Configurable electronic module for operation in service vehicles, in particular fire-fighting vehicles

The invention relates to a control device for operating an emergency vehicle, in particular a fire service vehicle, or additional units that are integrated in the emergency vehicle or that can be operated externally, such as pumps, compressors, hydraulic units, power units, etc., comprising at least one configuration unit, at least one electronic module with a computing device send a microcontroller and a memory device, analog and / or digital input / output interfaces with one or more connection contacts, as well as a bus system.

In order to fulfill the diverse and increasingly complex tasks of emergency vehicles, in particular fire engines, the individual system components, in particular pumps, foam proportioning systems, launchers, portable syringes, valves, etc., with which these tasks are ultimately performed, are also subject to ever higher requirements posed. This means that an increasingly complex electrical and control technology is used. This enables new or changed system components to be integrated into an existing one

Vehicle or aggregate electronics made more difficult.

DE 196 00 644 C1 describes a circuit arrangement for functional modules which can be arranged in a motor vehicle and which are connected via at least two bus systems to a common gateway which is implemented via a central electrical module and a driver information module. The gateway is implemented by a network of computer units arranged in the driver information module and the central electronics module, and these are connected to one another via an interface for data exchange. By implementing the gateway via the central unit, no additional computer is required for data exchange between the individual bus systems and flexible adaptation to a certain level of equipment in a motor vehicle can be achieved by exchanging the modules.

From EP 0 983 907 A2 a device for operating devices in a vehicle is known which has an electronic circuit arrangement with at least one microcontroller and an interface for a data bus. The microcontroller can be connected to a central computer located in the vehicle via the interface. The central computer controls various devices arranged in the vehicle as a function of the commands which can be entered by the user via several keys on a housing, with the actual connection or disconnection of the devices using the required

Load current-carrying switching elements, which are operated by the central computer, takes place.

EP 0 525 697 A1 discloses an arrangement for recognizing the identity of locations.

The arrangement comprises an interrogation unit and any number of response units which are fixedly arranged on houses, trees or masts for street signs. Control devices as well as information and data memories and devices for controlling transmitting or receiving devices and displays are provided in both units. Furthermore, input keyboards are provided in both units with which the digital data stored in a memory can be deleted or deleted. can be added. The two units communicate with one another via a radio link and a location can be determined by evaluating a processor unit.

A computer-implemented control system is known from EP 1 151 897 A1. The control system comprises a CAN bus connected to a machine control, to which data-generating and / or data-responsive components can be connected. The interfaces arranged for this purpose are equipped with microprocessors which are either integrated into the junction box or into the component. To distinguish the components, at least one electronic identification element, which can be formed by a characteristic resistor, is integrated in the junction box and / or in the component itself. When connecting, for example, a sensor or when replacing it, no configuration by the user is required and the connected component is automatically identified and initialized. To identify and classify the components or the bus participant is continuously and cyclically monitored and analyzed the status of the system.

From DE 100 22 422 A1 a method for accessing a device of a communication network in a motor vehicle by an external device or a gateway is known, information about the devices available in the communication network being transmitted by the gateway after an access request from an external device an access authorization request is made. If the authorization is positive, a software element is transferred to the external device

AT 412 776 B to enable communication between the external device and the requested device.

From DE 199 44 132 A1 a system for the process-controlled transmission of electrical signals and electrical energy within a military vehicle is known. Several consumers are connected via a CAN bus system with a central distribution unit, in which the bus system is integrated, and a central energy supply unit. This avoids extensive control lines. The individual consumers are connected to the bus in a star configuration via extended stub lines that are routed in the same cable as the supply lines. The participants can do this directly or via a joint

Node element can be connected to the bus. The nodes are structured identically and can therefore be interchanged at any time. The identical structure is achieved in that the contact assignment of the connector for the consumer is determined so that all necessary signals are available and not too many reserve lines remain open.

From DE 195 05 845 A1 a control unit for units on vehicles intended for municipal or winter service is known. By using a CAN bus system, a certain flexibility is achieved with regard to the interchangeability of the individual attachments. Several plug connections or interfaces are provided along the bus for this purpose. Various devices suitable for the CAN bus, such as a display unit or control unit, can be connected to these interfaces.

From EP 0 952 704 A2 an electronic, data bus-compatible vehicle control device is known. Here, a controllable data protocol device is integrated in the vehicle control device, which variably defines the data protocol to be used from a given set of different protocols. In this context, the data protocol is understood to mean the manner in which data information is transferred over time. The

Communication between the individual components.

A disadvantage of these systems known from the prior art is that only already known or standardized units and no units with other than the originally intended electrical properties, and then only with great effort or by exchanging complete modules, can be integrated into existing electronics.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a control device which can be flexibly adapted to changes in the individual system components with regard to their electrical specifications.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by that the configuration unit is communicatively connected to the computing device arranged in the electronics module and software functions are stored in the storage device and the computing device is designed at least for the optional assignment of the functionality of the software functions to the connection contacts of the input / output interfaces of the electronics module and that the configuration unit has at least one input unit and one Display unit is assigned. The advantage here is that the electronic module used, which assumes the central control tasks for the respective additional unit, can be flexibly adapted to the functions and connections of this unit. The required data are entered via an easy-to-use configuration unit by means of an input unit and a display unit, which enables simple parameter input and simultaneous control of this input. The functions or software routines stored and available in the memory of the electronics module can be assigned to the desired connection pins of the additional unit by means of inputs on the configuration unit. This advantageously makes it possible that when changes are made to the additional unit or when an additional unit is replaced, no new cabling and / or no change to the software stored in the electronics module or to the electronics module itself is necessary. Another advantage is that the flexibility of the control device means that new units can be integrated into the existing control device by changing the configuration of the electronic modules, even after the vehicle has been delivered.

By integrating the configuration unit in the electronics module, a new configuration or reconfiguration can be carried out directly on the module itself, whereby independence is achieved, for example in the event of errors or malfunctions in the bus system.

It is also advantageous that the electronics module and the configuration unit with at least one

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Interface for local or long-distance transmission of signals or data via a local or global network is designed, since this allows data to be exchanged and different electronic modules to interact easily or, for example, configuration data that are stored on the manufacturer's server computers can be exchanged .

According to a further development, it is possible that the configuration unit is arranged externally and is in wired or wireless communication with the electronics module, whereby all electronic modules integrated in the control device according to the invention can be configured by a central configuration unit, for example arranged in the vehicle cabin. This configuration can also take place via a radio link, for example via a mobile service station.

It is also advantageous if the electronics module is uniquely identified by an electronic identification number, since this enables the desired module to be addressed in a targeted manner and a configuration from a central point.

By using a commercially available PC or a common palmtop or handheld computer to configure the electronic modules, the advantage of a graphical user interface that is easy to set up and almost any flexibility in the range of functions is achieved.

According to a further development, it is also possible that elements of the input unit are formed from mechanical switches, in particular from DIP switches, so that a service technician can reconfigure the electronic modules directly on site without the aid of special tools. In addition, such switches offer the advantage of maximum switching reliability and are housed in a space-saving housing.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the input unit of the configuration unit to be designed for inputting and storing parameters in the memory device of the electronic modules, which makes it easy to input analog values ​​such as zero point, full point, spread, for example.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the parameters are stored in the memory device of the electronic module in an EEPROM or FLASH memory. This means that aggregate-specific parameters can be safely saved in the electronics module even in the event of a power failure.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the existing bus system is designed to transfer and / or read out the software functions in the memory device of the electronic module. This enables a simple software update of the functions in the electronics module to be carried out.

According to the invention, it is also possible that the memory device has parameters for an emergency program in the event of defective bus connections and thus, in the event of a defect in the bus connection, an emergency program can operate the respective unit in an operationally safe state.

However, it is also possible that the microcontroller of the electronic module has data for restoring a delivery configuration and it is thus easily possible to restore the delivery configuration of the manufacturer, for example in the event of incorrect operation or incorrect input of parameters.

It is also advantageous that the bus system is formed by a field bus system, in particular a CAN bus, and the topology of the bus system is linear, since field components are maintenance,

Being able to apply diagnosis and control to oneself, support bidirectional communication and communication with other field components, as well as the cabling effort and thereby the costs can be reduced considerably.

It is also possible for the control lines and the supply lines of the bus system to be routed separately, so that consumers who, due to their power consumption, require larger-sized supply lines can also be connected.

According to a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the control device has software-based and / or hardware-based precautions to protect against unauthorized changes to the data and thereby malfunctions or damage can be avoided.

Finally, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the display unit to be formed by LEDs, which offers the advantage of an inexpensive implementation of the configuration unit.

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The control device according to the invention is to be explained in more detail with the following exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures.

It shows:

1 shows an emergency vehicle with additional units arranged on the roof and a trailer with the control device according to the invention, in a side view;

2 control device according to the invention with two different electronic modules with a common bus system, as a block diagram;

3 shows a schematic representation of the configuration.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred accordingly to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. The location details chosen in the description, such as above, below, to the side, etc. based on the figure immediately described and shown and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

1 shows a control device 1 according to the invention in an integrated emergency vehicle 2, for example a fire engine, with additional units 3 arranged on the roof and a trailer 4 in a side view. Various additional units 3, for example pumps, compressors, hydraulic units, power units and the like can be arranged on or in the emergency vehicle 2. In the following, additional units 3 are also understood to mean a wide variety of items of equipment, such as launchers, syringes, lighting devices, foam proportioning systems, warning and signaling devices, fans, ladders, etc. Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows a trailer 4 which is coupled with a coupling device for detachable connection to the emergency vehicle 2 and which can also be equipped with various additional units 3, in particular generators for generating electricity, extinguishing agent pumps or fans.

The individual additional units 3 are assigned electronic modules 5 which are in communication with one another for electronic data exchange via a common bus system 6. According to the invention, the bus system 6 is formed by a field bus system, in particular a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus. Each electronic module 5 has CAN input and output interfaces, as shown by communication interfaces 8 in FIG. 2.

The electronics module 5 has the function of a CAN node element to which the various additional units are connected. According to a preferred embodiment, the topology of the bus system 6 is linear, that is to say in a bus structure. According to the invention, however, it is also conceivable that the bus system 6 is designed, for example, in the shape of a ring or a star. It is also possible to use redundant bus lines to increase the reliability. The data lines are, due to the high currents and the associated interference fields that require or cause the individual additional units, preferably separated from the

Supply lines out. CAN technology offers, among other things, the advantages of tried and tested technology, simple cabling and secure transmission. The bus system 6 can, however, also be formed by other systems, for example by a LON (Local Operating Network), Profibus (Process Field Bus), ASI (Actuator Sensor Interface), Interbus-S, FIP (Flux Information Processus, Factory Instrumentation Protocol) .

The electronic modules 5 take over the central control and regulation tasks of the connected additional units 3. This includes, for example, the control of valves, pumps and relays, quantity and flow control or measurement, detection of button and contact states or operating states and their logical combination and evaluation respectively. Display, control of the entire data flow in compliance with bus protocols, control of communication via a radio link, processing of user inputs, optical and acoustic display of operating states as well as the energy supply or distribution of the individual units. Corresponding software functions are stored in the electronics module 5 for this purpose. Furthermore, signals or states of interest can be processed and evaluated by the electronics module 5 using, for example, electrical, magnetic, optical or thermal sensors. The sensors do not have to be integrated in the electronics module 5,

AT 412 776 B but can be used for data exchange in wired or contactless communication.

Furthermore, the electronics module 5 can convert the input or output signals into analog or digital values ​​or vice versa. Also is one

Filtering or processing or adaptation of the individual signals to the specific properties and requirements of the additional unit 3 is possible.

The individual electronic modules 5 are not identical in their hardware as well as in their software structure, but are connected to the respective additional unit 3, or to the installation location of the additional unit 3, or to the installation location in the additional unit 3 io customized. For example, the mechanical load that acts on the electronics module 5 can be taken into account. High temperature loads or electromagnetic fields are also taken into account by appropriate shielding. The adaptation also takes place, for example, in such a way that for additional units 3 with higher power consumption, the electronic components, for example relays or power transistors, are dimensioned correspondingly higher, or in return, with lower requirements, can be dimensioned smaller, which saves costs. Likewise, faster switching times or processing times of the activated additional units 3 can be taken into account by using correspondingly faster electronic components.

The electronic modules 5 integrated in the trailer 4 and assigned to an additional unit 3 are connected to the bus system 6 of the emergency vehicle 2 for data exchange via appropriately flexible and stable lines. According to an embodiment variant of the invention, a wireless radio connection is also possible. The connection serves to integrate the trailer 4 into the entire control device 1. However, since the individual electronic modules 5 can work independently of one another and thus the units and modules integrated in the trailer 4 form an independent control device 1, it is also possible according to the invention to operate the trailer 4 and its auxiliary units 3 independently of the emergency vehicle 2 or the To use functionality of the control device 1.

Furthermore, there is of course the possibility of coupling additional units 3 directly to the bus system 6.

In Fig. 2, the control device 1 according to the invention with two different electronic modules 5, with a common bus system 6 is shown as a block diagram.

It should be noted that the two electronic modules 5 do not have to be identical, but, as already described in FIG. 1, have to be adapted to the location and purpose of use. This is indicated in FIG. 2 by input / output interfaces 7 of different widths. Both electronic modules 5 are line-connected to one another via the interfaces 8 and the common bus system 6. The energy sources required are not shown here.

The additional units 3 are controlled via the input / output interfaces 7, or signals are received from the additional units 3. These signals can be both analog and digital in nature. The pin assignment of the plug contacts of the input / output interface 7 can be different depending on the type of additional unit 3 connected to it.

A computing device 9, comprising a memory device 10 and a microcontroller 11, controls the entire data processing, both the communication via the bus system 6, and also the assignment of the software functions stored in the memory device 10 to the individual hardware pins of the input / output interface 7. The memory device 10 can be formed by a flash memory, an EPROM, EEPROM and other write and read memories. This means that the data is safely stored even in the event of a power failure.

According to the invention, the software functions stored in the storage device 10 do not have to be present identically in all electronic modules 5, or not all software functions have to be stored in all modules. In addition to the basic application software that is used for the basic

Functionality, for example communication via the bus system 6 or input / output protocols or the like, for which the electronic modules 5 are responsible, certain software function groups are stored in the computing device 9. The application software is designed to such an extent that it also allows the electronic module 5 or the additional unit 3 to be operated in the event of a defective bus connection . So-called emergency programs operate the additional units 3 in an operationally safe state in the event of a malfunction. The software function groups are at the

AT 412 776 B adapted to the respective purpose of the electronic module 5. For example, certain software functions in an electronics module 5, which is intended for use in projectors, would not be stored in such a module for controlling a light mast.

These software functions are assigned to the pins of the input / output interface 7 by a configuration unit 12 which comprises at least one input unit 13 and a display unit 14. For example, the desired software functions or control functions of the additional unit 3 can be assigned to the pins of the plug-in contact of the input / output interface 7 that are specified on the hardware side. Likewise, for example, electrical measurement signals can be fed to the pins, the appropriate software functions and thus an evaluation.

The current configuration of an electronic module 5 can be read out at any time from the storage device 10 by means of the configuration unit 12 and displayed by means of the display unit 14. The configuration can also be changed at any time. The computing device 9 checks the current configuration for errors, for example whether pins of the input / output interface 7 are assigned twice or analog signals are fed to a digital evaluation or vice versa and the like. In the event of an error, the user is informed of this via the display unit 14, for example.

For unambiguous identification of the nodes or the electronic modules 5, these are uniquely identified by electronic identification numbers. In the entire control device 1, each electronic module 5 has its own unique number and can therefore also be clearly addressed or addressed. The configuration unit 12 can be integrated directly on the electronics module 5. This offers the advantage that a new configuration or reconfiguration can take place directly on the electronics module 5 itself, as a result of which independence, for example in the event of errors or faults in the bus system 6, is achieved.

Parts of the input unit 13 can by so-called. DIP (Dual Inline Package) switch can be formed. As a result, a service technician can configure the electronics module 5 without the aid of special tools. In connection with the display unit 14, which can be formed, for example, by a graphics-capable display, the electronic module 5 can be configured safely and easily. According to an embodiment variant, the display unit 14 can also be implemented by simple LEDs, in the case of, for example, 8

Switches, 8 LEDs are enough for easy operation. Further input elements of the input unit 13, for example buttons, can be used to confirm the input, delete the input, switch to the next function or the like.

According to one embodiment of the control device 1 according to the invention, it is also possible that the configuration unit 12 is arranged externally from the electronics module 5, for example in the driver's cab or at other easily accessible locations in the emergency vehicle 2. It is entirely possible that the configuration unit 12 on the electronics module 5 remains, so the external configuration unit 12 is also arranged. With this external arrangement, a central configuration of any electronic modules 5 integrated in the control device 1 is easily possible. The configuration unit 12 is then integrated into the bus system 6 via the interface 8. By

Selecting the desired module number or the electronic identification number assigned to the electronic module 5 by means of the input unit 13, the electronic module 5 is selected for the configuration process and can then the desired software function by entering a corresponding number, one or more of the desired pins of the input / output interfaces 7 be assigned. The display unit 14 is used for visual control or for user guidance.

According to the invention, it is possible for the configuration unit 12 to be formed by a mobile electronic computing unit, for example a palmtop, handheld computer or a PC. This offers the possibility of using a powerful and easy-to-use user interface. The communication with the emergency vehicle 2 can take place via a line connection as well as via a radio link. The configuration unit 12 is connected to the bus system 6 via the interface 8. In the case of communication via a radio link, the configuration unit 12 transmits the data by means of an antenna 15 to a transceiver unit 16, which is line-connected to the bus system 8 and addresses the desired electronics module 5.

It is also possible that the application software, i.e. the basic functionality and the

AT 412 776 B software functions specially tailored to the purpose of the electronic module 5, which can be transmitted via the existing bus system 6 by means of the configuration unit 12 to the individual electronic modules 5 or to their computing device 9. As a result, the software functions can be transferred quickly and safely both when an electronic module 5 is started up for the first time and when software updates and revisions are made.

The configuration unit 12 can also be used to input parameters for operating the additional units 3. For example, it is possible to define values ​​for maximum speed, maximum pressure, setting of zero points, full points, spreading, etc. These parameters are stored in the memory device 10 in a non-volatile manner. These parameters can be read out or updated at any time via the bus system 6 using the configuration unit 12.

In addition, it is possible to use the configuration unit 12 to set a delivery status in which all parameters are given a value preset by the manufacturer. System parameters of the control device 1, for example the baud rate used for data communication, can also be set.

For service purposes, it is possible, by means of the configuration unit 12, to read, write or simulate the bus data required for operating the control device 1. In this way, certain operating states can be tested or an additional unit 3 that has not yet been installed or its electronics module 5 can be checked and tested in advance.

It is also possible that only authorized bodies or persons can define and / or change data of the electronic module 5 by means of precautions implemented on the software side by corresponding password queries or on the hardware side by for example code keys or dongles or the like. This prevents improper operation or use of the control device 1.

In Fig. 3, the assignment of the various software functions to the hardware pins is one

Input output interface 7 shown schematically.

The memory device 10 integrated in the computing device 9 of the electronics module 5 contains, among other things, the software functions, shown here with f1 to f7 for illustration. The configuration unit 12, shown here integrated in the electronics module 5, is operated by means of the input unit 13 and the display unit 14. As a result of the configuration using the configuration unit 12, the desired software functions are assigned to the hardware pins of the input / output interface 7 in the microcontroller 11. As a result, the electronics module 5 or its input / output interface 7 can be individually adapted to the pin assignment of the additional unit 3. The explanation as well as further details can be found in the description.

Finally, for the sake of order, it should be noted that for a better understanding of the

Control device these or their components were shown partially not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

Above all, the individual in FIGS. 1; 2; 3 form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The related tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

List of reference symbols

Control device

Emergency vehicle

Additional unit

pendant

Electronics module

9

Bus system

Input output interface interface computing device storage device

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Microcontroller

Configuration unit

Input unit

Display unit

15th antenna

Transmitter / receiver unit