Controller with insertable radio module and radio module, cover and plug

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic controller with a housing (2, 8), wherein a radio module (16), such as a Bluetooth module, can be inserted into an opening (10) of the housing (2, 8) and preferably can be removed again. Furthermore, a radio module (16) which can be inserted into the opening (10), a cover (12) which can be inserted into the radio module and a plug which can be inserted into the cover are disclosed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 201910640916.6, filed on July 16, 2019, entitled "Controller with Insertable Radio Module and Radio Module, Cover and Plug". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a controller, a radio module, a cover, and a plug. Background Technology

[0003] A valve assembly with a display device for valve information is known from EP 1 881 249 A1. The valve assembly includes a data transmission device for transmitting valve information to a portable terminal device with the display device. In one embodiment, this data transmission device is configured as a transmitting module for wireless transmission, particularly for radio signals, infrared signals, or Bluetooth signals. The transmitting module can be integrated into an electronic device module, or the transmitting module and the electronic device module can be constructed separately, for example, arranged on the end side of the valve assembly. In another embodiment, the data transmission device has a data transmission cable for wired transmission.

[0004] Therefore, users are subject to the following limitations: they must decide whether to use an electronic device module without a transmitter module or one with an integrated transmitter module for wireless transmission, or to use one with an integrated transmitter module for wired transmission. If a user chooses a separate transmitter module, then that user is limited in terms of structural space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide a flexible data transmission mechanism for controllers. Special attention has been paid to aspects of mass production and / or requirements common in fluid technology, such as the high degree of product personalization.

[0006] The task was solved using an electronic controller, a radio module, a cover, and a plug.

[0007] The controller according to the invention has control electronics for manipulating the controlled object, particularly hydraulic valves, especially pressure valves and / or directional valves. The control electronics may, for example, include at least one electronic regulator, at least one electronic amplifier, and / or at least one additional electronic component. The control electronics are protectively arranged within a housing. Matching modules, such as no module, a radio module, or a plug, can be flexibly selected by inserting at least one radio module into at least one opening in the housing once an electrical connection is established. The selected module simultaneously has the advantage of being protected by the housing, similar to an integrated module, and is advantageously electrically short-circuited. The opening is located on a preferred free side of the housing, such as the top, bottom, front, rear, or side. Insertion here also refers to introduction, insertion, plugging, and / or other installation. The radio module can be further pressed into the opening to achieve vibration-resistant placement.

[0008] If the radio module can be removed from the opening again—for example, taken away, pulled out, and / or detached—then the user gains a multi-functional, flexible controller, as they can more flexibly select the appropriate module based on the situation. Furthermore, the user can use the controller and / or the selected module multiple times at a cost-effective pace. In this regard, removal may be preferred, especially if the electrical connection is disconnected non-destructively or reversibly. Removing the radio module can improve security against unauthorized intrusion, also known as hacking.

[0009] According to an extended design of the invention, the controller has a contact surface that can be contacted through an opening, thereby enabling a mechanically reliable and simple electrical connection to be established. The contact surface is configured for establishing the electrical connection (i.e., between the radio module and the control electronics). The contact surface is preferably configured and / or designed, such as sized and / or coated, for data transmission, particularly preferably for series and / or parallel data transmission, and / or for current and / or voltage supply. The contact surface can, for example, be contacted through the opening when the contact surface is oriented relative to the opening, generally radially and / or axially relative to the axis of the opening. In one embodiment, at least one support, such as a circuit board, for example a printed circuit board, is arranged in an extension of the axis of the opening, with at least a portion of the contact surface arranged on its upper side in an accessible manner. The contact surface is further arranged at the bottom of the opening or at the axial end of the opening opposite to the opening's inlet, wherein the contact surface is preferably positioned as a wider for supporting the radio module to improve vibration and contact safety.

[0010] The contact surface can be designed, for example, as an annular segment or an elongated arcuate segment arranged on at least one circular track, or include such segments. Within the defined area, this allows for rotational movement of the radio module relative to the opening, for example, facilitating rotational mounting and / or positional tolerances. Guidance, such as via a chute or similar guide, can be replicated and designed to achieve a predetermined angular position of the radio module in its final location.

[0011] In another embodiment, the contact plate is constructed in a recess in the housing, which can be configured as a continuous contact surface. The contact plate is connected to the interior of the housing via a connecting cable, wherein the notch is constructed between the recess and the interior so that only the connecting cable can pass through, thus minimizing its size.

[0012] The specially protected housing is at least partially formed of a metallic material, such as an alloy. To enable direct radio connection via the inserted radio module, i.e., cost-effectively without a separate antenna, at least one section adjacent to the mounting space for the radio module can contain at least one radio wave-transmissible material, or preferably be made of a radio wave-transmissible material. Particularly advantageous radio wave propagation is achieved when the radio wave-transmissible material, for example, surrounds the mounting space in a hemispherical shape. Therefore, in one embodiment, the opening and / or mounting space can be defined by a shield fixed to a preferably metallic base housing, thereby forming part of the housing. A cost-effective embodiment is a plastic shield, i.e., a shield made of plastic. The shield can be formed, for example, externally truncated conical and / or internally hollow cylindrical. In a preferred embodiment, when the radio module is arranged inside the shield outside the metallic housing part, radiation is blocked particularly little.

[0013] According to one extended design, a rotating plug (Drehverschluss) configured to lock an insert or radio module is provided at the opening, for example concentrically with the opening. This rotating plug can be, for example, a threaded plug (Schraubverschluss) or a snap-fit ​​connection (Bajonettverschluss). The rotating plug can be advantageously configured to engage with and close the opening, such as a cover / connection to a cover.

[0014] Particularly preferred is that the controller is configured to insert the radio module according to radio standards, particularly short-range radio standards (Nahbereichsfunk standards), and especially Bluetooth standards. Therefore, the current / voltage supply, installation space size, heat dissipation, electromagnetic compatibility of other electronic devices, and / or particularly radio wave transmittance of the radio module can be designed accordingly.

[0015] The invention also relates to a radio module for a controller, configured to be inserted into an opening in the controller once an electrical connection is established, and preferably also configured to be removed from the opening again without damage, as described above. The radio module according to the invention is therefore an insert. The radio module is flexible in application, adaptable to different situations, and preferably reusable at a cost-effective rate.

[0016] The radio module is preferably configured according to radio standards, especially short-range radio standards, and particularly preferably Bluetooth standards. This enables easy connection with transmission partners, such as read-and / or write-or configuration devices.

[0017] According to one extended design, the radio module corresponding to the controller includes contact elements that correspond to the contact surface of the aforementioned controller, i.e., contact elements whose position, number, size settings, and / or material selection are identical to those of the controller's contact surface. These contact elements may advantageously be spring pins that can be pre-tensioned and extended for even contact with the contact surface, thereby ensuring a mechanically secure electrical connection and stable data transmission. The spring pins may be configured for data transmission, preferably for series and / or parallel data transmission, and / or for current and / or voltage input. In one embodiment, the contact elements are positioned on the bottom side of the radio module, i.e., on the side facing away from the opening in the inserted position. In a contrasting embodiment, the controller's "contact surface" may be such a spring pin, and the "contact element" may be a corresponding support surface. The spring pins should be arranged at least in the inserted position for contact.

[0018] In another embodiment, the radio module is constructed on a circular support. Here, the support is sized so that it can be inserted into an opening in the housing or cover.

[0019] Furthermore, the controller specifications can be applied to radio modules and the following inserts; therefore, the described components are mutually compatible.

[0020] The invention also relates to a cover constructed for sealing, particularly for sealing openings of the aforementioned controller relative to environmental influences. This protects the interior of openings or housings within the structural space of the electronic device from dust, moisture, or other disturbances. The cover thus functions as an insert.

[0021] The cover according to the invention may include the radio module according to the invention, or the radio module according to the invention may be designed as the cover according to the invention. In this embodiment, the advantages of the radio module and the advantages of the cover are comprehensively combined.

[0022] The cover according to the invention and the alternative radio module according to the invention can be independent of each other, so that the cover according to the invention and the radio module according to the invention can be designed and matched without complexity or interference with each other. Once the cover is removed from the opening, the insertion space of the radio module can be freely accessed.

[0023] Alternatively, the cover and the radio module according to the invention can be complementary. The cover can, for example, be configured to simultaneously secure the radio module within the opening. The cover can, for example, form-fit the radio module axially and / or at an angle relative to the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is defined at an angle by a snap-fit ​​connection, and the cover defines the angular position of the radio module by fitting into it, such that spring pins contact predetermined support surfaces. Vibration safety is increased when the locked cover presses to position the radio module.

[0024] In another embodiment, the lid may have a slightly elongated, rectangular outer contour. The generally rectangular outer contour may have rounded edges both at the corners and along the longitudinal sides of the lid. The internal sections of the lid, corresponding to the effective recess of the opening, are also rounded. This design improves the user's grip.

[0025] The invention also relates to a plug configured for insertion into an opening in the aforementioned controller after establishing an electrical connection with a cable, and preferably also configured for removal from the opening without damage, as described above. The plug according to the invention is therefore an insert. Diagnostics or parameterization during the production process can be advantageously achieved, for example, by the plug. In one embodiment, the plug has contact elements, such as spring pins, identical to those of the radio module for contacting the contact surface. The arrangement of the contact elements can be identical between the radio module and the plug, but the plug can also have more or fewer contact elements than the radio module, wherein the arrangement of functionally identical contact elements is preferably identical. The plug, for example, may only have spring pins for establishing an electrical connection for serial data transmission, but not spring pins for establishing an electrical connection for supplying voltage to the radio module.

[0026] The present invention also relates to another type of insert, such as a memory element and / or an expansion element. Furthermore, a communication element using wireless transmissions, such as optical transmissions, that differ from radio transmissions is also the subject of this invention.

[0027] To protect against operation of the controller, the insert, especially the cover without the included radio module, can be secured with locks (Schloss) on the housing side and / or the insert side.

[0028] The present invention also relates to: a system comprising a controller according to the present invention and a radio module according to the present invention; a system comprising a controller according to the present invention and a cover according to the present invention; a system comprising a controller according to the present invention, a radio module according to the present invention, and a cover according to the present invention; a system comprising a controller according to the present invention and a plug according to the present invention; and a system comprising a controller according to the present invention and an insert according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in detail with the aid of schematic diagrams.

[0030] In the picture: Figure 1 It is a controller according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 It is a cross-section of the controller, radio module, and cover according to the first embodiment; Figure 3 This is a detailed view of the electrical connection between the controller and the radio module according to the first embodiment; Figure 4 This is a view of the electronic device within the controller according to the first embodiment; Figure 5 It is a controller according to the second embodiment; and Figure 6 This is a cross-section of the controller, radio module, and cover according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 The controller 1 according to the invention shown includes electronic devices mounted in a metal housing section 2. The metal housing section 2 has an upper side 4. A cover 8 of the housing section is arranged above a recess 6 within the upper side 4 of the metal housing section 2. An opening 10 is introduced into this cover 8, which is closed by a cover 12 according to the invention. The connection between the cover 8 and the cover 12 is achieved by a threaded plug or by a snap-fit ​​connection. The cover 8 and the cover 12 are made of a plastic that is radio wave permeable.

[0032] according to Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows that the cover 8 is finally installed (aufgebracht) on the upper side 4 of the metal housing section 2. Figure 2 A recess 6 interrupts the metal housing section 2, centered on the upper side 4. The circuit board 14 is embedded into this recess 6. A Bluetooth module, generally labeled 16, is arranged in the opening 10; this Bluetooth module is a radio module according to the invention. The Bluetooth module 16 includes a Bluetooth chip 18, which is mounted on a bracket 20 that is circularly shaped to match the opening 10. A spring pin 22 protrudes from the bracket 20 on the side facing the circuit board 14. The spring pin 22 here serves as a contact element for the Bluetooth module 16.

[0033] exist Figure 3 The image clearly shows the contact between the circular circuit board 14 and the Bluetooth module 16. A spring pin 22, which passes through the bracket 20, connects to the annular segmental contact surface 24 of the circuit board 14.

[0034] In this embodiment, the Bluetooth module 16 is arranged such that it is inside the cover 8 but clearly outside the metal housing section 2. This arrangement produces a high signal strength that is not, or at least less affected, by the metal housing section 2. Furthermore, being located outside the metal housing section 2 simplifies the exchange or replacement of the Bluetooth module 16. By removing the cover 12 from the cover 8, the Bluetooth module 16 can be directly accessed. The Bluetooth module 16 can therefore be easily removed from the cover 8 through the opening in the circuit board 14.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device includes multiple electronic components, which are connected to a circuit board, for example, via internal wiring cables.

[0036] Figure 5 The controller 1 in the second embodiment is shown. The basic shape of the housing 2 remains largely unchanged compared to the previous embodiment, except that the cover 8 and the lid 12 have modified designs. Along the longitudinal direction of the housing 2, the cover 8 is constructed slightly elongated along one side 4. The lid 12 is also constructed slightly elongated corresponding to the cover 8 and has a rectangular outer contour with rounded corners and sides. An illumination strip (not shown) can be introduced around the rounded structure of the side of the lid 12 opposite to the housing 2, which will transmit optical signals, for example, regarding the state of the control electronics, to the user.

[0037] Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the second embodiment is shown. A contact plate 26 is arranged in a recess 6 of the metal housing section 2. This contact plate 26 can be constructed, for example, as a plate shape, technically referred to as a "flexible printed" plate. Compared to the first embodiment, the recess 6 does not interrupt the metal housing section 2 in the center for plug connection, but instead has an opening 30 arranged in the edge region, which is constructed so small that the connecting cable 28 can be guided into the metal housing section through this opening 30. This connecting cable 28 can be designed as a "flexible printed" cable. In this embodiment, the contact plate 26 functions as the circuit board 14 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the contact plate 26 is designed to be circular. The opening 10 of the cover 8, the bracket 20 carrying the Bluetooth module 16, and the inner contour of the cover 12 are also designed to be circular or rounded in this embodiment.

[0038] Of course, the second implementation can be combined with the first implementation, so that the contact plate 26 can also be used to replace the circuit board 14, and vice versa.

[0039] In another embodiment, not shown, the contact plate 24 of the circuit board 14 can be used as an interface for a wired diagnostic or service unit after the Bluetooth module 16 is removed from the opening 10. This plug is also designed to be circular, so that its base surface and its contact units correspond to the contact units or spring pins 22 of the bracket 20.

[0040] An electronic controller 1 with housings 2 and 8 is disclosed, wherein a radio module 16, such as a Bluetooth module, can be inserted into and preferably removed from the opening 10 of the housings 2 and 8. Furthermore, a radio module 16 that can be inserted into the opening 10, a cover 12 that can be inserted into the radio module, and a plug that can be inserted into the cover are also disclosed.

Claims

1. An electronic controller, equipped with control electronics for manipulating a controlled object, particularly a hydraulic valve, the control electronics being arranged within a housing (2, 8). Its features are, The electronic device is mounted in a metal housing section, on the upper side (4) of which a cover (8) is enclosed and mounted. The cover is made of plastic that can transmit radio waves. The cover is a housing section and has an opening (10) in it. At least the radio module (16) or, flexibly optionally, a matching module, plug, or other insert, such as a memory element and / or expansion element, can be inserted into the opening (10) of the housing (2, 8) while establishing an electrical connection with the control electronics. The controller has a contact surface that can be contacted through an opening (10), the contact surface being configured to establish an electrical connection, and the contact surface being placed as a support for supporting a radio module or insert.

2. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio module (16) can be removed again from the opening (10).

3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The contact surface (24) is designed as an annular segment.

4. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The contact plate (26) is configured in a planar manner to form the contact surface (24).

5. The controller according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A rotating plug configured to lock the insert (16) is provided on the opening (10).

6. A radio module for a controller (1), characterized in that, The radio module is configured to be inserted into the opening (10) of the controller (1) according to any one of the preceding claims when an electrical connection is established.

7. The radio module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The radio module includes a contact element (22) corresponding to the contact surface (24) of the controller (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The radio module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The contact element (22) is used to evenly support a spring pin (24) constructed in a preloaded and retractable manner.

9. A lid, characterized in that, The cover is configured to seal the opening (10) of the controller (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The cover according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cover structure is used to secure the radio module (16) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 in the opening (10).

11. The cover according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cover has a generally circular or rounded inner section into which the radio module (16) can be inserted, and the cover has a longitudinally elongated, generally rectangular outer contour.

12. A plug for a controller (1), characterized in that, The plug is configured to be inserted into the opening (10) of the controller (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, provided that an electrical connection with the cable is established.

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