Automation platform for providing decentralized automation of an industrial plant

Abstract

The invention relates to an automation platform (1) for providing decentralized automation of an industrial plant

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an automation platform. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connecting device and a base body housing. State of the art

[0002] It is known from the state of the art that modular automation solutions are used to supply electrical devices in an industrial plant with power via power lines and to control them via control lines such as fieldbus lines. To implement the modular solution, it may be necessary to establish a detachable electrical connection between functional modules and a common connecting device.

[0003] It can therefore be a problem with conventional solutions if the modular system is exposed to external influences that can damage the system's electronics.

[0004] Furthermore, assembling functional modules of a conventional automation platform can be complex and error-prone.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve sealing when connecting functional modules to a common connecting device. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The subject matter of the invention is an automation platform having the features of claim 1, a connecting device having the features of claim 6, and a base body housing having the features of claim 9. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the connecting device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the automation platform according to the invention and the base body housing according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0007] The subject matter of the invention is, in particular, an automation platform for providing decentralized automation of an industrial plant. The automation platform according to the invention comprises a connecting device, preferably designed in the form of a backplane. The connecting device can serve as a common connecting device for a plurality of functional modules in order to electrically connect the functional modules to one another.

[0008] The automation platform according to the invention comprises, in particular, a first functional module that provides a safety or control function for at least one electrical device of the industrial plant. The first functional module can be designed such that it is intended for data transmission.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one second functional module can be provided. The second functional module is preferably designed to serve as a power supply. The power supply is intended to supply the first functional module and / or the electrical device with electrical energy. The power supply is divided, in particular, into a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply, wherein the main power supply can be provided with a higher electrical voltage than the auxiliary power supply.

[0010] Furthermore, a connection arrangement can be provided as part of the connecting device. The connection arrangement is designed and constructed in such a way that it electrically connects the functional modules for transmitting the main power and the auxiliary power for the power supply, as well as for data transmission for the safety and / or control function.

[0011] In addition, a base body housing of the connecting device can be provided, in which the connecting arrangement is arranged in the automation platform according to the invention. The base body housing preferably has a plurality of openings, which are optionally arranged at a regular spacing, preferably in a grid-like manner. These openings make it possible to establish electrical contact between the functional modules and the connecting arrangement. For this purpose, during assembly, for example, contacts of the respective functional module can be passed through one of the openings and preferably plugged in.

[0012] The openings enable, in particular, modular assembly of the functional modules on the connecting device. This means that the functional modules can be mounted at any of the openings, in any order if necessary, while still maintaining the overall functionality of the automation platform. This can be achieved by ensuring that the openings and connection arrangement provide the same electrical and mechanical connection options for all of the functional modules. The modular assembly of the functional modules on the connecting device thus offers a high degree of flexibility in configuring the automation platform. In other words, the uniform connection configuration at all openings ensures that the overall functionality of the platform is maintained, regardless of which functional modules are attached to which opening of the connecting device.This means that individual requirements for the automation solution can be implemented quickly and easily.

[0013] It can be provided that electrical contacts of the functional modules are connected to the connecting arrangement through the openings for mounting on the connecting device. The contacts comprise, for example, at least one main power contact for transmitting the main power, at least one auxiliary power contact for transmitting the auxiliary power, and at least one data contact for transmitting data. The at least one main power contact can be designed to provide the main power transmission with the higher electrical voltage.

[0014] The invention can provide for the automation platform to have one or more sealing means that, in conjunction with one or more matching counterparts, create a water- and dust-tight seal for the openings. This can have the advantage of ensuring the functionality of the automation platform even under harsh environmental conditions. Furthermore, the seal can help extend the service life of the platform by preventing the ingress of moisture and dust. It is possible for the seal to be made of a flexible material to allow adaptation to the geometries of the openings.

[0015] Advantageously, sealing the openings with water and dust protection allows for electrical contacts that are protected from external influences in the field, i.e., at the location where the automation platform is used. This is particularly advantageous when the conditions at the location of use are such that the use of unprotected electrical contacts is difficult. This generally includes humid, dusty, or dirty environments.

[0016] According to a further development of the present invention, the counterpart or at least one of the several counterparts is one of the functional modules described above. The respective sealant therefore develops its sealing properties by being arranged on / with the connecting device during use and proper assembly of the functional module. Advantageously, only the components necessary for use are provided, enabling a water- and dust-tight closure of the openings without the need for additional components. This therefore represents an economically viable and user-friendly solution.

[0017] According to an advantageous further development of the automation platform according to the invention, the counterpart or at least one of the multiple counterparts is a blind plug. According to the present application, a blind plug is to be understood in particular as a plug that closes unused openings. In this case, it is possible for a blind plug to be used to close a single opening, or for the blind plug to be a component that closes more than one opening simultaneously. In contrast to a functional module, the blind plug can also be designed to be non-functional and / or non-electrical and / or non-electronic.

[0018] Advantageously, the blind plug can be used to seal openings that are not sealed water- and dust-tight by a functional module. Blind plugs are preferably simple and cost-effective plugs that can be installed and / or replaced in the field at any time. The variability of the automation platform is thus advantageously expanded so that a water- and dust-tight seal can be achieved for all openings, regardless of the size of the connecting device and the functional modules used. This makes it possible to use one or just a few basic connecting devices for a variety of automation platforms. The automation platform can therefore be used modularly without compromising water- and dust-tightness.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the automation platform according to the invention, the respective sealing means is a flat gasket. This can have the advantage that the gasket is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and ensures a reliable seal between the functional modules and the connecting arrangement. Flat gaskets can be produced cost-effectively in a wide variety of shapes and thicknesses, are easy to handle, and, thanks to their frequent combination with self-adhesive properties, can be securely mounted. Furthermore, it is advantageous that flat gaskets can be easily removed and thus replaced.

[0020] It is also possible for the base body housing and / or the respective sealing means to be made of an electrically insulating material to ensure reliable electrical separation between the functional modules and the connection arrangement. In this case, the base body housing and / or the respective sealing means can also be designed to provide mechanical stability and protection for the functional modules and the connection arrangement.

[0021] Furthermore, the sealant(s) can be designed as a lamellar seal. Lamellar seals are particularly adapted components that can be used exclusively in the appropriate location, thus eliminating incorrect assembly and improving handling, even under adverse field conditions. Furthermore, the sealing properties remain very good even over a long period of time, which can have the advantage that the lamellar seals are highly resistant to wear and adverse influences such as high temperatures.

[0022] It is also possible for the connecting device to additionally include a protective device designed to protect the functional modules and the connecting arrangement from external influences, such as moisture, dust, or vibrations. The protective device can, for example, be designed as an additional housing or part of the base body housing that partially or completely encloses the automation platform.

[0023] According to a further alternative embodiment, the seals can be foamed. Advantageously, foamed seals are often inserted into designated grooves during the manufacturing process, thus eliminating incorrect assembly in the field. The use of foamed seals can contribute to increasing the thermal stability of the connecting device and minimizing the effects of vibrations and shocks. Overall, the use of foamed seals can improve the functionality and robustness of the automation platform and thus contribute to greater efficiency and productivity of the industrial plant. The grooves can be specially designed to accommodate the foamed seals. The grooves can, for example, be arranged along the edges of the base body housing and have a suitable width and depth to securely accommodate the seals.Alternatively, the grooves can also be arranged in a separate sealing element that is placed on the base body housing.

[0024] According to a further alternative embodiment, the sealing means(s) are designed as molded seals. Molded seals have the advantage of being specifically adapted to a specific application, making incorrect installation more difficult. Furthermore, they are durable, yet easy to replace if the sealing properties no longer meet expectations or specifications.

[0025] According to another possible embodiment of the automation platform according to the invention, a combination of the aforementioned seals is used to seal the openings in a watertight and dusttight manner. Depending on the positioning, application location, and other circumstances, it may be advantageous to use different sealants at different positions on the automation platform to reliably seal the openings in a watertight and dusttight manner. The use of redundant sealants, each of which can be designed differently, can also result in an improvement in the automation platform.

[0026] A connecting device according to the invention is particularly designed such that it can be used in an automation platform as explained in more detail above. The connecting device has, for example, a main connection surface. The main connection surface can have one or more sealing means according to the invention, which, in conjunction with a suitable counterpart, create a water- and dust-tight connection. Advantageously, the main connection surface can thus be protected against disruptive environmental influences, so that the connections have a lower probability of failure than would be the case with an unprotected main connection surface. The connecting device can thus advantageously be used in the field even under less than optimal conditions, thus significantly increasing the application possibilities compared to solutions known from the prior art.

[0027] In an advantageous further development of the connecting device, a guide surface also features one or more sealing elements. These, in conjunction with a matching counterpart, create a water- and dust-tight connection. This advantageously protects the guide surface from environmental influences. The aforementioned advantages with regard to the main connection surface can be transferred to the guide surface.

[0028] According to another possible embodiment, the respective sealants on the main connection surface and on the guide surface are designed such that the use of a counterpart seals both surfaces in conjunction with the respective sealants, creating a watertight and dustproof seal. Combining both sealants with a single counterpart has proven particularly simple and effective. Assembly is simplified, the number of components is reduced, and the sealing properties are at least equivalent to a solution using a separate counterpart.

[0029] A base body housing according to the invention is advantageously also designed for use in a previously described connecting device. The base body housing has, for example, sealing means on one end face of the base body housing. The sealing means surround channels formed in the base body in particular and seal them longitudinally, making them watertight and dustproof from the environment, especially when they interact with a suitable counterpart.

[0030] It has proven advantageous to seal the channels longitudinally to ensure water and dust tightness. For example, a connection arrangement used for both power and data transmission may be located within the channels, so the ingress of foreign objects would cause damage to the system. The use of end-face sealants significantly reduces this risk and expands the application range of the base body housing, as it can also be easily used in the field.

[0031] In an optional further development of the base body housing, it has a main connection surface. Openings in the form of recesses, in particular elongated holes, are provided in this main connection surface, for example, which allow passage between the channels and the environment. The channels extend in a longitudinal direction through the base body housing. In other words, the direction of extension of the channels is along the longer side length of the base body housing. Preferably, the openings, i.e., the extension of the elongated holes, each run orthogonally to the direction of extension of the channels.

[0032] Advantageously, the openings allow the connection arrangement arranged in the channels to be connected to electrical contacts, for example of a functional module. In a further development, the openings in the area of ​​the main connection surface are surrounded by at least one sealant which, in conjunction with a suitable counterpart, achieves a water- and dust-tight seal of the openings. Advantageously, when the base body housing is used correctly, i.e., when assembling a functional module, for example, the opening can also be used as an electrical contact option between an electrical contact of the functional module and the connection arrangement arranged in the channel. At the same time, in conjunction with the respective sealant, it seals the opening water- and dust-tight, thus protecting the electrical connection from external influences.The aforementioned advantages can be achieved very easily with one component and one assembly process.

[0033] According to a possible further development, the end-face sealant(s) are combined with the sealant(s) in the area of ​​the main connection surface. When both sealants are used with the appropriate counterparts, the channels are completely sealed against the environment, making them watertight and dustproof, thus protecting the connection arrangements located therein. The advantages of the aforementioned sealants are combined here.

[0034] In a further development of the base body housing, the sealing means(s) are designed such that one sealing means encloses one opening. In an alternative embodiment of the base body housing, the sealing means(s) are designed such that one sealing means completely encloses more than one opening.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the matching counterpart of the respective sealing agent in the area of ​​the main connection surface is a functional module. This advantageously allows the sealing properties to be combined with the electrical connection during assembly of the functional modules, as already explained above.

[0036] According to a further and / or alternative embodiment, the matching counterpart of the respective sealing means is a blind plug. The present inventive solution is to be understood in such a way that one counterpart may be sufficient to seal all openings, but the use of several parallel counterparts is also conceivable to ensure the sealing of all openings.

[0037] As an additional or alternative counterpart to the functional modules mentioned above, blind plugs are particularly advantageous. They are simple and cost-effective to manufacture and are particularly easy to handle during installation. In conjunction with the sealant(s), the openings are securely sealed against external influences. A combination of functional modules and blind plugs has proven particularly advantageous in field practice, as the dimensions of the base body housing do not have to be adapted to the functional modules used, but rather a small number of standard sizes can be used. The functional modules are mounted, and the unclosed openings are fitted with the blind plugs. The channels are securely sealed to prevent water and dust from entering.

[0038] The automation platform can be designed in a decentralized manner by providing automation functions for the system with one or more additional decentralized automation platforms. The one or more additional decentralized automation platforms can each also be designed as an automation platform according to the invention. The automation platforms can accordingly provide partial automation functions that complementarily enable the automation of the system. The partial automation functions include, for example, the control and / or regulation of variables such as pressure, flow, or temperature and / or the monitoring of process parameters and / or the control and / or evaluation of actuators and sensors.

[0039] It can be provided that the individual different partial automation functions are provided by specially designed functional modules. In this way, partial automation functions can be supplemented and combined in a modular manner in an automation platform. The functional modules include, for example, a power supply module, such as a power supply unit, and / or a fieldbus module and / or a safety module for monitoring and safeguarding processes and / or a motor control module and / or an industrial PC that can perform control tasks. In addition, pneumatic and / or hydraulic modules can also be provided as functional modules in order to control movements and forces, for example. These modules can be designed, for example, to control cylinders, valves and / or pumps. These functional modules can also include cylinders, valves and / or pumps.By combining electronic and pneumatic / hydraulic elements, complex and precise control tasks can be realized in various application areas, such as automation technology.

[0040] It is also conceivable that the automation platforms are connected to a higher-level controller (central controller), e.g., via a fieldbus system. However, the decentralized automation platforms can, if necessary, at least partially replace the function of a central control cabinet. For this purpose, the automation platform can be located in the field of the system, e.g., near actuators and sensors. This can have the advantage of achieving a high degree of flexibility and scalability of the automation, as additional decentralized automation platforms can be easily added to provide additional automation functions.Furthermore, the decentralized design of the automation platforms can result in easier maintenance, greater robustness, and reliability of the automation, as failures of individual components can be compensated for by other decentralized automation platforms. This ensures high availability of the automation. A system with decentralized automation platforms can also be protected.

[0041] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a connecting device according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a connection arrangement. Fig. 3 a further schematic representation of a connecting device according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4 a further schematic representation of a connecting device according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5 a further schematic representation of a connecting device according to embodiments of the invention.

[0042] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates, according to embodiments of the invention, a connecting device 10 for providing a decentralized automation platform 1. It shows an arrangement of several main and preferably auxiliary connections 50, 55, which are provided for the electrical connection of several functional modules 200 in a connection area A of the connecting device 10. Furthermore, a main connection surface 21 is shown, on which at least the main connections 50 are arranged. Also shown is an optional first guide surface 80 of a first guide wall 32 and a further optional guide surface (dashed line) of a second guide wall 32', each of which is arranged at a defined angle W1 to the respective main connection surface 21.This allows the functional modules 200 to be mechanically guided into the connection area A and thus supports the assembly of the functional modules 200 which are intended for connection to the main and / or auxiliary connections 50, 55.

[0044] Furthermore, a base body 20 with a base body housing 30 and with a connection arrangement 40 is shown, wherein the connection arrangement 40 is electrically connected to the main and preferably secondary connections 50, 55 in order to provide an electrical connection of the connected functional modules 200 to one another.

[0045] The base body housing 30, in which the connection arrangement 40 is arranged, can have a plurality of openings XX to enable electrical contact between the functional modules 200 and the connection arrangement 40. For this purpose, electrical contacts 251, 252, 253 of the functional modules 200 can be connected to the connection arrangement 40 through the openings XX (see...). Fig. 2. Furthermore, the contacts 251, 252, 253 can comprise at least one main power contact 251 for transmitting the main power, at least one auxiliary power contact 252 for transmitting the auxiliary power, and at least one data contact 253 for data transmission. The at least one main power contact 251 can be configured to provide the main power transmission with the higher electrical voltage.

[0046] Furthermore, at least one sealing means 281, in particular a first sealing means 281a and an optional second sealing means 281b, are shown in the connection area A. The sealing means 281a is provided in the area of ​​the main connection surface 21, preferably in edge areas of the main connection surface 21, particularly preferably such that the sealing means 281a encloses a maximum area of ​​the main connection surface 21. The optional sealing means 281b is provided in the area of ​​the guide surface 80, preferably in edge areas of the guide surface 80, particularly preferably such that the sealing means 281b encloses a maximum area of ​​the guide surface 80. Such an arrangement of the sealing means 281a, 281b enables complete sealing of the connection area A when mounting a functional means 200 that is flush with the main connection surface 21 and the guide surface 80.

[0047] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one or more sealing means 282 are provided on end faces YY of the base body housing 30, which, in conjunction with a matching counterpart 290, seal at least one or more, preferably at least two, channels 25 in a longitudinal direction in a water- and dust-tight manner.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing means 281a, 281b can also be designed as a single sealing means 281, which each surrounds the outer contours of the main connection surface 21 and preferably also of the guide surface 80 and thus, in conjunction with a matching counterpart 290, also seals the connection area A.

[0049] According to Fig. 1, additional sealing means 282 may be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the sealing means 281a, 281b. These sealing means 282 are arranged in the region of an end face of the base body housing 30; in particular, the sealing means 282 enclose the recesses of the base body housing 30 formed by the channels 25 in this end face region. The sealing means 282 may be designed as two individual sealing means 282 or as one sealing means 282 that encompasses both recesses of the channels 25. The number, shape, and design of the sealing means 282 depends directly on the design of the base body housing and the number of channels and is adapted accordingly.

[0050] Further in Fig. 1 shows further sealing means 283, specifically 283a, 283b, which can also be provided in addition to or alternatively to the sealing means 281a, 281b and the sealing means 282. The sealing means 283a, 283b are provided in the region of the main connection surface 21 and are formed on or in this main connection surface 21. The sealing means 283a, 283b each enclose one and / or more openings 50 of the main connection surface 21. In conjunction with a suitable counterpart 290, for example a functional module 200, the openings 50 can thus be securely sealed. This sealing can, as explained above, be provided in addition to or instead of the sealing means 281a. Furthermore, sealing means (not shown here) can be provided which surround the secondary connections 55, individually or together, in the region of the main connection surface 21 and which, likewise with a suitable counterpart 290, reliably seal them off from the environment.

[0051] When using sealants 281a, 281b in conjunction with sealants 283a, 283b, a redundant sealing concept is provided to seal all connections in the connection area in a watertight and dusttight manner. In conjunction with sealants 282, channels 25 and the electrical connections provided therein are comprehensively sealed against the environment in a watertight and dusttight manner.

[0052] The Fig. The electrical lines 45 of the connection arrangement 40, schematically illustrated in Figure 2, can be arranged in the base body housing 30. They serve to provide a main power flow and / or an auxiliary power flow and / or a data flow for the connected functional modules 200, in order to thereby operate the automation platform 1 for controlling electrical devices 300 of an industrial plant.

[0053] As in Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, the main connections 50 can be arranged in a grid at equal intervals from one another to accommodate and hold one of the functional modules 200 in a predefined position. The main connections 50 can each have at least two of the following connecting elements 51, 52, 53: - optionally: a main energy connection element 51 for providing the main energy flow for the functional module 200 connected thereto, - an auxiliary energy connection element 52 for providing the auxiliary energy flow for the functional module 200 connected thereto, with a lower electrical voltage than the main energy flow, - a data connection element 53 for providing the data flow for the functional module 200 connected thereto.

[0054] It is preferred that the main terminals 50 each comprise the auxiliary power connection element 52 and the data connection element 53, with the auxiliary terminals 55 each comprising the main power connection element 51. The electrical lines 45 of the connection arrangement 40 within the base body housing 30 can be electrically connected partially to the auxiliary terminals 55 and partially to the main terminals 50.

[0055] The connecting device 10 can be as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown have several or exactly one secondary connection surface 22, which is arranged at a further defined angle W2 to the respective main connection surface 21, and on which the secondary connections 55 are arranged. According to Fig. 1 to 4, it is possible that the secondary connections 55 are arranged on the at least one guide surface 80. In Fig. 5, however, the auxiliary connections 55 are also provided on the main connection surface 21.

[0056] The secondary connections 55 can be aligned differently in relation to the main connections 50 (see Fig. 3), so that during assembly, mechanical and / or electrical contact is made between the functional module 200 and the main and auxiliary terminals 55 from different directions, preferably in more than one axis, wherein the at least one guide surface 80 provides mechanical guidance in an insertion direction ER and / or in a horizontal direction (perpendicular to the direction ER) of the connecting device 10 in order to support the contacting with the main terminals 50 in the insertion direction ER, wherein the guide surface 80 preferably limits movement of the functional modules 200 during assembly in a direction deviating from the insertion direction ER.

[0057] According to Fig. 2, the electrical lines 45 of the connection arrangement 40 may comprise the following lines 45: - Main power lines 41, which are designed to provide the main energy flow with an alternating voltage of up to 1000 volts and / or a direct voltage of up to 1500 volts and / or with an alternating voltage in the range of 70 volts to 1000 volts and / or with a direct voltage in the range of 130 volts to 1500 volts, and preferably with an alternating voltage of substantially 400 volts or a direct voltage in the range of 650 V to 700 V, preferably to supply at least one of the electrical devices 300 with energy, - Auxiliary power lines 42, which are designed to provide the auxiliary power flow with an alternating voltage of up to 50 volts and / or a direct voltage of up to 120 volts and / or with an alternating voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 50 volts and / or with a direct voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 120 volts, and preferably with a direct voltage of substantially 24 V or 48 V, preferably to provide a power supply for at least one of the functional modules 200 and / or for communication with at least one of the electrical devices 300, preferably for a fieldbus, - Data lines 43, which are designed to transmit a data and preferably fieldbus signal, preferably for communication with at least one of the electrical devices 300.

[0058] According to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the main power lines 41 and the auxiliary power lines 42 and / or data lines 43 can be arranged in separate channels 25 of the base body 20 and preferably separated from each other by a partition wall 31.

[0059] In Fig. 1 and 3 to 5 it is shown that the defined angle W1 and preferably also the further defined angle W2 can be substantially 90 degrees, wherein the respective guide surface 80 is connected to one or at least one of the main connection surfaces 21 and represents an extension of the respective main connection surface 21.

[0060] Out of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows that contact can be made between a connector arrangement 250, 255 of one of the functional modules 200, comprising a functional module main connector 250 and a functional module secondary connector 255, and a connection arrangement 50, 55 of the base body 20, comprising one of the main connections 50 and one of the secondary connections 55, in more than one axis. Furthermore, it can be seen that the base body housing 30, according to embodiments of the invention, forms the respective main connection surface 21 and guide surface 80, and in particular the secondary connection surface 22, wherein the base body housing 30 is substantially L-shaped (see FIG. Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) or U-shaped (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 5), wherein the parts of the base body housing 30 are connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0061] In Fig.3 schematically shows at least one sealing means 28 in the connection area A in order to seal the connection area A. It is also shown that at least one receptacle 35 for a fastening element 36, preferably for a screw, can be provided, wherein the receptacle 35, preferably a threaded bore, is formed at an angle W3, preferably in the range of 10 ° to 80 °, to the main connection surface 21 in the base body housing 30 in order to provide an oblique fastening and preferably screw connection of the respective functional module 200 to the base body housing 30.

[0062] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols 1 automation platform 10 Connecting device 20 basic bodies 21 Main connection area 22 secondary connection area 25 channels 28 Sealants 30 base body housings 31 Partition wall 32 guide wall 35 recording 36 Fastening element 40 Connection arrangement 41 main power lines 42 auxiliary power lines 43 data lines 45 lines 48 circuit board 50 main connections 51 Main energy connection element 52 Auxiliary power connection element 53 Data connection element 55 secondary connections 80 guide surface 200 functional modules 250 functional module main connectors 251 Function module main power connector 252 Function module auxiliary power connector 253 Function module data connector 255 Function module secondary connectors 281a Sealant connection area 281b Sealant guide surface 282 Sealant base body 283a Sealant Opening Single 283b Sealant Opening Multi 290 counterpart 300 electrical devices 32' second guide wall A connection area ER insertion direction W1 angle W2 further defined angle W3 further angle XX openings YY front sides

Claims

[1] Automation platform (1) for providing decentralized automation of an industrial plant, comprising: - a connecting device (10), in particular in the form of a backplane, - at least one first functional module (201) to provide a safety and / or control function for at least one electrical device (300) of the industrial plant, - at least one second functional module (202) for providing a power supply with main and auxiliary power for the at least one first functional module (201) and / or for the at least one electrical device (300) of the industrial plant, wherein the main power supply is provided with a higher electrical voltage than the auxiliary power supply, - a connection arrangement (40) of the connection device (10), wherein the connection arrangement (40) is configured to connect the functional modules (200) for the transmission of the main power and auxiliary power for the power supply and for data transmission for the safety and / or control function, - a base body housing (30) in which the connection arrangement (40) is arranged, wherein the base body housing (30) has several openings (XX) to enable electrical contact between the functional modules (200) and the connection arrangement (40), wherein for this purpose electrical contacts (251, 252, 253) of the functional modules (200) can be connected to the connection arrangement (40) through the openings (XX), wherein the contacts (251, 252, 253) comprise at least one main power contact (251) for the transmission of the main power and at least one auxiliary power contact (252) for the transmission of the auxiliary power and at least one data contact (253) for data transmission, wherein the at least one main power contact (251) is configured to provide the main power transmission with the higher electrical voltage, characterized by, that the automation platform (1) has one or more sealing means (283) which, in conjunction with one and / or more matching counterparts (290), create a watertight and dustproof seal of the openings (XX). [2] Automation platform (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the counterpart (290) or at least one of the several counterparts (290) is a functional module (200). [3] Automation platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the counterpart (290) or at least one of the several counterparts (290) is a blanking plug. [4] Automation platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the respective sealant (283) is a flat gasket. [5] Automation platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the respective sealant (283) is a lamellar seal. [6] Connecting device (10) for use in an automation platform (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a main connection surface (21) has one or more sealing elements (281a) which, in conjunction with a suitable counterpart (290), create a watertight and dustproof connection. [7] Connecting device (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that one or more sealing elements (281b) are provided on a guide surface (80) which, in conjunction with a suitable counterpart (290), create a water- and dust-tight connection. [8] Connecting device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that a connection area (A) for the electrical connection of several functional modules (200) is sealed watertight and dusttight by the use of the respective sealant (281a, 281b) in conjunction with a suitable counterpart (290). [9] Base body housing (30) for use in a connecting device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by , that at least one sealing element (282) is provided on end faces (YY) of the base body housing (30) which, in conjunction with a suitable counterpart (290), seals at least two channels (25) of the base body housing (30) in a longitudinal direction in a watertight and dustproof manner. [10] Base body housing (30) according to claim 9, characterized by , that openings (XX) are provided in a main connection surface (21) which form a passage into channels (25), wherein the channels (25) extend longitudinally through the base body housing (30). [11] Base body housing (30) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the openings (XX) in the area of ​​the main connection surface (21) are surrounded by one or more sealing materials (283) which, in conjunction with a suitable counterpart (290), achieve a watertight and dustproof seal of the openings (XX). [12] Base body housing (30) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by , that the channels (25) are sealed to be watertight and dustproof. [13] Base body housing (30) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by , that the counterpart (290) is a functional module (200). [14] Base body housing (30) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by that the one or more sealing means (283) are designed as a sealing means (283a) enclosing an opening each, or as a sealing means (283b) that completely encloses at least two openings (XX) each. [15] Base body housing (30) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by, that the counterpart (290) is a blanking plug.

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