Changeable frame for tablet

Abstract

The invention relates to a changeable frame (10) for receiving a control unit (50) of a duct inspection and / or maintenance system, wherein - the changeable frame has a substantially rectangular cutout (11), and - a first seal, which extends around the periphery of the cutout (11), and at least one locking means (20) are arranged on an underside (U) of the changeable frame (10). The locking means (20) allows the control unit (50) to be locked on the changeable frame such that the control unit is pressed against the first peripheral seal (40). The invention also relates to a changeable system (100) having a changeable frame according to the invention. The invention also relates to a control system (200) for a duct inspection and / or maintenance system, which has a control unit (50) which is provided by means of a changeable frame (10) according to the invention or a changeable system according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Removable frame for tablet

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a removable frame for receiving a control unit of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, a removable system comprising the removable frame and a corresponding base frame, as well as a transport unit in which the removable frame or the removable system is arranged.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Sewer inspection or maintenance systems are commonly used to conduct pipe or sewer inspections and maintenance work in sewer systems. Such sewer inspection or maintenance systems typically have a control unit that can be used outside the sewer or inside the sewer to control the respective sewer inspection or maintenance system and / or to receive data, such as video data, from the respective sewer inspection or maintenance system. The connection between the control unit and the sewer inspection or maintenance system can be wired or wireless.

[0006] Such control units are often exposed to extremely harsh environmental conditions, particularly with regard to moisture and dirt. It is therefore desirable to effectively protect such control units from dirt and moisture, which is usually achieved by enclosing the control unit in a permanently installed housing.

[0007] However, this has the disadvantage that a simple replacement of the control unit is not possible and therefore has to be replaced along with the housing, for example if there is a successor model of the control unit.

[0008] US Pat. No. 8,503,170 B1 discloses a two-part housing, with the upper part of the housing being coupled to the lower part via a hinge. A tablet computer can be inserted into the lower part of the housing, and the housing can then be closed. The upper part of the housing has an opening into which a glass is inserted. The tablet computer is visible through the glass. However, this has the disadvantage that the touch functionality of the tablet computer located behind the glass cannot be used, or can only be used to a limited extent.

[0009] Object of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide solutions which, on the one hand, make it possible to effectively protect a control unit of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system from environmental influences such as dirt and moisture, and, on the other hand, ensure easy replacement of the control unit.

[0011] Inventive solution

[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved with a removable frame for accommodating a control unit of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, a removable system, and a control system for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0013] Accordingly, a removable frame is provided for receiving a control unit of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, wherein the removable frame has a substantially rectangular recess, a first seal surrounding the recess and at least one locking means are arranged on an underside of the removable frame, wherein the control unit can be placed on the surrounding seal and can be locked to the removable frame by means of the locking means in such a way that the control unit is pressed against the first surrounding seal, and the removable frame has a fastening system with which the removable frame can be detachably coupled to a transport unit.

[0014] The removable frame according to the invention has the advantage that the control unit is no longer permanently installed in a housing or transport unit. Using the removable frame according to the invention, the control unit can be easily replaced as needed. By placing the control unit on the circumferential seal and locking it in place using the locking device, the control unit can be attached to the removable frame in a way that protects it from splash water and dust. This allows the control unit to be replaced or replaced cost-effectively.

[0015] The first circumferential seal prevents a gap between the control unit and the underside of the removable frame, through which splash water or dirt could reach the underside of the removable frame and thus the back of the control unit. The removable frame's detachable coupling with the transport unit also allows the removable frame itself to be replaced cost-effectively. This is particularly advantageous for the use of control units whose dimensions are smaller or significantly larger than the rectangular recess of the removable frame. This allows the removable frame to be easily and cost-effectively adapted to the control unit in use without having to replace the transport unit.

[0016] Thanks to at least one second recess on the underside of the removable frame, the control unit can be fully functionally integrated into the transport unit without being an integral part of it, as is the case with conventional solutions. The plug-in unit can be used to supply power to the control unit and / or exchange data between the control unit and other components of the sewer inspection and / or maintenance system.

[0017] A further advantage resulting from the circumferential seal is that no glass needs to be inserted into the rectangular recess, so that the touch functionality of the control unit can be fully utilized.

[0018] It may be advantageous if the removable frame has at least one second recess on the underside, which is designed to at least partially accommodate a plug unit of the control unit.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, a circumferential and radially inwardly projecting web can be formed in the first recess, on the surface of which facing the underside the circumferential seal is arranged.

[0020] The radially inwardly projecting web serves to accommodate the circumferential seal and, depending on the distance of the web from the lower surface of the removable frame, to accommodate the control unit. It is advantageous if the locking means is designed as a rail on the underside of the removable frame that runs at least partially around the rectangular recess. The rail is dimensioned such that the control unit can be inserted into it, and the circumferential seal is arranged such that the inserted control unit rests on it.

[0021] The advantage of designing the locking device as a rail is that it does not contain any moving components, and the control unit can be easily inserted into the rail, where it is simultaneously locked in place. The rail can, in particular, have an L-shaped or U-shaped profile. This allows the control unit to be replaced particularly efficiently and, in particular, without the need for any tools.

[0022] It may be advantageous if the first recess corresponds to a display unit of the control unit. It may also be advantageous if the control unit is a tablet.

[0023] The design of the control unit as a tablet, especially a commercially available tablet, has the great advantage that it can be efficiently converted or retrofitted.

[0024] In addition, a tablet usually has a relatively large display that can completely fill the area of ​​the recess in the removable frame without allowing splash water to penetrate into the control unit.

[0025] By providing multiple removable frames, each of whose recesses is adapted to the dimensions of various commercially available tablets and which can be detachably coupled to the transport unit, a tablet from a first manufacturer can be flexibly replaced with a tablet from a second manufacturer. It may be advantageous if the removable frame has at least one locking means arranged on a top side of the removable frame, wherein the locking means is adapted to secure the removable frame from spontaneously detaching from the transport unit.

[0026] At least one locking means can be spring-mounted.

[0027] By locking the frame using the locking device, the underside of the removable frame can be pressed against a corresponding seal in the transport unit, so that the control unit is also sealed on its back and is completely protected from dirt and water.

[0028] The at least one locking means may comprise a lock.

[0029] The lock on the locking unit can be used to prevent the control unit from being removed and taken away by unauthorized persons.

[0030] It may be advantageous if the interchangeable frame is hinged to a base frame by means of the fastening system. It may also be advantageous if the base frame is an integral part of the transport unit.

[0031] In other words, the base frame forms an adapter between the removable frame and the transport unit, into which the corresponding removable frame can be inserted. The base frame is dimensioned so that differently sized removable frames can be coupled to it, allowing different control units to be used with one and the same base frame. Integrating the base frame into the transport unit enables particularly efficient and simple production, for example, using an injection molding process, making it particularly easy to ensure that the base frame is attached to the transport unit in a water- and dust-tight manner.

[0032] The fastening system may comprise at least one hinge.

[0033] The at least one hinge as a fastening means not only enables a pivotable arrangement of the interchangeable frame on the base frame or transport unit, but also a substantially uncomplicated detachment of the same. For this purpose, for example, a pin can be provided that serves as the pivot axis of the hinge and can be removed and reinserted without tools.

[0034] The transport unit can be a case, in particular a largely waterproof case.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention provides a removable system comprising a removable frame according to the invention and a base frame, wherein the removable frame is detachably mounted on the base frame. The base frame can have a second circumferential seal on the surface facing the removable frame.

[0036] The second circumferential seal is therefore arranged such that it corresponds to the interchangeable frame when the interchangeable frame is arranged on the base frame. Ingress of water and dirt between the interchangeable frame and the base frame is thus effectively prevented. The depth of the base frame is preferably selected such that, when the interchangeable frame, on which a control unit is arranged, is placed on the base frame, a space is formed beneath the control unit which is laterally delimited by the base frame. This space can be delimited at the rear by the transport unit or the base frame can have a rear cover which is connected to the base frame in both a detachable and a non-detachable manner. It is advantageous if the fastening system is designed as a hinge and has a pin, wherein the pin serves as the pivot axis of the hinge and is arranged in a detachable manner, in particular detachable without tools.

[0037] The base frame can have a substantially radially extending recess on the edge, through which a cable can be passed.

[0038] The recess in the edge of the base frame can also be dimensioned to allow passage of not only a cable but also the control unit's plug-in unit. Preferably, the cable routing through the recess in the base frame is sealed against splash water.

[0039] It is advantageous if the at least one locking means has a locking element which can be brought into engagement with a corresponding opening in the base frame.

[0040] The base frame can be firmly anchored to the transport unit.

[0041] In this embodiment, the base frame can be manufactured separately from the transport unit and subsequently anchored to the transport unit. Depending on the application, this also allows more than one control unit to be arranged in one and the same transport unit using a change system according to one aspect of the invention.

[0042] Furthermore, a control system for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is provided, wherein the control unit is provided by means of an interchangeable frame according to the invention or by means of an interchangeable system according to the invention. It can be advantageous if the control system comprises a transport unit designed as a case, wherein the interchangeable frame or the interchangeable system is arranged in a case shell, in particular the case upper shell.

[0043] By arranging the removable frame or system in the upper shell of the case, the front of the control unit or the tablet display is protected from water and dirt when the case is closed. At the same time, the control unit can be operated without having to remove it from the case. All you need to do is open the case. Additional systems, such as an external keyboard for the tablet, can be installed in the lower shell of the case.

[0044] It is advantageous if the case has a cable guide, preferably in a hinged design between the upper case shell and the lower case shell, whereby a cable can be guided through the cable guide to the recess of the interchangeable frame.

[0045] This allows a wired connection to be established between the system located in the lower case shell and the tablet located in the upper case shell, whereby the cable connection is protected from wear and environmental influences.

[0046] Also provided is a removable frame for accommodating a control unit of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, wherein the removable frame has a substantially rectangular recess, a first seal surrounding the recess and at least one locking means are arranged on an underside of the removable frame, wherein the control unit can be placed onto the circumferential seal and can be locked to the removable frame by means of the locking means in such a way that the control unit is pressed against the first circumferential seal, and the removable frame has a fastening system with which the removable frame can be detachably coupled to a transport unit.the locking means is designed as a rail on the underside of the interchangeable frame which runs at least partially around the rectangular recess, wherein the rail is dimensioned such that the control unit can be inserted into the rail, wherein the circumferential seal is arranged such that the inserted control unit rests on it.

[0047] Short description of the characters

[0048] Further details and features of the invention, as well as concrete, particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention, will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawing, which shows:

[0049] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above (a) and a plan view (b) of an embodiment of the interchangeable frame according to one aspect of the invention;

[0050] Fig. 2 a view from below (a) and a perspective view from below (b) of the design of the interchangeable frame from Fig. 1;

[0051] Fig. 3 is a perspective view (a) and a detail thereof (b) of an embodiment of the exchange system according to one aspect of the invention; and

[0052] Fig. 4 is a perspective view (a) and a front view (b) of an embodiment of the control system according to one aspect of the invention.

[0053] Detailed description of the invention

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from above (a) and a plan view (b) of an embodiment of the interchangeable frame according to one aspect of the invention;

[0055] Fig. 1 shows the top side O of the removable frame 10. The removable frame 10 has a substantially rectangular basic shape, although the corners can be rounded. Correspondingly, the recess 11 of the removable frame 10 also has a substantially rectangular shape, although its corners can also be rounded. The recess 11 runs from the top side O to the bottom U, so that the display of a tablet arranged on the bottom is visible on the top side O. The rectangular shape of the recess 11 can be easily combined with commercially available tablets (see Fig. 3a). Likewise, the rectangular shape of the removable frame 10 can be combined with easy-to-handle control cases as a control system (see Fig. 4).

[0056] A fastening system 30 is arranged in the area of ​​one edge of the removable frame 10. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 1b, the fastening system 30 in this embodiment comprises two hinges. Each of the hinges can have a pin, wherein the pin serves as the pivot axis of the hinge and is arranged so that it can be removed, in particular without tools. Alternatively, a common pin can be provided for both hinges.

[0057] The design of the interchangeable frame 10 according to Fig. 1 comprises two locking means 12. The locking means 12 are advantageously arranged on the opposite edge side on which the hinge is arranged. The locking means are preferably arranged in corner regions of the interchangeable frame 10. This design has the advantage that the interchangeable frame 10 according to Fig. 1, in the locked state, is firmly connected to the transport unit (see Fig. 4) at four points, in particular by means of the base frame (see Fig. 3). This ensures that the interchangeable frame 10 remains sealed and locked in the transport unit even after the transport unit has been unfolded (see e.g. Fig. 4). However, more or more maneuverable locking means can also be provided than two, but at least one locking means.

[0058] The two locking means 12 of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 are spring-mounted. This allows a locking mechanism to be established in which the locking element (not shown) cannot be released accidentally, but only by a targeted force, such as pulling the locking means 12 away from the surface O of the removable frame 10.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows a view from below (a) and a perspective view from below (b) of the design of the interchangeable frame from Fig. 1.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows the underside U of the interchangeable frame from Fig. 1. At least one locking means 20 is provided on the underside U and a seal 40 surrounding the recess 11, hereinafter also referred to as the first circumferential seal 40.

[0061] A circumferential and radially inwardly projecting web is formed in the recess 11, on the surface of which facing the underside the first circumferential seal 40 is arranged. Alternatively, the first circumferential seal 40 can also be arranged directly on the surface of the underside U or inserted into a groove extending around the recess 11.

[0062] The control unit 50 (see, for example, Fig. 2b) can be placed on the first circumferential seal 40 of the removable frame 10. The control unit 50 can be locked to the removable frame 10 by means of the at least one locking means 20 such that the control unit 10 is pressed against the first circumferential seal 40.

[0063] In the present exemplary embodiment, the at least one locking means 20 is formed by two rails. The two rails are each arranged in sections circumferentially around the recess 11 and have an L-shaped profile (alternatively a U-shaped profile). The edge of the rails facing the recess 11 can run flush with the web of the recess 11. The two rails are designed to lock the control unit 10 on at least two, preferably three sides relative to the removable frame 10, in particular the first circumferential seal 40. The control unit 10 can be locked simply by sliding it into the two rails. This enables easy insertion and removal of a tablet, in particular without tools.

[0064] On at least one edge side, the removable frame 10 has a second recess 45 on the underside, which is designed to at least partially accommodate a plug unit 55 of the control unit 50. The second recess continues into the locking means 20. Thus, one of the two rails in Fig. 2 has a recess corresponding to the second recess 20 to accommodate the plug unit 55.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view (a) and a detail thereof (b) of an embodiment of the exchange system according to one aspect of the invention.

[0066] The design of the interchangeable system 100 shown in Fig. 3 comprises an interchangeable frame 10 as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, respectively, and a base frame 70. The interchangeable frame 10 is detachably connected to the base frame 70, in particular detachably without tools, by means of the fastening system 30, i.e., the two hinges. However, one hinge may be sufficient.

[0067] Fig. 3a shows how a control unit 50, in particular a tablet, according to one aspect of the invention can be inserted into the removable frame 10 or the removable system 100 at the bottom of the removable frame 10.

[0068] The base frame 70 includes an edge facing the underside U of the removable frame 10. A further circumferential seal 41 is arranged on this edge, hereinafter also referred to as the second circumferential seal 41.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the base frame 70 can be dimensioned such that the edge can be completely covered by the removable frame 10. In this respect, the second circumferential seal 41 ensures that no splash water enters the rear area of ​​the control unit 50.

[0070] The base frame according to Fig. 3 has means (not shown) for fastening or anchoring the base frame 70 in the transport unit (see Fig. 4). However, the base frame can also be an integral part of the transport unit.

[0071] Furthermore, the base frame has at least one opening on the side (not shown) into which the locking element of the locking means 50 can engage. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the base frame 70 has two corresponding openings that serve to lock the removable frame 10 by means of the two locking means 12. The locking action presses the removable frame 10 against the second circumferential seal 41 of the base frame 70.

[0072] The base frame 70 comprises, at its edge, preferably on the longitudinal side where the base frame 70 is connected to the removable frame 10 via the hinges, a substantially radially extending recess through which a cable and the connector unit 55 can be passed. This allows a communication connection to be established between the control unit 50, in particular a tablet, arranged in the removable frame 10 and locked by the base frame 70, and other components of the transport unit (see Fig. 4), and / or the control unit 50 to be charged.

[0073] Fig. 3b shows an enlarged section A of the interchangeable system 100 of Fig. 3a. In particular, a hinge of the fastening system 30 is clearly visible.

[0074] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view (a) and a front view (b) of an embodiment of the control system according to one aspect of the invention. The control system 200 according to Fig. 4 comprises a transport unit 60 designed as a control case. The control case (also called a case) comprises a case upper shell in which the interchangeable frame 10 or the interchangeable system 100 is arranged. The case upper shell of the transport unit 60 comprises a significant portion of the depth of the transport unit 60 in order to additionally protect the control unit 50 arranged therein from splash water. In this respect, it is advisable to provide the handle for carrying the control case on the case upper shell.

[0075] The case has a cable guide, preferably in a hinged guide between the upper and lower case shells. This cable guide allows the cable to be routed through the recess 42 of the base frame 70 to the second recess 45 on the underside U of the removable frame 10.

[0076] Additional components, such as a keyboard, a docking station, and at least one USB port, can be provided in the case's lower shell. At least one USB port can be accessible from the outside of the case, i.e., even when the case is closed. This allows for secure charging of the control unit 50 when the case is closed. All components installed in the case are essentially waterproof, in particular splash-proof. The case itself is preferably also designed to be waterproof and dustproof.

[0077] The communication connection between the control unit 50, in particular a tablet, and the docking station (not shown) enables the control unit to be switched on or activated via software without having to remove the control unit from the removable frame 10 and / or unlock the removable system. For this purpose, a switch unit can be provided that is actuated by the upper or lower shell of the case when opening or closing the case. List of reference symbols:

[0078] 10 interchangeable frames

[0079] 11 first recess of the removable frame 12 locking device

[0080] 20 at least one locking device

[0081] 30 fastening system

[0082] 40 the recess 11 of the removable frame 10 circumferential seal

[0083] 41 circumferential seal of the base frame 70 42 recess of the base frame 70

[0084] 45 second recess of the interchangeable frame

[0085] 50 control unit

[0086] 55 Plug unit of the control unit 50

[0087] 60 Transport unit 70 Base frame

[0088] O Top of the removable frame 10

[0089] U Bottom of the removable frame 10

[0090] A section

Claims

Claims 1. Interchangeable frame (10) for receiving a control unit (50) of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, wherein - the interchangeable frame has a substantially rectangular recess (11), - a first seal surrounding the recess (11) and at least one locking means (20) are arranged on an underside (U) of the removable frame (10), wherein the control unit (50) can be placed on the circumferential seal (40) and can be locked to the removable frame (10) by means of the locking means (20) in such a way that the control unit (50) is pressed against the first circumferential seal (40), and - the interchangeable frame (10) has a fastening system (30) with which the interchangeable frame (10) can be detachably coupled to a transport unit (60).

2. Removable frame according to claim 1, wherein the removable frame (10) has at least one second recess (45) on the underside (U), which is designed to at least partially accommodate a plug unit (55) of the control unit (50).

3. Removable frame according to claim 1, wherein a circumferential and radially inwardly projecting web is formed in the first recess (11), on the surface of which facing the underside the circumferential seal (40) is arranged.

4. Removable frame according to claim 1, wherein the locking means (20) is designed as a rail (20) on the underside (U) of the removable frame which runs at least partially around the rectangular recess (11), wherein the rail (20) is dimensioned such that the control unit (50) can be inserted into the rail (20), and wherein the circumferential seal (40) is arranged such that the inserted control unit rests on it.

5. Removable frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first recess (11) corresponds to a display unit of the control unit (50).

6. Removable frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (50) is a tablet.

7. Removable frame according to claim 1, wherein the removable frame has at least one locking means (12) which is arranged on an upper side (O) of the removable frame, wherein the locking means is adapted to secure the removable frame against independent detachment from the transport unit (60).

8. Removable frame according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one locking means is spring-mounted.

9. Removable frame according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one locking means comprises a lock.

10. Interchangeable frame according to claim 1, wherein the interchangeable frame is hinged to a base frame (70) by means of the fastening system (30).

11. Interchangeable frame according to the preceding claim, wherein the base frame (70) is an integral part of the transport unit (60).

12. Interchangeable frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening system (30) comprises at least one hinge.

13. Interchangeable frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport unit (60) is a case, in particular a largely waterproof case.

14. Exchange system (100) comprising an exchange frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a base frame (70), wherein the exchange frame is detachably arranged on the base frame.

15. Exchange system according to the preceding claim, wherein the base frame (70) has a second circumferential seal (41) on the surface facing the exchange frame (10).

16. Exchange system according to claim 14, wherein the fastening system (30) is designed as a hinge and has a pin, wherein the pin serves as a pivot axis of the hinge and is arranged to be detachable, in particular detachable without tools.

17. Exchange system according to claim 14, wherein the base frame (70) has a substantially radially extending recess (42) on the edge side, wherein a cable can be passed through the recess.

18. Exchange system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one locking means (12) comprises a locking element which can be brought into engagement with a corresponding opening of the base frame.

19. Exchange system according to claim 14, wherein the base frame can be firmly anchored to the transport unit (60).

20. Control system (200) for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, comprising a control unit (50), wherein the control unit is provided by means of a removable frame (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13 or by means of a removable system according to one of claims 14 to 19.

21. Control system according to claim 20, wherein it comprises a transport unit (60) designed as a case, wherein the interchangeable frame (10) or the interchangeable system (100) is arranged in a case shell, in particular the case upper shell.

22. Control system according to the preceding claim, wherein the case has a cable guide, preferably in a hinged design between the case upper shell and the case lower shell, wherein a cable can be guided through the cable guide to the recess (45) of the interchangeable frame (10).

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