DE102017107580A1 - Switchgear and method for processing or checking an arrangement of electrical or electronic equipment of a switchgear - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing or checking an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices (3, 3 ') of a switchgear (1), in which information about the arrangement is displayed virtually in an image of the arrangement. The method is characterized in that at least one of the devices (3) has physically unmarked connection points (4), wherein at least one virtual connection marking (16) is created for the at least one device (3) with the physically unmarked connection points (4) the picture of the arrangement is displayed. The invention further relates to a switchgear (1) with an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices (3, 3 ') in which at least one of the devices (3) has physically unmarked connection points (4).

Description

The invention relates to a method for processing or checking an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices of a switchgear, in which information about the arrangement is displayed virtually in an image of the arrangement. The invention further relates to a switchgear with an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices.

Switchgear, such as cabinets, are used to accommodate usually several electrical or electronic devices, which are then wired within the switchgear with each other and with cables that are externally supplied.

The electrical or electronic devices used in switchgear are, for example, distribution terminals, switching devices or switching devices, components of automation systems and power supply devices. Usually, the devices are arranged on DIN rails, one or more of which are positioned in parallel in switchgear. Possibly. Devices, in particular larger and heavier devices can also be mounted outside the DIN rails on carriers or carrier rails of the switchgear.

In particular, when switchgear with the same structure in larger quantities, for example in plant or mechanical engineering, are manufactured, the geometric design of the switchgear and the wiring to be made in a CAD (Computer Aided Design) - system is planned. Such CAD systems are known especially for switchgear construction, for example, under the designations "zuken E ³ " or "EPLAN P8 Electrical".

By means of said CAD systems, an arrangement and wiring plan for the arrangement is created, in which the exact position of the electrical or electronic devices is specified within the switchgear and is noted, which connection point of a device with which other connection point or external cable connect is. Systems are already known for supporting the wiring, which on the basis of this information prefabricate line cables or line sections for the wiring of a switchgear and provided with markings, generally as a label made of a special identification material, usually plastic.

The actual task of wiring the switchgear is to connect, based on a table also output by the CAD system, the line ends identifiable by means of the label to the intended connection points of the various components. The connection points in turn are marked with corresponding markings or labels on the component. The labeling products have the task of identification: they produce a semantic correlation between the real product and the corresponding component in the wiring diagram.

In order to support the wiring work and to eliminate errors in the wiring as possible, is from the document DE 10 2015 007 624 A1 a method is known in which by means of a so-called augmented reality system, hereinafter also called AR system, an image of the arrangement is displayed, in which a component to be connected is detected by a marker and a desired position or target orientation for this component is displayed in the image of the arrangement. Furthermore, a connection point can be displayed to which a cable should be connected. In addition, it can be specified at the connection point in the form of virtual additional information with which other connection point this point is to be connected.

The image of the arrangement can be recorded live with the help of a camera and displayed together with the additional virtual information on a display in the vicinity of the switchgear. Alternatively, a data goggles can be used in which the additional information is projected onto the spectacle lens, so that an image actually seen through the spectacle lens is superimposed on the arrangement with the virtual information.

In a further development of the device can be provided to use the device also for checking a successful placement of the arrangement and the wiring. If deviations, for example in color or cross section, of a conductor used are detected, a corresponding visual and / or audible warning signal is output for the user.

The method described supports the wiring process of such an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices and reduces an error rate through a possible false wiring, but has no effect on the basic structure of the switchgear or the arrangement of the devices.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for processing or checking, in particular also for wiring an arrangement of devices, in which the arrangement and the devices themselves can be advantageously modified to the effect that the arrangement of the devices can be constructed to save space. It is one another object to provide a switchgear with electrical or electronic devices that can be made very compact by the method described.

This object is achieved by a method or a switchgear according to the features of the respective independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive method of the type mentioned above is characterized in that according to a predetermined plan devices are arranged, wherein at least one of the devices has physically unmarked connection points. The arrangement of the devices is shown in a figure and virtual connection markings are created for the at least one device with the physically unmarked connection points and displayed in the image of the arrangement.

In the method according to the invention, therefore, additional information on the connection points that is displayed virtually is not only used as a support, but used as the exclusive connection marking.

The invention is thus based on the basic idea that, with the consistent use of an AR system, it is possible to use electronic or electrical devices (components) in a switchgear without "human readable" labeling or marking of their connection points.

As a result, devices can be used in the switchgear, which have smaller housing dimensions with the same functionality or have a significantly higher connection density. In the course of a progressive miniaturization of electronic devices devices are currently used in switchgear, in which the housing size is not determined by the recorded electrical and electronic components, but at least in part by the previous need to mark all connection points on the housing meaningful. Also distribution terminals, z. As so-called fir tree clamps can be produced with significantly smaller housing dimensions, if a "human-readable" marking is omitted. However, such a construction of the devices has hitherto been prohibited, since a conventional wiring of such devices in switchgear construction is virtually impossible or too expensive and would be accompanied by no longer tolerable errors.

A switchgear according to the invention, in particular a switchgear cabinet, is characterized in that at least one of the electrical or electronic devices mounted in the switchgear has physically unmarked connection points. This results in the advantages mentioned in connection with the method of a space-saving construction of the switchgear.

The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of figures.

• 1 Eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltanlage gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer anmeldungsgemäßen Schaltanlage; und
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung der Schaltanlage gemäß 2 mit einer Vorrichtung zur Durchführung eines anmeldungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The figures show:

• 1 A schematic representation of a switchgear according to the prior art;
• 2 a schematic representation of an application according to switchgear; and
• 3 a schematic representation of the switchgear according to 2 with a device for carrying out a method according to the application.

1 first shows a cabinet as an example of a switchgear 1 with prior art prior art devices prior to wiring.

The switchgear 1 In the example shown, two DIN rails arranged parallel to one another 2 on which a plurality of different electrical or electronic devices 3. ' is arranged. The devices 3. ' each have different connection points 4 which may be, for example, screw terminals, push-in terminals or other components. Also plug contacts or the like can be used as connection points 4 be provided.

Each on a housing of the devices 3. ' is to every connection point 4 a connection mark 5 appropriate. This can be embossed or printed or attached in the form of a label on the housing.

For wiring, pre-assembled connecting cables to different or between different connection points may be used 4 led, with the connection points 4 by the worker making the wiring by their terminal mark 5 be identified. During maintenance or inspection of the switchgear 1 or its wiring will also be the connection mark 5 to identify the connection points 4 used. In the devices shown 3. ' For example, all connection points are easily accessible on top of the unit 3. ' ie one of the DIN rail 2 arranged opposite housing side. However, there are also devices in which connection points are positioned in different levels and / or on sides of the housing, which are correspondingly less accessible and less visible markable.

As a rule, there is also a device marking 6 provided, for example embossed or printed or attached in the form of a nameplate or type label, on the information on the type of component in question 3 , For example, a type designation and / or a product number are specified. Such a device mark 6 is exemplary only with one of the devices 3. ' in the 1 shown.

In particular, in electronic devices 3 'from automation technology or components for power distribution are often a variety of connection points 4 per device 3. ' available. It is not unusual that in particular the width of the case of a device 3 relevant to the connection markings 5 is determined. Accordingly, for the required devices 3 in the switchgear 1 a greater length of total available lifting rails 2 needed what the switchgear 1 enlarged and more expensive.

2 shows in a comparable representation as 1 a substation, some with modified equipment 3 is constructed, where connection points 4 without the in 1 visible physical, ie real connection marking 5 is provided.

By way of example, the in 2 illustrated switchgear 1 in the type and number of devices 3 . 3. ' the in 1 shown example. All on the top hat rail 2 of the 1 arranged devices 3. ' and the far right on the bottom hat rail 2 of the 1 arranged device 3. ' are in this way as modified devices 3 at the switchgear 1 according to 2 available. The two on the left top hat rail 2 of the 1 arranged devices 3. ' are also in the switchgear of 2 present in unmodified form.

Due to the lack of physical connection markings 5 need the shown modified devices 3 in example of the 2 significantly less space on the DIN rail 2 , Accordingly, the switchgear 1 be made smaller. In the example shown, all the devices used are found 3 . 3. ' space on a single DIN rail of the same width. With the same functionality space and thus costs can be saved.

A wiring of the equipment of the switchgear 1 out 2 is carried out by means of a method according to the application by means of an AR system 10 , This is in 3 shown schematically.

The AR system 10 has a computer 11 on that with a display device 12 and a camera 13 connected is. The arrangement of computer 11 , Display device 12 and camera 13 For example, it may be formed by a tablet computer or a smartphone that unites the aforementioned three components in a housing. It may also be a data glasses, in which the display device 12 projection onto an otherwise transparent lens, so that the user sees an overlay of a real image and a projected image. The computer 11 is also with a data source 14 connected, in the data 15 are deposited, which provide a layout and wiring plan for the arrangement of the devices 3 . 3. ' in the switchgear 1 having. The data source 14 can be local, for example, as flash memory to the computer 11 be connected or be a server that is available via a (possibly wireless) data connection. It is also possible, the arrangement and wiring plan on a possibly wirelessly readable memory in the switchgear 1 hold up, then as a data source 14 from the computer 11 is read out.

The data 15 include the type and exact location of the devices used in the assembly 3 . 3. ' in the form of a digital circuit diagram, preferably with three-dimensionally stored information about the housing dimensions of the devices 3 . 3. ' as well as the position of the connection points 4 , as well as other, for mechanical or electrical functions relevant coordinate points (eg positions of actuators, detent points, machining points and surfaces, etc.).

Next are to each connection point 4 Information about this connection point deposited, in particular its name, if necessary, with a more detailed explanation of the function and the specification of this connection point 4 , The data 11 Contain further wiring information, ie information about which of the connection points 4 with which other connection point 4 or with which externally supplied cable is to be connected. In this case, for example, a line marking can also be stored in order to be able to identify a line end assigned to this connection point.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the camera 13 first on a marking of the switchgear 1 directed. This marking can be coded to the switchgear, for example, z. In the form of a QR or Data Matrix code. On the basis of the identification are first from the data source 14 the associated data 15 for this switchgear 1 from the computer 11 retrieved and an image of the switchboard 1 will be on the display device 12 played.

As a fitting of DIN rails 2 usually already done automatically, it is usually ensured that the devices 3 . 3. ' to the intended positions in the switchgear 1 are located. These positions can be predefined in a coordinate system which, for example, comprises the x and y coordinates reproduced in FIGS. 1 and 2. A z-coordinate may also be indicated, which indicates a position perpendicular to the plane spanned by the x and y coordinates.

Possibly. can be an image of the switchboard 1 through the camera 13 used to ensure the correct arrangement and / or positioning of the devices 3 . 3. ' to check. For larger deviations, a corresponding warning information can be issued to the user. For smaller deviations may be provided, the desired information of the positions of the devices 3 . 3. ' that in the data 15 are deposited, to the actual data, from the image of the camera 13 be determined to adjust.

In a next step, the worker can make a pre-assembled conductor (cable) 7 to take in hand and in the field of view of the camera 13 bring. In the end of the ladder 7 is a conductor mark 8th arranged on the coded or human readable form an identifier of the conductor 7 is specified. The leader 7 is then from the computer 11 based on the image of the camera 13 identifies and it becomes a connection point 4 of a device 3 . 3. ' to which this cable is to be connected in the data 15 searched. Then this connection point 4 virtually in the image of the display device 12 marked by, for example, a virtual port marker 16 at this connection point 4 is displayed. For example, the 3 becomes the text of the conductor mark 8th as a virtual connection marker 16 appears. In addition, a virtual ladder can be displayed to show the worker clearly and with which connection point 4 the leader in question 7 to connect.

The worker can use the virtual port marker 16 on which, for example, an indication of the conductor to be connected 7 or its conductor marking 8th is displayed, with the conductor marking 8th balance and the leader 7 if it matches the virtual marked connection point 4 connect.

For verification and maintenance purposes, virtual port markers may be provided 16 on all devices 3 and also the devices 3. ' or on selected devices 3 . 3. ' or at individual selected connection points 4 display. For this purpose, a choice of devices 3 . 3. ' or the connection points 4 for example by pointing a finger at the corresponding component or connection point 4 done with the finger pointing over the camera 13 is detected. Other selection methods known in AR systems can also be used here.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

switchgear

2

DIN rail

3, 3 '

device

4

connection point

5

Pin marking

6

device marking

7

ladder

8th

conductor marking

10

AR system

11

computer

12

display device

13

camera

14

Data Source

15

dates

16

virtual connection mark

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102015007624 A1 [0007]

Claims (11)

Method for processing or checking an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices (3, 3 ') of a switchgear (1) in which information about the arrangement is virtually displayed in an image of the arrangement, characterized in that at least one of the devices (3) has physically unmarked connection points (4), wherein for the at least one device (3) with the physically unmarked connection points (4) at least one virtual connection marking (16) is created and superimposed in the image of the arrangement. Method according to Claim 1 in which information about the at least one virtual port marker (16) is extracted from data (15) comprising a device layout and wiring diagram. Method according to Claim 2 in which the data (15) are retrieved from a local and / or remotely located data memory (14). Method according to Claim 3 in which data memory (14) is positioned in the switchgear (1). Method according to Claim 1 in which an AR system (10) with a computer (11) and a display device (12) is used for fading in the virtual connection markings (16). Method according to Claim 5 in which the computer (11) is a tablet computer or a smartphone with an integrated display device (12), wherein the display device (12) displays the image of the device and the at least one virtual connection mark (16). Method according to Claim 6 in which the computer (11) is coupled to a camera (13), the image of the arrangement being an image picked up by the camera (13). Method according to Claim 6 in which the computer (11) generates the image of the device from the data (15). Method according to Claim 5 in which the display device (12) is part of a data goggle, the virtual connection marking (16) being superposed on a real image of the arrangement. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9 in which the processing of the arrangement comprises a wiring of the at least one device (3) with the physically unmarked connection points (4). Switchgear (1) with an arrangement of electrical or electronic devices (3, 3 '), characterized in that at least one of the devices (3) has physically unmarked connection points (4).

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