EP2204586A1 - Electropneumatic modular system comprising stackable individual modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The module system has a number of sub module axially stacked and with interconnections. The head module [12] has a connection [14] to a communication bus. Running the length of the modules are a pneumatic supply [50], an internal bus [44], electrical power supply [46] and an electrical multi core line [48]. The head unit connects with a series of electrical and pneumatic sub modules [42,50].

Description

The invention relates to a modular system of individual modules which can be arranged side by side.

In automation systems, electropneumatic module systems are used. An assembly of individual modules is expedient in order to be able to set up customized systems for the user. In this case, previously modules with pure electronics function and modules with pneumatic functions must be combined to ensure the supply of the pneumatic modules with the control fluid. When upgrading the system, it may be necessary to dismantle pneumatic modules in order to first connect electrical modules - or vice versa.

A supply voltage must be applied to both the electrical and the electropneumatic modules. In addition, the modules are connected to a control bus, for example a fieldbus. When using a control bus system as is common in automation technology, each individual module requires an address and each module must be able to decode the signals on the control bus. In a harsh industrial environment with dust atmosphere and / or water due to the large number of line connections installation in a control cabinet is necessary because otherwise each plug connection would have to be sealed and the cable insulation would have to meet the special requirements. This is structurally complex and therefore expensive.

Due to the above limitations, there is a need for a modular system in which electronic modules and pneumatic modules can be strung together in any order.

There is also a need for a modular system in which the juxtaposed individual modules are so encapsulated and manage with a minimum of outer cable connections that installation in a control cabinet is unnecessary.

There is also a need for a modular system that also allows the use of passive modules, i. of modules that can not decode the serial data of a control bus, and yet may include a plurality of modules.

The invention provides a modular system with a head module having at least one external bus external connection terminal, at least one pneumatic supply terminal, an electrical supply terminal and, respectively, on the same side: a serial bus interface for an internal serial bus, an electrical bus Supply interface, a multipole interface and a pneumatic supply interface. The module system further comprises at least one functional module, each carrying out from one side to the opposite side and to which a corresponding interface of the head module is connected: an internal serial bus line, electrical supply lines, multipole electrical lines and pneumatic supply lines. The head module converts serial bus signals into multipole signals and outputs them at the multipole interface. The functional module selectively branches off at least one of the multipole lines and carries out a pneumatic or electrical or both a pneumatic and an electrical function with a signal carried thereon.

Thus, all necessary lines, ie a serial bus, electrical supply lines, electrical multipole lines and pneumatic supply lines are transmitted directly from the head module to the functional module without intermediate lines and looped through in this. The fact that in the function module all listed lines, ie both electrical data and supply lines and the pneumatic supply line are performed, an additional connection of the modules with external lines is unnecessary. This is particularly interesting under increased protection types, as each encapsulated connector means an additional labor and expense. Further, by forwarding both the electrical and the pneumatic lines, a juxtaposition of electronic and pneumatic modules in any order possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the multipole lines include both input and output lines, and the head module includes means for converting multipole signals from the multipole interface to a serial bus signal. Due to the serial / parallel as well as parallel / serial conversion in the head module, the function modules can be constructed as purely passive modules without signal conversion and still deliver feedback signals to a central controller. Outwardly, the module system has only one external serial port.

In a further preferred embodiment, the head module has a bus relay connection branched off from the serial bus interface. At this a first expansion module can be connected, which has on one of its sides interfaces for a function module, of which at least one multipole interface is formed analogous to that of the head module. The first expansion module can be used to set up a remote module system unit, which is also connected to the external bus. Preferably, the first expansion module has a further bus relay connection, to which a second expansion module can be connected.

In another embodiment, the module system further comprises at least one expansion intermediate module insertable between two functional modules. The expansion intermediate module leads the internal serial bus line from one side to the opposite side. It has on one of its sides a multipole interface for the functional module attached thereto. It includes means for converting serial bus signals on the internal bus into multipole signals. Since each function module branches off at least one of the multipole lines, the number of function modules which can be arranged in a row is limited by the number of initially fed multipole lines. With the expansion intermediate module, it is possible to serially guide control signals for further (passive) function modules, first from the head module to the expansion intermediate module, and only to convert the serial data into parallel data in the expansion intermediate module. This eliminates the limitation a small number of juxtaposed passive modules, which is given by the limited number of parallel feasible lines.

In a development of this embodiment, the expansion intermediate module also converts multipole signals from the multipole interface into a serial bus signal. In a further embodiment, the expansion intermediate module has a separate electrical supply connection, so that a segment-based emergency stop function can be implemented within the module system, or separate segment circuits can be defined with respect to the voltage supply. The expansion intermediate module may also have a connection for an external bus signal on an external bus. This creates an interface to possible third-party modules.

In a further embodiment, a bus function module is provided in the module system, which can be inserted between two function modules or between a function module and a termination module and has a bus interface. The bus functional module preferably has at least one converter unit and at least one analog / digital converter and / or at least one digital / analog converter. This makes it possible to output or record analog voltage / current values. For example, a Druckmeßmodul is conceivable that allows the detection of the analog pressure in the compressed air channel of the module.

In a development of the module system, a function module with a pneumatic function has at least one separate feedback connection. Due to the integration of the feedback input into the pneumatic module, a confusion of the displayed feedback signals is no longer possible. In addition, there is the advantage of a significantly more space-saving design and the achievement of a higher degree of protection.

Preferably, at least one of the modules has a maintenance functionality, wherein the maintenance functionality is perceptible via a diagnostic / programming interface. By integrating a diagnostic interface, it is possible to output diagnostic and error messages in plain text eg on a laptop. Furthermore, the possibility is created via this interface to perform a software update without, as usual, having to replace electrical components.

The modules are preferably encapsulated in the increased degree of protection IP 65 / IP 67. Preferably, interlocking plug connections with sealing rings and overlapping connection collars are provided on the sides of the modules. The tightness of the modular system or functional modules of the modular system is preferably produced by a Teilverguß. In this case, the connections are preferably potted on the inside with a sealing mass. Preferably, a Abdeckbügel is inserted in a positive fit between adjacent modules. The cover bracket can only be used if the modules are locked. This ensures that the module system is manufactured in protection class IP 65 / IP 67, and installation in a control cabinet is not required.

Preferably, the module system comprises a pneumatic expansion functional module in which the multipole electrical input lines are converted to multipole electrical output lines. This allows unused multipole input lines to be used as multipole output lines. With these multipole output lines controllable, pneumatic functions can then be realized inexpensively.

• Figur 1 die schematische Darstellung eines Modulsystems mit einem Kopfmodul, sechs Funktionsmodulen und einem Abschlußmodul,
• Figur 1a eine Detailvergrößerung des Kopfmoduls von Figur 1,
• Figur 2 ein Modulsystem mit zwei Erweiterungsmodulen, und
• Figur 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Modulsystems mit einem Kopfmodul, vier Funktionsmodulen und einem Abschlußmodul.

Further advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures.
Show:

• FIG. 1 the schematic representation of a modular system with a head module, six functional modules and a termination module,
• FIG. 1a an enlarged detail of the head module of FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 2 a modular system with two expansion modules, and
• FIG. 3 a perspective view of a modular system according to the invention with a head module, four functional modules and a termination module.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a modular system 10, consisting of eight juxtaposed individual modules, wherein in FIG. 1 left a head module 12 is shown. The head module 12 has a port 14 for an incoming external bus and a port 16 for an outgoing external bus. The outgoing external bus is optional, it can also be replaced by a terminating resistor. Furthermore, the head module 12 has a pneumatic supply connection 18 and an electrical supply connection 20 on. The interfaces that the head module 12 at the on FIG. 1 right side, are in FIG. 1 a, which shows an enlarged view of the head module 12. There are brought out: a serial bus interface 22 with an also indicated address line interface, an electrical supply interface 24, a multipole interface 26 and a pneumatic supply interface 28. The multipole interface is divided into digital inputs 26a and digital outputs 26b. The head module includes processors 30, in which in addition to the conversion of the serial bus signals in parallel multipole signals and a decentralized intelligence can be integrated. So a freely programmable small control can be realized. For this purpose, the head module 12 also has an additional bus interface 32, via which the user can program simple control processes on the head module, whereby the main control is relieved. For further possible applications of the bus interface 32 will be discussed in the further description. The double arrow 34 indicates a signal transmission between bus interface 32 and processors 30. Furthermore, the head module 12 includes a bus interface 36 with address register 38. The bus interface 36 is designed depending on the application for a conventional fieldbus protocol. As bus protocols, for example Profibus, CANopen, DeviceNET or even Ethernet are possible. As a further interface, the head module 12 has a Busweiterführungsanschluß 40, which in connection with FIG. 2 is explained in more detail.

In FIG. 1 Adjacent to the head module 12 is a passive function module 42a, followed by function modules 42b, 42c and 42d and a further function module 42e. The function modules 42a to 42d respectively feed, from one side to the opposite side, an internal serial bus 44, electrical supply lines 46, multipole electrical lines 48 divided into multipole input lines 48a and multipole output lines 48b, and a pneumatic supply line 50. The schematically illustrated pneumatic supply line 50 comprises a plurality of channels, so that supply air, exhaust air, auxiliary pilot air and pilot exhaust air are transported.

In each of the function modules 42a to 42d, both a part of the multipole input lines 48a and a part of the multipole output lines 48b are branched off within the respective function module 42. By providing digital multipole input and output lines 48a, 48b, special fluidic modules such as vacuum injector modules, pressure regulator and filter modules can also be integrated into the module system 10. The same can be done Of course, also integrate special electrical or electropneumatic modules. As an example, pressure display modules, pressure sensor modules, pressure switches and sensor modules are to be mentioned here.

In the modules 42b and 42d, there is also a branch from the pneumatic supply line 50. This means that the functional modules 42b and 42d are pneumatic functional modules and the functional modules 42a and 42c are electronic functional modules. Of course, modules 42a and 42c could also be pneumatic functional modules having a branch from the pneumatic supply line. Function module 42e is provided with a separate pneumatic supply port 58. This makes it possible to integrate in the modular system valves that require a different fluid supply than on the pneumatic supply line, which passes through all the modules is offered. Depending on the type of module, the branched multipole output lines carry signals in order to carry out pneumatic or electrical or both pneumatic and electrical functions. Via the multipole input lines run according to feedback signals, such. Sensor signals or function confirming signals. The multipole input lines can be used for example as a separate feedback connection. Thus, feedback signals can be displayed directly in the function module 42 and are thus directly assigned. In addition to an indication in the module itself, the feedback signal can also be forwarded via the multipole lines or after conversion in an active intermediate module via the serial bus to a control device.

Between functional module 42d and the further functional module 42e, an expansion intermediate module 52 is inserted. In the expansion intermediate module 52, the internal serial bus 44 is performed as well as the pneumatic supply line 50. On its in the FIG. 1 On the right side, the expansion intermediate module 52 has a multipole interface for the functional module 42e attached thereto. The expansion intermediate module 52 has means for converting serial bus signals of the internal bus into multipole signals. Thus, further functional modules 42 can be strung together since the expansion intermediate module provides new multipole input lines and multipole output lines. A limitation to the initially provided by the head module 12 Multipol lines deleted so. The signals to be transported on the new multipole lines are from the Head module 12 from looped through the internal serial bus line 44 through the function modules 42a to 42d. In the in FIG. 1 In the embodiment shown, the expansion intermediate module 52 has an additional supply connection 54. It is also possible to pass the supply lines 46 through the expansion intermediate module 52, but the separate electrical supply connection 54 has the advantage that it is possible to subdivide the modular system into segments which can be switched off and on separately, for example during an emergency stop , In the event of a fault, then only the modules of a segment must be disconnected from the power supply and not the entire module system.

The expansion intermediate module 52 further has a bus interface 56, via which an external bus signal can be fed from an external bus into the expansion intermediate module 52. This bus interface may be, for example, a diagnostic / programming interface. This diagnostics / programming interface can be used to perform a maintenance function for the connected function modules. For a diagnosis, a clear-text output, for example to a laptop, is possible at this interface. The bus interface also allows a simple recording of a software update. Of course, it is also possible to perform the maintenance functionality, as well as diagnostics and software updates via the internal bus 44 from the head module 12, which also has an additional bus interface 32 having the same functionality as the diagnostic / programming interface 56 In an industrial environment, it may be helpful to also have a diagnostic / programming interface available at the expansion intermediate module 52. Bus interfaces 32 and 56 may also be used for connection to an external third-party bus.

In a further, not shown, expansion of the module system, a bus function module can be inserted between two function modules, which in contrast to the shown expansion intermediate module 52 has only one bus interface for connection to an external bus and does not convert serial data into parallel data. Such a bus functional module may include an analog to digital converter and a digital to analog converter. Analog measured values can thus be processed and transported after conversion as digital values on the internal serial bus 44. In addition to the expansion intermediate module 52, which by the Conversion of serial bus signals into parallel multipole signals to provide new multipole input and output lines, also an intermediate module is conceivable that converts unused multipole input lines in multipole output lines.

The expansion intermediate module 52 is closed in FIG. 1 the functional module 42e, which is constructed substantially like the functional modules 42a-d. Function module 42e is additionally provided with the separate pneumatic supply connection 58. This makes it possible to integrate in the modular system valves that require a different fluid supply than on the pneumatic supply line, which passes through all the modules is offered.

As a conclusion contains the in FIG. 1 The termination module 60 includes a termination resistor 61 for the serial bus line 44 and terminates the pneumatic supply lines 50 as appropriate.

FIG. 2 shows a further possible structure of the module system according to the invention. To a head module 12 are as described with reference to FIG FIG. 1 Function modules 42f to 42k connected to the function module 42k is followed by a termination module 62. Between the function modules 42i and 42j an expansion intermediate module 64 is set, which has a separate supply voltage input 66. In the expansion intermediate module 64, serial data is converted into parallel data, which are output to the adjacent functional module 42j at a multipole interface. The head module 12 has a supply terminal 20 and terminals 14 and 16 for an incoming and an outgoing external bus. In addition, a pneumatic supply port 18 is provided. In the head module 12, in turn, the conversion of serial signals of the external bus in parallel multipole signals, as well as the transmission of serial signals to an internal serial bus. Starting from the head module 12, an internal serial bus line 44 and pneumatic supply lines 50 run through all the modules arranged next to one another. Multipole lines 48 and electrical supply lines 46 are routed through the functional modules to the functional module 42i, which is adjoined by the expansion intermediate module 64. At the expansion intermediate module 64, a conversion of serial signals from the internal serial bus 44 into parallel signals takes place at a multipole interface are delivered to the adjacent function module 42j, through the modules 42j and 42k, these multipole lines are again performed. The expansion intermediate module 64 has a separate voltage supply 66, so that from there, starting from the subsequent function modules 42j and 42k electrical supply lines are performed. An address line 68 is routed parallel to the internal bus.

The head module 12 has the bus routing port 40, which is branched from the serial bus interface and already in FIG. 1 a is shown. Connected to this bus transfer port 40 is a first expansion module 72, which in turn has a bus transfer port 74 to which a second expansion module 76 is connected. Also, the second expansion module 76 has a Busweiterführungsanschluß, so that more expansion modules can be connected. The expansion modules each have a separate supply port 78 and 80, and a pneumatic supply port 82 and 84. Internal bus serial bus signals are converted into parallel signals in the expansion modules 72 and 76 and output to a multipole interface, respectively. To the extension modules 72 and 76 function modules 421-s are queued in a known manner. In the illustrated system configuration, the function modules 421-s are pure multipole function modules, ie the serial internal bus is not performed by the modules, but the pneumatic supply lines 50. Of course, also in the expansion modules 72 and 76, the internal bus be branched so that a connection of function modules with executed serial internal bus 44, as shown in FIG. 2 are directly connected to the head module 12, is conceivable. The fact that the head module 12 offers a bus-forwarding port 40, an external field bus node is unnecessary. A system extension is thus easy and inexpensive to achieve. Since there are bus lines between head module 12 and expansion module 72, or between expansion module 72 and expansion module 76, these system subgroups need not be adjacent, they may be remote units.

FIG. 3 shows in perspective a module system consisting of a head module 12, four functional modules 42a to 42d and a termination module 60 prior to assembly. Evident are the multipole interfaces 26 and the pneumatic supply interfaces 28. The connectors on the sides are with sealing rings and overlapping Connection collars provided. The connections are sealed on the inside with a sealing compound. In addition, the tightness of the modules is ensured by a partial encapsulation. At the termination module 60, a recess 84 can be seen, which is found in all modules. The modules can thus be mounted on a mounting rail. After assembly of the modules and their interlocking with each other, Abdeckbügel 86 are inserted between each adjacent modules in positive fit. This insertion can only be done if the modules have been locked before. The locking between the modules via three locking bolts, which are each slidably mounted in a module side wall. For locking these bolts are pushed into bushings in the adjacent module side wall and locked by a rotation. Only in the retracted state, ie only after locking, the Abdeckbügel 86 can be engaged.

Due to the stable housing and the interlocking of the modules with each other, a very high rigidity of the module system is achieved. So that there are no contact problems with the connectors and act on the connector pins not too high forces, the circuit boards are floating in the housing. As a result, the connectors are always aligned and tolerances are compensated. A secure ground connection between the floating circuit board and the rigidly fixed to the housing grounding pin is still guaranteed by the internally molded grounding pin presses on a spring steel element on the printed circuit board located on the ground line.

Claims (14)

Modular system (10) consisting of side-by-side single modules, comprising - A head module (12) with at least one terminal (14) for an external bus signal on an external bus, at least one pneumatic supply port (18), an electrical supply terminal (20) and, led out on the same side: ■ a serial bus interface (22) for an internal serial bus, ■ an electrical supply interface (24), ■ a multipole interface (26) and ■ a pneumatic supply interface (28); - And at least one functional module (42) with, in each case from one side to the opposite side performing and connected to a respective interface of the head module (12): ■ an internal serial bus line (44), ■ electrical supply lines (46), ■ multipole electrical cables (48) and ■ a pneumatic supply line (50); in which - The head module (12) converts the serial bus signal into multipole signals and outputs them to the multipole interface (26); - The function module (42) selectively branches off at least one of the multipole lines and performs a pneumatic signal or a pneumatic or electrical or both a pneumatic and an electrical function; in which
the at least one functional module has a printed circuit board and a grounding for the functional module via a ground line on the printed circuit board is provided, wherein the ground line is connected via a spring steel element with an internally potted outer terminal of the functional module. Module system according to claim 1, wherein the tightness of the modular system or functional modules of the modular system is produced by a Teilverguß. Module system according to one of the preceding claims with connections, which are encapsulated on the inside with a sealing mass. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, in which a Abdeckbügel between adjacent modules in a positive fit can only be used when the modules are locked. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted floating in the module housing. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head module converts multipole signals from the multipole interface into a serial bus signal. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the head module has a branched bus connection branched off from the serial bus interface, to which a first expansion module can be connected, which has interfaces for a function module on one of its sides, of which at least one multipole interface analogous to that of Head module is formed. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one expansion intermediate module which can be inserted between two functional modules, the internal serial bus line performs from one side to the opposite, having on one of its sides a multipole interface for the function module attached thereto and serial bus signals on the internal bus into multipole signals. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, in which a bus function module is provided which can be inserted between two function modules or between a function module and a termination module and has a bus interface. Module system according to claim 9, wherein the bus function module comprises at least one analog / digital converter and / or at least one digital / analog converter. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, in which a functional module having a pneumatic function has at least one separate feedback connection. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the modules has a maintenance functionality. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the modules are designed with encapsulation in increased degree of protection IP65 / IP67. Module system according to one of the preceding claims, in which on the sides of the modules interlocking plug connections are provided with sealing rings and overlapping Verbindungskrägen.

Images