BATTERY DEVICE

A battery device has a housing adapted to be attached to a controller for operating a crane and to be powered by the battery device, a battery cell, and electronic circuitry connected to the battery cell and electrically connectable to the controller. A memory is provided in the electronic circuitry, wherein a function of the controller depends on the information in the memory. By providing a controller adapted to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes, wherein the operating modes comprise any of the following: an operation mode for controlling the operation of a crane, a simulation mode for communicating with a simulation device for simulating a crane, and a demonstration mode for demonstration of the different functions of the controller for controlling a crane, a controller for a crane is provided in which the selection of functions can be done in a controlled and defined way.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to batteries and more particularly to a smart battery device for a controller for operating a crane.

BACKGROUND

A portable controller is normally used for controlling the functions of a machine, such as a hydraulic mobile crane. Presently, these actuators are normally radio-controlled, enabling the operator of for example a lorry mobile crane to control and supervise the various operations of the crane from a desired distance and to move freely thereabout.

Besides functioning as a controller for a crane in operation, a controller can be used for other purposes, such as in a system simulating the operation of a crane for training purposes. Operating a mobile crane is very complex, requiring long time of practicing before the operator is skilled enough to perform these operations, and using a controller normally used for daily operation of a crane also for simulation purposes is both cost-efficient and gives a simulation close to real operation.

Another use for a controller normally used for controlling a crane is for demonstration purposes, i.e., the controller is used for displaying and explaining the different functions thereof.

A specific controller can be used by several different operators with their own preferences and authorizations.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a controller for a crane in which the selection of functions can be done in a controlled and defined way.

The invention is based on the insight that a battery device used for such a controller can be designed to set up a function profile of the controller in a controlled and defined way.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a battery device comprising a housing adapted to be attached to a controller for operating a crane and to be powered by the battery device, a battery cell, and electronic circuitry connected to the battery cell and electrically connectable to the controller, wherein the electronic circuitry comprises a memory, wherein a function of the controller depends on the information in the memory, the battery device being characterized in that the function of the controller is to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes, wherein the operating modes comprise any of the following: an operation mode for controlling the operation of a crane, a simulation mode for communicating with a simulation device for simulating a crane, and a demonstration mode for demonstration of the different functions of the controller for controlling a crane.

In a preferred embodiment, the memory comprises a read/write memory.

In a preferred embodiment, a processor is provided connected to the memory.

In a preferred embodiment, the memory is a serial memory.

In a preferred embodiment, the function of the controller relates to user data, preferably authorization levels and/or identification information.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a controller for controlling the operation of a crane is provided, the controller comprising: a control panel for the control of different functions of the crane, a processing means connected to the control panel and adapted to control the function of the controller, and a detachable battery device for powering the controller, the controller being characterized in that the battery device is a battery device according to the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of operating a controller for controlling the operation of a crane by means of a controller powered by a battery device is provided, the method comprising the following steps: storing, in a memory of the battery device, information on which a function of the controller depends, attaching the battery device to the controller in electrical connection thereto, and operating the controller with functions depending on the information stored in the memory of the battery device.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a computer program comprising computer program code is provided, the computer program code being adapted, if executed on a processor of the processing means of a controller according to the invention, to implement the method according to the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided comprising a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium having the computer program according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, a detailed description of a battery device for powering a controller controlling the operation of a crane will be given with reference to the figures.

A portable controller, generally designated1, for the control and supervision of functions of a remote device, such as a crane, particularly a mobile crane, is illustrated inFIG.1. A controller according to this embodiment is adapted for two-way radio control. However, the crane may alternatively be remotely controlled via a cable or a wire.

According to the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the controller1comprises a control section3comprising six manual control members or levers. However, it will be appreciated that a controller according to the invention can have fewer or more than six control members. These control members are adapted for the control of the different functions of a crane. Thus, the control members are preferably designed as a row of levers, capable of forward and backward movement in one direction for the control of a function. Obviously, the control members may be of a different type or have a different design, such as joysticks. Each control member is electrically connected to a display panel, generally designated5for indicating a selected, active function. In the shown embodiment, three screens, preferably electro-optical screens, are electrically connected to the control members. Each of the control members is arranged to control one or more functions.

A battery device in the form of a detachable battery pack10is provided in the controller1for powering the different functions thereof. The battery pack10will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS.4-6.

The communication between the controller1and a crane100in the form of a mobile crane is schematically shown inFIG.2. The crane100is provided with a radio receiver (not shown) comprising a unit to handle traffic at the crane end. It is preferred that the communication is by radio frequency (RF) communication by means of a communication radio, but communication by means of wire with the crane100is also possible. By means of this communication, an operator can control the operation of the mobile crane100using the controller1.

However, the controller1may find other applications than merely acting as a means for controlling the operation of a crane. For example, as illustrated inFIG.3, the controller1may be used for controlling a simulation device200, in the shown example a computer. In this function, the controller1functions as an input device during a simulation for learning purposes.

Turning now toFIG.4, a perspective view of a battery pack10for use with the controller1is shown. In this embodiment, the battery pack10is generally elongated and with a shape adapted for insertion in a corresponding cavity in the controller1, as is conventional. The envelop surface of the battery pack10has a shape to ensure that it can be inserted into the controller10in only one way. To this end, the envelop surface has two essentially planar surfaces10aand two curved surfaces10bwith protrusions10cadapted to be aligned with corresponding grooves in the walls of the cavity into which the battery pack10is inserted. The outer end portion of the battery pack is provided with a locking mechanism10dfor locking it in place when inserted in the controller1.

The battery pack is provided with a contact portion12comprising two electrical contacts12a,12bfor power and two contacts12c,12dfor data, as will be explained below.

The battery pack10is schematically shown inFIG.5in the form of a block diagram. The battery pack10is configured to and operable to be used with a controller1as described with reference toFIG.1and comprises electronic circuitry in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB)20equipped with electronic circuits and other components connected to battery cells40. In this context, the term battery cell should be interpreted to encompass any combination of battery cell(s) suitable for obtaining a desired operating voltage of the controller10. In a preferred embodiment, the battery cells are NiMH or Li-Ion cells, but other suitable materials are also possible. The PCB20and the battery cells40are enclosed in a housing50, preferably made of a plastic material, such as a PC/ABS combination.

The PCB20exhibits a processor22connected to a memory24, either as two separate chips or integrated into a single one. In context of the present application the term processor22should be interpreted broadly as processing circuitry, which may comprise one or more programmable processor, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these adapted to execute instructions. The memory24contains instructions26executable by the processing circuitry, whereby the battery pack10is operative for different functions, such as communicating with the processor of the controller10, monitoring the voltage and the temperature of the battery pack20etc. It is preferred that these instructions26are automatically updated to a latest version by the controller1when the battery pack10is attached thereto. The instructions may also be updated by means of an external computer device, as explained below. The memory24also contains a configuration area28in which user data is stored, the use of which will be explained in more detail below.

The PCB20also exhibits auxiliary components conventionally found in an electronic device, such as protection circuits for protecting the processor22from high voltages, voltage convertors for adapting the voltage for powering the processor22, communication components as well as sensor components for measuring the voltage of the battery cells40and the temperature of the batter pack10. These auxiliary components are collectively referred to as components30.

The contact portion12is in the preferred embodiment provided on the PBC20. The positive and negative contacts12aand12bare connected to the battery cells40as well as to the auxiliary components30. The voltage used for powering the controller10is conventionally in the range of 6-18 Volts, preferably 6-9 Volts, most preferably 7.2 Volts. The data contacts12c,12dof the contact portion12are connected to the processor for communicating data between the battery pack10and the controller1. The contact portion12is also used for communication with a configuration device, as explained below.

The configuration area28of the memory24is used for storing data relating to the use of the controller1in which the battery pack10is inserted. In other words, one or more functions of the controller1depend on the information in the memory24. For example, the battery pack10may be used for making the controller1operate in one of a plurality of operating modes. These operating modes may relate to the function of the controller1, for example an operation mode for controlling the operation of a crane100, as shown inFIG.2, a simulation mode for training purposes as shown inFIG.3, or a demonstration mode for demonstration of the different functions of the controller1. It is preferred that the operating mode associated with a battery pack10is indicated physically, such as by a colour coding of the housing of the battery pack10.

Alternatively or additionally, the function controlled by the battery10may relate to user data, i.e., every operator/user has his/her own battery pack10. This means that the functions of the controller1can be personalized to specific users. For example, different users can have different authorization levels, i.e., some users may use functions that others do not have access to. Alternatively or additionally, the maximum speed of controlled functions may be limited. In this case, it is preferred that identification information such as a password is stored in the configuration area28that must be entered before the controller1can be used.

By means of this configuration feature, it is possible to lock the controller1to one or more specific battery packs10, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the controller. It is also possible to prevent unauthorized manufacturing of battery packs10.

The memory24is preferably a read/write memory, i.e., it is possible to not only read data but also write data into the memory24. This data can be written when the battery pack10is provided in the controller1. Alternatively, the battery pack10is connected to a suitable interface of a programming unit, such as a computer300, as schematically illustrated inFIG.6. By means of suitable software, the battery pack10can be programmed for its chosen functions and user(s).

It is preferred that operation data, such as charging level of the battery cells40, and functions used during operation, is stored in the memory24. In this way, valuable information can be retrieved for subsequent analysis.

In an alternative embodiment of a battery pack10, shown inFIG.7, the processor has been omitted from the battery pack. Instead, all processing and execution of software are performed in the controller1. To this end, the controller1is provided with a processor6connected to a memory7, which contains instructions7aexecutable by the processing circuitry and a memory area7afor storing data. The processor is connected to auxiliary components8by means of which it can communicate with the memory24of the battery pack10via data contacts9c,9din the controller1and the corresponding contacts12c,12din the battery pack10, as indicated by the dashed line inFIG.7. In this embodiment, the memory24is preferably a serial memory.

This means that a method according to the invention of operating a controller1for controlling the operation of a crane by means of a controller1powered by a battery device10comprises the following steps: storing, in the memory24of the battery pack10, information on which a function of the controller1depends, attaching the battery pack10to the controller10in electrical connection thereto, and operating the controller1with functions depending on the information stored in the memory24of the battery device.

To implement this, a computer program comprising computer program code is executed on the processor of the processing means6of the controller1to implement this method.

Preferred embodiments of a battery device according to the invention have been described together with a controller with which the battery device is to be used. It will be appreciated that the described embodiments may be varied within the scope defined by the appended claims without departing from the inventive idea.