DE102007004865B4 - Rail-based, modular device system of industrial information network technology - Google Patents

Abstract

Rail-based, modular device system (1) of the industrial information network technology, comprising at least one separate active (2b) and at least one separate passive (2a) network device (2), each one attachable to a rail (3) housing (11) and at least one input contact arrangement (22) and at least one output connector (5), wherein the housing (11) has a rear and a front housing element (12, 13) and the rear housing element (12) on the rail (3) attachable holding means (14) and for the active (2b) and the passive (2a) network device (2) is identically formed, characterized in that the rear housing element (12) has a receptacle for a fixed connection module (9) and that of the housing (11) recorded circuit board (16) whose plane is perpendicular to the rail plane with the network device (2) mounted on the sheer (3), only in the rear housing seelement (12) is held and extends into the front housing element (13).

Description

The The invention relates to a rail-based, modular device system the industrial information network technology according to the preamble of claim 1.

In industrial network technology are based on Ethernet Information technology applications active network devices such as network distributors, also as a "switch" or star distributor referred to, and passive network devices such as junction boxes, in particular for patch cords, sometimes referred to as jumper lines used. The active network devices differ itself from the passive network devices by 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 with the output connectors combines. Active network devices At first, you depend on an external energy supply.

It is common in industrial network technology, in the wall, in cable channels or similar permanently installed network cables at transfer points in a control cabinet to connect to junction boxes, of which in turn the flexible jumper cables to the respective Lead terminals. The Jumper cables are common with 8-pin modular connectors, such as RJ45 connectors, Mistake.

In addition to single devices for DIN rail mounting, such. B. in the GB 2 142 786 A described, 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 the industrial information network technology devices with the Part known as permanently connectable network cables.

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

The DE 201 08 460 U1 describes a modular user system for a pluggable electrical connection device that is suitable for DIN rail mounting.

The DE 10 2005 016 760 A1 an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices in which are provided at the same baseboards on a top hat rail, matching housing modules are provided.

Of the Disadvantage of the known device systems is in that the assembly and operation of the device system is too high, especially if the device system several variants of network devices includes.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, a modular device system of the type mentioned above so that the assembly and operating expenses reduced the known systems.

These Task is for the rail-based modular device system mentioned at the beginning the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 solved.

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 rear housing element is used.

So indicates the device system a fixed connection module that works equally well for the active and passive Network Devices be used in particular for receiving the input contact arrangement can. In the fixed connection module, the strands of a network cable individually and directly contacted, for example by insulation displacement terminals. For this purpose, the fixed connection module in particular a terminal connection have, to which the network cable is permanently connected. The Fixed connection module can be designed in particular in the form of a cover be. The cover can be arranged captive on the housing, for example through a simple plug hinge. The fixed connection module can furthermore a train protection for form an input line with which they can be clamped to the network device is.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device system have a dummy module, the exchangeable against the fixed connection module the passive and / or the active network device can be attached. The Blind module is preferably closed on all sides, so that when the fixed connection module is not needed becomes the inside of the network device closed by the dummy module, without any openings remain free, gets through the dirt in the interior of the housing.

The fixed connection module and / or the dummy module are preferably designed such that they can be used without special tools, solely by standard tool, for example, commercially available screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches or bit sets, are operable.

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

Around the volume of construction of the device system mounted on the rail preferably Keep small and the network devices each side by side to attach 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 in particular on the lower side surface of the network device can be.

From It is also advantageous if the network devices of the device system have standardized housing sizes, which are sized so that the active and the passive network device at full occupied rail have mutually exchangeable housing sizes. By this measure can an operator the network devices even after mounting on the rail even with a fully occupied rail exchange freely with each other. In particular, this is Design of the exchange of an active network device against a passive network device and vice versa possible.

Further can in another independently advantageous Design the network devices be provided with a power supply connection in the on the Rail mounted state is directed downwards. The power supply connection can also be configured as a power supply module, the part of the housing of the active and the passive network device. At this Arrangement is the side no space for the power supply necessary and the devices can directly next to each other with adjoining side walls be mounted to the rail.

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, aligned. To as many network devices as possible given rail length to be able to accommodate it is beneficial if the network devices have a narrow form factor exhibit. This is inventively achieved in that the Network Devices each have a width in the rail direction, the maximum correspond to about 2 times the width of itself on the front of the housing plug receptacles. This width allows an ergonomically good access to the Connector, without adversely affecting the form factor.

Of the narrow form factor may be additional or alternatively be ensured by the fact that 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 installation costs be reduced for attaching the rail when the on the rail to be attached network devices preferably are easy. According to the invention Weight through the use of housing elements made of plastic. To the electromagnetic compatibility despite the plastic can ensure an electrically conductive Be provided coating. In addition, multi-layer printed circuit boards and / or shields of individual electronic components, the so-called "packaging" provided be. If an increase in weight can be accepted, too simple shielding plates in the housing be used.

The casing the network connector can accommodate a printed circuit board whose 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. In this measure can for all PCBs the same holding means used for mounting in the housing become. The printed circuit boards can furthermore preferably exclusively in rear housing part be held what the design of the front housing part and simplifies the assembly of front and rear housing part.

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 will now be explained by way of example with reference to various network devices with reference to the drawings.

Especially when using the fixed connection module at the on the rail mounted state lower side of the network devices can be an industrial Operation easy-to-overview connection topology Produce by placing two rails on top of each other lying, wherein the active network devices on the upper 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 network devices with different function on two superimposed rails prevented in critical situations again incorrect operation.

in the The following is the invention with reference to specific embodiments explained by way of example with reference to the drawings. The explained in the embodiments contained features, as described above, omitted or arbitrary with each other combined when it comes to the advantage associated with the feature should not arrive at a particular application.

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 in relation to the Design of at least a portion of the output connector 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 connects 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 in the embodiments shown RJ45 connector are for illustration only. Of course, all used in information and network technology connector formats become.

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.

Claims (11)

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 ), wherein the housing ( 11 ) a rear and a front housing element ( 12 . 13 ) and the rear housing element ( 12 ) on the rail ( 3 ) fastenable holding means ( 14 ) and for the active ( 2 B ) and the passive ( 2a ) Network device ( 2 ) is identically formed, characterized in that the rear housing element ( 12 ) a receptacle for a fixed connection module ( 9 ) and that one of the housing ( 11 ) recorded circuit board ( 16 ) whose level is on the Sheep ( 3 ) mounted network device ( 2 ) perpendicular to the rail plane, exclusively in the rear housing element ( 12 ) and in the front housing element ( 13 ). Rail-based, modular device system ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the fixed connection module ( 9 ) Cores 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 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 located on 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.