Connecting device for an automation platform and automation platform

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device (10) for an automation platform, comprising a contact-receiving element (12) which is designed to provide contact with a contacting element (22) of a functional module (20) corresponding to the contact-receiving element (12) and, via this, to provide at least one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow to the functional module (20), and an earthing receiving element (15) which is designed to provide earthing for the functional module.

Description

The present invention relates to a connecting device for an automation platform and to an automation platform having such a connecting device and to a system.It is known from the prior art that modular automation solutions are used to supply electrical devices with energy via energy lines in an industrial installation and to actuate them via control lines, such as fieldbus lines. The modularity is often achieved in this case by using individual, independent functional modules which can be configured and combined individually. This has the advantage that the automation solutions can be adapted flexibly to the respective requirements of the industrial installation and thus ensure high efficiency and economic efficiency.US 2013 / 0342152 A1 discloses a multi-shaft motor drive device in which at least one amplifier module, a control substrate and a power substrate are provided.The publications WO 2012 / 000808 A1, WO 2023 / 088883 A1 and EP 2 728 673 B1 disclose further solutions of the generic type.In conventional solutions, it is frequently a problem that mounting functional modules of an automation platform can be complicated and prone to errors. It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described above. It is in particular an object of the present invention to improve the connection of functional modules to a common connecting device.Disclosure of the InventionThe subject matter of the invention is a connecting device with the features of claim 1 as well as an automation platform with the features of claim 11 and a system with the features of claim 15. Features and details which are described in connection with the connection device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the automation platform according to the invention and the installation and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure reference is or can always be made to the individual aspects of the invention in a mutually alternating manner.The subject matter of the invention is in particular a connecting device for an automation platform, comprising a contacting receptacle element which is designed to provide contacting with a contacting element of a functional module corresponding to the contacting receptacle element and to provide via this at least one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow to the functional module, and a grounding receptacle element which is designed to provide grounding for the functional module.An automation platform for which the connection device according to the invention is set up and designed can be understood to mean hardware, optionally with associated software, in order to automate specific processes in an electrical installation. For example, motors, preferably servomotors, are activated here, and a robot arm is moved with these motors or a conveyor belt is controlled. The connecting device can be at least part of the automation platform in order to connect one or more functional modules to it and / or to connect them to one another, and in this way provide modular different functions for the automation, such as the control of the motors. This can have the advantage that the connecting device with the functional modules is made capable of connecting and / or controlling and / or evaluating a multiplicity of devices and components in an electrical installation in order to ensure smooth and efficient automation.The modularity can be achieved by the functional modules being designed as individual modules, in particular modules independent of one another, each with a module housing of its own and an electronics system, which makes it possible to configure the modules individually and to combine them functionally with further functional modules. The functional modules can also have data and / or energy supply interfaces with respect to one another and / or with respect to devices and / or components of the electrical installation. It is possible, for example, for at least one of the functional modules connected to the connecting device to be capable of establishing a wired and / or wireless connection to a device and / or a component to be controlled. At least one of the functional modules connected to the connecting device can also be designed to provide an energy supply for a device to be controlled and / or a component and / or the further connected functional modules.In the connection device according to the invention, at least one contacting receptacle element can be provided first, which is designed to provide contacting with a contacting element of a functional module (each) corresponding to the contacting receptacle element and to provide at least one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and / or a data flow to the functional module via this. In the present case, contacting means in particular the provision and / or production of an electrical, in particular signal and / or power connection. Correspondingly, in the present case means in particular that the two elements fit one another, in particular functionally and / or spatially bodyally, are compatible with one another, are shaped identically or complementarily to one another and / or are designed to complement one another. The at least one contacting receptacle element can comprise a first and / or second and / or third contacting receptacle element. The first contacting receptacle element can be correspondingly designed to provide contacting with a first contacting element of the functional module corresponding to the first contacting receptacle element and, via this, to provide a main energy flow to the functional module. The second contact-making receptacle element can be designed to provide contact with a second contact-making element of the functional module corresponding to the second contact-making receptacle element and, via this, to provide an auxiliary energy flow to the functional module. The third contacting receptacle element can be designed to provide contacting with a third contacting element of the functional module corresponding to the third contacting receptacle element and to provide a data flow to the functional module via this.In this case, the term "receptacle" in the case of the contacting receptacle element serves in particular initially to conceptually delimit these elements from the contacting element of the functional module corresponding thereto and does not necessarily comprise a physical receptacle of the contacting element, but rather the contacting receptacle element establishes contacting with the contacting element of the functional module merely via contacting and / or contact.However, it can also be provided that the contacting receptacle element comprises one or more receiving devices or devices which are designed to physically receive, in particular engage therewith, latch in and / or engage in one another, the contacting element. In particular, the contacting receptacle element can have a plug receptacle and the contacting element can have a plug corresponding thereto or vice versa.In particular, it can be provided that the contacting receptacle element comprises a pin-socket contacting. A pin-socket contact is a contact type in which one or more pins and / or rods, which can also be referred to as male contact, are inserted into one or more sockets and / or plug receptacles corresponding thereto, which can also be referred to as female contact, and engage therein, for example by means of static friction. In particular, the contacting receptacle element has one or more sockets and / or receptacles for receiving one or more pins and / or rods, and the contacting element has one or more pins and / or rods which are received in the socket or sockets and / or receptacles of the contacting receptacle element.Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the contacting receptacle element comprises a spring contacting. A spring contact is a contact type in which at least one of the contact receiving element and the contact element is designed at least in sections as a spring. The spring can be prestressed in a specific direction by shaping, in particular in an insertion direction, as will be described in the further course. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the contacting element of the functional module comprises a spring contacting. In this case, the contacting receptacle element can also be designed as a surface contacting or alternatively also as a spring contacting, which interacts with a spring contacting of the functional module in each case or vice versa. In this case, the spring contact can be designed in particular as a spring clip. A spring clip is, for example, a clip composed or formed from two spring elements, in which the spring elements are arranged opposite to one another, so that a void existing therebetween is narrowed inward by the prestress of the spring elements and this void is widened by an insertion movement, for example in the insertion direction, so that the contacting element of the functional module can be accommodated therein and held securely.Again alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the contacting receptacle element comprises a surface contacting. A surface contact can be designed as a planar element and can interact, for example, with a surface corresponding thereto or a surface receptacle which overlaps, at least in sections, planarly with the surface contact and thus establishes a contact. Alternatively or additionally, the surface contact can also interact with a spring contact and receive or contact such a spring contact. In particular, means or elements can be provided both on the contacting receptacle element and on the contacting element corresponding thereto, which enable, support and / or provide both pin-socket contacting and spring contacting and surface contacting.In this case, a ground receiving element can be provided which is designed to provide a ground for the functional module. The ground receiving element provides a ground function for the functional module, for example because it establishes or provides a conductive contact between the functional module and a ground of the connecting device or the automation platform. In particular, the ground receiving element provides a potential compensation from the functional module to ground. It should also be noted here with respect to the ground receiving element and in particular also to the embodiments of the ground receiving element, which will be explained in the further course, and, if appropriate, elements on the functional module corresponding thereto, that the term "receptacle" is also used in this context to conceptually delimit this element from an element of the functional module corresponding thereto and does not necessarily comprise a physical receptacle, but rather the ground receiving element establishes a grounding for the functional module merely via contacting and / or contact. However, it can also be provided that the ground receiving element comprises one or more receiving devices or devices which are designed to physically receive, in particular engage, latch and / or engage in, corresponding elements of the functional module, as will be described in the further course. In this case, the grounding receiving element can be formed spaced apart or separated from the contacting receiving element spatially and / or technologically, but does not have to be formed as will likewise be explained in the further course. The solution according to the invention provides a particularly reliable ground contact for a functional module of an automation platform.It can be provided of further advantage that the grounding receiving element has a form-fit receiving element, wherein the form-fit receiving element is designed to engage in a form-fit manner with a form-fit element of the functional module corresponding thereto, in order thereby to provide grounding. In this case, the form-fit receiving element and the form-fit element can interact or engage with one another in particular in such a way that a movement of the two elements relative to one another at least in one direction is made more difficult or prevented. This allows particularly secure grounding.According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the grounding receiving element has a fastening receiving element, wherein the fastening receiving element is designed to be fastened to a fastening element of the functional module corresponding thereto, in order thereby to provide grounding. In this case, in particular the fastening receiving element and the fastening element can cooperate or interact in such a way that a movement of the two elements relative to one another at least in one direction, in particular in all directions, is made more difficult or prevented. In this case, the fastening receiving element or the fastening element can be designed, for example, as a latching element, such that the two elements engage or latch in one another in such a way that a solution without a tool is not possible. In particular, the fastening receiving element or the fastening element can be designed as a hole and a screw or rivet, which can be released from one another in a non-destructive or non-destructive manner. For example, a hole can also be provided both on the fastening receiving element and on the fastening element, through which a fastening means, such as a screw or a rivet, is passed and, if appropriate, fasten the fastening receiving element and the fastening element to one another using a further fastening means, such as a nut, or by squeezing. This allows particularly secure grounding.Advantageously, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the ground receiving element has a ground surface receiving element, wherein the ground surface receiving element is configured to engage in a planar manner with a corresponding ground surface element of the functional module, in order thereby to provide a ground. In this case, the grounding surface receiving element can be designed as a planar element and can cooperate, for example, with the surface corresponding thereto or the surface receiving element, so that it overlaps at least in sections in a planar manner with the grounding surface receiving element and thus produces a grounding. A particularly simple grounding is thus provided.Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the ground receiving element has a ground band receiving element, wherein the ground band receiving element is configured to engage with a corresponding ground band element of the functional module, in order thereby to provide a ground. The grounding is ensured in this case by a grounding strap which is connected between the grounding strap receiving element and the grounding strap element and thereby provides a potential compensation. This allows particularly secure grounding.Optionally, it can be provided that the ground receiving element has a ground cable receiving element, wherein the ground cable receiving element is configured to engage with a corresponding ground cable element of the functional module, in order thereby to provide a ground. The grounding is ensured in this case by a grounding cable which is connected between the grounding strip receiving element and the grounding strip element and thereby provides a potential compensation. This allows particularly secure grounding.Optionally, it can be provided that the main energy flow comprises an AC voltage of up to 1000 volts and / or a DC voltage of up to 1500 volts and / or an AC voltage in the range of 70 volts to 1000 volts and / or a DC voltage in the range of 130 volts to 1500 volts, and preferably an AC voltage of substantially 400 volts or a DC voltage in the range of 650 V to 700 VAlternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the auxiliary energy flow comprises an AC voltage of up to 50 volts and / or a DC voltage of up to 120 volts and / or an AC voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 50 volts and / or a DC voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 120 volts, and preferably a DC voltage of substantially 24 V or 48 V.In particular, it can be provided that the data flow is designed to transmit data signals and preferably fieldbus signals, preferably for communication with at least one of the devices to be controlled.According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting device comprises a further, at least second contacting receptacle element which is designed to provide contacting with a further contacting element of the functional module corresponding to the further contacting receptacle element and to provide via this at least one further of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and / or a data flow to the functional module.Optionally, it can be provided that the first contacting receptacle element is arranged in a first plane and the further second contacting receptacle element is arranged in a second plane, which is angled to the first plane. An angle can thus be formed between the first plane of the connecting device and the second plane of the connecting device. The angle between the two planes can be in particular greater than 15°, greater than 30°, greater than 45°, greater than 60°, greater than 75°, greater than 80° or greater than 85°. Alternatively or additionally, the angle between the two planes of the connecting device can be less than 165°, less than 150°, less than 135°, less than 120°, less than 105°, less than 100° or less than 95°. In particular, the angle is between 85° and 95° and is further in particular approximately, substantially or exactly 90°. In particular, the first plane in which or along which the first contacting receiving element is arranged is approximately, substantially or exactly parallel to a ground or floor in a plane, and the second plane in which or along which the second contacting receiving element is arranged is approximately, substantially or exactly perpendicular to a ground or floor in a plane. This makes it possible to connect or contact a functional module in two different levels and in particular also to fix it securely in order to provide one or more of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and / or a data flow in the two levels to the functional module.It can be provided of further advantage that the first plane and the second plane of the connecting device are arranged with respect to one another in such a way that they enable the functional module to be inserted in an insertion direction which is substantially perpendicular to one of the first plane and the second plane, and wherein the ground receiving element is arranged and formed in such a way that it provides a ground in the insertion direction. As stated above, the first and second planes can be arranged in particular approximately, substantially or exactly at a right angle to one another. In this case, it can be provided that the functional module is guided to the connecting device in an insertion direction which runs approximately, substantially or exactly perpendicular to the first plane and which runs approximately, substantially or exactly parallel to the second plane.Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the ground receiving element is arranged on the contacting receiving element and the connecting device comprises a further ground receiving element arranged on the further, second contacting receiving element. Thus, in particular, the first contacting receptacle element can have the first grounding receptacle element and the second contacting receptacle element can have a further, second grounding receptacle element. In this case, the two ground receiving elements can be formed in particular differently or differently from one another. In particular, the first ground receiving element may comprise one or more of a form-fit receiving element, a fastening receiving element, a ground plane receiving element, a ground ribbon receiving element and a ground cable receiving element, and the second ground receiving element may comprise one or more other of a form-fit receiving element, a fastening receiving element, a ground plane receiving element, a ground ribbon receiving element and a ground cable receiving element. As a result, the respectively positive effects of the respective types of ground receptacles can be combined synergistically and a particularly secure ground can thus be produced, which is also redundant or fail-safe.The invention likewise relates to an automation platform comprising a connecting device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, and at least one functional module. In particular, the automation platform can have more than one functional module, for example two, three or more, of which at least one functional module is connected and / or connectable to the automation platform via a connecting device according to one or more of the embodiments described above.Optionally, it can be provided that the automation platform comprises a further connecting device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, wherein each of the at least two connecting devices can be connected to at least one functional module each, wherein the connecting devices are designed to provide at least one of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow to the functional modules. In this case, in particular each of the functional modules can provide a different function for the automation platform. In particular, a first connecting device according to one or more of the embodiments described above can be provided, which is connectable and / or connected to a first functional module, and a second connecting device according to one or more of the embodiments described above, which is connectable and / or connected to a second functional module, in particular different from the first functional module. The first functional module can provide a first function within the automation platform and the second functional module can provide a second function different from the first function.According to a further advantage, it can be provided that the connecting devices are arranged and configured with respect to one another in such a way that they provide at least one of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow in series to the functional modules. In particular, the functional modules are also arranged and configured with respect to one another in such a way that they provide at least one of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow serially to others of the functional modules. In other words, the first contacting receptacle elements and / or the second contacting receptacle elements or the main energy flow, auxiliary energy flow and / or data flow applied thereto are interconnected with one another in such a way that they are interconnected in series, that is to say in series with one another, such that in each case at least one main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and / or a data flow is provided, from which or to which the contacting receptacle elements are connected and from which the contacting receptacle elements are fed. The contacting receiving elements are in particular connected in such a way that they can receive and forward the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow.Advantageously, it can be provided in the invention that the automation platform further comprises a bridge element which is connected to one of the connection devices and which is designed to receive at least one of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow and to provide it to a further connection device. Such a bridge element, which can also be referred to as an empty element or a blind element, can be accommodated in one or more contacting accommodation elements by one or more connecting devices and provide a forwarding functionality, in particular when no functional module is accommodated in the respective connecting device. In particular, the bridge element is designed, in a state accommodated by a connecting device, to accommodate one or more of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow and to forward them, in particular loop them through and / or bridge them, to a further connecting device, so that one or more of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow is not interrupted, in particular in the case of a serial interconnection. In addition, the bridge element can also protect the first and / or second contacting receiving element from external influences, such as dust or dirt.The invention likewise relates to a system, preferably industrial system, having at least two automation platforms, which can each be designed as the automation platform according to the invention. In this case, the automation platforms can each be designed as a decentralized automation platform and can accordingly be designed to provide respectively partial automation functions and in particular respectively a part of an overall controller for the automation of the industrial installation. The automation platforms can be arranged decentrally in the field of the installation, in particular in order to replace a function of a central switchgear cabinet jointly. Furthermore, the automation platforms can be connected to one another and / or to a central controller via a field bus. The automation platforms can thus be distributed in the field of the installation and used together in order to assume the function of the central control cabinet usually provided. This can have the advantage that the installation can be designed more flexibly and, in particular in the case of extensions or alterations of the installation, simple adaptation of the automation functions is made possible. The decentralized arrangement of the automation platforms can also achieve a higher level of reliability, since in the event of a failure of a platform the entire automation of the installation is not affected. It is also possible that the installation can be made more cost-effective by using the automation platforms according to the invention, since the initial costs for a central switchgear cabinet are dispensed with and the decentral arrangement of the platforms enables a reduction in the cabling costs.The automation platforms can each be equipped with their own power supply and / or a cloud-based platform for remote monitoring and control and / or an integrated diagnostic function in order to ensure higher availability and reliability, simple error correction and automatic error detection and correction. This can have the advantage that the automation platforms can be operated independently of the power supply of the site and are thus suitable for use in different environments. It is also possible that the cloud-based remote monitoring and control platform allows the automation platforms to be monitored and controlled from a remote location, which increases ease of use. The integrated diagnostic function can contribute to the possibility of possible faults being detected and corrected quickly and easily, which facilitates the maintenance and maintenance of the automation platforms and reduces the operating costs.A further advantage of the automation platform according to the invention is the possibility of creating and using a digital twin of the industrial installation. This is in particular a virtual representation of the installation, which is created on the basis of real-time data and simulations. The digital twin may be used to optimize the plant by simulating various scenarios and changes before being implemented in the real plant. This can help to increase the efficiency and productivity of the plant while minimizing the risk of failures and failures. The digital twin can also be used to optimize the maintenance and maintenance of the installation by allowing possible problems to be detected and corrected early before they lead to failures.The automation platform according to the invention or the respective automation platform of a system according to the invention can be designed to accommodate a plurality of functional modules in order to supply these with energy via the main and / or auxiliary energy flow and / or to actuate them via the data flow and / or to enable a data exchange for these via the data flow.The functional modules can provide different ones of the automation functions, in particular in the form of partial automation functions, for the automation of the industrial installation. The automation functions can comprise at least two of the following:a motor control;an activation and / or energy supply of a motor controller, which is preferably provided outside the automation platform in proximity to the motor;a control and / or energy supply of an actuator, such as a motor, a valve, a stepper motor, a linear drive, a piezoactuator, a magnetic actuator, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a flap drive, a gripper arm, a robot arm, a rotary table, a conveyor belt, a crane arm, a pivot arm, a drill, a cutter, a welding device, a cutting or engraving laser, a vibration motor, a loudspeaker, an actuator in medical technology, an actuator in the automobile industry, an actuator in the aerospace industry, an actuator in robotics, an actuator in the electronics or semiconductor industry, an actuator in the food or packaging industry and / or an actuator in the textile or paper industry;a reading out and / or driving and / or an energy supply of a sensor, preferably a proximity sensor and / or a light barrier.Furthermore, the functional modules can also comprise a safety module for monitoring and protecting processes and / or an industrial PC and / or a fieldbus module.Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a connecting device according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a connecting device according to further exemplary embodiments of the invention FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an industrial plant.In the following figures, the identical reference numerals are also used for the same technical features of different exemplary embodiments.FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a connection device 10 according to embodiments of the invention.The connecting device 10 serves for connecting one or more functional modules to an automation platform, which is not depicted in detail here. In particular, a plurality of such connecting devices shown here in this FIG. 1 can be provided, which are in particular connected to one another in series. The automation platform can comprise, for example, a plurality of connecting devices and optionally one or more functional modules.For this purpose, the connecting device 10 initially comprises a first contacting receptacle element 12, which is arranged in a first plane E 1 and which is designed to provide a first contacting with a first contacting element of a functional module corresponding to the first contacting receptacle element 12. The connecting device 10 can also comprise a second contacting receptacle element 14, which is arranged in a second plane E 2 and which is designed to provide a second contacting with a second contacting element of the functional module corresponding to the second contacting receptacle element 14. In this FIG. 1, a further optional third contact-making receiving element 16 is additionally shown, which is likewise arranged in the second plane E 2.The first plane E 1 is formed at an angle to the second plane E 2. In particular, the first plane E 1 and the second plane E 2 span an angle W therebetween which is substantially at 90°. As can be seen in particular in this FIG. 1, the first contacting element 12 is located in a first leg 11 and the second contacting element 14 and the third contacting element 16 in a second leg 13 of the connecting device 10, wherein the two legs are also arranged substantially perpendicular to one another or a right angle W is defined between the two legs. In other words, the two legs 11 and 13 are arranged in an L shape with respect to one another or the connecting device 10 is substantially L-shaped.The first contacting receptacle element 12 is designed to provide one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow via the first contacting element to the functional module, and the second contacting receptacle element 14 is designed to provide another one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow via the second contacting element to the functional module. In particular, the third contacting receptacle element 16 is designed to provide yet another one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow via the first contacting element to the functional module. For example, the first contacting receptacle element 12 provides a main energy flow, the second contacting receptacle element 14 provides an auxiliary energy flow, and the third contacting receptacle element 16 provides a data flow via corresponding contactings to the functional module.The main energy flow can thereby comprise an AC voltage of up to 1000 volts and / or a DC voltage of up to 1500 volts and / or an AC voltage in the range of 70 volts to 1000 volts and / or a DC voltage in the range of 130 volts to 1500 volts, and preferably an AC voltage of substantially 400 volts or a DC voltage in the range of 650 V to 700 V. Likewise, the auxiliary energy flow can comprise an AC voltage of up to 50 volts and / or a DC voltage of up to 120 volts and / or an AC voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 50 volts and / or a DC voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 120 volts, and preferably a DC voltage of substantially 24 V or 48 V.The contacting between the respective contacting receptacle element and the contacting element corresponding thereto can be configured, for example, as a pin-socket contacting, as a spring contacting, in particular as a spring clip, and / or as a surface contacting, and in particular also comprise combinations thereof. In particular, the contacting between the first contacting receptacle element 12 and the contacting element of the functional module corresponding thereto is configured differently from the contacting between the second contacting receptacle element 14 and the contacting element of the functional module corresponding thereto, or the two types of contacting are different.The functional module not shown here in this FIG. 1 can be inserted in particular in the insertion direction ER indicated by the arrow, which lies substantially parallel to the first plane E 1 and substantially perpendicular to the second plane E 2, in order to thus contact the first contacting receiving element 12, the second contacting receiving element 14 and optionally the third contacting receiving element 16, as will now be described in conjunction with the further figures.The connection device 10 also comprises a ground receiving element 15, which is not shown in detail in this figure and is designed to provide a ground for the functional module, as will be explained in detail in connection with the following FIG. 2. In particular, the ground receiving element can be designed as a form-fit receiving element, as a fastening receiving element, as a ground surface receiving element, as a ground strip receiving element and / or as a ground cable receiving element, which engages with an element on the functional module corresponding thereto and / or interacts in order thereby to provide a ground from or to the functional module.FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a connecting device 10 according to further embodiments of the invention.As shown in detail here in this FIG. 2, the connecting device has a ground receiving element 15 which provides a ground from or to the functional module 20 likewise depicted here. The ground receiving element 15 is shown here by way of example in such a way that it has a form-fit receiving element 15- 1 on or as such. The functional module 20 has a grounding element 25 corresponding to the grounding receiving element 15 and is shown here by way of example as a form-fit element 25-1, which engages in a form-fit manner with the form-fit receiving element 15-1. By way of example, the grounding element 15 is depicted here as being arranged on the second contacting receptacle element 14. However, it is understood that alternatively or additionally a grounding element 15 can also be arranged on the first contacting receiving element and / or on the third contacting receiving element, as shown in FIG. 1.Also shown in detail in this FIG. 2 is a type of contacting between the second contacting receptacle element 14 and the contacting element 24 of the functional module 20 corresponding thereto. this is shown here by way of example as pin-socket contacting, wherein the second contacting receptacle element 14 has one or more pin contacts 14- 1 and the contacting element 24 corresponding thereto has one or more socket contacts 24- 1 which are designed to receive the pin contacts 14- 1 and thus to produce a contacting between the functional module 20 and the connecting device 10.FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an industrial plant 200 having at least two automation platforms 100. In this case, the automation platforms 100 can each be designed as a decentralized automation platform 100, and can accordingly be designed to provide partial automation functions and in particular a part of an overall controller in each case for the automation of the industrial installation 200. For this purpose, the automation platforms 100 can be arranged decentrally in the field of the installation 200, in particular in order to jointly replace a function of a central control cabinet, wherein the automation platforms 100 are connected to one another and / or to a central controller 150 via a field bus 140.The foregoing explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, insofar as technically expedient, without departing from the scope of the present invention.List of reference characters10 Connecting device 11 First leg 12 First contacting receptacle element 13 Second leg 14- 1 Pin contacting 15 Ground receptacle element 15- 1 Form-fit receptacle element 16 Third contacting receptacle element 20 Functional module 22 First contacting element 24- 1 Socket contacting 25 Ground element 25- 1 Form-fit element E 1 First plane E 2 Second plane ER Insertion direction W AngleReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedUS 2013 / 0342152 A1

[0003] WO 2012 / 000808 A1

[0004] WO 2023 / 0888883 A1

[0004] EP 2 728 673 B1

[0004]

Claims

Connecting device (10) for an automation platform, comprising: - a contacting receptacle element (12) which is designed to provide contacting with a contacting element (22), corresponding to the contacting receptacle element (12), of a functional module (20) and, via this, to provide at least one of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow to the functional module (20); and - a grounding receptacle element (15) which is designed to provide grounding for the functional module (20).Connecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the ground receiving element (15) has a form-fit receiving element (15-1), wherein the form-fit receiving element (15-1) is designed to engage in a form-fit manner with a form-fit element (25-1) of the functional module (20) corresponding thereto, in order thereby to provide a ground.Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ground receiving element (15) has a fastening receiving element, wherein the fastening receiving element is designed to be fastened to a fastening element of the functional module (20) corresponding thereto, in order thereby to provide a ground.Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grounding receiving element (15) has a grounding surface receiving element, wherein the grounding surface receiving element is designed to engage in a planar manner with a grounding surface element of the functional module (20) corresponding thereto, in order thereby to provide a grounding.Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ground receiving element (15) has a ground strip receiving element, wherein the ground strip receiving element is configured to engage with a corresponding ground strip element of the functional module (20), in order thereby to provide a ground.Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ground receiving element (15) has a ground cable receiving element, wherein the ground cable receiving element is configured to engage with a corresponding ground cable element of the functional module (20), in order thereby to provide a ground.Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main energy flow comprises an AC voltage of up to 1000 volts and / or a DC voltage of up to 1500 volts and / or an AC voltage in the range of 70 volts to 1000 volts and / or a DC voltage in the range of 130 volts to 1500 volts, and preferably an AC voltage of substantially 400 volts or a DC voltage in the range of 650 V to 700 V. and / or in that the auxiliary energy flow comprises an AC voltage of up to 50 volts and / or a DC voltage of up to 120 volts and / or an AC voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 50 volts and / or a DC voltage in the range of 0.01 volts to 120 volts, and preferably a DC voltage of substantially 24 V or 48 V.Connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device (10) comprises a further contacting receptacle element (14) which is designed to provide contacting with a further contacting element (24) of the functional module (20) corresponding to the further contacting receptacle element (14) and to provide via this at least one further of a main energy flow, an auxiliary energy flow and a data flow to the functional module (20).Connecting device (10) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the contacting receptacle element (12) is arranged in a first plane (E1), and the further contacting receptacle element (14) is arranged in a second plane (E2) which is angled to the first plane (E1).Connecting device (10) according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the earth receiving element (15) is arranged on the contacting receiving element (12), and the connecting device (10) comprises a further earth receiving element which is arranged on the further contacting receiving element (14).Automation platform, comprising a connecting device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one functional module (20).Automation platform according to claim 11, comprising a further connection device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the connection devices can be connected to at least one functional module each, wherein the connection devices are designed to provide at least one of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and the data flow to the functional modules, wherein in particular each of the functional modules provides a different function for the automation platform.Automation platform according to Claim 12, characterized in that the connecting devices are arranged and designed with respect to one another in such a way that they provide at least one of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and / or the data flow in series to the functional modules.The automation platform according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a bridge element connected to one of the connection devices and configured to receive at least one of the main energy flow, the auxiliary energy flow and the data flow and provide it to a further connection device.Industrial installation (200) having at least two automation platforms (100), in each case according to one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the automation platforms (100) are in each case designed as a decentral automation platform (100), and are correspondingly designed to provide in each case part automation functions and in particular in each case part of an overall controller for the automation of the industrial installation (200), wherein the automation platforms (100) are arranged decentrally in the field of the installation (200), in particular in order to replace together a function of a central switchgear cabinet, wherein the automation platforms (100) are connected to one another and / or to a central controller (150) via a field bus (140).

Images