Communications module for transferring data by means of light beams, technical installation, and method for operating a technical installation
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023706752
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-10
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing communication systems for data transmission using light beams lack efficient duplex communication capabilities and reliability, particularly in scenarios where vehicles move in a straight line, leading to potential collisions and disruptions in communication connections.
A communication module with dual transmitters and receivers aligned in anti-parallel directions, along with data transmission modules equipped with pivoting mirrors and a control unit, enables duplex communication and maintains connectivity by ensuring mirrors are in active positions to prevent collisions and ensure continuous data transmission.
The solution allows for reliable duplex communication between vehicles and stationary modules, maintaining connectivity even when vehicles move past data transmission modules, with redundant paths ensuring minimal disruption and increased reliability.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Communication module for data transmission by means of light beams, technical system and method for operating a technical system
[0002] Description:
[0003] The invention relates to a communication module for data transmission by means of light beams in a technical system, which comprises a transmitter for emitting a light beam in which data to be transmitted is encoded, and a receiver for receiving a light beam. The invention also relates to a technical system comprising a plurality of communication modules according to the invention, and to a method for operating a technical system according to the invention.
[0004] DE 102016 010 999 A1 discloses a system and method for determining the position of a vehicle within a facility. The system comprises a vehicle with a receiving module and a stationary transmitting module. The transmitting module has a light source and emits linearly polarized light. The receiving module has a light sensor.
[0005] DE 102018 006 988 B3 discloses a system and method for data transmission using visible light. The system comprises a receiver with an image sensor whose light-sensitive surface is scanned line by line, and a transmitter with a controllable light source that emits modulated light.
[0006] EP 3403 055 B1 discloses a system for data transmission and position determination, which comprises two parts that can be moved relative to each other. The first part has a light guide that emits light laterally and a controllable light source, and the second part has at least one sensor arrangement for detecting the light intensity.
[0007] DE 102019 004 565 A1 discloses a system and a method for operating the system. The system comprises several movably arranged mobile units, each of which has optical transmitters and optical receivers.
[0008] The invention is based on the object of further developing a communication module for data transmission using light beams, a technical system, and a method for operating a technical system. This object is achieved by a communication module for data transmission using light beams having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims. This object is also achieved by a technical system having the features specified in claim 3. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims. This object is also achieved by a method for operating a technical system having the features specified in claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims.
[0009] A communication module according to the invention for data transmission by means of light beams in a technical system comprises a first transmitter for emitting a light beam and a first receiver for receiving a light beam, as well as a second transmitter for emitting a light beam and a second receiver for receiving a light beam. The first transmitter emits a light beam encoding data to be transmitted in a first transmission direction, and the second transmitter emits a light beam encoding data to be transmitted in a second transmission direction. The first transmission direction is oriented antiparallel to the second transmission direction.The communication module further comprises a distribution unit which forwards data encoded in a light beam received by the first receiver to the second transmitter, and which forwards data encoded in a light beam received by the second receiver to the first transmitter.
[0010] With a communication module according to the invention, duplex communication with other communication modules according to the invention is possible using light beams in a technical system. Communication via radio waves, such as WLAN, is therefore unnecessary. In particular, the communication module is capable of forwarding received data, similar to a relay station.
[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first receiver is oriented such that a light beam arriving from the second transmission direction can be received by the first receiver, and the second receiver is oriented such that a light beam arriving from the first transmission direction can be received by the second receiver. This allows communication connections to be established between any two communication modules. The communication module is thus capable of forwarding received data, similar to a relay station, particularly when the communication modules involved are arranged in a straight line one behind the other.
[0012] A technical system according to the invention comprises a work area, several vehicles that are movable in a longitudinal direction within the work area, several communication modules according to the invention, and several data transmission modules. A communication module is arranged on each of the vehicles such that the first transmission directions of the communication modules are aligned with one another and run parallel to the longitudinal direction, and such that the second transmission directions of the communication modules are aligned with one another and run antiparallel to the longitudinal direction. The data transmission modules each comprise a light source for emitting a light beam in which data to be transmitted is encoded, a light sensor for receiving a light beam, and a mirror that can be pivoted about a pivot axis between an active position and a passive position.The mirror is arranged in such a way that a light beam incident from one transmission direction is deflected onto the light sensor by the mirror in the active position, and that a light beam emitted by the light source is deflected in one of the transmission directions.
[0013] In the technical system according to the invention, communication connections can be established between two communication modules arranged on adjacent vehicles. Furthermore, communication connections can be established between a stationary data transmission module and a mobile communication module.
[0014] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the technical system further comprises a control unit, which is connected to the data transmission modules via a respective communication line. Data can be transmitted from the control unit to the data transmission modules and from the data transmission modules to the control unit via the communication lines. Thus, communication connections between the data transmission modules and the control unit can also be established via the communication lines.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirrors of the data transmission modules are arranged in such a way that a collision of a communication module with a mirror in the passive position is excluded. Thus, during operation of the technical system, collision-free movement of the vehicles with the communication modules mounted thereon is possible in the longitudinal direction past the stationary data transmission modules.
[0016] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the data transmission modules each have an electric drive for pivoting the mirror from the passive position to the active position and a spring for pivoting the mirror from the active position to the passive position. The electric drive ensures that the time in which the mirror moves from the passive position to the active position is as short as possible. The spring ensures that, if the drive is not powered, the mirror is automatically moved to the passive position, thus preventing collisions between the communication modules and the mirrors.
[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit has a plurality of communication interfaces to which the communication lines are connected, a network interface to which a data line for connection to a data network can be connected, and a switching unit configured to establish separate connections between the network interface and the individual communication interfaces, as well as to disconnect separate connections between the network interface and the individual communication interfaces. Thus, a communication connection between the data network and the control unit can be established via the data line. The switching unit allows redundant communication paths to be blocked in states in which multiple data transmission modules have a communication connection to communication modules. Otherwise, an Ethernet loop would be created.
[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one data transmission module is arranged longitudinally at the beginning of the work area, and at least one data transmission module is arranged longitudinally at the end of the work area. By arranging the data transmission modules at a suitable distance from one another in the longitudinal direction, it can be ensured that at least one mirror is in the active position at all times, thus establishing a communication connection between at least one data transmission module and one communication module.
[0019] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a further data transmission module is arranged longitudinally upstream of the beginning of the working area. The distance between said further data transmission module and the beginning of the working area is half the length of a vehicle in the longitudinal direction. According to an advantageous development of the invention, a further data transmission module is arranged longitudinally downstream of the end of the working area. The distance between said further data transmission module and the end of the working area is half the length of a vehicle in the longitudinal direction.
[0020] The placement of an additional data transmission module in the technical system creates redundancy, which advantageously increases the reliability of the communication connections. Arranging two data transmission modules at a distance of half the length of a vehicle in the longitudinal direction ensures that at least one mirror of the two data transmission modules is in the active position at all times when the vehicles are close together in the working area. This means that a communication connection can always be established between at least one data transmission module and one communication module.
[0021] A defect in a vehicle in the work area, preventing the associated communication module from transmitting data via light beams, would result in an entire section of the push-skid line being cut off from the stationary data network and the control unit in states where only one stationary data transmission module has a communication connection. The failure of one stationary data transmission module would result in all mobile communication modules being cut off from the stationary data network and the control unit in states where the other data transmission module has no connection.
[0022] A technical system with four stationary data transmission modules is tolerant to a fault in a vehicle or a fault in a data transmission module. Communication takes place primarily via the two inner data transmission modules. If the mirror of an inner data transmission module is in the passive position, that data transmission module has no communication connection to a communication module. However, communication is still possible via the corresponding outer data transmission module. Only while the mirror of the inner data transmission module is moving between the active and passive positions is no communication possible via the two data transmission modules on that side. However, this time is significantly shorter than the time when the mirror is in the passive position.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the technical system comprises an additional control unit connected in parallel to the first control unit. If a single control unit were used, the communication connections between the communication modules and the data network would be interrupted if this control unit failed. The additional control unit monitors the functionality of the first control unit, and if the first control unit fails, the additional control unit takes over its function.
[0023] According to a method according to the invention for operating a technical system according to the invention, several vehicles are moved in a straight line in the longitudinal direction within the work area. The first transmitters of the communication modules each emit a light beam, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in the first transmission direction. The second transmitters of the communication modules each emit a light beam, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in the second transmission direction. The first receivers of the communication modules each receive a light beam arriving from the second transmission direction. The second receivers of the communication modules each receive a light beam arriving from the first transmission direction.In the communication modules, data encoded in the light beam received by the first receiver is forwarded to the second transmitter, and data encoded in the light beam received by the second receiver is forwarded to the first transmitter. A light beam encoding data to be transmitted is emitted by the light source of at least one data transmission module, whose mirror is in the active position, and a light beam is received by the light sensor of said at least one data transmission module. The mirror of said at least one data transmission module is pivoted from the active position to the passive position while a communication module of a vehicle is moved longitudinally past the data transmission module.
[0024] This prevents a collision of the vehicle's communication module, which is moved in the longitudinal direction, with the mirrors of the data transmission modules.
[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirror of said at least one data transmission module is pivoted from the passive position to the active position when the vehicle's communication module has been moved past the data transmission module in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the time during which the mirror is in the passive position, in which no communication connection can be established between the data transmission module and a communication module, is minimized.
[0026] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the technical system comprises a control unit having a plurality of communication interfaces, to which communication lines connected to the data transmission modules are connected, and a network interface, to which a data line for connection to a data network is connected. First, separate connections are established between the network interface and the individual communication interfaces. Then, a check is carried out to determine whether a communication connection exists between one of the communication interfaces via at least one communication module and another communication interface. Subsequently, the connection between the network interface and the communication interface between which a communication connection exists via at least one communication module to another communication interface is severed.In this way, redundant paths that cause an Ethernet loop are blocked by separating the network interface from the communication interface.
[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when checking whether a communication connection exists between one of the communication interfaces via at least one communication module and another communication interface, a broadcast signal is sent by at least one of the communication interfaces, and a check is made to determine whether the broadcast signal is received by another communication interface. Redundant paths can be detected using broadcast signals on Layer 2 of the ISO / OSI reference model. Advantageously, the broadcast signals are sent from the control unit via each communication interface to the data transmission modules, and a check is made to determine which communication interfaces the broadcast signals arrive at.When broadcast signals arrive from one communication interface at another communication interface, redundant paths are created, which are then blocked by separating the network interface from the communication interface. The network's recovery time when the connection status changes is directly dependent on the cycle time with which the broadcast signals are sent and is selected as short as needed. To prevent the broadcast signals for redundancy detection from propagating throughout the entire vehicle network, it is advantageous for the communication modules to include VLAN-capable switches as distribution units. This allows the broadcast signals and all other packets to be transmitted to separate VLANs, thus limiting the spread of the broadcast signals.
[0028] It is advantageous if the distribution units of the communication modules offer the option of deactivating MAC address learning or clearing the MAC address table on command. When switching between redundant paths, this prevents packets sent from mobile to stationary from being sent exclusively via the old path and ultimately discarded.
[0029] The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.
[0030] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings only represent the subject matter of the invention schematically. They show:
[0031] Figure 1 : a schematic representation of a communication module,
[0032] Figure 2: a schematic representation of a technical system in a first operating state,
[0033] Figure 3: a schematic representation of the technical system in a second operating state,
[0034] Figure 4: a schematic representation of the technical system in a third operating state and
[0035] Figure 5: a schematic representation of the technical system in a fourth operating state.
[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a communication module 20 for data transmission using light beams 40. The communication module 20 is mounted, in particular, on a vehicle 10 in a technical system and is movable with the vehicle 10. The communication module 20 serves, in particular, for wireless communication with other communication modules 20 as well as with stationary data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34.
[0037] The communication module 20 comprises a first transmitter 21 for emitting a light beam 40 and a first receiver 23 for receiving a light beam 40. The first transmitter 21 and the first receiver 23 are arranged side by side in a first end region of the communication module 20. The first transmitter 21 emits a light beam 40, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in a first transmission direction T1. The first receiver 23 is oriented such that a light beam 40 arriving from the second transmission direction T2 can be received by the first receiver 23.
[0038] The communication module 20 comprises a second transmitter 22 for transmitting a
[0039] Light beam 40 and a second receiver 24 for receiving a light beam 40. The second transmitter 22 and the second receiver 24 are arranged side by side in a second end region of the communication module 20. The second transmitter 22 emits a light beam 40, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in a second transmission direction T2. The second receiver 24 is oriented such that a light beam 40 arriving from the first transmission direction T1 can be received by the second receiver 24.
[0040] The first transmission direction T1 is oriented antiparallel to the second transmission direction T2. The first end region of the communication module 20 is arranged opposite the second end region of the communication module 20.
[0041] The communication module 20 comprises a distribution unit 27. The distribution unit 27 is, for example, an Ethernet switch. The communication module 20 comprises a first converter 25 and a second converter 26. The communication module 20 further comprises one or more data interfaces 28. The data interfaces 28 serve to connect network-capable components of the vehicle 10, in particular control units.
[0042] The first converter 25 converts data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the first receiver 23 into an electrical data stream and forwards it to the distribution unit 27. The first converter 25 converts an electrical data stream from the distribution unit 27 into data to be transmitted and forwards it to the first transmitter 21.
[0043] The second converter 26 converts data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the second receiver 24 into an electrical data stream and forwards it to the distribution unit 27. The second converter 25 converts an electrical data stream from the distribution unit 27 into data to be transmitted and forwards it to the second transmitter 22.
[0044] The distribution unit 27 forwards data from the first converter 25, which is intended for components of the vehicle 10, to the data interfaces 28. The distribution unit 27 forwards other data from the first converter 25, which is not intended for components of the vehicle 10, to the second converter 26. The distribution unit 27 thus forwards data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the first receiver 23 to the second transmitter 22 and to the data interfaces 28. The distribution unit 27 forwards data from the second converter 26, which is intended for components of the vehicle 10, to the data interfaces 28. The distribution unit 27 forwards other data from the second converter 26, which is not intended for components of the vehicle 10, to the first converter 25.The distribution unit 27 thus forwards data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the second receiver 24 to the first transmitter 21 and to the data interfaces 28.
[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a technical installation in a first operating state. The technical installation comprises a working area 15, which is defined in a longitudinal direction X upstream by a beginning 17 and downstream by an end 18. The technical installation comprises several vehicles 10, which are movable in the working area 15 in a straight line in the longitudinal direction X from the beginning 17 to the end 18. The vehicles 10 are, for example, push-skid platforms that are movable along a rail system.
[0046] The technical system comprises several communication modules 20. Each of the vehicles 10 is assigned a communication module 20, which is attached to the respective vehicle 10. The communication modules 20 are thus movable linearly in the longitudinal direction X with the vehicles 10 within the working area 15.
[0047] The communication modules 20 are arranged on the vehicles 10 such that the first transmission directions T1 of the communication modules 20 are aligned with one another and run parallel to the longitudinal direction X, and that the second transmission directions T2 of the communication modules 20 are aligned with one another and run antiparallel to the longitudinal direction X.
[0048] In the work area 15, a communication connection can thus be established between two communication modules 20 arranged on adjacent vehicles 10. Such a communication connection enables data transmission between the communication modules 20 using light beams 40.
[0049] In the present case, the technical system comprises a first data transmission module 31, a second data transmission module 32, a third data transmission module 33, and a fourth data transmission module 34. The second data transmission module 32 is stationary at the beginning 17 of the work area 15. The first data transmission module 31 is stationary upstream of the beginning 17 of the work area 15 and the second data transmission module 32. The third data transmission module 33 is stationary at the end 18 of the work area 15. The fourth data transmission module 34 is stationary downstream of the end 18 of the work area 15 and the third data transmission module 33.
[0050] The second data transmission module 32 and the third data transmission module 33 are also referred to below as inner data transmission modules 32, 33. The first data transmission module 31 and the fourth data transmission module 34 are also referred to below as outer data transmission modules 32, 33.
[0051] A distance of the first data transmission module 31 from the beginning 17 of the working area 15 in the longitudinal direction X is half as large as an extension of a vehicle 10 in the longitudinal direction X. A distance of the fourth data transmission module 34 from the end 18 of the working area 15 in the longitudinal direction X is half as large as an extension of a vehicle 10 in the longitudinal direction X.
[0052] The data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 each comprise a light source for emitting a light beam 40 in which data to be transmitted is encoded, and a light sensor for receiving a light beam 40. The light source and the light sensor are arranged side by side.
[0053] The data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 each comprise a mirror 35 that can be pivoted about a pivot axis between an active position and a passive position. The pivot axis runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The light sources of the data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 each emit light beams 40 in a direction that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and perpendicular to the pivot axis. Light beams 40 emitted by the light sources strike the mirror 35.
[0054] The mirrors 35 of the first data transmission module 31 and the second data transmission module 32 are arranged such that, when the mirror 35 is in the active position, a light beam 40 incident from the second transmission direction T2 is deflected by the mirror 35 onto the light sensor, and a light beam 40 emitted by the light source is deflected by the mirror 35 into the first transmission direction T1. The mirrors 35 of the third data transmission module 33 and the fourth data transmission module 34 are arranged such that, when the mirror 35 is in the active position, a light beam 40 incident from the first transmission direction T1 is deflected by the mirror 35 onto the light sensor, and a light beam 40 emitted by the light source is deflected by the mirror 35 into the second transmission direction T2.
[0055] Thus, a communication connection can be established between each data transmission module 31, 32, 33, 34 and a communication module 20, which is arranged on a vehicle 10 located in the work area 15. Such a communication connection enables data transmission by means of light beams 40 between each data transmission module 31, 32, 33, 34 and a communication module 20.
[0056] During operation of the technical system, the communication modules 20 arranged on the vehicles 10 move in the longitudinal direction X past the stationary data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34. The mirrors 35 of the data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged in such a way that a collision of a communication module 20 with a mirror 35 in the passive position is excluded.
[0057] A communication connection between each data transmission module 31, 32, 33, 34 and a communication module 20 can only be established when the mirror 35 of the data transmission module 31, 32, 33, 34 is in the active position. If the mirror 35 of the data transmission module 31, 32, 33, 34 is in the passive position, no communication connection can be established between the data transmission module 31, 32, 33, 34 and a communication module 20.
[0058] The data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 each have an electric drive for pivoting the mirror 35 from the passive position to the active position. The data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 further have a spring for pivoting the mirror 35 from the active position to the passive position. The technical system comprises a control unit 50. The control unit 50 has a first communication interface 51, a second communication interface 52, a third communication interface 53, and a fourth communication interface 54. A communication line 42 is connected to each of the communication interfaces 51, 52, 53, 54. The control unit 50 is connected to the data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 via the communication lines 42.
[0059] The first communication interface 51 is connected to the first data transmission module 31 via a communication line 42. The second communication interface 52 is connected to the second data transmission module 32 via a communication line 42. The third communication interface 53 is connected to the third data transmission module 33 via a communication line 42. The fourth communication interface 54 is connected to the fourth data transmission module 34 via a communication line 42.
[0060] Thus, a communication connection can be established between each data transmission module 31, 32, 33, 34 and the control unit 50 via the communication lines 42. By means of such a communication connection, data can be transmitted from the control unit 50 to the data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34, and from the data transmission modules 31, 32, 33, 34 to the control unit 50 via the communication lines 42.
[0061] The control unit 50 has a network interface 55. A data line 60 is connected to the network interface 55. The data line 60 is connected to a data network 62. Thus, a communication connection can be established between the data network 62 and the control unit 50 via the data line 60. Such a communication connection enables data transmission between the data network 62 and the control unit 50.
[0062] The control unit 50 has a switching unit 57. The switching unit 57 is, for example, an Ethernet bridge. The switching unit 57 is configured to establish separate connections between the network interface 55 and the individual communication interfaces 51, 52, 53, 54, as well as to disconnect separate connections between the network interface 55 and the individual communication interfaces 51, 52, 53, 54.
[0063] In the technical system, communication connections are therefore made between the
[0064] Data network 62 and the communication modules 20 of the vehicles 10 can be established. By means of said communication connections, data transmission between the data network 62 and the communication modules 20 of the vehicles 10 is possible.
[0065] In the first operating state of the technical system shown here, the mirrors 35 of the first data transmission module 31 and the third data transmission module 33 are in the active position. The mirrors 35 of the second data transmission module 32 and the fourth data transmission module 34 are in the passive position.
[0066] The connection of the network interface 55 to the first communication interface 51 is separated by the switching unit 57. The connections of the network interface 55 to the second communication interface 52, the third communication interface 53, and the fourth communication interface 54 are established by the switching unit 57.
[0067] In the first operating state of the technical system shown here, a communication connection between the data network 62 and the communication modules 20 of the vehicles 10 located in the work area exists exclusively via the third data transmission module 33.
[0068] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the technical system in a second operating state. The mirrors 35 of the first data transmission module 31, the second data transmission module 32, the third data transmission module 33, and the fourth data transmission module 34 are in the active position.
[0069] The connection of the network interface 55 to the third communication interface 53 is separated by the switching unit 57. The connections of the network interface 55 to the first communication interface 51, the second communication interface 52, and the fourth communication interface 54 are established by the switching unit 57.
[0070] In the second operating state of the technical system shown here, a communication connection between the data network 62 and the communication modules 20 of the vehicles 10 located in the work area exists exclusively via the second data transmission module 32.
[0071] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the technical system in a third operating state. The mirrors 35 of the second data transmission module 32 and the fourth data transmission module 34 are in the active position. The mirrors 35 of the first data transmission module 31 and the third data transmission module 33 are in the passive position.
[0072] The connection of the network interface 55 to the fourth communication interface 54 is separated by the switching unit 57. The connections of the network interface 55 to the first communication interface 51, the second communication interface 52, and the third communication interface 53 are established by the switching unit 57.
[0073] In the third operating state of the technical system shown here, a communication connection between the data network 62 and the communication modules 20 of the vehicles 10 located in the work area exists exclusively via the second data transmission module 32.
[0074] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the technical system in a fourth operating state. The mirrors 35 of the first data transmission module 31, the second data transmission module 32, the third data transmission module 33, and the fourth data transmission module 34 are in the active position.
[0075] The connection of the network interface 55 to the third communication interface 53 is separated by the switching unit 57. The connections of the network interface 55 to the first communication interface 51, the second communication interface 52, and the fourth communication interface 54 are established by the switching unit 57.
[0076] In the fourth operating state of the technical system shown here, a communication connection exists between the data network 62 and the communication modules 20 of the vehicles 10 located in the work area via the second data transmission module 32. In addition, a communication connection exists between the data network 62 and the communication module 20 of a vehicle 10 located partially outside the work area via the first data transmission module 31. In addition, a communication connection exists between the data network 62 and the communication module 20 of a vehicle 10 located partially outside the work area via the fourth data transmission module 34. List of reference symbols
[0077] 10 Vehicle T 1 first transmission direction
[0078] 15 Working area T2 second transmission direction
[0079] 17 Beginning X Longitudinal direction
[0080] 18 End
[0081] 20 Communication module
[0082] 21 first transmitter
[0083] 22 second transmitter
[0084] 23 first recipient
[0085] 24 second recipient
[0086] 25 first converter
[0087] 26 second converter
[0088] 27 Distribution unit
[0089] 28 Data interface
[0090] 31 first data transmission module
[0091] 32 second data transmission module
[0092] 33 third data transmission module
[0093] 34 fourth data transmission module
[0094] 35 mirrors
[0095] 40 light beam
[0096] 42 Communication line
[0097] 50 control unit
[0098] 51 first communication interface
[0099] 52 second communication interface
[0100] 53 third communication interface
[0101] 54 fourth communication interface
[0102] 55 Network interface
[0103] 57 Switching unit
[0104] 60 data lines
[0105] 62 Data network
Claims
Patent claims:
1. Communication module (20) for data transmission by means of light beams (40) in a technical system, comprising a first transmitter (21) for emitting a light beam (40) and a first receiver (23) for receiving a light beam (40), and a second transmitter (22) for emitting a light beam (40), and a second receiver (24) for receiving a light beam (40), wherein the first transmitter (21) emits a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded in a first transmission direction (T1), and the second transmitter (22) emits a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded in a second transmission direction (T2), wherein the first transmission direction (T1) is oriented antiparallel to the second transmission direction (T2), and wherein the communication module (20) comprises a distribution unit (27) which distributes data that is encoded in a light beam (40) from the first receiver (23) received light beam (40) are encoded, forwards to the second transmitter (22),and which data, encoded in a light beam (40) received by the second receiver (24), is forwarded to the first transmitter (21).
2. Communication module (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first receiver (23) is oriented such that a light beam (40) arriving from the second transmission direction (T2) can be received by the first receiver (23), and that the second receiver (24) is oriented such that a light beam (40) arriving from the first transmission direction (T1) can be received by the second receiver (24).
3. Technical installation comprising a work area (15), several vehicles (10) which travel in a straight line in a longitudinal direction in the work area (15). (X) are movable, several communication modules (20) according to one of the preceding claims and several data transmission modules (31, 32, 33, 34), wherein a communication module (20) is arranged on each of the vehicles (10) such that the first transmission directions (T1) of the communication modules (20) are aligned with each other and run parallel to the longitudinal direction (X), and that the second transmission directions (T2) of the communication modules (20) are aligned with each other and run antiparallel to the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the data transmission modules (31, 32, 33, 34) each comprise a light source for emitting a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded, a light sensor for receiving a light beam (40) and a mirror (35) pivotable about a pivot axis between an active position and a passive position, wherein the mirror (35) is arranged such thatthat a light beam (40) incident from one transmission direction (T 1 , T2) is deflected onto the light sensor by the mirror (35) in the active position, and that a light beam (40) emitted by the light source is deflected in one of the transmission directions (T 1 , T2).
4. Technical system according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit (50) which is connected to the data transmission modules (31, 32, 33, 34) via a communication line (42), wherein data can be transmitted via the communication lines (42) from the control unit (50) to the data transmission modules (31, 32, 33, 34) and from the data transmission modules (31, 32, 33, 34) to the control unit (50).
5. Technical system according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the mirrors (35) of the data transmission modules (31 , 32, 33, 34) are arranged such that a collision of a communication module (20) with a mirror (35) in the passive position is excluded.
6. Technical system according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the data transmission modules (31 , 32, 33, 34) each have an electric drive for pivoting the mirror (35) from the passive position to the active position and a spring for pivoting the mirror (35) from the active position to the passive position.
7. Technical system according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the control unit (50) has several communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54) to which the communication lines (42) are connected, a network interface (55) to which a data line (60) can be connected for connection to a data network (62), and a switching unit (57) which is configured to establish separate connections of the network interface (55) with the individual communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54) and to disconnect separate connections of the network interface (55) with the individual communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54).
8. Technical system according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that at least one data transmission module (32) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X) at a beginning (17) of the working area (15), and that at least one data transmission module (33) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X) at an end (18) of the working area (15).
9. Technical system according to claim 8, characterized in that a further data transmission module (31) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X) upstream of the beginning (17) of the working area (15), wherein a distance of said further data transmission module (31) from the beginning (17) of the working area (15) in the longitudinal direction (X) is half as large as the extent of a vehicle (10) in longitudinal direction (X), and / or that in longitudinal direction (X) downstream of the end (18) of the working area (15) another data transmission module (34) is arranged, wherein the distance of said further data transmission module (34) from the end (18) of the working area (15) in the longitudinal direction (X) is half as large as the extension of a vehicle (10) in the longitudinal direction (X).
10. Method for operating a technical system according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that several vehicles (10) are moved in a straight line in the longitudinal direction (X) in the working area (15); a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded is emitted in the first transmission direction (T1) from each of the first transmitters (21) of the communication modules (20); a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded is emitted in the second transmission direction (T2) from each of the second transmitters (22) of the communication modules (20); a light beam (40) arriving from the second transmission direction (T2) is received by each of the first receivers (23) of the communication modules (20); a light beam (40) arriving from the first transmission direction (T1) is received by each of the second receivers (24) of the communication modules (20); Data encoded in the light beam (40) received by the first receiver (23) is forwarded to the second transmitter (22); Data encoded in the light beam (40) received by the second receiver (24) are forwarded to the first transmitter (21); a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded is emitted from the light source of at least one data transmission module (31, 32, 33, 34), whose mirror (35) is in the active position; a light beam (40) is received from the light sensor of said at least one data transmission module (31, 32, 33, 34); and the mirror (35) of said at least one data transmission module (31, 32, 33, 34) is pivoted from the active position to the passive position while a communication module (20) of a vehicle (10) is moved past the data transmission module (31, 32, 33, 34) in the longitudinal direction (X).
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the mirror (35) of said at least one data transmission module (31, 32, 33, 34) is pivoted from the passive position to the active position when the communication module (20) of the vehicle (10) has been moved past the data transmission module (31, 32, 33, 34) in the longitudinal direction (X).
12. Method according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the technical system comprises a control unit (50) which has several communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54) to which communication lines (42) connected to the data transmission modules (31, 32, 33, 34) are connected, and a network interface (55) to which a data line (60) for connection to a data network (62) is connected, and that separate connections of the network interface (55) with the individual communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54) are first established; and that it is checked whether a communication connection exists between one of the communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54) via at least one communication module (20) with another communication interface (51, 52, 53, 54);and that the connection of the network interface (55) with the communication interface (51, 52, 53, 54) is disconnected, between which a communication connection exists via at least one communication module (20) to another communication interface (51, 52, 53, 54).
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that when checking whether a communication connection exists between one of the communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54) via at least one communication module (20) with another communication interface (51, 52, 53, 54), a broadcast signal is sent from at least one of the communication interfaces (51, 52, 53, 54), and it is checked whether the broadcast signal is received by another communication interface (51, 52, 53, 54).