this state, only one single operating area of ​​the numerous operating areas 18a is backlit and thus visible on the operating unit 16, which can also be referred to as the button area, while the other operating areas 18b-e are not backlit and thus not visible on the operating unit 16. Therefore, the operator's attention is directed specifically to the single backlit operating area 18a. In the illustrated example, only the operating areas 18a with the on / off symbol appear on the operating unit 16. An important aspect of the invention is that the operating areas are backlit in such a way that the different states of the assigned functional units are displayed.

[0055] therefore, Figure 1The diagram shows the unoperated basic state of the operating device 11, in which a single visible operating area 18a is backlit by a display color indicating a ready state 32 for the operating area 18a. This operating area represents the ready state of an assigned functional unit or function. In the example case, the display color "white" is selected for the ready state 32. This can be easily achieved by activating the RGB-LEDs assigned to the backlighting unit of the operating area and mixing the colors—red, green, and blue—to produce the display color—white. The backlighting process of the operating area 18a is performed in a pulsed manner in the ready state 32, which further enhances the operator's attention.

[0056] If the operator now manipulates a single operation area 18a appearing on display 16, two processes are triggered. The manipulated operation area 18a, i.e., the function "on" as described in the example case, now changes the display color, and additionally, at least one other operation area 18b, which is not visible on operation unit 16 until now, appears on operation unit 16, i.e., it is illuminated from behind. In the illustrated example case, after manipulation of the first operation area 18a, only one additional single operation area 18b follows, which is pre-given a meaningful and optimized operating sequence, meaning that logically, the next operation area 18b to be operated appears on operation unit 16. In the example case, this is the operation area assigned to the functional unit - the pump.

[0057] When the first operating area 18a is activated by pressing the button, i.e., when the "on" function is activated, the button element 25 moves toward the circuit board 23, thereby triggering a switching process on the button body 28, resulting in a color change of the display color. The ready state 23 is no longer displayed; instead, the activated state 33 is displayed. In the example, the display color for the activated state is "green" (shown by a shading in the accompanying drawings). This can also be easily achieved through electronic control of the RGB LEDs and the deactivation of the red LED.

[0058] After the color change from "white" to "green", the backlighting process is suitably performed first in a flashing manner, thereby indicating the functional requirements assigned to the operating area 18a, and then performed thereafter by means of continuous backlighting, thereby indicating the implementation of the functions of the assigned functional units.

[0059] As exemplarily in Figure 2As shown, the first operating area 18a changes from "white" to "green" after it is activated, making it clear to the operator that the "on" function has been activated. The second operating area 18b, which appears on the operating unit 16, is initially in a ready state 32, that is, illuminated from behind using the display color "white". Additional pulses are also possible here.

[0060] When the second operating area 18b is operated by pressing a button, the display color of this operating area first flashes from "white" to "green" and is then continuously illuminated from behind. Additionally, as particularly in... Figure 3 As shown, additional operating areas 18c and d, previously invisible on the operating unit 16, are illuminated from behind. In the illustrated example, two additional operating areas 18c and d appear, exemplarily assigned to the functional unit-foam mechanism and the functional unit-projector mechanism. The reason for the presence of two additional operating areas 18c and d instead of just a single operating area is the fact that one operating area here has no priority over the other. Figure 2 As shown in the operation area 18b, which is exemplarily presented as a functional unit—a pump—it is logical that the pump must first be activated before water or a water / foam mixture can be ejected from the projector.

[0061] First, the two additional operating areas 18c and d are backlit with the display color "white", which in this case represents the ready state 32.

[0062] Figure 4 Another variation of the operating sequence is illustrated exemplarily. In this case, the third operating area 18c assigned to the projector unit is activated by pressing a button, thereby changing the display color from "white" to "green". Simultaneously, a fifth operating area 18e appears on the operating unit 16, but this fifth operating area, compared to the previously described operating areas, exemplarily exhibits a functional malfunction and is therefore illuminated from behind with a display color of "red" (shown in the accompanying drawings by cross-shading). In the illustrated example, the fifth operating area is also assigned to the functional unit "projector", but to the function "projector water propulsion (Werfer WasserMarsch)", where, in the illustrated example—as mentioned—a functional malfunction 34 exists.

[0063] In summary, the operating device 11 according to the invention provides comfortable menu guidance or user guidance for the operator or user because only the operating areas 18a-e, which should be operated, appear on the operating unit 16. Other operating areas are invisible on the operating unit 16 due to the "disappearance effect" caused by their lack of backlighting. The display order of the operating areas is suitably stored in the electronic control mechanism. This display order can, of course, be changed. Thus, multiple meaningful program flows can be stored in the electronic control mechanism, which can then be selected and activated, for example, based on usage.

Claims

1. An operating device for operating a functional unit, the operating device having an operating unit support (12) on which an operating unit (16) capable of being illuminated from behind by means of a rear lighting mechanism (17) is arranged, wherein the operating unit (16) has a plurality of operating areas (18a-e), each operating area belonging to an operating area unit (19a-e) and respectively assigned to a specific function of the assigned functional unit, wherein each operating area unit (19a-e) has a switching structure (20) operable by manipulation of the assigned operating area (18a-e) for activating the function of the assigned functional unit, wherein, The backlighting mechanism (17) has multiple backlighting units (21a-e) belonging to one of the operation area units (19a-e). The assigned operation areas (18a-e) can be backlit by the backlighting units with multiple different display colors. The operation area units (19a-e) are connected to an electronic control mechanism (22). The electronic control mechanism is configured such that, in a basic unoperated state, at least one operation area (18a-e) is backlit by the display color of the preparation state (32) of the operation area (18a-e) and the other operation areas (18a-e) are not backlit. When the operation area (18a-e) in the preparation state (32) is operated, it can be backlit by other display colors that indicate the activated state (33) when the color changes. Additionally, at least one other operation area that has not been backlit so far is backlit by either the display color of the preparation state (32) or another display color indicating a functional failure (34). The electronic control mechanism (22) is characterized in that, when operating an operating area (18a-e) assigned to a specific function in a ready state (32) and in the absence of a functional failure (34), a single operating area (18a-e) that has not been backlit is backlit, which is assigned to a function logically following the function of the operated operating area (18a-e), or multiple operating areas (18a-e) that have not been backlit are selected to be backlit.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating device is used in the field of BOS vehicles.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic control mechanism (22) is configured such that the backlighting process of the operating area (18a-e) is performed in a pulsed manner in the ready state (32).

4. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electronic control mechanism (22) is configured such that the backlighting process of the operating area (18a-e) during operation flashes at a higher frequency than the pulses in the ready state (32) or by means of continuous backlighting.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The backlighting process is first performed by flashing, thereby indicating the requirements of the functions assigned to the operating areas (18a-e), and then performed by means of continuous backlighting, thereby indicating the implementation of the functions.

6. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The functional unit is selected from the group consisting of the pump mechanism, foam mechanism, projector mechanism and lighting mechanism.

7. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The backlighting units (21a-e) of the operation area units (19a-e) each have at least one light-emitting element (24), which can be controlled by means of the electronic control mechanism (22) to emit light in different display colors.

8. The operating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one light-emitting element (24) is configured as an LED unit.

9. The operating device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one light-emitting element (24) is configured as an RGB-LED.

10. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electronic control mechanism (22) has a circuit board (23) arranged on the operating unit carrier (12), which is assigned to the operating area unit (19a-e) so that when the selected operating area (18a-e) is manipulated, the circuit board (23) is contacted by means of a contact device belonging to the corresponding operating area unit (19a-e).

11. The operating device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The contact device has a button element (25) arranged below the operation unit (16), which can move toward the circuit board (23) and trigger a contact there when the operation area (18a-e) is manipulated.

12. The operating device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The button element (25) has a light-transmitting button head (27) and a button body (28) facing the circuit board (23).

13. The operating device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The button head (27) has at least one diffuser plate (29a, b).

14. The operating device according to claim 13, characterized in that, Two diffuser plates (29a, b) were installed, one above the other.

15. The operating device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The lower diffuser is white and the upper diffuser is printed or dyed gray.

16. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Multiple operating area units (19a-e) are combined into one operating area unit-module, which is configured as a pre-installable component and is mounted on the operating unit carrier (12).

17. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The operating unit (16) has at least one opaque covering layer.

18. The operating device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The covering layer is black.

19. The operating device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The covering layer is gray.

20. The operating device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The operating unit (16) has at least one transparent support layer, which is arranged on at least one cover layer.

21. The operating device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The supporting layer is constructed as a membrane.

22. The operating device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The at least one covering layer is embossed, laminated onto the carrier layer, or configured as a film connected to the carrier layer.

23. An emergency mission vehicle, characterized in that, The emergency mission vehicle includes at least one operating device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The emergency mission vehicle according to claim 23, characterized in that, The emergency vehicle in question is a fire truck.

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