DE202013104464U1 - Function block for a bus-capable, connectable connection and / or function module - Google Patents

Abstract

Function module (30) for insertion into or placement on a bus-capable, connectable connection and / or function module (1) for controlling and / or monitoring technical processes, in particular in an industrial automation device, wherein the connection and / or function module (1) for Attachment to a mounting base is set up, preferably with latching means (3) for latching onto a mounting rail, and at least one or more bus conductor contacts (10, 11), and a printed circuit board (6) with the at least one function module (30) and / or at least a connection module (20) are connectable, characterized in that the function module (30) has at least one printed circuit board (33) having one or more installation options for installing customer and / or application-specific electrical and / or electronic components.

Description

The invention relates to a function module for insertion into or placement on a bus-capable, connectable connection and / or function module for controlling and / or monitoring technical processes, in particular in industrial automation devices. 2. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a connection and / or functional module and a function block.

In industrial automation equipment, control data and / or measured values are exchanged via a field bus between one or more central control computers, also referred to as master computers or programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and field devices. Frequently not every single field device is connected directly to the fieldbus, but via a so-called field bus coupler, also called gateway, which represents a data interface between the field bus on the one hand and a frequently proprietary subbus on the other.

For reading sensor data or switching information on the one hand and for outputting control variables or similar output variables for controlling an automated system, the connection and / or function modules mentioned above are used. Usually, the modules are connected to the fieldbus via the mentioned fieldbus coupler. However, it is also possible to connect directly to a fieldbus.

Such connection and / or function modules are for example from the publications EP 0 364 618 B1 and EP 2 589 276 A1 known. With regard to their functionality, a wide variety of connection and / or function modules are known, for example modules which provide digital and / or analog input and / or output channels, relay modules, counter modules, interface modules and so on. In summary, the system of fieldbus couplers and connected bus-compatible connection and / or function modules is also referred to as a modular remote ("remote") I / O (input / output) system.

When constructing an industrial automation system, a wide variety of conductors with possibly different terminal cross-sections and / or pre-assembled connectors are often used. Also with regard to signal quantities, for example voltages, currents, frequencies, a wide variety of value ranges are common within a system and are to be processed in part by one and the same model.

In order to allow a high degree of flexibility in terms of conductors to be connected with or without connectors and also with regard to the signal sizes used, is from the document EP 2 589 276 A1 a connection and / or function module is known in which various connection and / or function blocks can be used in a terminal block, which can then be placed as a connection level on the connection and / or function module, in particular swung. The connection and / or function module can be adapted to different conductor diameters and / or connector standards, for example, by using different connection modules.

Instead of the connection modules, it is also possible to use functional components which, for example, enable signal adaptation or signal processing or signal preprocessing on account of integrated electrical or electronic components. The function blocks can have fixed connections, so that the function blocks in turn represent combined connection and function blocks. It is also conceivable to form the function blocks with a receptacle for a connection module, so that the function blocks can be plugged in as it were as an intermediate element between the connection and / or function module and the connection modules. The connection modules offer a high level of flexibility in the use of a wide range of conductor and / or connector techniques. In a comparable manner, the function blocks offer a great deal of flexibility with regard to the signals used and those supplied to the connection and / or function modules or output by the connection and / or function modules.

Nevertheless, not all conceivable and practically occurring signal processing processes can be covered by the function blocks. In practice, this leads to the connection and / or function module must be preceded by a separate signal conditioning module, which occupies slot in a cabinet, in particular on a mounting rail, increases the installation cost of the control system and reduces the clarity of the wiring.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flexible function module as possible for a connection and / or function module, by which the connection and / or function module can be adapted in a maximum flexible manner to the respective requirements. It is a further object to provide an arrangement of a connection and / or function module and such a function block.

This object is achieved by a function module and an arrangement comprising a connection and / or function module and a function module having the respective features of the independent claims.

A functional module according to the invention is suitable for insertion into or placement on a bus-capable, connectable connection and / or function module for controlling and / or monitoring technical processes, in particular in an industrial automation device, wherein the connection and / or function module is adapted for attachment to a mounting base is, preferably with latching means for latching onto a DIN rail, and at least one or more bus conductor contacts, as well as a printed circuit board with the at least one function module and / or at least one connection module are connectable. The functional module is characterized in that it has at least one printed circuit board, which provides one or more installation options for installing customer or application-specific electrical and / or electronic components.

The user is thus given the opportunity to customize the functionality of the connection and / or function module individually to appropriate needs. Despite this individual adaptation, integration into the connection system of the connection and / or function module provides a reliable, reliable and space-saving design.

In a preferred embodiment, the circuit board function module is at least partially formed as a hole grid board. Trained as a hole pattern printed circuit board allows the customer, in a particularly flexible manner application specific electrical or electronic components, such. B. for signal matching, the connection and / or function module upstream. For example, voltage dividers with certain desired divider ratios and resistance values can thus be realized in a simple manner in order to adapt a signal to be measured to the measuring range of a digital or analog signal input of the connection and / or function module. Similarly, current measurements can be realized using soldered shunt resistors. Even filters, such as high or low pass filters, or rectifiers for measuring AC voltages can be built in a simple manner.

The printed circuit board preferably provides soldering pads as contact surfaces for soldering the electrical and / or electronic components. As a result, a störunanfälliger and mechanically stable construction with reliable electrical contact is given.

In a further preferred refinement of the functional module, installation locations with contact surfaces on the printed circuit board for soldering in the electrical and / or electronic components are present as installation possibilities. Preferably, the bays are prepared for soldering SMD (Surface Mounted Device) components. Again, a störunanfälliger and mechanically stable construction with reliable electrical contact is given, which also can have a high packing density.

In a further preferred refinement of the functional module, at least some of the contact surfaces are connected to one another and / or to connections of the functional module by prefabricated conductor tracks. Basic circuits for signal processing are preferably predetermined by the prefabricated conductor tracks. In this way, standard circuits can be implemented in which the electrical properties z. B. customize the signal processing by selecting the components used. Even more complex circuits can be implemented application-specifically in the function block.

In a further preferred embodiment of the functional module, this preassembled and connected to the circuit board connections for connecting external conductors and / or connectors for connection to corresponding mating connectors on. Alternatively, the function module has a receiving shaft for receiving a connection module, in which case the connection module provides the connections and / or connectors for the external conductors or mating connectors. In both cases, a printed circuit board edge connector for contacting contacts of the printed circuit board of the connection and / or function module can be provided on the opposite side of the terminals of the function block. Alternatively, other connectors or connection techniques for connecting the function module to the connection and / or function module are possible.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to figures. The figures show:

1a . 1b a connection and / or function module according to the prior art;

2 a in connection with the connection and / or function module of 1 usable function module;

3 an arrangement of a connection and / or function module with a plurality of function blocks; and

4 an embodiment of a function block.

In the 1a and 1b is a simplified schematic and perspective view of a connection and / or function module 1 represented according to the prior art. The connection and / or function module shown 1 can be placed on a support rail, in particular latched and lined up on the mounting rail, for example as part of a control system in industrial automation technology.

The connection and / or function module 1 has a base plate carrier 2 on that with locking means 3 is provided for locking on a support rail, not shown here. However, the invention is not based on such an embodiment of the connection and / or function module 1 limited. It is also suitable for stackable connection and / or function modules 1 which can be mounted on a mounting base other than a mounting rail, for example a wall or the like.

On the base plate carrier 2 are side parts 4 arranged between which an electronic unit 5 is arranged. The electronics unit 5 includes a preferably inserted printed circuit board 6 (see. 1b ) and on both sides of the circuit board 6 arranged housing cover. It is also possible that the electronics unit 5 from a housing with integrated circuit board 6 consists.

On the side parts 4 and the electronics unit 5 is a connection and / or functional unit 8th attached, which in the example shown pivotally with one of the side parts 4 is connected and on the other side part 4 can be determined. The connection and / or functional unit 8th has a number of four openings here 9 on, into the connection blocks 20 are plugged, on the one hand, the circuit board 6 via the connection contacts 7 contact and on the other externally accessible connections 21 for connecting the connection and / or function module 1 with external ladders.

In the example shown, four identical connection blocks 20 which provide four connectivity options in a row. The connections 21 In the present case, these are implemented in direct plug-in technology (push-in), in which an electrical and mechanical connection of the conductor is tool-free, purely by inserting the conductor into a terminal area of the terminal 21 will be produced. It is understood that depending on the configuration of the connection and / or function module 1 and the connection blocks 20 the connections 21 not only single-row, but can be provided multi-row. Also, terminal blocks may be formed with other than push-in terminals, for example with insulation displacement connectors (IDC - Insulation-Displacement Connector), Zugfederanschlüssen or screw terminals.

The connection modules 20 offer a great flexibility in the contacting of the connection and / or function module 1 because they differ in the design of the connections 21 can be provided. For example, connection blocks 20 with connections 21 be provided for different conductor diameters, or even connection blocks 20 that have connectors of various kinds.

2 shows the connection and / or functional unit 8th a connection and / or function module 1 without inserted connection blocks. A connection module 20 is exemplary above the connection and / or functional unit 8th played. The connection module 20 has in the upper area in the inserted state externally accessible connections 21 on and in the bottom of a PCB edge connector 22 over which the connection contacts 7 the circuit board 6 of the connection and / or function module 1 (see. 1b ) are contacted.

In order to achieve greater flexibility not only with regard to the different connection types, but also with regard to the signals from the connection and / or function module 1 can be processed in the openings 9 the connection and / or functional unit 8th an inventive functional module 30 be used. The function module 30 is in 2 with the side cover open to gain insight into its internal structure.

The function module 30 has connections in the upper area 31 on, similar to the connectors 21 of the connection module 20 serve the connection with external conductors. The connections 31 can be analogous to the connections 21 as shown here be designed as a push-in connections. Alternatively, other types of conductor connectors and / or connectors may be used as terminals 31 be provided. In the lower area, the function block points 30 like the connection module 20 also a PCB edge connector 31 on, the contacting of the connection contacts 7 the circuit board 6 serves.

The function module 30 is characterized in that between the PCB edge connector 32 and the connection contacts 31 a circuit board 33 is arranged, which provides the installation options for custom electronic or electrical components. In the in 2 illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 33 is formed as a so-called hole pattern printed circuit board, which has a plurality of pads 34 has, in the conventional, provided with lead wires, or even in SMD (Surface Mounted Device) design exported electronic or electrical components, such as resistors, capacitors or transistors, can be used and soldered. With appropriate wire elements, the soldered electronics or electrical components with each other and with the terminals 31 or the card edge connector 32 get connected.

The circuit board formed as a hole pattern printed circuit board 33 allows the customer, application specific electrical or electronic components for signal matching between the terminals 31 and the card edge connector 32 install. For example, voltage dividers with certain desired divider ratios and resistance values can thus be realized in a simple manner in order to obtain a signal to be measured at the measuring range of a digital or analog signal input of the connection and / or function module 1 adapt. Similarly, current measurements can be realized using soldered shunt resistors. Even filters, such as high or low pass filters, or rectifiers for measuring AC voltages can be built in a simple manner.

The user is given the option of the functionality of the connection and / or function module 1 individually adapted to the respective needs. Despite this individual adaptation is the integration into the connection system of the connection and / or function module 1 a reliable, reliable and space-saving design given.

3 shows a connection and / or function module 1 with three inserted function blocks 30 (left in the picture). In the right in the figure opening 9 the connection and / or functional unit 8th is a functional module 30 before plugging into the connection and / or function module 1 shown. The functional module 30 differs in this embodiment from that of 2 in that instead of being stuck on the function module 30 arranged contacts 31 the functional module 30 a receiving shaft 31 ' for a connection module 20 having. The flexibility with regard to the connections used 21 already related to the 1 and 2 described in this way also for the function block 30 be used.

In 4 is the functional module 30 of the 3 with an opened side cover to give insight into the internal structure. In the lower area, the function block points 30 again a card edge connector 32 on that the circuit board 6 of the connection and / or function module 1 at the connection contacts 7 to contact.

In the function module 30 is also a circuit board 33 arranged via corresponding contacts at the bottom with the PCB edge connector 32 electrically connected. At the top of the circuit board 33 are with the connection contacts 7 the circuit board 6 comparable connection contacts 36 educated. At one in the receiving shaft 31 ' used connection module 20 stand the connection contacts 36 in conjunction with the card edge connector 22 of the connection module 20 ,

At the in 4 illustrated embodiment of the function block 30 is called a circuit board 33 no breadboard circuit board used, but a board, the bays 35 as installation options for electronic components, here for SMD resistors 40 , The circuit board 33 allows in this embodiment an application-specific equipment with electronic components, but a certain basic circuits for signal processing is given. For example, slots can 35 for the SMD resistors 40 and / or other components with which a voltage divider and / or an RC filter can be implemented, wherein the application-specific adaptation lies in the selection of the resistance values and / or capacitance values of the corresponding components.

In this way, standard circuits can be implemented in which the electrical properties z. B. customize the signal processing by selecting the components used. Even more complex circuits can be customized in the function block 30 implement. For example, amplifier circuits and / or active filter circuits using, for example, operational amplifiers may be prefabricated in one area or on one side of the circuit board 33 be formed, whereas the components that affect the transmission characteristics of the amplifier and / or filter circuit, ie z. B. form feedback and negative feedback branches for the amplifier circuit can be realized by soldering the application-specific matching resistors and / or capacitors.

It is understood that in the embodiment of the 4 reproduced basic principle, the connections of the function block 30 via a connection module 20 to provide, even with a Breadboard PCB as a circuit board 33 can be trained.

It is further noted that the function module according to the invention in other ways with the connection and / or function module 1 can be connected as over the printed circuit board edge connector shown in these embodiments 32 , For example, the function module may be provided with connection pins which are plugged into connection contacts, for example in direct plug-in technology, of a connection and / or function module. A non-electrical, but at least partially optical connection for signal transmission between the functional module and the connection and / or function module is conceivable.

The function block has been described above in connection with a connection and / or function module of a typical remote I / O system. However, it can also be designed for use with a non-bus-capable terminal block and then also be used in non-automated systems.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Connection and / or function modules

2

Base terminal carrier

3

latching means

4

side panels

5

electronics housing

6

circuit board

7

connection contact

8th

Connection and / or functional unit

9

opening

10.11

Bus contact elements

20

connecting module

21

connection

22

Edge Connectors

30

function module

31

connection

31 '

receiving shaft

32

Edge Connectors

33

circuit board

34

Solder

35

Installation option (SMD slot)

36

connection contact

40

SMD

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 [0004]
• EP 2589276 A1 [0004, 0006]

Claims (10)

Function module ( 30 ) for insertion into or placement on a bus-capable, connectable connection and / or function module ( 1 ) for the control and / or monitoring of technical processes, in particular in an industrial automation device, wherein the connection and / or function module ( 1 ) is adapted for attachment to a mounting base, preferably with latching means ( 3 ) for latching onto a DIN rail, and at least one or more bus conductor contacts ( 10 . 11 ), and a printed circuit board ( 6 ) with the at least one function module ( 30 ) and / or at least one connection module ( 20 ), characterized in that the function block ( 30 ) at least one printed circuit board ( 33 ), which has one or more installation options for installing customer and / or application-specific electrical and / or electronic components. Function module ( 30 ) according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board ( 33 ) is at least partially formed as a breadboard circuit board. Function module ( 30 ) according to claim 2, wherein the printed circuit board ( 33 ) Pads ( 34 ) as contact surfaces for soldering the electrical and / or electronic components provides. Function module ( 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein as installation possibilities bays ( 35 ) with contact surfaces on the printed circuit board ( 33 ) are present for soldering the electrical and / or electronic components. Function module ( 30 ) according to claim 4, wherein the bays ( 35 ) for soldering SMD components ( 40 ) are prepared. Function module ( 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least a part of the contact surfaces with each other and / or with terminals of the function block ( 30 ) is connected by prefabricated conductor tracks. Function module ( 30 ) according to claim 6, in which basic circuits for signal processing are predetermined by the prefabricated conductor tracks. Function module ( 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising preassembled and with the printed circuit board ( 33 ) connected connections ( 31 ) for connecting external conductors and / or connectors for connection to corresponding mating connectors. Function module ( 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a receiving shaft ( 31 ' ) for receiving a connection module ( 20 ), the connections ( 21 ) and / or connector has. Function module ( 30 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a printed circuit board edge connector ( 32 ) for contacting contacts ( 7 ) of the printed circuit board ( 6 ) of the connection and / or function module ( 1 ).

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