Modular PLC device

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) device, and provides a modular PLC device which comprises a network adapter connected with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) module for controlling instructions; an expansion module which controls the input / output of a sensor or an actuator according to a control command transmitted by the CPU module or the network adapter, and which comprises a plurality of input / output modules which are detachably coupled to a DIN guide rail and which are arranged so as to be expandable in the side direction of the DIN guide rail; and sliding modules which are formed on the surfaces facing each other between the extension modules so that one of the extension modules can be attached to and detached from the DIN guide rail by sliding along the side surface of at least one of the adjacent extension modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular PLC device, and more particularly to a modular PLC device capable of easily attaching and detaching a plurality of input / output modules by sliding. Background Art

[0002] Fieldbus, in which the input and output modules used for input and output can be connected to the CPU module through the network, is the core component of the industrial control system connected to various sensors and actuators.

[0003] Typically, an input / output module may include a communication module, a power module, an input / output module, etc. For scalability, it is provided in a modular structure and can be assembled and disassembled on a DIN rail that slides in a cross direction relative to the module.

[0004] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0139734 discloses a "modular industrial equipment controller" whose input and output modules are provided in a modular structure to achieve expandability and can be assembled and disassembled on a DIN rail with a sliding structure.

[0005] When an input / output module of such a modular industrial equipment controller needs to be replaced, ideally, only the module to be replaced should be removed while the input / output module is mounted on the DIN rail.

[0006] However, conventional input / output modules are structured to be attached and detached in the sliding direction of the DIN rail, and are connected or separated in the longitudinal direction by the DIN rail.

[0007] However, as described above, in the configuration where the I / O modules are connected or separated in the longitudinal direction of the DIN rail, there is a problem of insufficient spare space required for replacement due to the narrow space of the housing for accommodating the I / O modules due to the on-site environment.

[0008] Furthermore, when separating a module to be replaced, it is cumbersome to also separate and reinstall all normal modules, which leads to dissatisfaction among on-site workers. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a modular PLC device that can slide the input / output module to be replaced in the front-to-back direction for loading and unloading by combining separate sliding modules on both sides of the input / output modules arranged in a row.

[0011] Technical solutions to the problem

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the first embodiment of the present invention provides a modular PLC device, including: a network adapter, connected to a CPU module for control instructions; an expansion module, which controls the input and output of a sensor or actuator according to the control instructions transmitted through the CPU module or the network adapter, and includes a plurality of input and output modules that are detachably coupled to a DIN rail and extensibly configured in the lateral direction along the DIN rail; and a sliding module, formed on the facing surfaces between the expansion modules, so that one of the expansion modules can slide along the side of at least one adjacent expansion module to be loaded and unloaded from the DIN rail.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sliding module may include: a first sliding module portion, formed on one side of the expansion module, and including a first sliding member having a plurality of grooves continuously arranged in the transverse direction and terminal grooves arranged in the grooves; and a second sliding module portion, formed on the other side of the expansion module, and including a second sliding member corresponding to the first sliding member, the second sliding member being configured with a protruding terminal that can be inserted into the terminal groove for physical / electrical connection.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cross section of the terminal groove may be formed in a U-shape so that the protruding terminals can be combined and electrically connected.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding module portion further includes a first coupling portion, which includes a male connector and a protrusion, and the male connector and the protrusion are respectively inserted into the female connector and the locking groove formed on one side of the expansion module.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sliding module may be formed of a quadrilateral plate having a width smaller than that of the expansion module.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding member and the second sliding member can be respectively arranged on the upper part of the mounting surface of the first sliding module part and the second sliding module part; a sliding part and a corresponding sliding part can be respectively formed on the lower part of the mounting surface of the first sliding module part and the second sliding module part, so that the first sliding member and the second sliding member are combined with and support each other.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the expansion module can be composed of at least one of an analog input module for inputting analog signals, an analog output module for outputting analog signals, and a communication module capable of transmitting and receiving data with other devices; the analog input module, the analog output module, and the communication module can be formed into a shape corresponding to the input and output module.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the modular PLC device of the present invention constructed as described above, only the module that needs to be replaced can be easily loaded and unloaded in the front-to-back direction by sliding, thereby having the effect of improving the reliability of on-site workers and improving the availability of the entire system.

[0021] In addition, since the present invention can easily replace the input and output modules in the modular PLC device, the operation suspension time of the PLC device can be shortened, thereby having the effect of improving production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a modular PLC device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a combined state of a modular PLC device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an expanded view showing the input and output module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an expanded view showing a first sliding module portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an expanded view showing a second sliding module portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 and Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first sliding module portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 and Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a second sliding module portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the states before and after the modular PLC device and the slide module according to the embodiment of the present invention are combined. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the technical concept of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same technical concept by adding, deleting, changing, or supplementing constituent elements, and these embodiments fall within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0031] When assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of the drawings, even if the same constituent elements appear in different drawings, they should be assigned the same reference numerals whenever possible. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant well-known configuration or function would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] In addition, when describing the constituent elements of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are intended solely to distinguish the constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent elements are not limited by these terms. When a constituent element is described as being "coupled," "combined," or "connected" to another constituent element, it should be understood that the constituent element is directly coupled or connected to the other constituent element. However, there may also be another constituent element that is "coupled," "combined," or "connected" between the constituent elements.

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a modular PLC device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a combined state of a modular PLC device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 This is an expanded view showing the input and output module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the PLC device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a network adapter 110 , a CPU module 300 , and at least one expansion module including an input / output module 120 .

[0035] The network adapter 110 is connected to the CPU module 300 for inputting control instructions. For example, the CPU module 300 for inputting control instructions may be a PC, and the network adapter 110 may be connected to the CPU module 300 and wired Internet via a hub or the like.

[0036] The CPU module 300 performs the computational processing required to control the PLC device 100, thereby controlling the overall operation of the PLC device 100. Specifically, the CPU module 300 can identify, control, and monitor each expansion module 120, 121, 122, and 123 connected via an interface, and can also transmit and receive data with each expansion module 120, 121, 122, and 123.

[0037] The expansion modules 120, 121, 122, and 123 perform predetermined actions (input / output actions, communication actions, etc.) under the control of the CPU module 300. For example, the expansion modules 120, 121, 122, and 123 may include an input / output module 120, an analog input module 121, an analog output module 122, a communication module 123, and the like.

[0038] The input / output module 120 may be connected to the sensor 400 or the actuator 500 in a wired manner, and may control the input / output of the sensor 400 or the actuator 500 according to a control instruction transmitted through the CPU module 300 or the network adapter 110 .

[0039] On the other hand, the input / output module 120 may also be implemented to be connected to a remote wireless input / output module 600 in a wireless manner, and may wirelessly transmit the control instructions transmitted through the network adapter 110 to the wireless input / output module 600 .

[0040] The input / output module 120 can be configured to be expandable along one side, for example, the side direction. In this case, the input / output module 120 is connected to another input / output module 120 via a locking member 140 , and is formed by a plurality of input / output modules arranged in a row along a DIN rail in the side direction.

[0041] In addition to the input / output module 120 , the PLC device 100 may include a plurality of analog input modules 121 , an analog output module 122 , and a communication module 123 , which are configured to be expandable in a lateral direction.

[0042] The analog input module 121 can input analog signals, and the analog output module 122 can output analog signals. The communication module 123 can transmit and receive data with other devices.

[0043] As described above, the input / output module 120 , the analog input module 121 , the analog output module 122 , and the communication module 123 may be formed in plural and configured as expansion modules that are expandable in the lateral direction.

[0044] The following embodiments of the present invention describe a technique in which separate sliding modules 200 are attached to the sides of a row of input / output modules 120, allowing the replacement input / output module 120 to slide forward and backward for installation and removal. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be applied to all expandable modules other than the input / output module 120, such as the analog input module 121, analog output module 122, and communication module 123. In this case, the analog input module 121, analog output module 122, and communication module 123 can also have a shape corresponding to the input / output module 120.

[0045] The input / output module 120 is provided with two communication connectors 130 for connecting to a communication interface.

[0046] The communication connector 130 is disposed on two side surfaces of one input / output module 120 . A male connector 131 may be disposed on one side surface, and a female connector 132 may be disposed on the other side surface, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0047] 1 , the male connector 131 may include a plurality of terminal pins 131 a protruding from a side surface of the input / output module 120 and a cover portion 131 b protruding from a periphery of the terminal pins 131 a .

[0048] The female connector 132 may include a recessed portion 132a formed on a side surface of the input / output module 120 and a socket portion 132b provided in the recessed portion 132a and having a connection terminal (not shown) into which the terminal pin 131a of the male connector 131 is inserted and electrically connected.

[0049] The male connector 131 formed on one side of the input / output module 120 can be inserted into the female connector 132 of another adjacent input / output module 120 for connection.

[0050] On the other hand, the locking and fixing member 140 for connecting adjacent input / output modules 120 may include a locking protrusion 141 protruding from one side surface and a locking groove 142 recessed from the other side surface.

[0051] Multiple locking members 140 can be provided at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery and in opposing positions. In this embodiment, they can be provided at the upper and lower portions of the coupled input / output modules 120. The locking protrusions 141 can be inserted into the locking grooves 142 of the adjacent input / output module 120 to lock and secure it. Conversely, the locking grooves 142 can be inserted into the locking protrusions 141 of the adjacent input / output module 120 to lock and secure it.

[0052] Therefore, a locking protrusion 141 and a locking groove 142 are respectively formed on the contact surfaces of a pair of input / output modules 120 facing each other. When the facing surfaces of each input / output module 120 are in close contact with each other, they can be fixed to each other by the locking fixing component 140, that is, the locking protrusion 141 and the locking groove 142.

[0053] The modular PLC device 100 of the embodiment of the present invention constructed as described above can change the attachment and detachment direction without changing the outer shape of the input / output module 120 through the following configuration, so that it can be moved in the front-to-back direction relative to the DIN rail.

[0054] Figure 4 is an expanded view showing the first sliding module portion of an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an expanded view showing a second sliding module portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] in addition, Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a first sliding module portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a second sliding module portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the states before and after the modular PLC device and the slide module according to the embodiment of the present invention are combined.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present invention, the input / output module 120 may be combined with a separate sliding module 200. That is, the first sliding module portion 210 and the second sliding module portion 220 of the sliding module 200 may be combined with the left and right sides of the input / output module 120, respectively.

[0057] The sliding module 200 is coupled to the input / output module 120 and serves as a medium for enabling the input / output module 120 to slide in the front-to-back direction. The sliding module 200 includes a first sliding module portion 210 and a second sliding module portion 220 , and is formed of a rectangular plate having a width smaller than that of the input / output module 120 .

[0058] like Figure 4 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the first sliding module portion 210 is provided with a male connector 211, which can be physically and electrically connected to the female connectors 132 of the communication connector 130 provided on the left and right sides of the input / output module 120. In addition, the first sliding module portion 210 is provided with a protrusion 212, which is locked and fixed in the locking groove 142 of the locking and fixing member 140 provided on the left and right sides of the input / output module 120.

[0059] The protrusions 212 are respectively disposed at the upper and lower portions of the first sliding module portion 210 to correspond to the upper and lower positions of the corresponding locking grooves 142 .

[0060] In addition, a concave first sliding member 213 extending in parallel in the transverse direction is provided on the other side of the first sliding module portion 210 opposite to the side where the first coupling portion 215 including the male connector 211 and the protruding portion 212 is formed.

[0061] The first slider 213 has a plurality of grooves 213a that are alternately recessed and arranged in a continuous longitudinal direction. The grooves 213a are provided with terminal grooves 214 into which protruding terminals 224 of a second slider 223, which moves along the grooves 213a, are inserted for physical and electrical connection. The terminal grooves 214 have a U-shaped cross section, and electrical connection is achieved when the protruding terminals 224 engage with the terminal grooves 214.

[0062] like Figure 5 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the second sliding module portion 220 is provided with a female connector 221, which can be physically and electrically connected to the male connector 131 of the communication connector 130 provided on the left and right sides of the input / output module 120. In addition, the second sliding module portion 220 is provided with a groove portion 222, which is locked and fixed to the locking protrusion 141 provided on the locking and fixing member 140 provided on the left and right sides of the input / output module 120.

[0063] The grooves 222 are respectively provided at the upper and lower portions of the second sliding module portion 220 to correspond to the upper and lower positions of the corresponding locking protrusions 141 .

[0064] In addition, a second sliding member 223 having a protruding shape corresponding to the first sliding member 213 of the first sliding module 210 is provided on the other side of the second sliding module 220 opposite to the side having the second coupling portion 225 including the female connector 221 and the groove 222 formed thereon.

[0065] In the second sliding member 223 , a plurality of protrusions 223 a are continuously protruded to be engaged with the terminal grooves 214 of the first sliding member 213 .

[0066] A plurality of protruding terminals 224 are disposed on the protrusion 223 a . The plurality of protruding terminals 224 can be inserted into the terminal slots 214 of the first sliding member 213 and physically / electrically connected thereto.

[0067] Here, the terminal grooves 214 and the protruding terminals 224 of the first slider 213 may be electrically connected to the terminal pins 131 a and the connection terminals (not shown) of the communication connector 130 located on the corresponding opposite sides.

[0068] On the other hand, the first and second sliding members 213, 223 are disposed above the mounting surfaces of the first and second sliding module portions 210, 220. Furthermore, a sliding portion 216 and a corresponding sliding portion 226 may be formed below the mounting surfaces of the first and second sliding module portions 210, 220, so that the first and second sliding members 213, 223 are coupled and stably supported. The sliding portion 216 and the corresponding sliding portion 226 are also formed of a sliding member structure and are coupled together in a sliding manner. Compared to the first and second sliding members 213, 223, the sliding portion 216 and the corresponding sliding portion 226 can be formed with a relatively narrow width. Furthermore, the sliding portion 216 and the corresponding sliding portion 226 can also be formed with a terminal slot 214 and a protruding terminal 224. However, this would require a separate extension of the communication connector 130, so from a cost perspective, it is preferable not to add them.

[0069] Therefore, the first sliding module 210 and the second sliding module 220 are respectively coupled to the two side surfaces of a single input / output module 120. Specifically, the protrusion 212 of the first sliding module 210 and the groove 222 of the second sliding module 220 can be coupled to the retaining groove 142 and retaining protrusion 141 provided on the two side surfaces of the input / output module 120, respectively. Furthermore, the male connector 211 and the female connector 221 can be coupled to the female connector 132 and the male connector 131 provided on the two side surfaces of the input / output module 120, respectively.

[0070] The width of the sliding modules 200 is added to the width of the input / output module 120 on both sides. Therefore, the overall width of the modular PLC device 100 is increased by the width of the sliding modules 200. However, since the width of the sliding modules 200 is smaller than that of the input / output module 120, it is not a problem to place multiple input / output modules 120 in the container.

[0071] The first sliding member 213 and the second sliding member 223 can be exposed to the outside on both sides of an input / output module 120 to which the first sliding module 210 and the second sliding module 220 are respectively coupled. That is, since the modular PLC device 100 is repeatedly configured with a first sliding module 210, an input / output module 120, a second sliding module 220, another first sliding module 210, another input / output module 120, and another second sliding module 220, the first sliding module 210 of one input / output module 120 can be coupled to the second sliding module 220 of another adjacent input / output module 120, and the second sliding module 220 of one input / output module 120 can be coupled to the first sliding module 210 of another adjacent input / output module 120, thereby enabling the modular PLC device 100 to slide in the front-to-back direction.

[0072] As described above, the modular PLC device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured with the first sliding module portion 210 and the second sliding module portion 220 .

[0073] When three I / O modules 120 , ie, I / O module a, I / O module b, and I / O module c, are sequentially arranged in the I / O module 120 , the first sliding module portion 210 is coupled to the side of I / O module a facing the I / O module b.

[0074] The second sliding module portion 220 is coupled to the side of the input / output module b facing the input / output module a, and the first sliding module portion 210 is coupled to the side facing the input / output module c.

[0075] The second sliding module portion 220 is coupled to the side surface of the input / output module c that faces the input / output module b.

[0076] As described above, in the corresponding external surfaces of the input / output modules a, b and c combined with the sliding module 200, the first sliding member 213 of the first sliding module part 210 can be set in the input / output module a, the second sliding member 223 of the second sliding module part 220 can be set in the input / output module b, the first sliding member 213 of the first sliding module part 210 can be set in the input / output module b, and the second sliding member 223 of the second sliding module part 220 can be set in the input / output module c.

[0077] Therefore, when input / output module b, which has the second slide 223 and the first slide 213, is coupled between the first slide 213 of input / output module a and the second slide 223 of input / output module c, the modules can slide. Specifically, when the first slide module 210 and the second slide module 220 are coupled to the sides of the input / output module 120 to be replaced, the first slide 213 and the second slide 223 exposed to the outside of the input / output module 120 to be replaced can be coupled to the second slide 223 and the first slide 213 on both sides of another adjacent input / output module 120 and slide.

[0078] As described above, among the multiple input / output modules 120 coupled along the DIN rail, the input / output module 120 to be replaced is slid and separated in the front-to-back direction, and the newly installed input / output module 120 is reinstalled in the separated space, thereby making it possible to easily replace the input / output module 120.

[0079] However, when only two input / output modules 120 are provided, a first sliding module portion 210 and a second sliding module portion 220 are respectively installed on the facing surfaces of the input / output modules 120, so that the input / output module 120 to be replaced can be moved in a sliding manner in the front-to-rear direction to be loaded and unloaded on the DIN rail.

[0080] In addition, in the case of the input / output module 120 at the end, it is not necessary to provide the first sliding module portion 210 or the second sliding module portion 220 on the end side surface.

[0081] Therefore, as described above, when only two input / output modules 120 are provided, a first sliding module portion 210 and a second sliding module portion 220 are respectively installed on the facing surfaces between the input / output modules 120, so that the input / output module 120 to be replaced can be moved in a sliding manner in the front-to-rear direction to be loaded and unloaded on the DIN rail.

[0082] Therefore, the present invention can easily replace the input / output modules 120 of the modular PLC device 100 in a narrow space or in a poor environment that requires frequent replacement of the input / output modules 120. This can shorten the downtime of the modular PLC device 100 and improve production efficiency.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present invention, among the plurality of input / output modules 120 coupled along the DIN rail, the structure of the input / output modules 120 that slide in the front-to-rear direction is restricted. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. It is well known that the sliding module 200 can also be applied to all expandable or additional modules (expansion modules, additional modules, etc.) in addition to the input / output modules 120.

[0084] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs can easily transform it into other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative in all aspects and should not be understood as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described below, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular PLC device, wherein: include: A network adapter connected to a CPU module for controlling instructions; an expansion module that controls the input and output of a sensor or actuator according to a control instruction transmitted through the CPU module or the network adapter, and includes a plurality of input and output modules that are detachably coupled to a DIN rail and are extendably arranged in a lateral direction along the DIN rail; as well as The sliding module is formed on the facing surfaces between the expansion modules, so that one expansion module can slide along the side surface of at least one adjacent expansion module to be mounted on and removed from the DIN rail.

2. The modular PLC device according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding module includes: A first sliding module portion is formed on a side surface of the expansion module and includes a first sliding member having a plurality of slots continuously arranged in a transverse direction and terminal slots arranged in the slots; and The second sliding module part is formed on the other side of the expansion module and includes a second sliding member corresponding to the first sliding member. The second sliding member is provided with a protruding terminal that can be inserted into the terminal slot for physical / electrical connection.

3. The modular PLC device according to claim 2, wherein: The cross section of the terminal groove is formed in a U shape so that the protruding terminals can be coupled and electrically connected.

4. The modular PLC device according to claim 2, wherein: The first sliding module portion further includes a first coupling portion, which includes a male connector and a protruding portion. The male connector and the protruding portion are respectively inserted into a female connector and a locking groove portion formed on one side of the expansion module.

5. The modular PLC device according to claim 2, wherein: The second sliding module portion further includes a second coupling portion, which includes a female connector and a groove portion, and the female connector and the groove portion are respectively inserted into the male connector and the locking protrusion formed on the other side of the expansion module.

6. The modular PLC device according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding module is formed of a quadrilateral plate having a width smaller than that of the expansion module.

7. The modular PLC device according to claim 2, wherein: The first sliding member and the second sliding member are respectively arranged on the upper portion of the mounting surface of the first sliding module portion and the second sliding module portion; A sliding portion and a corresponding sliding portion are respectively formed on lower portions of the mounting surfaces of the first sliding module portion and the second sliding module portion, so that the first sliding member and the second sliding member are combined with and supported by each other.

8. The modular PLC device according to claim 1, wherein: The expansion module is composed of at least one of an analog input module for inputting analog signals, an analog output module for outputting analog signals, and a communication module capable of transmitting and receiving data with other devices; The analog input module, the analog output module, and the communication module are formed in shapes corresponding to the input and output modules.

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