DE102009056213A1 - Ethernet coupling device for building automation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an Ethernet coupling device for building automation, in which inputs for temperature sensors are present or temperature sensors are installed, and in which inputs are present, can be connected to the buttons or switches, and having an Ethernet interface, and that It contains an electronic device that detects the states of the connected buttons or switches and the measured temperatures, converts them into digital data and transmits these data via the Ethernet interface to other subscribers on an Ethernet network, and that it is standardized for installation Round housing, so-called flush-mounted boxes, is suitable, as they are used in building technology for installation in masonry or cavity wall mounting.

Description

The The present invention relates to an Ethernet coupling device for building automation.

Either in the electrical installation of buildings as well as on the Area of the building automation are data bus systems of great interest. Widely used is, for example, the European Installation Bus (KNX / EIB). The advantages of such Bus systems are known and need not be explained further here become.

adversely on the existing, especially for the building technology Among other things, developed bus systems that at their commissioning and for modifications always special hardware and software needed because it neither directly to one of the usual interfaces an office or home computer (PC) are connected can, nor a usual on office or home computers Data protocol is used.

Desirable would therefore be the use of a data processing far common network standards, as is the Ethernet standard, which in IEEE 802, in particular in IEEE 802.3.

This offers the added benefit of having appropriate control software assuming every standard PC has a central Control computer of the building Ethernet network replace if necessary. Because of the high demands on the Availability of building services systems is that very helpful. Another advantage is the availability Affordable, compact control modules with Ethernet connection (z. B. so-called DIN rail PCs).

If a building with wires for data transmission is to be equipped, it is desirable to use only a single system. Because Ethernet for the Connecting data processing systems or multimedia devices the preferred system is and increasingly also for telecommunications equipment used, it would be beneficial if the control technology in the building also exclusively the Ethernet network could use.

Next the data network and a control system needed a building automation solution still measuring instruments as well as input-output units. Measuring devices and input-output units Although Ethernet are state of the art, they are not designed for building technical matters, but find their application preferred in industrial automation technology or in industrial installations, where they serve as modules in control cabinets or distribution boxes are installed. For the Use in building technology, especially in private Housing, they are not well suited in most cases. In such smaller buildings typically have the states of a larger number of light switches or button. These are distributed in the rooms It would therefore be very unfavorable to them to connect with a central control cabinet. Modern, consumption-optimized radiator controls are a Another example of the heavily distributed input and output circuits in a building automation: Switch contacts are for detection used open window, and the control of radiator valves takes place individually. It would therefore be advantageous to have a device such distributed input and output circuits with an Ethernet network connects and can be mounted in a way that is common in private housing is.

additionally should a temperature measurement via Ethernet be possible, because the temperature is an essential measure in Buildings is.

The The present invention solves this problem by a marriage coupling device with the features of claim 1. The inventive Ethernet coupling device enables in a simple way the use of an Ethernet network to capture the for one Space most significant measures or Signals. These are above all the room temperature and the switching states the command device (button and switch). The used Connection and assembly technology is typical for building technology, especially in private residential buildings, and therefore requires from the electrician only a little special knowledge. The invention Device is referred to in the following coupling device. A Ethernet connection only between control system and coupling device (s), or between several coupling devices needed. Temperature sensors and command devices, such as light switches or pushbuttons, are like with usual wires Junction box connected.

The coupling device is designed for recessed mounting in a wall. Preferably, it fits in sockets for electrical equipment and connections whose dimensions in DIN 49073 are specified. These installation boxes are often referred to as flush-mounted boxes.

A detailed description of the electronic components in the described coupling device is unnecessary, since the functionalities according to the invention can be realized by the prior art corresponding electronic circuits. Advantageous is the use of a microcontroller together with specialized for Ethernet communication electronic components or use a microcontroller that already has integrated circuits for Ethernet communication.

advantageous Options of the coupling device according to the invention are listed in the subclaims.

under claim 2 describes an equipment with additional measuring inputs. For example, it may be useful to the carbon dioxide concentration to measure in a room to control air conditioners. Also the measurement the room brightness for controlling the lighting or shutters is an interesting application. Finally, it is still the Detection of analog setpoints mentioned, for example, room temperature setpoints.

under claim 3 describes the possible equipment of the coupling device with outputs. Because of the typical use as in The wall sunk device should not be large Services are switched, but serve the outputs the setpoint specification for connected devices (For example, motorized radiator valves) or provide potential-free switching outputs for controlling connected Devices are, these devices also switching elements to be able to switch larger power.

under claim 4 describes the possibility of the coupling device equipped with more than one Ethernet interface and with appropriate, in the coupling device integrated electronics the functionality prior art devices for distribution of data streams over Ethernet networks (so-called Hubs or switches). Thereby can in bipolar transmission, which is now common in Ethernet networks several coupling devices are connected in series.

under claim 5 describes the possibility of the power supply of the coupling device via operate the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power supply line becomes. This method is known as Power-over-Ethernet and in IEEE 802.3af.

The Subclaims 6 and 7 describe the possibility To supply input signals by wireless means, wherein at Subclaim 6, the required receiver circuit integrated into the coupling device while she executed in subclaim 7 as a separate device is that via suitable electrical connections with the Coupling device is connected. A signal transfer is advantageous from receiving circuit to coupling device in the form of a serial Data stream. The electrical connection between receiver and coupling device can also be used to power the receiver be used.

A advantageous application of the coupling device according to claims 6 or 7 is its interaction with push buttons, the piezoelectric Effect, without power supply and without any electrical Connections can be operated. You send when actuated for a short time electromagnetic Waves that are decoded in a receiver circuit and used for various switching operations can.

Subclaim 8 specifies a commonly used type of flush-mounted and cavity wall housing described DIN 49073 ,

under claim 9 describes an embodiment in which the coupling device as an electronic module is permanently installed in the concealed or cavity wall box, so that this becomes part of the device. That can for example by casting or by other attachment methods happen.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to 1 to 5 explained.

1 is a plan view of the coupling device with section line A (see 2 ).

2 shows section A.

In the 1 and 2 is an advantageous structure in two levels, or with two circuit boards 3 and 4 shown. On the upper level 3 All connection parts are installed. In the example shown, the inputs and outputs are connected to the terminal blocks 1 connected. The two connections 2 serve the connection of Ethernet lines. In this example, it is therefore possible to forward the Ethernet data streams. It can be used both the widely used, 8-pin RJ45 connectors (sockets on the coupling device) and terminals for single wires. In addition to the terminals, there are no sensitive electronic components that could be damaged during installation work. The lower circuit board and, if necessary, the underside of the upper circuit board carry the electronic components 6 , The two circuit boards are with posts 5 connected, which serve both as spacers, as well as can represent electrical connections.

3 shows the matching wall housing in plan view with section line B (see 4 ). The shape of the coupling device must the space requirements of the fasteners 10 consider.

4 shows the section B through the wall housing. Towards the wall (on the picture below) the housing is largely closed, on the opposite side it can be closed by a lid (not shown). Öffnun conditions in the housing allow the insertion of the cable to be connected, which usually takes place from the side (arrows X) or from the wall (arrows Y).

5 shows in plan view the placement of the coupling device in the wall housing. In the open spaces 11 To the side of the coupling device, cables or individual wires can be routed to the terminals.

The Coupling device can be cast in plastic or in one own, suitably shaped, housed housing.

The Flush-mounted box can be closed to the room by a lid be. It may contain other electrical or electronic modules. One advantageous structure is, for example, the arrangement of the coupling device behind a light switch in a correspondingly deep box. Also advantageous is the installation of a sensor for the room temperature in the lid of the can, because he then good thermal contact with the Room air has.

1

terminal block

2

connection

3

upper circuit board

4

lower circuit board

5

post

6

electronic component

10

fastener

11

free space

X

attachment of the page

Y

attachment from the wall

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 non-patent literature

• - DIN 49073 [0010]
• - DIN 49073 [0019]

Claims (9)

Ethernet coupling device for building automation, characterized in that there are inputs for temperature sensors or temperature sensors are installed, and that there are inputs to which buttons or switches can be connected, and that it has an Ethernet interface, and that it is an electronic device contains, which detects the states of the connected buttons or switches as well as the measured temperatures, converts them into digital data and transmits these data via the Ethernet interface to other subscribers on an Ethernet network, and that it is suitable for installation in standardized round housings, so-called flush-mounted boxes , as they are used in building technology for installation in masonry or cavity wall mounting. Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that that inputs for sensors further physical Sizes are available. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally potential-free Switching outputs or outputs for adjustable electrical currents or outputs for adjustable electrical voltages are present whose switching states or values can be influenced by data which exceeds receive the Ethernet interface or by a in the coupling device integrated data processing system are generated. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more additional Ethernet interfaces are present, which carry on enable the data stream within an Ethernet network, wherein the coupling device has an electronic circuit, which at least the functionality of an Ethernet hub Has. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply via the Ethernet data cable takes place, as for example in IEEE 802.3af is described. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a receiver circuit contains, which is suitable for some or all input signals to receive as electromagnetic waves. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that some or all inputs for the connection of receivers or combined Transceivers are designed which some or receive all input signals as electromagnetic waves. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the standardized round housing (Flush-mounted boxes) for installation in wall bores with 68 mm or 74 mm bore diameter are designed. Coupling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the described round housing is an integral part of the coupling device and thus the Device housing represents.