Conversion unit, system and method

Abstract

Conversion units, systems, and methods. The invention relates to a switching unit (2) for connection to an industrial automation installation (3), comprising: at least one functional unit (4), in particular at least one drive, the switching unit (2) having an input device (20) via which a user input can be carried out by a user; a housing (21); a computing unit (23) arranged in the housing and configured to convert the user input into control instructions for the functional unit (4); and a communication interface (24) arranged on the housing (21) for connecting the conversion unit (2) to the industrial automation installation (3) and outputting the control instructions to the functional unit (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a conversion unit for connection to an industrial automation facility, wherein the conversion unit comprises at least one functional unit, in particular at least one drive device. Summary of the invention

[0002] One object of the present invention is to enable a user to operate a functional unit in a simple manner, in particular before the automation installation is put into operation.

[0003] This object is achieved by a conversion unit according to claim 1. The conversion unit comprises an input device, via which a user input can be performed by a user, a housing, a computing unit arranged in the housing, which is designed to convert the user input into control instructions for a functional unit, and a communication interface arranged at the housing for connecting the conversion unit to an industrial automation installation and outputting control instructions to the functional unit.

[0004] The switching unit is preferably arranged in the field level and is provided in particular to enable a user to manually influence the functional unit (with the aid of the switching unit) without having to use a higher-level control device of the automation system, such as a PLC (programmable logic controller). The user can use the switching unit, for example, as a kind of "electronic manual operation" and, for example, directly cause the movement of the drive components of the functional unit by manual input at the switching unit, such as by pressing a button. For example, the switching unit can be used for the commissioning, installation and / or maintenance of individual components of a machine (each component representing a functional unit) without having to use a higher-level controller, such as a PLC, provided for controlling these components. For example, the switching unit can be used for testing a fixture, which is used, for example, as a tool at a robot after commissioning, by opening and / or closing the fixture by manually operating an input device of the switching unit, such as by pressing one or more buttons of the switching unit.

[0005] Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention further relates to a system comprising a conversion unit and an industrial automation installation, wherein the conversion unit is connected to the industrial automation installation.

[0007] The invention also relates to a method for operating a conversion unit or system, comprising the following steps: performing user input by means of an input device, converting the user input into control instructions by means of a calculation unit, and outputting the control instructions to a functional unit by means of a communication interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Further exemplary details and advantageous embodiments are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a system consisting of a conversion unit and an industrial automation facility,

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing another variant of the conversion unit is shown,

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another variant of the system is shown, in which the switching unit is part of the valve device,

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing another variant of a system consisting of a conversion unit and an automation facility is shown,

[0013] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method for operating a conversion unit or system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 1 is shown. The system 1 comprises a conversion unit 2 and an industrial automation facility 3. The system 1 is an exemplary application environment for the conversion unit 2. The conversion unit 2 can also be provided separately, ie in particular without the industrial automation facility 3.

[0015] The industrial automation facility 3 includes at least one functional unit 4. Preferably, the industrial automation facility 3 includes a plurality of functional units 4, for example, four or more functional units 4. Exemplarily, the industrial automation facility includes a first functional unit 4a, a second functional unit 4b, a third functional unit 4c and a fourth functional unit 4d. The functional unit 4 is preferably a field device and / or is arranged in the field layer. Exemplarily, at least one functional unit 4 is implemented as a drive. Exemplarily, a plurality of functional units 4 are implemented as drives respectively. For example, one or more functional units 4 are part of a fixture. Exemplarily, the industrial automation facility 3 includes at least one functional unit 4b as a pneumatic drive and / or at least one functional unit 4a, 4c, 4d implemented as an electric drive, for example, at least one functional unit 4c implemented as an electric linear drive and / or at least one functional unit 4a, 4d implemented as an electric rotary drive. Optionally, the industrial automation facility includes a plurality of pneumatic drives and / or a plurality of electric drives. Preferably, the industrial automation installation 3 comprises at least 10, at least 20 or at least 30 functional units 4 , which are expediently each designed as a drive, in particular a pneumatic or electric drive.

[0016] The following explanations for the functional unit 4 apply expediently to a plurality of, in particular all, functional units 4. Preferably, the functional unit 4 comprises a drive member 10, which can be placed in a drive movement 11. By way of example, the functional unit 4 has a functional unit housing 7, which is in particular an outer housing of the functional unit 4. The functional unit 4 expediently comprises a functional unit control unit 14, which is in particular arranged in the functional unit housing 7 and expediently serves to control the drive of the drive member 10. Expediently, the functional unit 4 comprises a functional unit communication connection 15, which is in particular arranged in or at the functional unit housing 7.

[0017] The following description of the pneumatic drive is expediently applicable to a plurality of, in particular all, pneumatic drives. Expediently, the pneumatic drive has a valve device 8 and a pneumatic actuator 9, in particular a drive cylinder, which can be operated by the valve device 8 to place a drive member 10 in a drive movement 11. The pneumatic actuator 9 expediently comprises a piston device having a piston and / or a piston rod, which forms the drive member 10. The pneumatic actuator 9 is pneumatically connected to the valve device 8, for example, via one or two hoses 12. The functional unit housing 7 of the pneumatic drive is, for example, an outer housing of the valve device 8. The functional unit control unit 14 of the pneumatic drive is in particular used to control the application of compressed air to the pneumatic actuator 9 through the valve device 8, so as to control the drive movement 11 thereby. The valve device 8 can be implemented as a valve island, for example.

[0018] The following description of the electric drive is expediently applicable to a plurality of, in particular all, electric drives. The electric drive has an electric motor 13, via which the drive component 10 can be set into a drive movement 11. The function unit control unit 14 of the electric drive serves to control the electric motor 13 in order to thereby control the drive movement 11.

[0019] The industrial automation facility 3 expediently includes a control device 6, which is implemented in particular as a superior control device, for example, as a PLC (programmable logic controller). The control device 6 is expediently located above the field layer. The control device 6 is expediently configured to output control instructions to at least one functional unit 4 so that at least one functional unit 4 performs a function, such as a drive function. Preferably, the control device 6 is configured to output control instructions to a plurality of, in particular all, functional units 4. The control device 6 has a control device housing 16, which is in particular an external housing of the control device 6. The control device 6 expediently has a control device computing unit 17, which is in particular arranged in the control device housing 16, which is in particular implemented as a microcontroller, and / or has a control device communication connection terminal 18, which is in particular arranged in or at the control device housing 16. The control device 6 is preferably designed to generate control instructions for the functional unit 4 using the control device computing unit 17, for example with the help of a control program implemented on the control device computing unit 17, which control program in particular carries out an autonomous and / or automatic control of the functional unit 4 and preferably outputs the control instructions via the control device communication connection 18.

[0020] The industrial automation facility 3 expediently comprises a communication system 5, in particular a bus system, such as an industrial bus system, preferably a fieldbus system. The communication system 5 is in particular a wired communication system. Preferably, each functional unit 4 is connected to the communication system 5 and / or forms part of the communication system 5 using its respective functional unit communication interface 15. Via the communication system 5, the functional unit 4 can receive control instructions from the control device 6. The control device 6 is expediently connected to the communication system 5 using its control device communication connection 18 in order to output control instructions for the functional unit 4 to the communication system 5. Preferably, the communication system 5 comprises a line system, which comprises one or more communication lines.

[0021] Preferably, the communication system 5 comprises one or more connection positions 19 for connecting the conversion unit 2. The communication system 5 optionally has one or more free connection positions 19 for connecting the conversion unit 2. Exemplarily, the communication system 5 has a connection position 19 at which the conversion unit 2 is connected, and the communication system has a free connection position 19 at which the conversion unit can be connected.

[0022] Preferably, the functional unit 4 , the conversion unit 2 and / or the control device 6 are each separate units, in particular independent devices. The functional unit 4 , the conversion unit 2 and / or the control device 6 are expediently arranged at a distance from one another.

[0023] The conversion unit 2 will be described in detail below. Figure 1 The variant of the conversion unit 2 shown in FIG. 2 will also be referred to as a first variant.

[0024] The conversion unit 2 is used to be connected to the industrial automation facility 3. As an example, the conversion unit 2 is connected to the industrial automation facility 3. The conversion unit 2 has a housing 21, which is in particular an external housing of the conversion unit 2. The conversion unit 2 has an input device 20, through which a user input can be performed by a user. As an example, the input device 20 is arranged outside the housing 21. The input device 20, for example, includes a plurality of input elements 22, which are implemented as buttons, for example. The conversion unit 2 has a computing unit 23 arranged in the housing 21, which is implemented as a microcontroller, for example. The computing unit 23 is configured to convert the user input (performed by means of the input device 20) into a control instruction for the functional unit 4. For example, the computing unit 23 is communicatively connected to the input device 20, identifies the user input performed using the input device 20 (for example, operating the input element 22), and generates a control instruction associated with the identified user input in response to the identified user input.

[0025] The conversion unit 2 has a communication interface 24 arranged at the housing 21 for connecting the conversion unit 2 to the industrial automation facility 3. Exemplarily, the conversion unit 2 is connected to the communication system 5, in particular to the connection location 19, using the communication interface 24. The communication interface 24 is particularly used to output control instructions (generated by the calculation unit 23) to the functional unit 4, exemplarily via the communication system 5. The communication interface 24 is, for example, a bus terminal, in particular an industrial bus terminal, preferably a field bus terminal.

[0026] The conversion unit 2 is preferably not a control device, in particular does not autonomously and / or automatically generate control instructions for one, several or all functional units 4, i.e. in particular not triggered by an immediately preceding user input. In particular, the conversion unit 2 does not have a control program that autonomously and / or automatically generates control instructions for the functional units 4. Preferably, the conversion unit 2 is designed to output control instructions for the functional units 4 only in response to a user input, in particular only in response to an operation of one of the input elements 22, in particular directly after the user input.

[0027] The control command output by the conversion unit 2 is preferably received by the functional unit 4 and causes an action in the functional unit 4, in particular a drive movement 11 of the drive member 10. The control command output by the conversion unit 2 is preferably associated with one of the functional units 4 and transmitted to the functional unit 4 via the communication system 5. In response to receiving the control command, the functional unit 4 associated with the control command performs an action according to the control command, in particular performs a drive movement 11 of the drive member 10 preset by the control command. The drive movement 11 is, for example, an incremental movement of the drive member 10. A control command that causes an action may also be referred to as an action control command.

[0028] Figure 2 An exemplary second variant of the conversion unit 2 is shown. Apart from the differences explained below, the second variant is expediently Figure 1 The first variant of the conversion unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 is designed like that of the first variant, so that the explanations relating to the first variant preferably also apply to the second variant.

[0029] In the second variant, the input device 20 is expediently arranged to be retracted from the housing 21. For example, the conversion unit 2 of the second variant has a plurality of input terminals 25 arranged at the housing 21, and a corresponding input element 22 is connected to a plurality of, exemplarily at each input terminal 25, exemplarily via respective cables 26. The input element 22 can be implemented in particular to be pluggable at the housing 21. Each input element 22 is exemplarily implemented as a corresponding button. Exemplarily, the conversion unit 2 also has a plurality of output terminals 27 arranged at the housing 21. Exemplarily, the conversion unit 2 is implemented as an input-output module (E / A module), which has input elements 22 connected to the input terminals 25 and a conversion program, which converts the operation of each input element 22 into a corresponding control instruction of the functional unit 4.

[0030] Figure 3 A variant is shown in which the switching unit 2 is part of a valve device 28 . Figure 3 The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a valve device 28, a communication system 5, a plurality of pneumatic actuators 9 and optionally a control device 6. The control device 6 is expediently designed as the control device 6 already described above. The communication system 5 is expediently designed as the communication system 5 already described above.

[0031] The valve device 28 is preferably configured as a valve island. The valve device 28 expediently comprises a support element 29, such as a support plate. The valve island also has a plurality of valve modules 30, which are arranged on or in the support element 29, in particular arranged side by side in the arrangement direction. By way of example, each valve module 30 is associated with a corresponding pneumatic actuator 9, which can be acted upon with compressed air via the valve module 30. Expediently, each combination of a valve module 30 and a respectively associated pneumatic actuator represents a functional unit 4. In addition, the valve module 30 itself can also form a functional unit 4.

[0032] The valve device 28 also includes a conversion unit 2, which is expediently implemented according to the second variant described above. The housing 21 is expediently implemented as a module and / or arranged on or in the support element 29. For example, the conversion unit 2 includes an input-output module (which includes the housing 21) arranged on or in the support element 29 and an input device 20 connected to the input-output module. According to alternative designs, the conversion unit 2 can also be implemented differently, for example, according to the first variant described above. For example, the input device 20 can be arranged at the housing 21.

[0033] The conversion unit 2, the valve module 30 and the optional control device 6 are expediently connected to each other in communication via a communication system 5 (e.g., a field bus). The conversion unit 2 can transmit control instructions generated by the conversion unit 2 in response to corresponding user inputs to the corresponding valve module 30 via the communication system 5, so that the control instructions cause the action of the respectively associated pneumatic actuator 9.

[0034] Next, according to Figure 4 Exemplary variants are described, such as how the conversion unit 2 and the functional unit 4 (and preferably the control device 6) can be connected to each other in communication. The conversion unit 2, the functional unit 4 and / or the control device 6 are expediently configured according to one of the above-mentioned variants. As an example, the conversion unit 2, the functional unit 4 (and preferably the control device 6) together form a communication system 5. The control device 6 and the functional unit 4 together form an industrial automation facility 3. The control device 6, the conversion unit 2 and the functional unit 4 together form a communication chain, and each link 31 of the communication chain is represented. The control device 6 forms the first link of the communication chain, and one of the remaining links 31 (i.e., the conversion unit 2 or the functional unit 4) forms the last link of the communication chain. As an example, the second functional unit 4b forms the last link. The remaining links 31 are connected in series between the first link and the last link. In the communication chain, each link 31 (except the first link) is connected to one, especially exactly one corresponding link. In addition, in the communication chain, each link 31 (except the last link) is connected to one, especially exactly one corresponding link. Each link 31 is bidirectionally communicatively connected to its respective preceding and / or its respective succeeding link 31. As an example, a communication path is obtained, which starts from the first link (i.e., the control device 6 by way of example) along a forward direction 32 through the remaining links 31 to the last link (i.e., by way of example, sequentially through the conversion unit 2 and the first functional unit 4a), and then in a reverse direction 33 opposite to the forward direction 32, starts from the last link through the remaining links back to the first link (i.e., by way of example, sequentially through the first functional unit 4a and the conversion unit 2).

[0035] The control device 6 is expediently designed, in particular, for sending messages via the communication path for controlling the functional unit 4. The message follows the course of the communication path explained above and is accordingly first transmitted in the forward direction 32 from the first link to the last link (via the remaining links) and then in the reverse direction 33 from the last link to the first link (via the remaining links 31).

[0036] Exemplarily, the communication interface 24 of the conversion unit 2 includes a first communication interface 24a for connecting the conversion unit 2 to the link 31 connected before the conversion unit 2 , and includes a second communication interface 24b for connecting the conversion unit 2 to the link 31 connected after the conversion unit 2 .

[0037] Exemplarily, each functional unit communication interface 15 includes a corresponding first communication terminal 15a for connecting the corresponding functional unit 4 to the link 31 connected before the corresponding functional unit 4, and includes a corresponding second communication terminal 15b for connecting the corresponding functional unit 4 to the link 31 connected after the corresponding functional unit 4.

[0038] According to one possible design, Figure 4 The conversion unit 2 and the functional unit 4 are based on Figure 3 The example of a valve device 28 is part of the example. Expediently, the switching unit 2 and the functional unit 4 (and preferably the control device 6) of the valve device 28 thus form a communication chain (for example Figure 4 ).

[0039] The embodiments of the conversion unit 2 and / or the system 1 explained below can preferably be realized in one, a plurality of or every variant explained above.

[0040] Preferably, the control command issued by the conversion unit 2 is used to cause an action, in particular a movement, of one of the functional units 4. Preferably, the control command causes a drive movement 11 of a corresponding drive member 10. For example, one of the functional units 4 is a clamp or a part of a clamp, and the drive movement 11 is, for example, an opening movement or a closing movement of the clamp.

[0041] Preferably, a plurality of different user inputs can be input into the conversion unit 2 via the input device. The calculation unit 23 is configured to convert each of the user inputs into a corresponding control instruction for a corresponding functional unit 4 of the industrial automation facility 3. For example, each control instruction is associated with another functional unit 4. For example, the input device 20 has a plurality of input elements 22, and each input element 22 is used to input a corresponding user input. Exemplarily, the input device 20 has at least three input elements 22-a first input element 22a, a second input element 22b, and a third input element 22c. These three input elements 22 are, for example, configured as respective keys. For example, each input element 22 is associated with another functional unit 4.

[0042] Preferably, the calculation unit 23 is configured to automatically associate the input element 22 with the functional unit 4 of the industrial automation facility 3 when the conversion unit 2 is connected to the industrial automation facility 3, so that each input element 22 is associated with the corresponding functional unit 4. For example, the calculation unit 23 associates the first input element 22a (especially exclusively) with the first functional unit 4a, the second input element 22b (especially exclusively) with the second functional unit 4b, and the third input element 22c (especially exclusively) with the third functional unit 4c. The calculation unit 23 is configured to convert the user input performed using the corresponding input element 22 into a control instruction given to the functional unit 4 respectively associated with the input element 22.

[0043] The computing unit 23 converts user input made by means of the first input element 22aC into a first control instruction (especially exclusively) for the first functional unit 4a, converts user input made by means of the second input element 22b into a second control instruction (especially exclusively) for the second functional unit 4b, and converts user input made by means of the third input element 22c into a third control instruction (especially exclusively) for the third functional unit 4c.

[0044] The first control command is associated with the first functional unit 4a, the second control command is associated with the second functional unit 4b, and the third control command is associated with the third functional unit 4c. By way of example, each control command causes a corresponding action of the respectively associated functional unit 4, in particular a corresponding drive movement 11.

[0045] Preferably, the calculation unit 23 is designed to perform the association of the input element 22 with the functional unit 4 according to the address information of the functional unit 4. For example, each functional unit 4 is associated with respective address information, by means of which the functional unit 4 can be reached via the communication system 5. The address information is, for example, the address of the respective functional unit 4 in the communication system 5. For example, the address information of each functional unit 4 is related to the respective position of the functional unit 4 in the communication system 5. For example, the address information depends on the respective chain position of the respective functional unit 4 in the communication chain, and in particular the address information indicates the respective chain position of the respective functional unit 4 in the communication chain.

[0046] For example, the calculation unit 23 is designed to associate the functional units 4 with the input elements 22 according to the sequence of the functional units 4 defined by the address information.

[0047] According to a possible design solution, the conversion unit 2 is configured to perform an association of the input element 22 to the functional unit 4 based on the position of the conversion unit 2 in the communication system 5. For example, the conversion unit 2 has address information, which indicates the position of the conversion unit 2 in the communication system 5. The position is, for example, the chain position of the conversion unit 2 in the communication chain. For example, the conversion unit 2 receives the address information, especially from the control device 6. Preferably, the conversion unit 2 is configured to automatically associate the input element 22 with the functional unit 4 that follows the conversion unit 2 (especially directly) and / or is arranged (especially directly) before the conversion unit 2 in the communication system 5, especially in the communication chain. For example, the conversion unit 2 is at position n in the communication system 5, where n is a natural number (and especially represents the address information of the conversion unit 2), and is configured to automatically associate the input element 22 with the functional unit 4 located at positions n+1, n+2 and n+3 (or positions n-1, n-2, n-3). For example, the conversion unit 2 calculates the address information of one or more functional units 4 based on its own address information, in particular by adding respective increments, and performs the association of the input elements 22 based on the calculated address information.

[0048] In order to control one or more specific functional units 4 via the conversion unit 2, the user can connect the conversion unit 2 in the communication system 5 (in particular directly) upstream of these functional units 4, for example to a connection point 19 upstream of these functional units 4, and thus achieve that these functional units 4 are precisely associated with the input element 22. The user can thus select the input unit 4 that can be controlled via the conversion unit 2 by which connection point 19 the conversion unit is connected to the communication system 5.

[0049] Furthermore, the conversion unit 2 may be configured to provide a configuration function, by means of which a user may associate each input element 22 with a desired corresponding functional unit 4. For example, the configuration function may be accessed via the input device 20. Optionally, an external device, such as a mobile device, may be provided, which may be used to communicate with the conversion unit 2, such as wirelessly or by wire, to access the configuration function.

[0050] As already explained above, the industrial automation facility 3 preferably includes a control device 6 for controlling at least one functional unit 4. The conversion unit 2 is preferably present in the system 1 in addition to the control device 6 and is in particular arranged to be spaced apart from the control device 6. Preferably, the system 1 is configured to overrule the control instructions of the control device 6 with the control instructions of the conversion unit 2. The control instructions are in particular control instructions directed to the functional unit 4. For example, the functional unit 4 is configured to process the control instructions of the conversion unit 2 in priority to the control instructions of the control device 6. For example, the instructions of the conversion unit 2 have a higher priority than the instructions of the control device 6. Optionally, the system 1, in particular the functional unit 4, can be placed in a service mode in which the control instructions of the conversion unit 2 overrule the control instructions of the control device 6.

[0051] For example, a control instruction of the conversion unit 2 (which may also be referred to as a conversion unit control instruction) takes precedence over a control instruction of the control device 6 (which may also be referred to as a control device control instruction) in that the conversion unit control instruction is transmitted via a prioritized data channel, for example an engineering communication data channel, and the control device control instruction is expediently transmitted via a data channel having a lower priority than the prioritized data channel. In addition, the priorities can be configured in the functional unit 4. In addition, the determination of the priorities can be implemented in that the control device control instruction is overwritten by the conversion unit control instruction or is changed to the conversion unit control instruction, in particular by the conversion unit 2 and / or during transmission via the communication system 5.

[0052] Optionally, the communication system 5 has one or more communication modes. For example, the communication system 5 has synchronous communication as a communication mode, which is particularly used for processing data and is preferably carried out in real time. Preferably, the control instructions output by the conversion unit 2 are transmitted via synchronous communication. In addition, the communication system 5 can have aperiodic communication as a communication mode. Optionally, the conversion unit control instructions are transmitted via aperiodic communication. Preferably, the two communication methods are carried out simultaneously, for example via a time slot method, in particular via the same physical line.

[0053] Preferably, the communication system 5 is a hierarchical communication system. For example, the control device 6 is a master in the communication system 5, and the functional unit 4 and / or the conversion unit 2 are slaves in the communication system 5. Preferably, the conversion unit control instructions are transmitted via the communication system 5 by means of cross communication. Cross communication should especially refer to communication between two slaves. For example, the control device 6 outputs a data packet, especially a message, which passes through the conversion unit 2 and the functional unit 4 in the communication system 5 in sequence, for example via the communication path described above. Expediently, the conversion unit 2 is constructed to receive a data packet, write a control instruction for the functional unit 4 into the data packet, and output the data packet to the communication system 5, so that the data packet is transmitted to the functional unit 4 pointed to by the control instruction via the communication system 5, especially the communication path.

[0054] Optionally, the conversion unit 2 is designed to overwrite the control instructions of the control device 6 (for example contained in the data packet) with its own control instructions for the functional unit 4 .

[0055] Optionally, the conversion unit 2 is designed to transmit the conversion unit control commands within the scope of secure communication, for example as secure messages, via the communication system 5. The term "secure" refers in particular to the use of secure communication protocols, for example communication protocols with increased redundancy.

[0056] Preferably, the calculation unit 23 is configured to convert the user input / the user input into an identification control instruction for the functional unit 4. The identification control instruction causes the functional unit 4 to output a user-perceptible identification signal, via which the user can identify the functional unit 4. For example, each functional unit 4 has a signal output unit, in particular a visual and / or acoustic signal output unit, for outputting an identification signal, for example as a visual and / or acoustic identification signal. In addition, the identification signal can be a vibration signal. The vibration signal is preferably generated by means of the motor 13. For example, the conversion unit 2 is configured to output identification control instructions for a plurality of functional units 4, wherein each identification control instruction is (in particular specifically) associated with a respective functional unit 4 and causes the output of a corresponding identification signal in the respectively associated functional unit 4. Expediently, the conversion unit 2 is configured to convert the user input performed via the corresponding input element 22 into a corresponding identification control instruction. For example, each input element 22 is associated with a respective functional unit 4. For example, each input element 22 has at least two different input modes, such as full operation, in particular pressing the corresponding input element 22, and partial operation, in particular pressing the corresponding input element. The actuation of each input element 22 according to a first operating mode (e.g., partial actuation) advantageously causes the output of a recognition control command to the functional unit 4 associated with the respective input element 22. The actuation of each input element 22 according to a second operating mode (e.g., full actuation) advantageously causes the output of a control command to the functional unit 4 associated with the respective input element 22, in particular to cause a drive movement in the functional unit 4.

[0057] Optionally, the input device 20 has a selection element, such as a selection button, via which the functional units 4 can be scrolled, that is, in particular, each of the functional units 4 can be selected in turn. Expediently, the selection element outputs an identification signal for each currently selected functional unit 4. In addition, the switching unit 2 expediently associates the functional unit 4 currently selected by the selection element with one of the input elements 22, so that via an operation of the associated input element 22, a switching unit control command can be output to the selected functional unit 4, for example, in order to cause a drive movement of the functional unit 4.

[0058] The conversion unit 2 expediently has a disabled mode in which the output of control instructions, in particular motion control instructions and / or identification control instructions, from the conversion unit 2 is disabled. For example, the conversion unit has an enabling device, via which the disabled mode can be terminated to enable the output of control instructions. The enabling device is, for example, a key switch, a fingerprint sensor, a code input device and / or a communication unit for receiving an enabling signal generated by an external device.

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 5 An exemplary method for operating the conversion unit 2 or the system 1 is presented.

[0060] The method comprises an optional first step S1, in which the conversion unit 2 is connected to the industrial automation facility 3, in particular to the connection location 19. Preferably, step S1 is performed before the automation facility 3 is put into operation, in particular before the control device 6 is configured and / or before the control device control command is output for the first time.

[0061] The method comprises an optional second step S2, in which the conversion unit 2 automatically associates its input elements 22 with the functional units 4, in particular such that each input element 22 is associated with a corresponding functional unit 4. The association is performed in particular based on address information of the conversion unit 2 and / or address information of the functional units 4. For example, the conversion unit 2 associates the following functional units 4 with the input elements 22, the addresses of which are closest to the address of the conversion unit 2 and / or follow the address of the conversion unit 2. For example, there are m input elements 22, where m is a natural number, and each of the m input elements 22 is associated with a corresponding functional unit 4. If the automation facility 3 contains more than m functional units 4, then in step S2, these additional functional units 4 are expediently not associated with any input element 22. By way of example, the input elements 22a, 22b, 22c are associated with the functional units 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0062] The method comprises a third step S3 in which a user operation is performed by means of input device 20 , in particular by means of one of input elements 22 .

[0063] The method comprises a fourth step S4, in which the calculation unit 23 converts the user input into a control instruction.

[0064] The method comprises a fifth step S5 , in which the conversion unit 2 outputs the control command to the communication system 5 and transmits the control command to the functional unit 4 via the communication system 5 .

[0065] The method comprises a sixth step S6 , in which the functional unit 4 performs an action, in particular a drive movement, according to the control command.

[0066] The method comprises an optional seventh step S7, in which the conversion unit 2 is removed from the connection position 19 and placed at another connection position 19. Preferably, the conversion unit 2 performs an automatic re-association of its input element 22 with the functional unit 4, in particular as described above in conjunction with step S2. Preferably, during the automatic re-association, the input element 22 is associated with a different functional unit 4 from the association performed in step S2. In particular, during the automatic re-association, the input element 22 is associated with a functional unit 4 that was not associated with any input element 22 in step S2. By way of example, the functional unit 4d is associated with the input element 4a. Expediently, after the automatic re-association, steps S3 to S6 are repeated, wherein the control instructions are transmitted to a different functional unit 4 than when steps S3 to S6 were first performed.

[0067] According to an optional design solution, the conversion unit 2 is based on a "standard" IO module, which is modified so that it can be used as an "electric manual assisted operation". Preferably, a switch is connected to the input terminal 25 of the IO module (especially the housing 21), and the switch is used as an input element 22 by way of example. Each switch is then mapped to a specific functional unit 4, especially a specific drive device, via software. Via the switch, the drive device can then move slowly (jog mode) in both directions. The association of the switch with the drive device is automatically performed here. Preferably, topology identification is provided in the communication system 5, and a clear number - address information - is assigned to each drive device via topology identification. The first drive device is mapped to the first switch, the second drive device is mapped to the second switch, and so on.

[0068] Optionally, the conversion unit 2 has a rotary switch for selecting the drive to be operated and / or a key switch for triggering an operation, in particular a method. Optionally, the conversion unit 2 can be configured as a module and / or HMI and / or bus user in the communication system 5.

[0069] Alternatively, the conversion unit 2 may be permanently installed in the system 1. Preferably, the conversion unit 2 is located at the field level and / or not in a control cabinet.

Claims

1. A conversion unit (2) for connecting to an industrial automation facility (3), the conversion unit comprising: At least one functional unit (4), in particular at least one drive device, wherein the conversion unit (2) has an input device (20) via which a user input can be performed by a user; a housing (21); a computing unit (23) arranged in the housing (21), the computing unit being configured to convert the user input into control instructions for the functional unit (4); And a communication interface (24) arranged at the housing (21) for connecting the conversion unit (2) to the industrial automation facility (3) and outputting the control instruction to the functional unit (4).

2. The conversion unit (2) according to claim 1, wherein the control command output by the conversion unit (2) is used to cause an action, in particular a movement, of the functional unit (4).

3. A conversion unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of different user inputs can be input into the conversion unit (2) via the input device (20), and the computing unit (23) is constructed to convert each of the user inputs into a corresponding control instruction for a corresponding functional unit (4) of the industrial automation facility (3).

4. The conversion unit (2) according to claim 3, wherein the input device (20) has a plurality of input elements (22), and each input element (22) is used to input a corresponding user input.

5. The conversion unit (2) according to claim 4, wherein the computing unit (23) is constructed to automatically associate the input element (22) with the functional unit (4) of the industrial automation facility (3) when the conversion unit (2) is connected to the industrial automation facility (3), so that each input element (22) is associated with the corresponding functional unit (4), and the computing unit (23) is constructed to convert the user input performed using the corresponding input element (22) into a control instruction for the functional unit (4) respectively associated with the input element (22).

6. The conversion unit (2) according to claim 5, wherein the calculation unit (23) is designed to carry out an association of the input element (22) with the functional unit (4) based on address information of the functional unit (4).

7. The conversion unit (2) according to claim 6, wherein the computing unit (23) is constructed to convert the user input / the user input into an identification control instruction for the functional unit (4), wherein the identification control instruction causes the functional unit (4) to output an identification signal that can be perceived by the user, and the user can identify the functional unit (4) via the identification signal.

8. A system (1) comprising a conversion unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an industrial automation facility (3), wherein the conversion unit (2) is connected to the industrial automation facility (3).

9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the industrial automation facility (3) comprises a control device (6) for controlling the at least one functional unit (4).

10. A system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the industrial automation facility (3) includes a plurality of functional units (4), and wherein the control device (6), the conversion unit (2) and the functional unit (4) together constitute a communication chain and represent corresponding links (31) of the communication chain, wherein a communication path extends from a first link of the communication chain to a last link of the communication chain along a forward direction (32) via the remaining links of the communication chain, and extends from the last link to the first link along a reverse direction (33) opposite to the forward direction (32) via the remaining links, and wherein the system (1) is constructed to transmit the control instruction from the conversion unit (2) to one of the functional units (4) via the communication path.

11. The system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the system (1) is configured to overrule a control command of the control device (6) with a control command of the conversion unit (2).

12. A method for operating a conversion unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a system (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising the following steps: A user input is performed (S3) by means of the input device and the user input is converted (S4) into a control command.

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