Mounting system for mounting a top unit to an electronic control module

Abstract

The invention relates to a mounting system for detachably fixing a top unit (7) to a housing of an electronic controller module (2) mountable on a standardized equipment rail (1) for holding the electronic controller module (2, 3, 4). The problem to be solved is to provide a mounting system which is easy to operate. The above problem is solved by a mounting system comprising: a mechanical engagement mechanism for pivotably mechanically engaging the top unit (7) with the electronic controller module (2); and a magnetic holding mechanism for releasably holding the top unit (7) in the screwed-in position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting system for detachably fixing a top unit to a housing of an electronic controller module, wherein the electronic controller module is mountable on a standardized equipment rail for holding the electronic controller module.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of using the mounting system. Background Art

[0003] In the sense of the present invention, an electronic controller module is, for example, a module for controlling electronic components, such as valves, compressors, robots, actuators, etc. Further, the electronic controller module may be connected to, for example, any type of sensor, such that the electronic controller module is able to control the above-mentioned electronic components based on information provided by the sensor.

[0004] The electronic controller module includes a housing that protects the internal components from external influences. The housing includes cable connections and mounting means to connect the components to the electronic controller module or to mount the electronic controller module to a rail or the like.

[0005] In order to provide control signals to the electronic components, the electronic controller module comprises, for example, at least one processor, a data storage device, a sensor input, a data input / output, etc., wherein the data input / output is, for example, connected to the electronic components and / or other electronic controller modules, and the sensor input is connected to the sensor. The sensor input may be integrated in the data input / output. The data storage device comprises a data program, which may be used to determine control information for the electronic components by using, for example, information provided by the sensor.

[0006] The electronic controller module may be mounted on a standardized equipment rail, such as a DIN rail or a top hat rail IEC / EN 60715. Such a standardized equipment rail is typically mounted on a wall in a horizontal manner, allowing the electronic controller module, power supply unit, IO unit, etc. to be mounted.

[0007] In the sense of the invention, a top unit is a unit which covers a portion of the top side of the electronic controller module in a detachable manner. The top side of the electronic controller module is the side of the controller module which faces away from the standardized equipment rail.

[0008] Electronic controller modules should be maintained or repaired during their life, during certain time periods, or after events such as failures and malfunctions. Therefore, maintenance personnel need to be able to interact with the electronic controller module. To this end, maintenance personnel may disconnect any data input connector / output connector so that the connector can be used to communicate with the electronic controller module. However, this disconnection causes several problems; for example, the disconnected components cannot be repaired during this time. In addition, additional equipment such as a computer is required to communicate with the electronic controller module via a network cable or the like, which is connected to the data input / output terminals of the electronic controller module. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, the present invention will provide a solution for easily mounting the head unit to the electronic controller module.

[0010] This problem is solved by a mounting system for detachably fixing a top unit to a housing of an electronic controller module mountable on a standardized equipment rail for holding electronic controller modules according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The mounting system includes a mechanical engagement mechanism for pivotably mechanically engaging the top unit with the electronic controller module and a magnetic retention mechanism for releasably retaining the top unit in a screwed-in position.

[0012] To mount the top unit onto the electronic controller module (controller module), the top unit is attached to the controller module so that the main end section of the top unit is in contact with the controller module. The main end section of the top unit and the controller module can mechanically interact with each other. A mechanical engagement occurs between the controller module and the top unit, thereby allowing the top unit to rotate (tilt) relative to the controller module while mechanically engaged with the controller module.

[0013] Afterwards, the top unit is tilted or pivoted, for example (at least substantially) about the main end section, so that the remaining part of the top unit approaches the controller module. In other words, the top unit can then be brought into a screwed-in position. Within a certain distance, the magnetic retaining mechanism provided on the top unit and the controller module attracts the corresponding other parts, so that the magnetic retaining mechanism retains the top unit to the controller module.

[0014] When the top unit is in the screwed-in position, a mechanical engagement mechanism prevents the top unit from being separated from the controller module.

[0015] In order to detach the top unit, the holding force provided by the magnetic holding mechanism must first be overcome. This allows the top unit to be rotated out from the screwed-in position, for example into the screwed-out position.

[0016] In more detail, by overcoming the holding force provided by the magnetic holding mechanism during the separation process, the top unit can, for example, be tilted (at least substantially) around the main end section so that some parts of the magnetic holding mechanism arranged on the top unit and the controller module become spaced apart from each other (for example, sufficiently far away from each other) in such a way that the magnetic holding mechanism no longer provides a significant holding force in this state.

[0017] Then, for example in the swiveled-out position, the mechanical coupling mechanism can also be released and the top unit can be completely removed from the controller module.

[0018] This allows easy installation and easy detachment of the top unit to the controller module without the need for additional tools etc. Once attached and in the screwed-in position, the top unit is securely held to the controller module without the need for further operating tasks like pressing buttons during either installation or removal.

[0019] In particular, one top unit can be mounted successively on different electronic controller modules, thereby allowing good flexibility. In particular, the same top unit can be mounted successively to and used with several controller modules. This eliminates the need to provide each controller module with a plurality of separate top units for maintenance, repair, adjustment and / or the like.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical engagement mechanism allows the top unit to rotate between a screw-out position and a screw-in position, wherein the top unit is attachable to and detachable from the controller module in the screw-out position, and wherein the mechanical engagement mechanism holds the top unit when the top unit is in the screw-in position. In the screw-out position, the top unit can be removed from the controller module, or tilted to a screw-in position, in which the top unit is held to the controller module. Therefore, only a tilting, pivoting or rotating movement of the top unit is required to "fasten" the top unit to the electronic controller module. Therefore, the operation of the top unit is very easy. The mechanical engagement mechanism is configured so that the top unit will not separate when the top unit is in the screw-in position. The top unit can only be separated when it is not in the screw-in position. However, the top unit can be separated when it is in the screw-out position. In particular, the mounting system can be configured so that the mechanical engagement provided by the mechanical engagement mechanism can be released only when the top unit is in the screw-out position. The screw-out position is suitable for when the top unit is screwed out of at least a certain rotation angle from the screw-in position.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the controller module comprises a first attraction means of a magnetic holding mechanism, and the top unit comprises a second attraction means of a magnetic holding mechanism, wherein, when the top unit is in the screwed-in position, the first attraction means and the second attraction means magnetically attract each other to releasably hold the top unit in the screwed-in position. In the screwed-in position, the attraction means of the top unit interact with the attraction means of the controller module device so that the attraction means of the top unit is attracted to the attraction means of the controller module, and vice versa. Due to the resulting holding force, the top unit can lie firmly against the controller module. However, for example, the user can overcome the holding force to screw the top unit out. In the screwed-out position, the attraction between the attraction means of the top unit and the attraction means of the controller module is negligible, so that the top unit can be easily removed (completely separated). This allows easy handling of the top unit.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first attraction means and the second attraction means comprises a magnet, wherein the other of the first attraction means and the second attraction means comprises a (further) magnet and / or a ferromagnet. The term "ferromagnet" is to be understood as also including materials containing ferromagnets etc., such as plastics comprising ferromagnetic particles etc. The attraction force between the first attraction means and the second attraction means can be adjusted by placing the attraction means closer or further away (when the top unit is in the screwed-in position).

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical engagement mechanism comprises: a first hinge device, which is formed on the controller module; and a second hinge device, which is formed on the top unit and is used to engage the first hinge device. In the screwed-in position, the first hinge device and the second hinge device can hook, hook, engage with each other. In the screwed-out position, the first hinge and the second hinge interact in a detachable manner, wherein the top unit can be attached, removed or transferred to the screwed-in position. Therefore, the first hinge device and the second hinge device are respectively arranged to allow a tilting or rotating movement of the top unit, in particular a tilting or rotating movement between the screwed-out position and the screwed-in position, when the top unit is engaged with the controller module via the first hinge device and the second hinge device.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, one of the first hinge device and the second hinge device (at least) comprises a hinge receiving portion, and the other of the first hinge device and the second hinge device (at least) comprises a hinge protrusion for engaging the hinge receiving portion. In the screwed-in position, the hinge protrusion can be securely received in the hinge receiving portion. In the screwed-out position, the hinge protrusion can be arranged close to the hinge receiving portion or partially arranged in the hinge receiving portion, so that the hinge protrusion can be inserted into the hinge receiving portion by transferring the top unit from the screwed-out position to the screwed-in position. According to another aspect, the hinge receiving portion allows the hinge protrusion to be inserted and pulled out (only) when the top unit is in the screwed-out position.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first hinge device and the second hinge device each comprise both a hinge receiving portion and a hinge projection, wherein, in the screwed-in position, the hinge projection is securely received in the respective other hinge receiving portion.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, along a first direction of the top unit, the second hinge device is located at a main end section of the top unit, and the second attraction device is located on a secondary end section of the top unit spaced apart from the main end section. The first direction may correspond to a longitudinal direction of the top unit, wherein, in the screwed-in position, the longitudinal direction of the top unit may correspond to the extension direction of the guide rail. The intermediate section may be arranged between the main end section and the secondary end section. Since the first hinge device is positioned at a distance from the first attraction device, wherein a rotational movement is performed around the first hinge device at the main end section, there is a leverage effect between the first hinge device and the attraction device, so that the top unit is securely but releasably held in the screwed-in position.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the controller module comprises a first contact arrangement for electrically connecting a second contact arrangement formed on the top unit when the top unit is in a screwed-in position, wherein at least one of the first contact arrangement and the second contact arrangement comprises a resilient contact. The resilient contact may be a spring-biased contact. For example, the resilient contact may be configured to travel a certain distance when a force is applied. The resilient contact allows a good electrical connection between the contact arrangement of the top unit and the contact arrangement of the controller module. The mounting system may be configured to allow data transmission and / or power transmission between the top unit and the controller module (especially via the first contact arrangement and the second contact arrangement when the top unit is in a screwed-in position). Further, the electronic controller module may be adapted to be operated and / or controlled, for example, via the top unit. This allows the top unit to be used as a control device, etc. If the top unit comprises a memory, the mounting system may be adapted so that data may be transmitted from the top unit to the controller module and / or vice versa, for example, via the first contact arrangement and the second contact arrangement (especially when the top unit is mounted in a screwed-in position).

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the first contact arrangement is arranged closer to the first hinge device than the first attraction device, and the second contact arrangement is arranged closer to the second hinge device than the second attraction device. Therefore, the magnetic force applied by the magnetic holding mechanism is applied to the contact arrangement by a lever force, wherein the lever axis can be defined by the first hinge device and the second hinge device. The arrangement of the first attraction device and the second attraction device is adapted to each other. This allows a good electronic connection of the top unit with the controller mounting. In particular, when the top unit is rotated to a screw-in position during installation on the controller module, the second contact arrangement can be pressed against the first contact arrangement with an increased lever force. The elastic contact can be partially pushed in. The resulting elastic reaction force and the lever force acting between the first contact arrangement and the second contact arrangement ensure a particularly reliable connection between the first contact arrangement and the second contact arrangement, even if the top unit is installed and disassembled multiple times.

[0029] According to another aspect, the mounting system can be configured such that the first contact arrangement and the second contact arrangement slide against each other at least during a portion of the rotational movement. This can ensure that the contact arrangement is self-cleaning during the rotational movement even if the sliding distance is short.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the head unit includes a processor, a memory, a user input device and / or a display. In addition, the head unit may include additional electronic components, such as a battery element, an LED and / or a speaker. A maintenance person may interact with the electronic controller module via the head unit while the head unit is set in the screwed-in position. The maintenance person may use a user input device (e.g., a touch screen, physical buttons, etc.) to navigate in the head unit display software environment to control the controller module, modify its settings, etc. Further, the head unit may be used as a data storage device to transfer data, for example, in the following manner:

[0031] - transfer data from the first electronic controller module to the second electronic controller module,

[0032] - transmitting data to several controller modules to which the head unit is successively mounted, for example for updating the controller modules and / or for transmitting new instructions to the controller modules, and / or

[0033] -Transmits log data recorded by the controller module(s) from the controller module(s) to the head unit.

[0034] This allows easy communication with different controllers and easy data transfer.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting system is arranged on a first side of the top unit and the display is arranged on a second side of the top unit, wherein the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other. In the screwed-in position, the second side faces the guide rail, while in the screwed-in position, the display faces away from the guide rail. Thus, a maintenance person can easily read the display.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the user input device is arranged beside the display. In this arrangement, the user input device is arranged on the same side of the display so that the maintenance personnel can easily interact with the user input device.

[0037] The controller module may be an automation controller system module. The controller module may be configured to form part of an automation controller system. In particular, the controller module may be an automation controller system module for / is an automation controller system module of an automation controller system for controlling a climate system, an air conditioning system, a refrigeration system and / or an industrial facility (e.g., a production facility). For example, the controller module may be configured to be used for control in a system for food retail.

[0038] In one embodiment, the mounting system comprises a further controller module according to any of the described embodiments, wherein the head unit can be used consecutively with the controller module and the further controller module.

[0039] Furthermore, the above problem is solved by a method according to claim 13. The method comprises using a mounting system according to any of the preceding claims. Modifications and advantages described with respect to the mounting system apply correspondingly to the method and vice versa.

[0040] The method comprises the following steps for mounting the top unit on the controller module, the steps comprising: first, engaging a mechanical engagement mechanism of the top unit with a mechanical engagement mechanism of the electronic controller module in a screw-out position, and second, rotating the top unit to a screw-in position, wherein a magnetic retention mechanism releasably retains the top unit in the screw-in position.

[0041] The method can be done manually, by hand only, without any additional tools or pressing buttons etc. Therefore, mounting the top unit onto the controller module is easy.

[0042] In order to remove the top unit from the controller module, the top unit is transferred from the screw-in position to the screw-out position, wherein the magnetic holding mechanism has no significant holding force when the top unit is in the screw-out position. Therefore, the top unit can be easily removed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In the following, the present application is described in a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therein is shown:

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view of a standardized equipment rail with several electronic controller modules mounted on it;

[0045] Figure 2 a perspective view of an electronic controller module with a top unit mounted thereon;

[0046] Figure 3 a perspective view of a second side (top side) of the top unit with a display and buttons;

[0047] Figure 4 a view of the lateral side of the top unit;

[0048] Figure 5 a view of the end side of the top unit in the longitudinal direction of the top unit;

[0049] Figure 6 a first side (lower side) of the top unit for abutting against the controller module;

[0050] Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the top unit mounted on the electronic controller module; and

[0051] Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of the top unit at the electronic controller module, in the swung-out position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 A standardized equipment rail 1 is shown, wherein an electronic controller module 2, a first auxiliary electronic module 3 and a second auxiliary electronic module 4 are arranged on the rail 1. The rail 1 is usually mounted on a wall not shown and / or in a controller cabinet. The electronic controller module 2 and the auxiliary electronic modules 3, 4 are connected to adjacent modules via connectors 5. The first auxiliary electronic module 3 can be an input / output module (I / O module) capable of controlling actuators, compressors, etc. not depicted. The second auxiliary electronic module 4 is, for example, a power supply for supplying power to the electronic controller module 2 and / or to the first auxiliary electronic module 3. The electronic controller module 2, the first auxiliary electronic module 3 and the second auxiliary electronic module 4 constitute an electronic controller module assembly, wherein the electronic controller module 2 includes a main intelligence for control and uses and controls the first auxiliary electronic module 3 and the second auxiliary electronic module 4. Therefore, in terms of function, the electronic controller module assembly can be regarded as one controller module.

[0053] The electronic controller module 2 and the first auxiliary electronic module 3 comprise a number of cable connectors 6 for connecting Ethernet cables or other cable strands or the like.

[0054] The top unit 7 is mounted on the electronic controller module 2 , wherein the top unit 7 is mounted on the top side of the electronic controller module 2 . Figure 1 The arrangement of the top unit 7 and the electronic controller module 2 is shown, wherein the top unit 7 is in the screwed-in position (and is therefore fully installed). The top side of the electronic controller module 2 faces away from the guide rail 1. Correspondingly, in the screwed-in position, the top surface of the top unit 7 faces away from the guide rail 1. The top side of the top unit 7 may also be referred to as the second side of the top unit. The top unit 7 comprises a user input device on its top side. In this example, the input device comprises six buttons 8. Next to the buttons 8, a display 9 is arranged on the top side of the top unit 7.

[0055] Figure 2 The electronic controller module 2 is depicted in more detail with the top unit 7 mounted thereon, the top unit being in a screwed-in position. The electronic controller module 2 comprises a number of cable connectors 6 which are arranged on two opposite lateral sides of the electronic controller module 2 perpendicular to its top side. In other words, the cable connectors 6 are also arranged on the electronic controller module 2 at the top. Figure 2 On the lateral side not visible in the middle.

[0056] Figure 3 A separate top unit 7 is shown in an unmounted state. The top unit 7 comprises a display 9 on its top side, wherein the top side also comprises six buttons 8. Four of these buttons 8 are configured to navigate through a software environment provided on the top unit 7, one button 8 is a confirmation button 8 for confirming a selection, and one button 8 is configured to cancel a selection and / or return to a previous page.

[0057] Figure 4 A view on a lateral side surface of the top unit 7 is shown. The lateral side surface extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the top side of the top unit 7 and parallel to the longitudinal direction (first direction) of the top unit 7. The display 9 and the button 8 are arranged on the top side, while the (second) hinge means 11, 12 and the top unit protrusion 10 are arranged on the lower side opposite to the top side. The second hinge means 11, 12 include a hinge accommodating portion 11 and a hinge protrusion 12. The second hinge means 11, 12 are arranged on a main end section of the top unit 7 in the longitudinal direction (of the top unit 7). The top unit protrusion 10 is arranged at a secondary end section of the top unit 7 in said longitudinal direction. An intermediate section is arranged between the main end section and the secondary end section of the top unit 7.

[0058] The lower side of the top unit 7 may also be referred to as a first side of the top unit.

[0059] The top unit protrusion 10 includes a tapered side wall 13. Thus, the protrusion 10 becomes narrower as the distance from the display 9 increases.

[0060] The conical wall 13 is also Figure 5 , which is a view of the end side of the top unit 7 in the longitudinal direction of the top unit.

[0061] Figure 6 The underside of the top unit 7 is shown. The underside may also be referred to as a first side of the top unit 7. The underside is opposite to the top side (first side) of the top unit 7.

[0062] The top unit 7 comprises a (second) contact arrangement 14. The second contact arrangement is formed on the underside. The second contact arrangement consists of a plurality of contacts, in this embodiment ten contacts. Further, the contact arrangement 14 is arranged between the hinge device and the top unit protrusion 10. In other words, the contact arrangement is located in the middle section.

[0063] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the electronic controller module 2 mounted on the rail 1 is depicted, with the top unit 7 in a screwed-in position. The top unit 7 is fully mounted on the electronic controller module 2. Accordingly, the top unit is releasably held to the electronic controller 2 and electrically connected to the electronic controller module 2.

[0064] The electronic controller module 2 comprises a hinge device, which corresponds to the hinge devices 11, 12 of the top unit 7. The hinge device (first hinge device 15, 16) of the electronic controller module 2 comprises a first hinge receiving portion 15 and a first hinge protrusion 16. As explained above, the hinge device (second hinge device 11, 12) of the top unit 7 comprises a second hinge receiving portion 11 and a second hinge protrusion 12. The first hinge device and the second hinge device together form a mechanical engagement mechanism. When the top unit 7 is rotated out of the screwed-in position by at least a certain rotation angle, the mechanical engagement allows the first hinge device 15, 16 and the second hinge device 11, 12 to be disengaged. Correspondingly, when the top unit 7 is tilted by at least a certain rotation angle relative to the screwed-in position, the mechanical engagement allows the first hinge device 15, 16 and the second hinge device 11, 12 to be engaged.

[0065] In the screwed-in position, the (second) contact arrangement 14 of the top unit 7 is in contact with the first contact arrangement 17 of the electronic controller module 2. The first contact arrangement 17 comprises resilient contacts. The resilient contacts are biased so that they flex under force. In this embodiment, the resilient contacts can be pushed in the direction towards the guide rail 1.

[0066] Further, the electronic controller module 2 comprises a first attraction device 19 (i.e. a first magnet) which is arranged to be spaced apart from the first contact arrangement 17. The first attraction device 19 interacts with a second attraction device 20 of the top unit 7. In this embodiment, the second attraction device 20 is formed as a second magnet. The first attraction device 19 and the second attraction device (second magnet) are arranged in such a way that the first magnet and the second magnet interact with each other when the top unit 7 is in the screwed-in position. In more detail, these attraction devices have a magnetic holding force that resists the top unit from being screwed out of the screwed-in position. The first attraction device 19 (respectively, the first magnet) and the second attraction device 20 (i.e., the second magnet) together form a magnetic holding mechanism that holds the top unit 7 in the screwed-in position.

[0067] The attraction means 19 , 20 are spaced apart from each respective hinge device 11 , 12 ; 15 , 16 , wherein the contact arrangement 14 , 17 is arranged closer to the respective hinge device 11 , 12 ; 15 , 16 than the attraction means 19 , 20 .

[0068] In this embodiment, the retaining force acts in a direction perpendicular to the top side of the electronic controller module 2 when the top unit 7 is in its screwed-in position.

[0069] The mounting system includes an additional guide mechanism for guiding the top unit 7 to a predetermined end position when the top unit 7 is rotated to the screw-in position. Additionally or alternatively, the guide mechanism is adapted to fix the top unit 7 in the end position relative to the electronic controller module 2 when the top unit 7 is in the screw-in position to prevent movement perpendicular to the direction in which the retaining force acts when the top unit 7 is in the screw-in position.

[0070] In the screwed-in position, the top unit protrusion 10 is received in the recess 18 of the electronic controller module 2. The recess 18 is adapted to the top unit protrusion 10 so that the top unit 7 is at least partially fastened to the electronic controller module 2 by form fit in the screwed-in position. Therefore, the recess 18 also comprises tapered walls which correspond to the taper of the wall 13 of the top unit protrusion 10. In this embodiment, the recess 18 and the top unit protrusion 10 constitute an additional guiding mechanism.

[0071] The top unit 7 further includes a not depicted processor and a not depicted memory (correspondingly, data storage means). The top unit 7 can be removed from the electronic controller module 2 and placed on another (not depicted) electronic controller module 2. Therefore, according to the present application, maintenance personnel can use only one top unit 7 to repair several electronic controller modules 2.

[0072] In order to remove the top unit 7 from the electronic controller module 2, the maintenance personnel grasps the top unit 7 at the second end section, respectively in the area of ​​the button 8, and gently pulls the top unit 7 away from the guide rail 1, respectively away from the electronic controller module 2. The pulling force must exceed the holding force provided by the magnetic holding mechanism. Subsequently, the top unit 7 will tilt around the first hinge means and the second hinge means provided at the main end section. As soon as the hinge means of the top unit 7 and the hinge means of the electronic controller module 2 are sufficiently disengaged, i.e. when the unit 7 has reached the swung-out position, the top unit 7 can be removed from the electronic controller module 2.

[0073] Figure 8 The top unit 7 is schematically shown in the swung-out position.

[0074] In order to mount the top unit 7 onto the electronic controller module 2 again or onto another electronic controller module, the hinge means of the top unit 7 and the hinge means of the electronic controller device 2 (respectively, the first hinge protrusion 16 and the second hinge receiving portion 11, and the second hinge protrusion 12 and the first hinge receiving portion 15) are joined together so that these hinge means can interact with each other. In a subsequent step, the top unit 7 is tilted so that the top unit protrusion 10 is received by the recess 18. The magnetic holding means (respectively, the first magnet and the second magnet) attract each other and form a detachable holding of the top unit 7 onto the electronic controller module 2.

[0075] The top unit 7 may also be a cover, not depicted, which covers the contacts 17 of the electronic controller module 2. Such a cover is simply a cover without any electronics, display, etc. The cover is installed and removed in the same manner as described above.

[0076] The electronic controller module 2 according to the present invention can be coupled to any top unit 7 having the above-mentioned mechanical engagement mechanism and magnetic retention mechanism, so that the top unit 7 can be replaced by another top unit 7. Therefore, maintenance personnel only need to carry one top unit 7 while maintaining several electronic controller modules 2.

[0077] Reference numerals list:

[0078] 1 Guide rail

[0079] 2 Electronic Controller Module

[0080] 3 Electronic modules

[0081] 4 Electronic modules

[0082] 5 Connectors

[0083] 6 Cable connector

[0084] 7 Top unit

[0085] 8 Buttons

[0086] 9 Display

[0087] 10 Top unit protrusion

[0088] 11 Second hinge accommodating portion

[0089] 12 Second hinge protrusion

[0090] 13. Protruding wall

[0091] 14 Second contact arrangement

[0092] 15 First hinge receiving portion

[0093] 16 First hinge protrusion

[0094] 17 First contact arrangement

[0095] 18 concavity

[0096] 19. First Attraction Device

[0097] 20 Second attraction device.

Claims

1. A mounting system for detachably fixing a top unit (7) to a housing of an electronic controller module (2), the electronic controller module being mountable on a standardized equipment rail (1) for holding electronic controller modules (2, 3, 4), the mounting system comprising: A mechanical engagement mechanism (11, 12, 15, 16) for enabling the top unit (7) to be mechanically engaged with the electronic controller module (2) in a pivotable manner; as well as A magnetic retaining mechanism (19, 20) is provided for releasably retaining the top unit (7) in the screwed-in position.

2. The mounting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical engagement mechanism (11, 12, 15, 16) allows the top unit (7) to rotate between a screw-out position and a screw-in position, wherein the top unit (7) can be attached to and detached from the electronic controller module (2) in the screw-out position, and wherein the mechanical engagement mechanism (11, 12, 15, 16) holds the top unit (7) when the top unit (7) is in the screw-in position.

3. The mounting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - the electronic controller module (2) comprises a first attraction device (19) of the magnetic holding mechanism, and - the top unit (7) comprises a second attraction means (20) of the magnetic holding mechanism, When the top unit (7) is in the screwed-in position, the first attraction device (19) and the second attraction device (20) are magnetically attracted to each other to releasably hold the top unit (7) in the screwed-in position.

4. The mounting system according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one of the first attraction device (19) and the second attraction device (20) comprises a magnet, wherein the other of the first attraction device (19) and the second attraction device (20) comprises a magnet (19, 20) and / or a ferromagnet.

5. The mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The mechanical joining mechanism (11, 12, 15, 16) comprises - a first hinge device (15, 16), the first hinge device being formed on the electronic controller module (2); as well as - second hinge means (11, 12) formed on the top unit (7) for engaging the first hinge means (15, 16).

6. The mounting system according to claim 5, characterized in that: - one of the first hinge device (15, 16) and the second hinge device (11, 12) comprises a hinge receiving portion (11, 15), and - The other of the first hinge device (15, 16) and the second hinge device (11, 12) comprises a hinge protrusion (12, 16) for engaging the hinge receiving portion (11, 15).

7. The mounting system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: Along a first direction of the top unit (7), the second hinge device (11, 12) is located at a main end section of the top unit (7), and the second attraction device (20) is located on a secondary end section of the top unit (7) spaced apart from the main end section.

8. The mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The electronic controller module (2) comprises a first contact arrangement (17) for electrically connecting to a second contact arrangement (14) formed on the top unit (7) when the top unit (7) is in the screwed-in position, wherein at least one of the first contact arrangement (17) and the second contact arrangement (14) comprises a resilient contact.

9. The mounting system according to claim 8, characterized in that The first contact arrangement (17) is arranged closer to the first hinge arrangement (15, 16) than the first attraction device (19), and the second contact arrangement (14) is arranged closer to the second hinge arrangement (11, 12) than the second attraction device (20).

10. The mounting system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The top unit (7) comprises a processor, a memory, a user input device (8) and / or a display (9).

11. The mounting system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The mounting system is arranged on a first side of the top unit (7), and the display (9) is arranged on an opposite second side of the top unit (7).

12. The mounting system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The user input device (8) is arranged next to the display (9).

13. A method for using a mounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps for mounting the top unit (7) onto the electronic controller module (2): a.) in the unscrewed position, the mechanical engagement mechanism of the top unit (7) engages with the mechanical engagement mechanism of the electronic controller module (2), b) Rotating the top unit (7) into a screwed-in position, wherein the magnetic retaining mechanism (19, 20) releasably retains the top unit (7) in the screwed-in position.

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