DE10036237A1 - Input and output modules for use in a control system uses optical communication between electronic modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The control system is of a type used with industrial processes and the controller is coupled to a general computer using a unit having input/output modules (22). These allow communication with sensors and actuators and intermodule communication is made using and optical bus system (17). The modules have optical links (33,34) with internal boards having opto electrical stages (52,53).

Description

The invention relates to an input and / or output module for use in one Control system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Input and / or output modules are known which are the interface between one control level with data processing components and the sensor or Actuator level in an electrical control system for the automation of technical Represent processes. These input and / or output modules or modules therefore have electrical input and output interfaces for connection to the respective sensors or actuators. These interfaces are usually through terminal strips or through Contact points for electrical cable connections to certain actuators, motors or Sensors or sensors formed. It is also known to have multiple input and / or output construction groups to network with each other via cable connections and the resultant  Bus system the individual input and / or output modules communicatively to a higher-level To connect the master module or to a computer unit. The disadvantage is that this wired bus system requires a complex assembly structure and the achievable net data transfer rates by requiring extensive Control measures for fail-safe data transmission to the top relatively quickly Meet limit values.

The present invention is based on the object of a control system or for this To create usable input and / or output modules, which are simple and Can be networked in a way and which, with the usual components, high net data transmission Enable rates without the need for complex measures.

This object of the invention is achieved by the features in claim 1. Of A particular advantage is that the transmission of the respective input or output data between the individual input and / or output modules using optical signals achieves a relatively high data transfer rate of several megabits per second (Mbit / s) can be used without the risk of incorrect data transmission. One of the most significant advantages, however, is the fact that the Directives required electromagnetic compatibility of the input and / or output construction groups do not pose any problems after the high-frequency signal transmission between the individual modules are done optically and therefore no electromagnetic interference fields in the Surrounding area of an input module or an output module can arise. With simple means such. B. housings or simple shielding measures is therefore the prescribed electromagnetic behavior with regard to radiated electromagnetic radiation fields and also with regard to the compatibility from the outside on the input module or output module acting electromagnetic interference fields easily accessible. In addition, due to the subject of the invention, all confectionery effort for the construction of the data or signal transmission system between individual input and / or output modules are unnecessary. This allows and How the assembly or assembly time can be shortened and there is a risk of faulty Bus connections - like those used in the production of manual cable connections at a Inattentiveness of the mechanic can occur again and again - almost impossible. By the almost fully automatic establishment of the bus connection by simply putting them together row or place the respective input and / or output modules on one The corresponding mounting rail must also be set up, replaced or serviced Control system are not necessarily made by specialist personnel, but are  such activities also by untrained people, such as. B. by the operator of the respective Machine, easily executable. After any cable or line connections between the individual input and / or output modules can be dispensed with conventional sources of error, such as B. cable or wire breaks, or other causes no longer cause difficulties for defective data transmission. Not least can be reduced by saving on connector components and cable connections the total costs of the control system and the respective input modules or Output modules can be achieved.

An embodiment according to claim 2 is also advantageous, since it optically transmits gene signals or data using conventional electronic components in a so-called called "electrical intermediate circuit" processed or changed, supplemented and again can be forwarded.

A possible embodiment according to claim 3 is advantageous, since this dampens the optical signals can be kept low in relation to the transmission path or also poorly performing, optical signals can be reliably transmitted.

A further development according to claim 4 is also advantageous, since it defines a defined optical one Reception interface and a defined, defined transmission interface created becomes.

By the embodiments according to claim 5 or 6 is in an advantageous manner separate assembly effort for the formation of a data connection to a neighboring, bus-compatible input and / or output module is unnecessary.

The configurations described in claims 7 to 9 are also advantageous since As a result, the respective communication interfaces are predefined and error-prone There is no adjustment work or faulty structures can be visually discovered without any problems can.

The embodiments characterized in claim 10 are also advantageous, since they do so on the one hand, the lowest possible attenuation of the optical signals is achieved or on mechanical protection against dust and liquids or moisture is created.

The application of an advantageous bus or data transmission system is due to the  Design according to claim 11 or 12 enables.

The embodiment according to claim 13 advantageously enables extensive Removal of the input and / or output module or a wirelessly networked unit Input and / or output modules from a decentralized computer unit. In addition can the communicative connection via corresponding lines also with each other demarcated or relatively moved units are ensured.

Further advantageous embodiments are described in claims 14 to 17, because thereby also the signal feedback path of the optical I / O bus system with ring structure automatically without the need for a separate signal return line Stringing the input and / or output modules together.

An embodiment according to claim 18 is also advantageous, since it enables a group or a group Unit consisting of several input and / or output modules, extensive or spatially of one higher-level computer unit or CPU or master module can be sold, without causing transmission problems due to the very different transmission distances occur. It is also advantageous that the section of the I / O Bus system without problems with computer units or movable relative to this sub-area Master or CPU modules, e.g. B. which z. B. arranged on moving machine parts are connected.

Through the development according to claim 19, the cabling or wiring effort for the individual input and / or output modules can also be reduced.

Central computer units or CPU or master modules and also decentralized arranged input and / or output modules, which are larger for bridging Distances are wired and when there is a shorter transmission Distances are coupled wirelessly, are described in claims 20 to 23.

Optical deflection devices or the light deflecting elements can by the Training according to claim 24 are advantageously dispensed with.

Low-loss transmission of the optical signals or use of relatively inexpensive, Less powerful signal converter is through the training according to claim 25 favored.  

The beginning of the optical signal feedback path in the last of the lined up and / or output modules can be set by the configuration according to claim 26 become.

Due to the largely continuous signal feedback path with at least sections bridging light-guiding elements can be provided with only one optical transmission element relatively low transmission power or low intensity of the optical signal a relatively large transmission distance can be covered and thus the optical transmission element or the electrical / optical signal converter in the last input and / or output module radiate through all upstream input and / or output modules.

Through the development according to claim 27, either a manual or automatic Bus termination or structure of the signal feedback path can be realized.

Finally, an embodiment according to claim 28 is advantageous because, due to the comparative wise low-loss signal transmission or the relatively low attenuation with low optical transmission power over longer distances without the need for intermediate Amplifier stages can be bridged.

The invention is described below with reference to that shown in the drawings Exemplary embodiments explained.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a system overview of a possible embodiment of a control system with the input and / or output modules according to the invention in simplified simplified schematic representation.

Fig. 2 shows the unit of several input and / or output modules and an associated bus coupling module according to FIG. 1 in a highly simplified, schematic Dar position.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described exemplary embodiments Identify the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names the, the disclosures contained in the entire description on the same che parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names  that can. The location information selected in the description, such as. B. above, un th, laterally, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are in the event of a change in position, to be transferred accordingly to the new position. Furthermore, also Individual features or combinations of features from those shown and described below Different embodiments for independent, inventive or fictional represent reasonable solutions.

In Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a possible embodiment is shown of a control system 1 for the automation of any technical processes. A control system of this type can preferably be used to control and / or regulate the processes of plastics processing machines, in particular injection molding machines or their handling or manipulation devices or other robots.

This embodiment of the control system 1 includes, among other things, a computer unit 2 , which takes over a central, data processing function and is in communication with most of the components of the control system 1 . The computer unit 2 thus represents a central unit which is superordinate to the other components of the control system 1 and which partially fulfills administration, control and / or regulation tasks.

The computer unit 2 is optionally formed by a standardized industrial computer 3 in the form of a personal computer and also comprises an optical or graphic display and operating device 4 in the form of a touch-sensitive screen or a so-called touch screen 5 .

By combining the touch screen 5 with the industrial computer 3 , a central management unit for the control system 1 is achieved, which enables a comfortable and intuitive management of the overall system.

The computing unit 2 also includes a number of further input devices 6 and output devices 7 . In particular, a keyboard 8 , an identification device 9, preferably in the form of a reading device, and additional storage devices 10 in the form of CD or DVD drives 11 and / or in the form of hard disk drives 12 can be provided for data input into the industrial computer 3 .

In addition to the optical output device 7 , acoustic output devices 7 , such as. B. loudspeaker 13 or buzzer and graphic output devices 7 in the form of printers 14 . If necessary, it is also possible to carry out the computer unit 2 or the display and operating device 4 in the form of a so-called hand-held terminal.

A switching unit 15 in the manner of a switch panel with a plurality of switching and / or display organs 16 is provided at some distance from the computer unit 2 or the display and operating device 4 . The switching and / or display elements 16 can by membrane keys, switches and integrated or separately arranged optical signaling elements, such as. B. LEDs are formed.

If necessary, the stationary switching unit 15 can also be formed by a mobile operating and display unit in the manner of a so-called hand-held terminal.

The communication between the switching unit 15 and a CPU module, in particular the computer unit 2 , takes place via an input and / or output bus system, I / O bus system 17 for short, based on optical signals. The I / O connection is made directly from assembly to assembly. There can therefore be several independent I / O bus segments.

The I / O bus system 17 is used to connect a CPU module to the input and / or output modules described in more detail below, with or without their own processor unit.

A master / slave access is thus carried out via the I / O bus system 17 using optical signaling. The data transfer rate achieved with the optical I / O bus system 17 is between 10 Mbit / s to 50 Mbit / s. Depending on the data transfer rate and the light-guiding element 18 used, the transmission distance between the modules concerned is up to 25 meters when using plastic optical fibers and a data transfer rate of 50 Mbit / s or up to approx. 300 meters when using fiber optic cables and a max. Data transfer rate of 50 Mbit / s.

The serial communication between a master or CPU module 19 with its own processor unit and an I / O module (input and / or output module) thus takes place serially via light guide elements 18 in the manner of light guides or fiber optic cables.

In contrast, the communication between individual master or CPU modules 19 , including the computer unit 2 or the corresponding control panel computer, takes place via a standardized, serial multimaster system bus 20 . This line-bound multimaster system bus 20 is through a line-bound bus system with electrical signal transmission, for. B. formed by a standardized Ethernet or Firewire connection. The multimaster communication between the master or CPU modules 19 thus takes place in a line-bound manner and by means of electrical signals via the multimaster system bus 20 .

If necessary, it is also possible for the communication between the master or CPU modules 19 to also take place via the optical I / O bus system 17 . In this case a CPU is the master. All other CPU's in the system are then slaves and in this case the electrical multimaster system bus 20 could be completely omitted.

The master or CPU modules 19 arranged decentrally to the computer unit 2 or to the control panel computer are basically independent computing or control units with their own computer core and can, for example, take over subtasks in the control system 1 . These subtasks include, among other things, the control of handling axes, color mixing devices, hydraulic locking devices, heating devices and the like. The master or CPU modules 19 are therefore modules with their own CPU that directly process the control and regulation applications. Above all, these are quick control tasks or special functions.

The multimaster system bus 20 serves, inter alia, to exchange the process image between the computer unit 2 and the master or CPU modules 19 . In addition to the time-critical data, the multimaster system bus 20 also transports debug data.

If an Ethernet connection is used as the multimaster system bus 20 , TCP / IP is used as the protocol for the data exchange. The corresponding hardware and software components of the Ethernet bus system are widespread and are easy to couple with the computer unit 2 or the industrial computer 3 .

If a Firewire connection is used as the Multimaster system bus 20 , even larger distances of up to 100 meters can be bridged without problems using fiber optic technology.

The multimaster system bus 20 between the master or CPU modules 19 and the I / O bus system 17 between master or CPU modules 19 and I / O modules 22 make it possible to decentralize individual modules of the control system 1st In the I / O bus system 17 , decentralization takes place via a Buskop pelmodul 21 . This creates individual I / O module islands, which are connected via the I / O bus system 17 to a master or CPU module 19 , for example to the switching unit 15 or the computer unit 2 .

The bus coupling module 21 serves to couple the line-connected part of the I / O bus system 17 into and out of the line-free part of the I / O bus system 17 with the I / O modules or the input and / or output modules 22 strung together.

The individual, independently constructed input and / or output modules 22 serve to integrate actuators or sensors in the control system 1 .

These input and / or output modules 22 can each be snapped onto a mounting rail 23 separately and represent the inputs and outputs of the control system 1 .

The input and / or output modules 22 thus have electrical interfaces 24 for connecting actuators or sensors in the area of the machine to be controlled.

Preferably, a single input and / or output module 22 exclusively has either only inputs for connecting sensors or only outputs for controlling actuators. The inputs can be implemented as digital inputs or as analog signal inputs. Likewise, the outputs of an input and / or output module 22 can be formed by analog signal outputs or by digital switching outputs.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the middle input and / or output module 22 is formed by a multiple, in particular 32-fold, digital input module. The input and / or output module 22 adjacent to the right side is formed by a multiple, in particular 32-fold, digital output module.

The input and / or output module 22 closest to the bus coupling module 21 is formed, for example, by a temperature measuring module which enables the connection of different types of temperature sensors. This temperature measurement module is therefore a unit for recording temperature values of different sensor types. This Temperaturmeßmo module is used, for example, to record the measured values from temperature sensors on heating devices of plastic processing machines with several heating zones.

In addition to the input and / or output modules 22 described , modules or modules can also be provided for connecting pressure transducers.

The input and / or output modules 22 and the associated bus coupling module 21 are supplied with electrical energy, as is known per se, via at least one power rail 25 on the mounting rail 23 . The electrical energy is preferably fed into the busbar 25 via the bus coupling module 21 , which anyway has a voltage supply unit or a power supply unit for supplying its CPU.

When mounting or snapping the input and / or output modules 22 onto the mounting rail 23 , electrical contact is simultaneously made with the busbar 25 from which the input and / or output modules 22 are supplied with electrical energy. The electrical energy for the input and / or output modules 22 is primarily required to supply the electrical functional components and to operate optical display elements at the interfaces 24 to visualize the respective input and output states and, if appropriate, to supply sensors or actuators.

Individual master or CPU assemblies 19 can also be snapped onto the mounting rail 23 and can also be supplied with electrical energy via the busbar 25 or feed electrical energy into the busbar 25 .

FIG. 2 shows a section of FIG. 1 in a highly schematic manner on an enlarged scale.

Several input and / or output modules 22 are lined up in rows or arranged on the mounting rail 23 . Likewise, the bus coupling module 21 is placed on the mounting rail 23 at the beginning of the input and / or output modules 22 lined up in rows.

The input and / or output modules 22 each have their own cassette-like receiving housing 26 . These cassette-like receptacle housings 26 are formed at least by a base shell 27 and a corresponding cover element 28 . In a front wall 29 of the receiving housing 26 , the interfaces 24 are provided for establishing an optionally detachable connection to the sensors and / or to the actuators in the control system 1 . These interfaces 24 on the front walls 29 of the receiving housing 26 can be formed by plug parts or electrical clamping points.

The receptacle housing 26 has a snap device on the rear side, via which it can be connected to the mounting rail 23 or to the rear wall of a control cabinet.

As shown schematically, status displays 30 , for example in the form of light-emitting diodes, can also be provided on the front wall 29 to visualize the respective input and output states at the interface 24 .

At least one printed circuit board 31 for holding and electrically connecting a plurality of electronic or electrical components 32 is arranged in the interior of the receiving housing 26 .

In addition to the electrical interface 24 to the sensors or actuators, each input and / or output module 22 comprises at least one optical communication interface 33 , 34 for line-free or line-free communication with at least one adjacent input and / or output module 22 . In particular, an input and / or output module 22 comprises an optical communication interface 33 for the reception of optical signals 35 and also an optical communication interface 34 for the transmission of optical signals 36 .

These two optical communication interfaces 33 , 34 are provided on opposite sides, in particular on opposite side walls 37 , 38 of the receiving housing 26 .

These optical communication interfaces 33 , 34 are interfaces or "nodes" to the optical I / O bus system 17 , which is located between the individual input and / or output modules 22 , the bus coupling module 21 and decentralized master or CPU modules 19 , such as B. the computing unit 2 or the switching unit 15 extends.

The bus coupling module 21 in the I / O bus system 17 basically has the task of setting off relatively large units composed of a plurality of input and / or output modules 22 from the master or CPU modules 19 or from the switching unit 15 , which therefore can also be referred to as I / O module islands to couple to the next master or CPU module 19 . In particular, the bus coupler 21 in the I / O bus system 17 has the relatively extensive transmission distance to the next master or CPU module 19 or to the switching unit 15 and the relatively short transmission distance to the adjacent input and / or output module 22 or to the relative Compensate small distances between two input and / or output modules 22 or make appropriate adjustments. A fundamental change in the bus protocol or a change in the data on the I / O bus system 17 is not made by the bus coupler 21 .

The bus coupler 21 can therefore also be referred to as a converter from the line-bound part of the I / O bus system 17 to the line-bound or wireless part of the I / O bus system 17 and vice versa. The bus coupler 21 thus converts the line-bound optical signals received via the I / O bus system 17 for the wireless transmission to the next input and / or output module 22 and transfers a correspondingly deformed optical signal 35 to the subsequent input and / or or output assembly 22 . Likewise, an optical signal 40 received by the bus coupler 21 without a cable and which can be received by the adjacent input and / or output module 22 is implemented in the bus coupler 21 and as a corresponding optical signal 41 for wired transmission via the I / O bus system 17 conditioned to the switching unit 15 or to the master or CPU module 19 .

Of course, it is also possible to temporarily store the data corresponding to the respective signals 35 , 39 , 40 , 41 using electronic storage elements in the bus coupler 21 , and in particular in the line-bound part of the I / O bus system 17 to have a different data transmission rate and / or a different one To select bus protocol as in the wireless or line-free part of the I / O bus system 17 between the bus coupler 21 and the input and / or output modules 22 . If there is a change in the time sequences or the bus protocol in the bus coupler 21 , the data transmission rate in the line-bound part of the I / O bus system 17 is usually higher than in the line-free part of the I / O bus system 17 between the adjacent inputs and / or or output modules 22 .

The primary task of the bus coupler 21 , however, is the fail-safe transfer of the optical signals 35 , 39 ; 40 , 41 from the wired part of the I / O bus system 17 to the lineless part of the I / O bus system 17 and vice versa.

The line-bound part of the optical I / O bus system 17 comprises at least two optical waveguides 42 , 43 , each of which is designed as an independent cable, or can also be combined as a light conductor in a common cable.

Is the line-bound part of the I / O bus system 17 realized with electrical signaling - as is illustrated by a cable 44 shown in dashed lines - the bus coupler 21 converts the electrical signals into corresponding optical signals for subsequent transmission in the line-free Part of the I / O bus system 17 . Likewise, in this case the received optical signals 40 are converted into corresponding electrical signals for transmission via the cable 40 .

Of course, it is also possible to implement the function of the bus coupling module 21 in an input and / or output module 22 , so that the bus coupling module 21 can be dispensed with as an independent module. In this case, the optical fibers 42 , 43 or at least one cable 44 for the line-bound part of the I / O bus system 17 connect directly to the first input and / or output module 22 of the corresponding I / O module island.

To set up the optical I / O bus system 17 with point-to-point connections between the individual bus users, the bus coupling module 21 has on the one hand an optical / electrical signal converter 45 , which is in operative connection with the optical waveguide 42 , by means of which the optical signals 39 be fed. In addition, the bus coupler 21 comprises an electrical / optical signal converter 46 , with which optical signals 41 are emitted into the outgoing from the bus coupler 21 or into the optical fiber 43 leading back to a master or CPU module 19 .

Received line-bound optical signals 39 are converted in the bus coupler 21 by means of the signal converter 45 to corresponding electrical signals and converted into a suitable optical signal 35 by means of a further electrical / optical signal converter 47 , which is via an optical interface 48 of the bus coupling module 21 and, if appropriate existing air transmission path 49 is wirelessly forwarded to the adjacent input and / or output module 22 . In particular, the bus coupler 21 communicates via its optical interface 48 in a cable-free or wireless manner with the assigned optical communication interface 33 of the adjacent input and / or output module 22 .

For the illustrated case of the construction of an I / O bus system 17 with a ring structure, the bus coupler 21 also has a further optical interface 50 and an optical / electrical signal converter 51 assigned to it for receiving an optical signal emitted by the adjacent input and / or output module 22 40 on. This received via the opti cal interface 50 optical signal 40 is converted by means of the signal converter 51 into a corresponding electrical signal and subsequently by means of the assigned electrical / optical signal converter 46 as an optical signal 41 via the optical fiber 43 to a master or CPU module 19 forwarded.

Likewise, each input and / or output module 22 includes the signal converters 52 , 53 assigned to the two optical communication interfaces 33 , 34 . The optical / electrical signal converter 52 is assigned to the communication interface 33 for receiving the optical signals 35 , and the electrical / optical signal converter 53 is assigned to the communication interface 34 for transmitting optical signals 36 .

The electrical intermediate circuits between the signal converters 52 , 53 are used for evaluating or processing the signals or data on the I / O bus system 17 . In particular intended for the respective input and / or output module 22 in the data Si are evaluated gnalfluß and placed in the event of matching or corresponding output data in an appropriate form via the interfaces 24 to the respective outputs and forwarded to the respective actuators.

Likewise, the electrical intermediate circuits in the input and / or output modules 22 are used to integrate input data from the interfaces 24 into the data stream of the I / O bus system 17 and via the electrical / optical signal converter 53 or via the corresponding optical communication interface 34 forward to the subsequent input and / or output module 22 .

In the electrical intermediate circuits, data transmitted on the I / O bus are read out or input data from an input and / or output module 22 are placed on the optical I / O bus system 17 and passed on in optical form to subsequent modules. An optical signal feedback path 54 is provided in order to achieve the "ring closure" in the illustrated optical I / O bus system 17 with a ring structure. For this purpose, at least one light-guiding element 55 , 56 is provided in each input and / or output assembly 22 , which extends essentially over the entire width of the receiving housing 26 between the opposite side walls 37 , 38 . However, each input and / or output module 22 is preferably provided with two light-guiding elements 55 , 56 lined up in a row, essentially without gaps, whose end regions facing away from one another form a light entry point 57 and a light exit point 58 . The light entry point 57 and the light exit point 58 are assigned to the opposite side walls 37 , 38 of the mega housing 26 .

The lined up input and / or output modules 22 with the light guiding elements 55 , 56 passing through the receiving housing 26 can thus form the optical signal feedback path 54 from the last input and / or output module 22 to the bus coupler 21 .

The position of at least one light guide element 55 , 56 , in particular of the light guide element 56, can be assumed by a further electrical / optical signal converter 59 which can be assigned to the optical signal return path 54 . In particular, the light-emitting surface of the optical signal converter 59 is the light entry surface of the light guide element 55 zuor denbar. Especially in the last input and / or output module 22 of the I / O module island, the light guide element 56 is replaced by the electrical / optical signal converter 59 , so that the signal converter 59 can initiate a corresponding optical feedback signal 60 in the light guide element 55 . The uniform orientation or exact alignment of all light guide elements 55 , 56 in the individual input and / or output modules 22 creates a continuous optical signal feedback path 54 which extends over all input and / or output modules 22 . As a result, the optical feedback signal 60 from the last input and / or output module 22 can radiate through all the upstream input and / or output modules 22 and can then be recorded as an optical signal 40 by the bus coupler 21 .

The signal converter 59 can preferably be engaged and disengaged in the signal feedback path 54 in each input and / or output module 22 . However, the signal converter 59 is only put into the light-transmitting position in the last or in that input and / or output module 22 which is furthest away from the bus coupler.

The electrical / optical signal converter 59 , which is assigned to the signal feedback path 54 , can thus be moved from a rest position 61 into a working position 62 and vice versa. In the rest position 61 of the signal converter 59 , the light guide elements 55 , 56 form a continuous light guide path over the entire width of the receiving housing 26 . In the working position 62 of the signal converter 59 , the longitudinal central axes of the two Lichtleitele elements 55 , 56 are arranged offset from one another and the signal converter 59 can radiate the optical feedback signal 60 directly into the light guide element 55 .

Via an adjusting device 63 there is therefore the possibility of changing the position of the signal converter 59 with the position of at least one light-guiding element 56 . For the adjusting device 63 , all of the adjusting mechanisms known from the prior art can be provided for achieving rotational or translational adjusting movements.

The construction of the signal return path 54 in the last input and / or output module 22 by operating the adjustment device 63 can thereby be performed manually, or also automatically upon snapping the last receptacle housing 26 on the mounting rail 23rd The manual switching of the adjusting device 63 is preferably carried out without tools or with a standard tool, such as. B. a screwdriver.

For an automatic switchover of the adjusting device 63 into the working position 62 of the signal converter 59 , kinematic systems known from the prior art can be used for coupling snap-on and adjusting movements.

In the last input and / or output module 22 , the signal flow in the optical I / O bus system 17 is virtually redirected and returned via the signal feedback path 54 to the bus coupler 21 or to the master or CPU module 19 assigned to it.

If the last input and / or output module 22 is a module for receiving sensor data, this data is incorporated in the electrical intermediate circuit of this input and / or output module group 22 in a corresponding form and in an optical form on the I / O bus system 17 laid. The optical communication interface 34 or the corresponding electrical / optical signal converter 53 can be switched to inactive in the last input and / or output module 22 manually or automatically when the adjusting device 63 is actuated.

Instead of the optical signal feedback path 54 integrated in the input and / or output modules 22 , it is also possible, starting from the last input and / or output module 22, to establish a line connection to the bus coupler 21 or directly to the associated CPU or master module 19 build up.

Furthermore, it is noted that the illustration according to FIG. 2 is shown disproportionately and in a greatly simplified manner to illustrate the construction according to the invention. So is z. B. the distance or the space between adjacent input and / or output modules 22 or the distance to the bus coupling module 21 only a few tenths of a millimeter to a few millimeters. In particular, the optical communication interfaces 33, 34 and / or the light entrance and light exit points 57 may be continuous anein other ranked to the receiving housings 26 58th

The air transmission path 49 between the optical communication interfaces 33 , 34 or between the optical interfaces 48 , 50 and the associated optical communication interface 33 or the light exit point 58 is preferably kept as small as possible. In the ideal case, there is no air transmission path 49 or no gap and the light entry and exit points 57 , 58 of the optical interfaces mentioned are adjacent to one another without gaps. Due to mechanical tolerances of the receptacle housing 26 and inevitable assembly tolerances, an air transmission path 49 of a few tenths of a millimeter to a few centimeters is usually permissible.

Deviating from the illustrated embodiment of the optical I / O bus system 17 with a ring structure, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to set up a bidirectional data bus in which data or signals are transmitted and received in succession on one and the same signal path, thereby causing own signal feedback line can be dispensed with.

At least between the input and / or output modules 22 arranged adjacent to one another, an optical I / O bus system 17 with a “daisy chain structure” is constructed, ie the receive and transmit interfaces of an input and / or output module 22 are galvanic separated from each other and are each designed as an independent communication interface 33 for receiving signals and as an independent communication interface 34 for transmitting signals. The electrical decoupling between the communication interface 33 and the communication interface 34 is also achieved by the optical / electrical or by the electrical / optical signal converter 52 , 53 .

The bus users, in particular the input and / or output modules 22 and / or the bus coupler 21, form a so-called chain-like bus structure with a ring architecture. In the case of this "daisy chain structure" with serial connection of the bus users, a signal state change at an input of a bus user does not have a direct effect on the signal states at the output interface of this bus user.

The light guide elements 55 , 56 preferably pass through the side walls 37 , 38 of the housing 26 . If necessary, however, it is also possible to make at least partial areas of the side walls 37 , 38 of the receiving housing 26 transparent and to bring the light-guiding elements 55 , 56 to the surfaces of the transparent areas facing the interior.

In any case, it is also possible to dispense with the light guide elements 55 , 56 , provided that a correspondingly intense or focused light signal is emitted.

The same applies to the signal converters 52 , 53 on the optical communication interfaces 33 , 34 . However, the optical communication interfaces 33 , 34 preferably also comprise relatively short light-guiding elements 64 , 65 . These light-guiding elements 64 , 65 then extend between the signal entry and exit points of the signal converters 52 , 53 into the vicinity of the respective side wall 37 , 38 of the receiving housing 26 to form the optical communication interface 33 and 34, respectively.

Instead of the electrical supply of the input and / or output modules 22 via the rear busbar 25 , it is also possible to supply the electrical supply voltage directly by means of suitable contact tongues or contact pins and assignable contact points via the side walls 37 , 38 of an input and / or output module 22 to the neighboring or subordinate input and / or output module 22 . These Kontaktzun conditions or contact points on the side walls 37 , 38 are guided to the corresponding St len on the printed circuit board 31 in the receiving housing 26 to ensure the electrical supply of the respective components 32 . The electrical contacting of the adjacent input and / or output modules 22 also takes place automatically when the modules are placed on the mounting rail 23 .

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that for a better understanding of the Construction of the input and / or output assembly of this or its components partially un were shown to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be the Be be taken from the letter.

Above all, the individual versions shown in FIGS. 1, 2 can form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

List of reference symbols

1

Control system

2nd

Computing unit

3rd

Industrial computer

4

Display and control device

5

Touch screen

6

Input device

7

Dispenser

8th

keyboard

9

Identification device

10th

Storage device

11

CD or DVD drive

12th

Hard drive

13

speaker

14

printer

15

Switching unit

16

Switching and / or display element

17th

I / O bus system

18th

Light guiding element

19th

Master or CPU module

20th

Multimaster system bus

21

Bus coupling module

22

Input and / or output module

23

Mounting rail

24th

Interface (electr.)

25th

Track

26

Receptacle

27

Base shell

28

Cover element

29

Front wall

30th

Status display

31

Printed circuit board

32

Component

33

Communication interface

34

Communication interface

35

signal

36

signal

37

Side wall

38

Side wall

39

Signal (opt./ before bus coupler)

40

Signal (back in bus coupler)

41

Signal (opt.)

42

optical fiber

43

optical fiber

44

electric wire

45

Signal converter (opt./electr.)

46

Signal converter (electr./opt.)

47

Signal converter (electr./opt.)

48

Interface (opt. OUT on the bus coupler)

49

Air transmission route

50

Interface (opt. IN on the bus coupler)

51

Signal converter (in the bus coupler)

52

Signal converter (in I / O module)

53

Signal converter (in I / O module)

54

Signal feedback path

55

Light guiding element

56

Light guiding element

57

Light entry point

58

Light exit point

59

Signal converter

60

Feedback signal (opt.)

61

Resting position

62

Working position

63

Adjustment device

64

Light guiding element

65

Light guiding element

Claims (28)

1. input and / or output module with or without its own processor unit for use in a control system with at least one higher-level computer unit, comprising electrical interfaces for integrating sensors and / or actuators into the control system and an additional interface to a further input and / or output module, characterized in that at least two optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) for wireless communication with a stackable, adjacent input and / or output module ( 22 ) for building an optical I / O bus system ( 17 ) between several Input and / or output modules ( 22 ) are formed. 2. input and / or output module according to claim 1, characterized in that the two optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) by an optical / electrical rule and by an electrical / optical signal converter ( 52 , 53 ) are formed. 3. input and / or output module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) a connection possibility without an air gap or via a slight air transmission path ( 49 ) to each associated optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) on an adjacent input and / or output module ( 22 ). 4. input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optical communication interface ( 33 ) a transmitting point and the other optical communication interface ( 34 ) a remote station in the air transmission path ( 49 ) for optical signals ( 35 , 36 ) in the optical I / O bus system ( 17 ). 5. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) for integrating the input and / or output module ( 22 ) into the optical I / O bus system ( 17 ) between a plurality of input and / or output modules ( 22 ) and for sending and / or receiving visible or invisible optical signals ( 35 , 36 ) in or out of the line or wireless transmission path of the optical I / O bus system ( 17 ) are formed. 6. input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical communication interface ( 33 ) for wired or wireless connection with an upstream input and / or output module ( 22 ) and at least an optical communication interface ( 34 ) for line or wireless connection to a downstream input and / or output module ( 22 ) is arranged. 7. input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optical communication interface ( 33 , 34 ) is formed on surfaces of the input and / or output module ( 22 ) facing away from each other. 8. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the first boundary surface an optical communication interface ( 33 ) for receiving optical signals ( 35 ) and on the opposite boundary surface an optical communication interface ( 34 ) is designed to emit optical signals ( 36 ). 9. input and / or output module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the boundary surfaces are formed by opposite side walls ( 37 , 38 ) of a receiving housing ( 26 ) of the input and / or output module ( 22 ). 10. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that opposite side walls ( 37 , 38 ) of the receiving housing ( 26 ) each have at least one opening or a transparent part area for the passage of the optical signals. 11. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed for integration into a serial, optical I / O bus system ( 17 ) with a ring structure. 12. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that these as participants in a line-less part of the I / O bus system ( 17 ) with serial, chain-like bus structure, in particular in the manner of a da isy- Chain bus system. 13. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that these with the interposition of a Buskop pelmodul ( 21 ) for connection to a line-bound part of the I / O bus system ( 17 ) with the computer unit ( 2nd ) is communicatively connectable. 14. input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on each side wall ( 37 , 38 ) in addition to the optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) further optical interfaces are formed. 15. The input and / or output module according to claim 14, characterized in that the further optical interfaces are formed by at least one light guide element ( 55 , 56 ) leading from one side wall ( 37 ) to the opposite side wall ( 38 ). 16. Input and / or output module according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the further optical interfaces are formed by a light entry point ( 57 ) with at least one adjoining light guide element ( 55 , 56 ) with a light exit point ( 58 ). 17. Input and / or output module according to one or more of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the additional optical interfaces or the light input and light exit point ( 57 , 58 ) on the receiving housing ( 26 ) for integration into an optical rule Signal feedback path ( 54 ) or for establishing the ring closure in the I / O bus system ( 17 ) for the purpose of returning optical signals ( 40 , 60 ) to the higher-level bus coupling module ( 21 ). 18. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bus coupling module ( 21 ) for connecting the line-free part of the optical I / O bus system ( 17 ) between lined-up input and / or output modules ( 22 ) on a line-bound part of the optically and / or electrically configured part of the I / O bus system ( 17 ) and vice versa. 19. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of at least one feed contact on the bus coupling module ( 21 ), feeding an electrical voltage into a busbar ( 25 ) for the electrical supply by means of a need-releasable Schnappvorrich device snap-on input and / or output modules ( 22 ) is executed. 20. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bus coupling module ( 21 ) coupling between the line-bound, optically or electrically constructed part of the I / O bus system ( 17 ) with the the optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) from a plurality of line-less networked input and / or output modules ( 22 ) constructed part of the I / O bus system ( 17 ), which represents an input and / or output module island. 21. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that individual input and / or output modules selen by means of bus coupling modules ( 21 ) over greater distances of several meters to the computer unit ( 2 ) or to one higher-level master or CPU module ( 19 ) can be removed. 22. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) for communicative connection with a corresponding optical communication interface ( 33 , 34 ) of an adjacent input and / / or output assembly ( 22 ) are formed. 23. An input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving housing ( 26 ) and / or the corresponding communication interfaces ( 33 , 34 ) and / or the light entry and exit points ( 57 , 58 ) without an intermediate gap or via an air transmission path ( 49 ) from a few tenths of a millimeter to several centimeters. 24. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on a first side of a printed circuit board ( 31 ) or a component carrier in the receiving housing ( 26 ) of the optical / electrical signal converter ( 52 ) and on the opposite side of the printed circuit board ( 31 ) or the component carrier of the electrical / optical signal converter ( 53 ) is arranged. 25. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the optical / electrical signal converter ( 52 ) and / or on the electrical / optical signal converter ( 53 ), a light guide element ( 64 ; 65 ) closes, which defines the optical communication interface ( 33 ; 34 ) on the receiving housing ( 26 ). 26. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further electrical / optical signal converter ( 59 ) by means of an adjusting device ( 63 ) between a rest position ( 61 ) and a working position ( 62 ), in which a transmission of optical signals ( 40 , 60 ) in the optical signal feedback path ( 54 ) is made possible, is adjustable. 27. input and / or output module according to claim 26, characterized in that the additional electrical / optical signal converter ( 59 ) at least in the last input and / or output module ( 22 ) provided an input and / or output module island and optionally by one User or automatically by plugging the last input and / or output module ( 22 ) on a corresponding mounting rail ( 23 ) or on the busbar ( 25 ) in the working position ( 62 ) is adjustable. 28. Input and / or output module according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optionally engageable and disengageable, electrical / optical signal converter ( 59 ) with the printed circuit board ( 31 ) is electrically conductively contacted and in the working position ( 62 ) replaced a section of the two-part light-guiding element ( 55 ; 56 ) in the signal feedback path ( 54 ).