DE19816170C2 - control module - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a control module with an electro African circuit and a housing.

In modern production facilities with electronic control tion technology are generally used for transmission bus systems the information from the central computer system, often a PLC individual field devices used. The bus systems often consist of Master modules in the higher-level control, slave construction groups or bus modules to control the field devices and Communication devices, especially cables between the Master and slave assemblies. The slave modules or Bus modules control field devices, for example Sensors, actuators or drives are implemented. Such a The drive can be a combination of an inverter, for example and an electric motor. Of course not under cables only electrical connection means, but also optical or partially optical connection means, such as light leaders are understood.

In the course of increasing decentralization, standardization communication, modularization of systems and costs Known fieldbus systems, for example "Pro fibus "," Interbus "and" CAN-Bus "are used general standardized transmission protocols.

With these fieldbus systems, several bus modules are used tels a communication device (cable) connected and on  the central computer system, for example a PLC as a higher level neter computer, connected.

To improve the production processes, to reduce the Susceptibility to faults, for the modularization of the systems and for co Increased intelligence is decentralized more and more. This means that control tasks are increasingly being carried out on small, local systems near the bus assemblies with sufficient Tax and computing power are handed over. This will make it Central computer system is relieved and can shrink be changed so that it becomes cheaper. For special tasks it can even become superfluous.

In today's systems, an interface module that is connected to the fieldbus and connected to the field device is required to activate the transmission of information to the individual field devices. This interface module consists of a housing, an electronic circuit, a connection for the fieldbus system and a connection for the information transmission path to the actuator or drive, for example an RS 485 interface. The interface module translates the information available in the fieldbus, which is determined, for example, by the central controller (PLC) for the assigned field device, for this assigned field device. The interface module also translates information that comes from the field device and is intended for central control, for example, into the fieldbus protocol.

A decentralized control is known from DE 297 16 575 U1, which consists of a base module and a head module. The Ba sismodul corresponds to a control cabinet with cable routing classic control technology. The head module contains the Supply voltage and communication facilities. This In principle, the control module is as complex and complex as the standard control described above.

A control module is known from DE 196 16 551 A1, which again has a base module and an expansion module and is built with a stackable profile. The manufacture of the parts  is complex and expensive, you also have to replace a defective one Sub-module remove the neighboring sub-modules, because all of them can be aligned thanks to the stackable profile these sub-modules are related. In addition, the sub-modules have one Connection for the supply voltages, which is carried out between the sub-modules.

A plug-in distribution box is known from EP 0 323 579 B1, which is used for repairs high expansion effort required and maintenance and maintenance work difficult.

From DE 40 05 086 A1 a connection unit for home automation technology is known, which is intended to be attached to a wall. The device is designed as a single device, that (interchangeably) contains all the components necessary for a specific function. An on coupling of other, in particular other, similar devices is known to the The connection unit is not provided and does not correspond to the area of application of the device. Connection devices for temporary or permanent use in the upper part, Control elements or display elements are not provided in the known device.

A module system is known from EP 0 661 915 A1, by means of which a multitude of structures groups can be mounted on a mounting rail and connected to each other. It cross-connections are provided in order to move between the side-by-side assembly to create connections or bridges. The system is only for drying rooms Suitable because a permanent connection of the modules with a high degree of protection is not is necessary. Operating or display elements are not provided. The individual modules are as simple housing designed.

From DE 297 13 960 U1 an electrical or electronic device is known which is based on a mounting rail is to be installed. The coupling with other similar devices is no more intended than the coupling of other devices via connection directions for temporary or permanent use.

The invention has for its object to train a control module that their usability, especially the installation, the application and ease of maintenance  be improved in the field and the effort for cabling, esp in particular, the length of the cabling can be reduced.

This object is achieved by a control module according to claim 1.

An essential point of the invention is that the housings are designed that they can be tightly connected to each other, then in the area of these tight Use connection of any kind of transfer devices, such as plugs, cables or the like to be able to build a complex control system for use in the field becomes. There is a relatively strict separation between the generally fixed Assembled lower part of the housing with the also permanently installed and fault-prone wiring lungs and the upper part of the housing, in which the maintenance or local conditions electronics to be adapted or converted. This also makes it possible for yourself perform very complicated maintenance work in very rough field conditions ren by simply placing an upper housing part through an intact or changed condition or housing part adapted to requirements is replaced with appropriate electronics. In particular, a high degree of protection standard is used, which is also due to the mechanical and electrical separation between the upper and lower part and between the housings is facilitated.

Overall, the control module thus comprises an electronic circuit, in particular one with a microprocessor, memory  and logic circuitry and a housing, the housing being a Lower housing part, an upper housing part that is tight and firm with the lower housing part is connectable and a transfer plug device includes, the first connector part so on the housing upper part is firmly mounted so that when the housing is put on Part of the lower housing part with a 2nd, in the housing The fixed part of the connector part of the transfer plug direction is brought into contact. Here is in Ge lower part of the housing a connection device such as a terminal strip or the like for connecting a wiring to the second Plug part and in the upper part of the housing the electronic circuit accommodated.

Preferably, the transfer connector device is the only one electrical connection between the wiring in the housing terteil and the electronic circuit in the upper housing part A repair or replacement of the electronics can by simply exchanging upper housing parts with weni gene happen happen, the upper housing parts with the built-in electronics in a suitable environment, so not be built or converted in the field.

The lower housing part preferably has mounting devices for mounting on a mounting surface, especially for attaching stigen several housing lower parts on a mounting rail or the like. For example, pre-drilled holes be in the housing, leading to pre-drilled holes in the assembly rail fit. The attachment can then be done with screws This is a compact system for controlling one Large number of individual devices can be easily assembled. The module can So either in the area of the control cabinet or in the field, at for example in the functional field on a wall or directly on the building drive can be mounted.

The connection of the upper housing part with the lower housing part has a high degree of protection. This can be through a plastic or Rubber seal can be realized between the housing top part and the lower housing part. All cable entries are also  with a high degree of protection, for example through PG screw connection exercises or circular plug connections realized. This allows the Protection class IP67 can be achieved.

The housing, in particular the lower housing part, is in this way configured at least one side surface, in particular flat and / or shaped to accommodate a seal that at least another housing with a high degree of protection and electrical Connection of the housing is connectable. This allows the Control systems exchange data and programs, mutual control Carry out tasks or connected drives or Ak move gates in interdependence. An important note One application is, for example, driving "curves" with two applications exaggerated. The target positions of the two drives are ma thematically linked. For example, a trivial "curve" an electronic gear in which the target angle of the first The drive is always proportional to the target angle of the second type drive. So in the simplest case to be able to "turn", one drive must state the other drive, for example the angle of the motor axis or the measured value of the line araxes, share. The other drive then calculates this proper target position and regulates accordingly this value.

The housing, in particular the housing top, preferably has some connector devices for connecting external sensors and / or actuators. So it can be when the actuators or change sensors or add new ones, a new one ver changed housing part adapted to the (fixed assembled) lower housing part are put on and also in Field.

The lower housing part preferably has a fieldbus and Ver supply voltage connection, so those connection units ten, which in general also with changed framework conditions remain the same or do not become defective.  

The fieldbus and the supply voltage are preferred conclude about a single connector or a single Cable with corresponding cables in the housing (lower part) led, which simplifies the structure and the susceptibility to failure decreases.

The lower housing part preferably has devices for circuit of sensors and / or actuators, especially for connection of a field device. This is particularly preferred wise the case when an exchange or a change of this in the Lower part of the sensors and actuators to be connected or the field device is not expected.

In another embodiment, the lower housing part is Invention on a field device, in particular on a drive mountable. In particular, this would be an advantage if it is an electric drive, in which the electric motor and the associated converter are structural Form unity.

The upper housing part is preferably with a connecting device device for an operating device, in particular a computing device such as a PC or the like in particular for importing PLC programs men or the like of complex control programs or data and / or for outputting and displaying data such as state of Ver sensors, actuators and drives or stored data see.

In this case, the connection device is preferably behind a sealable opening in the upper part of the housing at the moment arranged use and subsequent deactivation. In this way, very complex plug-in devices in the usual design for data transfer are used, then after use, the opening is closed and the desired high degree of protection is achieved again. Are in the upper part of the housing preferably display devices such as LEDs or the like provided to display the operating status of the device in the field demonstrate. Likewise, controls are preferably in the upper part of the housing,  such as keyboards, knobs or keys. This are used to enter data and / or to control waste fen. For example, threshold values, critical limit values, Control parameters for the drive or the positioning control inputs and, for example, the speed of a Drive can be driven manually.

Preferred embodiments of the invention result from the Dependent claims.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below explained in more detail by illustrations. Here show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the housing in the closed state,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic partial section through the housing according to Fig. 1

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the housing with attached peripheral devices and

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the control module in an interconnection with other devices.

In the following description, the same and equivalent parts used the same reference numerals.

The housing 10 shown in FIGS . 1 to 3 comprises a lower housing part 20 and an upper housing part 30 which can be screwed tightly together with a seal 11 (see FIG. 2). At the bottom of the lower housing part 20 , a clamping rail fastening groove 24 is provided, via which several housing lower parts 20 or housing 10 can be fastened on a clamping rail or mounting rail (not shown) in a manner known per se. Side surfaces 21 of the housing lower part 20 are made flat and provided with (lockable) openings 22 , 23 'that several housing lower parts 20 or housing 10 can be fastened close to one another on a mounting rail, with seals (not shown) in between the housings Seal seats ( 25 , 25 ') around the openings 23 , 23 ' each connect 2 adjacent housings (or a whole series of such) with a high degree of protection. If no such connection from housing to housing is desired, then the openings 23 , 23 'for the introduction of connecting cables, for. B. by means of PG screw connections, ver used.

Plug devices 31 are provided in the upper housing part 30 , via which sensors or actuators in particular can be connected. Furthermore, display devices 34 are provided in the upper housing part, which characterize the operating states of an electronic circuit 1 mounted in the upper housing part 30 (see FIG. 2) or the operating states of connected sensors or actuators.

Furthermore, an opening 33 is provided in the upper housing part 30 , behind which a connection device 32 , in particular a multi-pole transfer plug is mounted, which is connected to the electronic circuit 1 African. Via this connection device 32 , a programming device, a PC or the like can be connected to the electronic circuit 1 in order to program it or read out data. After the data exchange, the plug is removed, whereupon the opening 33 can be closed ver ver, so that again an absolutely tight Ge housing high protection class.

The only electrical connection between the upper housing part 30 (or its content) and the lower housing part 20 (or its content) is realized by a transfer plug device 40 . This includes a 1st connector part 41 , the upper part 30 in the housing and a 2nd connector part 42 , which is mounted in the lower housing part 20 . If you separate the upper housing part 30 from the lower housing part 20 , the connector parts 41 and 42 are also separated from one another. If the upper housing part 30 is placed on the lower housing part 20 , the transfer plug device 40 is firmly closed.

The second connector part 42 in the lower housing part 20 is electrically connected to a connecting device 43 in which terminals, connector device or the like are provided for connecting a wiring. In this way, the wiring is attached exclusively in the lower housing part 20 , so that only one upper housing part 30 has to be replaced for repair purposes or for modifying or extending a module.

In Fig. 3, an embodiment of a controller according to the invention in symbolic representation. The housing 10 again consists of a lower housing part 20 and a housing upper part 30 , between which the transfer plug. 40 realized the electrical connection. In this embodiment, a wiring 44 is guided in the lower housing part 20 , in which a supply voltage line 45 and a field bus line 46 are combined. These lines can also be looped through to a next module installed next to the module shown here and from there to the next fieldbus device or a device that uses the supply voltage.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sensor 2 , an actuator 3 , a field device 4 and (as a special field device) a drive 5 are connected to the lower housing part 20 . The connections can be made via the connection device 42 (see FIG. 2). The connections are designed with a high degree of protection, for example as a PG screw connection. This is indicated by the order frame 47 in FIG. 3.

On the upper housing part 30 , a sensor 2 and an actuator 3 are connected via the plug device 31 , which has already been previously described.

In Fig. 4 the interconnection of two modules with housings 10 and 10 'is shown. The sensor 2 , the actuator 3 and the drive 5 are on the housing 10 of the first control, and on the housing 10 'of the second

Control of the sensor 2 ', the actuator 3 ' and the drive 5 'is closed. The controls in the two housings 10 and 10 'are electrically connected to one another (for example via the field device connection by means of plugs or directly via a cable connection through the openings 23 , 23 ' in the side walls 21 ). Both electronic controls are connected via device 46 to a higher-level control 7 . Thus, the drives 5 and 5 'in dependence on one another and taking into account the sensor inputs 2 , 2 ' who who, the additional actuators 3 , 3 'can be controlled. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the connection between the housing 10 '(or the housing 10 ) under the fieldbus 46 can be omitted, since the two housings 10 , 10 ' are connected to one another via a further line, as mentioned.

The controls shown here can be used in the manner known per se. For example, a hoist can be controlled with an electric motor, in which the stroke movement from bottom to top must be stopped when the limit switch position is passed. The sequence program only enables the drive until the limit switch sets the input of the control according to the invention. Then an associated error message is output on the display devices of the control or the housing 10 , which is simultaneously output via the fieldbus interface to the central control, which is mounted at a greater distance from the control.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Electronic switch

2

sensor

3

actuator

4

field device

5

drive

6

control unit

7

higher-level control

10

casing

11

poetry

20

Housing bottom

21

side surface

23

opening

24

Mounting rail mounting groove

25

seal seat

30

Housing top

31

Plug means

32

connecting device

33

opening

34

display

40

Transfer connector device

41

1

, plug part

42

2

, plug part

43

connecting device

44

cabling

45

Supply voltage line

46

fieldbus

47

Glands

Claims (14)

1. Control module with an electronic circuit ( 1 ), in particular comprising a microprocessor, memory and logic modules, comprising a housing ( 10 )
a lower housing part ( 20 );
an upper housing part ( 30 ) which is tight and firm, that is to say in a high degree of protection, can be connected to the lower housing part ( 20 );
a transfer connector device ( 40 ), the first connector part ( 41 ) of which is firmly mounted in the upper housing part ( 30 ) in such a way that when the upper housing part ( 30 ) is placed on the lower housing part ( 20 ) with a second, in the lower housing part ( 20 ) permanently mounted plug part ( 42 ) of the transfer plug device ( 40 ) is brought into contact;
wherein in the lower housing part ( 20 ) one or more connec tion devices ( 43 ) or connection devices such as terminal block or the like for connecting a cabling ung ( 44 ) with the second connector part ( 42 ) and in the upper housing part ( 30 ) the electronic circuit ( 1 ) are,
wherein the lower housing part ( 20 ) is designed on at least one side surface ( 21 ) and is shaped to accommodate a seal ( 25 ) such that at least one further housing ( 10 ) with a high degree of protection and in electrical connection of the housings ( 10 , 10 ') to one another can be connected. 2. Control module according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer plug device ( 40 ) is the only electrical connection between the wiring ( 44 ) in the lower housing part ( 20 ) and the electronic circuit ( 1 ) in the upper housing part ( 30 ). 3. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower housing part ( 20 ) has mounting devices for fastening to a mounting surface, in particular for fastening a plurality of lower housing parts ( 20 ) on a mounting rail or the like. 4. Control module according to claim 3, characterized in that pre-drilled holes are provided on the mounting rail and on the lower housing part ( 20 ) so that a fixed or detachable connection, in particular a connection with screws, between the lower housing part ( 20 ) and the mounting rail is possible , 5. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 10 ), in particular the upper housing part ( 30 ) has plug devices ( 31 ) for connecting external sensors and / or actuators ( 2 , 3 ). 6. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower housing part ( 20 ) has a fieldbus and a supply voltage connection. 7. Control module according to claim 5, characterized in that the fieldbus and the supply voltage connection is guided via a single plug device and / or a single cable ( 44 ) with corresponding lines in the housing ( 10 ). 8. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower housing part ( 20 ) has means ( 31 ) for connecting sensors ( 2 ) and / or actuators ( 3 ), in particular for connecting at least one field device ( 4 , 5 ). 9. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower housing part ( 20 ) can be mounted on a field device, in particular on a drive. 10. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper housing part ( 30 ) has a connection device ( 32 ) for an operating device, in particular a computing device such as a PC or the like, in particular for importing PLC programs or the like control programs or data and / or for outputting and displaying data such as the state of sensors, actuators and drives 11. Control module according to claim 10, characterized in that the connection device ( 32 ) is arranged behind a tightly closable opening ( 33 ) in the upper housing part ( 30 ) for temporary use and subsequent deactivation. 12. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper housing part ( 30 ) comprises display devices ( 34 ) such as LEDs or the like. 13. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper housing part ( 30 ) contains control elements, such as buttons, push buttons or rotary knobs, for entering data and / or controlling processes. 14. Control module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one connection device for actuators or field devices ( 3 or 4 ) on the lower housing part ( 20 ) via which at least one further control module according to at least one of the preceding claims can be connected, in particular for the exchange of programs , Control programs or data, in particular for controlling processes which are interdependent, such as driving curves with two or more drives or such as the electronic transmission consisting of two or more drives.