Operating and Display Elements

Wireless Control Unit

The control system (consisting of the remote control, charger, and control unit) for controlling dump trucks was developed and qualified by brehmergroup in cooperation with the customer.

During development, brehmergroup was responsible for designing the product and the plastic housing, developing the electronics, and performing the final qualification. The latest technologies were used for development, for example Bluetooth to create a reliable wireless connection and a lithium-ion-battery for a long service life. The integrated LCD color display shows the various states of the vehicle and guides the user through the corresponding menu. Communication with the vehicle is performed over a CAN interface or via Bluetooth. The control system is operated using a membrane keyboard developed by brehmergroup that also includes a thumb joystick. The entire development process was performed according to the functional safety guidelines in cooperation with the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Sankt Augustin, Germany. The system as a whole was categorized as PLd according to EN ISO 13849.

After development, the product was qualified in our accredited in-house environmental simulation laboratory. We were recently able to obtain E1 approval for the customer.

CAN-Module

The control unit used to control construction machinery was by developed and qualified brehmergroup according to customer specifications. During the development of the product, brehmergroup was responsible for developing the electronics to meet the functional safety requirements of EN ISO 13849 PLe and for developing the mechanics and membrane keyboard. Communication with the vehicle is realized and implemented via a CAN interface and via two redundant I/O units. Using the patented membrane keyboard from brehmergroup with redundant switching contacts, it is also possible to execute safety-critical functions using the membrane keyboard.

Display Element

Because there was no comparable solution on the market, we were commissioned to develop the "Ladetaster" display element, which we developed, verified, and industrialised. The module contains two backlit sensors that use an indicator LED to display the battery charge condition, as well as a robust housing that withstands outdoor weather.

What resulted is a highly IP-protected unit that is able to securely transport the tiniest current (signal) and switch. It is a pivotal, protected brehmergroup technology. Developed as an economical solution for our client, the developed technology can be applied to further, more sophisticated modules.

Led Module

Per customer request we developed an LED module especially for electric vehicles that displays the current charge status and condition for the user. The highlight here is the placement on the exterior of the vehicle near the charging plug, which necessitates high demands for durability, long life, and absolute waterproofing. In order to realise a suitable solution, not only was electronic development needed, but also corresponding expertise in materials and production techniques. Our in-house environmental simulator was used to apply a diverse range of extreme tests for all of the materials and products along the course of development.

CONTROL UNIT

The control unit for the control of municipal vehicles was developed and qualified by brehmergroup according to customer specifications. 

brehmergroup was also responsible for the selection of the hand-held enclosure according to customer specifications. As the control unit is only manufactured in comparatively small numbers, the Wiehler design engineers were looking for a standard enclosure that met the requirements of the MEILLER specifications and that could be adapted with little cost. One of our standard enclosures was redesigned for the use and application of display and connectors and can be used for this customer-specific application without additional tooling costs.

The integrated LCD color display shows the different states of the vehicle and guides the user through the corresponding menu. Communication with the vehicle is implemented via two J1939 CAN interfaces, and the membrane keypad with redundant switch contacts patented by brehmergroup also enables safety-critical functions to be executed via the membrane keypad.

After development, the control unit was qualified by the in-house and accredited environmental simulation laboratory. And last but not least, we were able to obtain an E1 approval for the customer.

ATLAS DISPLAY AND CONTROL UNIT

The display and control unit for controlling construction machinery and cranes was designed, conceptualized, developed, and qualified by brehmergroup.

One of our standard aluminum enclosures was adapted during the development of the display and control unit. This aluminum housing was then modified to accommodate a monochrome display, plug connector, and pressure equalization element. The display and control unit communicates via CAN bus. The membrane keypad as input interface as well as the interface itself can be freely designed according to customer specifications.

After development, the product was tested in our in-house and accredited environmental simulation laboratory under the harshest environmental conditions and qualified the unit according to our specifications and requirements.

Capacitive Switch

The construction of the capacitive switches patented by brehmergroup guarantees the user a robust and durable product for indoor and outdoor use. The electronics of our hand-held push buttons could be reduced to a single printed circuit board and perfectly compensate for environmental influences such as temperature changes, condensation, and the effect of raindrops. Operation with work gloves is also easily possible, so our switches can be used as a door opener, as well as start and stop buttons for industrial machinery.

All capacitive switch variants are completely encapsulated and thus easily pass IP tests as per IP68. Here, brehmergroup relies on sustainability. In our environmentally friendly casting process, we use only renewable raw materials without loss of tightness. Highly technical plastics on the actuation side give our switches a high degree of vandalism protection.

Switching through other media such as glass, additional plastic panels, or even wood is possible. - Ask for our special variants.

Favourite key block

The control unit favourite key block for controlling comfort functions on the motorbike was developed and qualified by brehmergroup according to customer specifications. As part of the development, a component was developed and industrialised up to series production in a very short time. Double-stroke microswitches were integrated to actuate the individual functions. After development, the product was qualified in our in-house and accredited environmental simulation laboratory. 

The entire production was planned and implemented according to customer specifications and the requirements of IATF 16949.

Blackout driving light and blackout stop/rear lamp

The blackout driving light developed by brehmergroup has various functions. It enables infrared illumination for the low and long range as well as illumination with visible blackout driving light. The entire functionality has been integrated into a housing with a diameter of just 52 mm.  

As a development partner for products in harsh operating conditions for many years, brehmergroup was able to use this experience and thus implement a solution that withstands the highest requirements. 

The associated blackout stop/rear lamp has the functions for blackout lamps and blackout brake light, each as infrared and visible illumination.

In addition to testing by the German Federal Armed Forces, both products were qualified in the company's own environmental simulation laboratory. With the blackout driving light, the blackout stop/rear lamp and the eight-position rotary switch, brehmergroup offers a complete package for blackout lighting from a single source.

8-Position Rotary Switch

brehmergroup has been offering the appropriate 8-position rotary switch for dimming the infrared lighting since 2020. brehmergroup offers you a robust and field-tested solution. The 8-position rotary switch easily meets the IP54 requirement and is available in various switching haptics.

Steering Mode Switch

The steering mode switch for construction machines was developed and qualified by brehmergroup. With the help of the steering mode switch, the steering mode of the working machine can be selected and changed in a functionally safe manner.

In the development of the electronics, brehmergroup implemented the steering mode switch as a CAN-BUS participant with Safety Protocol J1939 and in accordance with functional safety as per DIN EN ISO 13849 PL-C. The software can be adapted to customer-specific requirements. The software can be adapted to customer-specific requirements. Each switch position has a function and search light. The mechanics were realised via four mechanically locking rotary steps.

Handlebar Switch

brehmergroup develops handlebar switches for various customers in the two-wheeler segment. 
 
A wide variety of techniques are used to develop the handlebar switches in order to meet all of the customer's requirements. For example, various paint laser systems of the highest quality are used to illuminate the buttons.
 
With the help of these mechanisms, highly IP-protected units are created which enable a wide range of functions and controls. Functionally safe electronics for switching safety-relevant functions can also be integrated.