Mini-computer retrofit kit for a networked industrial production unit

Abstract

A mini-computer retrofit kit (10) is provided for a networked industrial production unit (20) with a control and / or monitoring monitor (50), wherein the retrofit kit (10) consists of a monitor adapter (12) which has at least one receptacle (14) into which a mini-computer (15) can be inserted, wherein the monitor (50) can be firmly fixed to a monitor fastening (40) by means of a screw connection, wherein the retrofit kit (10) can be inserted between the monitor (50) and the monitor fastening (40), wherein the retrofit kit (10) can be inserted without completely loosening the screw connection.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mini-computer retrofit kit for integration into a networked industrial production unit according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 5.

[0002] The application addresses the problem of retrofitting networked industrial production units with a mini-computer retrofit kit with regard to the mounting of a retrofit kit on a control and / or monitoring monitor for controlling and / or monitoring these units and a monitor attachment, in particular on a monitor arm.

[0003] Retrofit kits that can accommodate a mini-computer are known from the prior art. For example, DE 20 2005 016 892 U1 shows an arrangement in which a computer is mounted on the back of a flat-screen monitor using a bracket. The bracket has a base plate and a cable cover, with the computer being attached to the base plate without screws.

[0004] To attach these retrofit kits between the monitor and the monitor mount, the monitor must first be removed. With conventional retrofit kits, it is necessary to completely loosen all the screws securing the monitor in order to insert and install the retrofit kit. This process is time-consuming and cumbersome, resulting in increased installation effort.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages, to reduce the installation effort of a mini-computer retrofit kit for a networked industrial production unit and at the same time to increase safety during the installation process.

[0006] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Technically advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] It is advantageous if the mini-computer retrofit kit for a networked industrial production unit with a control and / or monitoring monitor consists of a monitor adapter having at least one receptacle into which a mini-computer can be inserted, wherein the monitor can be secured to a monitor mount by means of a screw connection. The retrofit kit advantageously has a flat shape with level connection surfaces so that it can be inserted between the monitor and the monitor mount. Particularly advantageous is that the retrofit kit can be inserted without completely loosening the screw connection between the monitor and the monitor mount. This significantly simplifies the installation of the mini-computer retrofit kit, allowing for faster and safer retrofitting. No complex conversion measures are required to install the retrofit kit. The compact design leads to an optimized working environment.

[0008] By simplifying the installation of the minicomputer retrofit kit, the present invention offers a practical solution for retrofitting networked industrial production units with a minicomputer. The inventive solution reduces installation effort.

[0009] The special design of the retrofit kit offers the technical advantage that it can be installed between the control and / or monitoring monitor and the monitor connection point on a production unit without having to completely loosen the screw connection connecting the monitor to the production unit. This shortens installation time. Furthermore, installation can be performed by a single person.

[0010] Furthermore, the monitor adapter enables flexible and modular retrofitting, e.g., for modernizing and upgrading existing systems and equipment. Since the mini-computer is inserted into the monitor adapter's mount and the monitor adapter's hole pattern is based on standardized hole patterns, the retrofit kit can be easily mounted on various models and types of monitors. This offers a high degree of flexibility and compatibility with existing systems and enables integration or retrofitting into retrofit systems.

[0011] It is advantageous if the monitor adapter has a standardized grid dimension with several screw points for fixing the monitor, thus making the monitor adapter compatible with a large number of standardized monitors.

[0012] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the monitor adapter is compatible with mounting holes on the back of the monitor that meet the VESA standard of 75x75 or 100x100 mm.

[0013] It is advantageous if the standardized grid size covers a hole pattern according to the VESA standard of 75x75 or 100x100 millimeters.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounted control and / or monitoring monitor is held in place by four screws. At least three of the four screws do not need to be fully loosened to mount the monitor adapter. The remaining screws are only loosened for inserting the monitor adapter, but remain screwed into the monitor thread during installation. This ensures that the monitor cannot become detached from the monitor mount. This shortens assembly time and allows installation to be performed by a single person.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the mounted control and / or monitoring monitor is fixed and held in place by screws that are inserted into the hole pattern. To mount the monitor adapter, it is sufficient that all of the screws used for mounting only need to be loosened and not completely removed. This means that these screws remain screwed into the thread on the monitor during installation of the monitor adapter. The monitor adapter does not need to be removed for adapter installation, but remains attached to the monitor mount by the screws. This ensures that the monitor cannot become detached from the monitor mount. Since none of the screws used need to be removed, assembly time is reduced and installation can be carried out by a single person.

[0016] The mini-computer can perform various functions to improve production monitoring and control. It can be equipped with additional networking features to enable integration into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This allows the production unit to benefit from improved data analytics, remote monitoring and control, and greater overall efficiency.

[0017] The mini-computer can be configured for tasks such as collecting production data, running analytics software, and providing real-time feedback to production operators. This enables smart production, where decisions can be made based on current data, increasing production efficiency and quality. The mini-computer serves as a central interface between the physical production facility and the digital monitoring level. It can collect sensor data, machine utilization, and other critical parameters in real time. This data is then processed by integrated analytics tools that can identify trends, predict performance degradations, and identify optimization opportunities.

[0018] A further advantage of the invention is that the retrofit kit allows this data to be visualized on the monitor in the form of an interactive dashboard. This dashboard can then be configured, for example, to display the most important performance indicators in a clear and concise manner, allowing an operator to more quickly assess the system's status and influence it through inputs on the monitor.

[0019] The simple retrofitting makes it possible to modernize existing production facilities cost-effectively and adapt them to the requirements of the networked industry.

[0020] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a method for retrofitting a networked industrial production unit with such a mini-computer retrofit kit.

[0021] The method comprises the following steps: loosening the screw connections so that a gap is created between the control and / or monitoring monitor and the monitor mount; inserting the retrofit kit into the gap without completely loosening all screw connections; attaching the retrofit kit to the monitor and the monitor mount; optionally inserting the mini-computer into the retrofit kit receptacle if the mini-computer was not already inserted into the retrofit kit receptacle at the beginning of the retrofit process.

[0022] This approach has the technical advantage of shortening the conversion time.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0024] In the following description of the preferred embodiments, like reference numerals designate like or comparable components.

[0025] They show schematically: Fig. 1 an arrangement of the mini-computer retrofit kit on a networked industrial production unit; Fig. 2 a detailed view according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3a shows an embodiment of the mini-computer retrofit kit according to the invention; Fig. 3b a monitor adapter according to Fig. 3a; Fig. 4a shows another embodiment of the mini-computer retrofit kit; Fig. 4b a monitor adapter according to Fig. 4a. Fig. 5 an arrangement of the mini-computer retrofit kit on a monitor with a recessed connection point.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of the mini-computer retrofit kit 10. The retrofit kit 10 is arranged between a control and / or monitoring monitor 50 and a monitor mount 40, via which the monitor 50 is connected to an industrial production unit 20, in particular a production plant networked with other production plants, a machine unit, or a networked plant module. These units are typically equipped with sensors for monitoring various process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and speed, as well as position sensors and safety systems for presence control and condition monitoring to collect data in real time. The collected data is transmitted via a network to central control systems or to cloud platforms, where it is further analyzed and processed to control actuators.

[0027] The retrofit kit 10 consists of a monitor adapter 12, which has at least one receptacle 14 into which a mini-computer 15 can be inserted. By attaching the monitor adapter 12 to the monitor 50, existing systems and equipment can be retrofitted in a modular manner. The integration of the mini-computer 15 into the receptacle 14 of the adapter 12 facilitates integration into retrofit systems.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows the mini-computer retrofit kit 10 according to the Fig. 1 area marked with an X. The retrofit kit 10 consists of a monitor adapter 12 which has at least one receptacle 14 into which a mini-computer 15 is inserted. The control and / or monitoring monitor 50 is firmly connected to the monitor mount 40 by means of a screw connection. The retrofit kit 10 is arranged between the monitor 50 and the monitor arm and establishes the connection between the monitor 50 and the monitor mount 40. A particular advantage is that the retrofit kit 10 can be inserted during retrofitting without completely loosening the screw connection between the monitor 50 and the monitor mount 40. This significantly simplifies the installation of the mini-computer retrofit kit 10, so that the retrofitting can be carried out more quickly and safely. No complex conversion measures are required to install the retrofit kit 10. The installation can be carried out by one person alone.The compact design results in an optimized working environment for the operator.

[0029] Fig. 3a shows a mini-computer retrofit kit 10 according to the invention. The retrofit kit 10 comprises a mini-computer 15, in particular one or more Raspberry Pis, which is arranged in a protective housing and inserted into a receptacle 14 of the monitor adapter 12. Additionally, a second receptacle 14 can be provided, for example, for the integration of a power supply, in particular for a switching power supply, which is also arranged in a protective housing and ensures the power supply of the mini-computer 15. The existing screws, with which the monitor 50 is usually already attached to the system, are provided for mounting the retrofit kit 10.The assembly of the monitor adapter 12 is carried out in the following steps in a preferred order: Loosening the screw connections so that a gap is created between the control and / or monitoring monitor 50 and the monitor arm 40; Inserting the retrofit kit 10 into the gap without completely loosening all screw connections; Attaching the retrofit kit 10 to the monitor 50 and the monitor arm 40; Inserting the mini-computer 15 into the receptacle 14 of the retrofit kit, if not already done at the beginning of the retrofit process.

[0030] The monitor adapter 12 features at least one hole pattern compliant with the VESA standard of 75×75 or 100×100 millimeters. Preferably, both hole patterns of 75×75 and 100×100 millimeters are provided. This allows for universal use of the retrofit kit 10 on monitors that comply with the VESA standard, making the monitor adapter 12 compatible with a wide variety of standardized monitors.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitor adapter 12 is made of a flat material, in particular a sheet metal or plastic material that can be thermally formed or 3D printed. Advantageously, the elongated sheet metal has a flat shape with mutually flat connection surfaces, which is interrupted at one point by a bending tab, where an additional connection surface for the mini-computer 15 is provided. This interruption has the advantage that it also allows monitors with a recessed connection point to be connected to the mini-computer retrofit kit, see Fig. 5.

[0032] Fig. 3b shows the monitor adapter 12 according to Fig. 3a in a drawing view. The monitor adapter 12 has a hole pattern according to the VESA standard with a grid size of 75x75 and 100x100 millimeters. Screws that hold the monitor 50 can be inserted into the hole pattern. The advantage is that to mount the monitor adapter 12, all the screws used for installation only need to be loosened and not completely removed. This allows the screws to remain screwed into the thread on the monitor 50 during installation of the monitor adapter 12, eliminating the need to remove the screws for adapter installation.

[0033] Fig. 4a shows another embodiment of the mini-computer retrofit kit 10. The retrofit kit 10 comprises a mini-computer 15, in particular one or more Raspberry Pis, which is arranged in a protective housing and inserted into a receptacle 14 of the monitor adapter 12. Additionally, a second receptacle 14 can be provided, for example, for the integration of a power supply, in particular for a switching power supply, which is also arranged in a protective housing and ensures the power supply of the mini-computer 15. The existing screws, with which the monitor 50 is usually already attached to the system, are provided for mounting the retrofit kit 10.The assembly of the monitor adapter 12 is carried out in the following steps in a preferred order: Loosening the screw connections so that a gap is created between the control and / or monitoring monitor 50 and the monitor arm 40; Inserting the retrofit kit 10 into the gap without completely loosening all screw connections; Attaching the retrofit kit 10 to the monitor 50 and the monitor arm 40; Inserting the mini-computer 15 into the receptacle of the retrofit kit, if not already done at the beginning of the retrofit process.

[0034] The monitor adapter 12 features at least one hole pattern compliant with the VESA standard of 75x75 or 100x100 millimeters. Preferably, both hole patterns of 75x75 and 100x100 millimeters are provided. This allows for universal use of the retrofit kit 10 on monitors that comply with the VESA standard, making the monitor adapter 12 compatible with a wide variety of standardized monitors.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitor adapter 12 is made of a flat material, in particular a sheet metal or plastic material that can be thermally formed or 3D printed. Advantageously, the elongated sheet metal has a flat shape with mutually flat connection surfaces, which is interrupted at one point by a bending tab, where an additional connection surface for the mini-computer 15 is provided. This interruption has the advantage that it also allows monitors with a recessed connection point to be connected to the mini-computer retrofit kit, see Fig. 5.

[0036] Fig. 4b shows the monitor adapter 12 according to Fig. 3a in a drawing view. The monitor adapter 12 has a hole pattern according to the VESA standard with a grid dimension of 75x75 and 100x100 millimeters. Screws that hold the monitor 50 can be inserted into the hole pattern. The advantage of this design is that the mounted monitor 50 is held by four screws and at least three of these four screws do not have to be completely loosened to mount the monitor adapter 12, so that the remaining screws only have to be loosened but remain screwed to the thread of the monitor 50 during installation of the monitor adapter 12. In addition to the lead-in bevels leading to the hole pattern, the adapter 12 has at least one elongated hole per hole pattern. This ensures that only the screw belonging to the elongated hole needs to be completely loosened for installation.

[0037] Fig.Figure 5 shows an arrangement of the mini-computer retrofit kit 10 on a monitor 50 with a recessed mounting connector. To ensure that the retrofit kit 10 is also compatible with monitors 50 whose mounting connectors have a recessed shape, the shape of the monitor adapter 12 is adapted accordingly.

[0038] The grid spacing for the hole pattern is advantageously square. This allows the Monitor Adapter 12 to be mounted in all four orientations, which is advantageous due to the different cable exits on monitors.

[0039] The present invention has been explained with a detailed description and schematic illustrations. However, it should be noted that this description serves only as an example and is not to be construed as a limitation of the invention. Various variations and modifications of the invention are possible as long as they remain within the scope of the appended claims. List of reference symbols 10 Mini Computer Retrofit Kit 12 monitor adapters 14 recording 15 mini computers 20 industrial production units 40 Monitor mount 50 Control and / or monitoring monitor 60 deepening

Claims

[1] Mini-computer retrofit kit (10) for a networked industrial production unit (20) with a control and / or monitoring monitor (50), wherein the retrofit kit (10) consists of a monitor adapter (12) which has at least one receptacle (14) into which a mini-computer (15) can be inserted, wherein the monitor (50) can be firmly fixed to a monitor mounting (40) by means of a screw connection, characterized by that the retrofit kit (10) can be inserted between the monitor (50) and the monitor mounting (40), whereby the retrofit kit (10) can be inserted without completely loosening the screw connection. [2] Mini-computer retrofit kit (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the monitor adapter (12) has a standard grid dimension with several screwing points for fixing the control and / or monitoring monitor (50). [3] Mini-computer retrofit kit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the standardized grid dimension covers a hole pattern according to the VESA standard of 75x75 or 100x100 millimeters, the mounted control and / or monitoring monitor (50) is held by four screws and at least three of the four screws for mounting the monitor adapter (12) do not have to be completely loosened, so that the remaining screws are loosened for inserting the monitor adapter (12) but remain screwed into the thread on the monitor (50). [4] Mini-computer retrofit kit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the standardized grid dimension covers a hole pattern according to the VESA standard of 75x75 or 100x100 millimeters, the mounted control and / or monitoring monitor (50) is held by screws inserted into the hole pattern, wherein for mounting the monitor adapter (12) it is sufficient that all screws used for mounting are only loosened and not completely removed, so that the screws remain screwed into the thread on the monitor (50) during mounting of the monitor adapter (12), wherein the monitor does not have to be dismantled for mounting the adapter. [5] Method for retrofitting a networked industrial production unit (20) with a mini-computer retrofit kit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - Loosening the screw connections so that a gap is created between the control and / or monitoring monitor (50) and the monitor mounting (40); - Inserting the retrofit kit (10) into the gap without completely loosening all screw connections; - Attaching the retrofit kit (10) to the monitor (50) and the monitor mount (40); - Insert the mini-computer (15) into the holder (14) of the retrofit kit (10).

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