Electronic expansion module for pump electronics

Abstract

The invention relates to a pluggable electronic expansion module (1) for the pump electronics of a centrifugal pump, which is used to expand the pump electronics with at least one additional function, the expansion module comprising: a housing (2), which can be fastened to the outer side of the pump electronics housing by means of at least one connecting mechanism (3, 4a, 4b); an electronic device (12) for providing the additional function arranged in the housing (2); and an electrical interface (5) connected to the electronic device (12) by means of a wire, the interface being used to plug-in electrically connect the expansion module (1) to the pump electronics, the interface protruding from the lower side (2a) of the housing (2) pointing toward the pump electronics so as to be plugged in through an opening in the pump electronics housing during normal use, the electrical interface (5) having contacts (7a, 7b) in the form of printed wires on a flat carrier part (6), the carrier part protruding from a base (8) in a tongue-like manner at a distance from the lower side (2a) of the housing (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic expansion module for pump electronics of a centrifugal pump, which serves to expand the pump electronics with at least one additional function. Background Art

[0002] Function modules for extending the functional range of centrifugal pump units are well known. For example, the Wilo Group (WILOSE) offers a function module with the product code 2097810 for its Stratos product series and centrifugal pump units of the dry gas suction pump type, also known as an IF module (IF = Interface), which extends the control electronics of the pump with a serial communication interface for BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network) in order to be able to connect the centrifugal pump to a building automation and control system. The IF module provides both electrical terminals (RS485) for connecting the pump to a BACnet and the necessary communication protocol. WILO SE offers a similar function module with the product code 2097808, which enables the corresponding expansion of the pump via the industrial standard MODBUS. Thus, a user can selectively supplement the centrifugal pump unit and specifically match it to his needs and the local communication infrastructure. Both function modules are plugged into the same electrical interface of the centrifugal pump unit.

[0003] In order to meet current and future user requirements, the functional scope of centrifugal pump units or their pump electronics needs to be continuously increased, especially with regard to wired or wireless communication interfaces. Due to the continuous development of existing communication technologies (e.g. mobile communication: 2G (GSM) → 3G (UMTS) → 4G (LTE Advanced) → 5G; Bluetooth technology → Bluetooth low energy technology) and the emergence of new technologies (ZigBee, enOcean (ultra-low power short-range wireless communication technology based on energy harvesting), RFID (radio frequency identification tags)), there is also a need on the market for centrifugal pump units that can be quickly expanded with functionalities, which is difficult to meet due to the necessary product development time and, in particular, the necessary product certifications, especially in radio-based communication technologies. There is a desire for economical and cost-effectiveness despite the increase in functionality.

[0004] A solution that meets all these requirements is to provide functions or function groups in a modular or combined manner in the form of electronic expansion modules, which supplement the main product or the centrifugal pump unit or its pump electronics. This shortens the development time and the time until it can be available on the market, because the development can basically be limited to the electronic expansion module. In addition, there is no need for new certification of the main product, because the certification is limited to the electronic expansion module. Therefore, the new technology can be combined or integrated with the main product as quickly as possible. Since the expansion module can also achieve the need for the main product to be equipped with certain functions or function groups in a targeted manner, unnecessary functionality can be omitted in this main product, so that there is a cost advantage overall.

[0005] However, the externalization of functions or groups of functions in the electronic expansion modules places certain demands on the electrical interface between the electronic expansion modules and the pump electronics and on the arrangement or installation of the expansion modules. In particular, operational reliability, durability, susceptibility to error, contact protection, insulation, sealing, handling and fastening must be taken into account. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a uniform interface for the different expansion modules so that different expansion modules can be connected to the same electrical interface of the pump electronics as required. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an electronics expansion module for pump electronics of a centrifugal pump for expanding the pump electronics with at least one additional function, which expansion module takes the above-mentioned requirements and wishes into account.

[0007] This object is achieved by an electronic expansion module having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are listed in the dependent claims and are discussed below.

[0008] According to the present invention, a pluggable electronic expansion module of a pump electronic device of a centrifugal pump is proposed, which is used to expand the pump electronic device with at least one additional function, and the expansion module comprises:

[0009] a housing which can be fastened to the outside of the pump electronics housing by means of at least one connecting means;

[0010] - electronic components housed in the housing that provide additional functionality; and

[0011] - an electrical interface connected to the electronics via a wire, which interface can be used to electrically connect the expansion module to the pump electronics in a plug-in manner, which interface projects on the lower side of the housing pointing toward the pump electronics so that it can be plugged through an opening in the housing of the pump electronics during normal use, wherein the electrical interface has contacts in the form of printed conductors on a flat carrier part, which protrudes from a base in the shape of a tongue at a distance from the lower side of the housing.

[0012] The above-mentioned expansion modules are particularly easy to handle due to their pluggability and also meet the requirements with regard to operational reliability, durability, susceptibility to errors, contact protection, insulation and sealing, among other aspects.

[0013] The additional function can be, for example, a radio-based communication technology. The communication technology can be, for example, Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a wireless local area network (WLAN) (Wireless Local Area Network according to the IEEE 802.11 standard), or mobile communication (mobile wireless communication standards according to 3GPP's 3G, 4G, 5G wireless mobile communication networks, in particular NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) via LTE and / or 5G networks). This has the advantage that the centrifugal pump can be equipped with a radio-based communication interface and can be used without the need for corresponding certification of the pump electronics. Since only the expansion module using the radio-based communication technology needs to be certified, the time until the new pump model is available is generally shortened. It should also be noted here that an expansion module can be used for different pump models or pump variants and only needs to be certified once, while a centrifugal pump with an integrated wireless interface requires a certification for each model variant.

[0014] As an alternative, the additional function can be a wired communication technology, in particular Modbus, BACnet, LIN-Bus or Ethernet. According to another alternative, the additional function can be a sensor, an actuator or an electronic storage module. The sensor can be composed of one or more sensors, for example, for detecting the temperature outside the centrifugal pump, air humidity, vibration of the centrifugal pump (accelerometer) or noise (microphone). The actuator can be, for example, a relay, which provides a potential-free contact, and the pump electronics can control an external device via the contact. The storage module can be used as a data logger, for example. In this way, the pump electronics can store the data of the centrifugal pump (for example, operating data such as head, delivery flow, power consumption, or information about the occurrence of a fault) in the expansion module. As an alternative or supplementary solution, the storage module can be a carrier of the operating configuration or software update of the centrifugal pump, which can be transmitted to the pump electronics via the expansion module.

[0015] According to the invention, the electrical interface is used to electrically connect the expansion module to the pump electronics in a plug-in manner. Although this already means a certain mechanical stability between the expansion module and the pump electronics, it is advantageous to divert any stresses caused by mechanical forces that may be applied to the housing of the expansion module away from the electrical contacts in order to avoid contact obstructions or even damage to the electrical interface or the corresponding interface on the pump electronics side. This is achieved by a connection mechanism that ensures that the expansion module is fixed in position on the pump electronics housing. This is achieved on the outer side of the pump electronics housing during normal use, so that no space has to be provided inside the housing for the expansion module, and the housing dimensions can therefore be very small.

[0016] The connection means can preferably be designed such that the expansion module is detachably fastened to the housing of the pump electronics so that it can also be removed again if necessary. Depending on the circumstances, the expansion module can be replaced by another expansion module, possibly due to a replacement of the expansion module for maintenance, a functional change or a functional upgrade. The other expansion module can then contain a different function, a function that supplements the function of the previous expansion module or the same function in an updated version (upgrade).

[0017] The connection means can be, for example, a screw fastening by means of at least one screw. In order to protect the electrical interface from torque, preferably at least two screws form the connection means. The expansion module is thus also protected against rotation by the connection means. The two screws are expediently located next to the electrical interface, in particular aligned with it. This has the advantage that the housing of the expansion module can have a minimum transverse dimension in a variant embodiment. Preferably, one or more screws are designed as captive screws so that it / they cannot be separated from the housing of the expansion module.

[0018] As already explained, a core aspect of the invention is to provide a uniform electrical interface for a plurality of different expansion modules, i.e. a plurality of expansion modules with different additional functions. Depending on one or more respective additional functions, the expansion modules can differ not only in function but also in structure with respect to shape and / or size. In this way, at least one expansion module with a first housing size and at least one expansion module with a second housing size can be provided, wherein the second housing size is greater than the first housing size. The arrangement or spacing of the two bolts relative to the electrical interface determines the lower limit of the transverse dimensions of the housing, wherein these housing dimensions can be minimal in the case where the two bolts are arranged aligned with the electrical interface.

[0019] In the case of small expansion modules, screws are sufficient as connecting means for stable fixing, but for larger expansion modules, it is advantageous to provide a connecting means between the expansion module and the pump electronics housing as a supplement or at least as an alternative to the screw connection, which acts at the connection points whose distance to the electrical connection is greater than the distance between the screws and the electrical connection, in particular offset to the screws. Preferably, the connecting means is a positive connection by means of locking elements protruding from the underside of the housing for plugging through corresponding openings in the pump electronics housing.

[0020] The locking element can be block-shaped or pin-shaped and protrude from the lower side of the housing. The cross section of the locking element can be basically arbitrary, such as circular, oval, rectangular or square.

[0021] The locking element can be designed in the form of a latching element and can extend behind an opening in the pump electronics housing and latch there. This results in a self-locking effect, i.e. a stationary, stable fixation is achieved by simply plugging the expansion module onto the pump electronics housing. No further steps are therefore required for fastening the expansion module, which makes handling particularly simple.

[0022] However, in order to be able to disconnect the connection of the locking element to the pump electronics housing in a simple manner, it is advantageous to hold the locking element in a position by means of a locking piece arranged on the pump electronics housing so that the locking element can no longer be disengaged from the locking position opposite to the insertion direction of the expansion module. For this purpose, the locking elements can each have a recess for receiving the locking piece in a form-fitting manner. After the expansion module has been inserted into the pump electronics housing, the locking piece can be moved from the release position into a locking position that leads to a form-fitting connection with the locking element, for example by moving or pivoting the locking piece. Therefore, the locking piece is arranged on the pump electronics housing in a movably or pivotably manner.

[0023] The number of locking elements can be at least two, preferably four. Ideally, the locking elements are arranged in a rectangular shape, so that the expansion module can be fixed symmetrically on the pump electronics housing.

[0024] Preferably, at least one locking element protrudes further from the lower side of the housing than at least one other locking element. The locking element protruding further from the lower side is therefore closer to the front when inserting the expansion module and thus forms a guide earlier, which prevents the expansion module from bending or tilting along the joining direction and ensures that the electrical interface is inserted into the corresponding electrical opposite interface of the pump electronics in an aligned and lossless manner. The locking element is guided through the opening in the pump electronics, the shape and size of the inner contour of these openings corresponding to the outer contour of the locking element, so that there is a form-locking connection. Ideally, at least the locking element protruding further from the lower side of the housing has a non-circular cross-section, so that the corresponding form-locking connection prevents rotation.

[0025] In order to further simplify the insertion of the locking element into the opening and thus the insertion of the expansion module, the free end of the locking element facing away from the housing can be beveled or conical. This ensures that the expansion module is aligned exactly with the housing of the pump electronics. Lateral offsets are compensated and the expansion module is centered.

[0026] According to the invention, the electrical interface is formed as a plug. Since the carrier element protrudes from a base and is spaced apart from the lower side of the housing, the electrical interface makes contact with corresponding counter contacts deep inside the housing of the pump electronics. Preferably, the spacing between the free end of the carrier element facing away from the housing and the lower side of the housing is at least 20 mm. This has the effect that the counter contacts are protected against contact when the expansion module is not installed. A blank plug, through which the electrical interface is inserted and closed in the opening in the housing of the pump electronics when the expansion module is not installed, provides further protection.

[0027] The electrical interface is inserted through an opening in the pump electronics housing, which opening is expediently only slightly larger than the base from which the carrier element projects. To achieve a high level of contact protection for the opposing contacts, the width of the base can be less than 14 mm, in particular less than 12 mm, and / or the thickness of the base can be less than 6 mm, in particular less than 4.5 mm.

[0028] Since the contacts of the electrical interface are formed on a flat carrier in the form of printed conductors, the contacts only take up a small amount of space. Therefore, the carrier can be designed to be relatively slender as a whole. The carrier protrudes from the base with a length greater than its width, so that the carrier is tongue-shaped. In addition, the contacts on the carrier are fixed in position as printed conductors, so that they will not bend when the expansion module is inserted compared to the protruding contact pins. The printed conductors can be formed only on one flat side of the carrier, or on two flat sides. Therefore, the electrical interface can have more or fewer contacts as needed without having to change its shape and size.

[0029] The contacts advantageously comprise a first electrical contact for energizing the electronics in the extension module and a second electrical contact for data transmission. The extension module is thus energized via the pump electronics, so that in principle the extension module requires neither an additional power supply connector nor a battery. However, in a variant embodiment, for safety reasons a battery may be provided in the extension module and / or a power supply connector may be provided on the extension module. The data transmission contacts serve to transmit data in the form of electrical signals between the extension module and the pump electronics. Depending on the additional functionality, this data transmission may be unidirectional or bidirectional, from the extension module to the pump electronics and / or vice versa.

[0030] It is advantageous if at least one of the electrical contacts is closer to the edge of the free end of the carrier part than the other contacts and if the at least one electrical contact is a ground contact. This results in the at least one contact closer to the edge being closer to the front when the expansion module is inserted and thus making electrical contact first. Thus, electrostatic potentials can be eliminated before the data transmission contacts make contact. Thus, the risk of damaging the electronic components of the expansion module is reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, the ground potential is already established in the electronics before the remaining contacts, in particular the data transmission contacts, make contact.

[0031] Preferably, two of the electrical contacts are closer to the edge of the free end of the carrier part than the other contacts, wherein one of the two contacts is a ground contact and the other is a supply contact. In normal use, a supply voltage (SELV) is then present between the two contacts, which supplies the electronics of the expansion module. This ensures that, when the expansion module is plugged in, a certain voltage is already present in the electronics before the data transmission contacts come into contact.

[0032] In a variant embodiment, the carrier part can be a printed circuit board. It can therefore be produced simply and economically using the known technology for printed circuit boards and has only a small thickness. The counter contacts to be contacted on the pump electronics side can in this case be designed as printed circuit board plugs, so that the free ends of the carrier part are surrounded in a positive and non-positive manner in the form of an opening and at the same time contact the contacts of the electrical interface via the resilient counter contacts. This achieves an operationally reliable electrical connection.

[0033] In a variant embodiment, the housing of the expansion module can form a potting body in which the electronic components are potted. The electronic components are thus protected from dust and water, wherein at least protection class IP65 is achieved. In addition, the potting compound forming the potting body serves to cool the electronic components, since the electronic components encapsulated by the potting compound release their heat directly to the potting compound. In addition, the vibrations are directly transmitted to the electronic components by the encapsulation, so that no resonance with a natural frequency different from the vibration is generated, which could damage the electrical contacts and / or electronic components of the electronic components of the expansion module.

[0034] In another variant embodiment, the housing of the expansion module may be composed of two or more parts and define a hollow inner cavity into which the electronic device is inserted. For example, the housing is composed of two overlapping shells, or a basin-shaped bottom part and a cover that closes the bottom part, or a bottom part and a cover-shaped cover that covers the bottom part.

[0035] The carrier element protrudes from the base, which is arranged between the electrical interface and the housing, more precisely, between the freely accessible section of the carrier element and the housing. Viewed from another angle, the carrier element extends through the base into the interior of the expansion module housing, where the carrier element makes electrical contact with the electronic component. The base is therefore used to mechanically fix the carrier element.

[0036] In a preferred variant embodiment, the base is integral with the lower side of the housing. In other words, the base is an integral part of the housing. It is therefore not necessary to seal the gap between the base and the housing, which would exist in a variant embodiment in which the lower side of the housing has an opening through which the electrical interface is guided together with the base. In addition, the integral construction of the base and the housing makes the electrical interface more stable.

[0037] According to a variant embodiment, the base is hollow and the carrier element is inserted through the base. It is therefore particularly simple to assemble the electronic component and the carrier element in the housing of the expansion module. The base acts as a guide in this case and ensures an accurate orientation parallel to the joining direction.

[0038] Advantageously, the carrier part is cast in the base, i.e., is overmolded with the plastic material forming the base. Thus, no moisture and no dust can penetrate into the interior of the expansion module housing along the carrier part, or vice versa into the interior of the pump electronics housing. A synergistic effect of this embodiment variant is the combination with overmolding the electronics of the expansion module, since in this case the carrier part and the electronics can be potted simultaneously, that is, in a common process step.

[0039] Preferably, the base has a single symmetrical, preferably trapezoidal cross section at least at the free end opposite the housing bottom side. This principle, which is technically known as error-proofing, ensures that the expansion module is inserted in a correct orientation and thus prevents incorrect assembly, at least when this has not yet been achieved by the connecting mechanism.

[0040] In order to seal the opening in the pump electronics housing, the base can have a sealing ring at the end close to the housing. In the assembled state of the expansion module, this sealing ring then rests on the inner side of the opening in the pump electronics housing. The sealing ring can, for example, be integrally injection-molded on the base so that it is fixed in position and cannot slide or get lost. An elastomer can be used for this purpose. In a variant embodiment, this plastic can also be used to fill a cavity in the base and thus seal a gap or multiple gaps between the carrier part and the inner side of the base. In order to increase the sealing effect of the sealing ring, the sealing ring can have two parallel sealing lips.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention relates to a centrifugal pump having pump electronics and an expansion module according to the invention, which is plugged onto the pump electronics.

[0042] As already mentioned, at least one first expansion module according to the invention with a first housing size and at least one second expansion module according to the invention with a second housing size can be provided, wherein the second housing size is larger than the first housing size. More precisely, the base surface of the housing bottom side of the second expansion module is larger than the base surface of the housing bottom side of the first expansion module. According to the invention, the electrical interfaces of the first and second expansion modules are still identical, i.e., the first or the second expansion module can be selectively plugged into the pump electronics.

[0043] This also applies expediently to the connection mechanism, in particular the spatial arrangement of the locking elements relative to the electrical interface. If the connection mechanism is formed, for example, by four locking elements, these locking elements can be arranged in or near the corners of the housing bottom side of the first smaller expansion module, while in the second expansion module, due to its larger housing structure, at least two of the locking elements are set back inwards from the corners of the housing bottom side.

[0044] Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention also relates to an assembly consisting of at least one first and one second expansion module of the described type, in which the base area of ​​the lower side of the second expansion module is larger than the base area of ​​the lower side of the first expansion module, but in both expansion modules, the electrical interface and the spatial arrangement of the locking element for the electrical interface are identical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Further features, advantages, properties and effects of the invention are explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings.

[0046] It should be pointed out that within the scope of this specification, the terms "have", "include" or "comprises" by no means exclude the presence of additional features. Furthermore, the use of an indefinite article for an object does not exclude its plurality.

[0047] In the attached figure:

[0048] Figures 1 to 4 A first variant implementation of the expansion module of the present invention;

[0049] Figures 5 to 8 This is a second variant implementation of the expansion module of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figures 1 to 4 A first variant embodiment of a pluggable electronic expansion module 1 of a pump electronics (not shown here) of a centrifugal pump is shown, which serves to expand the pump electronics with at least one additional function. Figure 1 A side view is shown, Figure 2 A front view is shown, Figure 3 shows a bottom view and Figure 4 A top view is shown. An additional function provided here is a bus interface for a wired connection.

[0051] The expansion module 1 comprises a housing 2 which can be releasably fastened to the outside of a housing (also not shown) of the pump electronics by means of a connection 3. The connection 3 is implemented here in the form of a screw connection consisting of two captive screws 3. These screws are inserted into a respective channel or hole 13 which extends through a flank 19 of the housing 2. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the assembly side end 3a of the bolt protrudes from the housing 2. It can be seen that the diameter of the bolt 3 on this end 3a is larger than the diameter in the section between the housing 2 and the bolt head, so that the bolt 3 cannot be taken out from the channel 13 upwards.

[0052] The expansion module 1 has an electronic device 12 which is arranged in the housing 2 and provides additional functions, which is only shown in a simplified manner. The electronic device 12 includes electrical and / or electronic components (preferably on a printed circuit board). The electronic device 12 is potted in the housing 2, so that the housing forms a potting body. A cable 10 is introduced into the interior of the housing 2 on the side facing away from the pump electronics and is electrically connected there to the electronic device 12. The cable is also potted in the housing 2.

[0053] The expansion module 1 also has an electrical interface 5 which is connected to the electronics 12 via a wire, which is used to connect the expansion module 1 to the pump electronics in an electrically pluggable manner and protrudes from the lower side 2a of the housing 2 which points to the pump electronics so that it can be plugged in through an opening in the pump electronics housing during normal use. The electrical interface 5 includes contacts 7a, 7b in the form of parallel conductor tracks on a flat carrier part 6, which is designed in the form of a printed circuit board and protrudes from a base 8 in a tongue-like manner at a distance from the lower side 2a of the housing 2. The electrical interface 5 thus forms a plug. The conductor tracks or contacts 7a, 7b are constructed here on only one flat side of the carrier part 6, but in a different variant embodiment they can also be present on both flat sides.

[0054] The total height H between the lower side 2a of the housing 2 and the end of the carrier part 6 facing away from the housing is between 22 mm and 23 mm. This allows the electrical connection 5 to make contact with corresponding mating contacts (preferably in the form of a printed circuit board plug) deep inside the pump electronics housing. The base 8 accounts for at least 50% of the total height H, preferably between 60% and 65%.

[0055] As especially Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the two screws are located immediately beside the electrical connection 5, or more precisely, are aligned with the electrical connection 5. Therefore, the housing 2 is relatively small or slim overall.

[0056] The contacts 7a, 7b include a first electrical contact 7a for energizing the electronics 12 in the expansion module and a second electrical contact 7b for data transmission. Thus, the expansion module 1 is energized via the pump electronics. The data transmission contact 7b is used for bidirectional transmission of data in the form of electrical signals between the expansion module 1 and the pump electronics. Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the first electrical contacts 7a for energizing the electronic component 12 extend closer to the edge 6a of the end of the carrier part 6 facing away from the housing than the data transmission contacts 7b. Here, one of the first electrical contacts 7a forms a ground contact, so that when the expansion module 1 is plugged in, the ground line and the supply voltage (SELV (safety extra low voltage)) are first connected and then the data line is connected.

[0057] The front edge 6a of the carrier element 6 is chamfered on both sides and at the ends to facilitate insertion into a mating connector on the pump electronics, for example a printed circuit board connector.

[0058] The base 8 and the housing 2 are designed as one piece, so there is no gap or seam between the base 8 and the housing 2. The carrier 6 is cast in the base 8, that is, it is injection-molded and encapsulated by the plastic material constituting the base 8. The carrier extends through the base 8 into the inner cavity of the housing 2 of the expansion module 1, and the carrier is electrically contacted with the electronic device 12 in the inner cavity. The width B of the base 8 is less than 12 mm. In addition, the thickness D of the base 8 is less than 4.5 mm. The carrier 6 protrudes from the base 8 with a length greater than its width, so that the carrier 6 is tongue-shaped as a whole.

[0059] Viewed more precisely, the base 8 consists of the following components: a main part 8 from which the carrier part 6 protrudes; a base foot 15 that protrudes laterally, in particular on all sides, relative to the main part 8 and into which the main part 8 transitions in the direction of the housing 2; and a base base 16 that protrudes laterally, in particular on all sides, relative to the base foot 15 and forms the connection between the base foot 15 and the housing 2. In other words, the base foot 15 transitions into the base base 16, and this base base transitions into the housing 2. The base 8 thus widens in the direction of the housing 2 twice and in each case in a stepped manner.

[0060] With the help of Figure 3 It can be clearly seen that the base 8 has a cross section which is only monosymmetrical at its end facing away from the housing. Thus, there is only a mirror symmetry about a single axis A. Looking more precisely, the main part of the base 8 has a substantially trapezoidal cross section, so that there is a single orientation for plugging the expansion module 1 onto the pump electronics.

[0061] In order to seal the opening in the housing of the pump electronics, the base 8 has a sealing ring 11 with two parallel sealing lips 12 at the end facing the housing, more precisely on the outer circumference of the base foot 15. The sealing ring 11 extends to a stepped transition area where the base foot 15 merges into the base base 16. In the assembled state of the expansion module 1, the sealing ring 11 rests on the inside of the opening in the housing of the pump electronics.

[0062] Figures 1 to 4 An expansion module 1 having a first housing size is shown, while Figures 5 to 8 , a second expansion module 1 according to the invention is shown with a second housing size, wherein the second housing size is larger than the first housing size. Nevertheless, the electrical interfaces of the two exemplary expansion modules 1 are identical, i.e., the first or the second expansion module 1 can be selectively plugged into the same interface of the pump electronics. Figure 5 shows a side view of a second expansion module 1 of the present invention, Figure 6 Showing a front view, Figure 7 Shows bottom view and Figure 8A top view is shown. Since the electrical interface 5 together with the base 8, 15, 16 and the sealing ring 11 are identical to the first embodiment variant, reference is made to the above detailed description. The second expansion module 1 according to the invention expands the pump electronics by an additional function in the form of a wireless interface, in particular Bluetooth, WLAN (wireless local area network) or mobile communication.

[0063] The housing 2 is essentially box-shaped and rests against the outer side of the pump electronics housing during normal use. Its height is smaller than its length and width. The housing 2 consists of an upper part 2' and a lower part 2", between which a hollow receiving cavity is formed, into which the electronic device 12 is inserted. The lower part 2" merely forms a flat bottom. The upper part 2' is hood-shaped and covers the electronic device 12. The upper and lower parts 2', 2" are connected to each other in a form-fitting, in particular snap-locking manner. The base 8 is constructed as one piece with the lower part 2". The base is also hollow, and the carrier part 6 is inserted through the base 8. Therefore, the assembly of the carrier part 6 and the electronic device 12 is carried out along the joining direction of the expansion module 1.

[0064] As in the first variant embodiment, the expansion module 1 can be fastened by means of two bolts, while Figures 5 to 8 These bolts are not shown. Figure 7 and 8 As can be seen in the figure, the housing 2 also has a corresponding channel 13 for this purpose. In the upper part 2 ″, annular recesses 14 are arranged concentrically around the channel 13, into which the corresponding heads of the screws 3 are inserted, so that the heads do not protrude from the upper side of the upper part 2 ″.

[0065] Since the housing 2 of the second expansion module 1 bears against the pump housing over a larger area than the housing 2 of the first expansion module 1 during normal use, in addition to any screw fastening, a further connection mechanism is provided between the expansion module 1 and the pump electronics housing in the form of a positive connection by means of four locking elements 4a, 4b. These locking elements act at connection points which are at a greater distance from the electrical connection 5 than the optional screws 3 are from the electrical connection 5 and form the corner points of a rectangle. The locking elements 4a, 4b protrude from the underside of the housing 2, more precisely the lower part 2″, in order to be inserted through corresponding openings in the pump electronics housing.

[0066] The locking elements 4a, 4b protrude from the lower side of the housing 2 in a block-like manner and have a substantially square cross section on the outside. For reasons of production by injection molding, their cross section is - more precisely - C-shaped, which reduces the shrinkage of the plastic after injection molding. The housing 2 can advantageously be made of a thermoplastic. With increasing distance from the housing 2, the locking elements 4a, 4b taper in the direction of extension in the form of a truncated pyramid. This facilitates their insertion into corresponding openings in the housing of the pump electronics.

[0067] As especially Figure 7 As shown, the locking elements 4a, 4b each have a recess 9, which is used to receive a locking piece held on the pump electronics housing in a form-fitting manner. The recesses 9 extend transversely to the longitudinal extension of the locking elements 4a, 4b. They are located on the side of the locking elements 4a, 4b facing away from the electrical interface 5 or the base 8 and are open to the outside. The recesses 9 of two adjacent locking elements 4a, 4b are aligned so that the locking piece can be linear and can be moved into the recess 9 by sliding to lock the locking elements 4a, 4b. In other words, after the expansion module is plugged into the pump electronics housing, the locking piece is moved from a release position (in which the opening in the pump electronics housing for the locking elements 4a, 4b is empty) into a locking position that leads to a form-fitting connection with the locking elements 4a, 4b, in which the locking piece is aligned with the opening and inserted into the recess 9. Therefore, the expansion module 1 can no longer be disengaged from the locking position in the opposite direction to its plug-in position.

[0068] With the help of Figure 5 It can be seen that two of the locking elements 4a, more precisely, the locking elements 4a closer to the base protrude further from the lower side 2a of the housing 2 than the other locking elements 2b farther from the base. The locking elements 4a closer to the base are therefore positioned further forward when the expansion module 1 is inserted and thus form a guide in advance to prevent the electrical interface 5 from bending or tilting.

[0069] The lower side 2a of the housing 2 is completely flat. A label surface 17 is provided on the lower side 2a for providing, for example, a label or a nameplate with the technical data of the expansion module. The upper side of the upper part 2' has an area 18, which is slightly raised here, for example, to receive a logo or to accommodate an electrical or electronic display device of the expansion module 1.

[0070] It should be pointed out that the above description is only used for illustrative purposes and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Features of the present invention listed as "capable", "exemplary", "preferred", "optional", "ideal", "advantageous", "depending on the specific circumstances" or "suitable" should be regarded as purely optional and do not limit the scope of protection specified only by the claims. With respect to the elements, parts, process steps, values ​​or information listed in the above description, they all have known, similar or foreseeable equivalent features, which are included in the present invention. The present invention also includes any changes, modifications or improvements of the embodiments, which involve the exchange, addition, change or omission of elements, parts, process steps, values ​​or information, as long as the basic concept of the present invention remains unchanged, regardless of whether the change, modification or improvement leads to an improvement or deterioration of the implementation method.

[0071] Although the above invention description lists many tangible, intangible or specific process features related to one or more specific embodiments, these features can also be used separately from the specific embodiments, at least when they do not require the mandatory presence of other features. Vice versa, these features listed in relation to one or more specific embodiments can be combined with each other and with other disclosed or undisclosed features of the illustrated or unillustrated embodiments as long as these features are not mutually exclusive or do not lead to technical incompatibility.

[0072] Reference numerals list

[0073] 1 Expansion Module

[0074] 2 Housing

[0075] 2' Upper housing part

[0076] 2” housing lower part

[0077] 2a Lower side of the housing

[0078] 3 Bolts

[0079] 3a Assembly-side end of bolt

[0080] 4a, 4b Locking element

[0081] 5 Electrical interface

[0082] 6 Carrier

[0083] 6a Edge of carrier element

[0084] 7a First contact

[0085] 7b Second contact

[0086] 8 Base

[0087] 9 Notch

[0088] 10 Cable

[0089] 11 Sealing ring

[0090] 12 Sealing lip

[0091] 13 Channels for bolts

[0092] 14 Annular recess

[0093] 15 Base feet

[0094] 16 Base of the base

[0095] 17 Label side

[0096] 18 Display Area

[0097] 19 Flanker

Claims

1. A pluggable electronic expansion module (1) for a pump electronics system of a centrifugal pump, for expanding the pump electronics system with at least one additional function, the expansion module comprising: - a housing (2) which can be fastened to the outside of a pump electronics housing by means of at least one connecting means (3, 4a, 4b), - an electronic device (12) provided with additional functions and housed in the housing (2), and - an electrical interface (5) connected to the electronic device (12) via a wire, which electrical interface can be used to connect the expansion module (1) to the pump electronic device in a plug-in manner, and the electrical interface protrudes from the lower side (2a) of the housing (2) pointing towards the pump electronic device so as to be plugged through an opening in the housing of the pump electronic device during normal use, characterized in that The electrical connection (5) has contacts (7a, 7b) in the form of conductor tracks on a flat carrier part (6) which projects from a base (8) in a tongue-like manner at a distance from the underside (2a) of the housing (2).

2. The expansion module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that An additional feature is the radio-based communication technology.

3. The expansion module (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that Additional functions are Bluetooth, wireless LAN or mobile communication.

4. The expansion module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that An additional feature is the communication technology for wired connections.

5. The expansion module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that Additional functions are Modbus, BACnet, LIN-Bus, Ethernet.

6. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The contacts (7a, 7b) include a first electrical contact for energizing the electronic device and a second electrical contact for data transmission.

7. The expansion module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The second electrical contact is used for bidirectional data transmission.

8. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The connection mechanism (3, 4a, 4b) is achieved by bolt fastening with the aid of two bolts (3) aligned with the electrical interface (5).

9. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The connection means (3, 4a, 4b) is a positive fit achieved by means of locking elements which protrude from the lower side (2a) of the housing (2) so as to be inserted through corresponding openings in the housing of the pump electronics.

10. The expansion module (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The locking elements each have a recess (9) for positively accommodating a locking element arranged on the pump electronics.

11. The expansion module (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The locking member is movable.

12. The expansion module (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that At least one locking element protrudes further from the bottom side (2a) of the housing (2) than at least one other locking element.

13. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The housing (2) forms a potting body in which the electronic component (12) is potted.

14. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The base (8) is integral with the lower side (2a) of the housing (2).

15. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The base (8) is hollow, and the carrier element (6) is inserted through the base (8).

16. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The base (8) has a monosymmetrical cross section at least at a free end opposite the lower side (2a) of the housing.

17. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The base (8) has a trapezoidal cross section at least at a free end opposite the lower side (2a) of the housing.

18. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The carrier element (6) is a printed circuit board.

19. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The base (8) has a sealing ring (11) at the end close to the housing.

20. The expansion module (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The sealing ring has two parallel sealing lips.

21. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The electrical contacts are arranged on two side surfaces of the carrier part (6).

22. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that At least one of the electrical contacts extends closer to an edge (6a) of a free end of the carrier member (6) than another electrical contact, and the at least one electrical contact is a ground contact.

23. The expansion module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The distance (H) between the free end of the carrier part (6) facing away from the housing and the bottom side (2a) of the housing (2) is at least 20 mm.

24. A centrifugal pump comprising pump electronics and an expansion module (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, which is plugged onto the pump electronics.

25. An assembly consisting of at least one first expansion module and at least one second expansion module, wherein the first expansion module and the second expansion module are expansion modules (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: The base surface of the lower side (2a) of the housing of the second expansion module is larger than the base surface of the lower side (2a) of the housing of the first expansion module, but the electrical interface (5) and the locking elements (4a, 4b) are spatially arranged identically for the electrical interface (5) in both expansion modules (1), so that the first or the second expansion module can be selectively plugged onto the pump electronics.

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