EP1360746B1 - Plug-and-socket device comprising an integrated diagnostic/evaluation circuit, display and switchable terminating resistors - Google Patents

Abstract

Plug and socket devices for measuring and diagnostic purposes are known in the art. The substantial disadvantage of said plug and socket devices is that they only furnish mechanical and electrical connections. For diagnostic purposes, an additional socket for connecting the corresponding diagnostic device must therefore be provided. According to the invention, in order to provide for automatic diagnosis when the plug and socket device is connected, the latter has insulation piercing connectors, screw terminals or spring terminals for connecting at least one cable. A printed circuit board, on which a diagnostic and evaluation circuit is located is provided in the housing of the plug and socket device, at least one switchable terminating resistor is provided and the plug and socket device has a display device that is connected to the diagnostic and evaluation circuit for automatic continuous display of evaluation results. The device is applicable in the domain of connecting devices for bus systems and networks in data systems and communications, as well as for computer and automated systems.

Description

The invention relates, according to claim 1, primarily a plug-in device.

Interfaces for the connection of measuring instruments have long been known. For example, is from the DE 196 06 505 A1 a plug for diagnostic connections is provided, which is intended to be coupled to a diagnostic junction box. The diagnostic junction box contains in an insulator body-like electrical contact organs, which are connected to devices to be tested. The connector has a series of connector pins cooperating with the contactors of the junction box and connected to electrical meters. In detail, it is provided that the plug has an inner lower housing containing a number of second female electrical contact members, which are connected to said electrical measuring devices. The connector pins are mounted in a module and extended on the side opposite the side intended for cooperation with the junction box so as to engage the second female electrical contact members of the sub-housing. Finally, means are provided to releasably fix the module at the corresponding end of the plug.

Furthermore, from the DE 295 11 592 Ul a diagnostic device for SCSI interfaces, with which the signals of all relevant lines can be displayed. Specifically, it is provided that by monitoring the relevant signal lines and evaluation of the corresponding signals this Both in real-time (real-time) are shown, as well as for easier detection of very fast signals, these are additionally stored and displayed. Through various available adapters, this device is suitable for almost all computers that use a SCSI interface.

A method for condition-based maintenance of circuit breakers using a measuring and process computer, which is connected via a diagnostic connector with the control of the circuit-breaker to be tested is from the DE 198 53 511 A1 known. The measurement and process computer has interfaces for measuring devices, which are attached to the circuit breaker for testing purposes, and is connected to a computer having a data memory and input and output devices. Archived status data of the circuit-breaker to be tested and a maintenance program are loaded from the computer into the measuring and process computer. The measuring and process computer controls and monitors the processing of the specified maintenance program and records manually entered data, measured values of the measuring devices as well as signals of the control supplied via the diagnostic connector via the computer. Furthermore, the measurement and process computer evaluates by comparison with the loaded archived state data and supplies the measured values and / or variables derived therefrom by an evaluation routine to the computer. These are stored as a maintenance log and archived as new status data, whereby the maintenance program on the input and output devices is interactively processed in dialogue with the user and the user receives information about activities to be performed as well as prompts.

Finally, out of the DE 42 29 566 C2 a method and apparatus for automatically detecting a via a male-female connection to a Supply device connected terminal device in the form of an intermediate device, terminal or the like. Known. Specifically, it is provided that device-specific data, which are stored on the plug and / or on the socket, are transmitted to an evaluation unit via a data transmission device arranged both on the plug and on the socket. In the evaluation unit, a comparison of the received data with stored data for detecting the connection device is carried out, wherein the device-specific data between the plug and the socket arranged data transmission devices are transmitted without contact.

For digital transmission systems with digital connections to the subscriber equipment, various switchable test loops have been proposed by international committees (ITU, ETSI) or telecommunications administrations, thereby enabling location of fault locations in the digital transmission system. As a rule, it can therefore be determined whether the error lies inside or outside the exchange, but not whether the subscriber line or the subscriber equipment is defective. From the WO 97/25806 A method and a network termination device for fault location by means of switchable loopbacks in a digital transmission system for voice and data is known, wherein at the output of the network termination device the loopback loop is closed. For detecting the control signals arriving from the exchange, the network termination device contains a detector, controllable switches and a network termination resistor for this purpose. In the event of a failure, the exchange is then checked by the switch in accordance with the command and measurement sequence to determine if the section is in order or disturbed up to the user's area of responsibility. To one To prevent manipulation, the housing of the network termination device is filled with potting compound, so that only the connection terminals are accessible.

From the US 4,626,633-A a tester for the subscriber line is known, which is inserted between subscriber line and subscriber device. By manual operation of a switch, a light-emitting diode can be looped between the a-wire and b-wire of the subscriber line, whereby the presence and / or polarity of the signal and call signal voltage can be displayed.

As the above assessment of the state of the art shows, plug-and-socket devices for measuring and diagnostic purposes as well as - in the field of telecommunication technology - fault locating devices arranged in the exchange or a current-voltage tester which can be looped into the subscriber line are known. The main disadvantage of the above-described plug-in devices is that the plug-in device only produces the mechanical and electrical connection. For diagnostic purposes, therefore, an additional socket must be provided for the connection of the corresponding diagnostic device. By means of switchable test loops in a digital transmission system, it can often be determined by the exchange whether the section up to the user's area of responsibility is in order or disturbed. Basically, however, problems arise here because the interface to the user is not free of feedback, and because between loop switch and user terminals are inevitably switching elements. On the one hand, it may happen that command transmission is prevented by a malfunction in the user, and on the other hand that the diagnosis is error-free, even though there is a malfunction at the user terminals caused by the network termination device. through On the other hand, a hand-operated tester interposed in the subscriber line can only perform a limited functional test on the subscriber line.

The invention is compared to the known plug-in devices, the task of designing them so that an automatic diagnosis is made when connecting.

• mindestens einem Kabelanschluss in Form von Schneid-, Schraub- oder Federklemmen für den Anschluss mindestens eines Kabels,
• mindestens einem Anschluss für eine elektronische Baugruppe,
• einer im Steckergehäuse der Steckvorrichtung angeordneten Leiterplatte, auf der eine Diagnose- und Auswerteschaltung und mindestens ein schaltbarer Abschlusswiderstand angeordnet sind,
• eine der Diagnose- und Auswerteschaltung zugeordnete Steuereinrichtung (Controller) und
• eine mit der Diagnose- und Auswerteschaltung verbundene Anzeigeeinrichtung zur Anzeige der Ergebnisse der Auswertung,
• wobei der Abschlusswiderstand mittels eines Schiebeschalters betätigbar ist oder durch die Diagnose-.und Auswerteschaltung schaltbar und/oder einstellbar ist

gelöst.This object is, according to claim 1, with a plug-in device

• at least one cable connection in the form of cutting, screw or spring terminals for the connection of at least one cable,
• at least one connector for an electronic assembly,
• a printed circuit board arranged in the plug housing of the plug-in device, on which a diagnostic and evaluation circuit and at least one switchable terminating resistor are arranged,
• one of the diagnostic and evaluation circuit associated control device (controller) and
• a display device connected to the diagnostic and evaluation circuit for displaying the results of the evaluation,
• wherein the terminating resistor can be actuated by means of a slide switch or can be switched and / or adjusted by the diagnostic and evaluation circuit

solved.

The plug-in device according to the invention has the advantage that in a surprisingly simple way continuous monitoring of the connected electronic modules or devices and the Bus communication can be made in a bus system. In case of failure, the error is displayed directly on the respective plug-in device, so that a quick troubleshooting can be ensured. Even the cause of the fault itself can be read directly on the display device of the plug-in device, so that also largely untrained operating personnel a rapid fault location and fault elimination is possible. For example, the contact closure when plugging itself can be displayed, so that reliably such sources of interference can be turned off. The additional effort for the integrated in the plug-in device diagnosis and evaluation is low and is compensated by the otherwise required effort for a separate diagnostic device and diagnostic socket / plug The advantage of switchability or adjustability by means of diagnostic and evaluation is in the possibility of remote control or the Programmability and automatic sequence to see. For this purpose, the control device of the diagnostic and evaluation circuit can be shared.

Preferably, according to claim 2, the power supply of the diagnostic and evaluation circuit via the cable and / or via the terminal and the display device is configured as a display or as a touch-sensitive display, which serves in addition to the display at the same time for command input for the diagnostic and evaluation

Due to the external power supply, a battery or an accumulator in the plug-in device is usually not required for proper operation; For particularly high requirements, a redundant power supply can be provided. In the case of the alternative power supply either over the cable or over the connection can then. As a rule, even in the event of a failure with power failure, buffering is dispensed with.

In a further development of the invention, according to claim 3, the plug-in device has an upper part and a lower part, the terminating resistor is arranged in the upper part of the plug-in device and is manually or electrically switchable.

This development of the invention has the advantage that an adaptation to the characteristic impedance of the cable or a suitably adapted termination depending on the application can be made. The manual design by means of (double-sided actuated) slide switch is inexpensive to produce and has a lockable slide switch on a high operating safety.

Preferably, according to claim 4, for visual connection control, the plug-in device has a transparent cover of the cutting, screw or spring terminals. In a further development of the invention, according to claim 5, the display device at least one arranged in the lower part of the plug on the circuit board LED and at least one light emitting diode associated with this light guide.

These developments of the invention have the advantage that the light emitting diode / light guide arrangement allow a display of high light intensity and is also suitable for use in harsh environments (pollution). Due to the lighting in conjunction with the transparent cover optical control of the plug-in device is possible at any time.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention takes place, according to claim 6, the connection of the cable or in the lower part of the connector and offset by 90 ° on the front in the upper part of the connector is a plug or a socket for connecting the electronic module and on the opposite back a device socket or a device plug for connecting a programming or diagnostic device provided with advanced features.

This embodiment of the invention has the advantage that an unmistakable handling (plug and socket on the opposite side or vice versa) is made possible and that a good visual recognition is ensured even in the case of operation. In addition, it is possible to connect a programming or diagnostic device to the plug-in device according to the invention, without the current bus communication or the current operation is interrupted.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention has, according to claim 8, the connection mechanical Steckercodierelemente or with the diagnostic and evaluation circuit related, according to the type-specific assembly and / or in accordance with the application automatically engaging coding on.

This embodiment of the invention has the advantage that the connection of non-conforming modules can be reliably prevented: Especially when using automatically engaging (also called self-coding) coding is a high operational reliability achieved. It is also possible to check and ensure the corresponding assignment between cable and cable to the module.

FIG. 1

das Steckergehäuse in perspektivischer Seitenansicht,

FIG. 3

zwei Seitenansichten des Steckergehäuses,

FIG. 3

das Blockschaltbild und

FIG. 4

das Anschlussbild der erfindungsgemäßen Steckvorrichtung.

Further advantages and details can be taken from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. In the drawing shows:

FIG. 1

the connector housing in a perspective side view,

FIG. 3

two side views of the connector housing,

FIG. 3

the block diagram and

FIG. 4

the connection diagram of the plug-in device according to the invention.

The FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 . Fig. 3 and FIG. 4 show a preferred embodiment of the plug-in device ST according to the invention for the connection of 2-core shielded fieldbus lines, and serves to loop through a cable in each case via a cable access and cable outlet (shown is a 90 ° cable outlet). The plug-in device ST is designed such that it can be easily connected under field conditions, for example to a PROFIBUS bus line, while allowing, for example, a transmission rate between 9.6 Kbaud to 12 Mbaud. In principle, the concept according to the invention is suitable for many applications, the field of application ranging from networks of data and telecommunications technology up to and including computer and automation systems (for example connection of a PC or laptop or operator terminal or visualization via a standard COM / MPI interface).

The electrical connection of the cable K is made by cutting, screw or spring terminals A. In the in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 In the embodiment shown, an insulation displacement technique is used in conjunction with a one-bolt mounting system for use. In this case, the outer cable insulation is removed, for example, to 21 mm down to the Abschirmkllecht and then cut the Abschirmgeflecht to 8 mm in length. The screw-in mounting hole or the screw is designated S. The screw is kept secured with a retaining ring even in the open state, so that all parts of the single-screw mounting system are captive.

The mechanical clamping and guiding of the cable or K via ribs in which the two wires of the respective cable K are supplied to the insulation displacement terminals A, whereby a pinpoint and secure piercing of the insulation is ensured. Preferably, the ribs are transparent, whereby the further possibility is given to make the neat fit or the insulation displacement of the cable or K directly visible.

The plug-in device ST has a lower and upper part UT, OT, wherein the connection of the cable or K is carried out in the lower part UT. Offset by 90 ° on the front in the upper part OT of the plug ST a plug B (alternatively a socket) for connection to the device and on the opposite back a device socket GB (alternatively, then a plug) for connecting a programming or diagnostic device with advanced features.

In the connector housing of the plug-in device ST, a circuit board is arranged on which a diagnostic and evaluation circuit D is located. The control device (controller) of the diagnostic and evaluation circuit D operates, for example, up to a clock rate of 12 Mbaud. The power supply of the diagnostic and evaluation circuit D via the cable K and / or via the terminal B. In this case, the self-current consumption of the plug-in device ST is very low, so that the bus device (device) is not unnecessarily burdened.

Furthermore, a switchable terminating resistor W is arranged in the plug housing or on the printed circuit board. The terminating resistor W is preferably arranged in the upper part OT of the plug-in device ST and can be actuated manually by means of a slide switch S (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 with the various resistors 390 ohms and 220 ohms; for a CAN bus system, for example resistance 120 ohms and transmission rate 10 kbit / s to 1 Mbit / s). Furthermore, terminating resistor W can be switched and / or adjusted by the diagnostic and evaluation circuit D (see FIG. 3 ). The slide switch S is in the representation according to FIG. 4 in the OFF position, so that line 1A is directly connected to line 2A and line 1B is directly connected to line 2B. When the slide switch S is set to the ON position, a 220 ohm resistor is inserted between the line contact 1A and 2A, and the connection between the line 1B and the line 2B is interrupted. When used in a bus system, the switch position OFF is selected when the module is arranged between adjacent modules and selected the switching position ON when the module is the last in the chain of juxtaposed modules and terminates the bus system. About the slide switch S, which can be configured as accessible from both sides switch, can be set whether the connector ST should be used as a node or segment end in the transmission system.

Furthermore, the plug-in device ST has a display device AE connected to the diagnostic and evaluation circuit D for displaying the results of this evaluation. The display device AE preferably comprises at least one light-emitting diode arranged in the lower part UT of the plug-in device ST on the printed circuit board and at least one light guide associated with this light-emitting diode. So these are also from both sides (rear and front) on the integrated Optical fibers visible, which are to be integrated accordingly with transparent ribs.

In the embodiment shown in the drawing and application in a bus system with status display via 4 LEDs for bus test functions, this display has the following meaning, for example: First LED: green = Power supply for the module in order Second LED: yellow = Module active on the bus (flashing) Third LED: red = no termination / terminating resistor (off) = Termination / termination resistor switched on (on) = Wrong characteristic impedance (flashes slowly) = Wrong termination resistor (flashing fast) Fourth LED: yellow = Baud rate (in conjunction with other LEDs)

Furthermore, the status display can also mean (LED flashes eg with 5Hz): First LED: yellow = no power supply (off) = Self-test performed / power supply for = Controller / module / device OK (on) = Profibus master failed / line short circuit (flashing) Second LED: green = no bus activity (off) = Module / device active on the bus (flashing) Third LED: yellow = no termination / termination resistor (off) = Termination / termination resistor switched on (on) = Termination / terminating resistor without voltage / defective (Flashing) Fourth LED: red = Bus status OK (off) = no scheduling or open (on) = wrong voltage level (blinking)

For shielding the connector housing is made of metallic material, such as zinc die-cast, the shield of the cable K is in communication with the connector housing (stripping the shield to 8 mm and direct contact). Another advantage is the electro-mechanical indestructibility.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the terminal B mechanical Steckercodierelemente or with the diagnostic and evaluation circuit D related, according to the type-specific module and / or in accordance with the application self-coding coding. As a result, a distinctive assignment can be made, which can also be largely automated.

Finally, at least one switching contact SK can be provided, the actuating element of which can be actuated by the module to be connected or the cable K. As a result, a check of connected and / or connected devices and / or the contact can be performed immediately after plugging. Further switching contacts can be provided for switching through different supply voltages or the respective power supply or the like. The actuating element can have either an axially displaceable or radially pivotable spring contact or a plurality of spring contacts. For example, in a CAN bus system, the bus connector B is plugged directly into the CAN bus interface (SUB-D socket, 9-pin) of the CAN bus station and the CAN bus line (at A) is connected via pole screw terminals (for wires or flexible wires up to 1.0 mm ² ).

In comparison to the known prior art, the plug-in device ST according to the invention does not require a separate diagnostic device and none Diagnostic socket / plug. The plug-in device ST provides easy access to the "integrated primer / diagnostic socket" and it is not necessary to install an additional network node. Due to the constant visual display in case of failure, this can be quickly resolved and also allows the permanent control of proper operation with surprisingly little effort.

For example, instead of a display device AE with LED / fiber optic combination, a display (in particular for the display of the baud rate) or a touch-sensitive display can be provided, which simultaneously serves for the command input for the diagnostic and evaluation circuit D in addition to the display; the contacting (wires and shield) can also be done directly without insulation stripping the cable through the insulation displacement terminals; for visual connection control (polarity reversal, position of shield and cable) a transparent cover of the cutting, screw or spring terminals can be provided, through which the correct assignment of the bus strand pairs can be seen; all parts of the plug-in device can be designed as a captive one-screw mounting system; the plug-in device can also be configured with axial cable outlet (instead of the 90 ° cable outlet, see at B) and / or the display device can be arranged there u.a.

Claims (10)

1. A plug and socket device (ST) comprising:

   • at least one first connector structured as one of an insulation piercing connector, a screw terminal, and a spring terminal (A), said first connector (A) for connection of at least one cable (K);

   • at least one second connector (B) for connection to an electronic component;

   • a circuit board disposed in a housing of said plug and socket device (ST), said circuit board having a diagnostic and evaluation circuit (D) and at least one switchable terminating resistor (W);

   • a controller communicating with said diagnostic and evaluation circuit (D); and

   • a display means (AE) connected to said diagnostic and evaluation device (D) for displaying evaluation results,

   • wherein said terminating resistor (W) can be switched and/or adjusted using one of a sliding switch (S) and said diagnostic and evaluation circuit (D).
2. The plug and socket device of Claim 1, wherein said diagnostic and evaluation circuit (AE) is supplied with power via at least one of said cable (K) and said second connector (B), and wherein said display means (AE) is designed as a monitor or as a touch screen serving as display as well as input of commands of said diagnostic and evaluation device (AE).
3. The plug and socket device of claim 1, wherein said plug and socket device (ST) comprises an upper part (OT) and a lower part (UT), and wherein said terminating resistor (W) being disposed in said upper part (OT) for at least one of manual and electrical switching thereof.
4. The plug and socket device of claim 1, wherein said plug and socket device (ST) comprises a see-through cover for visual supervision of said piercing connector, screw terminal or spring terminal (A).
5. The plug and socket device of claim 3, wherein said display means (AE) comprises at least one light diode disposed in said lower part (UT) of said plug and socket device (ST) on said circuit board and at least one light guide associated with said light diode.
6. The plug and socket device of claim 3, wherein said cable (K) is connected to said lower part (UT)) of said plug and socket device (ST) and said second connector (B) comprises a socket disposed offset by 90° on a front side of said upper part (OT) of said plug and socket device (ST) for connection to said electronic component and further comprising a device socket (GB) disposed on an opposite rear side of said upper part (OT) for connecting a programming or diagnostic device with extended functions.
7. The plug and socket device of claim 1, wherein said first connector (A) comprises transparent ribs for mechanical clamping and guidance of the cable, wherein said housing is produced from shielding metallic material and wherein a shielding of said cable (K) is connected to said housing.
8. The plug and socket device of claim 1, wherein said second connector (B) comprises mechanical plug encoding elements or encoding elements which are connected to said diagnostic and evaluation circuit (D) which are self-encoding in accordance with specifications of a type-specific of said electronic component and/or in dependence on an application.
9. The plug and socket device according to one or more of claim 1 to 8 is structured and dimensioned for connection to a bus system, wherein a status of bus test functions is displayed on said display means (AE), and at least one switching contact (SK) is provided having an active element which can be actuated by said connected electronic component or by said cable (K).
10. The plug and socket device of claim 9, wherein said active element has at least one axially displaceable or radially pivotable spring contact.

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