DE202010004408U1 - Sequence of connection modules - Google Patents

Abstract

Sequence of mutually rewirable electrical connection modules (1, 100) with a disc-like structure, each having the following features:
a. a base terminal carrier (2), preferably with latching means (3, 4) for latching onto a mounting rail,
b. an electronics housing (5, 28) which can be placed on the base-plate carrier (2), preferably with at least one printed circuit board (6),
c. at least one row of connecting devices (8) for connecting external conductors,
d. Pressure contacts (11), each of which forms a continuous bus line (s) in the connected state of the connection modules,
characterized in that
e. the electronic circuit board (6) in the juxtaposed condition is slidable between each two in the mounting direction adjacent pressure contacts, so that the contact between the two to the circuit board (6) adjacent pressure contacts (11) is separated and such that, the pressure contacts in this state, the circuit board (6) contact.

Description

The invention relates to a series of attachable connection modules for controlling and / or monitoring of technical processes and / or for industrial and / or building automation according to the preamble of claim 1 and a connection module for such a series.

Such connection modules are for example of the generic type EP 0 364 618 B1 , of the DE 44 02 002 A1 , of the EP 95 113 730 A1 and the DE 199 64 156 A1 known. While the EP 95 113 730 A1 Connection modules disclosed with a rather block-like structure with a plurality of connection levels for connecting external conductors, is of the generic type DE 199 64 156 A1 a mixed construction with disk-like devices, each with two parallel connection levels and block-like devices with a plurality of connection levels known.

The generic EP 0 364 618 B1 The same applicant has base plate carriers, are used in the pressure contacts, which contact each other in the juxtaposed state and train so across several modules through bus lines. Connectors are used to contact a circuit board of an electronics unit that can be placed on the base support.

Compared to this per se proven construction of the prior art, the object of the invention to provide a series of connection modules and a connection module with a further simplified structure.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1 and by the subject matter of claim 2. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

According to claim 1, a series of mutually reihbaren electrical connection modules with a disc-like structure each having the following features: a base terminal carrier, preferably with latching means for snapping onto a mounting rail, an attachable to the base plate electronics housing with electronics, preferably at least one circuit board, at least one Series of base plate carriers - contacts - for connection of external conductors, pressure contacts, each forming a continuous bus line (s) in the juxtaposed state of the connection modules, wherein the electronic circuit board in the juxtaposed state each between two of the adjacent in the direction of assembly pressure contacts is pushed, so that the Contact between the two adjacent to the PCB pressure contacts is disconnected and that the pressure contacts contact the circuit board. On the connector for contacting the circuit board is thus omitted. This makes the structure simpler and more compact.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention and for a series according to claim 1 suitable connection modules - can be found in the remaining dependent claims. The connection modules of the subclaims are also to be regarded as separate inventions, which, although the subject matter of claim 1 can advantageously further develop, but each can form an invention itself. It is also the subject of claim 13 created.

Preferably, one, in particular only a single, row of connection devices is provided.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawing with reference to exemplary embodiments. It shows:

1a , b is a first perspective view and a first side view of a first connection module;

2a , b, c are a perspective view and two side views rotated by 90 ° to each other of another connection module;

3a , b is a section through a series of three connection modules in the manner of 1 in a first and a second installation position;

4 . 5 perspective views of contact elements of the connection modules 1 to 3 ;

6a several base plate carriers;

6b , c a plurality of base plate carriers arranged next to one another and an electronics housing placed on top of them and encompassing the plurality of base plate supports;

7a , b is a perspective view of two connection modules and a side view of two modules;

8a -C the juxtaposition of two connection modules on a mounting rail;

9a b is a view of a further pressure contact inserted in a base plate carrier shown in section and a perspective view of this pressure contact;

10a , b is a perspective view of one shown in section Base plate carrier used fork / knife contact and a perspective view of this contact;

11a an explosive view of the elements base plate carrier, electronics housing and connection unit of another connection module;

11b a side view of the base plate carrier 11a ;

12a , b is a perspective view and a side view of the connection module with the components 11 ;

13 a perspective view of the elements base plate carrier, electronics housing and connection unit of another connection module;

14a another view of the elements base plate carrier, electronics housing and connection unit of the connection module off 13 ; and

14b a perspective view of the composite connection module 13 and 14a ,

Prior to the description of preferred embodiments, it should be noted that some preferred embodiments are described in detail below, but that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but can be configured as desired within the scope of the claims. In particular, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front" or "rear" are not restrictive but merely refer to the particular arrangement shown. In addition, if individual components are explained, these - unless otherwise mentioned - in principle also conceivable in multiple design.

1a , Federation 2a to c show schematic representations of attachable to a mounting rail - in particular snap-on - and on the mounting rail mutually reihbare electrical connection modules that can be used for example in control systems of automation technology, where they are lined up to a gateway. The combination of gateway and connection modules allows the monitoring and / or control of external electrical devices (field devices, initiators, actuators, etc.), which can be connected to the connection modules of the electrical device according to the invention.

The connection modules 1 have a disc-like structure. Each of the connection modules 1 has a base plate carrier 2 with locking means 3 . 4 for latching onto a mounting rail (not shown here).

On the base plate carrier 2 is an electronics housing 5 with at least one or more printed circuit board (s) 6 attachable, in turn, with electrical components 24 can be equipped ( 1a ).

On the electronics housing 5 is again a separately attachable and detachable connection unit 7 with a number of connection devices - contacts 8th - For connecting external conductors (not shown here) attached. These connection devices 8th are preferably designed as contacts in direct plug-in technology (push-in), which can be contacted purely tool-free purely by inserting a conductor in a nip area of the contact. In the contacted state, a clamping leg of the push-in contact clamps the conductor in a clamping cage against a busbar. An actuator 9 serves here to open the nip.

Because only a single row of connecting devices 8th is provided, a connection module 1 be realized with a particularly narrow in the direction of assembly.

In addition to the connection devices 8th the connection unit 7 For connection of external conductors of field devices such as initiators, actuators, sensors and the like, each connection plate follows 1 or 2 several contact elements 10 a first type for the realization of a plurality of connection modules in the direction of arrangement X extending first internal bus and a plurality of contact elements 11 a second type for realizing a second internal bus running across several connection modules in the direction of arrangement X away.

The second internal bus is preferably used for the transmission of data and possibly for the internal power supply of the connection modules, whereas the first internal bus is preferably used to transmit energy, for example to the connection devices 8th to supply connected field devices with energy.

The contact elements 10 the first type are designed as combined fork / knife contacts. These are here cut in a preferred embodiment of a metal strip and bent so that they at one of their ends a fork contact 12 and at the other end a knife contact 13 form. The contact elements are in the base plate carriers 2 so used that when juxtaposing the base plate carrier on the mounting rail in each case one of the blade contacts 13 in one of the fork contacts 12 intervenes. This will be about several of the basic plate carriers 2 formed conductive connections, which are used as bus lines, in particular for the power supply of internal components of the connection modules 1 and / or external components attached to the connection modules 1 be connected, used or can be used. The contact elements 10 can still have a third contact 27 (please refer 5 and 10 ), for example, for contacting the circuit board 6 exhibit.

The contact elements 11 the second type, however, are designed as pressure contacts. This means that they are so in the base plate carriers 2 are used that they form a continuous conductive connection when juxtaposing several base plate carrier in the mounting direction X by pressure, which can be used as a bus line. Preferably, this bus is used for data and / or signal transmission, but possibly also for energy transmission (see the terms of the number of base plate carriers 2 exemplary ranking of 3 ).

The pressure contacts 11 are in 4 shown. The pressure contacts 11 preferably have a kind of U-shape, with a base leg 14 and two angularly extending side legs 15 . 16 , These two side legs preferably do not run parallel to each other but slightly angled to each other. The angle they include is preferably less than 45 °.

Preferably, they each have arcuate areas / shapes in the side legs 17 on.

The pressure contacts 11 become via corresponding admission domes 18 in the base plate carrier 2 set.

Preferably, the pressure contacts 11 in the base leg 14 two lateral recesses each 19 or a through hole 19a ( 4 ), where either the adjacent recesses 19 juxtaposed pressure contacts 11 or the through hole of each corresponding projection 20 at the reception center 18 is interspersed, which after attaching the pressure contacts 11 was deformed such that the pressure contacts 11 secured on the admission meds. This deformation can be carried out, for example, by an upsetting or pressing process on the still warm material (hot deformation). Since the base plate carrier is preferably made of an insulating plastic, this is thermoformed, z. B. directly after the injection molding process for the preparation of the base Klemmenträgers and after loading with the pressure contacts 11 ,

The receiving domes are not formed in the centering direction here at the center of the base plate carrier but extend in the mounting direction only over a part, here about half the width of the base plate carrier 2 ( 3 ). Here are the pressure contacts 11 nevertheless formed such that the remote from the base leg ends in the juxtaposed state without patch electronics housing contact (see 3a ). The shooting domes 18 are also in the mounting direction so off-center on the base plate carriers 2 formed that the circuit board 6 laterally sliding past them ( 2c ) and of the contact elements 11 , in particular of the characteristics 17 , is contactable.

If, however, an electronics housing 5 with printed circuit board 6 on the base plate carriers 2 put on, the circuit board 6 to a pressure contact ( 2c ) or in the sequence between the pressure contacts 11 pushed ( 3b , middle module), so that in this state adjacent pressure contacts 11 no longer each other but - preferably with the bent portion - the opposite sides of the circuit board 6 touch and contact. In this way, the bus line via the circuit board 6 or it becomes a continuous bus line without a printed circuit board 6 between the pressure contacts 11 realized. This is the electronics housing 5 with the electronic circuit board 6 removable and still a closed bus is realized.

The attachment of the pressure contacts 11 in the connection module is space-saving and cost feasible.

It should be noted that the side legs of the pressure contacts 11 by the U-shape or M-shape and the definition of the pressure contacts 11 in the basic terminal carrier 2 can feather separately.

In addition, with the simplest means either the continuous bus on the pressure contacts or on the interposed pushed circuit board 11 realized. This is in particular a relation to the EP 0 364 618 B1 realized the same applicant simplified structure, because on a connector for connecting the circuit board of the base or here the base plate support attachable electronics can be omitted, which reduces the manufacturing costs and contributes to a particularly compact design of the connection module.

The embodiments of 1 and 2 differ essentially by the locations of the accommodation of the first and second buses or their contacts. The contact elements 10 are in 1 side of the mounting rail and the contact elements 11 at least partially disposed above the support rail while the contact elements 10 to 2 are arranged above the support rail (in aufgerasteten state on a support rail). But there are also other contact arrangements conceivable.

7a and 7b such as 8a to c illustrate that the connection modules first on the mounting rail 26 be panned and locked there ( 7a . 7b . 8a ) and then only on the mounting rail 26 in DIN rail direction (arrow in 8a ) are pushed together, with the different contacts 10 . 11 Only then contact each other at the base plate carriers (see 8b , 8c ; in 8c are the fork and knife contacts 12 . 13 made visible on average).

1 also shows a contact device 21 for contacting the mounting rail (PE foot / FE foot) and a coding device with mutually corresponding coding 22 . 23 as known per se from the prior art (see, for example, US Pat DE 299 06 5883 U1 ).

The 6a and 6b show several base plate carriers 2 by type 2 and a plurality of base plate carriers juxtaposed 2 and an attachable ( 6b ) or attached ( 6c ), the plurality of base plate carrier comprehensive electronics housing 28 ,

This electronics housing 28 For example, the electronics of a gateway ( 6 ), so that an advantageous and inventive gateway is formed and / or interfaces such as connectors or connector sockets (here RJ45 sockets 25 ), which are used for connection to a higher-level control system. An advantage of this gateway is that connection modules can be arranged in two opposite directions. At the gateway can also directly one or more levels or rows of terminal devices 8th be provided for connecting external conductors ( 6 ).

The 9a , b show a side view of another embodiment of a base plate carrier 2 used further pressure contact 11 and a perspective view of this pressure contact 11 ,

The other pressure contacts 11 are not about shooting domes 18 in the base plate carrier 2 but via other fasteners and - areas. The attachment takes place by means of a latching area, here by means of a between the side legs 15 . 16 in the area of the base leg 14 introduced U-shaped area 29 , which has the consequence that the pressure contact in the side view of 9a has an M-shape, with the middle part of the M - the U-shaped area 29 - Is designed in a formed in the base plate carrier corresponding recess 30 to intervene and to be locked there ( 9a ). In the side legs 15 . 16 are locking means such as locking projections 31 . 32 formed, (for example, in the opposite sides of the U-shaped area), which with corresponding locking means such as recesses 33 . 34 in the base plate carrier 2 interact. Such is the mounting of the pressure contacts 10 easy and safe.

The fastening means are also in turn eccentrically on the base plate carriers 2 formed that the circuit board 6 laterally sliding past them and of the contact elements 11 , in particular of the characteristics 17 , is contactable.

10a , b show another form of the contact element 10 the first type, which in turn are designed as combined fork / knife contacts. The fork / blade contacts are in turn in a preferred embodiment of a metal strip one or more parts cut and bent so that they at one of their ends the fork contact 12 and at the other end the knife contact 13 form. These contact elements 10 are in turn in the base plate carriers 2 (please refer 11 and 12 and 13 ) used such that when juxtaposing the base plate carrier 2 one of the blade contacts 13 in one of the fork contacts 12 intervenes. This will again be about several of the basic plate carriers 2 formed conductive connections, which are used as bus lines, in particular for the power supply of internal components of the connection modules 1 and / or external components connected to the connection modules 1 be connected, used or can be used. The contact elements 10 also have the third contact here 27 (please refer 10a and 9a ) for contacting the circuit board 6 on. The third contact here is also a fork contact 27 , which also in the direction of arrangement off-center in the base plate carrier 2 from the center of the base carrier 2 offset to the other side than the pressure contact 10 ,

Especially the interaction of 9a and the 10a such as 11 illustrates well how the circuit board 6 in a recording 35 in the base plate carrier excellent both (at different board edge contact areas 36 ) from the pressure contacts 11 as well as the combined knife / fork contacts 10 is contactable.

11a shows a corresponding sprinkler view of the elements base plate carrier 2 , Electronics housing 5 and connection unit 7 the further connection module with the first and second contact elements 9 and 10 , The elements base plate carrier 2 , Electronics housing 5 and connection unit 7 can, for example, dovetailed guides 37 . 38 such as 39 . 40 and / or locking means to be guided together, which facilitates the assembly and / or maintenance.

14b shows the assembled state of another connection module 100 , which is characterized by the fact that here an electronics housing 106 several - here three - strung together base plate carrier 2 engages and that this electronics housing 106 preferably also for attachment of several terminal units 7 serves. The electronics housing 106 may have one or more printed circuit boards. This way, you can easily get across multiple base plate carriers 2 extending connection module 100 feasible, which is beneficial if the electronics for multiple terminal units 7 in just one electronics housing 106 can be summarized. It would also be conceivable on the electronics housing 106 a single connection unit 7 set up with several rows of terminals, whereas in the illustrated embodiment per connection unit 7 only a series of connections is provided.

It should also be mentioned that it is also conceivable, the connecting devices 8th interpreted in a different technology than as direct plug-in connections, for example as screw or other connection technology or as one or more plug-in device (s) that can be contacted by corresponding plug devices, for example, one or more sensor / Aktorsteckern with one or more contacts.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

connection modules

2

Base terminal carrier

3, 4

latching means

5

electronics housing

6

circuit board

7

connection unit

8th

connecting devices

9

actuator

10

contact elements

11

pressure contacts

12

fork contact

13

blade contact

14

base leg

15, 16

side leg

17

arcuate areas

18

recording Dome

19

Through Hole

20

head Start

21

contact device

22, 23

coding

24

components

25

RJ45Buchsen

26

rail

27

Contact

28

electronics housing

29

U-shaped area

30

recess

31, 32

latching projections

33, 34

recesses

35

admission

36

contact areas

37, 38 and 39, 40

dovetailed guides

100

connection module

106

electronics housing

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

• EP 0364618 B1 [0002, 0003, 0044]
• DE 4402002 A1 [0002]
• EP 95113730 A1 [0002, 0002]
• DE 19964156 A1 [0002, 0002]
• DE 299065883 U1 [0047]

Claims (17)

Sequence of mutually rowable electrical connection modules ( 1 . 100 ) having a disc-like structure each having the following features: a. a base plate carrier ( 2 ), preferably with latching means ( 3 . 4 ) for locking onto a mounting rail, b. one on the base plate carrier ( 2 ) mountable electronics housing ( 5 . 28 ), preferably with at least one printed circuit board ( 6 c. at least one row of connecting devices ( 8th ) for connecting external conductors, d. Pressure contacts ( 11 ), each of which forms a continuous bus line (s) in the connected state of the connection modules, characterized in that e. the electronic circuit board ( 6 ) in the juxtaposed condition, in each case, between two of the pressure contacts adjacent to one another in the arrangement direction is slidable, so that the contact between the two to the printed circuit board ( 6 ) adjacent pressure contacts ( 11 ) is separated and such that, the pressure contacts in this state, the circuit board ( 6 ) to contact. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1, characterized in that a number of connection devices is provided. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection devices ( 8th ) are designed for connecting external conductors in direct plug-in technology (push-in). Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the connection devices ( 8th ) are designed as screw connections. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the connection devices ( 8th ) are designed as at least one plug-in device. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to claim 1 or connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the electronics housing ( 5 ) at least one separately attachable and detachable connection unit ( 7 ) with the connection devices ( 8th ) is attached. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connection plate has a plurality of contact elements ( 10 ) of a first type for realizing a first internal bus extending over several connection modules in the arrangement direction X and the pressure contacts ( 11 ) has as a contact elements of a second type for realizing a second internal bus extending over several connection modules in the mounting direction X away. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) in the assembly direction off-center on the base plate carriers ( 2 ) are formed so that the circuit board is laterally past them pushed. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) Side legs ( 15 . 16 ) and a Verrastbereich ( 29 ) for latching preferably in a recess ( 30 ) in the base plate carriers. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side legs ( 15 . 16 ) are designed separately springy. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) an M-shape with a Verrastbereich and the two side legs ( 15 . 16 ), which are preferably not parallel to each other but in turn aligned at an angle to each other. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) a U-shape with a base leg ( 14 ) the two angularly extending side legs ( 15 . 16 ), which are preferably not parallel to each other but in turn aligned at an angle to each other. Connection module for a series of connection modules according to claim 1 or Connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) via corresponding uptake atoms ( 18 ) into the base plate carrier ( 2 ) are set and that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) at the admission mediators ( 18 ) are secured by a stamping. Connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) in the base leg ( 14 ) each have two lateral recesses ( 19 ) or a through hole, wherein either the adjacent recesses ( 19 ) juxtaposed pressure contacts ( 11 ) or the through-hole of each corresponding projection ( 20 ) at the admission center ( 18 ) is penetrated, which after plugging the pressure contacts ( 11 ) was deformed such that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) are secured on the admission medians. Connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) each other directly without intermediate printed circuit board ( 6 ) at her from the base leg ( 14 ) facing away from free ends of the side legs ( 15 . 16 ) and that the pressure contacts ( 11 ) the printed circuit board ( 6 ) with an expression ( 17 ) in the side legs ( 15 . 16 ) when the circuit board is plugged in. Connection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on each base plate carrier ( 2 ) each an electronics housing ( 5 ) is attached. Sequence of base plate carriers onto which a common electronics housing ( 28 . 106 ), so that the sequence forms a gateway or a block module.

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