Communication device, vehicle network, and system and method for wireless data transmission

Abstract

A communication device (4, 4') for a transport vehicle (2, 2'), in particular for a modular transport vehicle (2, 2'), preferably a self-propelled modular transport vehicle (SPMT) (2, 2'), comprising a communication unit (5, 5') connected to at least one antenna (6, 6'), wherein the communication unit (5, 5') is configured to establish a wireless data connection (7), preferably via a local radio network, with another communication device (4, 4') of another transport vehicle (2, 2') by means of the antenna (6, 6'). Furthermore, a vehicle group (1) as well as a system (3) and method for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles (2, 2') are described.

Description

The invention relates to a communication device for a transport vehicle, in particular for a modular transport vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle combination with at least two transport vehicles, in particular modular transport vehicles. The invention further relates to a method for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles, in particular modular transport vehicles. In practice, transport vehicles such as self-propelled transport vehicles and self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMTs) are already known, which are used for transporting heavy loads, for example, industrial plants, ships, ship sections, turbines, etc. Such transport vehicles can have a chassis with a loading platform and wheels arranged in a row. Especially when transporting bulky and / or extremely heavy goods, it is necessary to couple several transport vehicles into a convoy, although such a connection does not necessarily have to be mechanical. Crucially, relevant data, such as speed, steering, etc., must be exchanged between the individual vehicles via a data link. It is known from the prior art to install data cables between the control units of the individual vehicles so that the vehicles can communicate and exchange data. The problem here is that such cabling is complex to install and disruptive to the operation of the convoy. The present invention therefore aims to design and further develop a communication device in such a way that a reliable data connection between at least two transport vehicles is possible with minimal effort. Furthermore, a system and a vehicle network comprising such a communication device, as well as a method for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles, are to be specified. According to the invention, the foregoing problem is solved by the features of claim 1. This claims a communication device for a transport vehicle, in particular for a modular transport vehicle, preferably a self-propelled modular transport vehicle (SPMT), an industrial lifting platform (IHT) and / or a ship lifting platform (SHT), comprising a communication unit connected to at least one antenna, wherein the communication unit is configured to establish a wireless data connection, preferably via a local radio network, with a further communication device of another transport vehicle by means of the antenna. With regard to the system, the aforementioned problem is solved by the features of claim 12. This claims a system for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles, in particular modular transport vehicles, preferably self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMTs), industrial lift transporters (IHTs) and / or ship lift transporters (SHTs), comprising at least two communication devices according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the communication devices are configured to exchange data wirelessly. With regard to the vehicle assembly, the underlying problem is solved by the features of claim 13. This claims a vehicle assembly comprising at least two transport vehicles, in particular modular transport vehicles, preferably self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMTs), industrial lifting transporters (IHTs) and / or ship lifting transporters (SHTs), and a system according to claim 12. With regard to the method, the underlying problem is solved by the features of claim 14. According to this claim, a method according to the invention for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles, in particular modular transport vehicles, preferably self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMTs), industrial lift transporters (IHTs), and / or ship lift transporters (SHTs), with a system according to claim 12, comprises the following method steps: - Attaching a first communication unit to a first transport vehicle and establishing a wired data connection and a wired power connection between the first communication unit and the first transport vehicle; - Attaching a further communication unit to a further transport vehicle and establishing a wired data connection and a wired power connection between the further communication unit and the further transport vehicle.- Attaching the antenna of the first communication unit to the first transport vehicle and attaching the antenna of the second communication unit to the second transport vehicle in such a way that the first antenna and the second antenna are aligned towards each other to enable a wireless data connection. According to the invention, it has been recognized that the underlying problem can be solved in a surprisingly simple manner by a communication device comprising a communication unit and an antenna connected thereto. Such a communication unit can be arranged on a first transport vehicle and communicate with, or exchange data with, another communication unit via a wireless data connection using the antenna. Thus, it is possible to enable reliable data exchange between the transport vehicles in a simple manner, without the need to lay any cables. The terms "arranged" and "attached" are to be understood in the broadest sense within the context of this disclosure, particularly in the description and claims. For example, the antenna and / or the communication unit could be attached to the transport vehicle by positive locking, frictional locking, and / or magnetic force. In the simplest case, the antenna and / or the communication unit could be placed on the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle described within the scope of this disclosure, particularly in the description and claims, could have a payload of several tons, for example, a payload of up to 50 tons, in particular a payload of up to 160 tons, preferably up to 330 tons. Thus, the transport vehicle can be used for transporting heavy goods or loads. Alternatively or additionally, the transport vehicle described within the scope of this disclosure, particularly in the description and claims, can be configured to be coupled with other transport vehicles, in particular hydraulically, electrically, and / or mechanically, to form a transport vehicle unit, so that it can be a modular transport system. The coupled transport vehicles can be, for example, self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMTs), industrial lifting transporters (IHTs), and / or ship lifting transporters (SHTs).The transport vehicles do not necessarily have to be mechanically coupled to form a single physical vehicle (so-called "fixed convoy"), but can also form a so-called "loose convoy" consisting of transport vehicles that are not mechanically coupled to one another. In particular, in a loose convoy, the mechanical connection between the individual transport vehicles, for example SPMTs, industrial lifting transporters (IHTs) and / or ship lifting transporters (SHTs), can be achieved via the transported goods. It is noted that the communication device according to the invention may have distinctive procedural features. These features, disclosed in the dependent claims, the general description, and the description of the figures, and the advantages gained therefrom, may expressly be part of the method according to the invention. Furthermore, it is essential that claim 14 does not specify an explicit sequence of the process steps, so that the steps of the method according to the invention can be carried out in any order. According to an advantageous embodiment, the communication unit can include electronics with integrated or connected input / output modules for acquiring, processing, and outputting the control signals, and a radio transmission module as a connecting element between wired and wireless transmission. Additionally, components for supplying power to the communication unit's components could be included. Advantageously, the communication unit can have at least one connecting element for establishing a detachable connection with the transport vehicle. This has the advantage that the communication unit can be positioned optimally on the transport vehicle, taking into account its location within a vehicle convoy. It is conceivable that the communication unit can be attached to the transport vehicle, for example, an SPMT, or to an auxiliary unit associated with the transport vehicle, such as a Power Pack Unit (PPU). Specifically, the communication unit could have a holder as a connecting element with which it can be attached to the transport vehicle.Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element could be designed as a mounting element, for example a foot, especially a rubber foot, so that the communication unit can be placed on the transport vehicle. This has the further advantage that the position of the communication unit can be easily changed even during operation. Advantageously, the antenna can have at least one fixing element, preferably a magnetic holder, for detachable attachment to the transport vehicle. This makes it possible to position the antenna on the transport vehicle, for example, an SPMT, or on an auxiliary unit associated with the transport vehicle, such as a so-called Power Pack Unit (PPU), so that it is aligned with the antenna of another communication device. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna can have a tripod as a fixing element. This has the advantage that the antenna can be fixed or attached to the vehicle by placing it on the transport vehicle. Preferably, the tripod can be height-adjustable. Furthermore, the antenna could be attached to the tripod, and thus indirectly to the transport vehicle, via a magnetic holder and / or a positive-locking and / or frictional connection. According to an advantageous embodiment, the antenna and the communication unit can be connected to each other by cable. It is conceivable and advantageous if the cable is sufficiently long to allow the antenna to be positioned at different locations on the transport vehicle. The cable could, for example, have a length of at least 3 m, in particular at least 4 m, preferably at least 5 m. Advantageously, the antenna can be designed as a directional antenna. This has the advantage of enabling a particularly stable and reliable data connection. Advantageously, the communication unit can include a data connection element for establishing a wired data connection with the transport vehicle. This connection element can be configured as a data connector or as a data line connected to the communication unit that includes a data connector. Thus, the data connection could be established either via a data cable connected to a corresponding component of the transport vehicle, such as a data line socket, and then to a data connector on the communication unit. Alternatively, the communication unit could already have a permanently installed data cable connected to the corresponding component of the transport vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit could be configured to exchange data wirelessly with the transport vehicle. According to an advantageous embodiment, the communication unit can include a power supply connection element for establishing a wired power supply with the transport vehicle. This power supply connection element could, for example, be configured as a power connector or as a power cable connected to the communication unit, comprising a power connector. Thus, the power supply could be provided either by a power cable connected to a corresponding component of the transport vehicle, such as a hand lamp socket, and then connected to a power connector on the communication unit. Alternatively, the communication unit could already have a permanently installed power cable that is connected to the corresponding component of the transport vehicle.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the communication unit is designed to be wirelessly powered by the transport vehicle, for example via electromagnetic induction. Advantageously, the communication unit can be at least partially, and preferably completely, housed in an enclosure. This enclosure could be, in particular, a stainless steel enclosure, such as a stainless steel compact control cabinet. This has the advantage that the communication unit is protected by a robust enclosure, thus ensuring a reliable data connection even under harsh conditions. The communication unit can be configured in a particularly advantageous way to implement at least one of the following functions: - enabling wireless data transmission of up to 65 Mbits / s, in particular up to 100 Mbit / s, - enabling 128-bit AES encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard), - allowing only participants of a defined protocol, for example a Process Field Network, to transmit data if they are registered in the same SSID (Service Set Identifier), - enabling a Process Field Network update time of 32 ms with Industrial Point Coordination Function (iPCF) for establishing a connection within less than 70 ms after a disturbance. This has the advantage of ensuring a particularly secure and fast transfer of large file sizes, such as those encountered in a vehicle network. It is conceivable that the corresponding component of the communication unit could enable a higher gross data rate, for example, up to 300 Mbit / s. However, due to the wired connection, it may be advantageous to limit this to a lower gross data rate, for example, 100 Mbit / s (Industrial Ethernet). To achieve greater robustness of the wireless data connection, the data rate could be throttled to 65 Mbit / s, for example, via software. Advantageously, the communication unit can have at least one visual status indicator, such as a light. This has the advantage that a user is easily informed about essential parameters of the communication device. These parameters or operating states can include the correct functioning of an external power supply, the correct functioning of an emergency stop system, a detected fault (e.g., in the electronics), and / or the signal quality of the radio link. According to an advantageous embodiment, the communication unit can be configured to exchange at least one of the following data with the further communication device: - Control data - Movement data - Load regulation data - Level regulation data - Safety data - Position detection data. Through appropriate design, it is made possible that the data relevant for the operation of the transport vehicles, in particular a vehicle network, can be exchanged between the transport vehicles and thus used for operation. There are now various ways to advantageously elaborate and further develop the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained. In the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle assembly according to the invention comprising a system according to the invention with a communication device according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the communication unit from Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the communication unit from Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the communication unit from Fig. 1.4 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a vehicle assembly 1 according to the invention, which in the present embodiment comprises two transport vehicles 2, 2'. The transport vehicles 2, 2' are designed as self-propelled modular transport vehicles 2, 2', whereby the number and type of transport vehicles 2, 2' could also be selected differently; for example, they could be industrial lifting transporters and / or ship lifting transporters. Furthermore, a system 3 according to the invention for wireless data transmission between the transport vehicles 2, 2' is shown. The system 3 has two communication devices 4, 4' according to the invention, which exchange data wirelessly with each other. One of the communication devices 4, 4' is described below, and the description applies identically to the other communication device 4, 4'. The communication device 4, 4' comprises a communication unit 5, 5' which is connected to an antenna 6, 6'. A wireless data connection 7 is established with the other communication device 4, 4' via the antenna 6, 6'. The communication unit 5, 5', shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3, can be detachably attached to the transport vehicle 2, 2' directly or to an additional unit connected to the transport vehicle 2, 2', for example, a PPU, via at least one connecting element 8. Figures 2 and 3 show that the connecting element 8 is designed as a holder or hook that can be engaged in a corresponding contour on the transport vehicle 1, 1'. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 5, 5' could be placed on the transport vehicle, screwed to it, or attached in another way. The position can thus be selected taking into account the design of the respective vehicle assembly.Figure 1 further shows that the communication unit 5, 5' has a data connector 9, designed as a data connector, so that the communication unit 5, 5' can be connected to the transport vehicle 2, 2' via a data cable 11, 11'. Furthermore, a power connector 13, 13', designed as a power connector 12, 12', is arranged on the communication unit 5, 5', so that the communication unit 5, 5' can be connected to the transport vehicle 2, 2' via a power cable 14, 14'. The power cable 14, 14' can be connected to the transport vehicle 2, 2' via a corresponding connector 15, for example, with a hand lamp plug. Furthermore, the antenna 6, 6' is connected to the communication unit 5, 5' via a cable 15, 15' and has at least one fixing element 16, 16', for example a magnetic holder, so that the antenna 6, 6' can be attached to the transport vehicle 2, 2' in different positions. This makes it possible to align the two antennas 6, 6' of the system 3 with each other to establish a stable wireless data connection 7. Figures 2 and 3 further show that the communication unit 5, 5' has a housing 17, which in the embodiment shown here is designed as a control cabinet. The housing 17 has recesses 18 for the data connector 9, 9' and the power connector 12, 12'. Furthermore, the housing 17 can be locked with a lock 19 and a handle 20 is provided for easy handling of the communication unit 5, 5'. To inform the user about relevant parameters of the communication unit 5, 5', a status indicator 21 in the form of a control light module with eight indicator lights is provided. Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles 2, 2' with a system 3 according to the invention. The system 3 can, for example, be configured according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2 to 3, so that reference is made to the description of Figs. 1, 2 to 3. In step S1, a first communication unit 5, 5' is attached to a first transport vehicle 2, 2', and a wired data connection and a wired power connection are established between the first communication unit 5, 5' and the first transport vehicle 2, 2'. In step S2, another communication unit 5, 5' is attached to another transport vehicle 2, 2', and a wired data connection and a wired power connection are established between the second communication unit 5, 5' and the second transport vehicle 2, 2'. In step S3, the antenna 6, 6' of the first communication unit 5, 5' is attached to the first transport vehicle 2, 2' and the antenna 6, 6' of the further communication unit 5, 5' is attached to the further transport vehicle 2, 2', the first antenna 6, 6' and the second antenna 6, 6' being aligned with each other to enable a wireless data connection 7. It is essential to note that steps S1 to S3 can also be performed in any other order. Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the teaching according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims in order to avoid repetition. Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described above serve only to illustrate the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to these exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 Vehicle assembly 2, 2' Transport vehicle 3 System 4, 4' Communication device 5, 5' Communication unit 6, 6' Antenna 7 Wireless data connection 8 Connecting element 9, 9' Data connector 10, 10' Data connecting element 11, 11' Data cable 12, 12' Power connector 13, 13' Supply connecting element 14, 14' Power cable 15, 15' Cable 16, 16' Fixing element 17 Housing 18 Recesses 19 Lock 20 Handle 21 Status indicator

Claims

Communication device (4, 4') for a transport vehicle (2, 2'), in particular for a modular transport vehicle (2, 2'), preferably a self-propelled modular transport vehicle (SPMT), an industrial lift transporter (IHT) and / or a ship lift transporter (SHT) (2, 2'), comprising a communication unit (5, 5') connected with at least one antenna (6, 6'), wherein the communication unit (5, 5') is configured to establish a wireless data connection (7), preferably via a local radio network, with a further communication device (4, 4') of a further transport vehicle (2, 2') by means of the antenna (6, 6'). Communication device (4, 4') according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication unit (5, 5') has at least one connecting element (8) for establishing a detachable connection with the transport vehicle (2, 2'). Communication device (4, 4') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the antenna has at least one fixing element (16, 16'), preferably a magnetic holder, for detachable attachment to the transport vehicle (2, 2'). Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the antenna (6, 6') and the communication unit (5, 5') are connected to each other by cable. Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the antenna (6, 6') is designed as a directional antenna. Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the communication unit (5, 5') has a data connection element (10, 10') for establishing a wired data connection with the transport vehicle (2, 2'), in particular a data connector (9, 9') or a data line connected to the communication unit (5, 5') comprising a data connector (9, 9'). Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the communication unit (5, 5') has a supply connection element (13, 13') for establishing a wired power supply with the transport vehicle (2, 2'), in particular a power connector (12, 12') or a power line connected to the communication unit (5, 5') comprising a power connector (12, 12'). Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the communication unit (5, 5') is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in a housing (17), in particular in a stainless steel housing, for example a stainless steel compact control cabinet. Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the communication unit (5, 5') is configured to perform at least one of the following functions: - enabling wireless data transmission of up to 65 Mbits / s, in particular up to 100 Mbits / s, - enabling 128-bit AES encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard), - allowing only participants of a defined protocol, for example a Process Field Network, to transmit data if they are registered in the same SSID (Service Set Identifier), - enabling a Process Field Network update time of 32 ms with Industrial Point Coordination Function (iPCF) for establishing a connection within less than 70 ms after a disturbance. Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the communication unit (5, 5') has at least one optical status indicator (21), for example a light indicator. Communication device (4, 4') according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the communication unit (5, 5') is configured to exchange at least one of the following data with the further communication device (4, 4'): - control data - movement data - load control data - level control data - safety data - position detection data. System (3) for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles (2, 2'), in particular modular transport vehicles (2, 2'), preferably self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMT) (2, 2'), industrial lift transporters (IHT) and / or ship lift transporters (SHT), comprising at least two communication devices (4, 4') according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the communication devices (4, 4') are configured to exchange data wirelessly with each other. Vehicle group (1) comprising at least two transport vehicles (2, 2'), in particular modular transport vehicles (2, 2'), preferably self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMT) (2, 2'), industrial lift transporters (IHT) and / or ship lift transporters (SHT), and a system (3) according to claim 12. Method for wireless data transmission between at least two transport vehicles (2, 2'), in particular modular transport vehicles (2, 2'), preferably self-propelled modular transport vehicles (SPMTs) (2, 2'), industrial lift transporters (IHTs) and / or ship lift transporters (SHTs), with a system (3) according to claim 12, comprising the following method steps: - Attaching a first communication unit (5, 5') to a first transport vehicle (2, 2') and establishing a wired data connection and a wired power connection between the first communication unit (5, 5') and the first transport vehicle (2, 2'), - Attaching a further communication unit (5, 5') to a further transport vehicle (2, 2') and establishing a wired data connection and a wired power connection between the further communication unit (5, 5') and the further transport vehicle (2, 2'), - Attaching the antenna (6,6') of the first communication unit (5, 5') on the first transport vehicle (2, 2') and attach the antenna (6, 6') of the further communication unit (5, 5') to the further transport vehicle (2, 2') such that the first antenna (6, 6') and the second antenna (6, 6') are aligned with each other to enable a wireless data connection (7).

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