Connection device consisting of a connection system and a mounting base

Abstract

Connection device comprising a connection system and a mounting base, wherein the connection system is arranged on the mounting base between two spaced-apart cable ducts (51, 52), which has several modules arranged in series, each with disc-shaped housings (10, 20, 30), comprising at least one supply module (1) and one or more of the connection modules (3) indirectly connected to the supply module (1) for connecting one or more electrical devices, wherein the supply module (1) and the connection modules (3) each comprise at least one electronic converter circuit, wherein the housings (10, 20, 30) have substantially the same geometric dimensions at least in a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the alignment direction and to the mounting base (5), wherein each of the modules (1, 2, 3) has a distance to each of the cable ducts (51, 52).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection device comprising a connection system and a mounting base.

[0002] Connection systems of the type in question here generally comprise at least one supply module and several connection modules arranged in series with it. The various modules have housings which are generally disc-shaped and which can be arranged in a row on the mounting base, which can have a mounting rail. One or more bus systems can be provided to connect the individual connection modules to one another. These bus systems can have several bus conductors which comprise contacts which can be arranged on the transverse sides or row sides of the housings and which correspond to one another in such a way that, when the housings are arranged in series, bus conductors are formed which extend across several housings. Alternatively or optionally, bus lines can also be formed across several of the connection modules with the aid of plug-in bridges or similar.

[0003] The invention has the object of creating a connection device comprising a connection system and a mounting base that is technically further optimized compared to the prior art.

[0004] The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0005] According to claim 1, a connection device comprising a connection system and a mounting base is provided, wherein the connection system is arranged on the mounting base between two cable ducts spaced apart from one another, said connection system comprising a plurality of modules arranged in a row, each having a disc-like housing, which comprises at least one supply module and one or more connection modules arranged indirectly next to the supply module for connecting one or more electrical devices, wherein the supply module and the connection modules each comprise at least one electronic converter circuit, and wherein the housings have substantially identical geometric dimensions at least in a vertical direction perpendicular to the row direction and to the mounting base, and wherein each of the modules is spaced apart from each of the cable ducts by a distance, in particular a distance of more than 20 mm, in particular between 20 and 60 mm.Particularly preferred is for each module to have a distance of 35 mm to 45 mm from each cable duct. This creates a very clear connection device that is easy to install and maintain.

[0006] The invention, in its various embodiments, enables a comprehensive system and a solution standardization with a particularly extensive combinability / sequencing capability and a largely identical or at least largely similar external shape of the modules and in particular their housings.

[0007] It can be provided that the mounting base advantageously has a plate and a support rail fastened thereon, on which the modules of the connection system can be mounted, ie can be easily mechanically fastened and arranged in series.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, it can then be further provided that the supply module can be connected to a supply network and that the electronic converter circuit of the supply module is designed to convert the voltage of the supply network into an internal voltage of the connection system.

[0009] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can then be further provided that the converter circuit of the connection modules is designed to convert the internal voltage into a supply voltage for one or more consumers that can be connected to the connection module.

[0010] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can then be provided that one or more of the modules, in particular the connection modules, have a device for shield connection.

[0011] The connections between the supply module and the individual additional modules can be established via internal bus contacts and / or additional elements such as cables. Mechanical connection elements are also conceivable. Both the integrated and external solutions offer both a mechanical and electrical connection. Fans can be used if active convection cooling is required. These can be replaceable without tools, e.g., for maintenance purposes.

[0012] And the invention also provides a connection system which is characterized by one or more of the features relating to the connection system in the claims relating to the connection device.

[0013] Before describing preferred embodiments, it should be noted that some preferred embodiments are also described in detail below, but that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but can be varied as desired within the scope of the claims. In particular, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front" or "rear" are not to be understood as limiting, but refer merely to the respective connection device shown. Furthermore, when individual components are explained, these are - unless stated otherwise - fundamentally also conceivable in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, individual advantageous features of the embodiments are not limited to use in this embodiment, but can also be used in other embodiments that fall within the scope of protection.The scope of protection also includes, in particular, kinematic reversals of the connecting devices shown.

[0014] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1a - c various perspective views of modules of a first connection system arranged in a row on a support rail; Fig. 1c, d perspective views of the first connection system analogous to the views from Fig. 1a, whereby the connection system has been supplemented by further elements; Fig. 2a -d various perspective views of modules of a second connection system arranged in a row on a support rail; Fig. 3 a plan view of a mounting base with a support rail on which modules of another connection system are arranged in a row; and Fig. 4 a block diagram to illustrate the functionality of the connection systems from Fig. 1-d and Fig. 2a-d.

[0015] The following is based on the Fig. 1 ac and Fig. 1c, d and 3 and 4 discuss a first modular connection system for connecting electrical devices, in particular motors.

[0016] The respective modular connection system - see e.g. the Fig. 1a as well as 2a and 3 and 4 - comprises a supply module 1, optionally a function module 2, and one or more connection modules 3, arranged on or directly adjacent to the supply module 1, for connecting one or more electrical devices. These modules are then referred to as "modules" if they each have the same feature. Fig. 2a, no functional module 2 is provided, but only a supply module 1 and several connection modules 3. Preferably, a maximum of one to five connection modules 3 are connected to each supply module 1.

[0017] The supply module 1, the function module 2, and the connection modules 3 each have a housing 10, 20, 30. The housings 10, 20, 30 of the various modules 1, 2, 3 are essentially relatively flat and disc-like. They can be arranged in a row direction X on a mounting base with a support rail 4, which in turn can be arranged on a plate 5 or a wall of a control cabinet.

[0018] The housings 1, 20, 30 can be mechanically connected in the alignment direction X, for example via one or more locking connections with corresponding locking means Fig. 2a, reference numeral 6) and / or by means of clamping connections with clamping pins and corresponding openings (not shown).

[0019] Parallel to the support rail 4, on both sides of the support rail 3, a cable duct 51, 52 extends at a distance from the latter, through which cables and lines can be laid (shown), in particular those whose ends can be connected to one of the modules 1, 2, 3 or are connected in the installed state.

[0020] The directions perpendicular to the alignment direction X are designated Y and Z. Where Z is a vertical direction perpendicular to the mounting base, and Y is a transverse direction perpendicular to the alignment direction 4. The mounting base lies in the X / Y plane.

[0021] The distance D1, D2 between the housings 10, 20 and 30 and the cable ducts 51, 52 in the transverse direction Y is preferably between 20 and 60 mm, in particular 35 to 45 mm (see Fig. 3). In the X-direction, the housings 10, 20, and 30 are preferably arranged directly next to each other.

[0022] Corresponding bus contacts 7 can be formed on the main surfaces of the housings 10, 20, 30 aligned in and against the alignment direction Y (see Fig. 2a, otherwise not recognizable due to the selected representations), which, when arranged in series, can form cross-connecting energy and / or information transmission buses. The connections between the supply module 1 and the connected module 2 or 3, as well as between the other connection modules 3, can also be established via external cables 71 (see example Fig. 1a) . In Fig. 4, bus lines "+" and "-" are schematically indicated as lines. These lines represent (electrical) connections between modules 1, possibly 2, and 3, and are preferably the same everywhere. This means that they are not changed or converted in the individual modules 1, possibly 2, and 3. The conversion in the individual modules 1 and 3 takes place in modules 1, possibly 2, and 3 between these "+" and "-" connections and the "outputs" indicated below on module 3. However, this does not occur from module to module.

[0023] The term "power transmission bus" also includes, in particular, the transmission of power to supply electrical devices connected to the connection modules 3. And the term "information transmission bus" encompasses both the transmission of digital data and the transmission of analog signals via the respective bus.

[0024] The invention is also suitable for modules that can be mounted on a mounting base other than one with a mounting rail 4, for example, directly on a wall or the like. To realize the possibility of mounting on the mounting rail 4, it is conceivable to provide locking elements 9 for the preferably releasable locking of the housings on the mounting rail edge (see Fig. 1b).

[0025] The connection systems shown in the attached figures are intended as modular energy distribution systems for the joint connection and operation of one or more electrical devices such as one or two or more consumers such as electric motors per connection module 3 and, if applicable, other devices to a supply network.

[0026] The supply network can be a non-proprietary AC or DC network. It is connected to the supply module on the input side - (GRID) inputs 11 (see Fig. 4a, b).

[0027] The power flow can be unidirectional, from the mains supply to the device, or bidirectional. This means that power can flow from the mains supply to the device, as well as from the device to the mains supply. According to one variant, the connection modules would be designed as 24V power supplies. This system offers particular advantages in terms of space utilization, for example, in the control cabinet.

[0028] Additional modules 2, 3 are electrically and mechanically connected to the supply module 1. This electrical connection includes energy and / or information transmission, particularly in the sense of a power and data connection. The supply module 1 can contain optional filters for use in certain regions. Expansion with external filters through the function module 2 or the like is also possible. The function module 2 can also have, for example, communication connections 21. These could, however, also be formed on the supply module 1 (see Fig. 2a). Further connections can be provided on the functional module 2 (in Fig. 1a above the communication ports 21).

[0029] Preferably, individual modules 1, 2, 3 can be removed from a row of modules, e.g., in the vertical direction Z, without having to move the housings 10, 20, 30 in the row direction X. For this purpose, the contacts 7, which form the bus conductors, must be designed accordingly (e.g., as fork and blade contacts or as pressure contacts).

[0030] The supply module 1 is preferably provided with an electronic converter circuit (e.g., AC / DC and / or DC / DC converter). This electronic converter circuit is preferably designed to convert the voltage of the supply network into an internal voltage suitable for shared use.

[0031] In addition, the supply module 1 can be designed as a central connection point for digital and analog inputs and outputs, as well as for the connection of fieldbus systems.

[0032] Further functions of the supply module 1 can be optionally implemented as a measuring device, in particular for load flow or power monitoring, including sensors and evaluation, and a control device for control, including active or passive switching or isolating devices.

[0033] The isolating device for implementing an isolating function can include non-resettable fuses, but also resettable elements such as electronic circuits.

[0034] The evaluation can be performed using variable time- and current-based characteristics or by fixed characteristics defined by protective devices (melting / limit load integral). Using a device for current-limited or current-controlled switching or pre-charging, the inrush current is limited to a defined maximum, regardless of the number of devices or the installed electrical capacitance (capacitors) in the modular system.

[0035] Preferably, all necessary functions can then be integrated into supply module 1 to optionally implement a "DC branch" to DC industry (for more information on the term "DC industry," see: https: / / dc-industrie.zvei.org / ).

[0036] Another optional feature is the integration of one or more safety functions into the supply module 1.

[0037] For example, a device for implementing a "Safe Torque Off" (STO) safety function can be integrated into the supply module. This can be designed so that the supply module acts as the master and the individual modules act as slaves. This function is used to disconnect the motors connected via the individual modules using an electrical signal fed to supply module 1. This makes the motors torque-free from the outside. In contrast to "Single STO", where each module or axis has a separate connection for a single signal, in this "Master STO" version the supply module collects the signal and distributes it to the connected modules with the necessary safety. Accordingly, all connected motors are no longer supplied with current at the same time and are therefore torque-free.

[0038] The connection modules 3 are preferably each also provided with an electronic converter circuit (preferably DC / AC, but also conceivable: DC / DC, if necessary with galvanic isolation, see this indicated in Fig. 4 by a diagonal double line in one of the connection modules 3). They convert an internal voltage into the voltage suitable for the application. This can affect the amplitude of the voltage, the current, and the frequency (see Fig. 4). Preferably, one load, in particular an electric motor, is connected to each connection module. However, two or more electric motors can also be connected to each connection module.

[0039] Optionally, a connection for a motor cable can also have a shield connection 8 for a cable shield. Further shield connections 8 for additional connectable cables and / or conductors can also be provided on the connection modules (see, for example, Fig. 1e).

[0040] This can be screwed or latched, for example. Electrical devices that can be connected to the connection modules 3 can include: three-phase motors, SELV / PELV, storage devices, brake choppers / resistors, and similar comparable devices, such as service sockets with, for example, 230Vac / 400Vac or other auxiliary power supplies. For this purpose, corresponding sockets can optionally be provided on one or more of the connection modules 3 (again, see the Fig. 4).

[0041] Device connections 31 ( Fig. 1a). Furthermore, additional connections (especially Digital In, Digital Out, Analog In, etc.) may be provided. Fig. 1a, from left to right, the first three connection modules 3 each have device connections 31 for a single motor, while the fourth connection module 3 from the left has double device connections 31 for connecting two motors each.

[0042] The connection system offers a simple way to configure and commission the modules with or without additional tools. Without additional tools, the individual modules can be operated via supply module 1 and, for example, a separate controller connected to the supply module can also be operated via freely configurable inputs.

[0043] Additional options can be plug-on modules in various designs, e.g. display units that can be attached to modules 1 and 2 or connection units with fieldbus connections (see e.g. communication connections 21 in Fig. 1a or Fig.2a) or functional units such as PCs or mobile devices integrated into or attachable to modules 1, 2, or 3. In addition, a standalone web server can be provided for configuration purposes and preferably integrated into one of modules 1, 2.

[0044] It should also be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the individual modules 1, 2, and / or 3 can have a maximum height of preferably 135 mm, in particular 130 mm, in the Z vertical direction, a maximum width of 88 mm, in particular 80 mm, preferably 40 mm, in the X vertical direction, and a maximum depth of 145 mm, in particular 140 mm, in the Y vertical direction. Thus, the modules 1, 2, and 3 and the entire connection system require only a small amount of space and volume. Reference symbol 1 supply module 10 housings 11 entrances 2 Function module 20 housings 21 communication ports 3 connection modules 30 housings 31 device connections 4 mounting rail 5 plate 51, 52 cable duct 6 resting means 7 bus contacts 71 cables 8 Device for shield connection 9 locking elements X Arranging direction Z vertical direction Y transverse direction D1, D2 distance QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] https: / / dc-industrie.zvei.org

[0035]

Claims

[1] Connection device comprising a connection system and a mounting base, wherein the connection system is arranged on the mounting base between two spaced-apart cable ducts (51, 52), which has a plurality of modules arranged in series, each with disc-like housings (10, 20, 30), which comprise at least one supply module (1) and one or more of the connection modules (3) arranged indirectly on the supply module (1) for connecting one or more electrical devices, wherein the supply module (1) and the connection modules (3) each comprise at least one electronic converter circuit, characterized by that the housings (10, 20, 30) have substantially identical geometric dimensions at least in a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the alignment direction and to the mounting base (5), each of the modules (1, 2, 3) being spaced apart from each of the cable ducts (51, 52). [2] Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized bythat each of the modules (1, 2, 3) has a distance of more than 20 mm, in particular 20 - 60 mm, from each of the cable ducts (51, 52). [3] Connecting device according to claim 2, characterized by that each of the modules (1, 2, 3) has a distance of 35 mm to 45 mm from each of the cable ducts (51, 52). [4] Connecting device according to claim 3, characterized by that all modules have the same dimensions in three mutually perpendicular directions. [5] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housings (10, 20, 30) also have the same geometric dimensions in the row direction. [6] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mounting base has a plate (5) with a support rail (4) fastened thereon, on which the modules of the connection system are mechanically fastened and arranged in a row. [7] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supply module (1) can be connected to a supply network and that the electronic converter circuit of the supply module (1) is designed to convert the voltage of the supply network into an internal voltage of the connection system, which is passed on from the supply module to the connection modules (3). [8] Connecting device according to claim 7, characterized by that the electronic converter circuit of the connection modules (3) is designed to convert the internal voltage into a supply voltage for one or more consumers that can be connected to the connection module (3). [9] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supply module (1) is designed as a central connection module for digital and analogue inputs and outputs, as well as for the connection to fieldbus systems. [10] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supply module (1) has a device for implementing at least one safety function, in particular a “Safe Torque Off” (STO) function. [11] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the supply module (1) and / or the function module (2) have a pluggable connection unit. [12] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one or more of the connection modules (3) have a device (8) for shield connection. [13] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the individual modules (1, 2 and / or 3) have a maximum height of preferably 135 mm, in particular 130 mm, in the Z vertical direction, a maximum width of 88 mm, in particular 80 mm or a maximum width of 40 mm in the X direction and a maximum depth of max. 145 mm, in particular 140 mm, in the Y direction. [14] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrical device(s) connectable to the electrical connection modules (3) comprise one or more of the following devices: one or more three-phase motors, a SELV / PELV, one or more storage devices, one or more brake choppers / resistors. [15] Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat one or more of the electrical connection modules (3) have one or more service sockets with preferably 230V AC / 400V AC or one or more other connections for other auxiliary voltage supplies. [16] Connection system, characterized by one or more of the features relating to the connection system in the preceding claims.

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