Programmable logic controller system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of industrial communication, in particular to a programmable logic controller system, which is characterized in that a PLC (programmable logic controller) can be matched with a communication expansion module to realize flexible expansion of communication functions and simultaneously realize miniaturization and convenience of the whole system. The programmable logic controller system comprises a programmable logic controller and a communication expansion module connected with the programmable logic controller. The communication expansion module comprises a mainboard and a shell, a first connector is formed at the first end of the first surface of the mainboard, and the communication expansion module is in communication connection with the programmable logic controller through the first connector; one end of the shell is provided with an opening, the mainboard is embedded and fixed in the shell in a form of matching with the opening, a first surface of the mainboard is exposed through the opening, a second surface, deviating from the first connector, of the mainboard is surrounded by the shell, the shell further comprises a fixing part, and the communication expansion module is fixedly connected with the programmable logic controller through the fixing part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of industrial communication, and particularly relates to a programmable logic controller system. Background Art

[0002] In industrial communication, a programmable logic controller (PLC) is usually used as a control module, responsible for collecting signals from industrial devices and processing and controlling them according to the algorithms of programs. The PLC can communicate with other devices using a variety of communication protocols, such as Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet / IP. Through the above protocols, the PLC can communicate and control with other devices.

[0003] However, in the prior art, the communication modules included in small PLC control modules are insufficient, and the functions of remote communication and one-to-many network communication of the PLC control module will be greatly limited. Especially when the PLC control module needs to carry a servo module to control multiple industrial devices, it is very inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, in the technical solution of the present utility model, a programmable logic controller system is provided, in which the PLC can cooperate with a communication expansion module to flexibly expand the communication function while taking into account the miniaturization and convenience of the overall system.

[0005] In the technical solution of the present utility model, a programmable logic controller system is provided, including a programmable logic controller and a communication expansion module connected to the programmable logic controller. The communication expansion module includes a main board and a housing. A first connector is formed at the first end of the first surface of the main board. The communication expansion module is communicatively connected to the programmable logic controller by using the first connector; the main board is embedded and fixed in the housing, and the first connector on the main board is exposed in the housing. The housing further includes a fixing portion, and the communication expansion module is fixedly connected to the programmable logic controller by using the fixing portion.

[0006] According to the technical solution of the present utility model, in the programmable logic controller system, the programmable logic controller is an independent control module, and the function modules carried by it are limited. Different types of communication functions can be expanded through the communication expansion module. In the communication expansion module, the main board is its control unit and is communicatively connected to the programmable logic controller; the housing is the structural main body, which plays a role in supporting and protecting the main board and can be fixedly connected to the programmable logic controller; the flexible assembly and disassembly of the communication expansion module are realized.

[0007] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, one end of the housing is open, the main board is embedded and fixed in the housing in a form matching the opening, the first surface of the main board is exposed through the opening, and the second surface of the main board facing away from the first connector is surrounded by the housing.

[0008] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, the programmable logic controller includes a plurality of expansion slots, and each expansion slot includes a second connector and a fixing member; the second connector is cooperatively connected with the first connector; the fixing member is cooperatively connected with the fixing portion. A communication expansion module can be installed and connected in each expansion slot.

[0009] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, the communication expansion module further includes a communication network port and an LED unit. The communication network port is arranged at the second end of the second surface of the main board, and the first end and the second end are opposite ends of the main board. The opening direction of the communication network port faces away from the first end in the direction of the second end; the LED unit is arranged on the second surface of the main board.

[0010] According to the technical solution of the present utility model, the communication expansion module is connected to an external device through the communication network port for signal transmission network communication; the LED unit can be used to indicate the operation connection status of the communication expansion module.

[0011] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, the housing of the communication expansion module further includes a first heat dissipation port, which is opened on the bottom surface of the housing opposite to the second surface, and the first heat dissipation port corresponds to the position of the first connector.

[0012] According to the technical solution of the present utility model, the housing of the communication expansion module surrounds the second surface of the main board facing away from the first connector to protect and fix the main board. The heat generated by components such as chips deployed on the main board during operation can be dissipated more quickly through the first heat dissipation port corresponding to the position of the first connector on the housing, avoiding the influence of temperature rise during long-term operation on the working efficiency of the communication expansion module.

[0013] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, the housing of the communication expansion module further includes a second heat dissipation port, which is opened on the side surface of the housing connected to the first end.

[0014] According to the technical solution of the present utility model, the second heat dissipation port is also arranged close to the first connector on the main board. The heat generated by the components on the main board during operation can be dissipated more quickly through the second heat dissipation port corresponding to the position of the first connector on the housing, avoiding the influence of temperature rise during long-term operation on the working efficiency of the communication expansion module.

[0015] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, the housing of the communication expansion module further includes a third heat dissipation port, which is arranged adjacent to the communication network port. The second heat dissipation port and the third heat dissipation port are respectively located at opposite ends of the housing to form a convection, accelerating the gas flow speed inside the housing, thereby further improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0016] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, the fixing part in the communication expansion module is a fixing hole opened at the corner of the housing, the fixing part in the programmable logic controller is a fixing column passing through the fixing hole, and the programmable logic controller system further includes a screw, the screw having a cap portion and a threaded portion, the threaded portion being threadedly connected to the fixing hole, and the cap portion limiting or pressing against the housing.

[0017] According to the technical solution of the present utility model, the communication expansion module and the programmable logic controller are fixedly connected by locking the fixing hole and the fixing column with a screw. Moreover, the method of screwing and fastening is convenient, efficient and low-cost for loading and unloading.

[0018] Optionally, in the technical solution of the present utility model, the communication expansion module in the programmable logic controller system is an EtherCAT communication expansion module.

[0019] According to the technical solution of the present utility model, the programmable logic controller can perform data exchange with various automation devices through the EtherCAT communication expansion module, so that the programmable logic controller system realizes multi-axis output control. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a programmable logic controller system provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a communication expansion module provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 is a bottom view of a communication expansion module provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a housing provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a programmable logic controller provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] Description of the Reference Numerals: 1 - programmable logic controller system, 2 - programmable logic controller, 21 - expansion slot, 211 - second connector, 212 - fixing part, 3 - communication expansion module, 4 - main board, 401 - first end, 402 - second end, 41 - first connector, 42 - communication network port, 43 - LED unit, 5 - housing, 50 - opening, 51 - fixing part, 52 - first opening part, 53 - second opening part, 54 - first heat dissipation opening, 55 - second heat dissipation opening, 56 - third heat dissipation opening, 6 - screw. Detailed Embodiments

[0026] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a programmable logic controller system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] As Figure 1 shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, a programmable logic controller system 1 is provided, including a programmable logic controller 2 and a communication expansion module 3 connected to the programmable logic controller 2. Among them, the programmable logic controller 2 does not have a control module with EtherCAT communication function.

[0029] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of a communication expansion module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] As Figure 2 shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the communication expansion module 3 includes a main board 4 and a housing 5. The main board 4 includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. Among them, a first connector 41 is provided on the first surface; a communication network port 42 and an LED unit 43 are provided on the second surface.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, a first end 401 and a second end 402 are opposite ends of the main board 4. The first connector 41 is formed as a plug-in member protruding from the first surface of the main board 4, and is provided at the first end 401 of the first surface of the main board 4. The communication expansion module 3 communicates with the programmable logic controller 2 by using the first connector 41.

[0032] The communication network port 42 is formed as an insertion port for signal lines such as network cables. The communication expansion module 3 is connected to an external device through the communication network port 42 for signal transmission network communication. The communication network port 42 is provided at the second end 402 of the second surface of the main board 4. The opening direction of the communication network port 42 is parallel to the surface of the main board 4 and faces away from the first end 401 in the direction of the second end 402 (as Figure 2 shown by the arrow in).

[0033] The LED unit 43 is provided on the second surface of the main board 4 and includes a plurality of LED light-emitting units, which are respectively used to indicate the operating, communication, connection and other states of the communication expansion module 3.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a bottom view of a communication expansion module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, in the embodiment of the present utility model, the housing 5 is a cuboid structure. One side of the cuboid, i.e., one end of the housing 5, is an opening 50, and the size of the opening 50 matches that of the main board 4. The main board 4 is fixed in the housing 5 in a form matching the opening 50. The first surface of the main board 4 is exposed through the opening 50, that is, the first connector 41 protruding from the first surface of the main board 4 is exposed through the opening 50; the second surface of the main board 4 facing away from the first connector 41 is surrounded by the housing 5, and the communication network port 42 and the LED unit 43 provided on the second surface of the main board 4 are surrounded by the housing 5.

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a housing provided in the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0037] As Figure 4 shown, in the embodiment of the present utility model, the housing 5 further includes a fixing portion 51, a first opening portion 52, and a second opening portion 53. The fixing portion 51 is a fixing hole opened at the corner of the housing 5, and the communication expansion module 3 is fixedly connected to the programmable logic controller 2 by using the fixing portion 51. The first opening portion 52 corresponds to the position of the first connector 41 in the main board 4, and the opening of the communication network port 42 is exposed from the housing 5 through the first opening portion 52; the second opening portion 53 corresponds to the position of the LED unit 43 in the main board 4, and the light emitted by the LED unit 43 is exposed from the housing 5 through the second opening portion 53.

[0038] Figure 5 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of a programmable logic controller provided in the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0039] As Figure 5 shown, there are 2 expansion slots 21 provided on the surface of the programmable logic controller 2, and one communication expansion module 3 can be installed and connected in each expansion slot 21. The expansion slot 21 includes a second connector 211 and a fixing member 212; the second connector 211 is cooperatively connected with the first connector 41 in the communication expansion module 3 to realize the communication connection between the programmable logic controller 2 and the communication expansion module 3; the fixing member 212 is cooperatively connected with the fixing portion 51 in the communication expansion module 3.

[0040] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 51 is a fixing hole opened at the corner of the housing 5, and the fixing member 212 is a fixing post passing through the fixing hole. Referring to Figure 1 , the programmable logic controller system 1 further includes a screw 6. The screw 6 has a cap portion and a threaded portion. The threaded portion is threadedly connected to the fixing hole, and the cap portion limits or presses against the housing 5 to fixedly connect the communication expansion module 3 to the programmable logic controller 2. Moreover, the method of screwing and fastening is convenient, efficient, and low-cost for loading and unloading.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present utility model, in the programmable logic controller system 1, the programmable logic controller 2 is an independent control module, and the function modules carried by it are limited in themselves. Different types of communication functions can be extended through the communication expansion module 3.

[0042] Preferably, in an embodiment of the present utility model, the housing 5 of the communication expansion module 3 further includes a first heat dissipation port 54, a second heat dissipation port 55, and a third heat dissipation port 56.

[0043] The housing 5 of the communication expansion module 3 surrounds the second surface of the main board 4 facing away from the first connector 41, protecting and fixing the main board 4. The first heat dissipation port 54 is opened on the bottom surface of the housing 5 opposite to the second surface, and the first heat dissipation port 54 corresponds to the position of the first connector 41. Refer to Figure 4 , when the communication expansion module 3 is connected and fixed to the programmable logic controller 2, one side of the opening 50 of the housing 5, that is, the main board 4 abuts against the programmable logic controller 2. The first heat dissipation port 54 is arranged opposite to the main board 4 and the first heat dissipation port 54 is located above the main board 4. Components such as chips arranged on the main board 4 generate heat, and the hot air escapes from the first heat dissipation port 54 upward out of the housing 5.

[0044] The second heat dissipation port 55 is opened on the side surface of the housing 5 connected to the first end 401. The second heat dissipation port 55 is also arranged close to the first connector 41 on the main board 4; the third heat dissipation port 56 is opened on the side surface of the housing 5 connected to the second end 402 and is arranged adjacent to the communication network port 42. Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the second heat dissipation port 55 and the third heat dissipation port 56 are respectively arranged at both ends of the housing 5. The second heat dissipation port 55 and the third heat dissipation port 56 can form gas convection, accelerating the gas flow rate inside the housing 5, thereby further improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the housing 5.

[0045] Preferably, in an embodiment of the present utility model, the communication expansion module 3 in the programmable logic controller system 1 is an EtherCAT communication expansion module. The programmable logic controller 2 can perform data exchange with a variety of automation devices through the EtherCAT communication expansion module, so that the programmable logic controller system 1 realizes multi-axis output control.

[0046] For example, when the communication expansion module 3 in this embodiment is a module of the ECM8 model or the ECM16 model, up to 8 or 16 servo devices can be carried. Through the EtherCAT communication expansion module, EtherCAT communication can be directly performed with multiple servo devices, facilitating the efficient automation control of multiple devices.

[0047] It is worth mentioning that in the implementation mode of the present utility model, the communication expansion module 3 can be a communication module carrying one or more communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet / IP, etc., which is not limited herein.

[0048] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A programmable logic controller system, characterized in that: It includes a programmable logic controller and a communication expansion module connected to the programmable logic controller, wherein the communication expansion module includes: A mainboard, wherein a first connector is formed at a first end of a first surface of the mainboard, and the communication expansion module is connected to the programmable logic controller by means of the first connector; The mainboard is embedded in the shell and fixed therein, the first connector of the mainboard is exposed from the shell, the shell further comprises a fixing part, and the communication expansion module is fixedly connected to the programmable logic controller by using the fixing part.

2. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the shell is an opening, the mainboard is embedded in the shell and fixed in a manner matching the opening, the first surface of the mainboard is exposed through the opening, and the second surface of the mainboard facing away from the first connector is surrounded by the shell.

3. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The programmable logic controller includes a plurality of expansion slots, and the expansion slots include: A second connector, connected to the first connector; A fixing member is connected with the fixing portion in cooperation.

4. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The communication expansion module also includes: A communication network port is arranged at a second end of the second surface of the mainboard, the first end and the second end are two opposite ends of the mainboard, and an opening direction of the communication network port is toward a direction away from the first end from the second end; The LED unit is arranged on the second surface of the main board.

5. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shell of the communication expansion module further includes a first heat dissipation opening, which is disposed on a bottom surface of the shell opposite to the second surface, and the first heat dissipation opening corresponds to a position of the first connector.

6. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The shell of the communication expansion module further includes a second heat dissipation port, which is opened on a side surface of the shell connected to the first end.

7. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shell of the communication expansion module also includes a third heat dissipation port, which is arranged adjacent to the communication network port.

8. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fixing portion is a fixing hole opened at the corner of the shell, the fixing piece is a fixing column passing through the fixing hole, and the programmable logic controller system also includes a screw, the screw has a cap and a threaded portion, the threaded portion is threadedly connected to the fixing hole, and the cap limits or presses the shell.

9. The programmable logic controller system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The communication expansion module is an EtherCAT communication expansion module.

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