EP1251595B1 - Modular control apparatus for control and automatic systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The system consists of modular individual components such as input or output modules (10), control units or similar connected to a voltage supply (1) and a field bus (2). An individual component is arranged in a stand-alone self-supporting individual component housing with a cable connection to an external element, e.g. an actuator, and mechanical and electrical connections to other component housings.

Description

The invention relates to a modular control system for Control and automation systems according to the generic term of claim 1.

Such modular control systems are particularly in the manufacturing industry for manufacturing systems, transport systems or the like. You have to plan carefully and created and especially when upgrading the Allow manufacturing facilities to expand. At acquaintances Systems are switch and control cabinets near the Plants built and with considerable wiring effort Installed.

DE 24 15 727 Al discloses an electrical system for power supply and remote control of electrical devices that in broader sense is modular. Every single component is separated from the others with the supply voltage connected.

The invention has for its object a modular To further develop a control system of the generic type that with little effort an extension, a Change or repair of the control system possible is.

This object is achieved according to the features of claim 1.

Each individual component is in an independent, self-supporting Single component housing arranged, each Single component housing a line connection for connection with an external system element such as an actuator, a Has sensor or the like. Thus, any system element A single component can be specifically assigned to what the Compilation of the control system simplified.

The single component housings have a mechanical connection for interlinking mechanical fastening with each other so that base plates or the like are omitted. The User can depend on the conditions of the installation space design the control system spatially, without consideration take on base plates, extension plates or the like would. This gives the user a high degree of freedom in the design and installation of control systems.

Since each individual component housing has an electrical connection strip and has an electrical contact strip, which are electrically conductive within the single component housing are related to each other during chaining looped through all poles of the terminal block, see above that the user places every single component anywhere can arrange within a chain, whereby by integrated seals meet the requirements of high protection classes how IP 67 are fulfilled.

The mechanical connection and the electrical connection of neighboring Component housing is always on one side of the housing, the mechanical connection advantageously a has a form-fitting, separable snap-in connection, one positive connection and securing of both individual component housings guaranteed. With a "Plug and Play "interpretation is achieved automatic addressing so that after a chain link is mechanically changed electrical operation started without major reprogramming can be.

The contact strip is advantageously arranged so that it is on the one locking part of the locking connection and the terminal block provided on the other locking part of the locking connection is. Thus, the mechanical connection is not only used mechanical connection of the individual components to each other, but at the same time securing the electrical contact.

In a special embodiment of the invention there is at least one Contact pin of a connector via a preferably programmable IC connected to the fieldbus such that a contact pin of the multi-pin connector from Function input can be reconfigured to diagnostic input. The contact pin can be used as an input, output and / or Diagnostics are operated. This has the advantage that the User can use free pins for diagnostic purposes. So can The contact pin can be used to check whether a connected Line is defective or has become loose. Becomes an optical function display on each individual component housing arranged, can be determined via the diagnostic pin Errors are recognized and displayed immediately. The It is expediently indicated by LEDs on the top of the housing a single component housing arranged are.

A daisy chain is advantageous via an assembly module definable, the mounting module preferably a mechanical connection of the single component housing corresponding mechanical connection for concatenating mechanical Has attachment to a single component housing. If an assembly module is at the beginning or at the end of one Arranged chain chain is the training as a mechanical Connection part sufficient. However, must in the Chaining an additional attachment can be provided because the chaining series becomes mechanically unstable the assembly module designed such that on one end of the housing an electrical connector and on the a contact strip facing away from the other end of the housing is provided, the terminal block and the Contact strip in the assembly module with each other electrically are connected. Thus the electrical contacts looped through so that before and after the assembly module individual components in the daisy chain have the same electrical conditions.

Further features of the invention result from the others Claims, the description and the drawing, in which is an embodiment described below in detail the invention is shown.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer modularen Steuerungsanlage gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

in vergrößerter Darstellung eine Verkettungsreihe einer Steuerungsanlage nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

in schematischer und perspektivischer Darstellung eine Verkettungsreihe mit Einzelkomponentengehäusen einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 4

eine Einzelkomponente der Reihe nach Fig. 3 in um 180° gedrehter Seitenansicht,

Fig. 5

in vergrößerter Darstellung eine Einzelkomponente mit einem würfelförmigen Einzelkomponentengehäuse,

Fig. 6

eine Einzelkomponente als Eingabe-/Ausgabemodul in Draufsicht,

Fig. 7

eine Einzelkomponente als Link-Modul in Draufsicht,

Fig. 8

eine Einzelkomponente mit zwei Eingabe-/Ausgabe-Einheiten in Draufsicht,

Fig. 9

ein Montagemodul mit elektrisch durchgeschleiften Kontakten in Draufsicht,

Fig. 10

ein Montagemodul ohne elektrische Kontakte,

Fig. 11 bis 16

schematische Darstellungen einer anwendbaren elektrischen Kontaktierung,

Fig. 17

in schematischer Darstellung eine Beschaltung einer Leitungsverbindung mit frei parametrierbaren Kontaktpins,

Fig. 18

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf Ein/Ausgabemodule in einer weiteren Ausführungsform,

Fig. 19

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf Ein/Ausgabemodule gemäß Fig. 18 mit Schriftfeld,

Fig. 20

eine Verkettungsreihe der Ein/Ausgabemodule gemäß Fig. 19.

Show it:

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic representation of a modular control system according to the invention,

Fig. 2

1 shows an enlarged chain of a control system according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

a schematic and perspective representation of a chain link with single component housings of a first embodiment,

Fig. 4

3 in a side view rotated by 180 °,

Fig. 5

an enlarged representation of a single component with a cube-shaped single component housing,

Fig. 6

a single component as an input / output module in top view,

Fig. 7

a single component as a link module in top view,

Fig. 8

a single component with two input / output units in plan view,

Fig. 9

an assembly module with electrically looped contacts in top view,

Fig. 10

an assembly module without electrical contacts,

11 to 16

schematic representations of an applicable electrical contact,

Fig. 17

a schematic representation of a wiring of a line connection with freely parameterizable contact pins,

Fig. 18

2 shows a perspective view of input / output modules in a further embodiment,

Fig. 19

18 shows a perspective view of input / output modules according to FIG. 18 with a text field,

Fig. 20

a chain of the input / output modules according to FIG. 19.

The control system is connected to an energy line 1 live network connected; via a fieldbus 2 data and control commands are exchanged.

At any point on the power line 1 and Fieldbus 2 can connect to a manufacturing facility being constructed. For this purpose, a power supply unit 3 is first used the power line 1 connected. The power supply is used for Power supply for individual components to be connected. The Connection to fieldbus 2 is preferred via a active interface card 4, which has four connections 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d for individual components like one A large number of input / output modules 10 or the like.

According to the invention, each individual component 10, 11, 12, 13 in an independent, self-supporting single component housing 5 arranged. Every single component housing 5 has a line connection 6 for connection to an external system element such as an actuator (control element), a sensor, an interface connection, one Valve terminal or the like.

According to the invention, the individual component housings 5 with each other preferably in a chaining longitudinal axis 7 connect with each other. For this purpose, each individual component housing has 5 a mechanical connector 8 on the form-fitting on the single component housing to be connected 5 engages. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 and 4, the mechanical connection 8 has a latching connection on whose first locking part 8a on the one single component housing 5 and their other locking part 8b on the other individual component housing 5 is provided. The first locking part 8a is designed as a locking rocker, which is in one piece with the single component housing, which is preferably made of plastic 5 is made. To achieve mobility the locking rocker 8a is via a rocker bridge 9 connected to the single component housing 5.

The locking connection of the mechanical connection 8 is there designed so that the one locking part 8a, e.g. the stop seesaw, on which a single component housing 5 is provided, while the other locking part cooperating with the locking rocker 8b formed on the other single component housing 5 is.

For the electrical connection of the individual components is an electrical terminal block 20 on one Single component housing 5 and a corresponding contact strip 21 provided on the other single component housing 5. 3 and 4 clearly show the terminal block 20 on one housing end face 18 and the Contact strip 21 on the other side of the housing facing away 19 of the single component housing 5. Die Linking longitudinal axis 7 is perpendicular to the housing end faces 18 and 19.

The line connection 6 is advantageous in the top 9 essentially a cuboid to cube-shaped basic shape having individual component housing 5 provided and designed as a multi-pin connector 17. The Plug connection 17 is of a threaded section 16 surrounded in which a locking sleeve of the associated Plug 15 of the connector is screwed. The threaded section 16 can be used as an M12 thread or as M8 thread may be provided. With an M12 thread, the Plug connection 6 must be made large and 10 and 11 show several contact pins 22 exhibit. The input / output unit 10 has e.g. five Pins; the link unit 11 has seven contact pins 22. Another number and arrangement of the contact pins 22 can be beneficial.

Is the threaded portion surrounding the connector 17 made smaller, e.g. as M8 thread, can be in one Single component housing 5 also two side by side Plug connections 17 can be made, e.g. Fig. 8 shows. Such a connector has e.g. three contact pins 22 and is suitable as an input / output unit for data and control commands as also for energy feed.

1 and 2 show, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the chain 7 a variety of individual components be put together in a row. This will be at the beginning a row a mounting module 14 which a mechanical corresponding to the single component housing 5 Has connection. Will a number of individual components 5 very long, so - as in Fig. 1, middle shown - as a linking element of the series a fastener 13 can be interposed, which next to those corresponding to the individual component housings 5 mechanical connections 8 also correspondingly corresponding has electrical connections, ie on the a housing end 20 a terminal block 18 and a contact strip 21 on the other end face 19 of the housing wearing. The contact strip is located within the assembly module 13 21 and the terminal block 18 together electrically conductively connected so that the individual is looped through Lines is guaranteed.

Each row of individual components 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 is via a link module 11 to an interface connection 4a, 4b, 4c or 4d connected via an interface cable 23. It may be appropriate due to the location and location To interrupt a chaining sequence, as shown in Fig. 1, above. Then in the end a link module 11 is arranged in the first chaining row and at the head of the second series of chains also such Link module 11 provided. Both link modules are about a connecting cable 23 (link cable) connected to each other.

Due to the design of each individual component housing 5 with a terminal block 20 and a contact strip 21, the within the single component housing 5 electrically conductive are connected to each other, are those of the link cable 23 and the link module 11 provided connections looped through an entire chain, so that the user is free to choose where he needs it Wants to arrange individual components. In this way can individual components from the point of view if possible short connection cable at any place in the row to be ordered.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a A large number of input / output modules 10 are chained together become. It can be useful within the Row to provide a module for energy supply.

As shown in Fig. 1, below, the control is also a valve terminal 24 directly possible via a link module 11. For this purpose, the valve terminal 24 is connected to the terminal block 20 of the single component housing 5 connected and Link cable 23 and the interface card 4 directly from Fieldbus 2 controlled.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4, a single component housing 5 like a drawer on the Inserted the height of the chain in the contact strip 21, the locking rocker 8a with the locking part 8b (Locking groove) on the contact strip of the other single component housing 5 locked. This requires that sufficient in the direction of the chaining longitudinal axis 7 Free space is available to the single component case Align 5 of the modules side by side at the same height and then push them together like a drawer.

5 it is provided that the Contact strip 21 transversely to the chaining direction 7 and from is to be placed on the terminal block 20 at the top. It is the terminal block 20 facing the top of the housing 9 and preferably consists of nine contact pins 25. The terminal block 20 can 26 in a housing projection lie in front of the end face 18 of the individual component housing 5. At the upper edge of the trough-like housing projection 26 a circumferential seal 27 is arranged, which when putting on the contact strip 21 on a counter sealing surface of the Single component housing 5 abuts and a seal of ensures electrical contacting against environmental influences.

The contact strip 21 on the other housing end face 19 of the individual component housing 5 has a trough-like Overhang 28, under which the contact strip 21 is located. On the two long sides of the individual component housing 5 one in the area of the trough-like projection 28 Locking rocker 29 in one piece with the one made of plastic Single component housing 5 formed. The rocker is connected to the housing via rocker bars 30, the two Rocker bars 30 approximately parallel to the chaining longitudinal axis 7 lie. The locking rocker 29 is thus parallel to Linking longitudinal axis 7 lying rocking axis pivotable.

One end 31 of the locking rocker 29 is designed as a locking element 8a, which in a lateral recess 32 of the locking member 8b of the trough-like housing projection 26 one to interlinking single component housing 5 engages. To the placement of a single component housing to be linked 5, the housing is both plug-like interlocking terminal block 20 / contact strip 21 mechanically firmly connected and via the snap connection 31/32 mechanically fixed to each other.

In the top 9 of the housing is next to a text field 33 an optical display in the form of preferably LEDs 34 and 35 provided. LEDs 34 and 35 are used for function display and can also be used as an error display for one Serve line break or the like. So one of the LEDs 34, 35 can be used as a diagnostic display.

Individual contact pins 22 of a line connection 6 can be used for diagnosis. For this purpose, the individual contact pin 22 of a line connection 6 via to connect a preferably programmable IC. On single contact pin 22 can be used as input, output and / or as a diagnosis. The user has the possibility of a contact pin of the connector also used for diagnostic purposes, what for error detection is an advantage. 17 is a possible one for this Circuit shown schematically. A multipole Connector 6 is with a contact pin No. 3 Dimensions; the other contact pins No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 are available via semiconductor 40 with a freely programmable IC 41 in connection, which via a data line 42 with the Fieldbus is connected. Depending on the programming of the IC 41, the contact pins 22 can be used in an adapted manner. So contact pin No. 1 is connected to the sensor supply, the contact pin no. 2 as input / diagnosis and the contact pin No. 4 as input / output. The contact pins 22 can can be used as input, output and / or for diagnosis. According to the function and the diagnostic status of the IC 41 is controlled by a respective LED 34a, 35a, 34b, 35b.

The electrical contact between the terminal block 20 of a single component housing 5 and the contact strip 21 of a single component housing 5 to be linked be carried out in a variety of ways. Contacting is advisable, as shown schematically in FIGS. 11 to 16 are.

In Fig. 11, the individual contacts 36 of the terminal block 20 under the force of a spring 37 in conductive contact the individual contacts 38 of the contact strip 21 held. The prerequisite for this is that adequate mechanical Locking in the contact position is guaranteed so the force of the spring 37 maintains a secure contact can.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12, the suspension occurs of the contact springs 36 via the single component housing 5.

Here too it must be ensured that the contact position of Contact strip 21 and terminal strip 18 to one another mechanically is securely secured.

The embodiment of FIG. 13 corresponds essentially the contacting, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is. The terminal block 21 is drawer-like in a gap of the single-component housing 5 to be chained inserted, causing the contact spring 36 through the housing 5 is pressed on the contact 31. Because of the resilient Formation of the contact 36 is a reliable contact given.

14 is a fork contact shown. The contact fork engages around the contact 38 of the Contact strip 21. This type of contact technology has been tried and tested and is available in a variety of designs.

15 is a contact shoe 36a via the flag-like, vertical individual contacts 38a of the contact strip 21. This is done by above, this type of connector from terminal block 20 and contact strip 21 at the same time a mechanical Fixation causes. Mechanically then only for one mechanical securing of the contact position become.

16, the principle of Contact shoes flipped. The contact 38b of the contact bar 21 is designed as a receiving shoe in which the contact 36 the terminal block 20 engages from above.

The listed contact options are a selection the technically possible versions.

18 to 20 is a further embodiment of the Individual component housing 5 according to the invention shown, which meet the requirements of a high protection class such as IP 67 enough. Each individual component housing 5 consists of one Upper housing part 5a and a lower housing part 5b, which a parting plane 43 are closely joined together. In the top 9 is a line connection 6 in the form of a plug connection 17 arranged, in the embodiment shown 18 is provided as an input / output unit.

On a housing face 18, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chain 7 is in the exemplary embodiments 18 to 20 a terminal block 20th provided in the form of a flat connector, the one in the opposite Housing end face 19 of one to be connected Single component housing 5 a corresponding contact strip 21 is assigned, which is designed as a plug opening is. For easy connection and threading of the Flat plug 20 in the flat socket 21 are on one Housing end 18 provided mounting pin 49, which in the opposite end face 19 of the to be connected Single component housing 5 assigned mounting openings 48 are. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each end face 18, 19 four mounting pins 49 or corresponding Mounting openings 48 on. It may be appropriate to use one Housing side 18, 19 both mounting pin 49 and mounting openings 48 to be provided. In the embodiment shown is a mounting pin in each corner of the end face 18, 19 49 or a corresponding mounting opening 48 is arranged. The mounting pins 49 preferably have one Length u, which is greater than the projection h of the tab 20 over the end face 18. In this way when joining two single component housings together the mounting pin 49 in the corresponding Engage mounting openings 48 so that the tab 20 is exactly aligned with the flat socket 21 and a simple Joining the individual component housing 5 at secure contacting is guaranteed. For easy Threading the mounting pin 49 are the free ends slightly chamfered.

The snap connection between the two single component housings 5 is in the embodiment of FIGS. 18 to 20 within the contour of the housing end faces 18, 19. So can the one housing end face 18, preferably the Mounting pin 49 carrying the front of the housing, a locking member 8a in the form of a latching tongue, which essentially protrudes perpendicularly from the housing end face 18. The Locking tongue 8a is assigned in the corresponding opposite housing end face 19 of the to be connected Single component housing 5 a locking member 8b in the form of a Locking opening provided. Here too is for better threading the length of the locking tongue 8a dimensioned such that it is shorter than the mounting pin 49, so that the Mounting pin 49 also the locking tongue 8a to the locking opening 8b is aligned. The individual component housing 5 are then properly connected when the locking tongue 8a has engaged the locking edge 8c of the locking opening 8b. In the end faces lie in this correct installation position 18 and 19 substantially close together, wherein the terminal block 20 and the contact strips 21 to the environment are sealed. For this purpose, the socket 21 have an edge 47 which in the opposite housing end 18 engages and formed as a sealing edge is.

19 shows a label in the top 9 of the housing 50 be used, which in particular covers the locking edge 8c. For dismantling a single component housing label 50 must be removed and to release the locking tongue 8a from the locking edge 8c. is this can happen, the detached single component housing 5 simply subtracted in the direction of the chaining longitudinal axis 7 the electrical contacts are also disconnected.

In Fig. 20 are three concatenated input / output modules 10 shown, with a link unit at one end of the concatenation 11 for connection to the interface to the fieldbus is arranged.

Claims (15)

1. Modular control system for control and automation systems, consisting of a field bus (2) for data and control commands as well as modular individual components such as input modules or output modules (10), control units or similar which can be connected to the field bus (2), the individual components being connected to a voltage supply (1), characterised in that an individual component is disposed in an independent, self-contained individual component housing (5), the individual component housing (5) has a line terminal (6) for connecting to an external system element, e.g. an actuator, a sensor or such like, and in order to set up an interlinked series, the individual component housing (5) has a mechanical connector (8) so that it can be mechanically attached to another individual component housing (5) in an interlinking arrangement, as well as an electric terminal block (20) to provide an electrical connection to a contact block (21) of the other individual component housing (5), and every interlinked series of individual components (10, 12) is connected to the field bus (2) via a linking module (11) and an interface connector (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), and the terminal connections provided via the linking module (11) feed in a loop through the interlinked series.
2. Control system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the mechanical connector (8) and the electrical connection (20, 21) of adjacent individual component housings (5) are disposed on a housing end face (18, 19).
3. Control system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the mechanical connector (8) has a separable snap-on connection, the first latch part (8a) of which is provided on one individual component housing (5) and the other latch part (8b) of which is provided on the other individual component housing (5).
4. Control system as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the one latch part (8a) of the snap-on connection is a latch tongue, which locates in the other latch part (8b) provided in the form of a latch orifice.
5. Control system as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the snap-on connection (8a, 8b) lies within the contour of the mutually facing end faces (18, 19) of the individual component housings (5).
6. Control system as claimed in one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the snap-on connection is integral with the individual component housing (5), which is preferably made from plastic.
7. Control system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the terminal block (20) lies on the one housing end face (18) of the individual component housing (5) and the contact block (21) lies on the other housing end face (19) of the individual component housing (5) remote therefrom.
8. Control system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the terminal block (20) and the contact block (21) are parts of a plug and socket connection.
9. Control system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the individual component housings (5) are connected to one another in a row, one after the other in an interlinking longitudinal axis (7), the plug-in direction of the plug-in connection preferably lying in the same direction as the interlinking longitudinal axis (7).
10. Control system as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that a contact pin (22) of a plug and socket connection forming the line terminal (6) is linked to the field bus (2), preferably via a programmable IC, so that the contact pin (22) can be freely programmed and connected as an input, output and/or for diagnostic purposes in particular.
11. Control system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that a preferably single line terminal (6) with a M-12 thread for a retaining sleeve of a plug (15) is provided in an individual housing component (5) as a socket connector.
12. Control system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that two single line terminals (6) with a M-8 thread for a retaining sleeve of a plug (15) are provided in an individual housing component (5) as socket connectors.
13. Control system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12,
    characterised in that an optical function display, in particular a LED (34, 35), is provided in every individual component housing (5).
14. Control system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that an individual component housing (5) has a mechanical connector which preferably corresponds to the mechanical connector (8) of the individual component housing (5) so that it can be interlinked by a mechanical attachment to an individual component housing (5) via an assembly module (13, 14).
15. Control system as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the assembly module (13) bears an electric terminal block (20) on the one housing end face (18) and a contact block (21) on the other housing end face (19) remote therefrom, the terminal block (20) and the contact block (21) being connected to one another so as to be electrically conductive.

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