DE202016101973U1 - Electrical linking module for a pneumatic valve system, control unit for a pneumatic valve system - Google Patents

Abstract

Electric interlinking module (2) for a pneumatic valve system which has an angular housing (10) which has a connection opening (16) on one side of the housing for an electrical function module (3) which is separate from the interlinking module (2) and which has a plurality of interlinking contacts ( 8), which are designed for linking the interlinking module (2) with at least one further interlinking module (2), characterized in that interlinking contacts (8) are plate-like and each at a first end (52) have a smooth edge as sword contact area and in each case at least 7 separate contact fingers (54) integrated in the respective chaining contact (8) are formed on a second end (53) opposite the longitudinal direction (A) of a linking contact (8).

Description

The invention relates to an electrical interlinking module for a pneumatic valve system. The interlinking module comprises an angular housing, which has on one side of the housing a connection opening for an electrical function module separate from the interlinking module. The electrical interlinking module furthermore comprises a plurality of interlinking contacts, which are designed to interlink the interlinking module with at least one further interlinking module separate therefrom.

Moreover, the invention also relates to a control unit for a pneumatic valve system with at least one electrical linking module. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a pneumatic valve system with a corresponding control unit.

It is known that pneumatic valve systems are present in production plants in automation technology or in the automotive industry and, for example, in production technology in welding plants, which thus offer a fluid-technical valve arrangement. For this purpose, specific controls are required, on the one hand can provide sufficient electrical currents available, on the other hand can perform extensive electrical controls. For this purpose, usually also a so-called field bus is available.

From the DE 103 04 324 A1 is an electrical connection device and a so-equipped electrofluidic control unit known. The connection device comprises a linking strand extending in a linking direction, which is composed of a plurality of linking modules which follow each other in the linking direction. The linking modules each have a plurality of chaining contacts. By means of the electrical connection device is carried out a transmission of serial signals to and / or arranged in a row electrical consumers.

In addition, from the EP 1 484 511 A1 an electrical Verkettungsmodul for controlling an electric valve drive a fluid power valve assembly known. This linking module can be linked to other linking modules in a battery-like manner and comprises a rectangular housing. The interlinking contacts are formed only laterally on the housing for the electrical contacting of at least one further interlinking module. These interlinking contacts are each also arranged only on one side of opposite sides of the chaining module, wherein these interlinking contacts are formed like a knob. The housing is designed there as a spatial circuit carrier.

In the known embodiments, the assembly of the linking module is very complicated, since the individual components, in particular the chaining contacts, must be installed individually. This results in considerable assembly tolerances, and the installation time is very long.

In addition, these known linking modules are limited in terms of electrical parameters and their respective values.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical interlinking module, a control unit with such an electrical interlinking module as well as a pneumatic valve system which are improved or in which or at which electrical characteristic parameters.

This object is achieved by an electrical interlinking module, a control unit and a pneumatic valve system according to the independent claims.

An inventive electrical linking module for a pneumatic valve system comprises a square housing. On one side of the housing, the housing has a connection opening for connection to an electrical function module separate from the linking module. The connection opening is thus virtually a hole through which accessibility is achieved in the interior of the electrical linking module. The electrical interlinking module is thus formed with a housing which is not covered on a housing side of this polygonal geometry and the interior of the housing, the accessibility is released. In particular, this connection opening is formed with a size which represents at least 50 percent of the total area of this housing side. In particular, it is provided that this surface of said housing side is completely open and thus the connection opening extends over this entire extension of the housing side.

The connection opening is also designed specifically so that the separate functional module can be flanged to it and thus can be individually attached thereto. The attachment of the electrical function module is in particular designed to be non-destructively detachable. Thereby, a separation and joining of the electrical functional module with the electrical interlinking module can be reversible, so that the interlinking module can be equipped individually with different functional modules. Also for assembly and maintenance work, this configuration very advantageous because then each of the electrical interlinking module or the electrical function module can be processed alone.

Preferably, the electrical interlinking module has a plurality of interlinking contacts. These interlinking contacts are designed to link the electrical interlinking module with at least one further, separate electrical interlinking module.

This allows an individual embodiment of a chaining done with a variety of chaining modules. Depending on demand, an individual number of electrical linking modules can therefore be used as the basis, in particular with regard to the design of the pneumatic valve system, all of which are then connected to one another like a battery.

An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in that at least some interlinking contacts are plate-like or strip-like elements. These interlinking contacts have a smooth edge at a first end, through which a sword-like end or a sword contact region is formed. At the second end opposite the longitudinal direction of a daisy-chain contact, the daisy-chain contact is formed with a plurality of integrated contact fingers, each of which constitutes separate and spaced-apart contact fingers. The achievable advantages and the individual linking of the linking module with other linking modules are thereby achieved.

At least seven separate contact fingers are formed at the second end. This allows a much higher transmission of electrical currents, so that the concatenation module is more stable in operation and on the other hand can be used for other requirements, which was not the case with conventional designs. In particular, this is a particular advantage, since these additional areas of use are accompanied by an enlargement of the chaining module.

In addition, a significantly better power safety is made possible by these at least seven contact fingers. Unwanted fluctuations in the current can be avoided and permanently high current security can be maintained. This also favors the above-mentioned advantages in terms of a compact design, yet to meet more extensive and higher requirements for required applications.

In addition, this design also allows a lower mechanical insertion force when linking with other chaining modules.

A contact finger is formed in the context as a tab-like element which extends laterally with a, from the plate-like remaining portion of the interlinking contact and a projecting from the plane of this remaining portion of the interlinking contact web laterally away. This relatively short holding web then merges into a banana-shaped bent end portion of a contact finger.

Seen in the height direction of the interlinking contact and thus in the direction of the row in which the at least 7 Contact fingers are arranged spaced from each other, the interlinking contact has a height which is in particular between 0.85 cm and 0.95 cm.

Viewed in the height direction of the interlinking contact and thus in the direction of the row in which the at least seven contact fingers are spaced apart from one another, a holding web is alternately in a first direction from the remaining portion of the interlinking contact projecting and then adjacent holding web of an adjacent contact finger in the other Direction from this remaining plane area of the daisy-chain contact. These banana-shaped end sections are then each curved in opposite directions. As a result, the above-mentioned lower insertion force is favored and allows a simple two-sided embrace of a then smooth first end of another chaining contact of another chaining module.

Preferably, a carrier device designed to receive the interlinking contacts is arranged in the housing of the electrical interlinking module. The carrier device has rectilinear first receiving slots oriented in the direction of the connection opening. These first receiving slots are formed to pass through and guide one interlinking contact each. The first receiving slots arranged in the region of a first side wall of the housing have, viewed in their vertical extent, openings at their upper ends facing the connection opening. These receiving slots are thus formed open to the connection opening. Through these receiving openings of the receiving slots, the chaining contacts can be threaded from above into the receiving slots.

In this embodiment, therefore, the receiving slots are formed not only in their usual geometry, in which the slot opening extends in a plane preferably parallel to this first side wall, but the receiving slot is circumferentially not completely closed, but on the side facing the connection opening and thus not closed this upper end, but open. This means that a receiving slot as such is limited by quasi a U-geometry, wherein the opening of this U-shape is oriented towards the connection opening. The introduction of a daisy chain contact is thus not only possible, as in circumferentially completely closed receiving slots in an insertion perpendicular to the plane in which the receiving slot extends, but a concatenation contact can thus be inserted or swung over this open upper end, so a In this regard, the movement share of the total movement in this insertion movement in the plane in which the receiving slot extends, is given.

By this configuration, the assembly of the linking module is substantially simplified. It can now be done via the connection opening itself introducing the interlinking contacts, whereby the assembly is faster and the positionally accurate positioning of the interlinking contacts is simplified.

Preferably, it is provided that the carrier device to the connection opening has raised and formed spaced and oriented parallel to each other cross struts. These cross struts are designed to support a circuit carrier receiving the chaining contacts. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment, since thus the circuit carrier accommodating all the chaining contacts can, on the one hand, be arranged very precisely in the housing, and on the other hand no unwanted bending or crowning of the circuit carrier during assembly and also over the lifetime of the chaining module occurs. This in turn also has significant advantages in terms of the positional accuracy of the chaining contacts arranged thereon, in particular with regard to the position of the chaining contacts relative to one another as well as with respect to extending out of the housing.

Especially the positional accuracy of the ends of the interlinking contacts, which extend through lead-through openings in the housing from the housing to the outside, is then very accurately possible and permanently maintained.

These cross struts preferably extend over the entire width of the housing. As a result, they also provide mounting supports for the circuit carrier. For in particular, in a configuration in which the interlinking contacts are pre-assembled prior to introduction into the interior of the housing on the circuit board and thereby form an insert assembly comprising the circuit carrier and the interlinking contacts mounted thereon, a more targeted and position-accurate installation achievable. Because this mounting intermediate module in the form of preassembled insert assembly can then be placed on the crossbars targeted at the height of their insertion on the crossbars so that the threading of the interlinking contacts in the receiving slots and the passage of the interlinking contacts through the receiving slots and then through the passage opening the housing is also guided to some extent. It can also be avoided that this circuit carrier would be positioned with the interlinking contacts either too far down in the housing during the assembly process, which then possibly reflected in jamming or Verspreizungen when threading the interlinking contacts in the receiving slots and in particular when passing through the lead-through openings in the housing would. This could then also damage the chaining contacts.

It can be provided that these transverse struts are arranged at the bottom of the housing. These may then be integrally formed in the bottom of the housing.

However, it can also be provided that the carrier device has a bottom which is separate from the bottom of the housing and these transverse struts are arranged, in particular integrated, at the bottom of the carrier device.

Since the housing can be formed of different materials depending on the particular application, it can be provided in different embodiments, that the cross struts are integrated into the bottom of the housing, if the material of the housing and the material of the cross strut can be the same. On the other hand, however, to provide the material of the housing of an individual to the cross member material and thus to a different material, it is advantageous if the cross member is integrated into an additionally present bottom of the support device.

In this context, it may be advantageous that in specific embodiments, the housing of the linking module is formed of a metal. The housing may then be, for example, a die-cast component. In these embodiments, it is advantageous if the transverse strut, which is preferably made of plastic, not in the bottom of the housing, but in a bottom of the support device, which is then preferably also formed of plastic, is integrated.

In a further embodiment, in which the housing of the linking module may be formed of plastic, this cross member may then be integrated directly into the bottom of the housing and be a cross strut made of plastic.

The circuit carrier is formed in a version of the electrical Verkettungsmoduls as an electrical power supply module as a planar board, which is thus a preferably square, in particular rectangular plate, which is flat. In one embodiment as a power supply module, the disclosed linking module additionally has a power supply connection with which the linking module can then be supplied with electrical energy.

In an embodiment in which a linking module does not have such a power supply connection, this circuit carrier can then also have a different design to a plate-like circuit board and in particular also be a stamped grid.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the cross struts extend at least across the width of the circuit carrier between two opposite and opening to the connection opening first side wall and second side wall of the housing. By this configuration, a further simplification of assembly is achieved. For this makes it possible, in particular, that the introduction of the circuit carrier with the chaining contacts via the connection opening already predefines the height-accurate mounting of the circuit carrier with the chaining contacts in the further assembly movements that must be performed to reach the end position of the circuit carrier with the chaining contacts inside the housing is. In addition, by means of this explicit extension of the transverse struts, a horizontal displacement of the circuit carrier with the linking contacts to be carried out in the interior of the housing can then be easily carried out until the end position is reached. These cross braces then operate in this specific assembly movement towards the end position of engaging below guide rails, which then define this movement guide in the width direction of the housing defined. Threading problems of the interlinking contacts on the first receiving slots opposite the second receiving slots of the carrier device as well as passing the interlinking contacts through the first passage openings in the housing opposite, second through openings in the housing can be avoided. The extremely targeted movement of the circuit carrier with the chaining contacts in the final position in the housing is made possible.

It is preferably provided that at least one transverse strut has a first elevation at its upper edge facing the attachment opening. As a result of this first increase, the circuit carrier is prevented from moving into its end position in the carrier device in a direction in which the transverse strut extends. In this end position thus this first increase forms a lateral stop, on which a narrow edge of the circuit substrate can strike. As a result of this embodiment, the end position of the circuit carrier is predetermined in the interior of the housing and unwanted large slippage of the circuit carrier is prevented.

In particular, when the final configuration of the electrical interlinking module also a potting compound is introduced into the interior of the housing and surrounds the circuit substrate at least partially, is achieved by this configuration also that when introducing the potting compound and the curing of the potting compound no undesirable change in position of the circuit substrate occurs.

As a result of this first increase, the transverse strut is formed at its upper edge and thus not over the entire length at an identical height level, but in particular thereby comprises a discrete jump.

This first increase also provides for ease of assembly, as in the assembly step of the horizontal displacement of the circuit carrier with the chaining contacts arranged in the width direction of the housing for passing the interlinking contacts through second receiving slots of the support device and then through second passage openings in the housing some guidance is reached. In particular, the end position of the circuit carrier is then easily recognized, since the circuit carrier virtually glides over this first increase and then virtually slips down from the first increase and then slides into a support region of the transverse strut which is then offset downwards. Thus, it is also possible a certain haptic feedback on the achievement of the end position allows when the circuit substrate leaves the first increase or snaps over the jump between the first increase and the adjoining remaining upper edge of the cross member.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first elevation is arranged in the direction of the transverse strut such that a length section of the cross strut delimited by the first elevation has a length that is at most 1 percent greater than the width of the circuit carrier. This means that the opposite of the first increase downwardly offset longitudinal portion of the cross member can accommodate the circuit carrier in its full width. In addition, however, this width of the longitudinal section and thus the support length of the upper edge of this cross member is dimensioned only insignificantly larger than this width of the circuit substrate. As a result, an undesirable movement tolerance of the circuit carrier is prevented on the crossbar in its final position. Nevertheless, a press fit of the circuit substrate is prevented by this configuration, so that it is not exposed to undesirably strong mechanical forces and therefore can not deform undesirable. A minimal floating support of the circuit carrier in its end position on the transverse struts in this respect therefore has several advantages mentioned above.

It is preferably provided that this longitudinal section at the upper edge of the transverse strut, which is bordered or delimited by the first elevation, is bounded at the end opposite the first height by a second elevation at the upper edge of the transverse strut. This second elevation extends further up the elevation than the first elevation. Just when, in the assembly process, the circuit carrier is moved with the chaining contacts mounted in the horizontal direction of movement to the second receiving slots of the carrier device out and thus also for the second implementation in the housing, then can be prevented when reaching the end position that the circuit carrier via pushes away these second increases and thus would be moved back from its actual final position. Too much displacement of the circuit carrier in the direction of the second receiving slots is prevented. In particular, it can then be prevented that the interlinking contacts would be too far out of the second feedthrough openings to the outside.

It is preferably provided that the first elevation has a height that is at most 20 percent higher than the thickness of the circuit carrier. By this configuration, a height-direction very compact design of the housing can be achieved. Because on the one hand it is thus possible over the entire height and a certain extension of the first receiving slots. On the other hand, it is then also achieved that the transverse struts do not extend over a height which would overlap with one of the connection opening opposite the end of the receiving slots and thus a lower end of the receiving slots in the height direction. This means that the upper edge of the transverse strut and in particular also the upper edge of the first elevation on the transverse strut are thus located lower in the height direction than a lower end of the first accommodating slots. Due to this small height dimensioning of the first elevation, the assembly of the insert assembly is simplified and also achieves the height-compact construction of the housing. In addition, it is also achieved by this configuration that when transferring the circuit substrate via the first increase and then the quasi snap in the opposite the first increase downwardly offset longitudinal portion of the upper edge of the cross member no too strong down flaps or too far down Snap the circuit carrier occurs. An undesired damage of the circuit carrier is then avoided.

It is preferably provided that an upper edge facing the connection opening of the first elevation, viewed in the direction of the connection opening, is formed below a lower edge of a first receiving slot facing away from the connection opening. This has considerable advantages during assembly, since the positioning of the insert assembly is then already made possible with a certain amount of support on the first elevation during threading of the circuit carrier with the chaining contacts already mounted thereon through the connection opening, so that the subsequent movements during the movement of this circuit carrier the Verkettungskontakten are supported in the end position to some extent with respect to the altitude and not undesirable back and forth this insert module or this preassembled insert assembly is done. The assembly can be done very fast, targeted, error-free and damage-free for the respective components.

It is preferably provided that the circuit carrier is covered with a potting compound, which is also formed between the circuit carrier and the free spaces formed by the transverse struts between the circuit carriers and a bottom of the housing or a bottom of the carrier device. The cross struts thus have, in addition to the guide functionality and support functionality also the advantage that they form a certain spacing of the circuit substrate to the bottom of the housing and optionally to the bottom of the support device. As a result, the support of the circuit substrate is minimized because the upper edges of the cross braces have minimal surfaces and are only line sections. The possibility that the potting compound can be introduced into these spaces, the positional fixation of the circuit substrate is improved. As a result, mechanical forces that can occur, for example, due to vibrations in the operation of the pneumatic valve system and can be transferred to the linking module, easily added. Also, a delay or a change in position due to thermal influences on the linking module, as they can occur during operation, can be prevented. In particular, electrical characteristic parameters of the interlinking module can also be held up in this context and provided with slight fluctuations, so that the functional stability and operational reliability of the interlinking module are also given permanently and long-term.

It is preferably provided that the carrier device has, in the direction of the connection opening, oriented second receiving slots, which are designed to pass through and guide a respective chaining contact. The arranged in the region of one of the first side wall second side wall of the housing second receiving slots are considered in their height extent closed at their upper side facing the connection opening. This can prevent unwanted upward slipping out. This combination with the upwardly open first receiving slots and the upwardly closed second receiving slots a particularly advantageous mounting method allows, on the other hand, however, a reliable security of the end position or the end position of the circuit substrate with the chaining contacts in the housing permanently possible.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the second receiving slots are not rectilinear and are designed to receive bent contact fingers of the interlinking contact. This different geometry of the second receiving slots to the first receiving slots allows a relatively space-saving design of these receiving slots for the respective geometries of the ends of the interlinking contacts.

Thus, the interlinking contacts are preferably formed such that they represent at a first end, which extend through the first receiving slots and then the first passage openings, as a straight, sword-like ends. At the opposite end, the interlinking contacts are then formed with these non-planar individual contact fingers. Due to the adapted geometries of the respective receiving slots can still be carried out with a minimum of installation space, a respective afflicted with game implementation of the respective individual ends of the interlinking contacts. In this connection, it is then also possible for the ends of the contact fingers, bent in different directions in the direction of height, to contact a sword-like first end of a further interlinking contact of another interlinking module, in particular to contact each other alternately from opposite sides. This also enables a mechanically stable connection between two interlinking contacts of two different interlinking modules.

In an advantageous manner, it is provided that the second elevation opens onto a projection of the carrier device which extends into the interior of the housing and which is formed between two second receiving slots. By this over the second receiving slots to the first receiving slots raised down supernatant a more stable base structure for the second increase is created, which can also absorb corresponding mechanical forces.

It is preferably provided that the carrier device is formed in one piece. As a result, the number of components of the linking mode is substantially reduced and thus also reduces the assembly costs. In addition, it is achieved by this configuration that the individual components of the support device are permanently fixed in position to each other. As a result, on the one hand, a high degree of assembly precision of the circuit carrier and the interlinking contacts is made possible and the permanent positional security of these components is then achieved on the carrier device.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the carrier device is a trough made of plastic. In this context, this component is then also mechanically stable and, in particular, torsionally stiff. In addition, it can be very accurately inserted into the housing, so that no undesirable tolerances of the position between the housing and the carrier device can occur here. Preferably, this trough then extends over the entire height up to the connection opening, so that the upper edge of the support device and thus also this trough, which faces the connection opening, preferably flush with an upper opening bounding the connection opening of the housing and thus the opposite side walls as well as a front wall and a rear wall of the housing is arranged.

The carrier device can then also be produced simply as an injection-molded component. It can then be fixed for example by gluing in the housing. Other ways of attachment are provided, and this is then dependent on the material pairing between the material of the housing and the material of the support device. It may also be provided in the context of a thermal welding or a one-piece Forming the support device may be provided with the housing.

It is preferably provided that a seal is arranged at the interface between the linking module and the functional module, which can then be arranged, for example, on the upper edge of the carrier device and / or on the upper edge of the housing.

It is preferably provided that the carrier device has web-like positioning stops for positioning a circuit carrier receiving the chaining contacts in its longitudinal direction. These positioning stops are formed on a third side wall or on a front wall and / or a rear wall of the housing. Such a third side wall or a front wall and / or a rear wall are connected at the opposite edges with the first side wall and the second side wall. In particular, this third side wall extends parallel to the chaining contacts extending between the first and second side walls. This additional positioning stops a positional security of the circuit substrate is not only in the width direction of the housing allows, but also avoided in a vertical longitudinal direction an undesirable change in position.

It may be provided in an advantageous embodiment, that the interlinking contacts extend through the first receiving slots in the first side wall of the housing to the outside and extend through second receiving slots on one of the first side wall opposite the second side wall of the housing outwardly of the housing. A chaining contact in its one-piece configuration thus extends over a width that is greater than the width of the interior of the housing. It is thus not necessary in each case separate, individually attachable to the opposite side walls chaining contacts. Due to this specific embodiment of the linking contact of the invention, in turn, the assembly is simplified and the above-mentioned electrical parameters are favored. By this configuration, it is then also achieved that the electrical interlinking contacts are accommodated as a one-piece component also on opposite side walls of the housing and are held positionally. As a result, unwanted bending can be avoided and the positionally exact arrangement achieved and permanently guaranteed.

It is preferably provided that the interlinking contacts have contact pins, with which they extend into contact holes of the circuit carrier for mechanical attachment of the electrical contact. These contact pins are formed projecting from a narrow edge of the interlinking contact and thus extend in the plane in which extends the preferably planar interlinking contact. In the mounted state, the linking contacts are thus oriented practically perpendicular to the circuit carrier plane and mechanically stably fixed thereto. It can be provided that these pins are pressed or caulked in the contact holes. In addition, it can also be provided that they are also soldered to the contact holes.

In an advantageous embodiment, the contact pins extend through the contact holes and then extend on the opposite side of the circuit substrate even from the contact holes partially out. The mechanical attachment and the electrical contact are improved. Especially in this embodiment, then the advantageous embodiment already mentioned above with the cross braces and the free spaces formed between the circuit carrier in its end position and a bottom of the housing is advantageous. Because then these raised extending pins can extend into the open spaces without them would already be on the ground and would possibly bend and / or without then by the already resting the circuit substrate at the bottom of the housing, the chaining contacts again from the circuit board would push out when the circuit substrate is placed in its final position in the housing. The potting compound which can then be introduced into these free spaces can then additionally contribute to the mechanical attachment of the interlinking contacts to the circuit carrier in the above-mentioned advantageous embodiment.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the electrical interlinking module is designed as a power supply module and additionally has an external power supply connection for this purpose.

In a daisy-chain battery having at least two daisy-chain modules, it is necessary that electrical energy is supplied, so that one of the daisy chain modules must be designed as a power supply module. Especially with such a power supply module then the above-mentioned representational embodiments are particularly advantageous.

It is then possible to have an individual, mechanically stable contacting, which is considerably more reliable with regard to electrical characteristic parameters, on this one circuit carrier between power supply contacts and the circuit carrier reach.

Preferably, the power supply terminal is arranged with the punched grid contacts opening directly to a circuit carrier receiving the interlinking contacts and connected there.

Just when the relevant circuit carrier is a rigid planar board, the mechanical connection of the lead frame can be made highly stable and on the other hand, high currents or voltages can be placed on the power supply terminal and passed to this circuit board, without this functional impairment or Damage to these components would occur.

Preferably, a plurality of contact pins are arranged at the power supply connection to the outside. These contact pins may be attached to the power supply terminal by resistance welding and connected to the lead frame contacts. However, it can also be provided that these pins are pressed in the power supply terminal and are soldered and thereby also a corresponding connection with the stamped grid contacts is generated. This refinement can also increase the degree of automation of the production or assembly of the linking module.

In particular, it is also provided that these contact pins of the power supply terminal are inserted into openings of ends of the stamped grid contacts by a press fit.

In a further, very advantageous embodiment, it is provided that electronic components for suppressing the signal transmission are also arranged on a circuit carrier accommodating the chaining contacts. This is advantageous in that all the chaining contacts and all the electronic components are thus arranged on a single circuit carrier which is installed in the housing. As a result, signal paths are shorter and the assembly time-reduced. A significant advantage is also to be seen in that no separate embodiment of a circuit substrate, which has only the suppression components, is required. In conventional embodiments, a separate circuit carrier with only the suppression components requires a very complex and possibly also error-prone electrical contacting with other electrical components in the housing and the interlinking contacts.

A further significant advantage of this provision of a punched grid, which enables an electrical contact between the contact pins of the power supply terminal to the circuit carrier, is also to be seen in the fact that these entire punched grid contacts can be provided in a single stamped grid or in a one-piece stamped grid and this then one-piece Punching grid can be brought into its final position in the housing. This means that this lead frame is then also more stable in itself and can be easily brought into the desired end position, so that the electrical contact with the circuit carrier on the one hand and the contact pins of the power supply terminal on the other hand is improved. The assembly is much easier and faster.

Only then, when this lead frame has reached its installation position in the housing and in particular only when the mechanical and electrical contact with the circuit carrier on the one hand and the contact pins on the other hand is achieved, there is a separation of the stamped grid contacts by connecting webs of the stamped grid, which is connected to the stamped grid contacts are to be separated. An undesired bending or undesired position changes of the individual stamped grid contacts can be prevented by such a design and procedure during assembly.

A significant advantage of an embodiment in which these suppression components are contained on the circuit board on which the chaining contacts are mounted, is the fact that a functional test can already be done with the above-mentioned insert assembly and thus a functional test can already be done if this insert assembly is not yet mounted in the housing. This has significant advantages with regard to the rejection of components and in particular with regard to the scope of chaining modules to be sorted out. In that case, it is no longer necessary to discard an entire chaining module, but possibly only and maximally one such insert module. This also saves considerable time and, in particular, costs.

In particular, in an embodiment in which the electrical interlinking module is a linking module as such and not a power supply module, the circuit carrier may also be a simple plastic plate.

Substantial advantages of the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof are also to be seen in the fact that a preassembled insert module, as has been explained extensively above, can also be checked for its functionality even before being installed in the housing.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the contacts between the chaining contacts and the circuit carrier are gas-tight. By such a configuration, the contact resistance can be significantly reduced and thus a higher performance can be achieved. In particular, then electrical characteristic parameters can be significantly improved. Such a gas-tight contacting is achieved, in particular, in that the said contact pins of the linking modules are slightly larger than the diameter of contact holes in the circuit carrier with regard to their geometry, at least in one spatial direction. As a result, a compression of the contact pins in the contact holes is achieved in that these contact pins also work into the material of the circuit substrate and a hole widening of the contact holes occurs. The gas-tightness is achieved here then particularly hervorzuhebend.

In particular, it is also provided that the lead frame in a power supply module and thus also the lead frame contacts are connected by a gas-tight contacting with contact holes in the circuit carrier.

Especially by gas-tight contacts, the functional test of the insert module, possibly already expanded by the stamped grid, done circumferentially and meaningful. Because of the gas-tightness, it is almost impossible that during further handling and in the further shoring the contact by chemical processes change such that a contact resistance would change and thus change the result obtained in the functional test.

Due to the advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which a circuit substrate is formed as a quasi-flat plate and serves as a basis for all interlinking contacts, even if a potting compound is preferably introduced into the housing, a reduced need of the potting compound occur. Because of the volume of the circuit board a certain space is already taken in the interior of the housing, which is then no longer filled with the potting compound. By this design with this plate-like circuit substrate and the filling height of the potting compound can be reduced, so that in the context then potting compound can be saved. In particular, in connection with the cross struts and in particular with the positioning in the support length of the cross struts, this potting compound can be reduced again in their amount.

In addition, it is provided that characteristic information of the linking module is applied to an outer side of the housing by means of a laser inscription. It is also possible to apply a data matrix code here. This is a significant advantage in that there are no separate labels that can peel off or discolor, so that the information shown can no longer or no longer be fully perceived can be prevented. By such a laser marking the characteristic information to be displayed is permanently applied and permanently unrestricted perceptible.

As a result of the preceding provision of an insert module with the circuit carrier and the chaining contacts already mounted in their end positions, subsequent soldering operations can also be significantly reduced. Another advantage is then to be seen in the fact that washing operations of the module, in which rosin of the soldering operations must be washed off, can be significantly reduced. In addition, the damage of components during assembly is significantly reduced by this approach, since the assembly process is much easier and less risk in terms of critical components and their damage is formed.

In addition, the linking module complies with the ATEX standard.

By the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof, the circuit carrier can be mounted with a strength of about 140 g in the housing.

In a concatenation of several interlinking modules, in which then at least one interlinking module is formed as a power supply module, a so-called daisy-chain is realized.

It is preferably provided that the stamped grid contacts extend completely through contact holes in the circuit carrier and that an insertion phase protrudes below the surface, so that the contact surface is thus reached over the entire bore wall of a contact hole.

It can be provided that the power supply terminal is formed four-pole or five-pole.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a control unit for a pneumatic valve system. The control unit comprises at least one electrical linking module according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In addition, the control unit comprises a separately formed for linking module Functional module. The functional module is connected to the connection module of the daisy chain module at the connection opening and thus covers the connection opening, as it were, from above. Electrical contacts of the functional module extend through the connection opening of the linking module into the interior of the housing of the linking module and are connected to the linking contacts of the linking module. In particular, these electrical contacts of the functional module are connected directly to the chaining contacts.

In particular, a function module comprises an external connection, which may be a sensor connection. In this context, a sensor can then be connected to this control unit. In addition, an I / O module can also be connected to this external connection of the function module. It can also be provided that a relay is also connected to this connection of the function module.

The electrical contacts of the functional module are, for example, so-called CPX contacts. This functional module is then preferably a fieldbus module and is thus designed with a control function and / or an interface function. A CPX terminal or CPX function module with then such CPX contacts is in particular a modular peripheral system for valve terminals.

It can be provided that at least ten linking modules are connected to each other in a battery-like manner. In particular, at least 15 such chaining modules can be connected to one another.

In such a control unit for a pneumatic valve system, a valve terminal of the pneumatic valve system is then connected to such a battery, which comprises a plurality of linking modules, of which a linking module is a power supply module.

It is preferably provided that the interlinking contacts each extend over the entire width of the housing and extend through at least one first feedthrough slot or a feedthrough opening in the first side wall of the housing to the outside and opposite by at least one second feedthrough opening on one of the first side wall second side wall of the housing outwardly of the housing.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that each contact finger has an end-side bend. As a result, jamming and spreading in connection with a linking contact of another linking module can be avoided. In addition, these contact fingers, when viewed in each case in a row of the contact fingers, alternately form bent regions in opposite directions on opposite sides of a smooth edge of a linking contact of another linking module designed as a sword contact region. As a result, a two-sided clamping of the contact fingers of this smooth edge of the sword contact region of the other interlinking contact of another linking module is thus virtually provided. This smooth region of the other interlinking contact is thus pushed into one another or arranged in a toothed manner with these contact fingers.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the contact fingers are formed as stamped contacts in a chaining contact. In particular, exactly seven contact fingers are then formed.

The contact fingers can also be designed as laser-cut contact fingers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at a same height of the Verkettungskontaktts and thus a same height of the arranged in series contact fingers eight contact fingers are integrally formed, which are then generated as laser cut contacts in the chaining contact. Since the geometry precision or the material removal tolerance is smaller than during punching by laser machining, the number of contact fingers can even be increased with this procedure. By means of such a configuration, the otherwise identical geometries of the linking contact can then be used to improve the already mentioned electrical characteristic parameters of the linking module, in particular with regard to the transmission of higher currents and the better current safety.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that a height, measured in the direction of the other contact fingers, of a contact finger, in particular of all contact fingers, is smaller than a distance, measured in this height direction, between two adjacent contact fingers. It is thus advantageously provided that a free space between a lower edge or a lower edge of a first contact finger to an upper edge or an upper edge of a contact finger adjacent thereto is greater than a measured in this height direction height of a contact finger and thus the height between a lower edge and an upper edge of this contact finger. This is especially true for all contact fingers of a chaining contact. Just by this configuration can then be achieved that the number of contact fingers is maximized and in particular at least seven contact fingers can be formed and yet the total height of the concatenation contact does not change. With the same height compared to conventional embodiments thus a very large number of contact fingers can be realized, which significantly improves the above-mentioned electrical parameters or characteristic parameters of the chaining module and on the other hand also reduces the insertion force. The functionality and the usability of an entire chaining module are thereby significantly improved.

When mounting an electrical interlinking module for a pneumatic valve system, an angular housing of the interlinking module is provided with a connection opening formed in a housing side for connection to an electrical function module separate from the interlinking module. The connection opening is thus formed as a continuous hole through which thus can be looked from outside the chaining module in the interior or the accessibility from the outside into the interior of the housing is fully possible.

It is a plurality of interlinking contacts, which are designed for concatenation of the interlinking module with at least one further interlinking module, installed in the housing. This further linking module is a different module to the function module. In the housing of the daisy-chain module, different further modules, namely on the one hand at least one further linking module, on the other hand at least one functional module, can thus be connected to different sides of this housing, in particular directly connected thereto.

The chaining contacts are already preassembled, in particular outside the housing, on a circuit carrier in the end positions, thereby forming a preassembled insert module outside the housing. This insert module preassembled outside the housing is then inserted into the housing via this connection opening, so that in the end position of the insert assembly inside the housing chaining contacts extend outwards through at least one first through opening in a first side wall of the housing and through at least one second through opening in one to the first opposite second side wall, these interlinking contacts also extend outwards and thus outside of the housing. Such a mounting method substantially simplifies the manufacture and production of an electrical linking module. By not having to be guided individually via the feed-through openings in the housing, the interlinking contacts, the assembly time is significantly reduced. In addition, the likelihood of damaging a chaining contact, for example, bending is minimized. Because it is no longer the individual interlinking contact as such and alone completed a difficult threading from the outside through a feedthrough slot in the housing, but it is based on an entire solid intermediate module, namely the pre-assembled insert assembly. In addition, it is thus no longer provided and also by the size of the preassembled insert assembly no longer possible that the interlinking contacts are first performed from the outside through the through-openings into the interior of the housing. On the contrary, it can only be used in an advantageous manner, this entire insert assembly on the large connection opening.

By providing a common single circuit carrier for the entire chaining contacts in a novel manner according to the invention, in principle only the method by which such an insert module is generated at all can be made possible. This is then also generated in this advantageous embodiment outside of the housing, which is much easier to handle for the assembly of the circuit substrate with the chaining contacts. Namely, the interlinking contacts can be mounted substantially more accurately on the circuit carrier in the context, since the accessibility is easier. In addition, this procedure prevents unwanted bending of the chaining contacts. The interlinking contacts can in this context namely by the pre-assembly outside of the housing extremely accurately aligned with each other and also extremely accurate to the circuit carrier. The then already reached outside the housing end positions of the chaining contacts on the circuit board favor further assembly and handling of the insert assembly, especially in the other assembly steps, in which then the insert assembly is already inside the housing.

A very particular advantage of this preassembled insert module is also to be seen in the fact that this insert assembly can then be tested early in terms of their functionality, namely, if it is not yet installed in the housing. This also simplifies the functional test. Not least, this also makes it possible that in case of failure of this insert assembly this can be repaired easier and faster. If such a repair is not possible, the degree of segregation is With regard to the number of components of such a daisy-chain module minimized, because then only the circuit carrier and the chaining contacts must be disposed of, and not the entire chaining module.

Just when, as provided in the invention, a concatenation contact extends over its own length, which is greater in terms of orientation in the interior of the housing than the width of the interior of the housing, the invention is particularly advantageous. For it must then be achieved in such an embodiment that such a longitudinally extending interlinking contact extends both through the first feedthrough opening and at the same time through the second feedthrough opening. Since in this way and due to the plate-like or strip-like and thus relatively filigree and thin configuration of such a concatenation contact bending in the conventional assembly can not be avoided, the invention is particularly advantageous. This bending can be avoided by the already preassembled stable positioning of the chaining contacts on the circuit board, and yet be achieved by skillful assembly steps that in the final position of the circuit substrate and thus the insert assembly, the interlinking contacts, which have a corresponding width, both by a extend first implementation slot as well as through a second implementation slot respectively. This means that, although the internal dimension of the housing is smaller than such a width of a chaining contact, still the insertion of the insert assembly in the interior of the housing and there also in the end position can be done easily and quickly and still the probability of damage of the circuit substrate and / or a Chaining contact is minimized.

In addition, this configuration also ensures that the interlinking contacts are arranged in their final position in the same defined fixed position to each other, so that the ends of the interlinking contacts at the first lead-through openings are quasi on the same position and the ends of the interlinking contacts, which are characterized by extend second passage openings, also located in the same position. An undesirable, too far outward survival of one or more interlinking contacts is thereby avoided. This can not be avoided in comparison with an assembly in which the interlinking contacts are guided individually and separately from the outside through a passage opening into the interior of the housing.

In addition, it is achieved by the invention that all interlinking contacts are mounted together and simultaneously and introduced into the interior of the housing and at the same time then experience the respective individual assembly steps for shipment to the final position. As a result, the positioning of the entire insert assembly can be improved and made easier and the position fixation of all interlinking contacts can be achieved together and simultaneously.

In an advantageous embodiment, the insert assembly is inserted in an inclined position, in particular to the plane in which the connection opening extends, immersed by the connection opening. In this inclined position, first ends of the interlinking contacts are first inserted by dipping into the connection opening. These first ends of the interlinking contacts are in particular plate and planar areas, in particular sword contact areas. So you have no separate contact fingers.

Through this insertion opening and the inclination of the insert assembly, the first ends are inserted into first receiving slots of a carrier device designed to receive the interlinking contacts in the housing. For this purpose, these first receiving slots are formed as aligned in the direction of the connection opening, rectilinear, first receiving slots for passing through and guiding a respective Verkettungskontakts. These first receiving slots are arranged or formed in the region of the first side wall of the housing, and these first receiving slots, viewed in their vertical extent, are designed to be open at their upper ends facing the connection opening. About this upper open ends of the first receiving slots, the first ends of the interlinking contacts are threaded or inserted over these upper ends. This threading is thus carried out at least with a vectorial movement portion which extends in the plane in which also extends the first receiving slot and thus also in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the first receiving slot. By virtue of such a design, it is precisely the relatively large insert assembly which, due to the larger dimensions of the interlinking contacts seen in the width direction of the housing, can not be inserted with a vertical movement from above into the connection opening, since in this connection the connection opening is not wide enough, nevertheless particularly be used advantageously and easily. In particular, since the first receiving slots extend in a plane oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the attachment opening extends, such an inclination and pivoting movement of the insert assembly is subject to the additional constraints, namely, the size of the attachment opening, especially in the widthwise direction and the extent the linking contacts in the width direction, particularly advantageous. In addition, it is also ensured by this configuration that all interlinking contacts with these first ends can be threaded easily into these first receiving slots, without that could result Verspreizungen or the like. This upwardly open first receiving slots thus form in this threading also a certain lateral support for the respective interlinking contacts, so that then also tilting of the entire insert assembly about an axis that extends in the direction of extension of the interlinking contacts can be prevented.

It can thus be a threading, in which the already in the first receiving slots in the longitudinal direction threaded partially chaining contacts are not yet arranged over the entire height within the entire height of a first receiving slot, and further threading in the direction of the vertical extent of a receiving slot can be done easily ,

Preferably, the insert assembly is so far threaded with the interlinking contacts in the first receiving slots, that extend the first ends of the interlinking contacts through the at least one first feedthrough opening in a Zwischendurchführstellung further outward than they then extend in the end position of the insert assembly in the housing to the outside , It is therefore deliberately brought about during assembly an intermediate position of the insert assembly, in which extend this chaining contacts at the first passage opening raised to the outside. By means of this embodiment, it is then achieved that the chaining contacts, which are larger in the width direction of the housing, can also be completely countersunk into the interior of the housing with their second ends opposite the first ends. Precisely because of the specific geometry of the first receiving slots, this assembly scenario is particularly favored.

Preferably, after reaching this Zwischendurchführstellung the insert assembly is thus pivoted into the housing completely through the connection opening in a mounting intermediate layer. In this mounting intermediate layer then the insert assembly is already completely inside the housing. In this Zwischenmontagelage also a positional adjustment of the insert assembly is achieved, in which the second ends of the interlinking contacts in the height direction of the housing considered at the height of the second passage openings are positioned, in such a way that the second ends with their height completely in the height dimensions of at least one second passage opening. It must therefore be carried out in this intermediate mounting position no height adjustment of the insert assembly to the effect that the chaining contacts with their height would be completely within the height of the second passage opening. This considerably reduces the complexity of the further assembly steps starting from this intermediate assembly position. In particular, it can then also be avoided that a second end of a linking contact, in particular one or more contact fingers would abut against an inner side of the housing or the second side wall at such a second end of a linking contact outside a second feedthrough opening and would then bend or in the other Assembly of the insert assembly in the final position would jam or spreader.

In this intermediate mounting position, the second ends are still completely outside the second receiving slots of the carrier device and thus in particular also outside the second passage opening in the housing. These second ends of the interlinking contacts are therefore located completely inside the housing in this intermediate mounting position, which is also due to the further outward pushed position of the insert assembly on the opposite first side and outwardly extending the first ends of the interlinking contacts through the first through openings the first side wall results.

In an advantageous embodiment, the insert assembly is then moved so far from this intermediate layer or the intermediate mounting position inside the housing in the direction of the second passage opening of the housing and thus in the direction of extension of the interlinking contacts until the second ends of the interlinking contacts through the second feedthrough opening extend outwardly and the end position of the insert assembly is reached. Thus, starting from this intermediate mounting position, it is only necessary to carry out a very simple motion scenario in order to reach the end position of the entire insert assembly in the housing.

In this entire assembly scenario, in addition to the above-mentioned extensive advantages and the degree of automation of the production can be significantly increased. This then has advantages in terms of installation time and also the resulting costs.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the circuit carrier at least temporarily during assembly of the insert assembly in the end position on cross struts extending between the first and the second side wall below the insert assembly in the housing, is put on. This is advantageous in many ways. These cross struts thus form on the one hand already defined altitudes for the insert assembly, so that a certain support of the insert assembly is then given when threading. Also for the further assembly steps with regard to restricting the second ends of the chaining contacts through the connection opening into the interior of the housing and then to achieve the intermediate assembly position, these cross struts are particularly helpful. The altitude of this intermediate mounting position is thereby automatically achieved and defined defined, when then the insert module, in particular the circuit carrier, rests flat with a bottom on the crossbars or an upper edge of the crossbars. The further movement scenario, in order to arrive from the intermediate layer into the final position, is then supported or guided by these transverse struts. Just when the intermediate assembly position has been reached and the circuit carrier is quasi nevertheless spaced and raised above a bottom of the housing, in particular above a bottom of the carrier device, a grinding or scratching can be avoided. In particular, it is advantageous if the interlinking contacts are installed with contact pins in contact holes of the circuit substrate and these contact pins also extend slightly protruding through the contact holes down over the underside of the circuit substrate. These protruding contact pins can then be further moved from the intermediate mounting position without contact to this bottom of the housing and the bottom of the support device, so that these pins are not damaged and the interlinking contacts are not lifted from their already reached end positions on the circuit board.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one transverse strut is formed with a first elevation on its upper edge facing the connection opening. This first increase extends along the extension of the transverse strut over such a shorter length, that the remaining support length of the cross strut at the upper edge is greater than the width of the circuit carrier, but is at most 1 percent greater than the width of the circuit carrier. When inserting the insert assembly via the connection opening and in particular when pivoting the insert assembly into the housing to achieve the intermediate assembly position, the insert assembly, in particular the circuit carrier, then rests on this first elevation from above. As a result, a specific defined position in the direction of the height of the housing for the insert assembly is already achieved in order to use the first ends of the chaining contacts easily in the lead-through openings and then to swing in can. These first elevations can thus virtually form a support pedestal or a support bearing, to which the insert assembly supported thereon can pivot in order to achieve the intermediate assembly position in a targeted manner.

Also during the subsequent subsequent displacement of the insert assembly of the intermediate mounting position in the end position, this first increase serves as a certain support from below guide rail on which rests the underside of the circuit substrate.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment, the circuit carrier is moved from the intermediate mounting position to the end position of the circuit carrier so far until he is pushed down from the first increase and then in its final position with its bottom no longer on this first at at least partially rectilinear displacement of the insert assembly Increase is present. With the achievement of the end position of the insert assembly in the housing then the insert assembly, in particular the circuit carrier with its underside, only on the support length of the cross member, which is thus offset in height relative to the first increase down. As a result of this positioning in the end position of the insert module, the circuit carrier is held laterally by the first elevation in its end position. This discrete step, which is formed at the transition of the first elevation to the support surface, thus also represents a lateral stop, so that a movement of the circuit carrier is inhibited in this end position in a direction of movement corresponding to the width direction of the housing. The insert assembly and in particular the circuit carrier would then strike with a narrow side edge at the first elevation.

In particular, by the above-mentioned preferred dimensioning of the support length, namely greater than the width of the circuit substrate, but not more than 1 percent greater than this width of the circuit substrate, on the one hand a press fit of the circuit substrate in the support length is prevented, so that undesirable mechanical stresses and forces on the Circuit carrier can be prevented. On the other hand, by this minimally larger dimensioning of the support length compared to the width of the circuit substrate, a still slightly floating mounting of the circuit substrate can be achieved on the cross struts in the end position, but unwanted inner freedom of movement of the circuit substrate can be prevented.

It is preferably provided that the support length at its the first increase opposite end is limited with a second, formed at the upper edge of the crosspiece elevation, so that the circuit carrier in this regard is stored floating with the support length on the crossbar in its final position. The first elevation is formed on a protrusion of the support device projecting into the interior, this projection extending further into the interior than a second accommodating slot. The second elevation thus does not lead to a surface at which a first receiving slot opens, but this second elevation opens at this projection, so viewed in the width direction of the housing between an input of a second receiving slot and the second receiving slot facing the end of such a second increase a spacer element, namely the supernatant is formed.

Preferably, it is provided that the circuit carrier is surrounded after reaching its end position with a potting compound, which is also introduced into a space created by the crossbar clearance between the circuit board and one of the connection opening bottom of the housing or a bottom of the support device. The position fixation of the insert assembly and in particular of the circuit carrier is thereby improved. In particular, it can also be used to achieve strengths of up to 140 g, so that the linking module withstands high mechanical forces, especially circumferential vibrations, and remains fully functional for a long time.

Preferably, the linking module is designed as a power supply module, and on the housing, a power supply terminal is formed with power supply contacts. After reaching the end position of the insert assembly in the housing, a stamped grid is then inserted into the housing, with which the circuit carrier is connected to the power supply terminal. It is in the context of the stamped grid then provided a plurality of punched grid contacts with a one-piece component, which then also in turn in a single assembly step can be introduced into the housing and fixed there in the end position. In particular, it is then also provided here that ends of the stamped grid contacts, of which four or five stamped grid contacts can be present, are pressed into contact holes of the circuit substrate, in particular a gas-tight contacting is produced. On the other hand, it is then also preferably provided that contact pins of the power supply contacts are inserted via the power supply connection and are connected individually to the punched grid contacts. The different connection options have already been mentioned above. Only when the connection of the stamped grid is produced with the circuit carrier and preferably only when the connection of the stamped grid is firmly connected to the power supply contacts or pins of the power supply terminal, the stamped grid contacts of the stamped grid are separated and the respective formed connecting webs are separated so that the Punched grid contacts in the area of the originally provided stamped grid are no longer connected.

Furthermore, the invention then also relates to an electrical linking module which is designed according to a method according to the invention or an advantageous embodiment thereof. In particular, in such a manufactured electrical Verkettungsmodul the insert assembly is disposed in the end position with respect to the mounting hole completely sunk in the interior of the housing. The interlinking contacts are thus freely accessible with upper narrow edges or with upper edges of the connection opening forth and thus arranged facing the connection opening. Electrical contacts of a functional module, which is then mounted on the electrical interlinking module, are then individually electrically contacted with the interlinking contacts by directly applying or mechanically connecting to these interlinking contacts when the functional module is brought into its final position on the interlinking module and there is attached.

A functional module can be fastened, for example by screwing on the linking module. Likewise, however, a plugging or latching can be provided.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 an exploded view of an embodiment of a control unit according to the invention for a pneumatic valve system;

2 the control unit according to 1 in the assembled state;

3 a perspective view of the battery with three control units, which are interlinked, one of them as shown in FIG 2 is trained;

4 a first perspective view of the trained as a power supply module chaining module, as it then in a control unit according to 2 and 3 is installed;

5 one too 4 different perspective view of the power supply module;

6 the power supply module according to 4 and 5 with already inserted insert module having a circuit carrier and chaining contacts;

7 one too 6 different perspective view of a power supply module according to 6 ;

8th an embodiment of a circuit substrate, as in the power supply module according to 6 and 7 is installed;

9 a perspective view of an embodiment of a daisy chain contact;

10 an enlarged view of a portion of the interlinking contact according to 9 ;

11 a perspective view of a pre-assembled insert assembly from above;

12 a perspective view of the insert assembly according to 11 viewed from below;

13 a perspective view of a specific mounting state of the power supply module;

14 a vertical sectional view of the power supply module according to 13 ;

15 a perspective view of the power supply module in a too 13 and 14 subsequent specific mounting condition;

16 the power supply module according to 15 in a vertical sectional view;

17 a perspective view of the power supply module in a too 15 and 16 another specific mounting state with an intermediate position or intermediate mounting position of the insert module;

18 a vertical sectional view of the power supply module according to 17 ;

19 a perspective view of the power supply module in a too 17 and 18 subsequent specific mounting state, wherein the insert assembly is disposed in its end position in a housing of the power supply module;

20 a top view of the power supply module according to 19 ;

21 a perspective view of a partial section of the power supply module according to 19 and 20 in a subsequent mounting state, in which a stamped grid is introduced with stamped grid contacts;

22 a perspective view of a partial section of the power supply module in a further mounting state, are installed in the contact pins of a power supply terminal of the power supply module;

23 a perspective view into the interior of the housing of the power supply module in the assembled state according to 22 ;

24 a perspective sectional view through the power supply module according to 22 and 23 ; and

25 an enlarged view of a partial section of the power supply module in the region of second receiving slots and formed with at least seven contact fingers second ends of the interlinking contacts, which extend through the second receiving slots and a second passage opening on the housing to the outside and are arranged in their final position.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a control unit in an exploded view 1 for a pneumatic Valve system shown. This embodiment of a control unit according to the invention 1 is designed to control this valve system, which is arranged in a production plant in automation technology or a production plant in welding technology or a production plant in automotive technology, for the transmission of serial signals to and / or arranged in a row electrical loads, in particular valves of the pneumatic valve system ,

This control unit 1 comprises an electrical interlinking module, which in the embodiment shown in FIG 1 as energy supply module 2 is trained. In addition, the control unit includes 1 also a functional module 3 , which is separate to the power supply module 2 is formed and with this to the functionality of the control unit 1 can be connected.

The functional module 3 has a plurality of electrical contacts 4 which may be, for example, CPX contacts. The functional module 3 is a fieldbus module that provides control functions and / or interface functions. The functional module 3 includes at least one connection 5 to which a sensor or a relay or an I / O module can be connected.

Moreover, in the embodiment, the control unit includes 1 a separate cover 6 in the assembled state between the functional module 3 and the power supply module 2 is arranged and through which the components of the functional module 3 from the components of the power supply module 2 is separated. The cover 6 is in particular made of plastic and in one piece. The cover 6 however, includes a plurality of openings 7 through which chaining contacts 8th of which in 1 only a few, serving clarity, are provided with a reference numeral, can hindurcherstrecken and directly then with the electrical contacts 4 can be connected.

The chaining contacts 8th are part of the power supply module 2 and there in a heart 9 a housing 10 arranged. The housing 10 is square, in particular rectangular, formed and may, depending on the application of the control unit 1 be made of metal or plastic.

The housing 10 includes a first sidewall 11 and one of these opposite and oriented parallel thereto second side wall 12 , These two side walls 11 and 12 are with a third sidewall 13 , which represents a rear wall, and a fourth side wall 14 , which represents a front wall, connected to each other.

In addition, the housing includes 10 a floor 15 through which the housing 10 completely covered at the bottom.

The floor 15 opposite is the case 10 completely open and has in this context a connection opening 16 on. Through this connection opening 16 is the interior 9 completely and freely accessible. About the connection opening 16 becomes the functional module 3 at the power supply module 2 attached or attached. The connection opening 16 is then in the assembled final state of the control unit 1 through the function module 3 completely covered.

In the illustrated embodiment of the power supply module 2 this has a power supply connection 17 on, in the embodiment on the fourth side wall 14 and thus formed on the front wall. The power supply connection 17 is for external coupling of a power supply source and thus for the transmission of energy to the power supply module 2 educated. This includes the power supply connection 17 a coupling flange 18 on which an external thread 19 is trained. As a result, a mechanical connection of the external power supply source can take place.

Inside the hollow cylindrical flange 18 In the exemplary embodiment, five contact pins extend as power supply contacts 20 . 21 . 22 . 23 and 24 , In the embodiment, therefore, this power supply connection 17 five-pole trained. It can also be designed as an alternative four-pole.

In addition, the power supply module includes 2 a carrier device 25 which are used to record the chaining contacts 8th is trained. In particular, it is provided that the carrier device 25 designed for receiving a preassembled insert module, the chaining contacts 8th and a circuit carrier on which the interlinking contacts are arranged.

The carrier device 25 includes a plurality of carrier areas or carrier elements.

In the embodiment, the carrier device 25 integrally formed from plastic and includes a tub that serves as an insert in the housing 10 is formed and arranged fixed in position there. The carrier device 25 may be formed in this context as a one-piece injection-molded component.

As can be seen, several chaining contacts extend 8th , each in one piece are formed as plate-like elements or as strip elements over the entire width (extension in the x direction) of the housing 10 , They have a width b1 in this context ( 8th ), which is greater than a width b2 of the housing 10 , especially the interior 9 of the housing 10 , is. The width b1 of a concatenation contact 8th is measured along the longitudinal axis A of this chaining contact 8th ,

The chaining contacts 8th thus extend outside the case 10 considered in this width direction and thus in the x direction.

For this purpose, the housing 10 on its first side wall 11 a first passage opening 26 ( 5 ) or a performance slot. This first implementation opening 26 extends in the height direction and thus in the y direction. They are in this height direction both at their lower end, which is the ground 15 facing, as well as at its upper end, which is the connection opening 16 facing, closed. The first implementation opening 26 is therefore limited circulating closed. There may also be several separate first passage openings 26 on the side wall 11 be educated.

As in the embodiment in 5 it can be seen, is on this first sidewall 11 of the power supply module 2 only a single first implementation slot 26 formed, which is formed as an elongated opening. Through this, the support device extends 25 in their trough-like design and also slightly outward.

As well as in 1 can be seen, includes the housing 10 on the second side wall 12 in the exemplary embodiment also only a single second feedthrough slot or a second feedthrough opening 27 , It can also be provided here that a plurality of mutually parallel and aligned in the height direction second feedthrough slots in the side wall 12 are formed.

In the embodiment according to 1 it is envisaged that this carrier device 25 then through this edge-side elongated passage opening 27 in the sidewall 12 extends beyond.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG 5 a first passage opening 26 formed, through which the carrier device 25 with integrated first receiving slots 29 extends.

In the in 1 shown assembled final state of the power supply module 2 thus extend the chaining contacts 8th each in its integral configuration over the entire width b2 and beyond also in the first passage opening 26 and the second lead-through opening 27 into it, so they also in this regard from the case 10 over the side wall 11 out and also over the second sidewall 12 extend beyond.

As well as in 1 also can be seen, are adjacent to this first side wall 11 in the carrier device 25 integrates first receiving slots 29 formed, which are oriented in the height direction and thus in the y-direction. These recording slots 29 are thus further inside and thus to the interior 9 formed as the first passage opening 26 ,

As can be seen, the receiving slots are 29 at her the connection opening 16 facing upper end 30 open. This means that they are not limited in terms of their dimensioning upwards and thus a first receiving slot 29 is limited only by a U-like boundary contour.

A concatenation contact 8th can thus via the connection opening 16 be introduced from above and also above this upper end 30 , which is formed open, in the first receiving slot 29 be threaded.

The clarity serve in 1 only some of the first receiving slots oriented parallel to each other 29 provided with a reference numeral.

As in 1 is shown by these first receiving slots 29 also a lateral stabilization of the chaining contacts 8th reached in their final position.

The chaining contacts 8th are vertically oriented and thus each extend in a plane which is spanned by the height direction and the width direction.

The first receiving slots 29 are rectilinear in their extension in height direction. They are for passing through and leading each a concatenation contact 8th educated.

The first receiving slots 29 extend like this in 1 can be seen, in the height direction further up, as a height in the y-direction of a concatenation contact 8th is. The chaining contacts 8th thus dive over their entire height in a first receiving slot 29 one.

In the embodiment shown, it is provided that the functional module 3 by a non-destructive detachable connection, in particular a screw, with example four screws 3a . 3b . 3c and 3d at the power supply module 2 in the area of the attachment opening 16 can be screwed.

Preferably, between the power supply module 2 and the functional module 3 arranged a sealing element.

In 2 is a perspective view of a composite state of the control unit 1 shown. As can be seen, the functional module is 3 in size to the size of the case 10 of the power supply module 2 adapted, so that here a block-shaped block arises.

In 3 is shown in a perspective view of a module battery for a pneumatic valve system, in which the daisy chain 35 is shown. Here is in a chaining direction 36 as a power supply module 2 trained electrical Verkettungsmodul with two designed as non-power supply modules electrical Verkettungsmodule 37 and 38 concatenated. It can be provided that the respective functional modules 3 are identical, in particular also functionally identical. However, they can also be designed differently.

In 4 is a perspective view of the housing 10 of the power supply module, in which case the carrier device 25 is also shown. In this design are on a floor 39 the carrier device 25 integrated a plurality of cross struts 40 . 41 . 42 . 43 and 44 educated. These cross struts 40 to 44 extend in the width direction of the housing 10 straight and are on opposite side walls of the support device 25 opening out.

The cross struts 40 to 44 are the same design in the embodiment, so that the further explanation only on the basis of the cross strut 40 he follows. The cross strut 40 rises exalted starting from the ground 39 upwards in the direction of the connection opening 16 , The cross strut 40 includes a first increase 45 extending along an upper edge of the cross brace 40 extends. The first increase 45 is thus elevated in the direction of the connection opening 16 educated. It leads to the side wall of the carrier device 25 at the first receiving slots 29 are formed. The first increase 45 extends only partially over the width dimensioned length of the cross member 40 , This is the crossbar 40 at her the connection opening 16 formed stepped side facing.

By the first increase 45 is a rest length 46 the upper edge of the connection opening 16 facing, the cross strut 40 limited. This overlay length 46 is greater than a width of a circuit carrier 47 ( 8th ), which is a flat and rigid circuit board. In the assembled state of the circuit board 47 in the interior 9 of the housing 10 is the width b3 of the circuit carrier 47 oriented in the x direction. This overlay length 46 is larger, but preferably at most only 1 percent larger than this width b3.

In the end position of the circuit carrier 47 in the case 10 is the circuit carrier 47 only on the support length 46 the crossbar 40 and is thus held relatively secure position, by the appropriate size of the design of the support length 46 to a certain extent also and limited floating stored in it.

The first increase 45 has a height in the y-direction and thus in the height direction, which is lower than an in 5 recognizable second increase 48 , which are also on the crossbar 40 raised to the top. This second increase 48 limited on the opposite side of the support length 46 , This second increase 48 is to the connection opening 16 formed higher than the first increase 45 , This results in mounting advantages, and a slip-away of the circuit substrate 47 about the second increase 48 when moving the circuit board 47 in the end position is prevented. This can then too far outward pushing the chaining contacts 8th in the second implementation opening 27 be prevented. the second increase 48 is at one in the interior 9 protruding supernatant 71 educated.

The carrier device 25 also includes second receiving slots 28 as they are in 5 can be seen, where also the clarity serving only a second receiving slot 28 is provided with the corresponding reference numerals.

The second receiving slots 28 also extend in the height direction and are closed both at its upper and at its lower end. A threading, as with the first receiving slot 29 is possible, is therefore at the second receiving slot 28 not possible.

In 6 and 7 is the energy supply module in different perspectives 2 shown in assembled final state.

In 8th is an embodiment of a circuit substrate 47 shown, which is designed as a rectangular, inherently rigid board. On the circuit board are exemplary conductor tracks 49 . 50 (just some are provided with reference numerals) and also also contact holes 51 generated, of which also the clarity serving only some are provided with the reference numerals.

In 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a concatenation contact 8th shown, which is integrally formed. The concatenation contact 8th has a first end viewed in the direction of its longitudinal axis A. 52 on. This first end 52 is formed with a smooth edge and thus represents in particular a sword contact area. At an opposite second end 53 has this chaining contact 8th a plurality of contact fingers, in particular at least seven contact fingers, 54 on. These contact fingers 54 are separate and in the height direction of the interlinking contact 8th arranged in series with each other.

Viewed in the height direction of the concatenation contact and thus in the direction of the row in which the at least seven contact fingers 54 spaced from each other, has the chaining contact 8th a height, in particular between 0 , 85 cm and 0.95 cm.

In addition, at the chaining contact 8th at a lower narrow edge 55 several, in the embodiment three, pins 56 educated. These pins 56 be during assembly of the interlinking contact 8th to the circuit carrier 47 in correspondingly provided contact holes 51 spent. In particular, a compression is provided here, wherein this is preferably carried out such that a gas-tight contact is formed. In the assembled state then the chaining contact 8th which extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the circuit carrier 47 extends, arranged.

The width b1 of the concatenation contact 8th is greater than the width b3 of the circuit carrier 47 ,

In 10 is the second end in an enlarged view 53 of the concatenation contact 8th shown. The seven contact fingers 54 are recognizable. As shown, each contact finger comprises 54 a jetty 57 that is from the plane in which the rest of the chaining contact 8th extends with its plate-like area, protruding. At this jetty 57 Adjacent is a tab-like area 58 formed, which is thus partially, in particular at its front free end, curved. It is provided in particular that in the height direction and thus in the y-direction, the contact fingers 54 spaced apart from one another and in each case alternately to different sides of the plate-like region of the interlinking contact 8th oriented footbridges 57 and then in different directions and thus alternately curved tab-like areas 58 are formed.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the in the concatenation contact 8th integrated contact fingers 54 are formed as punched contacts. In particular, they are exactly seven contact fingers 54 , It can also be provided that the number of contact fingers 54 is larger and in particular eight contact fingers 54 are formed. These are then preferably designed as laser-cut contact fingers. Regardless of whether seven or eight contact fingers 54 are formed, a height h1 is always the same.

In particular, it is provided that one in the direction of the other contact fingers 54 measured height h2 ( 10 ) of a contact finger is smaller than a dimensioned in this height direction distance a1 between two adjacent contact fingers 54 , In particular, this distance a1 is measured between an upper edge and an upper edge of a first contact finger 54 and a lower edge of a further adjacent contact finger 54 , These dimensions of the height h2 and the distance a1 apply to all contact fingers 54 ,

In 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pre-assembled insert assembly 59 shown. This preassembled insert module comprises the circuit carrier 47 and the plurality of interlinking contacts mounted in their end position and arranged in parallel and spaced apart 8th , On the circuit carrier 47 are also two more electrical contacts 60 and 61 arranged, which are designed as daisy-chain contacts and represent corresponding acceptance contacts.

In particular, it is provided that the chaining contacts 8th not just with their pins 56 in the contact holes 51 be pressed, but then even in this regard are soldered to it. This pre-assembled insert assembly 59 is in 12 shown in a perspective view from below. It can be seen that the contact pins 56 from the contact holes raised down over a bottom 62 of the circuit board 47 extend out.

During assembly, it is planned that the chaining contacts 8th be placed first with a suitable device to each other and then the circuit carrier 47 is positioned on it. Subsequently, the chaining contacts 8th pressed. The contact pins 56 stand with an introductory phase on this bottom 62 down above.

Is this insert assembly 59 It is then preassembled, as in 13 is shown in the further assembly process via the connection opening 16 from the top into the interior 9 of the housing 10 introduced. For this purpose, as shown in 13 and in the sectional view in 14 the insert assembly 59 inserted in an oblique position from above, in which case the first ends 52 the chaining contacts 8th first in the interior 9 be introduced. These first ends 52 are then from the top over the open ends 30 the first receiving slots 29 in these first receiving slots 29 threaded until the first ends 52 have arrived at a position in the height direction through which they pass through the first passage opening 26 out of the case 10 can be pushed to the outside. As in particular in 14 , which is a sectional view in the xy plane, can be seen, is the width b1 of the chaining contacts 8th such that a pure linear depression exclusively in the y-direction in the interior 9 is not possible without causing an inclination of the insert assembly 59 would be made.

Is then this lowered position of the insert assembly 59 reached, in which the first ends 52 through the first opening 26 can be inserted through, this is in accordance with the representations in 14 and 15 completed. At the same time, a pivoting movement downwards takes place and the first ends 52 through the first opening 26 pushed outward. The relevant pushing outwards takes place via such a measure or via such a path, so that the interlinking contacts 8th like this in 15 and 16 and then in particular 17 and 18 is shown, further from these first passage openings 26 stand outward than then in the end position of the insert assembly 59 in the case 10 ,

As shown in 17 and 18 which is a sectional view in the xy plane of 17 shows, it can be seen here is an intermediate layer or an intermediate mounting position of the mounting assembly 59 reached. In this is the downward pivoting of the insert assembly 59 completed and the insert assembly 59 completely inside 9 arranged. It is provided that the circuit carrier 47 on strike to the first receiving slots 29 is pushed and thus in its narrow side edge at this the receiving slots 29 comprehensive edge region of the support device 25 is triggered. In this intermediate layer is the arrangement of the chaining contacts 8th such that the second ends 53 completely outside the second receiving slots 28 and also the second implementation opening 27 internally 9 are arranged.

As can be seen, the circuit carrier is in this intermediate layer 47 practically arranged horizontally and the chaining contacts 8th are in terms of their altitude in the interior 9 positioned so that its height h1 is completely (as viewed in elevation) within the height of the second receiving slots 28 and also the second implementation opening 27 are arranged.

In addition, it can also be seen that the circuit carrier 47 with its bottom 62 on the first raise 45 seated. At least in this intermediate mounting position is through the cross struts 40 to 44 the defined altitude specification for the insert assembly 59 achieved.

Starting from this achieved intermediate mounting position is then in the following, as in 19 and 20 is set forth, a displacement of the insert assembly 59 in the horizontal direction to the second passage openings 27 carried out. This is done until the insert assembly 59 their final position in the housing 10 has reached. This is given when the circuit carrier 47 from the first increase 45 is pushed down and completely in the pad length 46 on the cross struts 40 to 44 rests. In this end position is the circuit carrier 47 then not on the first raise 45 and not on the second raise 48 on, but will from these two increases 45 and 48 edged sideways. This end position is then in 19 and 20 which is a top view of 19 in a partial section shows reached.

In 21 is then in a perspective view from above a partial section of the power supply module 2 shown. Here is in a further stage of assembly then starting from the state reached in 19 and 20 a punched grid 63 introduced, which has a plurality of punched grid contacts 64 . 65 . 66 . 67 and 68 having, which are mechanically connected to each other, so that a one-piece stamped grid 63 is realized. The five punched grid contacts 64 to 68 are in the embodiment due to the five-pin terminal of the power supply terminal 17 intended. As in 21 can be seen, these punched grid contacts 64 to 68 in turn provided contact holes in the circuit carrier 47 introduced, in particular, this can be done by a resistance welding or pressing, in particular with a subsequent soldering. Again, there is a gas-tight contact between the punched grid contacts 64 to 68 and the circuit carrier 47 educated.

In a subsequent method step, as shown in FIG 22 the attachment of the power supply contacts 20 to 24 carried out. This can also be done by pressing with the in 22 at the upper ends with receiving holes provided punched grid contacts 64 to 68 respectively.

If this mounting state is reached, the lead frame contacts 64 to 68 mechanically separated from each other and thus the punched grid 63 practically dissolved. As in 21 and 23 can be seen, are also appropriate recordings in the carrier device 25 formed in which the punched grid contacts 64 to 68 are used and are guided or held mechanically.

In 24 is a perspective sectional view of the power supply module 2 in the assembled state, as he after 23 reached is shown. It can be seen that the circuit carrier 47 on the cross struts 40 to 44 in the range of their support lengths 46 seated. It is then between a floor 69 the carrier device 25 and the bottom 62 of the circuit board 47 a free space 70 educated. In that then can the pins 56 hineinerstrecken. Of particular advantage is this freedom 70 also to the effect that a subsequently yet to be introduced potting compound not only in the field of chaining contacts 8th in the circuit carrier 47 can move, but also in these open spaces 70 can be introduced so that the circuit carrier 47 is encapsulated circumferentially by the potting compound. Furthermore, web-like positioning stops 72 on the side wall 13 or the carrier device 25 shown.

In 25 is an enlarged view of a section of the power supply module 2 in the area of the second side wall 12 shown. It is here the end position of the contact fingers 54 and their alternately curved arrangement of the tabs 58 to recognize.

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 10304324 A1 [0004]
• EP 1484511 A1 [0005]

Claims (28)

Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) for a pneumatic valve system, which has a square housing ( 10 ), which on one side of the housing a connection opening ( 16 ) for a chaining module ( 2 ) separate electrical function module ( 3 ), and which has a plurality of chaining contacts ( 8th ), which are used for linking the chaining module ( 2 ) with at least one further chaining module ( 2 ), characterized in that chaining contacts ( 8th ) are plate-like and each at a first end ( 52 ) have a smooth edge as a sword contact region and at one in the longitudinal direction (A) of a chaining contact ( 8th ) opposite second end ( 53 ) in each case at least 7 into the respective chaining contact ( 8th ) integrated separate contact fingers ( 54 ) are formed. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that chaining contacts ( 8th ) each over the entire width of the housing ( 10 ) and through the first receiving slots ( 29 ) in the first side wall ( 11 ) out of the housing ( 10 ) extend outwardly and through second receiving slots ( 28 ) on one of the first side wall ( 11 ) opposite second side wall ( 12 ) of the housing ( 10 ) out of the housing ( 10 ) extend outwards. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chaining contacts ( 8th ) Contact pins ( 56 ) in which they are in contact holes ( 51 ) of the circuit carrier ( 47 ) extend for mechanical attachment and electrical contact. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each contact finger ( 54 ) has an end bend. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact fingers ( 54 ) as punch contacts in a chaining contact ( 8th ) are formed and exactly 7 Contact fingers ( 54 ) are formed. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact fingers ( 54 ) as laser cut contacts in a daisy chain contact ( 8th ) and more than 7 Contact fingers ( 54 ), especially 8th Contact fingers ( 54 ), are formed. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one in the direction of the other contact fingers ( 54 ) measured height (h2) of a contact finger ( 54 ), in particular in each case all contact fingers ( 54 ), is smaller than a distance (a1) measured in this direction between two adjacent contact fingers ( 54 ). Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the housing ( 10 ) one for receiving the chaining contacts ( 8th ) formed carrier device ( 25 ) is arranged, which in the direction of the connection opening ( 16 ) oriented rectilinear first receiving slots ( 29 ), which are used to pass through and each have a chaining contact ( 8th ) are formed, wherein in the region of a first side wall ( 11 ) of the housing ( 10 ) arranged first receiving slots ( 29 ) viewed in their vertical extent at their the connection opening ( 16 ) facing upper ends ( 30 ) for threading the chaining contacts ( 8th ) into the first receiving slots ( 29 ) over this upper end ( 30 ) are open. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the carrier device ( 25 ) to the connection opening ( 16 ) raised and spaced and parallel to each other oriented cross struts ( 40 . 41 . 42 . 43 . 44 ) to create one of the chaining contacts ( 8th ) receiving circuit carrier ( 47 ) are formed. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the transverse struts ( 40 to 44 ) at least over the width (b3) of the circuit carrier ( 47 ) between two opposite and to the connection opening ( 16 ) first ( 11 ) and second side walls ( 12 ) of the housing ( 10 ). Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one transverse strut ( 40 to 44 ) at its the connection opening ( 16 ), a first increase ( 45 ), by which the circuit carrier ( 47 ) in its end position in the carrier device ( 25 ) in a direction in which the transverse strut ( 40 to 44 ) extends in its movement is prevented. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first increase ( 45 ) in the direction of the transverse strut ( 40 to 44 ), that one of the first increase ( 45 ) limited length section ( 46 ) of the transverse strut ( 40 to 44 ) has a length that is at most 1% greater than the width (b3) of the circuit carrier ( 47 ). Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the Length section ( 46 ) at the first increase ( 45 ) opposite end by a second increase ( 48 ) on the cross strut ( 40 to 44 ), the second increase ( 48 ) exceeds the first increase ( 45 ). Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the first increase ( 45 ) has a height which is at most 20% higher than the thickness of the circuit substrate ( 47 ). Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that one of the connection opening ( 16 ) facing the upper edge of the first elevation ( 45 ) in the direction of the connection opening ( 16 ) viewed below a lower end of a first receiving slot ( 29 ) is trained. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the circuit carrier ( 47 ) is covered with a potting compound, which is also between the circuit carrier ( 47 ) and by the cross struts ( 40 to 44 ) formed free spaces ( 70 ) between the circuit carrier ( 47 ) and a floor ( 15 ) of the housing ( 10 ), in particular a floor ( 39 . 69 ) the carrier device ( 25 ), is trained. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 16, characterized in that the carrier device ( 25 ) in the direction of the connection opening ( 16 ) oriented second receiving slots ( 28 ), which are used to pass through and each have a chaining contact ( 8th ) are formed, wherein in the region of one of the first side wall ( 11 ) opposite second side wall ( 12 ) of the housing ( 10 ) arranged second receiving slots ( 28 ) viewed in their vertical extent at their the connection opening ( 16 ) facing ends are closed. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 17, characterized in that the second receiving slots ( 28 ) are not rectilinear and for receiving bent contact fingers ( 54 ) of the chaining contact ( 8th ) are formed. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 13 and claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the second increase ( 48 ) to one in the interior ( 9 ) of the housing ( 10 ) extending supernatant ( 71 ) the carrier device ( 25 ) located between two second receiving slots ( 28 ) is formed, opens. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 19, characterized in that the carrier device ( 25 ) is integrally formed. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 20, characterized in that the carrier device ( 25 ) is a tub made of plastic. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 21, characterized in that the carrier device ( 25 ) to the housing ( 10 ) is a separate component, which in the housing ( 10 ) is used. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 22, characterized in that the carrier device ( 25 ) web-like positioning stops ( 72 ) for positioning one of the chaining contacts ( 8th ) receiving circuit carrier ( 47 ) in its longitudinal direction, which on a third side wall ( 13 . 14 ) are formed, which a first side wall ( 11 ) and one of the first opposing second side wall ( 12 ), whereby the third side wall ( 13 . 14 ) parallel to that between the first ( 11 ) and the second side wall ( 12 ) extending chaining contacts ( 8th ). Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is used as a power supply module ( 2 ) and an external power supply connection ( 17 ) having. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to claim 24, characterized in that the power supply connection ( 17 ) with punched grid contacts ( 64 to 68 ) directly to one of the chaining contacts ( 8th ) receiving circuit carrier ( 47 ) and connected there. Electric interlinking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one of the chaining contacts ( 8th ) receiving circuit carrier ( 47 ) and electronic components, in particular for interference suppression, are arranged. Control unit ( 1 ) for a pneumatic valve system, with at least one electrical linking module ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims and with a separate to the chaining module ( 2 ) trained functional module ( 3 ) which at the connection opening ( 16 ) of the chaining module ( 2 ) with the chaining module ( 2 ) and in which electrical contacts ( 4 ) of the functional module ( 3 ) through the connection opening ( 16 ) of the chaining module ( 2 ) and with the Chaining contacts ( 8th ) of the chaining module ( 2 ) are connected. Pneumatic valve system with a valve terminal and a control unit ( 1 ) according to claim 27, to which the valve terminal is connected.

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