EP4169052A1

EP4169052A1 - Base for an electric/electronic component

Info

Publication number: EP4169052A1
Application number: EP20733608.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sebastian Dorthe
Original assignee: Comatreleco AG
Current assignee: Comatreleco AG
Priority date: 2020-06-17
Filing date: 2020-06-17
Publication date: 2023-04-26
Also published as: WO2021254608A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a base (100), more particularly a relay base, comprising more particularly a mounting region (180) for detachably mounting the base (100) on a top-hat rail (500); a receptacle for an electric and/or electronic component (200), more particularly a relay or a contactor, wherein the base (100) comprises at least two electronic connections (110, 111) for the electric and/or electronic component (200), and wherein the base (100) comprises at least two terminal contacts (102, 103), connected to one of the electronic connections each. The base (100) further comprises a detection device (130) for detecting a first value of a parameter of the electric and/or electronic component (200). The invention further relates to a method for determining a parameter of an electric and/or electronic component (200) on a base (100), in which method a first value of the parameter is detected by a detection device (130) in the base (100).

Description

Base for an electrical / electronic module

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a base, in particular a relay base, comprising a mounting area for the detachable mounting of the base on a top-hat rail, a receptacle for an electrical and / or electronic component, in particular a relay or a contactor, the base at least two electronic connections for comprises the electrical and / or electronic module, and wherein the base comprises at least two connection contacts, each connected to one of the electronic connections.

State of the art

Sockets for an electrical and / or electronic component, in particular, for example, electromechanical switching elements, are known in many ways. Such bases are devices to quickly attach and detach replaceable switching elements. Such bases serve, for example, in the form of plug-in sockets as receptacles for relays, contactors, transistors and / or integrated circuits.

A relay socket typically comprises at least two connection terminals for the control circuit and two further connection terminals for the load circuit. These can be designed as screw terminals, tension spring terminals or leg spring terminals, etc., for example. If the base is only used for one contactor, two connection terminals are sufficient.

A relay thus essentially comprises two electrical connections for the control circuit and two or three electrical connections for the load circuit. A relay socket is disclosed, for example, in EP 1 052 731 B1 (Weidmüller Interface GmbH). A clamping body comprises latching means for latching the clamping body onto a mounting rail. The clamping body comprises an essentially right-angled recess into which a relay module can be inserted. The relay module is fixed to the clamping body by an essentially U-shaped swivel bracket, which has two longitudinal legs and a base leg aligned at right angles to the two longitudinal legs. The clamping body is provided on its upper side with several pairs of connection openings for connecting external conductors.

The most important sockets of this type are currently relay sockets for mounting on a mounting rail. Relay sockets have been known for many years and are largely standardized mass products. Such relay bases are typically mounted in control cabinets on mounting rails or top hat rails and are used in particular to control machines, industrial systems, building services, etc.

Relays, especially electromechanical relays, generally have a limited service life. If a relay fails, the installation controlled by it stands still until the relay is replaced. On the other hand, the relays could also be replaced at regular intervals, but relays are removed that might have worked for a long time. Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to create a socket for an electrical and / or electronic module belonging to the technical field mentioned at the beginning, with which a downtime caused by the exchange of a module can be reduced.

The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the base comprises a detection device for detecting a first value of a parameter of the electrical and / or electronic component.

The base includes a mounting area for mounting the base on a top-hat rail. Such assembly areas are familiar to the person skilled in the art, in particular from the area of relay sockets in different variants. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly area comprises at least one snap hook which can engage behind a flank of a top-hat rail. The base can, for example, be hooked into the top-hat rail from one side with an undercut and attached to the top-hat rail on the other side by means of a latching element which engages behind the top-hat rail. However, the person skilled in the art is also familiar with other types of fastening which are suitable for detachable mounting of the base on a top-hat rail.

The base comprises at least two electronic connections for the electrical and / or electronic module. For example, a fuse or a relay can be electrically connected to the base as a component. The base in turn comprises at least two connection contacts which are connected to the electronic connections. A load circuit and / or a control circuit can thus be connected to the at least two electronic connections via the connection contacts. The electronic connections can be designed, for example, as sockets, plugs or the like. Likewise, the connection contacts can be designed, for example, as sockets, plugs, terminals or the like. Further possibilities are known to those skilled in the art, in order to establish an electrical connection between To create connecting wires or the like and the base and between the base and the module.

In a method for determining a parameter of an electrical and / or electronic component on a base, in particular a relay or a contactor on a relay base, a first value of the parameter is recorded with a detection device of the base.

Basically, it can be assumed that replacing a component that has already failed will take considerably more time than replacing a (still) functioning component. In the event of a failure, it must first be realized that the block is defective. This does not necessarily have to be trivial because, for example, in the case of a control of individual motors, their circuit breakers or the motor itself can be defective. After identification, it must be checked whether a corresponding component is available on site as a replacement - procuring a new component of this type can also take a long time. Finally, the module also has to be replaced. For this, for example in a company, a responsible person must be present. In the event of an unplanned failure of a module, a lot of time can be lost until it is replaced. This can lead to a production standstill in a production facility, which can result in high costs.

According to the invention, the acquisition device for the values of the parameter of the module to be acquired is now arranged in the base. The detection device can thus be used multiple times, regardless of whether a module has to be replaced multiple times. In particular, the detection device can also be designed largely independently of the module, so that the same detection device can be used for several different modules.

The first value is preferably used to decide whether the module fulfills a predetermined criterion of the parameter. On the one hand, the value itself can allow conclusions to be drawn about the function of the component, so that, for example, it can be determined whether the component is defective or is functioning properly. In order to be able to make such an assessment, it can be useful to determine several values of the parameter or also several values of different parameters over a period of time. In variants, the value can only be used for statistical evaluations, so that the individual value itself is not used to check a criterion. The value can, for example, be a single switching cycle that is added up by a processor or counter. In this case, the criterion of the parameter can represent the achievement of a total number of switching cycles, while the value is always 1 (increment). On the other hand, the value can also include the switching cycles totaled in the base itself.

The first value is preferably used to calculate a service life of the module. According to the invention, a value of a parameter, in particular a parameter which is decisive for the service life of the module, can now be used in order to estimate the remaining expected service life of the module. With this estimate, the replacement of the module can be planned in such a way that the risk of failure of the module can be weighed against the service life. For example, the module can be replaced after 90% of the average expected service life in order to keep the risk of failure of the module below 0.1%, for example. With the targeted replacement of the module, the failure of the system to be controlled can be kept to a minimum. In particular, the module can be replaced, for example, during maintenance phases or breaks, etc., so that operation does not have to be interrupted.

The parameter can in principle be one-dimensional; in particular, it can only be used to count the switching processes, for example. However, the parameter can also be present as a multidimensional vector, whereby, for example, a time can be assigned to a value of the switching cycle, a further value of another parameter, for example a switching time, a maximum current, etc. can be assigned.

In the present case, a base is understood to mean a device on which the electrical and / or electronic component can be connected to the electrical contacts of the base. Signals and / or energy can be transported via the electrical contacts.

In a preferred embodiment, the base is a base for relay and / or contactor. This is particularly preferably a relay socket. Both electromechanical relays and semiconductor relays or other relay types known to those skilled in the art can be provided as relays. To the However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that other bases can also be provided on which other electronic and / or electrical components can be arranged, for example a fuse, a lamp, etc.

The base is particularly preferably designed to accommodate precisely one module, so that each module is assigned its own base. In a preferred variant, the relay base is designed to accommodate precisely one relay or precisely one contactor. In variants, the base can also be designed in such a way that two or more modules can be accommodated.

According to the invention, the base comprises the detection device. With the acquisition device, a value of a parameter of the module is determined. In particular when used in a relay socket, the relay can be monitored with the detection device. For this purpose, for example, the functionality of the relay, an expected service life, etc. can be determined.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the parameter comprises a switching cycle of the electrical and / or electronic module. This means that the number of switchings made by the relay can be determined and monitored. In electrical engineering, the switching cycle refers to the complete change of a switching state in an electrical switch back to the starting position. The term "switching cycle" is a synonym for the term "switching cycle".

In the case of a relay in particular, for example an electromechanical relay, the service life is closely linked to the number of switching operations carried out. The more switching operations that have been carried out with a relay, the shorter the remaining service life is typically. Because the number of switching processes or the switching cycle is determined by the detection device, a conclusion can be drawn about the average remaining service life of the module or the relay. For example, when a threshold for the number of switching operations is reached, a message can be issued that the module or relay needs to be replaced. In this way, an uncontrolled failure of the module or the relay can be counteracted preventively. In variants, it is also possible to dispense with determining the switching cycle. It is also clear to the person skilled in the art that values of further parameters can be recorded and processed (see below).

The threshold for the number of switching processes can be selected, for example, in such a way that a balance is drawn between the risk of failure and the service life of the module. The higher the limit for the number of switching operations, the higher the risk of failure and vice versa. On the other hand, the risk of failure can also be minimized by replacing the module, for example, after half the expected service life. This can be provided, for example, in the case of security-relevant systems, such as alarm systems, operating devices in hospitals, etc.

Since a mean maximum number of switching cycles or switching cycles is often known for relays or reed contacts, a countdown can be set up with the detection direction, which subtracts the switching cycles carried out from the mean maximum number of switching cycles and when the maximum number of switching cycles is reached of a proportion, for example 95% of the maximum number of switching cycles, a message is output that the module needs to be replaced.

To calculate the mean maximum service life, those skilled in the art are familiar with the MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) theory or other theories from statistics.

The values of the parameter are preferably collected and evaluated centrally from a plurality of bases. The collection of the values of the parameter can, for example, be handled in a cloud-based manner, in particular through file hosting or file sharing. This means that the data can be called up particularly easily regardless of location. In particular, the data can thus also be received via a mobile receiving device, in particular a tablet or a mobile phone (smartphone).

In variants, the values of the parameter can also only be saved and handled locally. A request, for example to change a relay, can thus be made immediately recognizable on the switch cabinet or also on the relay base; the person skilled in the art is familiar with the corresponding warning signals (acoustic, optical, radio signal, etc.). The values of the parameter are preferably collected and evaluated centrally from a plurality of bases. This allows statistical conclusions to be drawn about the parameters of the base in order to be able to create forecasts for the parameter. In particular, based on failure data for the modules, an MTTF can be determined for the modules depending on the switching cycles determined. In this way, a limit value for the switching cycles of a module, in particular a relay, can be continuously adjusted. The limit value is particularly preferably adapted automatically. This can be of particular advantage if changes are made in the manufacture of the building blocks which, for example, lead to an increased service life. In this case, an unnecessarily early replacement of the modules can be avoided by means of the automatic adaptation of the limit value of the switching processes, which in particular saves costs. Conversely, batches of modules can also be intercepted which, for example, have an unusually high failure rate. This is typically not easy to determine locally, since usually only individual events can be observed which do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about a batch.

In variants, the central evaluation of the parameter values can also be dispensed with.

The detection device preferably comprises an edge detector for determining the switching cycle. With the edge detector, a simple and inexpensive device for determining the switching cycle is obtained. With the edge detector, a change in the current flow or in the voltage can be determined, which is output as a signal and can be detected by the detection device. In this case, a switching cycle would correspond to two measured edges, that is to say, a switching cycle is determined when the edge detector has determined two edges one after the other.

The person skilled in the art is also familiar with other methods of determining a switching cycle

The detection device preferably comprises a counter for counting the switching cycle of the electrical and / or electronic component. In this way, a number of switching operations can be queried, especially in the case of the base itself, and a message can be output if the number exceeds a limit value. However, the base can also be designed in such a way that, after a predetermined number has been determined Switching cycles automatically outputs a message, e.g. in the form of a radio signal or the like (see below), whereupon the module can be replaced.

In variants, the detection device can also forward the switching cycle to a data receiver (see below) in order to be counted or evaluated there.

The detection device and / or the transmission device is preferably designed to detect one or more of the following parameters of the electrical and / or electronic component: switching state, switching time, voltage, voltage profile, current, current profile, resistance, temperature. One or more of these parameters are preferably recorded in the method.

The switching status can be used to check whether the module, in particular the relay, is working. For this purpose, for example, a load circuit or the like can be monitored and compared with the switching processes. The switching processes can also be used for a later analysis of the controlled systems. In particular, troubleshooting in a company can thus be optimized. The following parameters can also be used for this purpose.

The switching time can be used to monitor whether the module is working constantly. If the switching time is changed, for example, conclusions can be drawn about the remaining service life.

The function of the module can also be monitored and recorded via the voltage, the voltage profile, the current, the current profile and the resistance.

The temperature can, for example, be used as a further factor for calculating the mean service life.

The person skilled in the art is familiar with further parameters which can be monitored, in particular for example air humidity, etc. Furthermore, for example, an identification code of the module can be read out by the detection device.

The base preferably comprises a memory for storing the at least one value of the parameter. This means that the values of the parameter can be entered directly on the Socket can be obtained. The memory can also be used to store other data relating to the base and / or the module, in particular, for example, an identification code, manufacturer information, etc., of the base and / or the module.

As an alternative or in addition, the value of the parameter, in particular together with values of the parameter from further modules, can be stored centrally.

The base preferably further comprises a transmission device for transmitting the value from the acquisition device to a data receiver. In the method, the first value is preferably transmitted to a data receiver by means of a transmission device. This means that the base can automatically send the value of the parameter to a control center, where the values of several bases are stored and / or processed. In particular, an automatic evaluation, in particular a statistical evaluation, of the values can thus also be made possible. In this way, for example, an MTTF (mean time to failure) or other parameters can be determined automatically, in particular dynamically. Such parameters can be continuously or dynamically adapted by continuously adding new values. This means that the parameter can also be adjusted in the event of a batch change, change in use (different switching frequency, different load currents, etc.) or changing external influences (temperature, humidity, etc.), which means that failure forecasts for the modules can be calculated more precisely.

The values can also be analyzed individually, in particular, for example, to determine a technical failure of a module. In the event of a technical failure of a module, for example, a signal can be output to a service specialist, who then replaces the module.

In variants, the transmission device can also be dispensed with. The base can be designed in such a way that it outputs a warning locally, for example in the form of a signal lamp or a warning tone, in the event of a malfunction of the base and / or the module.

The transmission device is preferably designed for wireless transmission of the value to a data receiver. This can be in a particularly simple manner and with The value can be transmitted to a recipient with minimal installation effort. Many transmission options are known to the person skilled in the art, with which data can be transmitted wirelessly.

In variants, instead of wireless transmission, wired transmission can also be provided, in particular for example via a carrier frequency system, in particular powerline, etc. Instead, data transmission can also take place via a separate data line, which can be in the form of electrical, optical or other data lines. Many possibilities for this are known to the person skilled in the art.

The base preferably comprises an identification code, the identification code being able to be transmitted to a data receiver in particular with the transmission device. In the method, the first value is preferably transmitted to the data receiver together with the identification code. This means that the value on the data receiver can be assigned, preferably unambiguously, to a base on which the module is installed. This means that the module can be identified and localized independently of the module by identifying the base. This is advantageous because the modules, in particular the relays, but not the base, are typically subject to wear and therefore have to be replaced from time to time.

However, the module can also be equipped with an identification code. This can be of particular advantage when a base can be designed to accommodate several different modules.

Alternatively, the base's identification code can also be dispensed with. In this case, for example, the base can be designed in such a way that an identification code of the module can be sent to a data receiver. This can be done via the module itself or via the base. In the latter case, the base can comprise a detection device which can read out the identification code of the module.

Finally, the identification code can be dispensed with entirely. The transmission device preferably comprises a transponder. A particularly simple device for transmitting data can thus be created with technically simple means.

The transponder can be designed as a passive transponder. This has the advantage that there is no need for an energy supply. The required energy can be provided by the gateway or the data receiver. The data receiver can be designed as a tablet or smartphone, for example. For example, the measured values can be read out on a control cabinet with a tablet or smartphone, and at the same time it is possible to display which components should be replaced due to defects or due to an expected remaining service life that is too short.

In a further variant, the transponder can be designed as an active transponder. In this case, the transmitter in the base has its own power supply. This can be tapped from the switching circuit or the load circuit, for example. The base can, however, also comprise an accumulator or capacitor, which can be fed via a power source so that the transmitter can be activated at any time. In the process, a request can be sent to the transponder with the data receiver, which is answered by the transponder. For example, values of the parameter can be requested from the data receiver, which are then sent. An identification code can also be sent from the transponder to the data receiver. Finally, data records (several values of the parameter) can also be sent to the data receiver from a data memory in the base.

Other techniques for transferring data from the socket to a data receiver are also known to those skilled in the art. For example, data can be transmitted using one of the known Bluetooth technologies. WLAN or infrared can also be provided for data transmission. Other techniques are known to those skilled in the art.

The at least two electronic connections preferably comprise at least two control circuit connections and at least two load circuit connections. In particular when the base is designed as a relay base, the load circuit can for example also comprise three connections. The person skilled in the art is also familiar with further relay sockets with a different number of control circuit connections or load circuit connections, which can be used in the present application. Relays with several load circuits and / or several control circuits can also be provided.

In variants, the base can also comprise only two connections for connecting a protection or the like.

The detection device is preferably in data communication with the at least two control circuit connections. The switching cycle can thus be recorded particularly efficiently with the recording device.

In variants, the detection device can also be in data communication with the load circuit.

In a further variant, the switching cycle for the control current and the load current can be monitored, whereby the function of the relay can be monitored by comparing the measurements on the control circuit and on the load circuit.

The detection device preferably comprises a power supply, the power supply being connected to the at least two control current connections, so that the power supply can be supplied with a control current.

In variants, the detection device can also be fed via a separate energy supply. The detection device can also be supplied via the load current.

The detection device and / or the transmission device preferably comprises an integrated circuit, a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor. In this way, for example, data can be managed, additional sensors can be connected and monitored, an identification code of the base can be read out, a data transmission device, in particular a transponder, can be controlled, etc. Temperature sensor, position sensor, pressure sensor, shock sensor (acceleration sensor or similar), vibration sensor or other sensors known to those skilled in the art. Further applications are known to the person skilled in the art.

In variants, the integrated circuit, the microcontroller and / or the microprocessor can be dispensed with. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the base does not necessarily have to include a receptacle for detachable fastening on a top-hat rail. The base can also be provided for mounting on a flat surface or for mounting on rails with other cross-sections. The assembly can take place in any way via material connection and / or form connection. The assembly does not have to be detachable either. The assembly can take place, for example, with adhesives, screws, rivets, combinations thereof, etc.

Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show:

1 shows a schematic representation of a base with a module;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation according to FIG. 1 and a

Data recipient; and

3 shows a schematic representation of a base with a module according to FIG. 1 in a detailed embodiment.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a base 100 with a module 200. The module 200 is electrical or electronic with the base 100 connected, so that data and / or energy can be exchanged between the base 100 and the module 200.

The base 100 comprises a mounting area 180, with which the base 100 can be releasably attached to a top-hat rail 500. For this purpose, the assembly area 180 comprises opposing elements which can each engage behind a flank of the top-hat rail 500.

The base comprises a detection device 130, with which values of a parameter of the module 200 can be detected. The present embodiment further comprises a transmission device 150, with which the value or a signal corresponding to the value can be output.

A state of the module 200 is detected with the detection device 130. The detection device 130 can transfer the status to the transmission device 150 in the form of the value of the parameter. With the transmission device 150, the state of the module 200 can finally be given again.

In one variant, the transmission device 150 comprises an analog signal transmitter, so that, for example, a flashing light or a warning tone can be output. This can be used to indicate a risk of failure or a failure of the module that has actually occurred, with which a specialist can selectively replace the module concerned.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation according to FIG. 1 and a data receiver 300. In this preferred variant, the transmission device 150 comprises a transmitter for sending data. The value or further data, in particular data derived from several determined values of the parameter, can thus be sent to a data receiver 300. In the present embodiment, the data is transmitted by cable, in particular by powerline via the data connection 301 to the data receiver 300. The data receiver 300 is designed in such a way that it sends the data to a, in particular to, via a preferably wireless network, in particular via WLAN or the like In the present case, the data can be forwarded to an external data storage device, in particular to a cloud 400 Way to be made available decentrally. In particular, values of the parameters of different and possibly far removed modules can be compiled and evaluated. For this purpose, each base includes an identification code so that the individual modules can also be identified.

If the module 200 is designed as a relay and the values are available as a switching cycle, data can be collected via a large number of relays, in particular worldwide, in order to calculate very precise failure forecasts of the relays. These failure forecasts can in turn be made available locally in order to manage the relays individually - depending on the risk profile of the user, the relays can be replaced after more or less switching operations have been carried out.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a base with a module according to FIG. 1 in a detailed embodiment.

In the present case, the module 200 is designed as a relay and comprises a housing 201 with two plugs 202, 203 for the control circuit and three plugs 204-206 for the load circuit. The two plugs 202, 203 for the control circuit are connected to a coil 210 via lines 220, 221. If a control current is applied to the two plugs 202, 203, the coil 210 generates a magnetic field.

In the present case, unless otherwise stated, all lines are electrically conductive lines. In principle, however, other lines are also conceivable, in particular, for example, glass fibers for data transmission, etc. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the lines arranged by way of example can also be arranged differently with the same effect.

The plug 206 of the module 200 is connected via a line 232 to a switch 233, with which the load current can be controlled. The two plugs 204, 205 are connected to lines 230, 231 which open into contact points which can interact with the switch 233. In a rest position, without control current, the switch 233 is connected to the line 231, so that the load circuit between the plugs 205 and 206 is closed. If a control current is now applied, the coil 210 generates a magnetic field, with which the ferromagnetic switch 233 is attracted, so that the Contact between the switch 233 and the line 230 is closed. This closes the load circuit between the plugs 204 and 206.

The present relay is only an exemplary embodiment. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that further possible embodiments of a relay or similar electronic or electromechanical components can be used equally.

FIG. 3 also shows a base 100, which in the present case is designed as a relay base. The base 100 comprises a housing 101. This essentially comprises connections for a control circuit and connections for a load circuit, as well as a detection device 130 and a transmission device 150 for detecting or transmitting the value of the parameter of the module 200 to a data receiver 300.

The control circuit of the base 100 comprises two connection terminals 102, 103 and two sockets 1 10, 1 1 1, each connection terminal 102, 103 being connected to the sockets 1 10, 1 1 1 via lines 120, 121. The plugs 202, 203 of the control circuit of the module 200 are plugged into the sockets 1 10, 1 1 1.

The load circuit of the base 100 comprises three connection terminals 104-106 and three sockets 1 12-1 14, with one connection terminal 104-106 being connected to the sockets 1 12-1 14 via lines 122-124. The plugs 204-206 of the load circuit of the module 200 are plugged into the sockets 112-114.

If a control current is now applied to the connection terminals 102, 103 of the control circuit of the base 100, a magnetic field is generated in the coil 210 of the module 200, whereby the switch 233 moves from the rest position, in which the circuit between the sockets 104, 105 of the load circuit of the base 100 are closed, moved into the switching position in which the circuit between the sockets 104, 106 of the load circuit of the base 100 are closed. This structure of the base 100 with the control circuit and the load circuit is only to be understood as an example. Any number of other variants of sockets, in particular relay sockets, which can be equipped with the detection device within the scope of the present invention, are known to those skilled in the art.

The base now also includes a detection device 130. In the present case, this includes an edge detector 131, which is connected to the lines 120, 121 of the control circuit via lines 140, 141. In the present embodiment, the edge detector 131 measures the number of switching cycles on the control circuit.

In a further variant (not shown), the base 100 comprises a second edge detector which monitors the load current, whereby the function of the relay can be checked by comparing the measurements of the first edge detector of the control circuit and the second edge detector of the load circuit. Instead of the second edge detector, for example, only a current flow, a voltage or a resistance can be monitored in the load circuit in order to monitor the function of the relay.

The detection device 130 further comprises a counter 133, in particular a digital counter, with which the switching cycles can be counted. The counter 133 is connected to the edge detector 131 via a line 148. The detection device 130 finally comprises a power supply 132, with which the edge detector 131 and the counter 133 can be supplied with energy. The power supply 132 is connected to the lines 140, 141 via lines 142, 143 and finally draws the energy from the control signal. When the coil 210 is activated via the control current, the power supply for the detection device 130 is ensured at the same time, whereby the edge detector 131 and the counter 133 are fed with the control current at the same time. The counter retains the value after the power supply to coil 210 is interrupted until the next pulse in the control circuit follows.

The base 100 further comprises a transmission device 150. The transmission device 150 essentially serves to transmit the value of the parameter, in this case the number of switching cycles, to a data receiver 300. This comprises on the one hand a transponder 151, in this case a passive transponder 151. However, a person skilled in the art is clear that also an active transponder - in particular fed by the control or load current - or other data transmission devices (wireless or wired) can be provided.

The transponder 151 is connected to a sensor unit 160 via a line 170. This includes a microprocessor 161 which is directly connected to line 170. The microprocessor 161 is in turn connected to an analog and / or digital sensor 162 via a line 172. The sensor 162 can comprise one or more specific sensors, in particular, for example, a voltage sensor, an ampere sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, a pressure sensor, a shock sensor (acceleration sensor or the like), a vibration sensor or other sensors.

The microprocessor 161 is connected to a further line 171 with an identification code 163. The counter 133 of the detection device 130 is connected via a line 149 to the line 170 which connects the transponder 151 to the microprocessor 161. The identification code 163 preferably enables a unique identification of the base 100. In variants, groups of bases 100, which are used, for example, under identical or similar conditions, can also be combined under a single identification number (group number). The identification code 163 can be configured during the installation, either physically on the base or by means of an identifier (ID) which, due to the manufacturing process, is already arranged within the base on a component of the base. Each base 100 preferably further comprises a label with the identification code for maintenance, production and / or checking. In the case of an RFID or NFC (near field communication) label, the label can also be used to identify the base 100 and the module 200.

In order to be able to read out the data from the transponder 151, a data receiver 300 is also provided which, on the one hand, can transmit the necessary energy to the transponder 151 (arrow 302), with which the transponder 151 can transmit data to the data receiver 300. For this purpose, the data receiver 300 comprises an active transponder 303, so that data from the data receiver 300, for example a specific request for data (over a specific time interval or the like), can be sent to the transponder 151 of the base 100. The transponder 151 can send the request via Process microprocessor 161. For this purpose, the microprocessor 161 is also in a data-conducting connection with the counter 133, so that the transponder 151 of the base 100 can optionally send the raw data from the counter 133 or also processed data or additional data, such as an identification code 163 or data from the sensor 162.

A data receiver 300 can now be used, for example, to read out the data from the base 100 at defined time intervals or if necessary. For this purpose, the transponder 151 of the base 100 is supplied with energy via the data receiver 300 so that the transponder 151 can send the data. The data are either analyzed directly in the data receiver 300 and / or passed on to a database in order to analyze them there centrally. In this embodiment too, the database can be integrated in a cloud 400.

The base 100 can in principle also be designed in such a way that the data are passed on via cables. The fact that a wireless transmission device is provided for the data means that there is no need for complex cabling. Installation is therefore particularly simple and inexpensive.

In the present embodiment according to FIG. 3, the base 100 is shown without a receptacle 180 for detachable mounting on a top-hat rail 500. In the preferred embodiment, the embodiment according to FIG. 3 also includes such a receptacle 180, but it is clear to the person skilled in the art that it can also be dispensed with.

The data of the detection device 130 of the base 100 are preferably automatically monitored and processed. This enables the performance, in particular the service life of the relays, to be monitored and optimized maintenance cycles to be calculated. In particular, this enables precise conclusions to be drawn about the base, since the base is produced and used in large numbers. The data ascertained with the acquisition device can be used to optimize the base itself, in particular if weak points in the base can be ascertained with it. The planning of maintenance etc. can also be optimized on the basis of the data. For the analysis of the data, techniques from big data (mass data) or the artificial intelligence Kl (AI in English-speaking use) can be used. Many such methods are known to those skilled in the art.

Furthermore, different sensors 162 of the base 100 can be monitored and processed with the microprocessor 161 in order to generate an alarm or a message locally if a deviation from the normal state is determined.

If necessary, the traditional MTTF curve can be dispensed with, provided that a sufficient number of parameter values can be determined and processed, which can predict with great precision when a module will shortly fail. By evaluating the data from the recording devices, changes to the modules can in particular also be automatically included in the forecast calculations, so that the forecasts are automatically updated. Such changes to the modules do not always have to be made consciously, but can only be made by replacing a machine in the production chain or changing a material supplier. For this purpose, it can be useful to include a batch number of the modules 200 in the data analysis. This can be part of the identification code 163, for example.

In terms of safety, it is clear that an undesired failure of a module 200 cannot be avoided with the data analysis. However, it can be used to calculate the risk of failure. The probability of failure increases with the number of switching cycles. On the basis of the specific application, a maximum permissible number of switching cycles can now be calculated based on the characteristic data and a risk specification, so that the risk of failure is below the required threshold. The person skilled in the art is familiar with the mathematical means for determining a suitable distribution function or density function.

In the case of systems with very high security standards in particular, the installations, and thus in particular also the modules 200, must be checked at short time intervals. This ties up a large number of man-hours, which leads to high maintenance costs. In addition, complex failure scenarios, which are also costly, have to be worked out in such systems. This monitoring can be automated by the monitoring system with the detection device within the base 100, which saves considerable costs since the time intervals in which people have to carry out the test can be increased.

This not only reduces the maintenance effort, but also increases the net operating time, since fewer interruptions in operation are necessary.

Another essential point of the invention is that it is not the module 200 itself, but the base that takes over the monitoring of the module 200 by the detection device 130, so that the detection device 130 can be retained when the module 200 is replaced. This also saves costs to a considerable extent. Different modules 200 can be monitored with the system, in particular also protection or semiconductor relays.

Compared to the conventional base 100, the monitoring preferably does not require any additional cabling and operates with low energy consumption, which is preferably covered by the control circuit or, alternatively, by the load circuit. The energy for the query can either be provided by the control or load circuit, or by radio emission (RFID).

The base 100 preferably comprises an integrated circuit or a microprocessor 161, a unique identification code or an externally configurable identification (e.g. HW) in order to be able to identify each base 100 and / or module 200.

In the preferred embodiment, the switching cycle of a relay or protection is determined. In further embodiments, however, a switching time, a voltage and / or current intensity profile can alternatively or additionally also be determined.

The data is preferably sent wirelessly to a server at specified time intervals via a gateway (e.g. CMS-10R from ComatReleco). The gateway is preferably arranged in the data receiver 300, but can in principle also be arranged in the base 100. Instead of the time interval, a transmission process can also be triggered after a number of switching cycles has been reached. This means that a simpler signal (e.g. only a 1 for the value, which e.g. corresponds to 1000 switching cycles) can be sent.

The server enables, for example, the following actions: Counting the switching cycles of one or more modules 200;

Overview of the switching components, i.e. modules 200, in particular relays; Overview of the overall system, e.g. a production plant including the assignment of the area of application and / or the safety requirements of module 200;

Calculate and plan preventive maintenance;

Sending messages regarding the aging of the building blocks 200 (e.g. requests to replace the building blocks 200);

Sending messages relating to unexpected events relating to the modules 200 installed on the base 100, in particular a failure or an impending failure;

Detecting overvoltages and sending corresponding messages.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that only one exemplary embodiment is described here. Not all of the above features need to be used in combination. In particular, the data does not necessarily have to be managed via a server.

In summary, it can be stated that a base is provided with which the function and the risk of failure of an electronic module mounted on it can be monitored particularly efficiently and easily. In addition, key figures of the module can be generated and optimized during operation, in particular for example with regard to MTTF or the like.

Claims

1. Socket (100), in particular a relay socket, comprising a. In particular a mounting area (180) for the detachable mounting of the base (100) on a top-hat rail (500); b. a receptacle for an electrical and / or electronic component (200), in particular a relay or a contactor, wherein c. the base (100) comprises at least two electronic connections (1 10, 1 1 1) for the electrical and / or electronic component (200), and wherein d. the base (100) comprises at least two connection contacts (102, 103) each connected to one of the electronic connections, characterized in that e. the base (100) further comprises a detection device (130) for detecting a first value of a parameter of the electrical and / or electronic component (200).

2. Base (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the parameter comprises a switching cycle of the electrical and / or electronic module (200).

3. base (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the

Detection device (130) comprises an edge detector (131) for determining the switching cycle.

4. base (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the

Detection device (130) comprises a counter (133) for counting the switching cycle of the electrical and / or electronic component (200).

5. Base (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the base (100) comprises a memory for storing the at least one value of the parameter.

6. Base (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base (100) further comprises a transmission device (150) for transmitting the value from the detection device (130) to a data receiver (300).

7. base (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the detection device (130) and / or the transmission device (150) for

Detecting one or more of the following parameters of the electrical and / or electronic component (200) is formed: switching state, switching time, voltage, voltage profile, current, resistance, temperature.

8. Base (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the transmission device (150) for wirelessly transmitting the value to a

Data receiver (300) is formed.

9. Base (100) according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that the base (100) comprises an identification code (163), wherein the identification code (163) can be transmitted to a data receiver (300) in particular with the transmission device (150).

10. Base (100) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the transmission device (150) comprises a transponder (151).

1 1. Socket (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least two electronic connections (1 10, 1 1 1) comprises at least two control circuit connections and at least two load circuit connections.

12. base (100) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the

Detection device (130) is in data communication with the at least two control circuit connections.

13. Base (100) according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the

Detection device (130) comprises a power supply (132), the power supply (132) being connected to the at least two control current connections, so that the power supply (132) can be supplied with a control current.

14. Base (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the detection device (130) and / or the transmission device (150) comprises an integrated circuit, a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor (161).

15. Method for determining a parameter of an electrical and / or electronic

Module (200) on a base (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, in particular a relay or a contactor on a relay base, characterized in that a first value of the parameter is recorded with a detection device (130) of the base (100) .

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the first value is transmitted to a data receiver (300) by means of a transmission device (150).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first value is transmitted to the data receiver (300) together with an identification code (163).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that one or more of the following parameters is detected with the detection device (130) and / or the transmission device (150): switching cycle, switching state, switching time, voltage, voltage profile, current, Resistance, temperature.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the first value is used to decide whether the module (200) meets a predetermined criterion of the parameter.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the first value is used to calculate a service life of the module (200).