DE102007004865A1 - Rail-based, modular device system of industrial information network technology - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a rail-based, modular device system (1) of industrial information network technology. The device system has at least one separate active network device (2b) and at least one separate passive network device (2a). The network devices each have a housing (11) which can be fastened to a rail and at least one input line (4) and at least one output connector (5). In order to keep manufacturing costs low despite the large number of variants, the invention provides that the housing (11) has a rear housing element (12), which can be fastened to the rail retaining means (14) and formed identical for the active and the passive network device is.

Description

The The invention relates to a rail-based, modular device system the industrial information network technology, with at least one separate active and a separate passive network device, each one attachable to a rail housing and at least one input contact arrangement and at least one Having output connector.

In industrial network technology are based on Ethernet Information technology applications active network devices like power distribution, also called "switch" or star distributor, and passive network devices such as junction boxes, in particular for patch cables, sometimes referred to as jumper cables, used. The active network devices are different from the passive network devices through a between the Input contact arrangement and the at least one output connector Intermediate electronics, while the passive network devices without intermediate electronics, only the input contact arrangement connects to the output connectors. Active network devices At first, you depend on an external energy supply.

It is common in industrial network technology used in the wall, in cable channels or similar installed network cables at transfer points in one Switch cabinet to be connected to junction boxes, of which turn lead the flexible jumper cables to the respective terminals. The jumper cables are usually with 8-pin modular Connectors, such as RJ45 plugs provided.

In addition to simple devices for top hat rail mounting, robust devices for industrial use are also known. These rugged devices are suitable for top hat rails or wall mounting, in some cases also for outdoor use, and feature particularly robust plug connectors as well as additional support collars. In the DE 10 2004 038 123 B4 Such robust devices and connectors are described.

Further are from industrial information network equipment with some firmly clamped network cables known.

A modular connection system for Ethernet applications in the industrial sector is in the EP 1 317 783 B1 described.

Of the Disadvantage of the known device systems is that the manufacturing cost of the device system is too high, in particular if the device system has multiple variants of network devices includes.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, a modular device system to make the type mentioned so that the manufacturing cost reduced compared to the known systems.

These Task is for the above-mentioned rail-based, modular device system according to the invention thereby solved that the case is a backward Housing member having a fastened to the rail Holding means includes and that for the active and the passive Network device is identical.

By This simple measure can be used to manufacture the device system necessary production costs are reduced, since independently of the type of network device, an identical backward Housing element is used.

outgoing from this basic principle further improvements are possible each of which can be independently combined with each other.

So the device system can have a fixed connection module, that equally for the active and passive Network devices, in particular for receiving the input contact arrangement can be used. In the fixed connection module can the strands of a network cable are contacted individually and directly, for example by cutting clamps. For this purpose, the fixed connection module in particular have a terminal connection to which the network cable permanently connectable. The fixed connection module can be designed in particular in the form of a cover. The cover can be arranged captive on the housing, for example through a simple plug hinge. The fixed connection module can further form a train protection for an input line, with this on the network device can be clamped.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device system have a dummy module, the exchangeable against the fixed connection module attached to the passive and / or the active network device can be. The dummy module is preferably closed on all sides before, so if the fixed connection module is not needed, the interior of the network device is closed by the dummy module is, without leaving any openings, through the dirt gets into the interior of the housing.

The fixed connection module and / or the dummy module are preferably designed so that they without special tools, solely by standard tools, such as commercial screw breadwrenches, pliers, wrenches or bit sets, are operable.

From Advantage is further, if the rear housing element has a receptacle for the fixed connection module, as this the necessary variety of variants for the front, from the Rail facing away housing element decreases: In the design of the Front housing element no longer needs to be considered be taken, whether a permanent connection is necessary or not. The front housing element can be purely according to the connection requirements be formed of the respective network device.

Around the volume of construction of the device system mounted on the rail keep as small as possible and the network devices in each case to be able to attach side by side to the rail, the fixed connection module can be an access opening for a network cable or a leading to the input contact arrangement Have input line, which mounted in the rail State opens down and especially at the bottom Side surface of the network device may be arranged can.

From It is also advantageous if the network devices of the device system have standardized housing sizes, which are sized to be the active and the passive network device with fully occupied rail interchangeable housing sizes exhibit. By this measure, an operator can Network devices even after mounting on the rail even exchange freely with each other when the rail is full. Especially In this embodiment, the exchange is also an active network device against a passive network device and vice versa possible.

Further can in a further independently advantageous Design the network devices with a power supply connection be in the mounted on the rail state down is directed. The power supply connection can also be used as a power supply module be designed, the part of the housing of the active and the passive network device. With this arrangement, there is no space for the power supply on the side necessary and the devices can be right next to each other mounted with adjacent side walls on the rail become.

Of the at least one output connector is preferably located on the front of the network devices facing away from the rail. are several output connectors present, so are all preferably superimposed on the front, in particular in alignment, arranged. To as many network devices as possible to accommodate a given rail length, it is beneficial if the network devices have a narrow form factor exhibit. This is achieved according to the invention by that the network devices each have a width in the rail direction not more than about 2 times the width of correspond to the housing front located plug receptacles. This width allows an ergonomically good access to the Connector, without adversely affecting the form factor.

Of the narrow form factor may additionally or alternatively thereby be ensured that located on the front of the housing Single-row output connectors with their narrow sides one above the other are arranged horizontally.

Just when using rail-based device systems the mounting cost for attaching the rail can be reduced if the network devices to be attached to the rail as possible are easy. According to the invention, the weight reduced by the use of plastic housing elements. To the electromagnetic compatibility despite the plastic To ensure an electrically conductive coating can be provided be. In addition, multi-layer printed circuit boards and / or shields of individual electronic components, the so-called "packaging", provided that an increase in weight can be accepted, even simple shielding plates be used in the housing.

The Housing of the network connector can accommodate a printed circuit board, their level with mounted network device preferably vertically and perpendicular to the rail plane. Also this measure leads to a narrow form factor.

The Dimensions of printed circuit boards for the active and passive Network devices are preferably identical. At this Measure can be for all PCBs same retaining means for mounting in the housing be used. The printed circuit boards may also preferably exclusively in the rear housing part be held what the design of the front housing part and the assembly of front and back Housing part simplified.

In this embodiment, the rearward housing element may have two groove-shaped or rail-shaped receptacles which open at the top and at the bottom, receptacles which open towards the front, in which the printed circuit board is simply pushed in from the front. In addition, latching means may be provided which hold the circuit board in the rear housing element at least during the pre-assembly of the network devices. The device system according to the invention is now on hand of various network devices with reference to the drawings exemplified.

Especially when using the fixed connection module at the on the rail mounted state leaves lower side of the network devices a connection topology that is easy to survey in industrial operation manufacture by providing two rails lying one above the other are, with the active network devices on the top and the passive network devices are arranged on the lower rail are. The input contact arrangement located at the bottom of the network devices Prevents the input of a network device in critical situations is confused with the output and erroneous operations take place. The clear arrangement of the network devices with different function on two superimposed Rails again prevents incorrect operation in critical situations.

in the The following is the invention with reference to specific embodiments explained by way of example with reference to the drawings. The included in the illustrated embodiments Features may be omitted as described above or can be combined with each other when it is on the with the advantage associated with the feature in a particular application should arrive.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a device system according to the invention,

2 an embodiment of a passive network device of the device system according to the invention partially disassembled in a schematic perspective view,

3 an embodiment of an active network device of the device system according to the invention partially disassembled in a schematic perspective view and

4 the device system according to the invention with a connection topology exemplified in a schematic perspective view.

First, the construction of a device system according to the invention 1 based on 1 exemplified.

The device system 1 is used in industrial information network technology, which in particular can be Ethernet-based.

The device system 1 is modular and has a variety of separate network devices 2 independently of each other on a substantially horizontally extending rail mounted in an equipment cabinet (not shown) 3 can be mounted. The rail 3 can be configured for example as DIN rail.

The network devices 2 include passive network devices 2a and active network devices 2 B , each having differently designed front sides F. The active network devices 2a are primarily junction boxes, which without intermediate electronics an input line 4 with at least one output connector 5 connect to the front F. The output connectors 5 For example, they may have the RJ45 format or, as optical connectors, such as the M12 format.

Depending on the assignment of the individual wires of the input line 4 For example, this can be subjected to multiple benefits by "cable sharing" in that a plurality of different services or protocols are assigned to different conductors or wires, so that the individual wires or individual wire combinations of an input line 4 in the passive network device 2a multiple output connectors are assigned, without this necessitating the interposition of additional electronics.

The active network devices 2 B have an input line 4 usually a variety of output connectors 5 to. The active network devices 2 B also have one between the input line 4 and the output connectors 5 arranged electronics to the assignment of output connectors 5 to the input line 4 manage. Active network devices 2 B For example, distributors, also referred to as "switch" or "hub", may be.

The mechanical strength requirements of information network technology connectors are generally higher in the industry than in the office environment. Therefore, special measures can be taken to the device system 1 a stable connection to the output connectors 5 to enable. So can the output connectors 5 each from a collar 6 be surrounded in the output connector 5 inserted mating connector 7 supports laterally and secures against shearing and bending. The dimensions of the collar 6 can match the dimensions of the mating connector 7 be adapted so that in the assembled state collar and mating connector abut each other and support each other. Such a system is for example in the DE 10 2004 038 123 A1 described with respect to the embodiment of at least a portion of the output connectors 5 of the device system 1 and the mating connector 7 is fully referenced.

The output connectors 5 are in the in 1 shown, mounted on the rail state of the network devices 2 at the one of the rail 3 facing away from the front row arranged one above the other, so that a narrow form factor for the device system 1 results. The width B of the network devices 2 in the rail direction S is preferably independent of the design and the embodiment as active 2 B or passive 2a Network device in the entire device system 1 equal. This can be done even with fully occupied rail 3 if the network devices 2 lie with their in the rail direction S facing each other side surfaces together, the network devices 2a . 2 B exchange freely with each other.

The width B is in particular at least 1.25 times to at most about twice the width A of the connection stretchers 5 in the rail direction S, so that the mating connector 7 despite narrow form factor still well accessible by hand or by a tool. Are, as in 1 shown the outer contours of the output connector 5 substantially elongated, that is not square or circular, so have the narrow sides of the outer contour of the preferably aligned and / or single row stacked output connectors 5 a single network device 2 to each other. The height H of the network devices 2 is the same regardless of how it is configured as a passive or active network device.

The front F of the network devices 2 is preferably at a near the input line 4 located area with a flat marking area 8th provided for the application of stickers or other labels.

The device system 1 also has a fixed connection module 9 on, arbitrarily both in active 2 B as well as passive ones 2a Network devices can be installed. The fixed connection module 9 is at least partially at the on the rail 3 mounted state of the network devices 2 On the underside U. fasteners 10 of the fixed connection module may be on a side surface S of the network devices 2 be arranged accessible from the outside.

All network devices 2 are designed so that their necessary functions for operation, such as installation and removal, on the rail 3 as well as connecting and disconnecting input lines 4 and mating connectors 7 can be done with standard tools.

Finally, in 1 yet to realize that every case of the network devices 2 from a rear housing element 12 and a front housing element forming the front F 13 are constructed. The rear housing element 12 forms a holding agent 14 out, which engages with the rail 3 be brought engageable and in the mounted state, during operation, the network device 2 on the rails 3 holds.

The active network devices 2 B can with a preferably pluggable power supply connection 15 preferably be equipped at the bottom U.

The construction of a passive network device 2a will now be with reference to the 2 exemplified. In 2 is the front housing element 13 from the rear housing element 12 and the fixed connection module 9 open, so that the inside of the passive network device 2 recorded circuit board 16 is recognizable.

For assembly-safe mounting of the printed circuit board 16 the rear housing element has receiving means 17 on. The recording means 17 can, as in 2 by way of example, may be formed as a pair of receiving grooves extending forward towards the opening 18 the rear housing element 12 open out, leaving the circuit board 16 in the rear housing element 12 can be inserted.

The fixed connection module 9 , which is designed in the form of a cover, may preferably be captive on the rear housing element 12 be secured, for example by a plug-in hinge or by a bent projection 19 a slot 20 in the rear housing element 12 permeates and embraces. The rear housing element has a recess 9 ' on whose inner contour of the outer contour of the fixed connection module 9 corresponds and that of the fixed connection module 9 is covered.

About a standardized fastener 10 such as standard screws, the cover can be closed. Towards the bottom, the rear housing forms 12 with the fixed connection module 9 an access opening 21 out, through which the input line 4 into the inside of the network device 2a to be led. The fixed connection module forms a strain relief for the input line 4 on by the input line in the access opening 21 is clamped. This can be accomplished in a simple manner in that the access opening has a clear width which is smaller than the outer diameter of the input line 4 ,

An input contact arrangement 22 verbin det the strands of an input line 4 (see. 1 ) individually and directly with the PCB 16 , A permanent connection can be made possible for example by using insulation displacement terminals. The input contact arrangement 22 has shielding elements 23 on which the connection between input line 4 and circuit board 16 shield electromagnetically.

Through the vertically mounted circuit board 16 whose plane is perpendicular to the rail direction S and accessible from the bottom U input contact arrangement 22 a narrow form factor is achieved.

In 2 is the passive network device with a single output connector 5 and a collar 6 shown. As related to 1 In the case of a passive network device, several output connectors can also be explained 5 be used. On the collar 6 can be omitted if the connector is not subject to heavy mechanical stress.

The structure of an active network device 2 B is now with reference to the schematic perspective view of 3 explained. In this case, the same reference numerals are used for elements whose function and structure already described above elements.

According to the invention, the active network device 2 B an identical rear housing element 12 and an identical fixed connection module 9 like a passive network device 2a on, so on the description above too 2 can be referenced.

Due to the identical rear housing element 12 as with passive network devices 2a is used, assigns the circuit board 16 also with the active network devices 2 B Dimensions on which the use of the same receiving means 17 allow. In particular, the height L of the circuit board 16 of an active network device identical to the height L of the circuit board 16 a passive network device.

To power the electronics of the active network device 2 B is a power supply connection 15 intended. The power supply connection 15 can be designed as a connector. Its position at the bottom U of the network device 2 allows, as the arrangement of the input contact arrangement 22 at the bottom U, a dense package of network devices side by side on the rail 3 ,

The front housing element 13 may have different dimensions than the front housing element 13 a passive network device 2a because on the circuit board 16 With active network devices usually more space is needed. Furthermore, the front housing element 13 vents 24 have on the housing top O. At the bottom U corresponding ventilation openings may be present (in 3 not visible) to a convection flow of air through the network device 2 to enable.

The housing elements 12 . 13 . 9 are preferably made of plastic. The housing elements may preferably be provided internally with an electrically conductive coating. Furthermore, multi-layer printed circuit boards and completely shielded connectors can be used. These measures shield electromagnetic radiation from the network devices 2 and allow the dense arrangement of separate network devices side by side without a long distance. In addition, simple shielding sheets in the housings 11 to be available.

The serve in the embodiments shown RJ45 connector just the illustration. Of course you can all used in information and network technology Plug formats are used.

The Network devices have at least protection class IP20.

The network devices 2 allow a connection topology with two superposed, preferably parallel rails 3 , where on the lower rail only passive network devices 2a and on the overlying track only active network devices 2 B are arranged. A corresponding arrangement is in 4 shown. The passive network devices 2 B are at the input contact arrangements 22 with permanently installed input lines 4 connected to a building infrastructure. At the connection contacts 5 the passive network devices 2a are jumper cables 30 connected as input lines 4 to the input contact arrangements 22 the overlying active network devices 2a to lead. A patch cord 30 is in 4 indicated by a double dot-dash line. From there lead connecting lines 5 not shown peripheral devices or central devices of the industrial information network.

The active power supply 2 B Incidentally, which is located on the upper rail at the far left, has no input contact arrangement 22 on. The connection module 9 (see. 1 ) is therefore by a dummy module 31 replaced, that on the housing element 12 is appropriate.

Further modifications are possible. For example, the network devices 2 have at their side surfaces nestable electrical connections, as shown in the EP 1 317 683 B1 to which reference is made in full.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102004038123 B4 [0004]
• - EP 1317783 B1 [0006]
• DE 102004038123 A1 [0038]
• - EP 1317683 B1 [0063]

Claims (12)

Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) of industrial information network technology, with at least one separate active ( 2 B ) and at least one separate passive ( 2a ) Network device ( 2 ), each one on a rail ( 3 ) attachable housing ( 11 ) and at least one input contact arrangement ( 22 ) and at least one output connector ( 5 ), characterized in that the housing ( 11 ) a rear housing element ( 12 ), one on the rail ( 3 ) fastenable holding means ( 14 ) and that for the active ( 2 B ) and the passive ( 2a ) Network device ( 2 ) is identical. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device system ( 1 ) furthermore a fixed connection module ( 9 ), in which the wires of an input line ( 4 ) are individually and directly contactable. Rail-based, modular device system according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixed connection module ( 9 ) exchangeable with a dummy module on the passive and / or the active network device ( 2 ) is attachable. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the rear housing element ( 12 ) a receptacle for the fixed connection module ( 9 ) having. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the fixed connection module ( 9 ) an access opening ( 21 ) for the input line ( 4 ), which are on the rail ( 3 ) mounted state opens down. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active ( 2 B ) and the passive ( 2a ) Network device ( 2 ) on the rails ( 3 ) have interchangeable housing sizes (B). Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that a power supply connection ( 15 ) on the rail ( 3 ) mounted state is arranged accessible from below. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that a front housing element ( 13 ) a recess for the power supply connection ( 15 ) having. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the network devices ( 2 ) each have a width (B) in the rail direction (S), which is at least about 1.25 times and at most about twice the width of itself at the front of the housing (F) output connectors ( 5 ) correspond. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when on the rail ( 3 ) mounted network device ( 2 ) on the housing front (F) located output connectors ( 5 ) are arranged one row with their narrow sides lying one above the other. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 11 ) is formed from an electrically conductive coated plastic at least in sections. Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two superimposed rails ( 3 ), the active network devices ( 2 B ) on the top and the passive network devices ( 2a ) on the lower rail ( 3 ) are arranged.