System with a sensor housing with a sensor and a connection module housing

Abstract

System (1) with a sensor housing (2) with at least one sensor (3) and a connection module housing (4) for the sensor housing (2), wherein the connection module housing (4) is connectable to the sensor housing (2), wherein a first connectable interface (5) and a second connectable interface (6) are arranged between the sensor housing (2) and the connection module housing (4), wherein the connection module housing (4) has a connection (7) for a power supply and a third connectable interface (8) and a fourth connectable interface (9), wherein the third connectable interface (8) and the fourth connectable interface (9) are connectable to an external unit (10), characterized in that an electronic switch (11) with an actuating means (12) is provided in the connection module housing (4), wherein the actuating means (12) is actuated when the connection module housing (4) is mounted on the sensor housing (2), whereby the electronic switch (11) is not actuated, and the first interface (5) is electronically connected to the third interface (8) and the second interface (6) is electronically connected to the fourth interface (9) and the actuating means (12) is not actuated when the connection module housing (4) is mechanically separated from the sensor housing (2), whereby the electronic switch (11) is actuated and the third interface (8) is electronically connected to the fourth interface (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising a sensor housing with a sensor and a connection module housing according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] DE 10 2011 054 929 A1 discloses a device system. The device system comprises a number of optical sensors and a number of connection modules, each optical sensor having the same sensor-side interface, and each connection module having the same module-side interface corresponding to the sensor-side interface, as well as device-side connection means. By connecting a module-side interface to a sensor-side interface, a freely selectable connection module can be connected to a freely selectable optical sensor. The unit thus formed can be connected to an external unit using the device-side connection means.

[0003] In systems, sensors with sensor housings are connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) via Ethernet-based fieldbuses such as Profinet, EtherCAT, or EthernetIP. Two-port connection modules are often offered for sensors so that the system can be connected as a line. This has the advantage that Ethernet cables do not have to be run to each sensor housing, but only from device to device, i.e., from sensor housing to sensor housing. This saves on cabling and installation costs.

[0004] If a sensor housing with an integrated two-port connection module needs to be replaced on the system, the line connection is interrupted until a new sensor housing is connected. This interruption, even if only brief, results in other downstream devices (sensors and actuators) in the line being disconnected from the programmable logic controller. This causes the system to fail, as data exchange between the programmable logic controller and the device devices is no longer possible. The entire process in the line is brought to a halt.

[0005] The invention relates to a sensor housing with an integrated two-port connection module.

[0006] One object of the invention is that the line communication in the system is no longer interrupted when the sensor housing is replaced or in other cases where the sensor housing has to be removed, in a sensor housing with an integrated two-port connection module.

[0007] The object is achieved according to claim 1 by a system having a sensor housing with at least one sensor and a connection module housing for the sensor housing, wherein the connection module housing is connectable to the sensor housing, wherein a first and a second connectable interface are arranged between the sensor housing and the connection module housing, wherein the connection module housing has a connection for a power supply and a third and fourth connectable interface, wherein the third and fourth connectable interfaces are connectable to an external unit, wherein an electronic switch with an actuating means is provided in the connection module housing, wherein the actuating means is actuated when the connection module housing is mounted on the sensor housing, whereby the electronic switch is not actuated,and the first interface is electronically connected to the third interface and the second interface is electronically connected to the fourth interface and the actuating means is not actuated when the connection module housing is mechanically separated from the sensor housing, whereby the electronic switch is actuated and the third interface is electronically connected to the fourth interface.,

[0008] According to the invention, the reverse logic can also be provided, according to which the actuating means is actuated when the connection module housing is mounted on the sensor housing, whereby the electronic switch is actuated, and the first interface is electronically connected to the third interface and the second interface is electronically connected to the fourth interface and the actuating means is not actuated when the connection module housing is mechanically separated from the sensor housing, whereby the electronic switch is not actuated and the third interface is electronically connected to the fourth interface.

[0009] According to the present solution, namely uninterrupted line communication during a sensor housing replacement, the sensor housing with an integrated two-port connection module, namely the first interface and the second interface, is designed to be mechanically removable or mechanically and electrically separable from the connection module housing. This means that the connection for the voltage supply or power supply and two ports, namely the third interface and the fourth interface, are mechanically and electronically separated from the sensor housing and arranged in the connection module housing. This allows the sensor housing to be replaced, while the connection cables for the voltage supply or power supply and the communication lines are connected to the connection module housing.

[0010] The advantage of replacing a device or sensor housing is that the cabling from the sensor housing does not have to be disassembled and reassembled. A control and evaluation unit for controlling and evaluating the sensor or a sensor element and for controlling and evaluating communication with external units is integrated into the sensor housing. The connection module housing contains at least the appropriate connections for connecting the power supply and the interfaces, as well as the electronic switch and the necessary components. Furthermore, the actuating means are located in the connection module housing. Preferably, no control and evaluation unit is provided in the connection module housing.

[0011] According to the invention, uninterrupted line communication is realized when a device or sensor housing is replaced. The moment the sensor housing is removed from the connection module housing, communication between the control and evaluation unit of the sensor housing and the connection module housing, and thus with the third and fourth interfaces, is interrupted. However, the third and fourth interfaces are electronically connected to one another by the actuating means and the electrical switch, whereby communication is maintained via the connection module housing without a sensor housing being connected to the connection module housing. The control unit for the communication and all other device participants in the line communication are thus not separated from one another, but can continue to communicate with one another via the connection module housing.

[0012] When assembling / disassembling the sensor housing to the connection module housing, the actuating means is used to actuate the electronic switch. For example, the actuating means is an electronic actuating means. The actuating means triggers a switching pulse in the electronic switch. When the actuating means is actuated, the electronic switch is off, and when the actuating means is not actuated, the electronic switch is on. The reverse logic can also be provided here. The electronic switch serves to connect the communication connections from the control and evaluation unit in the sensor housing to the external ports, i.e. the third and fourth interfaces, when the sensor housing is arranged on the connection module housing, but can also be disconnected when the sensor housing is separated from the connection module housing.Then the third and fourth interfaces are connected to each other so that communication can take place via the connection module housing.

[0013] If the connection module housing is firmly mounted to the sensor housing and the actuating device is actuated, then the communication between the sensor housing and the sensor is also connected to the external connections, i.e. the third and fourth interfaces. The system, or the sensor housing and the sensor, is operating as intended or in normal operation. If it is necessary to replace the sensor housing and the sensor, the sensor housing is mechanically detached from the connection module housing. This cancels the actuating device, which activates the electronic switch, so that communication with the control and evaluation unit in the sensor housing is immediately interrupted. At the same time, the third and fourth interfaces are connected to each other. The line in the system is therefore uninterrupted because the connection module housing with the third and fourth interfaces acts like an adapter.

[0014] The respective switching of this mechanism can be made visible with a display on the connection module so that a service technician can see that the sensor housing with the sensor is actively connected to the line in one case and not in the other case, but with an indication of active line communication via the connection module housing.

[0015] Since the voltage supply or power supply is integrated in the connection module, the electronic switch and the display LED can be implemented.

[0016] According to the invention, line communication is no longer interrupted when the sensor housing containing the sensor needs to be replaced. All other participants in the network can continue to communicate with the controller.

[0017] When replacing the device or replacing the sensor housing with the sensor, no wiring needs to be disassembled and reassembled.

[0018] A switching mechanism is implemented using the actuating device. Thus, the user does not need to know how the switching works. This prevents the user from making operating errors due to the actuating device, as no operating element is required.

[0019] The electronic switch enables uninterrupted switching from communication with the control and evaluation unit to communication via the connection module housing.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, the sensor housing is a code reader housing with a code reader as the sensor. The code reader is designed to read optical barcodes or optical matrix codes.

[0021] The code reader, for example, is an industrial-grade stationary code reader for fixed installation. It can also be a handheld barcode scanner, for example. The code reader, for example, has an industrial-grade housing with optional mounting options.

[0022] For example, a code reader is a barcode reader, a barcode reader, and / or a matrix code reader. Specifically, a code reader is a device that can read various types of codes. For example, a code reader can read barcodes and matrix codes.

[0023] One-dimensional or two-dimensional optical codes are used in a variety of applications to provide articles or objects with a machine-readable and electronically processable identification. A frequently used one-dimensional optical code is the barcode. This code comprises a sequence of light and dark stripes arranged perpendicular to a scanning direction. The information contained in the barcode is encoded by the width or spacing of these stripes in the scanning direction.

[0024] Such barcodes are read, for example, using a scanning code reader, in which a laser beam is directed perpendicular to the bars or stripes of the barcode, and the resulting light-dark signals are detected by a light sensor. The individual characters encoded in the barcode are read sequentially. For example, the code reader can be a camera-based code reader, in which an image sensor captures an image of the entire barcode, and the code information is extracted from this image using image processing.

[0025] Code readers are used, for example, at supermarket checkouts or in the logistics sector to record and identify mail or parcel shipments or for baggage handling at airports.

[0026] Camera-based code readers are particularly used for reading two-dimensional codes, also known as matrix codes or QR codes. A two-dimensional optical code is also understood to be a code that comprises several barcodes arranged one below the other in rows, i.e., several barcode sections are arranged at a distance from each other perpendicular to their scanning direction, for example, on a common label. In principle, such a two-dimensional code could also be read by a scanning code reader.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the actuating means is a mechanical actuating means. This is, for example, a movable actuating element such as a button, a slider, a plunger, or the like, which is arranged between the sensor housing and the connection module housing and is actuated when the sensor housing is arranged on the connection module housing.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the mechanical actuating means is a mounting screw for the connection module housing on the sensor housing.

[0029] When assembling / disassembling the connection module housing to the sensor housing of the code reading unit, one of several assembly screws or fastening screws is used, for example. This closes or opens a mechanical contact when the assembly screw is screwed in or out. When the assembly screw is unscrewed, a mechanical spring pushes the contact closed again. Alternatively, this can also be done using other mechanisms. This mechanical switch triggers a switching pulse in the electronic switch. When the screw is screwed in, the electronic switch is off, and when the screw is unscrewed, the electronic switch is switched on. The electronic switch is used to connect the communication lines from the control and evaluation unit in the sensor housing to the external ports, or the third and fourth interfaces, but can also be disconnected.If the connection module housing is firmly attached to the sensor housing and the mounting screw is therefore fully screwed in, then the communication between the sensor housing and the external connections, i.e. the third and fourth interfaces, is also connected. The sensor housing and the sensor are operating as intended or in normal operation. If the sensor housing needs to be replaced, the mounting screw is unscrewed for disassembly. For example, the mechanical switch is activated after the first few turns, so that communication is immediately disconnected from the sensor housing. For example, further turns are necessary until the connection module housing is completely disassembled. When activated, the electronic switch triggers a mechanism in which the lines of the two ports, i.e. the third and fourth interfaces, are connected to each other.

[0030] The line communication in the system is thus uninterrupted because the connection module housing acts like an adapter piece between the lines of the third and fourth interface.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, the actuating means is an electrical contact.

[0032] The electrical contact triggers a switching pulse in the electronic switch. When the electrical contact is activated, the electronic switch is off, and when the electrical contact is not activated, the electronic switch is switched on. The reverse logic can also be provided here.

[0033] An additional pin, such as a digital input, could also control the electronic switch. The pin, or a connection to ground, is opened when the connection module housing is removed, before the relevant communication contacts between the connection module housing and the sensor housing are released.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, the interfaces are bus interfaces. In particular, these are industrial-grade fieldbus interfaces. Examples of such bus systems are Profibus, Interbus, Devicenet, etc.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, the interfaces are Ethernet-based bus interfaces. In particular, this is an Ethernet-based fieldbus, such as Profinet, EtherCAT, or EthernetIP. In particular, such an Ethernet-based bus interface has the TX+, TX-, RX+, and RX- lines. Thus, the first, second, third, and fourth interfaces each have the TX+, TX-, RX+, and RX- connections.

[0036] A further development could be a purely mechanical solution. When the sensor housing is pulled out of the connection module, for example, the relevant Ethernet contacts fold together, e.g., via springs, and are thus short-circuited.

[0037] The invention will be explained below with reference to further advantages and features, using exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures of the drawing show: Fig. 1 to 4 each represent a system with a sensor housing and a connection module housing.

[0038] In the following figures, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a system 1 with a sensor housing 2 with at least one sensor 3 and a connection module housing 4 for the sensor housing 2, wherein the connection module housing 4 is connectable to the sensor housing 2, wherein a first connectable interface 5 and a second connectable interface 6 are arranged between the sensor housing 2 and the connection module housing 4, wherein the connection module housing 4 has a connection 7 for a power supply and a third connectable interface 8 and a fourth connectable interface 9, wherein the third connectable interface 8 and the fourth connectable interface 9 are connectable to an external unit 10, wherein an electronic switch 11 with an actuating means 12 is provided in the connection module housing 4, wherein the actuating means 12 is actuated when the connection module housing 4 is mounted on the sensor housing 2, whereby the electronic switch 11 is not actuated,and the first interface 5 is electronically connected to the third interface 8 and the second interface 6 is electronically connected to the fourth interface 9.,

[0040] According to Fig. 2, the actuating means 12 is not actuated when the connection module housing 4 is mechanically separated from the sensor housing 2, whereby the electronic switch 11 is actuated and the third interface 8 is electronically connected to the fourth interface 9.

[0041] The reverse logic can also be provided, according to which the actuating means 12 is actuated when the connection module housing 4 is mounted on the sensor housing 2, whereby the electronic switch 11 is actuated, and according to Fig. 1 the first interface 5 is electronically connected to the third interface 8 and the second interface 6 is electronically connected to the fourth interface 9 and the actuating means 12 is not actuated when the connection module housing 4 is mechanically separated from the sensor housing 2, whereby the electronic switch 11 is not actuated and according to Fig. 2 the third interface 8 is electronically connected to the fourth interface 9.

[0042] Uninterrupted line communication is ensured when the sensor housing is replaced. The sensor housing 2 with its integrated two-port connection module, namely the first interface 5 and the second interface 6, is designed to be mechanically removable from the connection module housing 4, or mechanically and electrically separable. This means that the connection 7 for the voltage supply or power supply and two ports, namely the third interface 8 and the fourth interface 9, are mechanically and electronically separated from the sensor housing 2 and arranged in the connection module housing 4. This allows the sensor housing 2 to be replaced, while the connection cables for the voltage supply or power supply and the communication lines are connected to the connection module housing 4.

[0043] The connection module housing 4 contains at least the corresponding connections for the power supply connection 7 and the interfaces 5, 6, 8, and 9, as well as the electronic switch 11 and the necessary components. Furthermore, the actuating means 12 is arranged in the connection module housing 4. Preferably, no control and evaluation unit is provided in the connection module housing 4.

[0044] At the moment the sensor housing 2 is removed from the connection module housing 4, communication between the control and evaluation unit 17 of the sensor housing 2 and the connection module housing 4, and thus with the third interface 8 and fourth interface 9, is interrupted. However, the third interface 8 and fourth interface 9 are electronically connected to one another by the actuating means 12 and the electrical switch 11, whereby communication is maintained through the connection module housing 4 without a sensor housing 2 being connected to the connection module housing 4. The control unit for the communication and all other device participants in the line communication are therefore not separated from one another, but can continue to communicate with one another via the connection module housing 4.

[0045] When assembling / disassembling the sensor housing 2 to the connection module housing 4, the actuating means 12 is used, which actuates the electronic switch 11. For example, the actuating means 12 is an electronic actuating means. The actuating means 12 triggers a switching pulse in the electronic switch 11. When the actuating means 12 is actuated, the electronic switch 11 is off, and when the actuating means 12 is not actuated, the electronic switch 11 is switched on. A reverse logic can also be provided here.The electronic switch 11 serves to connect the communication connections from the control and evaluation unit 17 in the sensor housing 2 to the external ports, i.e., the third interface 8 and the fourth interface 9, when the sensor housing 2 is arranged on the connection module housing 4, but can also be separated when the sensor housing 2 is separated from the connection module housing 4. Then, the third interface 8 and fourth interface 9 are connected to each other, allowing communication via the connection module housing 4.

[0046] When the connection module housing 4 is firmly mounted to the sensor housing 2 and the actuating means 12 is actuated, the communication between the sensor housing 2 and the sensor is also connected to the external connections, i.e., the third interface 8 and the fourth interface 9. The system 1, or the sensor housing 2 with the sensor 3, operates in its intended or normal operation. If it is necessary to replace the sensor housing 2 with the sensor 3, the sensor housing 2 is mechanically detached from the connection module housing 4. This cancels the actuation of the actuating means 12, thereby actuating the electronic switch 11, so that communication with the control and evaluation unit 17 in the sensor housing 2 is immediately interrupted. At the same time, the third interface 8 and the fourth interface 9 are connected to each other.

[0047] The line in the system is therefore uninterrupted because the connection module housing 4 with the third interface 8 and the fourth interface 9 acts like an adapter piece.

[0048] The respective switching of this mechanism can be visualized with a display on the connection module housing 4. Since the voltage supply or power supply is integrated in the connection module housing 4, the electronic switch 11 and the display LED can be implemented.

[0049] The sensor housing 2 is according to Fig. 4 around a code reader housing 14 with a code reader 15 as sensor 3. The code reader 15 is designed to read optical bar codes 18 or optical matrix codes 19.

[0050] For example, the code reader 15 is a barcode reader, a barcode reader, and / or a matrix code reader. In particular, the code reader 15 is a device that can read various types of codes. For example, the code reader 15 can read barcodes 18 and matrix codes 19.

[0051] According to Fig. 3, the actuating means 12 is a mechanical actuating means 13. For example, the mechanical actuating means 13 is a mounting screw 16 for the connection module housing 4 on the sensor housing 2.

[0052] When assembling / disassembling the connection module housing 4 to the sensor housing 2, one of, for example, several mounting screws 16 or fastening screws is used, which closes or opens a mechanical contact when the mounting screw 16 is screwed in or out. When the mounting screw 16 is unscrewed, a mechanical spring pushes the contact closed again. Alternatively, this can also be done using other mechanisms. This mechanical switch triggers a switching pulse in the electronic switch 11. When the mounting screw 16 is screwed in, the electronic switch 11 is off, and when the mounting screw 16 is unscrewed, the electronic switch 11 switches on. The electronic switch 11 serves to establish the communication connections from the control and evaluation unit 17 in the sensor housing 2 to the external ports, orthe third interface 8 and fourth interface 9 are connected, but can also be separated. If the connection module housing 4 is firmly mounted to the sensor housing 2 and the mounting screw 16 is therefore fully screwed in, then the communication of the sensor housing 2 with the external connections, i.e. the third interface 8 and fourth interface 9, is also connected. The sensor housing 2 with the sensor 3 is operating as intended or in normal operation. If the sensor housing 2 needs to be replaced, the mounting screw 16 is unscrewed for disassembly. For example, the mechanical switch is actuated after the first few turns, so that communication is immediately disconnected from the sensor housing 2. For example, further turns are necessary until the connection module housing 4 is completely dismantled.When activated, the electronic switch 11 triggers a mechanism in which the lines of the two ports, i.e. the third interface 8 and the fourth interface 9, are connected to each other.

[0053] For example, the actuating means 12 is an electrical contact. The electrical contact triggers a switching pulse in the electronic switch 11. When the electrical contact is actuated, the electronic switch 11 is turned off, and when the electrical contact is not actuated, the electronic switch 11 is turned on. The reverse logic can also be provided here.

[0054] For example, interfaces 5, 6, 8, and 9 are bus interfaces. These are, in particular, industrial-grade fieldbus interfaces. Examples of such bus systems include Profibus, Interbus, Devicenet, etc.

[0055] According to Fig.3, interfaces 5, 6, 8, and 9 are Ethernet-based bus interfaces. In particular, this is an Ethernet-based fieldbus, such as Profinet, EtherCAT, or EthernetIP. In particular, such an Ethernet-based bus interface has the TX+, TX-, RX+, and RX- lines. Thus, the first interface 5, the second interface 6, the third interface 8, and the fourth interface 9 each have the TX+, TX-, RX+, and RX- connections. Reference symbol: 1 system 2 sensor housings 3 Sensor 4 connection module housings 5 first interface 6 second interface 7 Power supply connection 8 third interface 9 fourth interface 10 external unit 11 electronic switch 12 Actuating means 13 mechanical actuating device 14 Code reader housing 15 code readers 16 mounting screw 17 Control and evaluation unit 18 Barcode 19 Matrix code QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2011 054 929 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] System (1) with a sensor housing (2) with at least one sensor (3) and a connection module housing (4) for the sensor housing (2), wherein the connection module housing (4) is connectable to the sensor housing (2), wherein a first connectable interface (5) and a second connectable interface (6) are arranged between the sensor housing (2) and the connection module housing (4), wherein the connection module housing (4) has a connection (7) for a power supply and a third connectable interface (8) and a fourth connectable interface (9), wherein the third connectable interface (8) and the fourth connectable interface (9) are connectable to an external unit (10), characterized by , that an electronic switch (11) with an actuating means (12) is provided in the connection module housing (4), wherein the actuating means (12) is actuated when the connection module housing (4) is mounted on the sensor housing (2), whereby the electronic switch (11) is not actuated, and the first interface (5) is electronically connected to the third interface (8) and the second interface (6) is electronically connected to the fourth interface (9) and the actuating means (12) is not actuated when the connection module housing (4) is mechanically separated from the sensor housing (2), whereby the electronic switch (11) is actuated and the third interface (8) is electronically connected to the fourth interface (9). [2] System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensor housing (2) is a code reader housing (14), wherein the sensor (3) is a code reader (15). [3] System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating means (12) is a mechanical actuating means (13). [4] System (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the mechanical actuating means (13) is a mounting screw (16) for the connection module housing (4) on the sensor housing (2). [5] System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating means (12) is an electrical contact. [6] System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interfaces (5, 6, 8, 9) are bus interfaces. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interfaces (5, 6, 8, 9) are Ethernet-based interfaces.

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