PROCESSING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING, MEASURING AND REGULATING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a processing device for controlling, measuring, and regulating, comprising a built-in device for outputting, for example, information, and / or for inputting, for example, control commands. The built-in device for outputting and / or inputting is also referred to below as an output and / or input device.

[0002] Processing devices with built-in devices that are used, for example, to control, monitor, record and / or regulate processes, machines and / or systems are generally known from the prior art.

[0003] EP 3 309 637 A1 relates to a control system for controlling the operation of a numerically controlled machine tool, the system comprising a back-end control device and a front-end control device connected to the back-end control device.

[0004] EP 1 372 366 A2 relates to an electronic device equipped with a plurality of substrates.

[0005] However, a major disadvantage of the known processing devices is often that either a large number of devices and / or built-in devices are necessary for several uses or that the respective built-in device is not optimally suited for the intended use or has to be adapted to the use at great expense.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved by a processing device (for data) with a built-in device for output and / or input with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are claimed in the subclaims.

[0007] The built-in device or the output and / or input device is used to output information from the measurement, control and regulation processes of the systems connected to the built-in device. Accordingly, the built-in device is used to enter data, authentication, a parameter, an order number or to trigger processes. The built-in device has an intermediate housing. Furthermore, the built-in device has a unit for displaying, for example, the information, and / or for operation, for example for entering control commands. The unit for displaying and / or operating is also referred to below as a display and / or operating unit. The unit is preferably attached to the intermediate housing, i.e. permanently mounted. The unit for displaying and / or operating serves as an interface to a user.Depending on the industrial environment in which the built-in device is used, the display and / or control unit can be used as a combined touchscreen or as a screen or monitor with a separate keyboard. The built-in device also has a mainboard. The mainboard, which can also be referred to as a mainboard or module carrier with processor, is preferably attached to the intermediate housing or housed within the intermediate housing. The mainboard has a central processing unit. In particular, the processing unit is electronically connected to the display and / or control unit.According to the invention, the built-in device is intended for use in a signal-generating or signal-processing device or for a signal-generating or signal-processing device, optionally a weighing device, dosing device, conveying device, screening device, grinding device, mixing device, filtering device, condition monitoring device, and / or material analysis device. The main board serves as an electronic platform independent of the use, i.e., for each device in the group. This means that the main board of the built-in device is the same for all devices. This has the advantage that another device can be connected to the built-in device at any time and controlled, operated, etc. by the built-in device without requiring changes to the electronic platform of the main board. In other words, the built-in device can be used modularly for multiple and / or different applications.The mainboard has at least one analog interface and / or at least one digital interface, for example, for data transmission, to the respective device. The mainboard preferably has multiple interfaces, analog and / or digital, so that multiple devices can be connected simultaneously or alternately. This allows each interface to be adapted to the respective device that is connected to the mainboard via that interface. The mainboard therefore serves as an electronic platform independent of the application and has a specific combination of interfaces to the respective device for each application.

[0008] The interface can preferably be designed to connect a USB WLAN stick, a USB Bluetooth stick, a USB radio module, and / or a USB Ethernet stick. This allows data from the respective devices to be transmitted to the mainboard using various common data transmission standards. Preferably, the data from the respective device can be processed in the central processing unit of the mainboard and displayed via the display and / or control unit. In addition, data and / or control commands entered by the user via the control unit, for example, can preferably be processed in the central processing unit of the mainboard and sent to the respective device via the interface by data transmission. In addition to the interfaces already described, the mainboard has one or more receiving interfaces for receiving and connecting a functional module.

[0009] The function module can also be referred to as an application module. Preferably, each function module is formed by an option card that can be plugged into the interface of the main board. By connecting the function module to the main board, different functions can be implemented. The built-in device is modularly equipped with one or more function modules selected from a large number of function modules. This allows the built-in device to be configured to meet customer requirements in a particularly simple manner. By selecting the respective function module, the processing device, which serves as the basic platform, is transformed into a specific control, measuring and / or regulating device adapted to a process. Accordingly, each function module in turn comprises one or more specific interfaces to the respective device.

[0010] InIn a preferred embodiment, the functional module(s) can be non-destructively connected to the receiving interface, preferably via a plug-in connection, and can be non-destructively removed from the receiving interface. Thus, the functional scope of the built-in device and / or the processing device defined by the functional modules, in particular the type and number of functional modules, can advantageously be optimally adapted to the customer and also to changing needs or requirements.

[0011] According to the invention, a processing device is provided with an output and / or input device that is designed so that it can be used modularly for weighing devices, dosing devices, conveying devices, screening devices, grinding devices, mixing devices, filtering devices, condition monitoring devices, and / or material analysis devices. This also allows several of the aforementioned devices to be operated, controlled, and / or monitored via a common processing device or a common output and / or input device.

[0012] The processing device for controlling, measuring, and / or regulating is also referred to below as a controller, control device, measuring device, and / or regulating device. As previously mentioned, a functional module, in turn, comprises interfaces to the respective device for whose control, regulation, or measurement the processing device is used. For example, a functional module can be a load cell module for a discontinuous scale, including a vehicle scale, and can comprise interfaces to one or more load cells and / or one or more proximity sensors.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the display and / or control unit can be positively connected to the intermediate housing in a non-destructive manner and can be detachable from the intermediate housing in a non-destructive manner. For example, the display and / or control unit can be connected to the intermediate housing via a clip connection or a latch. This provides an easily mountable, easily detachable, and secure connection between the components of the built-in device. Preferably, the display and / or control unit is arranged such that it covers the main board. This protects the main board from the environment and external influences, but at the same time remains easily accessible due to the detachable attachment of the display and / or control unit to the intermediate housing.

[0014] It is particularly preferred if the intermediate housing has guides in which the functional modules are accommodated. In other words, the functional module(s) can be guided in designated guides of the intermediate housing. For example, the guides can be designed as rails on which the functional modules rest. The functional modules are preferably arranged one above the other or next to one another. This ensures a guided and compact arrangement of the functional modules in the intermediate housing.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the built-in device can have a rear panel that can preferably be connected to the intermediate housing in a form-fitting manner and can be non-destructively removed from the intermediate housing. For example, the rear panel can be connected to the intermediate housing via a clip connection or a latch. The rear panel is preferably designed to cover the mainboard.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the rear panel can have removable, for example breakable, cover plates. The geometry of the cover plates is designed such that they each cover an interface (for a device) or a receiving interface (for a functional module) of the mainboard. This improves the rigidity of the rear panel because the cover plates are only large enough to allow access to the respective interface or receiving interface when removed, and only those cover plates need to be removed that cover an interface or receiving interface that is in use. For example, the cover plates can have a tool interface to which a tool for removing the respective cover plate can be attached. The tool interface can be designed as a slot.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the built-in device and / or the display and / or control unit can be designed to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a screen surface of the display and / or control unit, preferably by 180° or 90°, and / or can be mounted rotated by 180° or 90°. This has the advantage that the screen surface can be optimally aligned for the user, for example, depending on the type of attachment.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the built-in device can be connected, preferably by force-lock, to an outer housing of the processing device and / or to a holding frame of the processing device. For example, the built-in device can be accommodated in the outer housing.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer housing can be constructed in several parts. The components of the outer housing can be connected to one another, preferably in a form-fitting and detachable manner.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the built-in device can be mounted in the outer casing either in a first position or in a second position rotated 180° around an axis perpendicular to the unit's screen surface. This offers the user considerable flexibility in terms of use.

[0021] According to the further development, the outer housing in which the built-in device is housed can preferably be mounted on a wall or placed on a table. This allows the processing device to be mounted in a way that suits the spatial conditions.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer housing can have safety cables, preferably nylon cables, for securing detachable components of the outer housing to one another. This reduces the risk of damage if a component falls when opening the outer housing or detaching the components from one another.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the intermediate housing is designed in the form of a tubular housing that has at least one cuboid-shaped interior space for accommodating the at least one functional module or several functional modules and / or the interfaces. This allows the electronic, often highly sensitive components to be suitably protected.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the rear wall is adapted to the shape of the intermediate housing, in particular the tube housing, and accordingly serves as a ground connection for all modular functional modules.

[0025] The invention is explained below with the aid of drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a built-in device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the built-in device, Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a unit for displaying and / or operating the built-in device, Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views of an intermediate housing of the built-in device, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the built-in device during assembly, Fig. 8 is a rear view of a main board of the built-in device, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the built-in device from behind, Fig. 10 is a rear view of a rear wall of the built-in device, Figs. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the built-in device during assembly, Figs. 13 and 14 are a processing device according to the invention with the built-in device in a design as a table-top device, and Figs. 15 and 16 are the processing device in a design as a wall-mounted device.

[0026] The figures are merely schematic and serve solely to clarify the invention. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals. Features of different embodiments may be interchangeable.

[0027] Fig. 1shows a built-in device 1 for a processing device according to the invention. The built-in device 1 is also referred to as an input and / or output device. The built-in device 1 has an intermediate housing 2, a unit 3 for display and / or operation, and a mainboard 4 connected to the unit 3. The mainboard 4 has a central processing unit. According to the invention, the processing device with the built-in device 1 is intended for use in or for a signal-generating or signal-processing device, optionally a weighing device, dosing device, conveying device, screening device, grinding device, mixing device, filtering device, condition monitoring device, and / or material analysis device. The mainboard 4 serves as an electronic platform independent of the use and has its own combination of interfaces to the respective device for each use. These interfaces can be either analog or digital.The components of the built-in device 1 are described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0028] In Fig. 2 The individual parts of the built-in device 1 can be seen. The unit 3 for display and / or operation is located on the front. Behind it is the main board 4. The main board 4 is attached to the intermediate housing 2. The built-in device 1 also has at least one function module 5, here several function modules 5. The function modules 5 are accommodated in the intermediate housing 2 in the assembled state and connected to the main board 4. The built-in device 1 also has a rear panel 6 that covers the intermediate housing 2. The built-in device 1 can, as in Fig. 2 shown, be connected to a holding frame 7. Furthermore, the built-in device 1 has a shielding plate 8, which also serves as a cable clamp. The shielding plate 8 is connected to the rear panel 6. The shielding plate 8 performs a shielding and / or grounding function.

[0029] Figs. 3 and 4 show the unit 3 for displaying and / or operating, which is also referred to as a display and / or operating unit or as a display unit. The unit 3 has a screen 9. The screen 9 can be designed as a touchscreen or as a conventional screen. An adapter board 10 is attached to a back of the screen 9. The unit 3 is connected to the main board 4. In particular, the adapter board 10 can be connected to the main board 4 via a ribbon cable connection and a subsequent ribbon cable 11. The unit 3 is fastened to the intermediate housing 2 in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, the unit 3 has a component of a clip connection which interacts with a counterpart component of the clip connection on the intermediate housing 2 for fastening. The clip connection can be removed without causing damage. The component of the clip connection is formed on the unit 3 by several snap hooks 12.

[0030] Figs. 5 and 6show the intermediate housing 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate housing 2 is designed as a tube housing. The intermediate housing 2 has a cuboid first interior space 13. The interior space 13 serves to accommodate one or more functional modules 5. The intermediate housing 2 has a cuboid second interior space 14. The interior space 14 serves to accommodate one or more functional modules 5. The intermediate housing 2 has a cuboid third interior space 15. The interior space 15 serves to accommodate interfaces for the devices to be connected. Guides 16 are formed in the first and second interior spaces 13, 14. The guides 16 are designed as rails. The guides 16 serve to accommodate the functional modules 5. Two opposite guides 16 serve to accommodate a functional module 5.A plurality of guides 16 are arranged one above the other so that the functional modules 5 can be accommodated in a stacked manner in the cuboid-shaped interior spaces 13, 14. The first and second interior spaces 13, 14 are adapted in their longitudinal extension to the size of the functional modules 5. The counterpart of the clip connection is formed on the intermediate housing 2 by a plurality of recesses 17 corresponding to the snap hooks 12. In addition, the intermediate housing 2 has a plurality of snap hooks 18, which serve for the positive fastening of the rear wall 6. The intermediate housing 2 also has a plurality of snap hooks 19 for the positive reception of the mainboard 4. The recesses 17 are formed on the snap hooks 19.

[0031] In Fig. 7It can be seen that the main board 4 is inserted into the intermediate housing 2 and the snap hook 19 is hooked in via a locking or clip connection. The unit 3 is locked to the intermediate housing 2 at the front. In addition, the unit 3 can be connected via a screw connection 20 (see Fig. 8 ) to the intermediate housing 2.

[0032] Fig. 8shows a rear view of the built-in device 1, in which the structure of the mainboard 4 can be seen. The mainboard 4 has at least one interface 21, here several interfaces 21. The interfaces 21 are arranged in a central section of the mainboard 4 in the width direction. The interfaces 21 can be designed as analog and / or digital interfaces. The interfaces 21 serve to connect the devices. For example, a USB WLAN stick, a USB Ethernet stick, a USB radio module, a USB Bluetooth stick, or the like can be connected via one of the interfaces 21.

[0033] The mainboard 4 has at least one receiving interface 22, here several receiving interfaces 22. The receiving interfaces 22 each serve to receive a function module 5. The function module 5 is connected to the receiving interface 22, for example, via a plug connection. The function module 5 is designed, for example, as an option card or a memory card or the like, which is inserted into one of the receiving interfaces 22, also referred to as a slot. One of the guides 16 is arranged on both sides in the width direction of the receiving interfaces 22. Each guide 16 is formed, somewhat like a rail, by two projections 23 offset from one another in the vertical direction, between which the function module 5 can be inserted. Thus, the function module 5 is guided, especially during insertion, and held stable after assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, several function modules 5 are arranged stacked one above the other.

[0034] Fig. 9 shows the built-in device 1 with the mounted shielding plate 8. The shielding plate 8 is attached to the intermediate housing 2 in a form-fitting manner, here via a clip connection. The shielding plate 8 can be attached to an underside of the intermediate housing 2 (cf. Fig. 9 ) or on an upper side of the intermediate housing 2 (cf. Fig. 13 ). The shielding plate 8 has at least two sections inclined relative to one another. In the assembled state, one section extends parallel to a bottom or top side of the intermediate housing 2, and the other section slopes outward, i.e., away from the built-in device. Depending on the type of installation, the shielding plate 8 is fastened in one of the two positions.

[0035] Fig. 10shows the rear wall 6. The rear wall 6 has a plurality of cover plates 24 which can be removed as required. The cover plates 24 are of different sizes and adapted to the respective interface 21 or interface 22 to be covered. In a first section 25 of the rear wall 6, which covers the first interior space 13 of the intermediate housing 2, three cover plates 24 are formed to cover receiving interfaces 22 for the functional modules 5. In a second section 26 of the rear wall 6, which covers the second interior space 14 of the intermediate housing 2, a plurality of cover plates 24 of different sizes for the receiving interfaces 22 are arranged. In a third section 27 of the rear wall 6, which covers the (middle) third interior space 15 of the intermediate housing 2, a plurality of cover plates 24 of different sizes for the interfaces 21 are formed. The rear wall 6 is adapted to the outer shape of the intermediate housing 2 and rests against it (cf. Figs. 11 and 12). Accordingly, the middle third section 27 of the rear wall is offset longitudinally from the first section 25 and the second section 26. The rear wall 6 serves to shield and ground the components housed in the intermediate housing 2. In particular, the rear wall 6 serves as the ground connection for all modular functional modules 5.

[0036] Figs. 13 to 15 show a (data) processing device 28 according to the invention. The processing device 28 is used for controlling, measuring and / or regulating. The processing device 28 is also referred to as a controller or control, measuring and / or regulating device. The processing device 28 has the built-in device 1 and an outer housing 29. The built-in device 1 is received in the outer housing 29. In particular, the built-in device 1 is non-positively fastened in the outer housing 29. As an alternative to the outer housing 29, the built-in device 1 can be connected to the holding frame 7 (cf. Fig. 2). The built-in device 1 can then be installed directly in a control cabinet or other console, for example.

[0037] The processing device 28 can be designed as a table-top device 30 (see Figs. 13 and 14 ) or as a wall unit 31 (cf. Figs. 15 and 16 ). The built-in device 1 can be inserted into the outer housing 29 optionally in a first position and in a second position rotated by 180° to the first position about an axis perpendicular to the screen surface of the unit 3. This means that the same outer housing 29 can be used for two different applications or different positions. In the first position, the table-top device 30 is designed, in which it can be operated by a user while standing on a table, etc. In the second position, the wall-mounted device 31 is designed, in which it can be operated by a user while attached to a wall, etc.

[0038] The processing device 28 is constructed in multiple parts. The individual components of the processing device 28 can preferably be detached from one another without causing damage. The individual components are preferably secured to one another or to the outer housing 29 by a form-fitting connection. Furthermore, the outer housing can be constructed in multiple parts, preferably in two parts. The individual parts of the outer housing, such as an upper and a lower part, can additionally be connected to one another via safety cables (not shown), such as nylon cables. This protects the sensitive electronic components during maintenance, installation or removal of a functional module 5, or other work on the processing device 28 in an industrial environment. Accordingly, the upper part of the outer housing 29 with the built-in device 1 mounted therein does not need to be put down or additionally protected in dusty and dirty environments. List of reference symbols

[0039] 1 Built-in device / output and / or input device 2 Intermediate housing 3 Unit / display and / or control unit 4 Mainboard 5 Function module 6 Rear panel 7 Supporting frame 8 Shield plate 9 Screen 10 Adapter board 11 Ribbon cable 12 Snap hook 13 First interior space 14 Second interior space 15 Third interior space 16 Guide 17 Recess 18 Snap hook 19 Snap hook 20 Screw connection 21 Interface 22 Input interface 23 Projection 24 Cover plate 25 First section 26 Second section 27 Third section 28 Processing device 29 Outer housing 30 Tabletop device 31 Wall-mounted device

Claims

1. Processing apparatus for controlling, measuring, and / or regulating, with an appliance for installation (1) for output and / or input, with an intermediate housing (2), a unit (3) for display and / or operation, and a main board (4) connected to the unit (3), wherein the main board (4) has a central processing unit, characterized in that the appliance for installation (1) is intended for use in or for a signaling or signal-processing device, optionally a weighing device, metering device, conveying device, screening device, grinding device, mixing device, filter device, status monitoring device and / or material analysis device, wherein the main board (4) serves as an electronic platform regardless of use and has, for each use, a particular combination of interfaces (21) to the device in question, wherein the main board (4) of the appliance for installation (1) is the same for all devices, wherein the appliance for installation (1) can be used modularly for the several and / or the different uses, characterized in that the appliance for installation (1) is modularly equipped with one or more function modules (5) selected from a plurality of function modules (5), wherein different functions are realized by connecting the function module(s) (5) to the main board, wherein the specific combination of interfaces comprises at least one analog interface and / or at least one digital interface for data transmission to the respective device, wherein the main board (4) contains one or more receiving interfaces (22), for receipt and connection of each of the one or more function modules (5).

2. Processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the unit (3) for display and / or operation is form-fittingly, non-destructively connectable to the intermediate housing (2) and non-destructively detachable.

3. Processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the function module (5) in turn includes a specific interface to the respective device.

4. Processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function module (5) or function modules can be connected non-destructively to the receiving interface (22), preferably via a plug-in connection, and can be detached from the receiving interface (22) non-destructively.

5. Processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate housing (2) has guides (16) in which the function modules (5) can be guided.

6. Processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance for installation (1) has a back wall (6), which is preferably form-fitting, can be connected to the intermediate housing (2) non-destructively and can be detached from the intermediate housing (2) non-destructively.

7. Processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the back wall (6) has detachable cover plates (24), each of which covers an interface (21) or receiving interface (22) of the main board (4).

8. Processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance for installation (1) and / or the unit (3) are designed to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the screen surface of the unit (3), preferably by 180° or 90°.

9. Processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance for installation (1) can be connected to an outer housing (29) of the processing apparatus and / or a holding frame (7) of the processing apparatus, preferably in a force-fit.

10. Processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer housing (29) is designed in several parts, wherein the components of the outer housing (29) can be connected to each other, preferably in a form-fitting manner and detachable from each other.

11. Processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the appliance for installation (1) can be attached in the outer housing (29) either in a first position or in a second position rotated by 180° to the first position about an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the unit (3).

12. Processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the outer housing (29) in which the appliance for installation (1) is accommodated, can preferably be attached to a wall, or placed on a table.

13. Processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that safety ropes, preferably nylon ropes, are provided for fastening components of the outer housing (29) that are detachable from one another.

14. Processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate housing (2) is designed in the shape of a tube housing which has at least one cuboid inner space (13, 14, 15) for accommodating the at least one function module (5) or several function modules (5) and / or the interfaces (21).

15. Processing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that a back wall (6) of the appliance for installation (1) is adapted to the shape of the intermediate housing (2), in particular the intermediate housing (2) designed as a tube housing, and accordingly serves as a ground connection for all modular function modules (5).