Control unit for earth moving equipment and the similar
Earth moving equipment and other heavy machinery for environmentally harsh conditions are controlled by a control panel supplied with a lock, and such panels are frequently removable to prevent theft or unauthorized operation. The interface is in the form of a plug-and-socket, the parts of which have to be sealed against dust and humidity when not interfacing. In order to prevent wear and to assure reliable control, according to the invention, no part of the connection between the control panel and a receptable is galvanic, the power supply for the control panel is wireless, such as inductive or optical, while communications may occur by means of a two-way radio protocol or by optical means.
1. A control panel adapted to be removed from a receptable of earth moving equipment to lock the earth moving equipment from being used, wherein the control panel is a key for locking and unlocking the earth moving equipment, and wherein the control panel is further configured to be fitted with the receptable to unlock the earth moving equipment such that the control panel is additionally configured to control the earth moving equipment and to enable the visual presentation of information relating to the operation of the earth moving equipment, the control panel comprising a power supply and communication means for data wherein, when the control panel is fitted into a receptable in the earth moving equipment, operating power for the control panel is supplied by wireless means, while data signals are exchanged between the control panel and the receptable by contactless means.
2. The control panel according to claim 1 , wherein the operating power is transmitted inductively by a transmitting coil in the receptable for the control panel to a receiving coil inside the control panel.
3. The control panel according to claim 1 , wherein the operating power is transmitted by light radiation from a source or sources in the receptable to converters from light energy to electric energy in the control panel.
4. The control panel according to claim 1 , wherein the contactless communication is a two-way communication using optical means for at least one direction of communication.
5. The control panel according to claim 4 , wherein at least one direction of the two-way communication occurs by frequency-shift-keyed signals.
6. The control panel according to claim 4 , wherein one direction of the two-way communication occurs by superimposing communication signals on the light flux from the light source or sources in the receptable and that suitable demodulation means are provided in the control panel.
7. The control panel according to claim 1 , wherein the contactless communication is a wireless two-way communication using inductive means for at least one direction of communication.
8. The control panel according to claim 7 , wherein at least one direction of the two-way communication occurs by frequency-shift-keyed signals.
9. The control panel according to claim 7 , wherein the wireless two-way communication occurs via a two-way radio communication protocol, such as Bluetooth (™).
10. The control panel according to claim 1 , wherein one direction of the contactless communication occurs by the operation of a pushbutton fitted in the control panel, in which the pushbutton mechanically controls a magnet that is brought in proximity to a reed switch in the receptable in order to change its state under the direct influence of the pushbutton.
11. The control panel according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of projections configured to be received within a plurality of wells within the receptable when the control panel is fitted to the receptable.
12. A control panel configured to be selectively fitted with a receptable of earth moving equipment, the control panel comprising:
a power supply configured to wirelessly receive operating power from the receptable when the control panel is fitted with the receptable; and
a contactless communication device configured to exchange data signals between the control panel and the receptable when the control panel is fitted with the receptable,
wherein the control panel is a key for locking and unlocking the earth moving equipment, and is configured to unlock the earth moving equipment when fitted with the receptable to additionally allow operation of the earth moving equipment with the control panel and wherein the control panel is further configured to lock the earth moving equipment when the control panel is not fitted with the receptable to prevent operation of the earth moving equipment.
13. The control panel according to claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of projections configured to be received within a plurality of wells within the receptable when the control panel is fitted to the receptable.
14. A combination comprising:
a receptable of earth moving equipment; and
a control panel configured to be selectively fitted with the receptable, the control panel comprising a power supply configured to wirelessly receive operating power from the receptable when the control panel is fitted with the receptable and a contactless communication device configured to exchange data signals between the control panel and the receptable when the control panel is fitted with the receptable,
wherein the control panel is a key for locking and unlocking the earth moving equipment, and is configured to unlock the earth moving equipment when fitted with the receptable to additionally allow operation of the earth moving equipment with the control panel and wherein the control panel is further configured to lock the earth moving equipment when the control panel is not fitted with the receptable to prevent operation of the earth moving equipment.
15. The combination according to claim 14 , wherein the control panel comprises a plurality of projections configured to be received within a plurality of wells within the receptable when the control panel is fitted to the receptable.