Portable device used to at least visualize the process data of a machine, a robot or a technical process

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable device (1) with at least one optical output device (2) for displaying at least process data of a machine, a robot or a technical process, with at least one input device (3) for at least intervening in the operating finctions of the device (1) and/or for operating the machine or robot or technical process, and having a safety switch device (12) for preventing the output of undesirable, unintended control commands for the machine, robot or technical process. The output devices (2) and input devices (3) are connected to a control device (14), which is accommodated in a housing (7) that is unbreakable as far as possible and at least one communication interface (17) is provided to an external control device disposed at a distance away. Several of the input and output devices (2, 3) are functionally combined by means of a touch-sensitive screen (4) in the form of a touch-screen (5) and the touch-sensitive screen (4) extends across substantial regions of the surface of the housing (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a portable device for at least viewing process data and/or operating a machine, a robot or technical process, of the type outlined in claim 1.

[0002] Patent specification DE 100 23 199 A1 owned by the same applicant discloses a hand-held device for robots or other electrical machines with programming and operating elements for programming and controlling motion sequences or operating states. This hand-held device incorporates a safety switch system which is used and operated in combination with the programming and operating elements of the hand-held device in order to perform safety-critical actions. The programming and operating elements of this hand-held device are provided in the form of push-buttons, switches, rotating knobs or control levers. This known hand-held device also has a display, in particular a LCD display, for viewing process or input data. Individual programming and operating elements co-operate with optical signal sources, such as light-emitting diodes for example, in order to indicate their respective switch status. This hand-held device has a plurality of operating elements for managing more complex, technical processes, which makes handling more difficult for the user, as well as making it difficult to review the various functions as a whole.

[0003] The underlying objective of the present invention is to propose a device of the type outlined above, which, although incorporating numerous functions, makes it possible to oversee operation. Another objective of the invention is to propose a device of this type which is more robust.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the invention as a result of the characterising features defined in claim 1. The advantage of this approach is that the large surface touch-sensitive screen or touch screen effectively reduces the number of operating elements required in the past, such as push keys, switches, push buttons and such like. Even more complex tasks for which control consoles or control panels were needed in the past can also be handled by the mobile device proposed by the invention. The touch-sensitive screen, on which a plurality of individual graphic and menu-driven user interfaces can be displayed, permits intuitive, effortless and simple operation of the device and the technical equipment with which it is used. A major advantage resides in the fact that data can be both entered and output by means of the touch-sensitive screen, such as operating states, control commands and such like, concentrated within one cohesive region of the device. This significantly reduces the risk of incorrect operation, which could not previously be ruled out because of the necessity of looking between the display unit and input area. Another advantage of the specified design resides in the fact that the large-surface input and output area enables clearly visible display contents and information to be displayed in a large format in the form of graphics, texts and such like, enabling the display contents to be seen clearly and effortlessly at a glance or when viewed from a distance away, even by persons with poor eyesight.

[0005] The embodiment defined in claim 2 enables the output of large, rapidly perceptible display contents and input fields, providing a good overall view and minimising the risk of incorrect operation. Especially if the touch-sensitive screen occupies more than half the top face of the housing, particularly large objects can be displayed and data can be entered and options selected without difficulty, simply by pressing with the finger.

[0006] The embodiment defined in claim 3 enables the safety switching unit to be operated with the hand in which the housing of the device is also held.

[0007] The advantage of the embodiment defined in claim 4 is that the housing of the unit can be easily supported on the forearm, thereby permitting a stable holding position, even when the user is standing free, without causing fatigue, which also means that data can be entered and the screen viewed in comfort.

[0008] The embodiment defined in claim 5 enables the device to be held and gripped in several ways, so that all functions of the device are available in each of these holding positions. Since the holding or gripping positions of the device can be changed, the user is also able to counter the effects of fatigue after operation for longer periods.

[0009] The embodiment defined in claim 6 requires only a single design of the device in order to provide both right-handed and left-handed users with a sensitive means of operation, in particular by means of a control lever or joystick.

[0010] The resilient elastic, flexible section of the housing defined in claim 7 also enables the housing to be gripped reliably and firmly because the resilient elastic section can be pressed with at least one finger, preferably several fingers, in the direction of the interior of the housing.

[0011] The embodiment defined in claim 8 not only ensures that the housing is effectively sealed against ingress by liquids and dirt, it also makes the device pleasant and soft for the user to hold in the hand because of the rubber-like cover element.

[0012] The embodiment defined in claim 9 minimises the number of seams and split areas on the housing and no additional sealing elements are needed in the resilient elastic section of the housing.

[0013] The embodiment defined in claim 10 ensures that the device can be held firmly and at the same time without risk of accidents in areas where there are moving machine parts.

[0014] The embodiment defined in claim 11 has no corners or sharp edges or transition regions so that the housing can be ergonomically held in the hand and, if it falls to the floor, the forces will be uniformly distributed over the entire housing because of the rounded shape, which specifically reduces any detrimental effects which would otherwise be caused by impact so that it will not be damaged even if dropped from greater heights.

[0015] An optimum ratio of the size of the top face and the size of the touch-sensitive screen is achieved as a result of the embodiment defined in claim 12. In particular, the peripheral regions around the touch-sensitive screen can be kept to a minimum in particular, which all in all makes for a compact device that is easy to handle.

[0016] The embodiments defined in one or more of claims 13 to 15 enable the housing to be held safely because the flared or thicker end region can be held in one hand by the user and at least partially gripped, and the adjoining flat region of the housing can be supported on the forearm of the user. The bulbous gripping region of the housing therefore sits almost directly in the hand surface of the user and the substantially flat section of the housing extending out from it can be effortlessly placed in an angular position that is ideal for the user by turning the wrist.

[0017] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 16, the touch-sensitive screen is protected against damage if the device drops and hits the floor with its top face.

[0018] As a result of the embodiments defined in claim 17 or 18, the device will intuitively be held in the correct position in the hand. The anatomical shape of the hand and forearm of the user is taken into account so that the housing can be held as comfortably and safely as possible in the hand.

[0019] Not only does the advantageous embodiment defined in claim 19 provide simpler and more effective protection against damage to operating elements which can be moved in different spatial directions, it also offers a surprisingly simple means of support for the hand of a user on this raised area, which enables the operating elements to be moved in a particularly sensitive manner with the fingers of the hand supported on the raised area.

[0020] The embodiments defined in one or more of claims 20 to 22 provide a control element which is moved or adjusted by a user, which is usually used to control movements in several axes of co-ordinates and directions, which sits directly in the hand or on the hand of a user. As a result of this design, therefore, the control element, in the form of a control lever or joystick or such like, is virtually held directly by the first hand of a user and the user can use his second hand for exact and very sensitive operation. Whilst operating a displaceable control element, the hand surfaces of both hands of a user are therefore at a short distance one above the other, thereby enabling calm and sensitive operation of a control element without wobbling, which in turn enables a robot or industrial manipulator or any other technical equipment with moving functions to be operated.

[0021] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 23, the inner region of the housing is readily accessible, thereby facilitating assembly and the replacement of components.

[0022] The embodiment defined in claim 24 provides a better connection between the bottom half-shell and the top half-shell, effectively preventing any relative shifting of the bottom and top half-shells in the assembled state. In addition, the bottom half-shell can be exactly positioned relative to the top half-shell, thereby facilitating assembly of the housing.

[0023] The improved embodiment made possible by claim 25 offers a housing with a double-walled structure, thereby increasing resistance to impact and a high resistance to breakage. In particular, the outer housing wall acts as a damping element for impacts and this design provides a specific whipping or deformation path up to the point at which the outer housing wall hits the inner housing wall. An inner, harder core is therefore provided, in which the more sensitive components of the device are accommodated and at least certain regions of this inner core are surrounded by an outer deformation zone and an outer soft shell.

[0024] The embodiment defined in claim 26 provides a stable supporting effect between the bottom and top faces of the housing, which means that the casing surface can be provided with a pronounced curvature without detriment to the strength of the housing.

[0025] The embodiment defined in claim 27 enables the sealing element to be exactly positioned and reliably retained, thereby providing an efficient seal for the housing.

[0026] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 28, the sealing of the inner core region of the housing can be further improved on the one hand, and, on the other, the housing is able to withstand a high degree of distortion or torsion forces without breaking open or without coming open in the seam or split region between the bottom and top half-shells.

[0027] The advantage of the embodiment defined in claim 29 is that if the hand is opened and the grip region released because the user was not taking sufficient care, the device will not necessarily drop to the floor but will remain on the hand of the user.

[0028] The embodiment defined in claim 30 provides a simple means of adapting the device so that it can be held more or less tightly by hands of different sizes.

[0029] The embodiment defined in claim 31 enables the width and fit of the retaining strap to be adjusted to suit the respective requirements exactly. An accurate setting of the desired fit can be obtained rapidly and easily.

[0030] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 32, it is not always necessary to insert the hand through the retaining strap and instead, the retaining strap can be placed on the gripping region due to its flexibility and held in the respective hand when taking hold of the gripping region.

[0031] The embodiment defined in claim 33 enables the hand to be removed from the retaining strap rapidly and unhindered so that the device can be immediately dropped or ripped off in dangerous situations.

[0032] The optional embodiment defined in claim 34 enables the device to be attached to the arm of a user so that it will not be lost.

[0033] In the embodiment defined in claim 35, a visually perceptible display as well as an input facility can be provided in one and the same region, so that the surface of the top face and the size of the housing can be kept relatively compact and easy to see as a whole, even though it contains a plurality of functions.

[0034] In the embodiment defined in claim 36, the display, which is particularly susceptible to stress, is effectively protected from damage without substantially impairing the display quality.

[0035] An input device which will function reliably, even under rough ambient conditions, and which is not sensitive to dirt is proposed in claim 37.

[0036] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 38, the device has a relatively low construction height, even though it can incorporate large-surface display areas. Another major advantage is the fact that animated or motion sequences can be displayed, which are very noticeable to the user for signalling purposes or which could also be used for animated presentations of sequences.

[0037] The embodiment defined in claim 39 enables output of relatively high-resolution, finely contrasting graphics or symbols and text characters. The overall view of the display can be further enhanced by opting for a coloured format. In addition, intense colours can be used to highlight important information or critical states in signalling functions and less relevant data or information can be kept in less striking colours. This further enhances viewing and ensures that essential information is readily visible to the user. The risk of incorrect operation or incorrect decisions is further reduced as a result.

[0038] The embodiment defined in claim 40 prevents the display, which is quite sensitive to impacts, from immediate damage when subjected to impact stress such as would occur if the device were dropped to the floor. The impact-damping mount of the display is designed so that the device will not be damaged, at least if dropped from a standard table height or from the position in which it is held by a user.

[0039] The embodiment defined in claim 41 virtually provides a “housing in a housing”, so that forces acting on the outer housing of the device are not directly transmitted to the inner housing and the frame of the display. The cage-type frame also offers high strength but is low in weight.

[0040] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 42, any bending or deformation of the frame for the display is not directly converted to a force which acts on the outer surfaces of the display, so that it is decoupled from forces and movements acting on the frame.

[0041] The display is held in a constant position in the frame and is mounted relative to the outer frame parts so that impacts are absorbed, as a result of the embodiment defined in claim 43.

[0042] The embodiment defined in claim 44 on the one hand enables the display to be effortlessly inserted in the protective cage or frame. In addition, its dimensional stability and resistance to distortion are relatively high due to the box-type nested assembly of the bottom and top shells, even though the wall thicknesses are relatively slim.

[0043] Even though the wall thicknesses of the frame are relatively slim in the embodiment defined in claim 45, its static capacity to withstand stress is nevertheless high. The frame is also relatively lightweight.

[0044] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 46 or 47, the frame can be injection moulded from relatively dimensionally stable hard plastic and the impact-damping effect for the display to be housed can be provided in a simple manner by means of commercially available expanded foam strips.

[0045] The torsional rigidity of the frame is significantly increased as a result of the embodiment defined in claim 48. In particular, the interference-fit connection of the plate, which is intrinsically quite dimensionally stable, to the frame imparts particularly high dimensional stability to the frame in which the display is mounted. Consequently, the frame can be an injection moulded part made from plastic.

[0046] As a result of the embodiments defined in claims 49 or 50 distortions and deformations of the housing do not have the same effect on the touch-sensitive screen.

[0047] The embodiment defined in claim 51 facilitates mounting of the frame in the interior of the housing and simultaneously provides an optimum mounting for the touch-sensitive screen.

[0048] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 52, the frame and the touch-sensitive screen can be mounted in a limited floating arrangement parallel with the display and input plane thereof. Especially when the housing is subject to sudden impacts on the floor, this arrangement lengthens the time needed for the motion energy to be absorbed and reduces the peak values of the delaying forces.

[0049] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 53 assembly is made simpler and the number of fixing screws required is reduced.

[0050] Deformations of the housing are not transmitted to the frame of the touch-sensitive screen, or are so to a much lesser degree only, as a result of the embodiment defined in claim 54, so that there are no or very few forces acting on it.

[0051] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 55 or 56, the frame can be at least partially decoupled from any movement or deformation of the mounting tabs so that the individual points from which the frame can be suspended do not directly follow the movements of the retaining pins, thereby further enhancing the dimensional stability of the frame used for the screen.

[0052] The embodiment defined in claim 57 makes it more difficult for dirt to accumulate on the top face of the housing. The housing will therefore retain a good visual appearance overall for a long time, even if used under tough conditions. The visual appearance of the device is also improved.

[0053] As a result of the embodiments defined in claim 58 or 59, emergency shut-down functions which are relevant to the safety of machines or personnel will continue to be available, even after the mobile or portable device has been subjected to impact-type stress. This guarantees a high level of system safety and will therefore also ensure that the device is widely accepted.

[0054] In the embodiment defined in claim 60, the printed circuit board of the control device is also substantially decoupled from forces acting on the housing. The likelihood of any of the electronic components breaking or welds spots being damaged is therefore reduced, particularly surface-mounted components.

[0055] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 61, the impact-sensitive or breakable components of the portable device are effectively protected from damage.

[0056] The control device can be rapidly assembled and mounted in the interior of the housing as a result of the embodiment defined in claim 62.

[0057] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 63, the device can advantageously be adapted for use by both right-handed persons and for use by left-handed persons in a very simple manner, as is the case. The fact that the device can adapted for operation by left-handed or right-handed users means that critical and highly-precise motion sequences can be sensitively set up and run by any user.

[0058] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 64, the device can be adapted, using a few hand grips, from a device designed for right-handed use to a device designed for left-handed use with an optimised mounting position of the touch-sensitive screen of the device.

[0059] The position of the touch-sensitive screen or the entire device can be very easily temporarily converted from right-handed operation to left-handed operation or vice versa as a result of the embodiment defined in claim 65. The device can be modified in this manner by any lay person without any special technical know-how. It is of particular advantage if the control element used to operate the directional controls and the input elements used for direction commands, if one is provided, can be simultaneously converted or adapted purely on the basis of software. The advantage of this embodiment of the device is that it totally dispenses with the need to dismantle or modify the hardware on the device.

[0060] The embodiment defined in claim 66 also enables the device to be converted for operation by the user with the right or left hand. The advantage of this is that no dismantling or screwing is necessary in order to make such a modification or conversion if these hardware means can be operated from the top face of the housing or switched with the aid of tools.

[0061] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 67, turning the holding position of the elongate housing of the device by 1800 will permit intuitive operation of a control lever. In addition, the position of print indicated on keys and the directional indications of arrow keys can be adapted and corrected without difficulty.

[0062] The embodiment defined in claim 68 or 69 ensures that the symbols and text can be easily read without misinterpretation in the normal position and when the device is almost in the “upside down” position. Consequently, there will be no difficulty in reading and understanding symbols when the device is converted from right-handed operation to left-handed operation.

[0063] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 70 handling of the device is the same whether the housing is held in the left hand or in the right hand.

[0064] In the embodiment defined in claim 71, a central one-piece control device is provided inside the housing, thereby minimising the number of interfaces between boards of control devices which might be susceptible to errors.

[0065] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 72, electromechanical input elements with a tactile acknowledgement help to impart a positive feeling when entering data and control commands. In addition, the film key pad is advantageously particularly insensitive to moisture, dust, dirt and such like. In addition, the top face of the device is easier to clean if necessary.

[0066] The embodiment defined in claim 73 permits a rapid change of the software modules or programmes to be run, on the one hand, and enables relatively large amounts of data to be stored on the other, and this data can be transferred without difficulty to conventional computers, for example PCs, to enable evaluations to be run or permit further data processing.

[0067] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 74 or 75, the device can be equipped with generally known operating systems, so that very little or only brief training is needed to learn how to operate it and it will already be familiar from operating other electronic equipment.

[0068] As a result of the embodiment defined in claim 76, the device enables a whole range of highly complex control and monitoring tasks to be individually adapted, permitting use in a very varied range of applications.

[0069] Finally, an embodiment as defined in claim 77 is of advantage because the input and control elements are protected from damage, should the device fall uncontrollably to the floor. Furthermore, data and parameters can not be inadvertently altered, irrespective of how the device is put down.

[0070] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to examples of embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings.

[0071] Of these:

[0072] FIG. 1 is a simplified, schematic diagram showing a plan view of one example of an embodiment of a portable device with a large-surface touch-sensitive screen for at least displaying data relating to industrial machinery;

[0073] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0074] FIG. 3 is a simplified, schematic diagram of the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, seen in section along line III-III indicated in FIG. 2;

[0075] FIG. 4 is a simplified, partially exploded diagram of the section illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates a touch-sensitive screen of the type used in the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4;

[0077] FIG. 6 is an exploded diagram in section of the touch-sensitive screen illustrated in FIG. 5;

[0078] FIG. 7 shows the touch-sensitive screen illustrated in FIG. 6 in the assembled state;

[0079] FIG. 8 is a front and side view of another embodiment of the device;

[0080] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the device illustrated in FIG. 8;

[0081] FIG. 10 is a simplified, schematic diagram of the device illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, viewed in section along line X-X indicated in FIG. 9.

[0082] Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts described in the different embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers and the same component names and the disclosures made throughout the description can be transposed in terms of meaning to same parts bearing the same reference numbers or same component names. Furthermore, the positions chosen for the purposes of the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc,. relate to the drawing specifically being described and can be transposed in terms of meaning to a new position when another position is being described. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed as independent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the invention in their own right.

[0083] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an embodiment of a portable or mobile device 1. This device 1 is used at least for monitoring sequences of industrial manipulators or robots, machines, etc., such as machine tools or special machines, conveyor systems, crane systems or other technical plant, by means of which technical processes can be controlled on a fully automated, semi-automated or manual basis. In addition to displaying process and system data, the device 1 is preferably also used to operate and intervene in the above-mentioned machines and process sequences. The device 1 is therefore a display and monitoring device and/or an operating device. As an alternative to or in combination with at least one of the above-mentioned applications, the device 1 may also be used for programming the sequences of machines or robots equipped with electric actuators and sensors. A programming mode of this type can also be used for what is known as “teaching” machines and robots.

[0084] The device 1 is intended to be operated by hand and its size and weight are such that it can be carried effortlessly to different locations for use. In other words, a device 1 can also be assigned to different machines or robots located at different sites from one another and the user can use the device 1 to view motion sequences and such like, for example, with a certain, albeit limited, freedom to move from one location to another.

[0085] The device 1 has at least one output device 2, at least for displaying process data of a machine, a robot or a technical process. The output device 2 has at least one visual display element and optionally also acoustic output elements, such as a buzzer, loudspeaker or such like. In addition or as an alternative to process data, input data and input menus and screen masks can also be displayed by means of the optical output device 2. Individual optical output devices 2 may also be provided in the form of optical signal sources, such as light-emitting diodes, for example.

[0086] The device 1 also has at least one input device 3, by means of which individual operating functions of at least the device 1 can be controlled and selected. However, the input device 3 is preferably also used for operating a machine or a robot and for issuing control commands to such machines. The input device 3 can therefore be used to enter, retrieve and/or edit internal sequences of the device 1 and/or a machine connected to it.

[0087] The device 1 proposed by the invention has a combined output and input device 2, 3 in the form of a touch-sensitive screen 4. This touch-sensitive screen 4 of the device 1 constitutes what is known as a touch-screen 5, whereby the output and input device 2, 3 are functionally combined and structurally superimposed. The touch-sensitive screen 4 of the device 1 extends across substantial areas of a top surface, in particular a top face 6 of a housing 7 of the device 1. By means of this touch-screen 5, graphics, symbols, text characters and such like can be output in a known manner and entries made accordingly by operating the touch-sensitive surface with a finger or a pen-type input instrument and various actions initiated. By using a touch-screen 5 of this type, the number of control elements, such as keys, switches, levers, rotating buttons and such like, can be significantly reduced, permitting intuitive operation of the device 1. Furthermore, the large number of keys required until now can be reduced, improving the overall view and making operation more comfortable. Accordingly, the device 1 advantageously has electromechanical input elements only for the most frequently used functions and functions for which a so-called tactile acknowledgement is of advantage. Such functions primarily include motion functions and switching on and off functions or functions for changing parameters up or down in increments. These input elements 8 are preferably provided by means of a film key pad 9 with tactile acknowledgement of the switching process or by input elements 8 which enable the switching point to be perceived by touch and/or acoustically.

[0088] In addition to these input elements 8 with an unambiguously perceptible switching function, the device 1 preferably also has at least one control element 10 which is moved by a user of the device 1 in the form of a control lever, joystick 11, rotatable potentiometer, a space mouse, an electronic hand wheel or similar. A control element 10 of this type is primarily used as a convenient and intuitive means of pre-setting and implementing the directions and/or speeds of movements of a machine or robot to be controlled.

[0089] The device 1 also has at least one safety switch device 12, attached to the housing 7 of the device 1, which is operated by a user primarily when running safety-critical motion sequences and changes in operating status at the same time as the actually programming or control elements 10 of the input device 3 in an appropriate manner—as will be explained in more detail below. This safety switch device 12, which might be termed a confirmation key 13, is used as a means of avoiding any unintentional, unforeseen output of control commands for a machine, a robot or a technical process. The safety switch device 12 is intended for use in combination with the actual programming or control elements 10, such as push sticks, keys or switches, for example, for activating a motion sequence or for changing an operating status of electromechanical machines or industrial robots. Safety switch devices 12 of this type are operated in combination with the standard operating and control elements specifically when running safety-critical motion sequences or for intentionally initiated operating modes in which there is a risk of accidents involving the machine or for persons. This being the case, the safety switch device 12 is integrated in the electric control system of the machine or robot in such a way that the programming and control elements 10 or input elements 8 to be safety-protected will not be actively initiated unless a confirm position is assumed on the safety switch device 12. The safety switch device 12 is therefore often referred to as a confirm key 13 in practice.

[0090] The safety switch device 12 or the confirm key 13 has at least one switch stage, preferably two switch stages, the respective switch positions being operated by the actual key function. In other words, a confirm position actively assumed by a user of the safety switch device 12 will only be maintained as long as the user is actively operating the corresponding switch position. Apart from the initial or non-active position, the safety switch device 12 has no other positions which can be latched or permanently assumed. In the initial or non-active position, the safety switch device 12 is switched to the first switch stage, in which the running of safety-critical control commands is not enabled. In a second switch position of the safety switch device 12, the output of safety-critical commands is enabled but is so only for as long as the user holds the safety switch device 12 in this so-called confirm state. The safety switch device 12 may and preferably does also have a third switch stage, namely a so-called panic switch mode, in which a machine to be controlled is switched to an emergency mode or in which an emergency shut-down is operated. When this third switch mode is assumed, at least all critical motion sequences and operating modes of the machine or robot are immediately halted. This third switch stage is usually assumed shortly before or during an emergency situation, e.g. in the event of impending material damage or an accident in which the hands or fingers of the operator would usually be crushed. If the user is taken by surprise due to the sudden occurrence of a risk situation, he will either take his hand off the safety switch device 12, thereby switching it to the non-active state, or the operating pressure on the safety switch device 12 is increased due to a reflex reaction, in which case it will be switched to the panic mode in which the machine or robot is also shut down or halted.

[0091] As may best be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 1 has a central electronic control device 14 in its housing 7, in which the possible operating finctions of at least the device 1 are run. This control device 14 has at least one software-driven micro-computer 15, in particular a microprocessor which is of as high a rating as possible and optimised in terms of energy consumption, for running computing operations, evaluating data and controlling function sequences of the device 1 and/or a machine to be controlled. This at least one micro-computer 15 is mounted together with other electronic components, such as memory modules for temporarily storing data and/or software programmes, driver modules for interfaces, modules containing the operating system and such like, on a printed circuit board 16, all of which are accommodated in a housing 7 that is as far as possible unbreakable.

[0092] This control device 14 has at least one communication interface 17 to an external control device for a machine and/or a robot and/or to a host computer. This at least one communication interface 17 is preferably provided in the form of a standardised interface, which is suitable for connecting to generally standard data bus systems and which may be an Ethernet, CAN, serial or internet communication interface, for example, or another hard-wired interface. Alternatively or in combination with a hard-wired communication interface 17, it would naturally also be possible to use wireless communication interfaces 17, in particular in the form of radio interfaces and/or infrared interfaces on the device 1. A Bluetooth interface may advantageously also be used for the communication interface 17, by means of which a data connection can be established across an unlimited range to peripheral electronic components, such as a key pad, a mouse, a printer or another computer unit.

[0093] As may best be seen from comparing FIGS. 1 and 3, in the embodiment with a communication interface 17 hard-wired via a cable connection 18, at least two possible cable outlets 19, 20 are provided on the housing 7. These cable outlets 19, 20, of which only one is occupied, are arranged more or less in mirror image relative to a longitudinal mid-axis 21 or radially relative to a centre point of the disc-shaped or shell-shaped housing 7. This enables the respective cable outlet 19 or 20 to be selected depending on whether the device 1 is being used by a right-handed or left-handed person, thereby making the device 1 as comfortable as possible to hold and enabling the cable connection 18 to be placed in a position that will avoid tripping as far as possible.

[0094] The electrically activated output device 2 and input devices 3 and in particular the touchsensitive screen 4 or touch-screen 5, safety switch device 12 and the control element 10, which is displaced in translation or rotation, are wired to the control device 14 in the housing 7 via individual plug and socket connections.

[0095] The device 1 also as an emergency-off switch 22, the operating element 23 of which stands proud of the housing 7 and projects above the housing top face. When this emergency-off switch 22 is operated, a machine to be controlled is placed in the emergency-off mode, in which at least some motion sequences are halted or the power to at least some regions of the machine to be controlled is switched off. The emergency-off switch 22 is of a locking design and preferably incorporates two circuits, thereby ensuring a high degree of switching reliability so that the plant or machine parts can be safely switched off. This emergency-off switch 22 is in a readily accessible region, for example in the casing region or a corner region of the housing 7, which is substantially rectangular as seen in plan view. Naturally, it would also be possible for the operating element 23 of the emergency-off switch 22 to be disposed so that it projects out from the top face 6 of the housing 7 which is directed towards the user during operation.

[0096] The touch-sensitive screen 4 of the device 1 occupies more than about ⅓ of the top face 6 of the housing 7 directed towards the user in the usage position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment illustrated as an example, the top face 6 shown in a plan view in FIG. 1 is substantially rectangular in shape, the housing 7 essentially corresponding to the length and width dimensions of the touch-sensitive screen 4. The touch-sensitive screen 4 or touch-screen 5 has an effective screen diagonal of at least 7.7“or approximately 20 cm. A plurality of different graphical objects can be displayed and selected using this relatively large touch-screen 5, preferably in colour. In particular, a symbol-driven operating sequence can be run using the touch-screen 5, thereby dispensing with a number of electromechanical keys and switches used until now. Furthermore, a very good overall view is obtained in a simple manner, due to the software-driven elements which can be displayed simultaneously on the touch-screen 5, since only the relevant objects, data or options are highlighted.

[0097] The bottom face 24 of the housing 7 of the device 1 remote from the view of a user when the operating position is assumed has at least one gripping region 25, by means of which the device 1 can be safely and most comfortably held as it is being used for its intended purpose. The safety switch device 12 is disposed in this gripping region 25 of the housing 7, which can be safely and firmly gripped by one hand 26 of a user of the device 1. The two or three-stage safety switch device 12 is positioned in the gripping region 25 of the housing 7 in such a way that the safety switch device 12 can be effortlessly operated with at least one finger, preferably the four fingers of the hand 26 by which the housing 7 is held, when the device 1 assumes the intended usage and operating positions. As a result of the features described above, only one hand 26 of the user is needed to hold the housing 7 and operate the safety switch device 12, as may be seen more particularly from FIG. 1.

[0098] A width 27 of a possible operating region 28 of the safety switch device 12 is preferably selected so as to be larger than the width of the hand surface or four closest lying fingers, with the exception of the thumb, of one hand 26. In other words, the safety switch device 12 can be switched into the switch state, in particular for confirm or emergency mode, by applying an operating force with at least one finger. Since the operating region 28 of the safety switch device 12 is of such large dimensions, all four fingers of the corresponding hand 26 of the user can advantageously be used to operate the safety switch device 12 accordingly.

[0099] This means that a user of the device 1 is able to operate the safety switch device 12 effortlessly and without becoming tired, even when running control and programming sequences which take longer. The operating region 28 for the safety switch device 12 is preferably disposed in a terminal-face end region of the housing 7.

[0100] Another important aspect is the fact that the parts of the safety switch device 12 do not essentially project out from the external shape or contour of the housing 7 and instead, the respective switch parts or operating elements or the adjusting element(s) 29 of the safety switch device 12 terminate as far as possible flush with the external housing shape or contour of the housing 7. This significantly reduces the risk of the safety switch device 12 breaking or being damaged if the device 1 is dropped to the floor. The fact that the operating elements are integrated in the interior of the housing and the adjusting element 29 terminates as far as possible flush with the boundary surfaces of the housing 7 therefore imparts a high degree of breaking resistance to the safety switch device 12 and the confirm key 13, thereby making the device 1 very reliable overall.

[0101] At least one other safety switch device 12 may be provided in the gripping region 25, which is preferably operable by means of the thumb or back of the hand 26 of a user. It is preferable to provide two safety switch devices 12 in the operating region of the thumb, which are positioned symmetrically and in mirror image about the longitudinal mid-axis 21 of the housing 7, as may be seen from the diagram given in FIG. 1. The individual safety switch devices 12 are therefore connected in parallel, i.e. only one of the available safety switch devices 12 has to be switched to the confirm mode in order to be able to initiate critical motion sequences and operating states. The confirm outputs of the individual safety switch devices 12 are therefore virtually linked in an OR arrangement. Any emergency outputs of three-stage safety switch devices 12 are connected in series or in an AND arrangement, on the other hand.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the gripping region 25, which is preferably disposed in an end region of the housing 7, is of a soft elastic, flexible or elastically resilient design, at least in certain regions. A soft elastic section 30 is therefore provided in the gripping region 25 of the housing 7 constituting the operating region 28 of the safety switch device 12. In particular, an adjusting element 29 which has to be operated by the user, in the form of a plate-shaped pressing element, is disposed in the interior of the housing 7 immediately behind the section 30 of the gripping region 25 which is elastically flexible when pressure is applied by the finger.

[0103] This soft elastic section 30 is preferably a cover element 31 for an orifice in the housing 7 and is made from rubber or rubber-like materials. The adjusting element 29 of the safety switch device 12 is operated through this orifice. This soft elastic cover element 31 constitutes a substantially liquid-tight membrane for the safety switch device 12 and for the interior of the housing 7. However, the cover element 31, which is preferably made from rubber-like materials, also constitutes an anti-slip gripping region 25 on the housing 27, so that the device 1 can be held safely and is comfortable to operate.

[0104] Instead of providing a separate cover element 31 for the safety switch device 12 for the orifice in the housing 7, another alternative would be to provide the soft elastic section 30 in a gripping region 25 of the housing 7 intended for the fingers, using a multi-component injection moulding process or an injection moulding process in which different types of plastics are injected into a mould cavity, in particular a hard plastic and a soft plastic. Using the injection moulding process known from the prior art, the soft elastic section 30 in the gripping region 25 can be made integrally with the other regions of the housing 7 made from hard plastic. Providing an integral gripping region 26 will ensure that the housing 7 is particularly well sealed and reduces the work involved in assembly. Using a two- or multi-component injection moulding process will also enable different regions of the housing 7 to be made in different colours.

[0105] The gripping region 25 of the housing 7 is provided in the form of a bulbous raised area 32 in one of the end regions. This bulbous raised area 32 simultaneously provides a spatially wider or larger area in the interior of the housing 7 in this end region, i.e. the external walls of the housing 7 make the interior of the housing 7 wider than the adjoining, substantially flat housing section 33, where the touch-sensitive screen 4 is disposed. The raised area 32 of the housing 7 which is wider than the substantially flat plate-shaped housing section 33 therefore constitutes a sort of gripping piece 34, by means of which the device 1 can be comfortably held and more safely gripped. This thicker or wider end region is provided at least on the bottom face 24 of the housing 7. The wider or enlarged interior of the housing 7 and the resultant raised area 32 on its bottom face 24 can be at least partially gripped by the hand 26 of a user. In particular, this raised area 32 or gripping piece 34 is designed so that the raised area 32 or gripping piece 34 fits in the hand 26 when a cupped positioned is assumed, i.e. the gripping piece 34 is designed so that the device 1 can be held sufficiently firmly by means of the piece or bulbous raised area 32 between the fingers and the thumb or inside part of the thumb.

[0106] The relatively slimmer housing section 33 adjoining the thicker area or gripping piece 34 is intended to sit on a forearm 35 of a user. The substantially flat bottom face 24 of the housing section 33 is such that it does not prevent the device 1 from being turned on the wrist of the user, so that the device 1 and its touch-sensitive screen 4 can be conveniently oriented, unhampered, relative to the forearm 35.

[0107] In the same end region in which the gripping piece 34 is provided, another raised area 36 is provided on the top face 6 of the housing 7. The housing 7 is therefore of an essentially T-shaped design when seen from a side view—as illustrated in FIG. 2. This raised area 36 provides an additional widening of the clearance width or interior in this end region of the housing 7. As a result of the two raised areas 32, 36, a height or clearance width in the interior of the housing 7 therefore has more space than the flat housing section 33 incorporating the relatively flat touch-sensitive screen 4.

[0108] The film key pad 9 with various electromechanical input elements 8 is disposed in this likewise bulbous raised area 36 in the top face 6 of the housing 7 adjoining the touch-sensitive screen 4, which is essentially triangular in cross section and has an inclined surface 37 extending at an incline or angle relative to the sensitive surface of the screen 4. As a result of this inclined surface 37 of the housing 7 extending at an incline or angle relative to the display and input plane which extends substantially horizontally in the operating position, the input elements 8 are easier and more comfortable to use, especially when the device 1 is placed on a flat surface, such as a table or desk for example. In particular, the touch-sensitive surface of the screen 4 and the inclined surface 37 with the film key pad 9 subtend an angle of less than 160°. Another advantage of a housing 7 which is substantially T-shaped when viewed from the side or in longitudinal section resides in the fact that the touch-sensitive screen 4 and the other input elements 8 extend at an angle when lying in a horizontal plane 38, as indicated by dotted-dashed lines. This makes it easier to view the screen 4 and improves comfort when using the device 1. Consequently, the screen 4 extends at a slight angle, starting from the region facing a user, towards the other end region in which the gripping region 25 is provided. This being the case, the raised area 32 and gripping region 25 of the housing 7 serve as a supporting foot, causing the housing 7 to sit in an inclined position relative to a horizontal plane 38, for example.

[0109] The rubber-like cover element 31 preferably extends into the seating or supporting region of the raised area 32, which also means that there is less likelihood of slipping on a table surface, a desk, etc. . . . In spite of the larger, bulbous gripping region 25, the device 1 does not have to be constantly held in the hand but can be set down on virtually any surfaces and, because it is inclined and stable when set down, it is convenient to view and operate.

[0110] The control element 10 in the form of a joystick 11 or similar, which has to be moved in rotation and/or translation by the user, is preferably disposed inside a recess 39 or indentation in the raised area 36. The recess 39 or indentation corresponding to it is designed so that a moving operating element 40 of the control element 10 is substantially surrounded on assuming the non-active or initial position. In particular, the recess 39 is designed so that the operating element 40 does not move or shift relative to a flat surface in any of the possible positions in which it assumes when held or set down. As illustrated more particularly in FIG. 2, the external edges or outermost boundaries of the raised area 36 extend above the outermost boundary edges of the operating element 40. Block-type projections 41, 42 are preferably provided on either side of the operating element 40 to be operated by the fingers of a user, which project beyond the highest point of the operating element 40. However, the operating element 40 can still be easily accessed and comfortably and reliably gripped due to a gap 43 left free between the projections 41, 42. Since the control element 10 is set back in the recess 39 and between the projections 41, 42, the moving operating element 40 can not be damaged if the device 1 is dropped to the floor due to carelessness because most of the impact energy is absorbed by the projections 41 and 42. The operating element 40 can therefore not be moved from the initial or non-active position, irrespective of the position of the housing 7 relative to a flat surface or relative to the plane 38.

[0111] The recess 39 in the raised area 36 on the top face 6 of the housing 7 and the gripping piece 34 on the bottom face of the housing 7 lie substantially vertically one above the other by reference to the holding position and side view of the device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, i.e. the recess 39 in which the operating element 40 is set back from the raised area 36 and the raised area 32 on the bottom face 24 of the housing 7 lie essentially on a common, substantially straight line extending perpendicular to the touch-sensitive surface of the screen 4. The operating element 40 and the entire control element 10 preferably lie substantially within the gripping region 25 of the housing which is gripped by the hand, i.e. an imaginary extension of an axis 44 of the operating element 40 of the moving control element 10 leads substantially into the gripping region 25 and in the direction of the raised area 32 on the bottom face 24 of the housing 7. This enables the device 1 to be held firmly, even if a higher force has to be exerted on the control elements 10 to be operated. The essential aspect is that it imparts higher stability when held, thereby providing the basis for sensitive, controlled operation of the operating element. When the control element 10 and its operating element 40 are held in the hand 26 which the user uses to hold the device 1, the second hand can then be used to ensure a sensitive and controlled movement. All in all, the best possible conditions prevail for holding the housing 7 firmly without it wobbling, thereby enabling calm and exact operation of the control element 10 when the user is free-standing.

[0112] The axis 44 is preferably inclined at an oblique angle to the sensitive surface of the screen 4. The inclined position of the axis 44 of the operating element 40 in its initial or non-active position is selected so that when the housing 7 is set down with the bottom face 24 on the plane 38, this axis 44 essentially extends at a right angle to this plane 38. Accordingly, this makes for an ergonomic inclined position which is conducive to operation of the device 1 in hand-held mode on the one hand and when the device 1 is placed on a desk, a table or similar, the axis 44 of the operating element 40 is essentially vertical, thereby permitting intuitive control of complex motion sequences combining several directions of motion and/or directions of rotation, for example. The substantially perpendicular orientation of the axis 44 relative to a horizontal support plane when the device 1 is set down is indicated by the intersecting dotted-dashed lines in FIG. 2.

[0113] As may be seen more clearly from FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 7 is preferably made from a bottom half-shell 45 and a top half-shell 46, which can be assembled to form a housing 7 which is substantially closed from the outside. A seam line between the half-shells 45, 46 or a separating line 47 for the two housing halves then extends along an external surface 48 of the housing 7. In particular, this separating line 47 extends around the housing 47 on its side faces. A cord-type sealing element 49 is provided in the seam region or in the region of the separating line 47, enabling the interior of the housing 7 to be sealed, preventing liquids from getting in.

[0114] In order to improve the sealing properties and increase the strength of the housing 7, the bottom and top half-shells 45, 46 nest in one another at their mutually facing edge regions in a positive arrangement. The positive fitting can be of an overhanging design so as to form additional sealing lips. This positive connection may also be designed so that it enables a mechanical snap-fitting enabling the bottom half-shell 45 to be connected to the top half-shell 46.

[0115] The bottom half-shell 45 and the top half-shell 46 are preferably connected by means of several screws 50 disposed around the periphery of the housing 7. The bottom half-shell 45 and the top half-shell 46 can be clamped to one another and the sealing element 49 pressed against the sealing surfaces of the housing parts without any gaps. Retaining pins 51 are preferably moulded onto the internal faces of the half-shells 45 and 46, in which the screws 50 are inserted and can be screwed, in order to connect the top housing part to the bottom housing part. The retaining pins 51 of the bottom half-shell 45 are dimensioned so that an appropriate screw 50 can be inserted through the retaining pins 51 from the bottom face 24. The retaining pins 51 congruently disposed in the top half-shell 46 are provided as a means of anchoring the threaded section of a screw 50. The essential factor is that orifices 52 for inserting screws 50 are provided in the bottom half-shell 45 only, in the region of the bottom face 24. The bottom half-shell 45 is therefore preferably screwed to the top half-shell 46 from the bottom face of the housing 7. Consequently, there are no screw holes in the top face 6 of the housing 7 in which dirt and such like can accumulate.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment of the device 1, the control device 14 or the display 57 or a graphic controller of the display 57 has software means for selectively rotating the display contents and the input fields and functions areas of the touch-sensitive screen 4 by 180°. The commands for controlling the direction of the control element 10 and/or any electromechanical input elements provided can be reversed under the control of the software. In other words, a movement in the right-hand direction initiated at the control element 10 or an appropriate input element 8 controlled by software in a control command can be changed to a movement to the left. The same applies to directions for “up” and “down” movement. This software-driven switching facility from a virtually normal or standard operating mode to a mode in which evaluation of the directional commands is inverted is of particular importance as a means of adapting or converting the device 1 to enable comfortable and intuitive operation by right-handed and left-handed operators. In particular, the device 1 can be very easily and quickly set up and converted for operation by right-handed and left-handed persons without any difficulty. This setting and converting facility may be provided either solely by the manufacturer or alternatively by the end user or a systems engineer without difficulty.

[0117] As may be seen from FIG. 1, the input elements 8 have graphic symbols or text on them, which the user can read in the usual or standard way, including in a position rotated by 180°. In particular, these codes are provided in the form of graphic arrow symbols for directional instructions and by block symbols for control functions. The input elements 8 can be numbered by indicating a list incorporating a specific number of hyphens or similar, so that they can be distinguished from one another and easily read in every position. the same applies for optional directional instructions for the control element 10.

[0118] Instead of the control commands for reversing directions being driven by software, it would naturally also be possible for this to be effected inverting direction commands by means of hardware modules. The control device 14 or the display 57 or a graphic controller of the display 57 may also be adjustable by hardware means, for example a jumper, a switch, a break or similar, by means of which the display contents and the input fields and function regions of the touch-sensitive screen 4 can be selectively rotated by 180°.

[0119] Another alternative would be to mount the touch-sensitive screen 4 in the housing 7 so that it can be rotated by 180°. This being the case, retaining tabs 73 and retaining pins 51 will be provided for this purpose to enable mounting positions of the touch-sensitive screen 4 rotated about 180° relative to one another by reference to a plane substantially parallel with the top face 6 of the housing 7.

[0120] If the preferred system of adapting the screen 4, control element 10 and any other input elements 8 which might optionally be provided on a software-driven basis is not used, these components can also be adapted by an assembly option rotated by 180° about a vertical axis on the top face 6 of the housing 7 to suit another operating and holding position of a user.

[0121] As may best be seen from FIG. 2, the bottom face 24 of the housing 7 in a preferred embodiment has a retaining strap 53, the length and width of which can be adjusted. This optional retaining strap 53 can be used to attach the device 1 to the hand 26 of a user so that it will not fall off. In principle, the device 1 can be held firmly as a result of the ergonomically shaped gripping region 25 and/or the option whereby the housing 7 is placed on the forearm 35 alone. The use of this retaining strap 53 merely ensures that the device 1 does not inadvertently fall to the floor when the hand is opened and the hold on the gripping region 25 released. The retaining strap 53 therefore prevents the device 1 from slipping out of the hand 26 of the user immediately his attention is distracted and hitting the floor. The fact that the retaining strap 53 is positioned in the gripping region 25 of the housing 7, however, means that the housing 7 can be released from the hand 26 of a user rapidly and without difficulty at any time. The positioning of the retaining strap 53 in the gripping region 25 is selected so that when attached round the hand 26 of a user, it extends in the region between the finger tips and the back of the hand, in particular in the region of the hand joints of a user. The retaining strap 53 is preferably guided around the back of a user's hand 26 in the region between the hand joints and the thumb knuckle. This ensures that the user can get the device 1 or housing 7 off without difficulty at any time, for example in an emergency situation, and the device 1 can not be accidentally torn off causing injuries to the hand 26 of the user because the retaining strap 53 is able to slide over the tapering hand towards the finger tips substantially without any resistance.

[0122] The retaining strap 53 is preferably provided in the form of a band-type fixing means 54, for example a woven textile band. This band-type deformable fixing means 54, which is dimensionally stable lengthwise in its longitudinal direction, has at least one adjusting and fixing element 55 enabling the width of the band-type fixing means 54 to be adjusted and fixed. The adjusting and fixing element 55 is preferably a so-called Velcro fastener. Alternatively, the adjusting and fixing device 55 might also be a clip or buckle of a known type, by means of which the ends of the band-type fixing means 54 can be adjusted relative to one another and fixed.

[0123] Alternatively or in addition to the retaining strap 53, which can be fed around the back of the user's hand, a retaining strap 56 can be provided on the bottom face 24 of the housing 7, which can be placed on the wrist or forearm 35 of a user. This retaining strap 56 can be of the same design as the retaining strap 53 described above. This optional retaining strap 56 for attaching the housing 7 in the region of the user's wrist may primarily be used if the device 1 is to be used in areas in which there are no moving parts and there is therefore no source presenting a risk of accidents and injury.

[0124] Another alternative would be to use retaining straps 53 and/or 56 with a limited strength or retaining force. Accordingly, the band-type fixing means 54 could be provided in the form of an elastically flexible strap of a rubber elastic type for example, which stretches or tears when a specific tensile force is reached. Likewise, the adjusting and fixing element 55 or the fixing means of the retaining straps 53, 56 on the housing 7 may be such that the retaining straps 53, 56 release or open when a specific force is exceeded. This would provide a system which limits the retaining force and fixture but rules out any injury to the user in the event of a work accident. The retaining force of the retaining straps 53, 56 is selected so that the natural weight of the device 1 or housing 7 can be reliably retained but is able to release if the device 1 is subjected to excessive tensile forces by the hand 26 of the user.

[0125] As may best be seen from FIGS. 3 to 7, the touch-sensitive screen 4 or touch-screen 5 of a display 57 is indicated by dotted-dashed lines for displaying graphic or text presentations and a touch panel 58 mounted above this display 57, which is illustrated most clearly in FIG. 6s and 7. This touch panel 58 constitutes an input device 3 for entering data and/or selecting options and menu items shown on the display 57. The substantially square-shaped and plate-shaped display 57 and the touch panel 58, which is relatively thin compared with it, are placed in layers one on top of the other, the display 57 being disposed underneath the touch panel 58 as seen when looking towards the housing 7. The display 57 is preferably a liquid crystal display 59 or so-called LCD display, enabling graphics and texts to be displayed in several colours. The display 57 used also has VGA resolution or a higher resolution capacity, in order to display graphics and texts with a fine contrast.

[0126] The touch panel 58, which is a structurally separate unit, is transparent to light so that the objects, graphics and texts shown on the display 57 can shine through the touch panel 58 and can be visually seen by a user on the top face 6 of the housing 7.

[0127] The touch panel 58 used preferably operates on the resistive or capacitive operating principle. Accordingly, changes in resistance or changes in capacitance of the touch panel 58 are detected and their position determined or the nature of the input determined within the surface of the touch panel 58. The touch panel 58 is preferably designed for inputting by finger pressure or when touched by a finger. Naturally, it would also be possible to use a touch panel 58 for which a stick and/or the finger are used for inputting.

[0128] It would also be possible to use a touch panel 58 whereby a conclusion can be drawn about the location and/or nature of a user input on the basis of the reflection behaviour of acoustic waves and/or shadowing of optical signals.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, the touch panel 58 has at least one transparent film 61 affixed, preferably glued, onto a transparent or see-through plate 60, through which the user entries can be seen. A thickness of the film 61 is a few tenths of a mm, whereas the thickness of the plate 60 receiving this film 61, which may be a glass plate or a plate of transparent plastic, is at least 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.

[0130] This transparent plate 60 is a virtually dimensionally stable base element for the intrinsically flexible film 61, by means of which stick or finger entries of a user can be detected. As a result of the material chosen, namely glass or transparent hard plastic, the plate 60 has a relatively high dimensional stability and resistance to distortion due to its thickness. The sensitive film 61, of which the full surface is preferably glued to the plate 60 with a transparent adhesive, has an electrical interface 62, in particular several plug contacts, by means of which the film 61, which has conductor tracks running at least along its periphery, can be connected to the control device 14—FIG. 3. The connecting line between the interface 62 and the film 61 is preferably flexible, in particular provided in the form of a film conductor 63. Being a combination of the film 61 with this supporting plate 60, the touch panel 58 is relatively insensitive or unbreakable and is able to withstand high stress. The display 57, on the other hand, in particular the liquid crystal display 59, is relatively sensitive to deformations and impact stress due to its structure. Above all, deformations and/or pulse-type forces or impacts can lead to damage or even cause the display 57 to break. Functional impairment or damage to the display 57 may primarily be caused by too high an impact stress or deformation and or compression stress on its display surface. In order to prevent damage to the most sensitive components of the device 1, the display 57 is mounted in such a way that impacts are absorbed as far as possible but its position inside the housing 7 is nevertheless stable. Preferably, the display 57 is also decoupled as far as possible from deformations and distortion affecting the housing 7.

[0131] To this end, the display 57, indicated in dotted-dashed lines, which also has at least one electrical interface 64 for transmitting and/or receiving data and/or power, is surrounded by a frame 65 which encloses the display 57 in a protective cage, at least in certain regions. As a result of this cage-type frame 65 around part regions of the external boundaries of the display 57, indicated by broken lines, the display 57 is retained and fixed in position inside the housing 7. In particular, the substantially square-shaped or plate-shaped display 57 is mounted in a suspended arrangement in the interior of the housing 7 by means of this frame 65. In other words, the bottom face of the display 57 remote from a display surface does not sit against any of the internal walls of the housing 7 as far as possible, as may be seen from FIG. 3. The frame 65 and in particular the display 57 are in fact mounted and secured so as to be suspended from retaining pins 51 at several points inside the housing 7.

[0132] The internal dimensions or the clearance widths of the frame 65 around the edges or peripheral regions of the display 57 are therefore slightly bigger than the external dimensions of the display 57 indicated by dotted-dashed lines. Provided between internal faces 66 of the frame 65 and external or side faces of the substantially square-shaped display 57 are soft elastic damping elements 67. This being the case, a thickness of these soft elastic damping elements 67 is selected so that they mount the display 57 clearance-free but in an absorbing arrangement inside the frame 65, i.e. the display 57 is prevented from slipping relative to the frame 65 of slightly larger dimensions but enables impact stress to be cushioned relative to the internal faces 66 of the frame 65 to a certain extent. The damping elements 67 are resiliently elastic and rebound so that after cushioning or a displacement of the display 57 relative to the frame 65 due to impact stress and/or distortion, the display 57 is guaranteed to return exactly to its initial or non-active position. The resiliently elastic damping elements 67 are preferably positioned against the internal faces of the frame 65, at least in certain regions, and are provided in the form of soft elastic foam strips 68, which preferably provide an impact-damping action for the display 57 in all three spatial directions. In a preferred embodiment, these foam strips 68 are self-adhesive and are adhered to some internal faces 66 of the frame 65, as may be seen more particularly from FIG. 6. Consequently, the display 57 can be effortlessly inserted in and removed from the frame 65 with the damping elements 67 which damp the display 57.

[0133] The frame 65, which runs at least round the top and bottom edge regions of the square-shaped display 57, may be made in a single piece or preferably several pieces. The frame 65 for holding the display 57 is preferably made in two pieces. In particular, the frame 65 is made from a bottom shell 69 and a top shell 70 or a corresponding cover element. The top shell 69 and the bottom shell 70 are such that they can be at least partially inserted in one another and in the assembled state—illustrated in FIG. 7—form an interior bounded in at least certain regions from the outside for receiving the display 57. The top part of the frame 65 or top shell 70 has an orifice, which more or less corresponds to the size of the display field of the display 57. In other words, the top shell 70 surrounds only the top edges or peripheral regions of the display 57. The bottom shell 69 may also have one or more orifices in order to reduce the weight of the frame 65 without at the same time significantly reducing its strength.

[0134] The bottom shell 60 and the top shell 70 may be nested one in the other in a box-type arrangement. The dimensions of the bottom and top shell 69, 70 are selected so that they locate in one another, as far as possible without any clearance in all directions, parallel with the display surface of the display 57. At the touching or contact points between the bottom shell 69 and the shell 70 inserted in it, positive connections 71 may be provided, for example in the form of groove and tongue connections, thereby enabling the resistance to distortion and dimensional stability of the assembled frame 65 to be further enhanced. In the direction perpendicular to the display 57, the two frame parts are displaceable relative to one another so that the two frame parts can be assembled with one another and then dismantled again. The connections 71 may also be provided in the form of snap-fit or catch connections, thereby enabling the bottom shell 69 to be connected to the top shell 67 in a snap-fit connection which is preferably releasable.

[0135] A somewhat more stable frame 65 which is more resistant to distortion and forms a protective cage around the sensitive display 57is obtained as a result of the at least partially nested arrangement of the bottom shell 69 and the top shell 70. The features described above therefore provide a frame 65, preferably made from hard plastic, which is very strong but nevertheless relatively lightweight. The soft elastic damping elements 67 also ensure that the display 57 and the liquid crystal display 59 are protected from distortion as far as possible. Any distortion to the frame 65 which does occur in the event of a heavy impact of the housing 7 on the floor can be absorbed and compensated to a certain extent by the damping elements 67 and the foam strips 68.

[0136] To protect the display 57 housed in the frame 65 even more effectively, the frame 65 is virtually suspended in the interior of the housing 7 at certain points only. To this end, mounting tabs 73 are disposed separately in the external region 72 and on at least two narrow sides of the frame 65. The touch-sensitive screen 4, in particular its display 57 and touch panel 58, is suspended or mounted at individual points in the interior of the housing 7 by means of these mounting tabs 73, which are separately arranged around the periphery or external region 72 of the frame 65 and preferably integral therewith. A mounting tab 73 of this type therefore extends across only a fraction of the length or width of the frame 65, as is most clearly illustrated in FIG. 5. In principle, it is necessary to provide only three mounting tabs 73 around the periphery of the frame 65 to render the mounting of the touch-sensitive screen 4 inside the housing 7 sufficiently strong. In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, two respective mounting tabs 73 are provided in each of the widthways and lengthways faces of the frame 65, as may best be seen from FIG. 5. This being the case, a distance 74 between two mounting tabs 73 on one side of the frame 65 corresponds to approximately half a length 75 of the frame 65 on the respective side. This provides a mounting for the frame 65 or touch-sensitive screen 4 in the housing 7 which prevents tilting on the one hand and, on the other hand, provides efficient decoupling with respect to distortions of the housing 7. In other words, the relatively narrow spacing of the mounting tabs 73 from one another means that any deformation or distortions to which the housing 7 is subjected, such as might result if it were dropped to the floor for example, have a much less detrimental effect on the frame 65. In particular, the mounting tabs 73 are spaced at a relatively large distance from the corner regions of the frame 65, so that any deformation forces transmitted via the mounting tabs 73 to the frame 65 which might cause the frame 65 to become distorted are kept to a minimum. In the ideal situation, only one respective mounting tab 73 is provided at the centre of each of the longitudinal and widthways sides of the frame 65.

[0137] In order to reduce deformation or distortions to the frame 65 even further, the mounting tabs 73 projecting out from the external contour of the frame 65 are preferably moulded onto the frame 65 by means of weakened regions 76. These weakened regions 76 between the frame 65 and the actual mounting tabs 73 may be provided in the form of very slim connecting webs or even as connecting elements of the film-hinge type. The size or diameter of the actual mounting tabs 73 as such is slightly bigger than a head of the screw 50 used for fixing purposes, as may be seen more clearly from FIG. 3. These weakened regions 76 or narrow connecting webs 77 between the mounting tabs 73 and the frame 65 permit compensating movements between these weakened regions 76 or connecting webs 77 or at least result in a certain degree of uncoupling if deformation movements are transmitted from the housing 7 via the retaining pins 51 to the mounting tabs 73. The connecting webs 77, which may be provided as an option, therefore improve or permit a decoupling of movements of the mounting tabs 73 relative to the frame 65 with the display 57 to a certain degree.

[0138] As may be seen most clearly from FIGS. 3 or 6 and 7, the touch panel 58 is affixed to an external face of the frame 65 directed towards the top face 6 of the housing 7. In particular, the touch panel 58 is affixed to the external face of the top shell 70 and is preferably adhered thereto. The transparent plate 60 of the touch panel 58 specifically spans an aperture 78 in the top shell 70, by means of which the display region of the display 57 is left free. The peripheral regions of this aperture 78 in the top shell 70 or in the frame 65 are then joined to the bottom face of the relatively rigid plate 60 in a positive fit and are so as far as possible across their entire surface, in particular glued, as may be seen from FIG. 7. The positive connection between the touch panel 58 and its transparent plastic or glass plate and the frame 65 imparts particularly high dimensional stability to the frame 65. The adhesive between the touch panel 58 and the frame 65 for the display 57 is therefore as inflexible as possible and has a permanently high adhesive strength.

[0139] The box-type design of the frame 65 and/or the positive connection of the frame 65 to the touch panel 58 significantly increases resistance to distortion and the dimensional stability of the frame 65, all in all affording good protection for the sensitive and less robust display 57. The damping elements 67 and/or the mounting tabs 73 disposed and/or moulded onto the frame 65 may further improve the mounting of the display 57 in the housing 7 of the device 1, providing a perfectly robust and secure mounting for the touch-sensitive screen 4 of the device 1.

[0140] As may be seen most clearly from FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 65 is held in position between the bottom and top half-shells 45, 46. In particular, the frame 65 is fixed between the bottom and top half shells 45, 46 by means of the mounting tabs 73. The frame 65 is preferably fixed in a clamping arrangement via the mounting tabs 73 and the screws 50 for connecting the bottom housing part or bottom half-shell 45 to the top housing part or top half-shell 46. The mounting tabs 73 of the frame 65 are clamped between the mutually facing terminal ends of the respective retaining pins 51 in particular, once the housing parts are connected or screwed to one another by means of the screws 50. Individual retaining screws may also be provided as a means of holding the frame 65 incorporating the touch panel 58 and the display 57 in position in one of the half-shells 45, 46, thereby facilitating assembly of the housing 7 and device 1.

[0141] A length of the retaining pin 51 and/or a spacing of the mounting tabs 73 relative to the frame 65 is therefore selected so that the frame 65 is retained in the interior of the housing 7 without any clearance. Furthermore, a length of the retaining pin 51 of the top half-shell 46 and/or a spacing of the mounting tabs 73 on the frame 65 is selected so that the touch panel 58 is pushed against the edge or peripheral regions of an aperture 79 in the top half-shell 46 of the housing 7 with a certain amount of clamping force. The dimensions of the aperture 79 in the top half-shell 46 of the housing 7 are selected so that the display area of the display 57 is visible and the surrounding frame parts or peripheral regions of the touch panel 58 are covered. A peripheral seal 80 is preferably provided in the peripheral or edge regions of the aperture 79, which is preferably at least partially inserted in a groove or recess in the top half-shell. When the device 1 or housing 7 is in the assembled state, this seal 80 prevents dirt and moisture from getting into the interior of the housing 7 via the display area and via the aperture 79 in the top half-shell 46. In the assembled state illustrated in FIG. 3, this seal 80 is pressed against the top face of the touch panel 58 or sensitive film 61 in order to seal the interior of the housing 7 from the environment around it without any gaps.

[0142] In addition to the touch panel 58 and display 57 being affixed to the frame 65, the printed circuit board 16 of the control device 14 is also preferably affixed to the frame 65. In particular, this printed circuit board 16 incorporating the control electronics is disposed on the flat face of the frame 65 remote from the touch panel 58. The printed circuit board 16 is preferably mounted on the frame 65 by means of positive fixing means 81 in the form of angled webs 82 disposed in the edge regions of the printed circuit board 16 and hence without screws. Latch means prevent the printed circuit board 16 from inadvertently shifting relative to the angled webs 82.

[0143] The layered structure comprising the relatively dimensionally stable touch panel 58, the frame 65 comprising two parts nested one inside the other and the printed circuit board 16 and/or the described arrangement and/or layout and design of the mounting tabs 73 of the frame 65 and/or the damping elements 67 together constitute a perfectly effective protective cage for the large surface display 57, which is sensitive to shocks and usually susceptible to breakage. It is only as a result of the features described above that sensitive components of this type can now be used for portable or mobile devices 1 in industrial environments. In particular, if the device 1 is dropped to the floor from a height of up to 1.5 m, the device 1 and the electronic components or the display 57 will not suffer any direct damage.

[0144] Once the touch panel 58, frame 65, display 57 and printed circuit board 16 of the control device 14 are suspended on the pin-type retaining pins 51 projecting out from the half-shells 45, 46, these components sit in a floating or damping mounting inside the housing 7, as a result of which relatively high, pulse-type delay forces, such as would occur due to the housing 7 of the device 1 crashing to the floor, do not directly damage or break the components. This results in an extremely robust, accident-proof device 1 overall, which is well suited for use in industrial environments.

[0145] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a different embodiment of the device 1 or a so-called handheld terminal for mobile operation and control and/or for viewing process data of electrical machines or industrial robots. The same reference numbers are used for parts that have already been described above and the relevant sections of the description apply to parts denoted by the same reference numbers.

[0146] In this case, the housing 7 is of an essentially disc or wheel-shaped design. In other words, there are no corners at the outer peripheral faces or surfaces of the housing 7 and there are only a few edges round the top face 6 of the housing 7 and these are as blunt as possible. What edges there are predominantly extend around the recesses 39 provided as a means of mounting the input elements 8, the control element 10 and the touch-sensitive screen 4, which are at least partially recessed from the surface on the top face 6 of the housing 7.

[0147] The gripping region 25 enabling a user to hold the device 1 is again provided on the bottom face 24 of the round, in particular circular housing 7 illustrated in plan view in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the top face 6 of the device 1 could also have an elliptical shape. This being the case, the gripping region 25 of the housing 7 is provided in the form of a gripping piece 34 attached to the bottom face 24, which has several possible gripping or holding positions due to its peripheral region. In particular, the shape of the gripping piece 25 is such that it has a gripping region 25 for left-handed operation as well as a gripping region 25 for easier operation by a right-handed person. Consequently, this device 1 can be used by both right-handed persons and left-handed persons without the need for any modification and is equally comfortable and sensitive to use in either mode. Each of these at least two gripping regions 25 for left-handed and right-handed operation and for holding the device 1 has its own safety switch device 12. This safety switch device 12 may be designed and mounted on the housing 7 as illustrated in FIG. 8 or alternatively may be disposed close to or directly adjacent to the gripping piece 34. The essential point is that the gripping piece 34 is disposed and dimensioned such that the device 1 can be held by the user with only hand and the safety switch device 12 simultaneously operated with this hand.

[0148] As may be seen most clearly from FIG. 10, the housing 7 has the outer and an inner housing wall 83 at a distance apart therefrom, at lest in the region of its external face 48. The housing 7 is therefore made up of two shells, at least in its external region 48. The inwardly lying housing wall 83 extends substantially between the base and cover plates of the housing 7 forming the bottom face 24 and the top face 6 of the housing 7.

[0149] The bottom half-shell 45 and the top half-shell 46 are specifically provided with wall webs 84 running in a circle and extending congruently with one another, which can overlap with one another when the half-shells 45, 46 are in the assembled state. The strip-type sealing element 49 for the split or seam region of the two half-shells 45, 46 may be accommodated in a stable position between the inwardly lying housing wall 83 and the outer housing wall. The design of the housing 7 with double walls in at least certain regions significantly increases its resistance to breaking and its resistance to distortion. In addition, the outer housing wall may be used as an absorber or damper for impact-type stress and deformation in the event of the device 1 falling to the ground due to clumsiness.

[0150] The robustness and functional reliability of the device 1 can be further enhanced if at least one supporting web 86 is provided specifically for the emergency off switch 22, in particular its electrical contact block 85 in the interior of the housing 7. The purpose of this supporting web 86 is to support the emergency off switch 22 and its contact block 85 in the interior of the housing 7 and help it to withstand stress. In particular, the at least one supporting web 86 cushions the contact block 85 and prevents it from being torn off the operating element 23 in the event of a hefty impact of the housing 7. Supporting webs 86 of this type for the emergency off switch 22 also ensure that the device 1 is always reliable and secure, even if subjected to hard knocks.

[0151] To optimise use of the device 1 for left-handed and right-handed operation without having to make any major adaptations, the top face 6 of the housing 7 and the gripping piece 43 are substantially symmetrical by reference to a bisecting line 87.

[0152] As may be seen in particular from FIG. 8, the housing 7 may also have a slot-shaped orifice 88 for receiving an interchangeable electronic expansion card 89, for example a memory card conforming to the PCMCIA standard. This orifice 88 for inserting at least one expansion card 89 is preferably disposed in the external surface 48 of the housing 7. Naturally, however, it would also be possible for the orifice 88 to be provided on the top face 6 or on the bottom face 24 of the housing 7. The expansion card 89 can be electrically connected to the control device 14 via an appropriate interface in the interior 14 of the housing 7. The interface is preferably an electrical plug contact-interface conforming to the PCMCIA standard, enabling it to be inserted, removed or exchanged for another expansion card 89 without the need for tools.

[0153] The control device 14 or its micro-computer is preferably suitable for running a standard, readily available operating system. The operating system or basis for running internal routines of the control device 14 may be the relatively common, widely used and well known Windows CE™ operating system. Through the operating system, user-defined screen masks and symbols can be presented on the display 57 to provide various designs for graphics-assisted operation. The fact of using a widely known operating system will significantly reduce the effort and/or time needed for training in how to operate the device 1. This will also improve acceptance of the device 1.

[0154] For the sake of good order, it should finally be pointed out that in order to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of the device 1, it and its constituent parts are illustrated to a certain extent out of scale and/or on an enlarged scale and/or on a reduced scale.

[0155] The independent solutions to the underlying objective of the invention may be found in the description. Above all, the subject matter of the individual embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 8, 9, 10 may be construed as independent solutions proposed by the invention in their own right. The associated objectives and solutions proposed by the invention may be found in the detailed descriptions of these drawings.

List of Reference Numbers

[0156] 1 Device

[0157] 2 Output device

[0158] 3 Input device

[0159] 4 Screen

[0160] 5 Touch-screen

[0161] 6 Top face

[0162] 7 Housing

[0163] 8 Input element

[0164] 9 Film key pad

[0165] 10 Control element

[0166] 11 Joystick

[0167] 12 Safety switch device

[0168] 13 Ok button

[0169] 14 Control device

[0170] 15 Micro-computer

[0171] 16 Printed circuit board

[0172] 17 Communication interface

[0173] 18 Cable connection

[0174] 19 Cable outlet

[0175] 20 Cable outlet

[0176] 21 Longitudinal mid-axis

[0177] 22 Emergency off switch

[0178] 23 Operating element

[0179] 24 Bottom face

[0180] 25 Gripping region

[0181] 26 Hand

[0182] 27 Width

[0183] 28 Operating region

[0184] 29 Adjusting element

[0185] 30 Section

[0186] 31 Cover element

[0187] 32 Raised area

[0188] 33 Housing section

[0189] 34 Gripping piece

[0190] 35 Forearm

[0191] 36 Raised area

[0192] 37 Inclined surface

[0193] 38 Plane

[0194] 39 Recess

[0195] 40 Operating element

[0196] 41 Projection

[0197] 42 Projection

[0198] 43 Gap

[0199] 44 Axis

[0200] 45 Half-shell

[0201] 46 Half-shell

[0202] 47 Dividing line

[0203] 48 External surface

[0204] 49 Sealing element

[0205] 50 Screw

[0206] 51 Retaining pin

[0207] 52 Orifice

[0208] 53 Retaining strap

[0209] 54 Fixing means

[0210] 55 Adjusting and fixing element

[0211] 56 Retaining strap

[0212] 57 Display

[0213] 58 Touch-panel

[0214] 59 Liquid crystal display

[0215] 60 Plate

[0216] 61 Film

[0217] 62 Interface

[0218] 63 Film conductor

[0219] 64 Interface

[0220] 65 Frame

[0221] 66 Interface

[0222] 67 Damping element

[0223] 68 Foam strip

[0224] 69 Shell

[0225] 70 Shell

[0226] 71 Connection

[0227] 72 External region

[0228] 73 Mounting tab

[0229] 74 Distance

[0230] 75 Length

[0231] 76 Weakened region

[0232] 77 Connecting web

[0233] 78 Aperture

[0234] 79 Aperture

[0235] 80 Seal

[0236] 81 Fixing means

[0237] 82 Angled web

[0238] 83 Housing wall

[0239] 84 Wall web

[0240] 85 Contact block

[0241] 86 Supporting web

[0242] 87 Bisecting line

[0243] 88 Orifice

[0244] 89 Expansion card

Claims

1. Portable device (1) with at least one optical output device (2) for displaying at least process data of a machine, a robot or a technical process, with at least one input device (3) for at least intervening in operating functions of the device (1) and/or for operating the machine or robot or technical process, and having a safety switch device (12) for preventing the output of undesirable, unintended control commands for the machine, robot or technical process, the output devices (2) and input devices (3) being connected to a control device (14), which control device (14) is received in a housing (7) that is unbreakable as far as possible and has at least one communication interface (17) to an external control device disposed at a distance away, wherein several input and output devices (2, 3) are functionally combined by means of a touch-sensitive screen (4) in the form of a touch-screen (5) and the touch-sensitive screen (4) extends across substantial regions of the surface of the housing (7).

2. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive screen (4) occupies more than one third of a top face (6) of the housing (7) directed towards a user in the operating position.

3. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety switch device (12) is disposed in a gripping region (25) by which the housing (7) is held.

4. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a maximum size of the housing (7) is smaller than a length of a forearm (35) of a user and on assuming its intended usage and operating position, the safety switch device (12) can be operated by at least one finger of the hand (26) in which the housing (7) is being held.

5. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein several holding or gripping regions (25) are provided on the housing (7) and a safety switch device (12) is disposed in the immediate vicinity of every gripping region (25).

6. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gripping region (25) is provided on the housing (7) for left-handed operation and for right-handed operation.

7. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping region (25) of the housing (7) has a section (30) in which it is soft and elastically flexible and the safety switch device (12) can be operated within this soft elastic section (30).

8. Portable device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the soft elastic section (30) is a rubber-like cover element (31) of the housing (7) in the form of a liquid-proof membrane in front of the safety switch device (12).

9. Portable device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the soft elastic section (30) is made integrally with the gripping region (25) on the housing (7) in a multi-component injection-moulding process.

10. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (7) is designed to sit on a forearm (35) of a user.

11. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (7) is of a substantially disc- or wheel-shaped design.

12. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (7) is substantially rectangular as seen in plan view.

13. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping region (25) is provided in one of the end regions of the elongate housing (7) in the form of a strip-shaped or bulbous raised area (32) which can be at least partially gripped by the hand (26) of a user.

14. Portable device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the raised area (32) is disposed in an terminal-face end region on a bottom face (24) of the housing (7).

15. Portable device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the thicker or spatially wider end region of the housing (7) forms a gripping piece (34).

16. Portable device as claimed in claim 15, wherein another raised area (36) is provided on the top face (6) of the housing (7) in the end region of the housing (7) where the gripping piece (34) is disposed.

17. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (7) is substantially T-shaped as viewed from the side.

18. Portable device as claimed in claim 13, wherein a relatively slim and flat housing section (33) which accommodates the touch-sensitive screen (4) adjoins the wider or thickened end region of the housing (7).

19. Portable device as claimed in claim 16, wherein an operating element (10) to be moved by the user is provided in a recess (39) in the other raised area (36) on the top face (6) of the housing (7) in the form of a control lever, joystick (11) or rotatable potentiometer.

20. Portable device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the recess (39) in the other raised area (36) and the gripping piece (34) on the bottom face (24) of the housing (7) are disposed substantially vertically, one above the other or more or less on a vertical straight line.

21. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating element (10) to be moved by a user lies within the gripping region (25) of the housing (7) which can be held in a hand surface.

22. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an imaginary extension of an axis (44) of a displaceable operating element (40) of the control element (10) leads to the gripping region (25) of the housing (7) and a hand surface of a user.

23. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (7) is made up of a bottom half-shell (45) and a top half-shell (46) and a dividing line (47) extends along an external surface (48) between the top and bottom face (6, 24) of the housing (7).

24. Portable device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the bottom and top half-shell (45, 46) positively engage with one another.

25. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (7) has an outer and an inner housing wall (83) spaced at a distance apart therefrom in the region of its casing.

26. Portable device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the internally lying housing wall (83) essentially extends between the bottom face (24) and the top face (6) of the housing (7).

27. Portable device as claimed in claim 25, wherein a cord-type sealing element (49) is accommodated between the internally lying housing wall (83) and the outer housing wall.

28. Portable device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the top and bottom wall webs (84) of the inner housing wall (83) mutually overlap.

29. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one length-adjustable retaining strap (53) is provided on the bottom face (24) of the housing (7).

30. Portable device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the retaining strap (53) is provided in the form of a band-type fixing means (54) with an adjusting and fixing element (55).

31. Portable device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the adjusting and fixing element (55) is designed to permit a continuous adjustment of and fix the width of the band-type fixing means (54) and is provided in the form of a Velcro fastener and/or a clip or buckle.

32. Portable device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the retaining strap (53) is disposed in the gripping region (25) of the housing (7).

33. Portable device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the retaining strap (53) can be slipped round the back of the user's hand.

34. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a retaining strap (56) on the bottom face (24) of the housing (7) can be placed round the wrist of a user.

35. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive screen (4) is provided in the form of a touch panel (58) and a display (57) disposed underneath it.

36. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the touch panel (58) comprises a transparent film (61) adhered on top of a transparent or see-through plate (60).

37. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the touch panel (58) works on the basis of the resistive or capacitive operating principle.

38. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the display (57) is a liquid crystal display (59).

39. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the display (57) permits at least VGA resolution and a colour presentation.

40. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the display (57) is mounted in the housing (7) in such a way that impacts are cushioned.

41. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein at least certain regions of the display (57) are surrounded by a cage-type frame (65), by means of which the display (57) is held in position in the interior of the housing (7).

42. Portable device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the internal dimensions or clearance widths of the frame (65) are slightly bigger than the external dimensions of the display (57).

43. Portable device as claimed in claim 41, wherein soft-elastic damping elements (67) are disposed between internal faces (66) of the frame (65) and external faces of the display (57).

44. Portable device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the frame (65) is made up of a bottom shell (69) and a top shell (70), which can be partially inserted one in the other and form an inner chamber for accommodating the display (57).

45. Portable device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the frame (65) surrounds at least the top and bottom edge regions of the display (57).

46. Portable device as claimed in claim 43, wherein the soft elastic damping elements (67) are provided in the form of soft elastic foam strips (68) disposed on the internal faces (66) of the frame (65).

47. Portable device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the foam strips (68) are self-adhesive.

48. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the touch panel (58) is affixed, in particular adhered to, the external face of the frame (65), in particular to the external face of the top shell (70).

49. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein several separate mounting tabs (73) are provided in the peripheral or external region (72) of the frame (65) for the touch-sensitive screen (4).

50. Portable device as claimed in claim 49, wherein the touch-sensitive screen (4) is suspended in the interior of the housing (7) at specific points via the mounting tabs (73) of the frame (65).

51. Portable device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the frame (65) is held in position between the bottom and top half -shell (45, 46).

52. Portable device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the frame (65) is disposed between retaining pins (51) for joining the bottom half-shell (45) to the top half-shell (46).

53. Portable device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the frame (65) is fixed in a clamped mounting by means of the mounting tabs (73) and screws (50) used to join the bottom half-shell (45) to the top half-shell (46).

54. Portable device as claimed in claim 49, wherein a distance (74) between two mounting tabs (73) on one side of the frame (65) substantially corresponds to half of a length (75) of the frame (65) on this side.

55. Portable device as claimed in claim 49, wherein the individual mounting tabs (73) are moulded onto the external periphery of the frame (65).

56. Portable device as claimed in claim 49, wherein the mounting tabs (73) project out from the external periphery of the frame (65) and are moulded onto to it by means of weakened regions (76).

57. Portable device as claimed in claim 23, wherein only the bottom half-shell (45) has orifices (52) for inserting screws (50) to join the bottom to the top half-shell (45, 46).

58. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one supporting web (86) is provided in the interior of the housing (7) to support an emergency off switch (22).

59. Portable device as claimed in claim 58, wherein the supporting webs (86) support a contact block (85) of the emergency off switch (22) in the interior of the housing (7) relative to the walls thereof.

60. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a printed circuit board (16) of the control device (14) is secured to the side of the frame (65) remote from the touch panel (58).

61. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touch panel (58), of the frame (65), the display (57) and the printed circuit board (16) of the control device (14) are suspended inside the housing (7) so that they float and cushion vibrations.

62. Portable device as claimed in claim 60, printed circuit board (16) is secured to the frame (65) without screws by means of a positive fixing means (81).

63. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive screen (4) is fixed in the housing (7) so that it can be rotated by 180°.

64. Portable device as claimed in claim 49, wherein the layout of the mounting tabs (73) and the retaining pins (51) permits two integrated positions of the touch-sensitive screen rotated by 180° in a plane substantially parallel with the top face (6) of the housing (7).

65. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device (14) or the display (57) or a graphics controller of the display (57) has software means for selectively rotating the display contents and input fields or functions areas of the touch-sensitive screen (4) by 180° and/or for reversing directional control commands of the control element (10) and/or electro-mechanical input elements (8).

66. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device (14) or the display (57) or a graphics controller of the display (57) has hardware means, for example a jumper, switch or break, for selectively rotating the display contents and the input fields or functions areas of the touch-sensitive screen (4) by 180°.

67. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein electro-mechanical input elements (8) and/or the control element (10) can be mounted so that they can be selectively rotated on the top face (6) of the housing (7) about a vertical axis by 180°.

68. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the graphic symbols for the input elements (8) and/or the control element (10) can be read in the usual standard way by the user in a position rotated by 180°.

69. Portable device as claimed in claim 68, wherein the symbols are provided in the form of graphic arrow and/or block symbols for indicating directions and control functions and/or by lists of hyphens for indicating numbers.

70. Portable device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the gripping piece (34) of the housing (7) is of a symmetrical design.

71. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control device (4) is connected to the display (57), touch panel (58), displaceable control element (10), safety switch device (12) and emergency off switch (22) and has communication interfaces (17) to external control devices.

72. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein some input elements (8) are provided in the form of a film key pad (9) in addition to the touch-sensitive screen (4).

73. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device (14) has another interface and the housing (7) has a slot-shaped orifice (88) for receiving an interchangeable expansion card (89), for example a memory card, conforming to the PCMCIA standard.

74. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device (14) is designed for running an existing standard operating system.

75. Portable device as claimed in claim 74, wherein the operating system is Windows CETM.

76. Portable device as claimed in claim 35, wherein user-defined screen masks and symbols may be presented on the display (57) to permit graphic-assisted operation.

77. Portable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein all input and control elements (8, 10) are disposed in recesses (39) on the top face (6) of the housing (7) and when the housing (7) is set down on any surface, none of the input and control elements (8, 10) can be operated.