EP2951059B1 - Connection module with light indicators - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connection module, with a plurality of connections for functional elements, and with a plurality of operating displays.

Such connection modules are used to achieve near-machine signal conditioning in an automation device. With such connection modules, installation and service costs can be reduced, since control cabinets and line materials can be saved, and commercially available plug-in connectors enable an uncomplicated and secure connection. The operating displays of such connection modules allow a simple check whether signals are present at the respective terminals of the connection module. However, separate operational displays with light sources arranged in the vicinity of the terminals are required in order to enable a simple and intuitive assignment from an operating display to a connection. This leads to a complicated structure of such connection modules.

The publication DE 10 2004 056 247 A1 relates to a display device for an electronic device, in which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are used for display purposes, wherein an optical waveguide arrangement is used, in which a plurality of photoconductive elements are integrated.

The publication US 2009/0051558 A1 relates to a device for providing optical signals with an optical light transmission element, which has a light-receiving end and a light-emitting end.

The publication US 3,262,224 A relates to an indicator lighting system with a light guiding element.

The publication DE 197 09 529 A1 concerns a display for advertising and reference statements.

The publication US 5,263,271 A relates to a message device with a light guide device.

The publication WO 01/40707 A1 relates to a lighting arrangement with a light guide.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a connection module with a simplified structure.

This object is solved by the objects with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The present invention is based on the finding that the use of a light guide simplifies the construction of such a connection module.

According to a first aspect, the object is achieved in that at least one of the operating displays has a display element, and that the display element has a designed as a light guide body with a light input surface and a light output surface. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that light signals can be forwarded by a light source, wherein the light source is arranged away from the display element. This simplifies the structure of the connection module.

In an advantageous embodiment, the display element has a labeling field element. This achieves the technical advantage that the labeling field element provides information about the functional element connected to the connection, e.g. by a particular color designation of the label field element, e.g. Green for sensor and blue for actuator. Thus, a simple and quick assignment in a review of the functionality of the automation device is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the inscription field element has a labeling field light coupling surface, and the inscription field light coupling surface is in photoconductive contact with the light coupling surface. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that light signals from the light outcoupling surface can be coupled into the actuation field element and then coupled out, so that the inscription field element itself is illuminated and the information of the inscription field element is available without the aid of further illumination means.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the labeling field element on a label. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that further information regarding the functional elements connected to the connection module is available. The inscription may be clear, white or colored, e.g. To ensure a particularly easy recognizability by contrast.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the labeling field element has a guide section, which is in engagement with a guide of the base body. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that the inscription field element is securely mounted on the base body, but separated by a displacement of the guide portion in the guide of the body and optionally replaced or provided with a different label, if a connection to another functional module is connected. Thus, the handling of the connection module is improved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide section and the guide define a first mounting direction for mounting the labeling field element on the Base body, wherein the first mounting direction differs from a second mounting direction for mounting the display element on the connection module. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that the connection module has a particularly simple structure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first mounting direction and the second mounting direction are arranged at a right angle to each other. This simplifies the structure of the connection module again.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the basic body has a base section with the light output surface and two arm sections adjoining the main body, each having a light coupling surface. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that the base body forwards different light signals, which are coupled to the respective light input surface. Thus, with the display element several information can be displayed, which come from different light sources.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the base portion and the two arm portions are formed in one piece and / or of the same material. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that light signals coupled in at the light coupling surfaces do not undergo refraction when passing through the base body at interfaces in the form of connecting surfaces, and thus optimum transmission of light signals is ensured.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the base body is made of plastic. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved that the basic body with known technologies from readily available materials can be machined and thus made particularly inexpensive.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the base body has a latching element for fastening to the connection module. This achieves the technical advantage that the base body is securely fastened to the connection module and does not unintentionally release and displace due to vibration occurring in the environment of an automation device. Thus, the reliability is increased.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the connection module has an opening into which the display element is at least partially accommodated. This achieves the technical advantage that the main body can conduct light signals from the interior of the connection module to the operating display. Thus, the connection module has a particularly simple structure.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the connection module has a light source that emits light into the light coupling surface. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that light signals can be generated by the light source, which can be conducted with the base body to the display element and display various signals, such. digital signal states, display of input / output signal states (IO signal states), display of diagnostic states of connected devices and / or display of network states.

According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a display element for such a connection module. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that light signals can be forwarded by a light source, which is arranged away from the display element. This simplifies the structure of the connection module.

According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by a labeling field element for such a display element. Thereby, the technical advantage is achieved that light signals can be forwarded by a light source, which is arranged away from the display element. This simplifies the structure of the connection module.

Fig. 1

in perspektivischer Ansicht zwei Ausführungsbeispiele von Anschlussmodulen,

Fig. 2

eine Schnittdarstellung durch einen Abschnitt eines Anschlussmoduls in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht eines Grundkörpers,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf den Grundkörper,

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht des Grundkörpers,

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Grundkörpers,

Fig. 7

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung des Grundkörpers, und

Fig. 8

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung des Grundkörpers.

Further embodiments will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a perspective view two embodiments of connection modules,

Fig. 2

a sectional view through a portion of a connection module in Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a side view of a body,

Fig. 4

a plan view of the body,

Fig. 5

a side view of the body,

Fig. 6

a perspective view of the body,

Fig. 7

another perspective view of the body, and

Fig. 8

another perspective view of the body.

Fig. 1 shows a first connection module 100a and a second connection module 100b. These are input / output signal and / or functional devices of automation technology for use in an automation device.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first connection module 100a and the second connection module 100b are designed as sensor / actuator boxes for signal conditioning near the machine in an automation device.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first connection module 100a has eight connections 102, which in the present exemplary embodiment are designed as M12 connections and in the present exemplary embodiment allow each to connect a sensor or actuator to each of the connections 102 as a functional element. Thus, the terminals 102 are formed in the present embodiment as a sensor-actuator ports. Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the connection module 100a has four further connections 110, two of which are designed as M12 connections in the present exemplary embodiment. With the further terminals 110, for example, sensor signals can be forwarded from the terminals 102 to other components of the automation device. The further connections 110 may be, for example, a network or fieldbus connection act, which can also be formed socket-socket connection, eg in Ethernet-based devices. In the present exemplary embodiment, one of the further connections 110 is designed as a plug-socket fieldbus interface. In a second row, a connection for a voltage supply, in the present exemplary embodiment for a supply and forwarding of electrical energy, can be arranged.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the connection module 100b has eight connections 102, which in the present exemplary embodiment are designed as M8 connections, and in the present exemplary embodiment allow each to connect a sensor or actuator to each of the connections 102 as a functional element. Thus, the terminals 102 are formed as sensor-actuator ports. Furthermore, the connection module 100b has three further connections 110, of which one connection is designed as an M12 connection in the present exemplary embodiment. Here too, the further connections 110 permit a forwarding of sensor signals from the connections 102 to other components of the automation device. The further terminals 110 may be e.g. to act a network or field bus connection, which may also be designed as a socket, e.g. for Ethernet-based devices. In the present exemplary embodiment, one of the further connections 110 is designed as a plug of an incoming fieldbus interface. In a second row, in the present exemplary embodiment, a connection for a further fieldbus or for an Ethernet interface and in a third row a connection for a voltage supply can be arranged.

In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the terminals 102 and each of the further terminals 110 is assigned an operating display 104. The operation indicators 104 are for optical signaling of digital signal states, for displaying input / output signal states, for displaying diagnostic states of devices of the automation device and for displaying network states. Each operating display 104 has a display element 106, which is accommodated in an opening 108 of a housing 112a, 112b of the connection modules 100a, 100b. In the present exemplary embodiment, the housings 112a, 122b are designed to be dust-tight and splash-proof in order to ensure safe operation of the connection modules 100a, 100b in an automation device. In the present embodiment, the housings are made of plastic, for example by means of injection molding.

Further, in the present embodiment, the housings 112a, 112b have stopper means 114, which will be explained later. In the present embodiment, the stop means 114 are integrally formed on the housings 112a, 112b. Thus, the housing 112a, 112b and the stop means 114 in the present embodiment are integrally formed and of uniform material.

Fig. 2 shows the schematic structure of the operation display 104 with the display element 106th

The display element 106 has a base body 200 in the present embodiment. The main body 200 in the present embodiment comprises a base portion 202, a first arm portion 204a and a second arm portion 204b. In the present exemplary embodiment, the base body 200, comprising the base section 202 and the two arm sections 204, 204b, is manufactured in one piece and of the same material from an optically transparent plastic. However, the base body 200 may be completely or even partially colored optically to provide colored light.

The first arm portion 204a has a first light coupling surface 206a, and the second arm portion 204b has a second light coupling surface 206b. The first light coupling surface 206a is in contact with a light source 218 disposed on a circuit board 226 disposed inside the connection module 100a, 100b. Furthermore, the second light coupling-in surface 206b is arranged in contact with another light source 218, which is likewise arranged on the printed circuit board 226. In the present embodiment, the light source 218 is formed as an LED. Thus, light signals from the two light sources 218 can be coupled into the base body 200 through the two light coupling surfaces 206a, 206b.

The base portion 202 of the base body 200 has a light output surface 208, wherein the first arm portion 204a and the second arm portion 204b in the base portion 202 unite so that light signals from the first light input surface 206a on the first arm portion 204a and / or the second light input surface 206b be guided at the second arm portion to the light output surface 208.

With the light output surface 208 of the base portion 202 of the main body 200 is a labeling field light input surface 220 of a labeling field element 210 in contact. Thus, light signals from the light outcoupling surface 208 can be coupled through the caption field light input surface 220 into the caption field element 210, which in turn has a caption field light output surface 224 for emitting the light signals.

The labeling panel 210 is made of plastic in the present embodiment, e.g. clear plastic. But it can also be made of colored plastic. In the present exemplary embodiment, the labeling field 210 has a guide section 212, which is in engagement with a guide 214 of the base body 200. In the present exemplary embodiment, the guide 214 is arranged in the base section 202. Further, in the present embodiment, the guide 214 is formed as a groove and the guide portion 212 as a sliding block. By means of the guide section 212 engaging in the guide 214, the labeling field element 210 is securely fastened to the base body 200. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 212 is integrally formed on the labeling field element 210.

The label field element 210 in the present embodiment has a label 220 that contains information about e.g. represents the functional element connected to the terminal 102. The label 220 may be applied by printing on the label panel 210 or by surface removal of material, e.g. by milling or by laser treatment.

Finally, the base body 200 in the present embodiment on the two arm portions 204, 205 arranged latching elements 216 which are formed in the present embodiment as around the two arm portions 204a, 204b circumferential rings that dip into the opening 108 and lock there with correspondingly shaped opening portions to secure the display element 106 securely to the terminal module 100a, 100b.

The Fig. 3 to 5 show the main body 200 with the base portion 202, the two arm portions 204a, 204b as well as with the attached to the base 200 Labeling field element 210 in a side view, a plan view and another side view.

The Fig. 6 to 8 show the main body 200, the base portion 202 and the arm portions 204a, 204b with the attached label field element 210 in various perspective views.

The Fig. 6 to 8 show further that the guide portion 212 and the guide 214 define a first mounting direction I, so that by displacing the Beschriftungsfeldelements 210 in this direction, the labeling field element 210 can be attached to the main body 200. For this purpose, it is necessary in advance to bring the guide 214 with the guide portion 212 into engagement. By displacing in a second mounting direction II, the base body 200 with the labeling field element 210 is then fastened to the connection module 100a, 100b by displacing the two arm sections 206a, 204b in the opening 108 in the direction of the second mounting direction II.

When the base body 200 with the labeling field element 210 has reached its end position in the opening 108, it is achieved by the corresponding design of the opening 108 that a displacement of the labeling field element 210 in the guide 214 in the assembly direction I by stop means 114, e.g. a peripheral around the opening 108 edge is blocked. Thus, the labeling panel 210 can not accidentally fall out or come off. Since, in the present embodiment, the first mounting direction I is at right angles to the second mounting direction II, a particularly simple intuitive assembly is given.

In operation, light signals from the light sources 218 on the board 226 are coupled through the two light coupling surfaces 206a, 206b into the arm sections 204a, 204b and forwarded to the base section 204 of the main body 200. Then, the light signals emerge from the light output surface 208 and through the caption field light input surface 220 into the caption field element 210, where they exit through the caption field light output surface 224 and illuminate a caption 220.

The operation indicator 104 is used in the present embodiment, the optical signaling of digital signal states, for displaying input / output signal states, for displaying diagnostic states of devices of the automation device and for displaying network conditions.

By displacing in a second mounting direction II, the base body can be removed, and by moving in the direction of the first mounting direction, the labeling field element 210 can be removed, for example, to change the label 220 or change the labeling field element 210 with another labeling field element 210 with a replace other label 220. Thus, a simple adaptation to changes is possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100a

connection module

100b

connection module

102

connection

104

Power indicator

106

display element

108

opening

110

further connection

112a

casing

112b

casing

114

slings

200

body

202

base section

204a

arm

204b

arm

206a

light injection

206b

light injection

208

light coupling

210

Labeling field element

212

guide section

214

guide

216

locking element

218

light source

220

labeling

222

Labeling field light injection

224

Labeling field light coupling

226

circuit board

I

first mounting direction

II

second mounting direction

Claims (10)

1. A connection module (100a, 100b) comprising a plurality of connections (102) for functional elements, and comprising a plurality of operating indicators (104), wherein at least one of the operating indicators (104) has a display element (106), wherein the display element (106) has a main body (200), configured as a light guide, comprising a light coupling surface (206a, 206b) and a light decoupling surface (208);
   wherein the display element (106) has an labeling field element (210);
   wherein the labeling field element (210) has a labeling field light coupling surface (220), and wherein the labeling field light coupling surface (220) is in light-guiding contact with the light decoupling surface (208); and
   wherein the labeling field element (210) has a guide section (212), which is in engagement with a guide (214) of the main body (200).
2. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1,
   wherein the labeling field element (210) comprises a label (220) .
3. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide section (212) and the guide (214) define a first mounting direction (I) for mounting the labeling field element (210) onto the main body (200), wherein the first mounting direction (I) differs from a second mounting direction (II) for mounting the display element (106) onto the connection module (100).
4. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 3,
   wherein the first mounting direction (I) and the second mounting direction (II) are arranged at a right angle to one another.
5. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (200) comprises a base section (202) comprising the light decoupling surface (202) and at least two arm sections (204a, 204b), which adjoin the main body (200), each comprising a light coupling surface (206a, 206b).
6. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in claim 5,
   wherein the base section (202) and the two arm sections (204a, 204b) are formed integrally and/or from uniform material.
7. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (200) is manufactured from plastic.
8. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection module (100a, 100b) has a housing (112a, 112b) comprising an opening (108), and wherein the main body (200) has a latching element (216), which plunges into the opening (108) and locks with correspondingly formed opening sections therein, in order to fasten the display element (106) onto the connection module (100a, 100b).
9. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection module (100a, 100b) comprises an opening (108), in which the display element (106) is at least partially accommodated.
10. The connection module (100a, 100b) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection module (100a, 100b) comprises a light source (218) emitting light signals into the light coupling surface (206a, 206b).

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